A few of my favorite things {2011}

With the end of 2011 coming up, I thought I'd show you the products I am loving right now...

Yep, the Hann steam mop. LOVING this still. I makes doing the floors SO STINKING easy & actually fun! (who knew!) My sister {Carly} was over the other night & now has it on her wishlist as well. Comes in mighty handy with a toddler!

Body Pillow: A pregnant girls best friend! I love it & could not sleep as well as I've been sleeping without it.

Diet Mountain Dew {caffeine free} for a girl who loves her dt. dew, this caffeine free stuff has been so nice as a good sub until I get the real stuff again.

'
Bubble Baths: take at least 2-3/week the last few months to help ease my lower back pain I've been having associated with the pregnancy. There is something about it, so stinking relaxing!

And lastly, RYAN. He has been the BIGGEST help around the house the last few months when I haven't been feeling the best from helping to put my socks on or taking an extra poppy diaper (or 5) for the team. I married one awesome guy!

the busiest month to date

The busiest month to date for our little appraisal business was the month Tucker was born. I started labor with Tucker @ 10 pm & labored 2 hours @ home before we headed to the hospital. I have a vivid memory of Ryan working in between contractions & me calling him on my cell phone every time I had a contraction to be there to hold my hand. (his office was in the basement at the time) I remember putting in LOTS of hours with Tucker those first few months as he worked tirelessly (without complaining) sometimes putting in 17 hour days. {not unusual for that time of year} I am very proud of the fact ryan has NEVER gotten up with Tucker to do a feeding in the middle of the night, even when I was only getting 1-2 hours of sleep a day because little T-man was a "difficult sleeper" the first 10 weeks! :-) So, fast forward a few years with THIS pregnancy. I was super excited to have a WINTER baby (usually a slow time in the appraisal business) well, that all went out the door yesterday. While I am so stinkin' excited for Ryan ( & our business) he just got 17 appraisal orders yesterday, all due Jan 23rd. Not to mention it's already a busy time of year with Christmas, New Years & throw newborn in the mix! But, I am thankful I know I can make it through it, & hopefully be able to laugh about it again in a few years! Lord, thank you so much for ALL your blessings, no matter what the timing may be!

2 goals I need to get back on.

With the arrival of a new little one in a few short weeks & our expenses only about to get bigger, I've felt really convinced to get better at two areas to help our finances.

1.) Couponing: I still coupon, but only on a small scale. When I started working back in Sept of 2010 I stopped because of the time commitment my job took. But, now that I haven't worked since March, I really need to start it up again. I want to start it up & do it to save money for our family, but not be like those super obsessed ladies on those coupon shows! :-)

2.) Menu Planning: I was SO good at this before I got pregnant this past time, I've never understood that old wives tale of "pregnant & barefoot in the kitchen" because when I'm pregnant the LAST place I want to be is in the kitchen:-) Sometimes certain smells can just turn your stomach in a way that cooking/baking just sounds horrible. I've been getting better about this the last few weeks again, but I'm hoping this will only continue!

Will let you know how I'm doing!

big brother class

Last Thursday night Tucker attended a big brother class offered at our local hospital. It was so much fun seeing him "learn" how to be a big brother. :-) The highlight of his night was when he got to hold the fake baby. He had the biggest smile on his face. They learned how to hold a baby, how to change a baby & where they'll go meet the new baby. Daily we ask him if the baby is a boy or girl and he always says "baby siiisser' so we've got three votes thinking its a girl over here...time will tell!

I'm going to warn you...

...you're going to cry if you watch this video.
but it is too good not to share.



Told ya.
I'm going directly upstairs & giving my little guy the biggest hug and kiss.

the big 3-0!

Today I turned 30!

Ryan did such a great job of making me feel so special! He made my favorite breakfast, found childcare for T-man for the day, had a massage scheduled , Christmas shopping, Christmas light looking with T-man, out to lunch at my favorite place & dinner with some great friends! I could not have asked for a better day! I remember when I was a little kid asking my parents what they wanted for their birthdays and they would ALWAYS say, 'Obedient & healthy kids' and I remember thinking HOW LAME! I told Ryan today I feel more mature because all I wanted was 'obedient & healthy children.' Funny how that changes. I loved my twenties but can't wait to see what my 30's bring!

