Day In The Life | One Moms World Mom Blog - Jen Houck

Mom and Daughters Go Magical at Disney

July 12, 2010 By Jen 7 Comments

On our recent road trip, the girls and I sneaked away for a couple nights and had some much needed one on one time with each other. I have mom guilt so much since I work full-time and so when the opportunity fell in my lap by a wonderful and inspiring mom friend, the girls and I were off to the most magical place on Earth…. Disney.

As you know we were at Animal Kingdom but our first night in the magical land, it was all about Magic Kingdom.

Since my beautiful princesses were in tow, I of course had to make our first stop with a walk through Cinderella’s castle.

As soon as we walked through the royal palace, the girls locked their eyes on the ever so popular Carousel ride. Every time we go to Magic Kingdom, the girls have to make sure they ride the Carousel. I loved the Carousel as a child growing up so to see the glitter in the girls eyes, just makes my heart melt all over again.

Skipping off the Carousel onto “It’s a Small World” ride all the while singing it as loud as we can holding hands….

We glided right off that boat onto our magical carpet to see the ever so cool 3D show that splashes water on you and blows air in your face. The smiles, the giggles, and the nerdy yellow glasses. Memories forever with my girls.

As the darkness was setting in, our hearts were bursting out at the seams for the Electrical Parade. We first heard of the Parade back in February at Disney Social Media Moms, so to be able to experience the Parade in person was really a dream come true for the girls.

We sought out our spot to make sure we had the perfect setting to be able to enjoy the parade and up came a little handsome boy that wanted a hug so bad from L. He held out his hands to her over and over.

L just would give him the cold shoulder and finally he just started pleading “Please give me a hug”, but there was just no hope from princess L!

She is saving her love for her future prince but that is many many years away . It was onto the highlight of the night with my two favorite girls.

DISNEY’S ELECTRICAL PARADE

The girls eyes were captured by the first float and their faces were lit up with such delight. Take a glimpse into parts of the parade!

Happy 4th of July America!!!

The night was finished off with the princesses sitting by the castle to watch the skies light up with all the colors we could ever think of.

Mom and Daughter time at Disney ROCKS!

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Filed Under: Big Sis, Day in the Life, Family Travel, Featured, Life in Florida, Little Sis, Summer Fun

Animals and Animals and More Animals at Animal Kingdom

July 8, 2010 By Jen 3 Comments

Part of our Road Trip included a couple days at Disney. Disney is actually not one of L’s favorite places but we assured her that she would get to go to her best place… Animal Kingdom. This girl is a huge animal lover and her face just lights up so big when she sees any type of animal.

This time was no different. As soon as we walked through the entrance door, we were on a race to find the first animals. It did not take long until we found beautiful surroundings.

We all could have just stood there for hours and carried on conversations about nature’s beauty! L was just amazed at all the animals and how they would walk right up to the fence that we were standing behind. The animals are definitely such a highlight of Animal Kingdom for sure. L and M could care less about the rides there .

Another must see highlight was the Lion King Festival there. We were not able to see this previously when we were there at Disney, so we thought we would check out the production. L was a bit nervous walking in because she just wasn’t quite sure what was going on in this particular building out in the wild! Once we were in though, she was all smiles and clapping hands. I even at one time in the show had tears well up in my eyes. The show as THAT awesome. If you are at Animal Kingdom, make sure to put this show on your schedule.

Each section in the building was part of a group and had to do certain sounds at the beginning of the show. We were all just laughing so hard listening to everyone.

L was just amazed by all the sights and sounds the entire time. She never once complained and was so into the show.

The acrobatics of the show were so artistic and was really putting a wow on for the crowd.

Take a listen into the beautiful music that was sang throughout the whole show! You will definitely add this to your must see list. We can’t wait to go back! Notice towards the end of the video of L clapping her little heart out.

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Filed Under: Big Sis, Day in the Life, Featured, Life in Florida, Little Sis, Travel

Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2010 By Jen 2 Comments

We are still road tripping, but almost on our way home. We are in Jacksonville, Florida for our last night of our road trip to take in the sights and sounds of 4th of July on the beach.

The whole One Moms World family wanted to take a minute and wish you all a very Happy 4th of July. However, you may be celebrating today… make sure to just take time to enjoy it. Family means so much. Take lots of pictures and smile and smile and smile.

God Bless America!

