Our Walk

A Project a Day ~ 119

2012-02-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

I found a simple recipe for making granola bars online and thought I'd give it a whorl since I had everything to go them...I just didn't account for the fact that monster & I would fall asleep while they were backing. He had a lot of fun "making" his own too. They got a little bit more done than I'd wanted but were pretty good and very cost efficient.

Tasted great!

A Project a Day ~ 118

2012-02-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

Another little project for Jack's party was a set of utensil holders. A silly extra that was totally free and took about 20 minutes to make. I saw this idea but wanted it on a smaller scale. So here's mine:

Cute?

I used the smaller size kleenex boxes, adhesive paper, scalloped edged paper, milk jug tops for eyes and hot glue. All things I had!

A Project a Day ~ 117

2012-02-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

I used this tutorial and made a ton of them with left over fleece for friends and family.

In another effort to cut costs...I quit Swiffer...yes I said it. I quit Swiffer. I never loved any of it, but it was handy. Instead I made these from fleece, will try a micro fiber one next time too. They are great and can be washed!!!

A Project a Day ~ 116

2012-02-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

You can bet I purchased the striped straws for Jack's party...don't know how I'll use them, but I couldn't resist. For the "older" monsters who will be drinking beverages out of a can I made these:

Monster Koozies!!!

Funny huh?

I found these after Halloween for 10 cents a piece a micheals. I've been collecting stuff into a tub in my linen closet...thank goodness for tupperware!

A Project a Day ~ 115

2012-02-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

Our little monster turns 2 in just a few short days. So the party planning has been underway in my head for oh about 364 days...I figured I'd start posting all the little projects I did, with much help of course. So...it all started with a hat that I saw on Pinterest from this blog. I loved it...instantly and knew I had everything to make it so no need to spend extra on that! Here's how mine turned out:

Pretty cute huh?

A Project a Day ~ 114

2012-02-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Like I've said before I do like to repurpose things if possible. Sometimes I can tell it utterly annoys my husband as I stop him from throwing something into the recycle bin, but I also can't stand hoarding things. If I'm going to use I better figure it out with in a week because I can't stand clutter....oh the circles I run in! Anyways. I had seen a neat post on Pinterest about covering Lysol wipe containers with fabric, but didn't want to get that involved with it and I prefer a simpler look anyways. So I went with craft paper and labels. I'm storing some of Jack's therapy supplies in them for now, just for easy access. Surprisingly I had the repositionable ones and that made them awesome! If I put it on crooked then I could just peal it off and straighten it! Here's how they turned out:

Super easy and simple looking!

A Project a Day ~ 113

2012-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

As I was cleaning out my scrap bin I found a nice white maternity shirt, probably bought to make cute for a friend during their pregnancy. But that got put on the back burned obviously. I decided to make it cute now and save it for whenever we decide to go for baby #3. I love ruffles, but don't wear them enough. So....enter the ruffled tuxedo maternity shirt.

Yes, the ruffles little crooked on the bottom, but oh well. That's handmade for you!

A Project a Day ~ 112

2012-02-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

Jack has 4 awesome uncles. He is very blessed to say the least. One thing about them is they are all utterly proud of him and how strong he fought with God by his side for his life. One of them was turning a wapping 19 years old in Decemeber so we had this shirt made:

Funny right? I used Vistaprint and paid only shipping!

A Project a Day ~ 111

2012-02-15T11:15:00.001-08:00

I've seen these all over Pinterest and this they are adorable. So I had my sweet friend Val create a template for me, I used some old shadow boxes, crayons we already owned and voila! Super cute decoration for next to Jack's craft table.

{horrible picture, but cute idea}

I plan to do these for each of our littles as we have them!

A Project a Day ~ 110

2012-02-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

It all started with a silent auction at our church...my husband, as well as his father, love to "support" this at our fall festival. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a fun little surprise like bidding on something and actually getting it...but when you get the majority of the items there were to bid on...that's just overload! Or "over love" haha. Anyways. We ended up with this handmade stained glass lampshade. TO make it even more special my youngest brotherinlaw's godfather made it. We were sure which room to put it, or what type of lamp to put it with. I made a trip to Goodwill and found a nice shaped base for a wapping $2.99 that was nickel finish. I wanted it to match the top of the lampshade so I sprayed it with the rustoleaum hammered look spray paint...awesome stuff! And it ended up looking like this:

Gorgeous right?

And it was just the right lamp for my craft table. Eclectic and vintage looking.

A Project a Day ~ 109

2012-02-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Words keep me going. It's as simple as that. When I need my husband, a simple "I love you" or "Wow! Look at what you did today!" can turn my day around. I know it's silly and a little vain, but it's like when God pats you on the back by getting your kid to finally do that thing you've been working on. They just help. I've been searching for printables of scripture to put up around the house to keep me going on those blah days...after I've prayed and want a little more instant gratification. I found this site and loved her printables. So I printed this one to put in our shared craft and play room:

When I don't feel like I'm doing my job as mommy just right, I read this and bam...I'm back. Oh and this is an old $1 store frame I strayed black it got new life!

A Project a Day ~ 108

2012-02-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

I really like repurposing things, but don't always get the chance. I loved these jars our organic beritolli comes in, such a pretty shape. So I thought I could spray the lids, add some labels, and make lovely storage.

So nice, if I do say so myself!

A Project a Day ~ 107

2012-02-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get the feeling your home will never be finished? I do. I thought my kitchen was done, but it didn't have any real decorations. Until I saw a hideously painted large porcelain fork and spoon set at an antique store. They were white with red swirls and hot pink flamingos...not what I was looking for. But I loved the shape of them...and of course knew exactly where'd they go. I sprayed them black and filled in this empty space in my kitchen:

Love them!

A Project a Day ~ 106

2012-02-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

My husband and I try the best we can to communicate...but life happens. To help with things we need completed around the house I made this:

He hung it right by our kitchen sink so I can always add things and he can always see it when he comes home!

A Project a Day ~ 105

2012-02-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

Another flashback....so I made some Santa keys for friends this year that had new babies. They turned out ubber cute! I found vintage keys and some new ones at Round Top. I sprayed them chrome, added a tag, and tied a bow...voila!

A Project a Day ~ 104

2012-02-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Way back in December we had an ugly christmas sweater party. Super fun with just a few close friends. Again, Valerie to the rescue! She made these sweet fold over toppers for my munchies to go favors!

Thanks for being delightfully tacky!

Sweet sweaters...

Awkward family photo...the best!

A Project a Day ~ 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, & 103

2012-02-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

To keep this simple...I'm going to do a mass cookie exchange post...2 months late...My sweet friend Valerie creates anything I ask without an complaints. She's amazing. In turn I try to get clipart that'll help extend her new shop on Etsy or just make her a few happies. Because she's such a great friend she made all these awesome things for our cookie exchange back in December...

Voting Table:

97: Voting cards

98. Pencil flags!

99. Adjustment to my burlap wreath, cookie exchange sign!

100. Winner gifts, a cooking book to match the winning tittle!

101. Each person brought a hand written copy of their recipe. I copied them all, laminated, and tied them together to send to each person as favors to go along with their hot cocoa.

102. Cookie cutter chandelier!

103. Winner gifts. I used hand towels and napkins to re create these fun old school oven towels.

We had a great time and ate so many cookies!!!!

A project a Day ~ 96

2012-02-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

So you've heard of Pinterest right? If you haven't...you need to. I like to say it's a virtual inboard that reminds you of your personal interests and that you can be creative no matt what stage of life you're in! I found a few projects for creating enlarged rulers for measuring your families heights on...but I of course wanted to see how we could do it our own way. We used more boards from our old fence gate; cut into pieces and sanded since some of them were bowing. We attached them to an ultra thin piece of plywood to keep them sturdy, then measured, drew lines and added vinyl numbers. What do you think?

We did it all the way to the ceiling, 8 feet, and cut and 8 in half...my husband's family is quite tall.

We reused the old nail holes to screw the boards into the wall to so that it would look more rustic.

Can't wait to measure everyone on it! And the best thing is we can take it with us if we ever move!

A Project a Day ~ 95

2012-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Key holder!!

Yes, the numbers are backwards. It will drive my sister crazy, I know. Yet I love it. We saved a gate from our old fence and have steadily been using it for different projects. My hubs cut a small piece off the fence, sanded the edges and then attached it to the wall for the background. We glued the type letters on and then used short screws to attach little hooks we've saved from hubby's grandfather's old shop. I love it! What about you?

When Julie and I went to Round Top, Tx for it's annual "antique week", I think it's more of a ginormous garage sale. One thing I was looking for were the old typography stamps. I didn't totally know what I wanted to do with them, but I wanted to do something. So this is what I ended up making....

Randomness

2012-02-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

Since I last posted...way back on December 27th...life has been busy as usual. Since then we have been trying to recover from the holidays. Yes it seems like recovery:) 5 Christmas's in 2 days, but so much joy with family I wouldn't change it for the world. We've really just been playing and having surgery...oh yeah that little thing. So here's a run down of what that was like.