Best birthday to date & my last birthday as a mother of 1! (Lord willing!)

our little home

I love our little home on walnut, i really do.

but with the addition of another little one shortly I'm quickly

having to get really creative on where to find places for things.

This little 2 bedroom 1 bath home is about to have 2 adult, 2 children

& a home office! We've really struggled without a garage (with all Ryan's

fix it tools) 1/2 a basement with a 1/4 of it used for our home office.

No pantry, no coat closet, & no bathroom closets! For this girl who

can't stand clutter finding places for everything without feeling like the

walls are coming in is a challenge! We plan to be here for awhile (at this

point thinking 5 years--shocker for movers like us!) This week I've come to the

conclusion that the two bedrooms have to be functional, not pretty. And that is

okay, for now. Since we've moved 7 times in our marriage I've never really felt

"settled" in a home we've lived in. This is my chance. I'm actually going to be

painting my kitchen, breakfast nook & bathroom.... and I'm NOT going to be painting

them real estate beige! I have a chance to make it feel like us! I'm super

pumped about that. Anyways, thanks for "listening" to me vent, in the grand scheme

of things this is SO little because I have everything I need: a loving husband &

a happy little 2 year old & a healthy little one on the way! Thank you Lord for

many blessings you give me every. single. day!

Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

TODAY ONLY!

{I will be snagging my mom this for a stocking stuffer--C & H don't get it for mom! Good thing she doesn't read my blog! :-) }

Here’s another special magazine offer that I think many of you will really like…and this offer is good through Monday Dec. 5th at midnight, you can grab Better Homes and Gardens for only $3.99/year for up to 4 years. Just go here and add Better Homes and Gardens Magazine to your shopping cart, and then enter coupon code: SHESAVED and you will instantly see the price drop to only $3.99!

Thanks www.shesaved.com!

JOY

Want some cute 'JOY' Alphabet Photography to give to a friend of print for yourself? This would be a great gift for a neighbor or teacher. Easy to put together & inexpensive= GREAT FUN! :-) Check out her blog here to get these images to print!

http://craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com/2010/12/joy-alphabet-photography-printables.html

single digits!

How far along? 32 Weeks
Total weight gain: 17 lbs+
Maternity clothes? all in maternity clothes now.
Stretch marks? not yet
Sleep: sleeping pretty good (so far!)
Best moment this week: my nesting instincts kicking in. I am all about ordering the carseat this week!
Miss Anything? putting on my socks/shoes without grunting :-) & bending down to pick up anything without thinking "thats a really long ways down!"
Movement: all the time!
Food cravings: meat, i crave a good steak
Anything making you queasy or sick: thankfully no!
Gender: no clue!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? flat as a pancake
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! Although a sad commercial can cause the waterworks to just start! :-)
Looking forward to: heading out of town tomorrow & taking T-man to his FIRST movie this week {the new Muppets movie!}

Local Christmas Events for Families

1.)  Jordan Creek Towne Center Christmas Tree Lighting w/ Fireworks!

This Friday night @ Jordan Creek Towne Center:  we did this last year & Had so much fun!  It ended up with FIREWORKS & a tree lighting ceremony.  So much fun.  T-man loved seeing the sky light up last year.  We won't be able to attend this year because of ISU's last football game, but if you get a chance...take your family & make a night of it!

Santa's Arrival, Tree Lighting & Fireworks!

11/18/2011 - 11/18/2011

Join us, and Presenting Sponsor Veridian Credit Union, for our annual tree lighting event in the Amphitheater. Dueling Pianos will kick off the evening at 6 pm, followed by Santa's arrival, annual tree lighting and fireworks!

