{save the date} for simple elegance and a whole lot of country // photo magnets

Do you remember me posting a while back about this gorgeous wedding?  (If you missed it, please check out the full details for Elizabeth and Taylor's save the date ideas. And you can check out her invitations here. I finally got my hands on the final piece of the save the date.  I love magnet style save the dates, don't you?

We are working on a few other details of her wedding too.  I'm definitely staying busy, but love every second of it.  I can't wait to see everything finished!  And I can't wait to finally meet Elizabeth at the end of May!

Please visit my shop and let me know if you need anything.  I'm open for hire!

{recipe of the week} cucumbers, cheese, and crackers

Well I haven't gotten very adventurous this week cooking.  Basically we are cleaning out our freezer so I can make some room for some freezer meals here in another week or so.  I also made meatballs in the crockpot this week.  They burned.  I made an Indian-style chicken in the crockpot and it didn't turn out nearly as great as I thought it would. 

Some weeks you just luck out.

I did however find a new delicious snack that I'm obsessing over.

{the goods}
cucumber
Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss
Ryvita Light Rye Wholegrain Crispbread

2 crispbread crackers with a little cheese spread on each.  Add a few cucumbers on top.  Eat and enjoy.  It just seems like such a "Spring" snack with its creaminess and crisp cool cucumbers.  I'm not a huge fan of cucumber but I definitely like it spread this way!

According to Eat To Lose, Eat to Win an afternoon snack should be about 150 calories (if you follow the rest of the day rules too).  This snack won't get you there (you could eat it for a morning snack and that would work!).  So pair this with a hot green tea and an apple.

You also should get in 30-35g of fiber/day.  This only gets you 3g but at least it helps!

Did you get a chance to check out this book I just read?  If not, take a glance at my post for it -- as you can tell I'm a huge fan of Rachel Beller.

40 days to Proverbs 31 and my {10 favorite things} to organize

Well this week has definitely turned into an organizing week for me.  Best way to get started on this challenge is to clear out the clutter!  Don't you agree?  (did I just rhyme?) If you know me you'll know that I have "organized clutter in my life".  I am all right brain.  I have to have everything where I can see it.  If it is out of sight it is truly out of mind for me.  My husband is all left brain.  He loves things neat, orderly... and of course picked up off the floor.  It is a constant battle in our marriage.

So, in order to become Mrs. Proverbs 31 I have to get rid of the clutter and get into the organizing.  After all, a happy husband means a happy home right?  Here are a few of my favorite trending "tips and tricks" to get you organized around the house.  Some I have implemented some I am working on.

^ Great pull out drawer full of individual dividers.  You'll never be digging in the bottom of your makeup bag again.  Think of the minutes you'll shave off your "getting ready" time!

 ^ Fold all your sheets into one of the pillow cases.  Then stack on top of each other in your linen closet.  Everything will stay neat and tucked away.  No more searching for random pieces of your bedding. ^

 ^ Keep those small cookbooks in a magazine caddy.  (The best small loose cookbooks are always the ones at the grocery check out line. ^

 ^ Organize greeting cards with filing tabs.  Now you'll always be ready for those birthdays, weddings, and thank yous. ^

 ^ I always have at least one sock missing.  It usually ends up mysteriously in the next laundry pile.  Keep it safe pinned up near the washer.  If you don't find it within the next week or two.  Toss. Its a lost cause. ^

^ An organized refrigerator means you'll actually eat out of it!  I buy groceries once a week.  I always go through and toss the day before.  Then mid week I reassess what is in there. If you keep organizing and reorganizing you won't miss all those good veggies and fruits.  ^

^ For those of you like me with a very small pantry.  I think this is one of the easiest ways to alphabetize and get control over your spices again.  Remember to throw out those beyond their expiration dates. ^

Thank you Pinterest and your many contributors for the above images and links.  
one . Unknown / two . Storage and Glee / three . Homey Home Design / four . Haute Indoor Couture / five .DesignSponge  / six . Martha Stewart  / seven .  Decorganized Crafts / eight . Unknown / nine .  Unknown/ ten . Organizing Made Fun

{mommyhood} and living up to perfection: 40 days to Proverbs 31

I didn't post anything last week because honestly I'm still trying to get my ducks in a row here.  It is a lifelong battle.  I'm sure I won't become the lady in Proverbs 31 overnight (or in 40 days) but I'm making the conscious effort.  Boy have I made some changes!  I'm not sure they are groundbreaking.  My husband might not even notice, but I have!  While getting my ducks in a row I've been working on two giant steps, clutter and organizing.  They do go hand in hand nicely, don't they?

She gets up while it is still night;
OK I haven't done this yet.  I told my husband I was going to start getting up with him at 5am and he laughed.  I think I woke up one day and rolled over.  I do want to implement this but oh man is it a hard.  Maybe this week?  Maybe I'll have some amazing life changing post next week on waking up at 5am.
(don't hold your breath)

She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks. 