- go to hospital super early with a baby who hasn't eaten in awhile.

- keep him occupied through our 4 mini meetings to get him prepped and set for surgery.

- move to another room.

- change into the "yellow outfit" as we call it.

- then walk around in a wagon with Lenny attached to him...until he's finally taken back.

He did amazing {He as in God did it all swiftly!} A 3 hour surgery done in 1 1/2 hours. He then recovered really fast and we only had to be in there for a day, which was so nice!

Besides that, we've just been playing and playing. With friends and cousins, just trying to get some of that energy out! Boys are born with a bit more it just seems! I need to increase my iCloud account...so not too many pictures!

Jack & Gia

Recovering from Christmas...he napped in the swing that day!

Playing at the cousins' house!

Having fun with Anna

Playing who is more stubborn with Ella.

Hello...???

2012-02-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

I've obviously been away for a bit. I can't even remember the last time I posted about our little monster or my sweet family. It's been an amazing, crazy, full, tiring, happy, exhausting few months. We've had holidays, surgeries, family time, and even a few toddler tantrums that have kept us a bit busy but oh well. I'm going to try and make a conscious effort to get back to this! I love being able to look back at our life on here. I've been writing out all my goals {yes, it takes me an entire month to get my goals set in stone for the new year...}, so tomorrow...they should be getting on here!

A Project a Day ~ 94

2011-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

Now every budding artist needs a place to work right?

Now if that's not the cutest little monster I've ever seen I don't know who is.

He's been "creating" things that need a place to hang. And I'm trying to keep them in one place...or 2. I want him to see what he's done so that he will want to do more. I know boys are labeled a lot as non-fine motor workers, but he's got a mama who's the opposite of that. Hubby & I put our brains and skills together to create this:

We took 4 yard sticks from Lowes {69 cents each} cut them down at 18 inches, screwed them into the wall. We left the top screws out just a bit to hang clips on. We also glued the backs of the clips to the bottom yard stick just for a little added security. I like how it turned out:)

A Project a Day ~ 93

2011-12-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

I think everyone dreams of having one of those cutesy decorated and organized home that when you look at it you think...aw, that's nice! I know I do. Not to have what others do, but because organization makes me utterly happy, and when it's pretty that's such a nice bonus! I read iheartorganizing.com sometimes and she created this awesome craft caddy from a utensil holder from Target. I too had one of these laying around waiting to be purposed. Since the little monster is getting more and more interested in what I'm doing in the craft room I thought I'd prep for when he's bigger and ready to create some things. I sprayed the caddy black and added vinyl letters to it. That's it! Then of course some play dough, map pencils, crayons and what not. But super simple and pretty purposeful.

Sweet.

A Project a Day ~ 92

2011-12-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

When my sweet hubby & I were in Paris on our honeymoon we had one of those silly pictures done by a street artist. It hardly resembles us, but I love it. Because that was the first day the sun came out on our trip. It was so beautiful. I've had the picture tucked away for 5 years and finally knew what to do with it. I wanted it up in my craft room, since it matched the fun style I was going for. I refused to pay for a custom mat so I decided to try the fabric mat. I had a remnant piece just big enough. I sprayed the back of it with spray adhesive, attached it to the back of the frame and then added the picture on top. I actually reused a big frame that was in our attic so that made me excited too! Here's how it turned out:

Don't we look like action figures or something? Fun though...haha

A Project a Day ~ 91

2011-12-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

I make lists daily...in my head, in my journal, on the fridge...every where. One thing I always forget to write down is where I am on all my craft projects. So I decided to make a designated projects list board. I took a clipboard from staples {$4.99 for 3} and spray painted it black. Then cut out letters on the cricut in vinyl, stuck them on and voila! My neat little board! Oh, and I attached a pen too so I'd never be without one! Now this is hanging by my table ready to go:

A Project a Day ~ 90

2011-12-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

This year I hosted a little cookie exchange. I loved it. My cookies were horrible, but I loved it! As little favors I gave homemade hot cocoa packaged up very sweetly. My friend Val at Southern Petite Paperie on etsy.com made up an adorable Cookie Exchange package for me too. Here's how the hot cocoa came out:

I found these cute jars at the dollar tree and all the ingredients at the grocery store!

Cute? If you'd like the recipe let me know!

A Project a Day ~ 89

2011-12-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

Anyone remember opening your lunch kit on the day of a special test or a big audition and there's a sweet tiny little note from your mom? It was something small enough to slide into your pocket and keep you going all day. I loved those. Probably still have some tucked away in my jewelry box. Since I have a ton of moms in my life, I thought it would be nice to give some out. I could have easily just printed something from the computer...but there's this awesome site called Vistaprint. We all know it. I ordered business cards, 3 separate sets all saying different things. Then I packaged them up, 10 of each type, for people. They turned out cute.

A little raffia and they were umber sweet to give out!

A Project a Day ~ 88

2011-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

At Christmas time...there are these little lovely things that come in the mail by the dozens...oh yes, you know what I mean. Christmas Cards! Here at the Walkup house they don't just come in the mail. They also go to work and church and all over. Needless to say, we need tons. And I try to be frugal if at all possible. I had about 75 blank white cards & envelopes hoarded in my craft stash...so they became these...

I cut out 3 different sized triangles on the cricut in mass quantities...added a photo square to the back of each...then popped in a brad at the top. 75 of a million...done!

A Project a Day ~ 87

2011-12-30T18:14:00.000-08:00

In an effort to cut our paper towel budget and to put my own spin on this project, I decided to make these:

Well, by "I" I mean my sister embroidered & I sent her the mix matched towels. So far it's been working out great. Each day I pull out a new towel for wiping things up. Then at the end of the day it goes in the hamper. Except for Sunday, I gave myself grace on that day. I love the idea though.

A Project a Day ~ 86

2011-12-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

So it's that time isn't it? When the teacher in this mommy comes out to play and Jack gets a few games. Well games he will one day use, when he's big enough. I save a bunch of milk jug tops {Jack & hubby both drink different milk} I cut out some shapes out in vinyl, stuck them on and voila! Hopefully one day Jack will play memory, match shapes, and colors!

A Project a Day ~ 85

2011-12-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Who hasn't made rice crispy treats? Me! So we did one day and Jack loved them!

A Project a Day ~ 84

2011-12-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

I wanted some little candle holders...but not real candles. I've been moving towards the Scentsy line and just non-flame candles. So I found these old vases at Goodwill for $1 each, added some twine and a flameless candle. Voila! Something cute, right? Well the pictures kind of stink but they look nice in person!

In the kitchen window.

On the mantle.

I'm thinking of adding rocks to the bottom, but can't decide!

A Project a Day ~ 83

2011-12-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

I love seeing the Last name frames with the Est. Year...don't you? So I saw a simple wood mirror at Goodwill for a steal! I knew I could paint it and make it pretty. So I did just that, added a little vinyl and bam! A sweet little addition to our kitchen for $2!

Like it?

A Project a Day ~ 82

2011-12-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

A monster costume for a sweet monster. 2 months late..but oh well He looked adorable at Halloween and will look so cute again when he and Ella play pretend in it!

This was before he was walking:)

He had 3 "fins" on the back with polka dots all over them.

Love it.

A Project a Day ~ 81

2011-12-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone likes a pretty refrigerator right? Mine was a mess. I decided that it needed to be pretty so I wouldn't make it messy again too. I took some simple magnetic frames, cut out some frames on the cricut and attached them! I left the sides open so I could still update the pictures and the pictures are still protected by the front vinyl cover. Perfection!

Love them!

The End

2011-12-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

of the year that is! Not my silly little blog that maybe 2 or 3 people read. Eventually I'll make time for it but for now, it's just when I can. I realized I hadn't posted about little monster in quite awhile. We have been going through a few rough patches of no napping and learning what time out is. Yet, I some how deep down love it. I love that when I wash his jackets now, I find leaves and mulch he's picked up on the play ground or our daily walk to the mailbox. I love that he can be stubborn and isn't a bump on a log, mainly because then I know I gave him something! I love that he loves going outside, just so that we can run around chasing a ball to come back inside and cuddle by the fire. Even with all that...there still weren't naps. No naps...for a long while. Yet he was going to bed at 6:30 and sleeping until 7 am...and being a cranky monster for hours during the day, jumping out of his crib ones, trying to get me back in there by bonking his head on purpose {thank goodness for video monitors!}, throwing everything out of his crib and then resorting to the lovely..."mamamamamamama" which melts me. But oh well, it may be over now. Oh it could just be wishful thinking and exhaustion talking.

As you can tell with the parks that I've been loving...the growing up parts...there's a lot of moving going around with Jack. Yes...he learned to completely walk! I can't tell you the exact day, mainly because it was months and months of therapy and hunching over him walking to the mailbox, or walkers and many many more attempts to get him interested. Even visiting other friends who were walking just to let him see it was cool! It just came to me! The week after Thanksgiving is when he really took off. After seeing all my cousin's kids and his own cousins walking around like crazy something must have clicked. So he's everywhere now. He even graduated from Physical Therapy!