LOCATION: Amphitheater

TIME: 6 pm - 7 pm
http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com/events/santas-arrival-tree-lighting-fireworks

2.) Downtown Ames Christmas tree lighting night.  This Saturday 4-7 pm downtown ames. tree lightening ceremony @ 5:30, horse-drawn carriages, visit from Santa & kiddie train rides. 

http://www.mainstreetculturaldistrict.com/files/announcements/851.pdf

3.) Ames E-free Live Nativity day & kid friendly activities!

Ames E-free Nativity, day-long Christmas event there will be a live nativity with a petting zoo, caroling, music performances, a village craft room for kids, cookie decorating, a full food menu, and Christmas tree displays. We went last year & had SO MUCH FUN.  Here is some more information:
he Perfect Gift

Saturday, December 10
11:00am-6:00pm

First Free will present “The Perfect Gift” a Community Christmas Experience at the PLEX. As part of this old fashioned day-long Christmas event there will be a live nativity with a petting zoo, caroling, music performances, a village craft room for kids, cookie decorating, a full food menu, and Christmas tree displays.

http://www.amesefc.org/details/AnnounceDetails.aspx?AnnounceId=1880

4.) Dinner Theater @ Cornerstone Church.  We go every year to these plays/musicals & we LOVE THEM.  If you get a chance here is the information:

Christmas Tickets
A JB & Linda Family Christmas | December 8-18

This year, it's "A JB & Linda Family Christmas," complete with a hearty meal and all the songs you love presented by JB, Linda and their extended family.

SHOW TIMES
Thursday, December 8 | 7:00p
Friday, December 9 | 7:00p
Saturday, December 10 | 7:00p
Sunday, December 11 | 7:00p

Thursday, December 15 | 7:00p
Friday, December 16 | 7:00p
Saturday, December 17 | 7:00p
Sunday, December 18 | 7:00p

(Doors open at 6:30p each night.)

Purchase Tickets

TICKETS
All seating is reserved. Basic tickets (sections A, B & C) are $20 per person (includes meal & show). Upgrade to the "Sleigh Bell Package" (section SB) for $25 per person and enjoy front row seating and personalized party favors from JB & Linda. If you're a college student, attend the December 8 show for a discounted rate of $15 (sections A, B & C only).

Tickets will be available online, in the foyer after weekend services and at the Cornerstone office weekdays from 8:00a to 5:00p. Because this is a dinner theater event in our main foyer, seating is limited to 384 persons per show.

Length of event: 2 hours

MEAL MENU
Mixed green salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing
Iowa pork chop (9 ounces) smothered with white gravy and topped with grilled onions
French cut green beans
Cornbread with honey butter
Red velvet cupcakes
Ice tea & lemonade

CHILDCARE INFORMATION
Childcare is not provided at any of the performances. Recommended minimum age is 9. Young'uns under the age of 4 will not be permitted at the event.

http://www.cornerstonelife.com/christmas

Starbucks Deal!

Head over to Starbucks November 17–20 from 2–5 p.m. for a great deal!

When you purchase one holiday beverage and get a second one free! Offer valid on holiday favorites: Peppermint Mocha or new Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte or Eggnog Latte

Find a Starbucks near you.

Boy or Girl??

When I was pregnant with Tucker around this time we were very confident we were having a boy (even though we didn't find out) we went off of old wives tales; heartbeat, holding the child higher or lower etc. This pregnancy we have NO CLUE what we're having! Which is so much fun & is driving us completely nuts at the same time! :-) When it comes down to it though, we don't care what sex we have just as long as we have a healthy little baby.

Thankful for our Appraiser

Let me give thanks that for my husband of 7 years, and best friend of 10, who continues to find me witty and charming and beautiful and hot and loves me more every day even though I question myself every day if I have done a good enough job to deserve his adoration and love. He is such an amazing father, husband, follower of Christ, leader & provider. With interest rates at {again} all time lows he has been working alot. The last couple of weeks it hasn't been unusual for him to work til 1 in the morning. He NEVER complains, always in a good mood & is always there when I need him. Ryan Houck, we are so thankful for you!

