Family | One Moms World Mom Blog - Jen Houck

Time to get back to the basics

January 29, 2013 by Jennifer Spink 12 Comments

Seasons change as people change. For the first time since 1997, I will not have a “job” come next Friday. Several people have asked me if I am scared? It may be weird, but I am actually more relieved. This is a hard semester at school as I am finishing up my degree. I choose to look at it that this was all in God’s timing. He new my plate and wanted to clear part of the plate so I could concentrate on my studies. I will admit, I have had a really good four years at BabyCenter. The company has definitely helped shaped me into the person I am today. My boss has been an incredible one who gives constructive criticism. The constructive criticism has helped me both personally and professionally. The next steps from here will be exciting.

With the job gone, a big portion of our income leaves as well. My husband said it perfect when he said it was time to get back to the basics. We are in the process of downsizing to a much smaller house. The smaller house will equate to over $400 a month in savings. The satellite will be turned off which will save us over $80 a month. Our home phone has been turned off and we only use our cell phones. No more weekly out to eat visits. Am I anxious about all these changes? The answer would be NO! I am looking forward to being minimalists and growing in our faith with the Lord. All the extras are not needed to have a good life. We have really cut back the last two months as we knew the changes were coming. During the next few months, I am focusing on finishing school and blogging here and at my local blog. Writing is a great passion of mine. Due to school, work and other activities, I have not been able to write like I want to on the blogs. This will change after next Friday. We are looking forward to possibly traveling to even more locations throughout the US and just living on a lean income. It will be exciting to see how the next few months unravel. I hope you will come along for the journey.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. ~ James 5:16b, NLT

This verse is so powerful. We can never forget the power of prayer. Prayer has brought me thus far in life and will continue to take me into the future. Prayer, faith and determination are three words that my family is choosing to hold on to as we go through this big change. Life will be different but a good different.

For now, I will enjoy my view more.

Filed Under: Faith, Family

This is true love…

January 8, 2013 by Jennifer Spink 4 Comments

My husband and I are not the most romantic people in this world. I am hopeful that 2013 may change that around for us. We will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks and I am trying to pull something together to surprise him. Hopefully, I can work it out.

Even though he is not the most romantic, I consider this true love. Obviously, it has been really cold here in the mountains. We are trying to not use much propane as it is very expensive and we went through $1800 worth of propane last year. This cannot happen this year, so we have been using portable heaters to warm the house. Since, we do not really have any heat in the bathrooms, it can get downright cold. The other night after dinner, I was finishing up the dishes and he asked if I was going to take a shower. He said you might want to go ahead since we could lose power. We had a high warning in effect. As I finished getting my pj’s together, I walked into the bathroom and was immediately in awe. The bathroom was so warm and cozy. My husband had moved the portable heater in the bathroom to warm the room before I got in there. I just smiled. Now, that is love. It may not be romantic to others, but it is to me. I told him, you are not the most romantic but that really touched my heart. He just smiled!

It is the little things that can add up in a marriage. The little surprises that catch your spouse off guard. I am thinking of my little surprise for him.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: husband, love, marriage

What is my one word for 2013?

January 2, 2013 by Jennifer Spink 5 Comments

Click the picture to make bigger

I am very determined this year for several reasons. Each new year brings hope and prosperity. This year is no different. I just feel more determination and very eager to put things into place for my family. I am DETERMINED! Yes, I am screaming from the rooftops.

I am determined to secure another job that will help my family survive. My husband and I both will both be unemployed at the end-of-the month. Hope and determination will turn this around.

I am determined to grow closer to Christ and share the gospel to more people through all my social media avenues. Social Media allows me to talk to a lot of people. Why do I need to hide behind this screen and not share my faith? 2013 will be more sharing the gospel.

I am determined to be a better wife to my husband. During bible study tonight. My husband and I both talked to the group about how closer we have become in the last year and half. We were on some shaky grounds and did not treat each other the best. The last year and half has brought us so much closer. We actually listen to one another now and talk more than ever. I am more in love with him today than when I first met him. He is my best friend, my soul-mate. 2013 brings determination to have more date nights and more closeness.

I am determined to be a better mom. Turn off work more and spend more time away from technology. My girls will only be this age one time. It’s time to walk away from so much technology and really enjoy the moments. We have been doing this for last couple months of movie nights and game nights. I want more.

I am determined to be better organized. I have been saying this for the last 11 years since my husband and I first got together. I am very organized in my work but not so much at home. Determination will prevail.

Determined in 2013!

What is your one word for this year?

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: 2013, one word, resolutions

What is your favorite song of 2012?

December 31, 2012 by Jennifer Spink Leave a Comment

Can you believe today is the last day of 2012? I am just in awe the year has went by so fast. Several comments have came across my social media avenues that people are very happy to see 2012 leave. I, for one, am not ready to see 2012 leave. This year has been filled with so much goodness for our family and we are very thankful. 2013 is not bringing bright light for us, so I would like to hold on to 2012 a bit longer for security reasons. I know the first month of 2013 can turn itself around though and we will accept 2013 with open arms along with God’s guidance.

This leads me to my favorite song of 2012.

I begin to shiver when I think about living this life without God. I know without a shadow of a doubt, that we would not be where we are today without God. He has pulled us through tough times and I know he will pull us through this downward turn. Thank you Lord for your many blessings. It is amazing to know that we have such a great guide always with us.

Here’s to a fantastic 2013 for everyone!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Happy New Year

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

December 24, 2012 by Jennifer Spink Leave a Comment

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6″

I hope your day is bright and filled with many blessings. Thank you all for being such wonderful readers. Merry Christmas!

Filed Under: Family, Holidays

Merry Christmas… My first singing debut on the blog!

