Featured | One Moms World Mom Blog - Jen Houck

Beautiful sight of mom and baby whale at One Ocean SeaWorld Show

August 18, 2011 By Jen Leave a Comment

As you all know, we had an amazing journey to San Diego, California. The trip was so memorable and definitely on our list to do again. One of our days, we were at SeaWorld San Diego. In the review post, I told you about a beautiful video of the mom and her baby. As I sat there during the Shamu Show, tears filled my eyes as the mom and baby swam right in front side by side. No matter who we are, as a mom, we will always guide our children along. Our children look up to us so much as role models. Each step we take, is a step that is being imprinted in our child’s brain. Take a peek into this short video and see a beautiful life story right there in the water at SeaWorld San Diego.

Life is amazing through the eyes of a mother and a child no matter if we are human or an animal. As the girls were so mesmerized by the new One Ocean show, my heart was filling with joy as I had my girls right by my side watching this beautiful treat right before our eyes.

As all the animals are in One Ocean, we are all in One World. This my friends is just one of the many reasons we are annual pass members to SeaWorld. Experiences and joys that we encountered at SeaWorld are priceless memories that I am so stoked to create with the girls!

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Filed Under: Family Travel, Featured

Finally a stainless steel cleaner that works

August 16, 2011 By Jen 3 Comments

Stainless steel appliances are absolutely beautiful. There is a downside to the appliances though, they can be hard to clean UNTIL now…

Remember when I revealed the pictures of my fridge a couple weeks ago? It wasn’t pretty was it?

Enter Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaner and all your stress about cleaning a stainless steel appliance will be over.

Seriously, this is no joke. I spent 10 minutes cleaning the fridge each week and was greeted with a like new shiny stainless steel appliance. I am not sure whether to be happy or mad. On one hand I am so happy to find a cleaner that works with a mom’s busy schedule but then on the other hand… Affresh where have you been the last two years when I tried so many products only to have a dull look staring me back in the eyes?

You see the before picture above. Now sit down and look at this shiny new look that is in my kitchen.

Pretty amazing right? All you have to do is spray and rub. It is that easy that your older child could be delicated this chore each week. I am amazed, my husband is amazed and my kids just think I am magical. Thank you Whirlpool for coming up with a product that actually works and does not require a lot of elbow grease.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of affresh and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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Filed Under: Featured, Mom Reviews

I want to do whatever I want

August 16, 2011 By Jen 6 Comments

As a mom, you start the journey of motherhood with your kids depending on you for their every need. They wrap their tiny fingers around your fingers and all is well in their world. Being an attachment mother was what I loved and cherished so much during the early stages of motherhood. I miss deeply when the girls were babies as I would always have them close to my chest. I would wear (babywearing sling) them all day and we would be attached at the hip. Pure bliss!

The years are moving so fast though and we have fast forward from the attachment parenting stage to a more independent stage. We are doing our last co-sleeping days but I still see lots of family movie nights of us all cuddled in the bed together… I just wish I could pause time, because we are fast forwarding too fast. How did I wake up one morning and the girls went from depending on me for everything to spreading their wings and taking on the real world.

The girls are back to school for the new year. I am a ball of mixed emotions. This conversation sent my emotions even further all over the place.

L: Mommy, when will I be on my own?

Me: I am not sure. I am assuming when you are 21 and become an adult. But, you could just stay with mommy forever.

L: Mommy, when I am on my own will I have to get a job?

Me: Well honey, we do have to work in order to make a living.

L: Mommy, I want to do whatever I want when I get 21.

Me: Sweetie, that is a good attitude to have. I want you to reach for the stars and let God direct you into a great career.

M pipes in: Why are we talking about growing up for L? I don’t want to grow up, I just want to be a kid.

WOW! L has definitely grown in the last couple of years. She is still a BIG mommy’s girl and needs her mommy close, but she is always engaging in these big grown up conversations. M is not thinking so much about the future and just enjoying the moment. Looking back on the conversation though, I do get a big smile on my face. My girls are growing into independent women and it is all because of the parenting we have done over the last nine years. Who said attachment parenting was so bad? Looks like I have two amazing girls to prove that theory down the drain.

Spread your wings girls but always know mommy is right behind you flying with you. Here’s to a great school year.

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Filed Under: Big Sis, Family, Featured, Little Sis

What makes you happy?

August 14, 2011 By Jen 3 Comments

Sitting down after a busy, stressful week… deep thoughts begin entering…

What makes you happy… a voice is heard from afar asking this question. Laughter, smiles and little voices yelling mommy begin circling all around my head. An immediate smile comes to my face. Two precious girls fill my soul with happiness.