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Filed Under: Big Sis, Day in the Life, Family Travel, Featured, Holidays, Life in Florida, Little Sis

Family Vacation to Fort Lauderdale Tropic Seas

June 26, 2010 By Jen 4 Comments

The One Moms World family are continuing their family road trip down the East Coast to Fort Lauderdale at the Tropic Seas Resort.

As many know, hubby’s family is in and around the Fort Lauderdale area. Hubby grew up in Hialeah so it is always so nice to come back and visit. The girls and I had actually not been back to Fort Lauderdale since fall of 2007. It really is an amazing place here in South Florida. Unfortunately, I have been hearing of lots of heat index warnings back home in NC so to be here with high 80′s temps and the graceful breeze coming off the ocean has just been excellent and a dream come true. Also, the beach is not crowded at all so this is definitely a great time to come to South Florida and the Lauderdale By The Sea area.

The first night we arrived to the most amazing sunset over the ocean and pool area here at Tropic Seas.

All of us could have just sat out by the pool for hours and been so content. Most of the time you hear of people saying you need a vacation from a vacation, so that is why we always try to just relax and keep it cool throughout the time we are on vacation. My youngest L doesn’t like a lot of stimulation so we all just content of being cool, calm and collected. AND Guess what? The girls love it just so much!

One of the reasons that I love it here at Tropic Seas is that you can just wake-up and walk out your door and you are on the sand to the Beach.

Also, you are just a short few steps to the pool that is surrounded by the ever so awesome scenic palm trees.

The girls are having a true blast playing in the white sand and trying to build sand castles that usually get toppled over by the crashing waves from the beach. The laughs are so worth it though as they tickle hubby and I so much. There was a point yesterday that I just sat on the beach with my feet in the sand and looking out into the ocean as far as I could. I kept singing Amazing Grace out loud over and over, because it really is amazing to be alive and see all of God’s glory right before our eyes. The relaxation and stress free of our beautiful nature really is the best medicine for the body’s soul at times in your life! Remember…nature is all around us, we just have to take time and enjoy it. God is sooo good!

One big milestone this road trip is the girls swimming. L has realized she can swim with floaties on now. At the beginning of the week, she would have nothing to do with going out in the pool water to swim with floaties. Now, she is a little fish taking off and singing her own songs while swimming! M is so loving being an little fish without floaties this year. All those swim lessons have definitely paid off and it has caused my panic levels to go WAY DOWN since she always wants to be in the deep water treading. I’m so proud of both of them.

Hubby and I are off to spend the day with his family here and so thankful for having this time with everyone on our East Coast road trip.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Summer! Leave a comment below and let us know what all you are up to this summer

P.S. Tropic Seas has really been good to our family in letting us experience the beach and pool here. We so appreciate them for hosting us for this review. See a full review on the property at Traveling Mamas.

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Filed Under: Day in the Life, Family Travel, Featured, Life in Florida, Mom Reviews

Ocean Isle Inn Great Family Fun

June 24, 2010 By Jen 3 Comments

We are driving away from the wonderful Ocean Isle Inn. It really is bittersweet as we are heading towards Fort Lauderdale now, but it is like saying good bye to family. This was our third time back to the Inn, and I really do feel like we are all family.

We arrived at the Inn on Friday to a fun filled weekend with Miss Lori. The girls were so excited to spend time with their friends, The Tiger Boys of the beautiful Carolina Mama and the Princesses of the beautiful Real Life Sarah. Hubby and I were excited as well to spend time with great friends.

The evening started off with a Tweet-Up and a Twitter Party with several mom bloggers. It was so much fun to finally meet Chele and Heather. We all had a blast sitting there and tweeting each other and hanging out with Miss Lori.

Saturday, we started the morning out by the beach with some super fun relay games. Who knew I would win a hula-hooping contest? Fun times!

The adults did participate in a game of wives vs. husbands in tug o war. The girls were trying with all our might to win this and finally I fell and ate sand and you can guess who won that contest

The kids were having just as much fun as the adults too with their own relay games. Thank you Ocean Isle Inn for coming up with such creative games that could be done right on the beach.

We all thought after that to go take a dive in the pool and then head over for some good ole ice cream. It was so delicious and I found some super stylish flip flops thanks to Carolina Mama and her awesome fashion advice.

We all headed back to get ready for the grand event of the weekend. Miss Lori Activate Summer Concert. All the kids had such a blast dancing and singing to all the unique songs. I totally seen all the adults rocking out to her songs as well .

We ended the night with a Dance Party. It was such a grand time to just hang out by the pool chatting with all the moms and the kids enjoying themselves in the pool with beach music playing in the background. I would have loved to just bottle up that specific moment. More fun times for sure!