She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.

The reason behind the above... is here.  I'm up until midnight everynight.  Thankful for my little business starting to really blossom. (Have you checked out the shop?)  I am trying desperately to find time for it and my family.  I am actually more of a night owl than a spring chicken.  And I have a scentsy nightlight thats on all night -- does that count? 
Oh, I hear you.  I could start getting up at 5am and getting my work done too. I guess that is what Mrs. Proverbs 31 does now doesn't she.

 

  She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

I am desperately trying to "finish what I've started".  It is definitely one of my weaknesses.  As my husband said last night, "you are planning so far ahead in the future you can't see today."  So... insert Springpad here. 

 

Have you been introduced to this program yet?  It will change your life.  Goodbye post-it notes all over the place.  Goodbye ridiculous list of bookmarks on your browser of diy projects and recipes to try.  Goodby to the way of thinking "oh I need to write that down" and then never doing so. Everything is now neatly organized in one little space.  You can organize pretty much anything.  From To Do lists and meeting notes, to music and workouts. I can access it via computer, kindle, and phone.  You can even set alarms, put things on your calendar, share notebooks and lists with friends, etc. I'll never forget a thing again (well let's not go that far.)  

 

 I've started looking at it every night before I go to bed.  I review my accomplishments of the day and write down tasks of the day/week ahead.  And guess what?  I'm sleeping better! 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you miss the launch of the 40 day challenge?  Check it out.  Its never too late to start! Join me! 

{shanks household} and furniture walking

 "Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop.  The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving." {penelope leach}

I never realized exactly how crazy and busy life could get.  Its not like I didn't KNOW this was going to happen.  Everyone tells you this.  I would complain about the fussy newborn days, the no sleep, the breasfeeding problems, the reflux and people would just simply reply "wait until they start walking".  Well, here we are at almost 10 months.  Anna is busier than ever.  I think once this lady starts walking for real she will probably run marathons from the very start.  Good thing the weather is nice and there is a playground nearby.  I do believe we will be out more than we are in. 

Dear Anna, I love your determination.  You aren't afraid to try new things.  And if at first you don't succeed you try and try again.  I loved your joyful laugh and smile when you finally got this furniture walking figured out.  And now we are cruising everywhere with little hollars, and babbles, and laughs that light up the entire room.  You'll always take a few steps and then turn around and make sure I'm watching.  Its like a giant joke.  "Look at me momma!  How much fun is this?!" Keeping up with you is exhausting.  You are on the move every few seconds.  But I am so proud of you and all of your little accomplishments and milestones.  No matter how small they are.  And even though I'm on my second cup of coffee of the day -- who wouldn't love spending their morning with your sweet little face?  I love you more each day.

{all pictures by sixteen sunbuckles . Anna at nine months}  

second photo . outfit by Children's Place / third photo . shirt by Carters for Kohls / fifth photo . shirt by Carters for Target and chair fabric by IKEA - DIY Upholstery Post

big sister little sister {knits}

I had a request for a newborn hat and a one year old hat from one of my new friends up here in Alberta.  I love making these little hats and whipped them out pretty fast.  I decided to do coordinating colors for these two hats.  Wouldn't they be so cute on sisters?

(recipe of the week} my mom's crockpot lasagna with a spicy twist

I love trying new recipes.  I also love a new cookbook.  I'm obsessed and if our house was any bigger I would probably be a hoarder of cookbooks.  But before you start passing judgment let me just say that I DO use them all.  And I have them all color coded (maybe cookbook organization is for another day?)

Here was the dilemma for the night.

Sometimes I'm not feeling overly adventurous and just need some good ole wholesome comfort food (aka... momma's cooking).  My momma lives over 1800 miles away so I know we can't sit down at her kitchen table any time soon.

AND its my husband's birthday (well and mine.  We are a day apart) so I definitely don't feel like cooking.  And he loves lasagna which is such a high maintenance dinner I dread it.  (I always burn myself on those noodles) 

So... here comes Mom to the rescue (as always).  My three favorite ladies of all time gave me this handwritten recipe book for Christmas a few years back.  Its a treasure.  Her crockpot lasagna is delicious. Mom however never lived in south Texas.  Brandon and I usually enjoy a bit more "kick" to our food so here is her lasagna with my own personal twist.  If you don't like it spicy then don't add the kick!

Oh and did I mention its crockpot and SUPER easy???