Then I look around the room and I see my handsome husband looking at me with those eyes when we first met. My heart is immediately filled with happiness.

Then the Lord wraps his arms around me and I remember, he gave me this precious family. He is the ultimate reason that I am happy. Lord I lay my life before you, I need, I want to be closer to you. My heart wants to be bursting at the seams with your gospel. I need your heart confidence Lord and I soon will be diving into this book that will continue my happiness. New online bible study starting this fall by Proverbs 31 Ministries and I cannot wait!

What makes you happy?

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Filed Under: Faith, Family, Featured

Internet friends for 8 years meet for first time in real life

August 12, 2011 By Jen 3 Comments

Let’s set the stage and turn back time. March of 2003, I had just put in my resignation for my corporate lifestyle job and decided to become a stay at home mother. The only problem? I could not stand sitting still at home. I wanted to know I was contributing to the household income. I would spend time on WAHM.com each day searching for jobs that I could do at home. I came across one and thought the deal sounded really lucrative so I took the bait. One problem though… the job was a scam unfortunately. This is AFTER I had already sent in my SS Number and a copy of Drivers License. I reached out to a few friends on WAHM.com that was scammed by this same woman. We all bonded together and pulled the FBI into this matter to get it resolved. Luckily it did, and even though I was so upset at the time, I made an awesome best buddy through the whole matter. Every day since, we have tried to at least say hey to each other online. Most days we carry on conversations throughout the day. We have sent each other gifts, gifts for our kids, and shed tears on the phone together.

Fast forward 8 years, the day we have been dreaming for this whole time finally comes true. Last week, I got to meet this wonderful friend face to face. My precious friend Nan from A Mom Blog. There were tears shed, but they were happy tears because all those virtual hugs we had given each other, it was time to finally give a real hug to each other in person. I will always have this memory in my mind forever.

We immediately clicked in real life and were glued at the hip for three days we were in San Diego. Our families immediately bonded and spent lots of time together as well. Now, we are going to have to plan an annual trip to see each other. I am so blessed, thankful, and honored to have this special friend in my life. Love You Nan!

Have you ever met any online friends in real life? How did it go?

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Filed Under: Family, Featured

Brands can connect in person with kids too

August 8, 2011 By Jen 9 Comments

Coming off a high from last week’s trip to San Diego. As we touched down on NC soil late Sunday night, M wrapped her arms around me and said:

“Mommy, I am so glad we got to go with you. That was the best trip.”

I am crying again just as I write the quote out. I went back and forth to decide if it would be the right decision to take the girls with me out to San Diego for the BlogHer Conference. Ultimately, it came down to the decision that I really needed them there for my sanity. I love to travel as a family and actually addicted now to seeing new places, my decision did not fail me. We had such a wonderful time.

Did you see?

Seal Family Tours

Harbor Boat Tours

San Diego Safari Park

SeaWorld San Diego

and there were more visits to the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Battleship that will be coming to you this week. So with all the super fun family visits to all over San Diego, I did still have my conference to attend. During parts of the conference, I welcomed my family onto the Expo floor with me. I blog about my family, so what better way to see what interests my girls than to put them in the center of it all. The girls had an absolute blast engaging with the brands.

Playskool was rocking their world with the playdough. The theme had the girls creating fun beach scenes.

and also Sesame Street caught their eye and created huge smiles on L’s face.

Hallmark who I love so much as a brand and this weekend just sealed the relationship. The engagement with my kids won my heart over for good.

Scrubbing Bubbles knew how to win over a family’s heart. I am so excited to test out their new bathroom cleaner. Can you say time saver for moms?

Perfect mid-day snack for the girls was found when we visited the Yo-Crunch Yogurt Booth. The yogurt was a hit with the girls and now I found a snack that will be perfect for their school lunches.

With a geek such as their mom, it would not be right if the girls did not test out the technology on the expo floor. We found the coolest game at the Discovery Bay Games booth. I had to literally pry my girls away from their booth. They were having that much fun with their new game DUO.

Then the Samsung 10.1 Galaxy Tablet peeked M’s curiousity, that she had to take a seat at the Samsung booth. She was loving her a game of Angry Birds on such a big screen (compared to mommy’s 4.3 screen on the Droid).

L spotted the banana walking around the Dole fruit booth and just had to catch up with the banana. She couldn’t believe there was a walking banana. Too fun!