Sunday was all about the Dads. Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful hubby. We were able to take the time and go have some delicious seafood with Carolina Mama’s family. We just adore their family and loved having this extra time before they were getting back on the road to head home.

We were there two more days, just having a blast with Ocean Isle Inn. I love we can stay there and never have to leave the premises. The girls just wanted to play in the pool and at the beach. I was totally fine with that as we all were having such fun times. Real Life Judd was having fun squirting us with water guns. It was just great to laugh and laugh and laugh and let the stresses melt away.

The Inn is such a family friendly place, that you cannot help to fall in love with the place. The last night was spent packing up to leave… the girls started crying because they just wanted to stay longer. They really have grown to love the Inn just as much as hubby and I are! Thank you Lee, Tracey, Melanie, Maria and all the staff there at the Inn for a wonderful 5 days. We created more summer memories that will last a lifetime. We cannot wait to get back.

Fun Friend Memories!

See our complete review of Ocean Isle inn over at Traveling Mamas.

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Filed Under: Day in the Life, Family Travel, Featured, Friends, Life in NC, Mom Reviews

My Little Ham

June 17, 2010 By Jen 3 Comments

We were out and about last weekend and I thought an impromptu photo shoot would be great with the girls. Let’s just say that L was having no part in smiling for the camera. She is such a ham. Let’s take a stroll through the many faces of L.

Isn’t she a little ham with her smirks and all? We were all just laughing because these pictures are so L. Guess what though? I finally got a smile out of L! Look what it involved in order to get that smile.

I so <3 my girls. They truly make life so much more fun

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Filed Under: Big Sis, Day in the Life, Family, Featured, Little Sis

Summer Fun Activities for Your Kids

June 14, 2010 By Jen 5 Comments

Ring Ring… School bell just rang for the final time of the school year. The kids come running and mommy goes running the opposite direction. Kidding…

Here at the One Moms World household there were lots of high fives and lots of big smiles. We are ready to take summer on full blast. One of the big things is that TV and electronics will be limited. Hey, I am a huge tech geek so I am all for the girls loving technology but I just do not want the summer swept away with all the time focused on technology. Just as I did last year, I have compiled a list of ideas to keep kids from turning to TV and electronics all day. Also, it will help keep the “Mom, I am bored” comments away!

1. Kids Bowl Free – Children are able to play 2 games of bowling a day at participating bowling centers all across the U.S. You will need to pick one location that you want to bowl at all summer long. You cannot change locations throughout the summer. Adults are given the opportunity to purchase an adult family pass for $24.95 that includes two bowling games a day.

2. Free Family Movie Time – Regal Cinemas are holding a summer movie time for kids and parents at participating movie theaters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am. The movies are different from location to location so be sure to check the movie line-up on the website.

3. Free Park Days at U.S. National Parks – Mark your calendars for certain days this summer, there will be no fee charged on National Parks that usually charge entry fees.

4. Free Apple Technology Camp for Kids – Different Apple retail locations across the U.S. are allowing children ages 8 to 12 to come in for a free filmmaker camp. After 3 days at camp, the kids will debut their masterpieces.

5. Summer Reading Programs – All local libraries and even Barnes and Noble are holding summer reading programs to keep the kids excited about reading all through summer. Our local library is actually offering prizes and several fun day events for the kids.

6. 4-H Camps – Check your local 4-H Camp for a full summer schedule. They offer camps from anywhere from $3.00 to $15.00 for 3 hour fun events for the kids. They will learn things from cooking, gardening to technology.

7. Summer Bridge Activities – This is a cool and educational tool that my girls have enjoyed for 2 years now. It is simple 15 minutes a day activity that will get kids ready for the next school year.

8. Vacation Bible School – Are you a VBS junkie? It is ok to admit it . Vacation Bible School is so much for for all kids and several different churches hold them throughout the summer either during the day or night. Check your local newspaper for dates and details.

9. Swimming – Swimming is so much fun and really lets kids release all the excess energy they need to. Most county recreation departments will offer summer family pass so the whole family can swim all summer for really cheap.

10. Craft Time – I have two huge bins filled with all kinds of craft and art supplies. Each morning we will have craft time and they girls get to use their imagination to create a new craft for our family billboard in the hall. Kids can make books, cards, artwork for Grandma and Grandma and etc. The list is endless.