His vocabulary is coming along well. His favorite thing to say is ,"Got it!" Either when he grabs a ball or when he's been told not to do something...he waves his arms around and says, "Got it! Got it! Got it!" about a million times and super fast, it's so funny. He can name his Yaya, Papa & Pa {Matt's dad} yet hasn't named Matt's mom. I think he calls her Gaga, because we call her grandma. But there's not commitment to that yet.

Needless to say, he's just growing like crazy. Here's an overload of photos to enjoy!

Just being cute.

In the fall.

Getting his balance.

Always where he's not suppose to be...

Remembering when his body fit in this same spot...

A monster for halloween!

Becoming an artist?

Or a dare devil??

Skyping with Uncle Nathan in Iceland...

Learning to brush his teeth.

Learning other things too...

He got a sword on a trip to Goodwill.

At Uncle Andrew's basketball game..

Being silly with Daddy...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Another trick he learned to do, climb in the chair alone...

So, he graduated to the big person table!

Hope you enjoyed the overload of pictures! He's growing and growing each time I snap one!

A Project a Day

2011-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Yes...Halloween was a month ago...but I had to post my pumpkin. Technically it was a project!

$3 pumpkin, Vinyl letters, voila! Ubber cute pumpkin with no mess!

A Project a Day ~ 79

2011-12-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

I like making things to help our little monster get caught up in all his motor skills. I did a few projects with straws and gerber jars, but I wanted to plan ahead for when we get to the more educational stuff that I remember learning...and loved learning!!!! I saw this on the old pinterest site and did my own version. What do you think?

I bought a 6 clip magnet set at the $1 store and grabbed free paint samples at lowes!

I think they'll be fun to do one day when he's bigger!

A Project a Day ~ 78

2011-12-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

Do you ever go to get a clean glass out of the cabinet and there aren't any? Well...I always walk over to the dishwasher and grab a glass to use them...but sometimes I may or may not have forget to run the dishwasher...everything looks clean, but maybe that's because my husband rinses and scrubs it all before it goes into the dishwasher. So is it clean??? AH! At 5 am I don't enjoy figuring this out. We've gotten in a better routine of running the dishwasher every night, but some weekend days we forget. To help us both out I made this for the side of our fridge...

I bought the magnet at a kitchen store for $1.49 and just cut out the word with white vinyl on my cricut. It's been pretty helpful for us!

A Project a Day ~ 77

2011-12-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

I'm a planner by nature. Ask anyone, well...you could just go back and read somewhere that I have 3 calendars...yes 3. Well I kind of added another, just for food. Who doesn't need a food calendar? I have a super sweet husband who loves to know what we are always having for dinner. I tried just writing it in my planner but he doesn't look there, so I made this...

...for this small little spot on the side of my fridge.

I used 7 dry erase squares, added the letters for the day, the word week and I added the nice magnets I got for my birthday to make the top say "The Walkup's Week Menu". I like it and it didn't cost me a thing!

A Project a Day ~ 76

2011-11-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

Back to Christmas season...haha. I saw this on pinterest and thought my home needed it for my soon to happen Cookie Exchange. I pulled out all the cookie cutters I had and found 6 at the antique store for $3 total.

A little hot glue, an easy DIY bow and voila! An ubber cute wreath!!!

A Project a Day ~ 75

2011-11-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Doing a little back tracking...

I made a few trick or treat baskets this year. Though none of the recipents actually got too much candy, or ate it for that matter. But they now have super cute baskets for when they do get to that age!

The outside two are for sweet girls. The middle one is for our monster.

There's a special "good" candy pocket for their favorite.

I used orange felt on the inside, gray felt on the bottom outside and layered on top of crushed velvet. I stiffened it with Heat N Bond.

I just love them!

A Project a Day ~ 74

2011-11-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

I'm just about in love with the infinity scarf. It's super easy to add to any outfit and the little monster can't yank it off whenever he wants to. Here's my newest one.

It's a striped jersey knit fabric {wonderful because it won't fray!}. All I did was pin the 2 ends together, sewed a straight stitch and it was done!

Yes...that's the only picture I could get...baby on hip...that's how it is around here:)

A Project a Day ~ 73

2011-11-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

I helped a friend decorate her door for a Holiday Market she was throwing. I'm in love with these little markets, so much better than having just one type of item for sale. She had Scentsy, 31 gifts, and Willow House. It was perfect! Here's how pretty her door looked:

Pretty huh?

I took a grapevine wreath from Micheals, added a few poinsettas and glittery accents. The sign was ubber easy too. I just used cardboard & Cricut letters, then attached it in a few places with floral wire. Easy peasy and now she can take the back off and use it as a regular wreath!

A Project a Day ~ 72

2011-11-27T19:12:00.000-08:00

I am totally a make ahead type person when it comes to the holidays. I love to sit with my hubby {and now sweet little monster} and drink coffee during the holiday season. Much more enjoyable than shopping until December 24th. I went ahead and made these for a lot of people because I just loved them. I am a list person and hate to be without pencil and paper or a dry erase board. So I thought up this idea with my best friend and voila! Scrapbook paper, cricut machine, vinyl, and a frame...yay! What do you think???

{I saw I made a few...}

{Cute???}

A Project a Day ~ 71

2011-11-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Getting into the holiday spirit I had to make a few Christmas ornaments! I got the idea here and thought, I can so do that! I already had some red vinyl and found a pack of ornaments at Goodwill for 99 cents! They had ugly gold tops, so I spray painted them red to match the letters. I think they look great, but I am the one that made them!

{Cricut Vinyl Easy-Peasy Ornaments!!!}

A Project a Day ~ 70

2011-11-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Way back in June I did a fun Father's Day gift I go figure forgot to post. But I couldn't let it go with out posting. I got the printables from here for free and just went to town!

My sweet husband, dad, and dad in law all loved their super hero themed treats!

A Project a Day ~ 69

2011-11-27T18:26:00.000-08:00

For our 5th Wedding anniversary my husband too all the gift money...he does that sometimes. He got into a mood of "I don't need anything" "I just love you and need you for my gift." Haha. That's not how I work though, so I had to be inventive since he said I could spend anything on him. I had seen an idea on Pinterest to do dates for each month, which I loved. I of course had to make it cute and put our types of dates in there. Here's how it ended up:

{All our dates!}

{We can't cheat and see what date is coming up!}

{For each date I took an envelope, put the month on the front, the do not open sticker on the back, and make a little note about the date to go inside. I also put the cash in the envelope so we never had an excuse not to go because we were low on cash.}

These are the dates I came up with...mind you, they are silly things we'd like to do...

- Going to the driving range & lunch together.

- Finish Christmas shopping, coffee, & people watch together.

- Fancy dinner in town together.

- Estate sale & lunch together.

- Farmers market & cook dinner together.

- Build something together.

- Bingo & bad food together.

- Galveston Day together.

- Group date to Pete's Piano Bar.

- Movie Date.

- Undate: Watch someone's kids so they can go on a date!

- Last but not least our 6th anniversary date:)

What do you think??? I was pretty proud of it all.

A Project a Day ~ 68

2011-10-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

In working in the big boy room, I've noticed I tend to spend a lot of time in there right now. So it of course needed....a calendar. I had a magnetic on on our fridge that normally just got filled with lists, so I decided to reuse it. My hubby took it too work and cut it down to the size I needed {thank goodness for knowing someone who has a fabrication shop!} and then just popped it in a frame! It's magnetic, dry erase and still pretty!

Cute?

A Project a Day ~ 67

2011-10-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Our little monster will be the big 2 in February. That may seem very far away to most, but I already scare that he's growing up so fast. I remind myself daily that this is just what happens and it's totally a good thing! Don't I pray everyday for him to "grow up, be healthy, happy, and joyful!" ? That's another day and another topic.

With the thought of him growing up, and me being the mommy that I am, I of course want to be prepared for that big boy moment of a big bed. My in laws gave us my husbands furntiure from when he was a little boy, and I just love it! It's old barn wood and it's just so...little boyish! A bit lived in and very loved. When he does make that big jump to a big boy bed he will change rooms too. With that...hahaha...it means I finally get to spend the thought out time planning an ubber fun room for him. With the nursery it was a bit rushed and so nervracking with the planning for oxygen machines, ng tubes, and heart monitors.

Now...the big boy room. One thing I new we were going to need is a bit of toy storage. I like open storage, but not always see thru storage. I happened to find an awesome deal on beverage buckets at Target at the end of summer and knew exactly where they would be going and what they would be used for. 2 of them made homes at the end of Monster's new big boy bed. Here's how one of them turned out {aka...I forgot to take a picture of the other} :

The other is bright yellow and simply says Toys. I used black sticky back vinyl and cut out the letters on my cricut, then just stuck them on. Perfect for when he can read...:) So that's the start of toy storage here!