Having the kids there made this BlogHer such a different direction but a positive direction. Seeing the girls reaction to products and engaging with the brands made me smile so much. I am so glad I made the decision to take them. Sweet and magical memories that the girls will remember for a lifetime.

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Filed Under: Family Travel, Featured, Mom Reviews

Things to do in San Diego with kids | SeaWorld

August 5, 2011 By Jen 5 Comments

A trip to SeaWorld is a must-do when you are in San Diego. We laughed, we smiled, we hugged, we gasped all day long as we enjoyed such a wonderful family day today. I will go more in depth with another post next week with a cute video you are going to love which involves a mommy whale and her child.

The girls were ready to start the day…

To start our day, we high tailed it to the Pet’s Stadium to see the much talked about Pet’s Rule show. This show was so funny and left you thinking how do animals do that? All the animals in the show were rescued and turned around to be such great pets that do the coolest tricks.

The highly anticipated show we have been wanting to watch since it was open to the public this spring was The Shamu Show: One Ocean. The show teaches you how we all can make a difference and care for the ONE Ocean we share. So beautiful!

Rides were calling our names, well M and L’s names so we hopped on over to the Sesame Street Bay of Play. Even hubby got in on the fun during the rides. Such a fun place to hang out with your kids and even get wet. Let me say, actually get soaked.

Then we heard a sound, oh it was barking. The Sea Lions were barking for us. They were hungry. The girls were able to feed the Sea Lions fish but had to be extra careful as the birds were perched and ready to dive for the fish themselves.

All the cheering earlier as we walked by the dolphins exhibit left us pondering, so we made our way over to grab a great seat. The show was packed so it paid off getting there 30 minutes early. Dolphins, whales, birds and acrobats… oh my! A little girl’s dreams are made when she finally gets to ride the dolphins. This show will keep you on the edge of your seat and your mouth hanging open. Seriously, it is that good. I was greeted as we came in…

Our time was coming to an end sadly, so we made one last mad dash to see the polar bears. The polar bear was being very sassy today by keeping his bottom pressed up again the window where we were at in the Wild Artic experience.

We went into Polar Bear tunnels and felt the frigid temperatures. I’m ready for winter now

Overall, it was a phenomenal day. L popped up said, mommy I am so glad we get to do this as a family. Heart breaker, she knows how to melt her mommy’s heart. You could spend a good two days at Sea World, so take your time and really enjoy it all. I have just barely touched based all on there is to do. This is a place the whole family will enjoy

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Filed Under: Family, Family Travel, Featured

Things to do in San Diego with kids | San Diego Safari Park

August 3, 2011 By Jen 2 Comments

Do you remember those days where as a child you would exclaim “This is the best day ever!”? My girls exclaim several days as the best day ever and we all are exclaiming today as one of those days.

We loaded up the girls in the rental car and made our way to the big interstate here in San Diego. It was a little intimidating for us at first, but we were all stoked to get to our destination at San Diego Safari Park. After a short 40 minute drive from San Diego, we arrive with the warm California sun hitting our faces. L jumped out of the car and ran up to the ticket counter. She was ready to see the animals now.

Thanks to San Diego Zoo, they signed us up for the Family Caravan Tour. Since we were a couple hours early, we went exploring. The Safari is spread out over 2,000 acres and so many things to do and places to see there. We were greeted with the beautiful birds as we walked into the Safari.

After talking to the birds and the birds just looking at us like we have lost our minds, we head over to our first stop of the day. The carousel. A childhood favorite of mine and you better believe hubby and I hopped right on board with the girls.

Lots of music and shows going on throughout the park and different times. You cannot help to stop and start tapping your foot and clapping your hands. OR, you can even pick up a drum.

One of the amazing shows is acrobats from America’s Got Talent. Pretty cool right? They are just as talented in person as on TV. M was very excited to see them since she remembered them from the TV show.

After putting all our musical talents out on the line, it was time to cool off with an amazing story teller. He really knows how to involve the audience and bring out lots of laughter. The girls enjoyed their rain instruments to see if they could make it rain. At the end of the show, did people get wet from the rain? I’ll never tell!

It was almost time now for our Caravan Tour, but we did have a few minutes to try our talent at hula hooping. M can do her some mean hula hooping now. Mommy dearest here, not so great.

Put the hula hooping down, it was time to take our seats on the tour and travel to Africa. All the wildlife we got up close and personal with was out of this world.

As you can see, we got pretty up close and personal with these animals. Especially, the giraffes. I went to feed one of the giraffe’s and was trying to get it to move back in order to feed it, but it came closer with a kiss. The Same giraffe then went over the my husband to try and steal a kiss.