December 21, 2012 by Jennifer Spink 1 Comment

It is snowing right now. This brings for great joy. It can also make me a little crazy because I am singing for you all. Hold your ears and don’t laugh. Hopefully it will get you in the Christmas mood. Merry Christmas!!

Filed Under: Family, Family Fun NC

Christmas can be simple and still be magical

December 6, 2012 by Jennifer Spink 2 Comments

It really has been laying on my heart the last couple of months about the Christmas season. This is my favorite time of the year and I just want to savor every moment. The season is always way too short for me and I wish I could wave a magical wand and extend the season. Christmas makes me happy and brings out so many emotions.

It is my goal to keep Christmas simple and let my girls know what the true meaning of Christmas is about. Yes, we have fun with Santa and the Elf on the Shelf but we cannot forget the true spirit of Christmas. Our Jesus Christ was born. We are celebrating his Birthday. I told my parents that I didn’t want this Christmas to be about gifts. I just want us to be together and have fun fellowship and enjoy the Christmas spirit that is all around us. We will do a $10 Christmas gift exchange game where each family member will bring a $10 gift. It will be fun and I am sure will bring lots of laughs. Then, I would like us to read the Christmas story altogether.

We even kept our tree simple this year. We have a huge 7.5 ft tree my parents gave us that we usually put up but I didn’t want to this year. I wanted to use our small tree and let the girls decorate it themselves. I cannot stop looking at the tree on a daily basis. I am in love with this tree and it is the best decorated tree in my eyes.

Now, this is how Christmas should be!

Filed Under: Family, Holidays Tagged With: christmas

20 pounds gone on my Cinchspiration Journey!

November 26, 2012 by Jennifer Spink 5 Comments

We are at the end of month five of my Shaklee Cinchspiration Journey. Before I go any further, take a couple minutes and check out my video update.

I am just a little bit excited right? YES!

That is a SMALL Lands’ End dress. Here is proof.

I received this dress from BlogHer back at the beginning of August from the Lands’ End event. When the dress came in the mail, I was so eager to try on the dress since I did not take the time to try on the dress at the event. Much to my dismay, the dress was not fitting me. Ugly fat rolls were showing and I was so disappointed. Here almost four months later, I fit in the dress perfectly. My self-esteem just increased. I look at the picture and just feel like a million bucks. Finally, I love my body and seeing myself in pictures.

The Cinch Inch Loss Plan works and I am proof. It really is a inch-loss plan. 20 pounds, I just have to say… I will not see you again. Thanks, Jen!

Disclaimer: Shaklee is providing me with 6 months of product in exchange for my honest review and weight loss journey. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: cinchspiration, how to lose belly fat, how to lose weight quickly, lose stomach fat, metabolism, my shaklee 180, myshaklee 180, myshaklee180, myshaklee180.com, shakelee 180, shaklee, shaklee 180, shaklee 180 program, shaklee 180 turnaround, shaklee 180 turnaround kit, shaklee 180 video, shaklee cinch, shaklee diet, shaklee180, shaklee180.com, weight loss journey, www.myshaklee180.com

How to be emotionally connected with your daughter

November 26, 2012 by Jennifer Spink Leave a Comment

Over the past few months, I have been sharing posts to help prepare for the next journey in raising my daughters. This campaign was launched by U by Kotex.

As much as I want to just keep my girls small forever, it is not going to happen. I have needed these last few months to really get a good grasp on this next journey we are leaping into with my oldest daughter, M. As I have shared, I was so scared when I was M’s age. I didn’t know what to expect. I was so clueless and it left me in tears one day at school. Those emotions are emotions I want M to escape. She has my shoulder to lean on and always. This campaign has helped me stop and think about her feelings first.

We have been able to have open conversations thanks to this book from American Girl and the Kotex Tween site.

How can you be emotionally connected with your daughter?

1. Sit aside mom and daughter one-on-one conversation time. Invite your daughter in the kitchen to help you cook dinner and talk casually about her feelings and questions she may have about growing up.

2. Go on mom and daughter dates. M really enjoys this and loves getting my attention away from technology, household things and just concentrate on each other for a couple hours.

3. Check out websites such as the Kotex one and read books together. It helps start conversations and helps know what your daughter is thinking about and going through at any specific time.

4. Ask her about her day in the evenings. Let her open up to you and know that you care what she did at school, sports or extracurricular activities.

5. Tuck her in at night. Tell her you love her and spend time reading a bible story and sharing bible verses with her that will help her with this life journey.

Stay connected at all times. Always make her feel you are always there and will drop anything to talk to her. My girls are truly my best friends and I always want them to feel the same way about me.

Last weekend, we had a movie and sundae date night. We all made homemade sundaes in the kitchen and jumped into bed and watched a Christmas movie. No computers or cell phones around. Just one-on-one time with mommy. It was so nice.

I’m ready for this next adventure in parenting. My sweet baby girls!

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Filed Under: Family, Mom Reviews Tagged With: kotex mom, mom and daughter

The sweetest note ever!

November 26, 2012 by Jennifer Spink 1 Comment

We were able to celebrate with family this Thanksgiving from near and afar. Some of our family from Florida was able to join us which was just amazing. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving night the girls went from being fine to really sick in just a matter of a few hours. We are getting ready to head to the doctors here in a little bit to find out the culprit and get them better.

My sweet L though slipped me this note this morning. Even though she is sick, she is still thinking about others.

I love you mommy thank you for this thanksgiving and Im happy that our family came to thanks giving and I loved it.

I absolutely love being a mom and so very thankful for my precious M and L!

Filed Under: Family, Little Sis Tagged With: thankful

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