A Project a Day ~ 66

2011-10-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

While I was in Round Top I had a million projects printed out from Pinterest that I wanted to find sweet reclaimed items to create with. One, was funny enough, the word CREATE. I love it. It makes me happy just thinking about creating something. So I wanted to put the word on an open wall I had in our craft/play room aka the destruction zone for the little monstrer and myself. I hoped that when we saw it it would inspire us to do wonderful things! Or just be pretty on the wall. We found this awesome vendor who had a million different letters from old signs. Julie and I stood in the Texas heat for about 30 minutes just sorting and switching out letters until I loved it. Thank goodness for a good friend and a ton of water! Here's what I found and hung up all by myself. I'm not trusted with a hammer very often, I wasn't this time either. 3m poster tape did the trick!

I think it turned out great!

Old letters + poster tape = inspiration

A Project a Day ~ 65

2011-10-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

I've been in love with the burlap wreaths I've seen all over the place on pinterest, so of course I had to create my own. I used the a few different tutorials to get the look I wanted, from here and here. This is what I came up with:

I added 3 felt flowers and hung it from a sweet ribbon on our front door. Looks simple, but I can change out the flowers for the seasons and that cuts down on storing a million wreaths!

A Project a Day ~ 64

2011-10-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

We shall see if I actually get to 365 projects, but I've been super proud of a few things I've been busy doing around the house and wanted to post. Here's a back to school project I did for a few sweet teachers. It's as easy as get a clip board, cut the paper, add a little modge podge & you are done! I've seen them everywhere lately.

I even added paper:)

Mama Vacation

2011-10-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't fall off the Earth. Just busy I guess. My goals have been going well, even if they haven't made their way back on here:) Oh well. That's a Mama brain for you.

With that said, this Mama needed a break. These last 21 months have been tough on our family, happy but tough. Matt has traveled all over, with our blessings of course, while I have stayed home and done what I do best...been Mama. At some point I think every Mama feels the need to be away, while still knowing they love their baby. I finally had that feeling. I knew Jack would be perfectly safe with Matt and both grandma's were super close just incase. I never had a want to go anywhere in particular, but one of my best friends & I found the world of "Round Top" Antique week and decided we needed to investigate it. So we did. A very big blessing of someone canceling their hotel room, a little bit of money, and 7 days advanced notice...we were off! We left early on a Friday morning and came home late on a Sunday night. All while collecting a slue of fun additions for our homes. {By the word Antique, I don't mean stuff in your grandmother's home. But more like old things that will be new treasures!} We looked on the lovely world of pinterest and found a million things to look for. We loved La Bahia, Blue Hill, and Warrenton. But also plan to check our Marburger Farms in the spring. It is a totally crazy world this Round Top Week. I'm so glad we went. I think our friendship has stood the test of time for a many reasons, but we both laughed when we wanted just to sit...without the T.V. on, cellphones off, and read what was going on in the world. Neither one of us could remember the last time we sat that still for that long without chasing a baby. We can't wait to go back for some more break time! As I do my projects I will post pictures of the treasures we found!

Friends & Fun

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

We haven't been up to too much here at the Walkup House. Just doing our normal day to day things. We had another playdate with Ella & Julie, fun was had by all as usual. Mommies had coffee, babies played with bubble wrap and fed each other cheerios. Fun fun.

{Attempting pictures}

{Ella teaching Jack about music}

{Figuring it out...}

{So proud of himself...}

{Then the bubble wrap became the best toy ever!}

Oh! We did have 1 huge step here at the Walkup house. Jack took his first set of steps! He just decided to turn and try it! We were so excited, I screamed, Matt looked, Jack clapped...then plopped down. We are still working on it, but he's getting braver by the day. We've been walking to the mailbox each day and he still wants his walker or mama's hands.

{So big}

{Got scared by the lawnmowers...}

{Back on our adventure}

{Waving to neighbors}

{Mama even gets a wave as we get back home}

{Riding his walker}

Something I forgot to post a long while back was that we said goodbye to puppy the pacimal. We decided at the beginning of July we were done with him, he needed to be put on the shelf as a fun memory and we had let him hold on a bit longer than we'd planned anyways. It was a great plan, except the lovey I'd ordered him didn't come in until 2 weeks post-puppy. Oh well. So this is our new friend, Lenny the Lion. His name was Roarbert, but we chose Lenny because it reminds me/us of the 62 days I layed in bed watching Lenny on Law & Order while on bedrest with our boys. And it's just a cute name. Isn't he cute? And you put a sweet smell in him and it's so calming!

{Loving Lenny}

Since the weather has been ubber nice, well it was last week and still is ok before noon, we've been trying to work on our fine motor skills outside with some chalk. We haven't braved too much with writing, but we are getting there. Here's our small time outside yesterday.

{How...ummm....mama????}

{He figured it out}

{Before I could even show him...}

{Write on the blanket? or the concrete? which hand?...to be continued...}

We started swim lessons too. This was a stretch I guess you could say. I feel like it takes him/us awhile to catch on to things and swimming maybe one of those things as well. We have had 2 classes and he seems to like it, but kicking is slow or not happening and blowing bubbles...well we stick our tongue out and make spit bubbles. Needless to say tons of water gets in. And we dunked today, that was fun....he cut his eyes at the teacher for the rest of the class like "You made her do that, I know it!" Here's from our first day.

{Excited and not sure why}

{Best friends}

{Concentrating Mamas}

{Finally getting to play}

{Cheer Mama came out}

Matt kept laughing at how exaggerated I was, but Jack seemed so exhausted. One of us had to look happy!

Hope every one's having a great week!

Weekly Goals

2011-09-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to call a redo. So apparently when a week starts on a Tuesday, Mama's brain is left on a Saturday. So a redo is neccessary. I typed my goals and never thought or looked at them again. So....this week....

Now onto another week:

Wife Goals:
1} Have quiet us time.

2} Continue to be confident in all I do.

3} Do an activity a night togethers.

4} Cook our planned meals.

Mommy Goals:

5} Practice naming an identifying parts of the body; head, shoulders, knees & toes here we come! Shoulders this week!

6} Let him completely feed himself yogurt at dinner each night & work on gogurt.

Self Goals:

7} Start new devotional & plan time with friends for book study.

8} Strength train twice this week & focus on eating when hungry.

9} Do 2 blog posts this week: Weekly goals & Friends Post.

Home Goals:

10} Organize kitchen bar cabinets & set up Jack's art area.

Friends & Family

2011-09-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

We've been a busy bunch. Jack has been "released" I guess you could say, to be out & about even more than before. He is allowed to go to public pools, our gym daycare, and the church nursery. Our pediatrician actually used the words "normal kid". Which made me laugh, cry and feel giddy inside. Minus the slight terror of other kids touching him besides his cousins & a few close friends. {Germaphob I know, I blame the NICU:) With love of course.} Needless to say we've been trying get out and do more things with more people, especially before flu season:) Here's a few pictures of his playdates:

Our Weekly Playdate with Julie & Ella.

It has been way too hot for our morning walks lately. So we decided a playdate with the kids & coffee once a week would at least do us all some good.

{The favorite toy of the day.}

{A ball moved...total distraction.}

{We were trying to get Ella to show Jack how to come down stairs, but they just wanted to play with the gate.}

Time with Yaya & Papa

{Celebrating their birthdays last week.}

A Visit From the Hiatts!

We love the Hiatt family. I remember perfectly clear the very first day Lindsey was wheeled in to see her sweet boy Patrick in the NICU. I remember being that mommy {except I was on a gerny} and the excitement/unknown fear that was inside me. We have loved getting to know them and spend time with our ever growing boys!

{We've missed Patrick & his sweet parents!}

{Sharing...Jack style...aka throwing over the shoulder.}

{An attempt at sharing.}

{He wanted to take his picture. My favorite!}

{Patrick found the real fun! Outside!}

{Sharing the best toy ever.}

Cousin Anna's 1st Birthday

We celebrated Anna's 1st birthday in Katy last week with our family & her friends. Tons of fun!

{Yaya & Papa with the grandkids}

{Sweet One}

{The Littles}

{Love the tutu & the sweet one wearing it!}

{<3}

{Strongest boy ever!}

{He kept trying to give Papa whatever was on the floor.}

Overall we've just been being us. Busy on the surface, but calm at home.

An update on little man...Jack is finally get back to his naps after an entire month of just "not being into them". He is at the mark of 19 pounds 15.5 ounces and 29 3/4 inches. So close! Dr. Kagan agreed we should turn him around in his carseat, it was just getting mean. He still sleeps all night, now from 7:30 to 7ish. He's still cruising, climbing, and walking with our help. From what I've read it could still be a bit until he walks, but the therapist reassure me he is on his way {as well as everyone I know who sees me getting a bit nervous at times.} We took a date to the mail box yesterday, forgetting it was Sunday, and he did great. Still wants to clutch my hands for dear life; but I'll take it. One day he will refuse to hug me infront of his friends, so for now I'm clinging tight! We are working to learn new things each day. Since vacation he's learned play chase, put on a hat & sunglasses, climb furniture, say bye-bye & Papa much better, say Pop when he sees his Hop on Pop book and quite a few others I can hardly remember. And on top of it all, he turned 18 months old! When did that happen????