Hook, Line & Sinker!

On the main floor of our home is either hardwood or ceramic tile...ALL OF IT. Did I mention it was WHITE ceramic tile? Never again will we put white in our kitchen... it shows every. little. thing! Maybe that's why we got the tile for only 0.08 cents a piece! Anyways, live & learn, right?! :-)

A few months ago I happened to run across an infomercial for the Haan Steam Mop. This thing looked amazing, I mean really! So as my floors got more & more annoying to keep clean & the swiffer pads refills were emptying our pocketbooks I decided to start doing some more research on this "miracle" mop. I read review after review, I quickly noticed I was becoming a spokeswoman for this product I had yet to try. I talked about it til Ryan knew everything there was to know, I made my sisters watch the infomercials with me & give me feedback. I think they were sick of me TALKING about it & just wanted me to BUY it! :-) So I did, except I didn't buy it from the companies website, I bought it off Amazon for a good twenty bucks off! (total $78.00 with free shipping) Well my friends, it arrived Wednesday & boy were we excited! Let me tell you what little losers we were Wednesday night was our date night & we went out to dinner then came back to clean our floors cause we were too excited not to! :-) We followed the instructions and WOW oh WOW! Did it work. Ryan & I were just so giddy in our purchase.

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT.

The best part?
Don't have to buy anymore refill swiffer pads/spray
no chemicals
drys instantly (I moped in my socks!)
can do any flooring, hardwood, pergo, ceramic til, laminate...you name it!
If you'd like to see a demonstration...JUST ASK! :-)

Grandma’s 7 Things

 

 

Roughly a year ago my grandma huhn pulled me into her bedroom to tell me something's she wanted her grandchildren to know. 

(told in no particular order, just how I remembered them)

 

1.  It’s okay to eat some expired food, just smell it first before you eat it.

2.  Don’t spoil your children, but make sure they have everything they need.

3.  Always have frozen cookies in your freezer, you never know when you’ll have company.

4.  Darn your socks & sew on buttons that fall off before you buy new.

5. Find a hobby you can make some side money on.

6.  When you commit to something, always do/give your best.

7.  A man would prefer a home cooked meal over going out to eat. 

Goodbye Grandma Huhn

On Saturday morning we lost my second grandmother in 3 months. I got the call @ 6:53 am Saturday morning -- I was in a great mood because I was 30 minutes away leaving for a girls getaway weekend. But, that was quickly changed. I lost it when my Boppa called. This death was so different than my Grandma Rhoads death where she had been "gone" for so long before she passed away. I had the experience to live with my grandparents twice. The first time I lived with them was a year before I married Ryan & most recently the last year and a half in our successful endeavor to become debt free.

There are so many things I want to write about her but I'm hoping to do that tomorrow. For right now here is her obit.

Arlene Huhn, 78, of Nevada, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Rolling Green Village in Nevada following a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.

Arlene was born January 6, 1933, in Nevada to Isaac "Ike" and Myrtle (Cook) Tudor. She graduated from Fernald High School in 1951, and married her childhood sweetheart, James Daniel Huhn, March 15, 1953. Arlene was a 40 year member of the Central Presbyterian Church, most recently attending Family of Faith Church.

Arlene loved good music and influenced many young people teaching piano lessons. She also enjoyed singing, playing the piano and organ, woodworking, sewing, knitting and gardening. In her younger years, she was active in sports being a stand-out forward and softball pitcher. In addition, she was a 4-H leader for over 20 years. Arlene was a devoted wife and mother, and loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Those left to cherish her memory include, her husband of 58 years, Dan of Nevada; her son, Keith (Marce) of Nevada; her daughter, Holly (Dan) Page of Lawrence, KS; her twin sister, Darlene Adkins of Elkhart, IN; her sister-in-law, Thelma Tudor of MN; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan), Carly, Haley, Riley, Kyle, Kirby and Brian; one great-grandson, Tucker; along with many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Earl Tudor; and one brother-in-law, George Adkins.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 13, 2011, at Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada. Visitation will be 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday evening at Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada.