We were laughing so hard and never imagined in a million years we would get this experience. So cool! One of the ostriches out in the field had just laid an egg too and the girls were able to hold it. The egg was VERY heavy.

As you can see, what a fun experience. With the help of our best ever Tour Guide Jeane, this trip truly was a best day ever kind of day. The girls were so intrigued and excited the entire time. The weather was cooperative as well. It was a fantastic family adventure that left you with lots of smiles, laughs and great deal of information. I would add the Safari Park to your itinerary, you will not be disappointed.

Disclosure: San Diego Zoo provided our tickets so we could accurately review the Safari Park. This post is not compensated. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

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Filed Under: Family, Family Travel, Featured

Things to do in San Diego with kids | Harbor Tours

August 2, 2011 By Jen 5 Comments

San Diego has us at hello with their beautiful sunrise’s and sunset’s over the gorgeous bay. We enjoyed getting lost on so many streets trying to find the grocery store (HA). We finally found Ralph’s and if you are in town with your family, this is the place to be to stock up on food at a very great deal.

After our little journey through the downtown streets, we headed over to right beside the new Broadway Pier where you can take out day harbor tours. Since the girls had so much fun yesterday on the Seal Tour, we thought it would be great to see the other part of the bay on the south.

We took the South Bay Tour. It was one hour long and just the right length for kids.

We said good bye to the city and began our journey through the South Bay.

As we were leaving, we saw so many boats parked. People actually live on these boats and park at this specific location because it is really cheap. They stay awhile to work a job and then once they have saved up enough money, they set sail again out on the water to their next destination.

Watching the different sail boats set sail across the water was so interesting.

M was taking it all in very closely.

We were going into the Navy and Coast Guard territory on this tour. It is very insightful and interesting to hear how the day to day activities go on each day here on the Bay by the Navy and Coast Guard. Several choppers were swarming over our heads the whole time.

We were able to watch a water rescue. SO COOL!

We traveled under the beautiful blue Coronado Bridge.

One of the Navy ships USS Carl Vinson just came in from duty over-seas. This particular ship is the one that actually took Saddam Hussein out to sea we were told on the tour.

The Navy Hospital that has 12 surgery rooms on-board was along the tour as well.

The whole tour was very fascinating to get a behind the scenes tour with our military and not to mention the beautiful scenery. Let your hair down so to speak and relax with the family. You will walk away relaxed and knowing lots of information about our military. Highly recommend the Harbor tours for the family.

Tune into tomorrow as we are heading on a Caravan Tour with the San Diego Safari Park. M and L are over the moon excited.

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Filed Under: Family, Family Travel, Featured

Things to do in San Diego with kids | San Diego Seal Tour

August 1, 2011 By Jen 7 Comments

We hopped on a jet this morning very early and made our way to the beautiful and sunny San Diego, California.

Each day this week, we will be coming to you live with a family friend kids place to visit in San Diego. You will want to stay tuned as we have a fun week planned. Today, we went on a fun adventure that has you climbing the stairs to take your seat on a boat but you end up standing up on the boat in the water. That is right, this is a boat that has wheels and drives on the road and also goes into the water. We were not quite sure what kind of adventure we were in for, but it is one that we were really looking forward to.

Come along on the journey of the San Diego Seal Tour…

Guess what is so great about this boat? No matter how many holes the boat happens to get, it will not sink. Now, if that doesn’t give you peace of mind, I am not quite sure what will .

The Seal was built in upstate NY at the cost of $250,000. It is powered by biodiesel fuel which helps the environment all around us. The Seal will only go 5mph in the water. We started our journey on pavement to the tune of Gilligan’s Island Music. Cue the radio…

We took a drive-by the ship that was in the Pirates of Caribbean.

Then we pass through the historic district of Little Italy.

San Diego’s Little Italy is different. A stable ethnic business and residential community, since the 1920′s; Little Italy today represents Downtown San Diego’s oldest continuous neighborhood business district. At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in Little Italy and toiled to build San Diego into the center of the world’s tuna industry.

We are cruising down the streets of downtown San Diego with our hair blowing every direction. The beautiful California sun hitting our faces.

It is time to kick up our wheels and head into the beautiful blue water.

The views are so breathtaking and look like views from a post card. Pinch me, are we really experiencing this in real life?

We are greeted by some curious visitors, sea animals. L was filled with all kinds of smiles and the whole family was on their feet. This was exciting!