Before I forget too, we did go to see one of his last remaining doctors his urologist. Jack is in need of surgery again. His last surgery, called Deflux, was not successful at fixing his severe Grade IV bladder reflux as well as one of his Hydreceles is back. So Nov. 11th is our day to talk with the doctors again and make a choice. Please pray we will know when the right time for our little man is and that he stays ubber healthy until then. We completely dislike the idea of another surgery, but we would be risking loosing a kidney if we didn't go through with it. Whewww...ok so I've typed enough! Have a happy week!

Oh...and I discovered Pinterest...geez, the internet will not be the same!

Weekly Goals

2011-09-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

So a look back at last weeks hopes & goals:

Wife Goals:
1} Have quiet us time.
~~2} Continue to be confident in all I do.~~ {This will always be on my list and always a goal!}
~~3} Find new book or devotional to read together for fun.~~ {We decided just to do an activity together each night. Talk through it and support each other.}
~~4}Support Matt in his choice to eat healthier.~~ {Bought him a DIY Trail Mix instead of any junk!}

Mommy Goals:
~~5} Practice naming an identifying parts of the body; head, shoulders, knees & toes here we come!~~ {He can pick out his head!!}
6} ~~Let him completely feed himself yogurt at dinner each night~~ & work on gogurt. {Daddy took over...he's starting to hold the spoon by the end which is much more than I was getting!}

Self Goals:
~~7} Find new devotional focusing on simplicity~~. {I think I'm going to do the Frazzled Female. I just kept coming back to it.}
~~8} Strength train twice this week & focus on eating when hungry.~~ {Woohoo!!! Twice & a walk!!! Getting back to eating when hungry!!}
~~9} Do 2 blog posts this week: Weekly goals & happenings.~~ {Check!}
Home Goals:
10} Organize kitchen bar cabinets & set up Jack's art area. {Didn't happen.}

Now onto another week:
Wife Goals:

1} Have quiet us time.
2} Continue to be confident in all I do.
3} Do an activity a night togethers.
4} Cook our planned meals.
Mommy Goals:
5} Practice naming an identifying parts of the body; head, shoulders, knees & toes here we come! Shoulders this week!
6} Let him completely feed himself yogurt at dinner each night & work on gogurt.
Self Goals:
7} Start new devotional & plan time with friends for book study.
8} Strength train twice this week & focus on eating when hungry.
9} Do 2 blog posts this week: Weekly goals & Friends Post.
Home Goals:
10} Organize kitchen bar cabinets & set up Jack's art area.

Vacation

2011-08-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

We went on our first official family vacation this month! It was 100% what we needed. We relaxed, ate yummy food, and relaxed some more. Destin will be seen by the Walkup family again! Here's an overload of pictures:

Enjoying the pool.

{Love.}

{What a good view.}

{Exercising...}

{Beach life is tough.}

{<3}

{Margaritaville.}

{Family}

{Loving the ocean.}

{Grandma.}

{Our walk every day.}

{My buddy}

{<3}

{The back of our house.}

{Attempting family photos with a toddler...hahaha}

{The Walkups 2011}

{In Laws}

{Nathan & Thomas filling in for Jacy}

{Our house from the beach}

{Brothers}

We enjoyed every minute of it!

Weekly Goals

2011-08-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I posted my personal goals for the week. It seemed to help me get back on track from vacation. Do you ever feel you need a vacation from vacation? That was us this week. When Jack napped {which is becoming more & more rare} I napped. When I would normally be rushing around being a busy body, I finally rested. God gave me what I needed when I needed it; that's for sure. I feel like the house is back to its self, I've even cooked a few times, and I got some quality craft time today while my boys took a 3 1/2 hour nap together. I had been feeling like I missed that side of myself so it was well worth putting off laundry to finish a few projects. Here's how my goals ended up:

Wife Goals:
1} Have quiet us time. {We did this, but it will continue to be a goal.}
~~2} Be confident in all I do.~~
3} Find new book or devotional to read together for fun.
{Woohoo! One down! We did talk about the other 2, so I'm praying for completion of #3 this week!}

Mommy Goals:
~~4} Make even more time for books & practice page turning.~~
5} Let him completely feed himself yogurt at dinner each night & work on gogurt.
{Yogurt...spoon...flying across the room only happened once because mama was exhausted, but we learned how to completely use a new spillproof straw cup!!!}

Self Goals:
6} ~~Finish last week of devotional book~~ & find new one focusing on simplicity.
7} Strength train twice this week.
8} Start food journal again.
~~9} Get ideas for blog planning .~~
{Still searching for the right book, got to the gym once, gave up food journal after 1 day of doing mine & Jacks, he was eating more than me! Try, try again!!! Found tons of simple solutions for wanting to blog, but not knowing where to go with it.}

Home Goals:
~~10} Complete binder filing system plans along with gift list.~~
{Totally Complete!!! It needs to be prettified with the help of Valerie, but it is actually complete!}

Well, I gave it a good shot and now it's time for another week:
Wife Goals:
1} Have quiet us time.
2} Continue to be confident in all I do.
3} Find new book or devotional to read together for fun.
4}Support Matt in his choice to eat healthier.

Mommy Goals:
5} Practice naming an identifying parts of the body; head, shoulders, knees & toes here we come!
6} Let him completely feed himself yogurt at dinner each night & work on gogurt.

Self Goals:
7} Find new devotional focusing on simplicity.
8} Strength train twice this week & focus on eating when hungry.
9} Do 2 blog posts this week: Weekly goals & happenings.

Home Goals:
10} Organize kitchen bar cabinets & set up Jack's art area.

I know this is probably the lamest post to many, but it again helps me become more accountable. I promise the next post will be about the fun & very filled weekend we had! xoxo

10 Weekly Goals

2011-08-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Where have I been??? Who knows. I decided on a whim I wanted to start posting my weekly goals I set for myself. Sounds silly I know, but I'm hoping this will validate them a bit more and keep me focused on them. I found the idea here and have been thinking & praying for ways to get me back on track after an amazing vacation {more on that another day}. So here's a go:

Wife Goals:
1} Have quiet us time.
2} Be confident in all I do.
3} Find new book or devotional to read together for fun.

Mommy Goals:
4} Make even more time for books & practice page turning.
5} Let him completely feed himself yogurt at dinner each night & work on gogurt.

Self Goals:
6} Finish last week of devotional book & find new one focusing on simplicity.
7} Strength train twice this week.
8} Start food journal again.
9} Get ideas for blog planning .

Home Goals:
10} Complete binder filing system plans along with gift list.

These may seem like a lot or a little, depending on who you are:) This is so not my to-do list for the week {you should know me better than that!}, it's just a set of goals I want to put above many other things in my days. I may not completely them all, but I will strive for them for sure! Happy week to you if you're reading this!

Blog Challenge ~ Day 9

2011-07-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite restaurants...

{a Sunday staple for us}

{so nice for after a play}

{ah...takes me back to SWT!!!!}

We don't go out very often, so I'm not hugely aware of what else is out there!

Blog Challenge ~ Day 8

2011-07-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm....I have to say that I don't have a ton of pet peeves...just a new things that I wish people would think more about while they are doing...

Cell Phone Talking....I'm big on going to another room or a quiet area to answer my phone. It bothers me when people increase their talking volume to a level where everyone in the area must hear their conversation. Sometimes...things don't need to be heard!
Touching Babies....Most of you probably think this is just a NICU mama thing, but I've heard tons of mama's say the same thing. There's no need to touch my baby. Smile at him, wave, blow a kiss...but please, leave his hands and head alone. I love that my family and friends can finally hold him, but strangers? Really? I don't feel the need to touch random peoples babies, why do they want to touch mine?
Impatient people who get a little loud...You know who I'm talking about. We are all waiting in line, calmly, then someone needs to get somewhere so they start talking as loud as they can about having to wait. It sounds silly, but I always try to smile at them and offer to let them go ahead of me. Hoping it will make them change their mood and see that there's always a reason they're waiting. We don't have to be in a hurry all the time.
Opinions...I do my best to offer advice, only when asked. And even then I'm cautious. I like others to do what's best for them and their life. They don't need to know what I think they should do, just because I think I understand their situation. In all reality, I have no idea what really would be best. God guides me, hopefully he is guiding them!

I guess that's really it. Kind of lame, I know!

Blog Challenge ~ Day 7

2011-07-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like I kind of piddle with around with blogs. I follow my sweet friends & family closely, but just piddle with others. Here's a few fun places I visit often. If you've read my previous challenge posts you totally know why I got to see these places...

A Bowl Full of Lemons

There are a million more, but there's a few to check out!