Memorial contributions may be made to Family of Faith Church, Parkinson's Foundation or the Rolling Green Resident Activity Fund.

Bacon Funeral Home and Crematory in Nevada is handling arrangements.

It's A...

BABY!

...and that's about all we know or can guess at this point. I had another appointment yesterday & the heartbeat was right at 150. At this point in the pregnancy with Tucker we had a good indication it was a boy because of the lower heartbeat. (he was around 135ish.) We are leaning more towards a girl (at this point anyway) Either way, boy or girl it'll be loved! I am a week away from being in the 3rd trimester! YIKES!! IT HAS GONE SO STINKING FAST this time. I am definitely starting to get to the uncomfortable, slow-moving stage but am feeling great! According to this website I follow baby H will be here in roughly 97 days!
(Lord willing) Well, that's it for this baby update! As of today, we're thinking GIRL--but this is subject to change at ANY POINT :-)

whoo are you Tuesday

Here are this week's questions!
1. Do you sleep with the tv or music on?
No, I am a FIRM believer there should not be a TV in the bedroom. period. I'm old fashioned like that! :-)
2. What is your favorite technology device that you own?
my blackberry.
3. Do you shop the ads for groceries?
oh yeah. I love Wednesdays when the advertiser comes, Sundays when the Sunday paper is out & two favorite websites I check daily for deals www.hip2save.com or www.mojosavings.com
4. What are you favorite pair of shoes? no, not really. I'm a rare girl who doesn't really care about shoes. In fact, I'm sure Ryan owns more shoes than I do!
5. Have you done any fun fall activities yet?
does buying a small sack of candy corn count? I have my fall decorations out I hope to get put up today or tomorrow. Hope to hit up the pumpkin patch next weekend.

pumpkin carving

I'm pretty excited about carving pumpkins next month, look what I saw at Walgreens & Hy-vee last week? I think maybe Ryan will be excited about carving pumpkins this year! :-)

Hoo are you Tuedsday!

Here are this week's questions!
1. What are your favorite 3 things about fall?
2. Are you a football fan and if so who is your favorite team?
3. What is your favorite fall scent?
4. So you have seasonal allergies?
5. Have you started Christmas shopping yet?

Here are my answers!

1. What are your favorite 3 things about fall?
Colors, Sweatshirts & football & Mums! (I had to list 4)
2. Are you a football fan and if so who is your favorite team?
Iowa State Cyclones & the Bears
3. What is your favorite fall scent?
Pumpkin Spice. I actually like Wal-mart's brand of this the best. YUM!
4. So you have seasonal allergies?
No (thankfully!)
5. Have you started Christmas shopping yet?
I'm going to start in the next week or so. My sister Carly just mailed her Christmas list last night so I can get started...and, knowing my other sister Haley I know hers isn't far behind! I'm hoping to get all my shopping done earlier this year just in case the baby comes early!

Operation Pacifier

Day 1 no pacifier a complete success! He cried for a couple of minutes at nap time, but he did great last night for bedtime. What we did with Tucker was when he turned 1 he only got his pacifier during nap time & bedtime. Then, when he turned 2 (just a week ago) we knew it was time. So, the past week or so we started talking about pacifiers are for babies, and that's all he needed to hear we guess! So far so good!

We are loving this stage he is in. He is starting to interact when we ask questions...which is always fun. This morning I asked him who he loved and he said, "babies, Cy (ISU's mascot) & football." I think that made his dad's day! :-)

Thats whats been happening in our little world lately! :-)

Fall Tree

Can't wait to do this with T-man. Check http://www.alittletipsy.com/2009/10/finger-painting-fall.html for instructions.

First Haircut

Tucker had his first haircut/trim this week, and boy does he look older! He is growing up so fast. Overall he did really good. Ryan had to sit with him otherwise he would start crying his eyes out :-) We came prepared with fruit snacks & his pacifier, which helped ALOT! Overall, a very successful trip!

weekend!