Crockpot Lasagna with a Spicy Twist
{the goods}
1/2 lb. spicy italian sausage
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion (or a couple dashes of onion salt since we don't eat onions here)
1 green pepper chopped
dash of red pepper flakes
2 cans tomato sauce (i used spaghetti sauce)
2 tsp. salt
15 oz. carton part-skim ricotta cheese (or cottage which I prefer because its creamier)
1 small box of dethawed chopped spinach
1 c. parmesean grated
3 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
12 uncooked lasagna noodles

^ Got all your ingredients? ^

 ^ my new favorite crockpot secret -- no mess and easy clean up ^

^ get your little helper situated with something that will entertain her (for 2 minutes at least)

^ if you can buy already ground sausage that is recommended ^

^ I always buy my ground beef in bulk at Costco.  Then I divide and freeze the rest for another day(s) ^

 
In a large skillet, cook sausage, ground beef, and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink (8-10 min or so) stirring occasionally.  Drain

^ Cut up your green pepper (and onion) and any other vegetables you might want to add ^

^ I threw in some spaghetti squash puree.  Anna has decided she only likes finger food now.  No one in our family will even notice there are EXTRA vegetables in this lasagna.  Add squash, cauliflower, carrots, etc.  You'll feel like super mom knowing everyone is getting an extra serving of vegetables. ^

^ Stir in your vegetables, tomato sauce, italian seasoning, and salt. ^

^ In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesean cheese, 2 c. mozzarella cheese, and spinach.  You may need to add a little of one thing or the other to get the right blend. I like mine a bit creamier. ^

^ Check on your little helper --  where did she get to now? ^

^ layer your crockpot with a liner and a bit of PAM (I like to double duty)

^ Time to layer - Spoon 1/2 of the sausage mixture in first. ^

 

 ^ Add a thin layer of sauce ^

^ Layer with four noodles, broken into pieces to fit. ^

^ Next add 1/4 of the cheese and spinach mixture.  Repeat until the crockpot is almost full. ^

^ Layer the last of your shredded cheese on top (if you can fit it) then put the lid on it.  Cook 6-8 hours.

^ Cut and Serve. ^

^ "Are you going to eat that?" ^

^ HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful Husband.  As requested, a DQ ice cream cake for dessert ^

{10 favorite things} a mother's love

My mom got me this sweet little gift and gave it to me while we were in Vancouver (did you see my little blurp on our family vacation?)  My mom wrote this simple message in the front of the book, "from one mother's heart to another."  Have I ever mentioned how wonderful my mom is?

h

This book is basically 92 pages of adorably cute animals and uplifting motherhood quotes and stories.  Its a quick read but an excellent gift.  (Mother's Day is coming up!)  I wanted to share a few of my favorites from here.  Happy Friday Moms!

one . Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws. - Barbara Kingsolver

two . Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

three . A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.  It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. - Agatha Christie

four . I cannot forget my mother. She is my bridge.  When I needed to get across, she steadied herself long enough for me to run across safely. - Renita Weems

five . The phrase "working mother" is redundant. - Jane Sellman

six . There are a million moving parts to raising kids, and you can't always anticipate them all... It's as simple, and scary, as that. - Anna Quindler

seven . My mother's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it. - Buddy Hackett

eight . Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life. - Sophocles

nine . My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. - Mark Twain

ten . A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. - Sophia Loren

{rockstar mom} Kerrie Siegl

 I'm excited to introduce my friend Kerrie Siegl to you all!  Kerrie and I met in college through Greek Intervarsity.  Even though we were in different sororities, different majors, different interests we had one common bond - our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Kerrie and I met a lot of great friends through this program.  She even met her husband there!  Ever since I've known her I've admired her strong faith and constant reliance on Jesus.  I'm sure she'll tell me otherwise but thats how I see her!

I was so thrilled when she said she'd be a guest blogger for rockstar of the month.  She has such an inspiring blog and a talent for words.  Her blog, Waiting for the Sun to Rise is a favorite on my blog roll. I hope you will all check it out. When she shared her "mom moments" with me for this rockstar post I was so in awe of how open and heartfelt it was.  She is relishing all of the little things with new baby K, even the most difficult times.  Where I am quick to lose my temper and patience, Kerrie praises God! She thanks Him and remembers how wonderful and amazing this little life is we hold in our arms.

Having Baby K was such a life journey for me.  I was not sure if I would even have a baby.  I was diagnosed with endometriosis after my freshman year of college and continued to have knife stabbing cramps and pain each month and bouts of anemia.  Before I got married and after another frustrating gynecological doctor visit, I remember breaking down in my bedroom praying God would bless me with a child.  Years went by and I even worked for an adoption agency, so I could come to terms with the fact that I might not be able to get pregnant.  So imagine my surprise when one and half months after my most recent laproscopy  (a surgery through the belly button to burn off abscesses), I had a positive pregnancy test.  I called my doctor who specialized in endo, and his secretary said, "what a miracle, congratulations" as she hung up the phone.  From that moment on, God was not only part of each day of my pregnancy, but I have felt God has been in each and every day since K was born.