Blog Challenge ~ Day 6

2011-07-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

One hundred dollars. That just sends my brain running. $100 for just anything would be crazy fun. I'm always very purposed and have a list for any type of spending money I do. And there's hardly anything but an impulse diet coke at the check out that wasn't on my list. Hmmm....what would I do???

If I were feeling indulgent....

I would buy some beautiful Amy Butler Fabric.

These gorgeous Micheal Kors pumps...I've been eyeing them at DSW for months...

If I were feeling practical...I'd spread it out for "fun" things. I could get a Starbucks on our Target trips, Matt could go to the driving range, and Jack could have anything he wants...hahaha.

Blog Challenge ~ Day 5

2011-07-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Happiness is...

...Love...

....the day I married the most amazing man...

...A New Love...

...the day I became a mommy...

...Babies...

...our Benjamin...

...our big boy Jack...

...Family...

...my Gamble Family...

...Sisters...

...nothing like a sister...

...In-Laws...

...being blessed with an amazing "new" family...

...Friends...

...the people who make you smile when you can't seem find one...

...Health...

...makes me feel accomplished when I may have only changed diapers all day...

Blog Challenge ~ Day 4

2011-06-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

I can't drive without music. Jack loves it too, therefore it must be on. I always try to use the radio, but unless there's a song I just love I always switch to my old school iPod. Yes, I still have a little nano. I definitely need to update but I'm holding out for the next iPhone! Here's a few of my favorites:

Sara Bareilles...so good!

The Script...a recent add.

Addison Road...always makes me happy!

Francesca Battistelli tends to remind me to relax and be nice to myself when it's been a rough day.

A few oldies, but so good!!!

Billy Joel

Carole King

James Taylor

And for the little...

Sounds Like Learning...he loves this!!!!

Praise Baby...just about anything by Praise Baby I love!!!

Anybody have new music I need to try???

Life Lately

2011-06-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

It seems I love the summer season for many reasons. The year is half way through, the fall season will be getting closer, sun tanning is totally appropriate, the beach...I can list for days. Summer in itself is just fun. That is what we've been doing a lot lately. Trying to have fun. Here's a run down of it all...

We celebrated our niece's 5th birthday mid-June. She was so cute. A bowling party, with a princess theme of course. Ariel is her favorite at the moment.

{Sweet Cara}

{her cute cake!}

{Misty & I with the littles.}

{the cousins}

Then it was my birthday. Nothing big or fancy, just a good walk with one of my best friends. Then an impromptu dinner. 6 adults, 3 babies...yes we had our own section. Hahaha.

{bright & early. coffee, check. babies, check!}

{the littles}

{me and the little man}

Then we decided to meet up with a few old friends from the NICU. It was so good to see them get to play and not lay in incubators! Here's our visit with Logan. He was a 24 weeker:

{they loved playing shapes together}

{when they realized they could make noise and "knock"...oh lordy}

{they kept mimicking each other, it was so cute!}

{and Logan kept giving "love", so cute!!!}

And then we went to see sweet Patrick. This was a mommy only play date. Girl talk and babies! The best medicine for any Mommy!

{look at that cute face!! I could have just eat him up!}

{cruising in each other's way...haha}

{which toy looks better....hhmmm....}

{Patrick's mommy looks the most fun!!!}

Such a great visit. We all have longed to be able to have our boys play together and have adult time that wasn't consumed with oxygen levels and PICC lines.

Fun Fun Summer...

Blog Challenge ~ Day 3

2011-06-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to do a post like this for awhile. There's just so many things I've been falling in love with! So...

Here are a few of my favorite things...

Oh Tassimo how I love thee....We got one for our anniversary last year and just love it! I have my cappucinos every morning in less than 1 minute!

The Nook Color changed reading for me. I am able to have so many books with me at all times. I like having some of Jack's books, my books, cookbooks, my magazines, and even the bookstore at my finger tips!

My little man's ride every morning. This has been such a good stroller since Jack got released to take walks. I can play our iTunes, walk, run, and just get healthy WITH our son!

Last but not least...

My 2 most favorite things on Earth. I pray they will grow as father & son; as well as continue to learn from each other.

Blog Challenge ~ Day 2

2011-06-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Spill your purse....yikes.

I've been in limbo with it being summer and wanting to have a "fun" purse. I'm not a big seasonal purse person. I have 2 bigger Coach bags that I switch out constantly. Then a Vera Bradley that makes into the mix too. Kind of boring, but I just hate storing a million different bags. I recently got 2 new bags though, one for vacation and one as a birthday gift. Here's what I'm carrying now:

I love this bag. It's from 31 gifts, my mom is a vendor!!! Happy Birthday to me!! If you like to have everythihng in it's place, you should so look at this bag. It has a total of 6 pockets and is expandable, yet it's not huge. Which is right up my alley.

I don't carry a ton, just because I refuse to dig for anything. Here's the run down:

phone
keys
planner
wallet
iPod & armband
2 lip glosses
tape measurer
random gum wrapper

Yeah...that's it. When we go places I clip Jack's pacimal to it & a package of wipes w/2 diapers w/a rubber band around it. So sad I know. He has a little back pack or lunch kit we take to restaurants.

Blog Challenge ~ Day 1

2011-06-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

So you know me right? Of course you do. Well kind of. You know blog me. The one that types about her sweet family and the crazy crafts she does. There's tons about that never makes it on here because there's just not space! My challenge is to tell you 10 things you didn't already know.

Here goes:
1. I get up early every morning. Yes, it sounds very silly. Some days this is the only quiet my house receives. After being a mama for a year I took back a little of my me time. My husband gets up around 5 and showers, so I roll out after that when he brings me coffee. It makes my day to be up and talk to him and then just be me. I get a little time to do whatever my heart desires and that is the beginning of a beautiful day!

2. I'm a color coordinated kind of person. You know when you walk into a closet and there's clothing organized by type?? Like t-shirts with t-shirts, etc. Yeah...that drives me crazy. I have to put things with colors. All our clothing is in order from lightest to darkest. And then of course by sleeve length {tank to sweater}. I know it's totally odd, but that's the way my brain works.

3. I'm a labeler. After being on bedrest for 62 days while pregnant with our boys and having to let go of everything "having a place" I feel I'm back to my old ways. Though we are so not ready for baby #3, I feel like my house is getting ready. I have gone room to room putting labels of what goes where and finding things a permanent home. I pray that we will eventually have a happy, non-bedrest type of pregnancy next time around, but if God's plans are different for us then our home will be easy for our families to jump back into.

4. If you can't tell from the above 3 items, I'm an organizer by nature. Set me behind a pile of papers and they will soon be a neat stack organized {by color, then page number of course.}

5. I don't wear a watch. I love being ahead of schedule, but when I wear I watch a get a little bit of anxiety. I'm looking at it constantly and get a kind of fidgety. I know it sounds ridiculous, it's a piece of jewelry, but I just don't wear one anymore.

6. I'm a couponer. There I said it. Everyone like a good deal right? Oh yes, but I jumped with glee as I put my groceries in my car after a combined savings of $83 and a free $10 gift card this past Monday. I'm stockpiling some right now just because it's hurricane season, but I only buy things my family needs. {No 27 packages of cream cheese or 100 cans of cat food for us!} I'll buy a bunch of fruit when it's on big sale, clean it and freeze it. That helps when stuff is not in season anymore.

7. I'm on Etsy! Well, WE {my best friend Val & I} are. We have a shop called Spunk & Sass Designs. We make jewelry and will be introducing some sewn items in September. Val just had a baby and we both need a well deserved vacation so we will be closed for the next 2 months. We've been open for almost 2 years and feel like we are really getting the hang of things. While participating in Tot2Tot & the FUMC Pasadena Fall Festival we get to be around people and not just have internet sales. I love that we decided to take this leap and be a real business!

8. I have 3 calendars. Yes 3. My phone {to give me reminds}, my tiny red planner for my purse {to write it down for myself}, and our family calender {which stays in our home management binder at home for us all to use.} I have the iPhone 3G, so it's kinda slow but it works perfectly fine. So trying to bring up the calendar at doctor's office takes a bit with a wiggly toddler. I like writing things down so I know it's in ink {kind of like why I write lists...just to cross things off...hahaha}. It's what works for me!

9. I despise making decisions. Sometimes. When it comes to my home or my family, I can make a choice. When it comes to a restaurant or what shoes to buy, I can't decide! It's so sad...I will try on something, love it, put it back, think about it, go back and buy it 3 days later. Just so sad...

10. I have a room. A room no one is allowed to go in. It's our office, I use that word very loosely. It will actually be Jack's big boy room eventually. But right now it's in an awkward catch all stage. The other day I finally had to stop and move all the baskets out of the doorway so I could actually walk into the room. I simply close the door, don't look in there, and DO NOT allow anyone in there.

So...that's me! Another side of me you might not have known. Hope you enjoyed it!