...trying to do better with blog posting again!

super excited for this weekend:
...have our ultrasound tomorrow morning for "baby h" pray that everything is developing/looking normal. {this is when we fell in love with Tucker, can't wait to see this little bean movin' & a shakin'!} We also have officially decided on our girl/boy names --including middle names-- so we can share our top reject names: Top reject boy name: Trice Top reject girl name: Shelby {we were going to call her Sherbert for a nickname}
...have family pictures tomorrow afternoon by the very talented Jennifer B!
...have a small breakfast brunch for our TWO YEAR OLD Saturday morning. (Cannot believe how fast the time is going!_
...going to the ISU Vs. Iowa game & have a parking pass! (Thanks to my Aunt Vickie!)
...going to perfect games after the game to play/eat pizza with the birthday boy. His FAVORITE thing to do is "shoot" he likes to help us shoot the basketball & football in the games they have there.
...teaching Sunday School for the 2nd time!
...heading to the Clay County Fair right after church on Sunday (staying til Monday) first time camping with our little boy!

yep, that's a whole lotta fun stuff happening this weekend!
Hope you have a great weekend as well!
Go Cyclones!

RVTV

This year we decided to attend RVTV in Nevada, and boy, are we glad we did. We had a great family evening! Ryan got to meet his sportscaster hero (Keith Murphy) and Tucker got to see Cy again upclose. A Win-Win. I had mentioned on facebook that Ryan was SUPER excited for this event and when we left the house for three hours we came back to find our front door WIDE open (as in all the way) I guess in all the excitement we forgot to close & lock it. whoops! Glad we live in Ames, Iowa. :-)Enjoy some pictures we took of the night.

n

ruffled shower cutains

Right now I'm totally loving ruffled shower curtains.
via www.pinterest.com {I could devote a entire post to that website! I just pinned my first PIN today!}
Love at first site.
Our bathroom is really bland right now so I went looking for ideas how to decorate it. After seeing these ruffled shower curtains I KNEW this is what I wanted to do! Then, reality sunk in when I checked 'em out on etsy to see how much they cost. Ohh, around the ball park of $100-$200. So, for right now I'll have to admire them from online! :-)

Whoo are you??

Here are this week's questions!
1. What are some of your pet peeves?
toilet seat being left up, being tapped to get my attention, pregnant women smoking, hang nails.
2. Do you have a favorite or lucky number?
nope
3. What is one of your family traditions?
On your birthday you get woken up being sung the birthday song, & we have a birthday boy this weekend in our house! :-)
4. Is there anything you are OC about?
Not usually. I like to be organized but I usually am pretty flexible. My brother-in-law would probably say I'm anal on getting holiday plans nailed down early. :-) AKA planning Thanksgiving in Feb. We don't have Christmas nailed down and its driving me nuts! Okay, that definitely sounds like I'm OC about holiday planning! :-)
5. What is your favorite kind of food?
American--any of my friends/family {especially Ryan} will tell you I'm super BORING in my food selection.

Iowa State Football Game Opener

This past weekend was Iowa State's home opener, and wow, was it a GAME! The last six minutes were enough to give you a heart attack, but we WON! We took Tucker to this game and he did GREAT. Couldn't of asked for him to do any better. At first, he had a death grip on me, but by the middle of the 1st quarter he was starting to clap when everyone else did too. :-)

Ryan & his man food!

Tucker taking it all in. Not too sure what to think at this point.

Family photo at the game. Tucker is slowly realizing my lap is becoming smaller :-)

Picture with Cy.

New Uses for Old things

Thanks to realsimple.com I got some cute & clever uses for old things!

Coloring Book Organizer

Cassette Case as Cord Organizer

Eyeglasses Case as Manicure Kit

Coffee Filter as Plate Protector

Ice-Cube Tray as Jewelry Storage

Magnet as Tweezer Holder

Oven Mitt as Heat Guard

Sheet Pan as Stationery Caddy

Thanks realsimple.com!