Just have fun. That is what summer is all about. Get out and explore your area and you will be amazed at how much you can find outside the walls of your house. Here is to a great summer to everyone! :::CHEERS:::

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Filed Under: Day in the Life, Family, Featured, Life of a Mom

Brag From The Heart

June 9, 2010 By Jen 6 Comments

It is not everyday that a mom brags on herself right? I’m not sure if moms should boast, but it does make us feel good inside so I think all moms should!

As many of you all know, over the last year I have been a full-time college student in the Computers Information Technology program. Mom + Technology = Geek Mom. It’s ok, I will wear the title proudly HAHA!

On to the brag Jen….

I received a letter in the mail yesterday from the college. My fingers hurriedly and ripped it open to see what they possibly had to tell me during my summer break.

Dear Jennifer:

Being named to the President’s List means that a student has earned a 4.0 grade point average on a full-time course load during the most recent semester of enrollment. The President’s List is the highest academic honor bestowed on students prior to graduation.

I am very pleased to advise you that you have been included on the President’s List for spring semester. This distinction will be permanently noted on your transcript.

The entire college family joins me in commending you for having attained this honor. We wish the best for you as you continue your studies.

My heart swelled, my face lit up, and I yelled immediately for my husband to come and see this must-read. He smiled, and just looked into my eyes. He knew I was pretty stoked to get this letter and his arms gently wrapped around mine with the biggest hug. I knew right then, my husband was just as proud as I was.

Now that is a brag from the heart!

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Filed Under: Day in the Life, Family, Featured, Life of a Mom, Mom's Brag Moments

Great Food in Boone, NC

May 25, 2010 By Jen 1 Comment

Real Life Sarah and I had a lot of fun getting to experience all the incredible restaurants in Boone, NC! If you have not been to the High Country of NC… you are really missing out. The Taste of the High Country involved 23 restaurants from the surrounding area. It was held at the incredible Broyhill Inn.

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Filed Under: Day in the Life, Featured Video, Life in NC

Life Comes At You Fast

May 17, 2010 By Jen 21 Comments

Have you see Jen?

Jen, we have looked high and low for you? Where did you go girlfriend? Did you leave country? Did you get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Did you go into hiding? Did you change your identity?

:::Jen running::: “I’m here… I’m here… I’m here…”

I wish I could say that I was on this awesome adventure, but that isn’t just the case. I was actually hooked up to an IV here in the mountains at our local hospital for 7 long days. It was a scary time for sure and one that I didn’t see coming.

When I went into the ER a week and half ago now on that Friday, I had no idea that they would admit me for 7 days. I knew something was terribly wrong though with the pain I was experiencing and my stomach swelled up like a pregnant lady. My hubby was really worried as my legs were swelling really huge as well and with tears in his eyes, he did not leave my side until the DR came with a fast diagnosis. All the ER DR needed to do was take one look at me and say, I think this is your pancreas. After a quick job of giving blood, the ER DR was by my bedside to say that I was under a pancreatitis attack. My pancreas enzymes were over tripled than the number they were suppose to be.

The big question was though what was causing it? I don’t drink… I don’t smoke… and I already had my gallbladder out. After numerous tests and calling in specialists, they never figured out what caused it. All they could do was to keep me off of food for 6 days and on an IV drip to get my pancreas back to normal.

I’m not going to lie you all, I was scared. Very scared. I was in so much pain those first 4 days, that I did lots of crying. Wondering if I was going to live? Scared that I was going to be taken from my girls as their mother at a very young age? I will tell you now that if it wasn’t for my trust in the Good Lord and knowing my guardian angel Grandma was looking after me, I don’t know how I would have made it through those days.

Seeing my girls so sad that their mommy was in so much pain and couldn’t get out of the hospital bed or seeing L just cling to my bed each night she had to leave, it was killing me on the inside. Taking my heart and stomping it all over the ground. Seeing my hubby cry at my bedside, I never ever want to go through that again!

I am home now, trying to get back into a normal routine. The pain comes and goes but today has been a MUCH better today with hardly no pain at all. I am on the mend, I finally can say .

I have to thank so many of you all for the wonderful tweets, video blog posts (I had to spend my birthday and Mother’s day in the hospital), beautiful facebook posts (most days people couldn’t even see updates on me due to all the wonderful prayers and wishes wrote), phone calls, visits, gift cards to take care of hubby and girls food, all the help with the girls and Prayers! It all got me through those 7 days that were my darkest point.

God healed me and for that, I am so thankful. God is good!

I am a fighter and so happy to be given the chance to heal and be back to write this blog post! Life is amazing for sure