Blog Challenge

2011-06-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

I always have it in the back of my mind to "get into the blogging world", but I have a very hard time getting motivated. It's not like I'm ubber busy during the day...you know we eat bon bons & paint our toes for 8 hours while my hubby goes to work...haha. Oh right, I gave birth to boys! Jack keeps me busy for sure, especially with his new fascination with going under everything! Lord...I asked nicely to un-teach him this if possible. 12 times in one day. Possible??? Please??? BUT!!! My sweet friend Kelley has been busy with her 1 year old as well and decided to join in on a Blog Challenge. I thought what the hey, I can try it. As usual I'm already behind. I'm going to catch up while the little sleeps and the hubby is zoning out after 9 straight days of work to The Voice. So catch time! Here's what's going on the first few days:

Day 1: Behind the Blogger- Things you might not know about us

Day 2: Spill Your Purse- What's inside (No cleaning it out the night before either)

Day 3: These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Day 4: What Do You Listen To In The Car?

Day 5: Happiness Is... (Using a picture or pictures)

Jack & Alexis

2011-06-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

We all know Spunk & Sass will continue, even with our new additions...but we are going to have to tweek how our "work days"...well work! We got the kids together this past Saturday and it was so funny! Alexis will be 1 month on Monday and Jack will be 16 months on the 27th. Obviously a little different in age, but they are so sweet together. We tried our hardest to get 1 picture....

{I'm doing my 1 finger gentle touch mom!}

{look there's dots...}

{mom...what's that noise???}

{Lexie, do you want my puppy???}

{she's ok now. I fixed her.}

Love them!!!

Grandparents

2011-06-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest joys in my week is when Jack gets to spend time with his grandparents. We are so blessed to live so close to both sets of our parents, a quick 20 minute trip to either one! Both of our moms are at home right now, so we get a lot of time with them!

Last week my mom watched Jack on Thursday so that Julie & I could go shopping and have a day away. She ended up wanting to keep him overnight, which was only his second time to be away from us. They both loved it. My dad laughed that she kept getting up to check on him. Friday we went to pick him up and decided to take a dip in the pool too. Here's a few pictures:

{just relaxing...}

{loves his daddy...}

{love...}

{all our kids...haha....}

{trying out the baby pool...}

{not for long...}

{me and my littlest man...}

{then we discovered the window...}

{that's my mom!}

{we learned to knock knock knock...}

{and getting brave to crawl through the tunnel...}

{that lead to this sticky situation...yes that's a coffee table...}

Then on Sunday we got to visit with Matt's family. We haven't seen them in awhile since Thomas had broken his foot, had surgery, got a staph infection, and was placed in the hospital. Lot's going on over there, all while he was trying to wrap up his senior year and move to college! So away we went for more family time and a few more pictures...

{our little lazy bum...}

{he floated for about 20 minutes just so content...}

{playing in the fountains...}

{then no one was safe...}

{dad...give me the controller...}

{mom...I'll take the paper for you...}

{fine...I'm leaving...}

{no Grandpa...I'm getting something from the kitchen!!!}

We also did a family dinner to say good luck to Uncle Thomas. He was suppose to move up to SFA to start his college basketball career back on June 5th, but that was delayed until this week so his foot could heal.

{Haley, Thomas, & Jack refusing to be photoed...}

{staring at the pretty lady!!!}

Tomorrow we finally get to see my sister's family for our neice's 5th birthday!!! Will post picture of the rest of our family then!

Weight Loss

2011-06-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

So 2 of my best friends & I decided back in January to get on the healthy wagon, get in shape, and really try to change for the better. I feel like this will always be a work in progress for me because I don't believe that you can just stop eating somethings and keep them out of your life forever. Though I love the idea of being a veggie only person, I love chicken & cheese way too much! So a work in progress I shall be! I have learned to love a lot of foods I was very eerie to try and still despise certain things, but I am totally ok with it. I feel like there's always been that noise in my head saying "If you don't like this, you're bad!" or "You better eat this or you aren't healthy". After doing a bunch of reading I have realized I am totally not alone in this.

I finally feel conent with my body and how I'm eating. I may not always make the choices others would when it comes to my meals, but if I'm satisfied and I know I've balanced my food throughout the day then I feel great! Oh and I've got to drink at least 10 waters!!!! I have figured out my body feels yucky without that much. And again, the number sounds crazy to some, but when I was on bedrest I had to drink between 16 and 20 cups a day!!! That was a lot water.

I decided to give myself a break on "the number" too. You know, the magic one of "I'll be happy when I weigh...". It's so not true. I set a goal and flucuate within 2-3 pounds of that. So, I'm happy. I bought new clothing to continue that happiness too. 2 sizes smaller than I thought I wore! With that, I feel like my dieting days are over. Now that I'm focused on my health and not my weight as much it just seems to work.

{I proudly wore a new bathing suit at my moms the other day. Yep, proudly. After having twins, I feel so proud to happily back in shape.}

A Project a Day ~ 63

2011-06-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

I <3 cards. If you know me, you know that I love sending them too. I love putting that little stamp on the envelope and pulling out my trusty address book. Hence the reason I am horrible about responding to emails! I'd rather just send a note! With that said, I love making them personal. So whenever I see "Free Cards!" From Shutterfly, I order! It usually ends up being around $5 for them to ship, but I love having the sweet ones I get. Here's the most recent ones I got:

I Just Love Them!!! And technically they are free!

Jack & Friends

2011-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

So, Jack has friends. I like the sound of that. He got his first friends in the NICU, but now he has friends he can play with. It's so exciting watching him grow. Some of his friends are a little younger, so they aren't "playing" yet but it won't be long. Here are a few pictures:

{Jack & Ella}

They see each other almost everyday for walks and are starting to "communicate". It's kinda funny to listen to them grunt at each other.

{Alexis & Jack}

He's going to let her grow a little before he takes over and shows her the ropes!

{Brynn & Jack}

They are 1 day apart by our boys due date. They played and just had so much fun together today! Golly, it made my heart jump just seeing them together.

Yes, if you can't tell...he has a lot of friends that are girls...hoping more boys will pop up soon. He does have sweet Colin & baby Owen was born last week. Here's hoping we can even make a trip to see Patrick, Logan & Grayson from the NICU soon!

Easter

2011-06-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

I realized that I never posted all the pictures from Easter...so just a bit late but oh well! Here's a how we started the morning at an nice 7:30 am...

{excited and not sure why...}

{tons of colors...!!!!}

{what's that!!!!}

{yay!!! the easter bunny came...}

We read his sweet book about the real reason for Easter and headed to church.

The boys got to hold Jack for the first time that day...

What a great Easter we had.

Post of Pictures

2011-06-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing tons of pictures of all my friends new babies and I forget to post the few we can get of Jack. He's so darn fast now!!! These range from the last 2 months, but I thought you might like to see them:

In April he mastered the art of eating bread, bananas, and quite a few other things with his fingers. Yet, put something slimmy down there and you can guarantee a meltdown!

At the beginning of May we took Jack to the new sno-cone place in town. He wasn't a fan just yet.

I <3 my boys.

He refused to smile or look at the camera, but I had to post this one. I got this for mother's day and thought it was hilarious.

You all obviously remember those oddly chilli days in April we had? Well this is our solution to size 6 month pants that fit his waist but are way too short to keep his legs warm!

{Peekaboo!}

{My Uncle can Dunk on Your Uncle}

{Spring cleaning....where's the baby???}

{Finally a picture with my littlest man!}

{And we have discovered toilet paper}

Funny feet

{Every time he's in his chair he curls his toes up and straightens his legs out keeps them that way the entire time he eats. It's so cute!}

{I just love his "big preemie feet!"}

And we discovered grass....

About 2 months ago it was a gorgeous spring day and I couldn't help but plop Jack in the grass....oh he was adorable & I of course just found the pictures on my camera....

{what is this...}

{this is interesting...}

{i love this!!!}

{is this ok....}

yes, I grabbed it out of his hand as I took this picture...hence the head being cut off...

Have a good rest of your weekend!

Memorial Day

2011-06-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to Uncle Stan & Aunt Nan's beach house. I can say that this has grown to be one of my favorite places. It is so relaxing and comfortable there. Matt & I spent our first Spring Break there. This time is was obviously going to be a little different for many reasons:

- WE HAD A BABY!!!
- There would be 13 people there.
- Thomas had foot surgery a week prior.
- Thomas & Andrew had their wisdom teeth out the day before.
- 2 of the boys were bringing their sweet girlfriends.

P.S. There are only 2 bedrooms...haha.

We knew from the start it would be an adventure to see what Jack could handle, we've actually never taken him on an overnight trip before. Yes I know he's 15 months old, but we haven't exactly had a million opportunities. Besides the fact that he hasn't slept in a room with us since he was just home from the NICU.