I was a huge pregnant lady with an unclear due date.  I remember praying for a very clear sign that I would be in labor.  I thought the due date was February 10th, my doctor felt I was due February 23rd.  On February 1, I went to bed and said aloud, "it would be cool to have the baby tomorrow because the date is 2/2 and that would be easy to remember".  I fell asleep and about the fourth time I got up to go to the bathroom that night, my water broke.  She was born five hours later via C-section.  God very clearly seemed to have all these little moments for me during pregnancy that were just reminders that He was at work.  By the time we got home, I knew I wanted to stay connected to God and our church.  Our small group from church was coming over with food and gifts.  Our pastor and his wife came over and prayed with us.  So by week two, I was ready to get back to church.  Even when I could barely sit the last few weeks of pregnancy in a 90 degree upright chair, I would find peace at church.  Getting back into our community has allowed me to feel like I have family supporting me.  I am not sure if I didn't go to our home church and were connected before coming parents that we would have rushed back, but we are really blessed.

 Something that keeps me connected to God is nightly prayer before bed.  No one really knows I do it, and sometimes I drift off into random thoughts, but since I was a little girl, my grandmother used to pray with me the Catholic bedtime prayer.  In the prayer, we used to list off all the people we could think of to bless them individually.  I've done it ever since, and then have a mental or sometimes (if I am alone) verbal conversation with God about my needs, my hopes, my worship and thanks for blessing.  It's one thing I can commit to.  I can look terrible, have had the worst day, be beyond tired with my eyes closed, but I can feel God in those moments.  Sometimes, I get so into those prayers and conversation with God that I find myself getting energized when I should be settling into sleep.

Another way I have felt connected to God since I had K was while I feed her.  I have Pandora playing a random selection of Adele, Sara Bareilles, and Coldplay.  We rock in the little corner of her bedroom.  I feed her, look down at her tiny fingers and toes.  I stroke her skin, look at her eye lashes, and each little hair on her head.  We stare at each other.  Sometimes she falls asleep, sometimes she gets wiggly.  But when we are rocking like that, I feel overcome with gratitude for God.  People always says, "you don't know what you have until it's gone", but conversely, I feel like I never thought I would have this, and I appreciate it so much more because I had prepared for rain and instead the sun came out and shined.  I thought I would go through miscarriages, adoption, or just end up without my own children.  Instead, within the first two years of my marriage, I have a perfect little girl.  My little princess from heaven.  I just sit there listening to lyrics of love songs.  I am in love.  In love with her, in love with my husband, in love with Jesus, and in love with a life I don't deserve or never earned. 

Some people say it's hard to have a relationship with the Lord in the busy world of "mommywood".  I think God is all around my life, so much so, that it is hard not to see God in my day.  Usually, I have to be more willing to worship in a new way.  Maybe I don't have the time to do an inductive Bible study every day.  I usually don't pick up a Bible.  Today, I held her and watched a religious channel that scrolled scripture to music.  Another day, I watched Joyce Meyer.  Some days, I blast K-Love Radio in my kitchen as I wash bottles.  Other days, its prayer, constant, for patience and energy.  I have a hard time not looking down at her little face and not thinking of how much God has blessed me.  Being a mother is a gift.  So many women can't have children.  So many women take for granted the spit-up, the poopy diapers, the 3 am feedings because they are thinking of how hard being a mom is.  While it is more than hard and definitely the most draining job I have ever done, it is also the biggest blessing bestowed upon women. 

Being a mother and a Christ-follower goes hand-in-hand but our societies expectation of worship and devotion to the Lord is far from fair.  We already have the pressure to look like Barbie, cook like Betty, and clean like Mr. Clean.  How then should we also be Super Nanny and a super Christ follower?  I think the reality of being a Christian needs to be examined.  The Bible has only been in print for two hundred years for the average person.  Most women couldn't read until the 1800's or later.  Why then does it seem that a mother has to have her book of devotions, daily prayer, weekly church attendance and an active role in the church choir before she can be seen as close with the Lord?  I think one thing I am learning as I grow closer and closer to God in the next phase is that God just looks for us to see the gifts we have been given.  Our children, our home, our family, and our health.  Each day that we acknowledge that, we are truly connected with God.  We just have to open our eyes and see Him.

{top and bottom photos by Kerrie Siegel / middle photo by Photography by Katie}

{wedding invitations} coral, teal, and a little bit of Texas

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting Elizabeth and working with her.  She is a girl that knows exactly what she wants and it just so happens that I love all the ideas she has thrown at me.  As a Texas girl she wanted something fun, modern, and a little bit Texas.  She wanted something unique so we decided on a large square invitation with a simple band.  All of her insert cards are double sided printed and we included a custom band to keep everything in its place. To see more detail please visit my shop.

{all photos by sixteen sunbuckles}