We had great fun, with only a hard time adjusting the first night going to bed for him and waking up at 6 a.m. But the second day he was exhausted and slept until 9:30!!! Mama was not complaining! Here are a few pictures from our trip:

{these are all I have my father-in-law took tons}

{Someone was a bit upset they weren't able to go with us this time. Our sweet neighbor boy took care of them for the weekend!}

{So adorable, if I do say so! Our little beach-bum!}

He did great the first day there, just played and had a good time. Matt made a lemon launcher for the boys to watch him shoot since they were a little under the weather.

{Playing with Uncle Nathan on the air mattress. He decided bedtime was optional...}

{After a full day at the beach someone wanted a diaper change, no breakfast and another 2 hour nap.}

{Jack with his Great NaNa}

So obviously we had a great time...I just don't have the pictures to prove it. I'll add some soon. You see, while at the beach we had a little hiccup with Thomas. After an early morning walk with Jack on the first morning there, we noticed Thomas' foot hanging off the couch {a mere 8 days after surgery} and it looked a bit off. When his parents woke up they called the doc. Tuesday he ended up having surgery again, it ended up being staph. He was luckily out of the hospital Thursday and could attend his High School Graduation Friday. His little girlfriend pushed him in a wheelchair since he wasn't allowed to walk.

Hope ya'll had a great weekend!!!

A Project a Day ~ 62

2011-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Do you remember those first few days after having a baby? I remember being so excited to finally put on make up, carry a purse, and wear shoes! Ok...so my having babies was different than many others. Do remember that feeling of, "Oh I want to look pretty!" I sure do. I had been without make up for so long I just longed for it. So for 2 of my best friends who had babies I wanted to give them things that they may forget for themselves or need to run out and get but just not have the energy or drive to go and get it. Here's the one I made for Val:

{ I always try to package things in something useful...how about a happy, spring purse!}

{We filled it with everything from a new shirt to dry shampoo, kleenexes to thank you cards}

{Her card.}

I love having a reason to give a gift!

A Project a Day ~ 61

2011-05-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

When my sister had her first baby {I can't believe it's been almost 5 years!!!}, her sweet mother-in-law gave her husband a diapering tool belt. It was filled with everything he could ever need to feel prepared for when Cara needed a quick change. Since then, my mom has given Matt one as we awaited Jack to come home and I have filled many and then given them to our friends who have been having babies. The dads always get gipped on gifts! Here's the one we just gave Tony {Alexis' dad}. I love getting things together like this!

{The New Daddy Tool Belt}

{A few needs you can never run out of.}

{His note.}

{You always need batteries!}

Happy diapering Tony!!!

A Project a Day ~ 60

2011-05-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting back up there in the numbers! Woohoo! I waited a few days to post these because I had to make sure Miss Alexis was going to join us. And she did!!! Val & Tony welcomed their sweet little girl last Friday. This was one of her hospital gifts I made her:

{Her & Jack of course}

I'll come back and post more pictures later of the inside. Overall it's a "quiet book of colors". I'm pretty proud of them both because I looked at a few designs and just went with my own instincts. I feel proud of it and hope she {& he will love them one day!} I got my ideas from here & here. I made my pages 1st, sewed them together right sides facing each other with a little batting on the back of one 2nd, then used heat & bond to put them all together. Like???? Oh and the best part...it was totally free! I stole Val's scrap bin before she had Alexis and tried to grab pretty fabrics I knew she loved making things with and added a few to make it colorful that I had.

{the inside...}

A Project a Day ~ 59

2011-05-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

A silly addition, my it's a project in my life...getting rid of as much artificial sweeteners as possible. Harder to do than I thought. I'm not going to rid my life of them {that seems impossible and sometimes you just can't help it}, but I can make a conscious choice when I'm at home. So I took that little bit off my cereal {Kashi of course!} and switched to adding a few strawberries instead! Yum and better for me.

A Project a Day ~ 58

2011-05-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Another addition to the baby shower decor we did for Val were cute diaper cake center pieces. We decided to do small ones all over to add to the overall look and make it easier to carry. A diaper cake is so easy to make! Take a diaper roll it with the waist band on the inside like a log, wrap a rubber band around and then do as many as you need to to make your cake. Here's how ours turned our:

{Many, many diaper cakes!}

{A close up}

Cute huh???

A Project a Day ~ 57

2011-05-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

As you all know {the 1 or 2 people who read this:) } that the Walkup house is trying its best to take a turn for the better when it comes to our eating. We have both really tried to look at what's going into our bodies, how it's prepared and what the outcome will be for our family. Sounds silly to most, but neither one of us thinks we exactly were setting the best example for our son with what we were eating. I made a dinner the other night and it had to count as a project. It was different for both of us to eat and not exactly on my "palate" of foods. I found the recipe here and was ubber excited to try it. Here's what it looked like:

{Feta & Spinach Stuffed Chicken}

OMG...it was so yummy. I did my best to listen to my body and I was full after 1/2 so I stopped. {Another change for me!} Normally I would have eatten the entire thing as if it wouldn't be there tomorrow!

Try it!!!

A Project a Day ~ 56

2011-05-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

I had purchased a little spiral notebook on clearance and tucked it away for when I needed a new "list book", yes that's what I call it. I will make a list for anything and months in advance for things {yes, my sister calls me crazy...with love of course!} I didn't love the cover, because it was ubber plain, but it was on clearance for 50 cents, so I thought it was a good deal that I could make my own easily. So, I did! This was another free project {well minus the 50 cent notebook}. I took paper, cut it to size and adhered with paper modge podge. Then I cut sticky backed vinyl on the cricut, adhered and modge podged over. Lastly I hot glued a rubberband headband that was the perfect length to the back to keep it closed {I already had these on hand for a previous project for our niece}. Here's how it turned out:

{monogrammed notebook}

{back, not the straightest gluing job but you've got to let go of something!}

Like?

A Project a Day ~ 55

2011-05-18T04:55:00.001-07:00

Aw, can we say baby....before we know it there will be quite a few more bundles of joy making tons of cute cooing noises! I can't wait! So in prep I've been trying to get their "hospital gifts" ready! I loving giving to people, but hate the hefty pricetag it can take from our budget. I decided to scour the internet {not anything new!} and found a cute tutorial for some sweet baby hats! A baby can never have too many accessories! Here's how they turned out:

Cute huh? I even used some of the little flower pins to make some extra girly! All the materials were free too! I grabbed a few shirts that would soon be joining our Goodwill's inventory and decided to reuse them! Yay, Free project!

A Project a Day ~ 54

2011-05-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

So I fell in love with this tutorial while searching for ideas for Valerie's corsages at her Baby Shower. There was 1 Mama-to-be, 3 Grandma-to-bes, & 1 Great-Grandma-to-be able to make it. So I wanted to do something fun & different.

Here's how the corsages came out:

Then I decided to make a few more just other people for upcoming holidays:

Simple, fun, & cheap!!! This project cost me a total of $1!! I already had a good stash of pieces to pin to their shirts, I just needed felt! Love it!

A Project a Day ~ 53

2011-05-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

For Jack's birthday {yes it was almost 3 months ago!!} I didn't want to go overboard, simply because I think it's silly. And the boy was beyond blessed by everyone else who knows him! So I of course wanted to do something creative along with the book and little toy we got him. I saw this tutorial and loved this idea from here so I decided that's what I would make him. I decided on the song "I Love You So Much" because that is a song we sang to him everyday in the NICU and we still sing it each day just because. Here's how it turned out:

I used paper and modge podge on this one. It was ubber easy with the cricut, but sticky vinyl I now know is just as easy! So pick which you like and so make one! This project wasn't totally free, but it was cheap:

Paint {77 cents}
Canvas {$11 - 1/2 off at Micheals}

Love it!

A Project a Day ~ 52

2011-05-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

These were the fun invitations we did for Val's shower. They were super easy and way less expensive than the ones I got my idea from on Etsy! The only cost was:

Martha Stewart Elephant Punch: $5.50 {1/2 off at Michaels}
Cardboard Colored Cardstock $1.99 {1/2 off at Joanns}
100 envelopes {$6 at Walmart}
Yep...that's $13.49 for 100 invitations!!!!

Here's how they turned out:

I loved them, and more importantly so did Val!

A Project a Day ~ 50

2011-05-17T05:47:00.001-07:00

I finally made it to 50! This should of happened, oh probably in March but who's counting??? Not me! As long as I get them done when I want them...that's what matters. Onward! I realized I had never posted the little thank you cards I did for Jack's birthday party. They were super simple, went with the theme, & free! So I had to share. If you remember fro my older posts, Jack's birthday theme was whales with mustaches {crazy I know.} There aren't exactly any thank you cards that fit that just floating around. Instead of using ink to print some, I decided to go to the old cricut & make something else! Voila...

{Yes they are whales!}

So I just used the handy cricut to cut out 4x6 whales, wrote his little notes & sent them in white envelopes which I had tons leftover from the party! Another free project!

A Project a Day ~ 48

2011-05-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

Somehow this post got deleted from the blog...no idea! But here's my project from that day again:

I used scrap cardboard colored cardstock and leftover scrapbook stickers. Free project!!!