{Shanks Household} Day 37 of the Proverb 31 Challenge

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

I hope you are all learning a lot about yourself on this 40 day challenge.  Anyone doing it with me?  While I haven't made giant leaps toward becoming Ms. Proverbs 31 I have made tiny steps.  I am definitely more aware.  My good friend shared with me this passage from her devotional, Jesus Calling.  (I am going to check out this book for sure.)  This particular excerpt from the book really hits home with me today. I read it while I was folding laundry, making breakfast, and watching the TODAY show.  I wasn't exactly channeling Prbs31 at that exact moment, now was I!? I do believe the lady in Proverbs 31 follows the wisdom in this book.  One of the  many things I am working on throughout this challenge is finishing the task in front of me.  Finishing ONE task. Don't start the next task until I can finish this one!  Otherwise nothing will be done and the house will be a mess.  And of course I'm running around frazzled and wondering how things got so out of hand.  And no, I didn't get to drink the coffee I made while folding laundry because I never got back to it -- I was too busy doing too many things.

What we ultimately need to do is trust in Him.  Above all things always go back to Him throughout the day.  Let Jesus be your center, your rock, the guidepost to get you through your day.  Because with out him -- how would we ever manage our day?  How much better would our day be if we invited him to join us!

{picture by Cassia Lynn - thank you for sharing with me!}

{Mommy Mondays} for the days you may never come up for air

For the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don't think we have it in us to read one more story, play change one more poopy diaper, wash one more round of laundry. For the days when we think everyone else has it together. For the days we're sure anyone else would do this job better.  

For the days we just cannot live up to lady in Proverbs 31.

For those days. You know the ones.

Repeat after me:

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.

2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.

3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.

4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.

5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.

6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.

7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.

8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.

9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.

10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children out loud, especially in front of my daughter.

11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.

12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unfine moments.

13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.

14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.

15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.

16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.

17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.

18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.

19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.

20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college.

... with love from one tired mother to another.


{written by Lisa-Jo Baker} 

Friday -- can't believe you are here already at the {shanks household}

Woops! Missed yesterday's blog post.  I've been very busy lately with some good things around here.  A few highlighted thoughts for Friday.

one
In honor of 40 Days to Proverbs 31 I've taken some time for myself this week.  I went to hot yoga with friends, shopping, and spent time reading.  I'm still in need of a good pedicure but that will just have to wait.  Any nail color recommendations? This post will be short because I'm actually going to put away the computer and spend some quality time with my husband.

two
If anyone is in need of some weekend reading you can join me with this book.  Pursuit of Proverbs 31

three
Oh and did I mention I've dropped an entire pant size?  Hello there size 6!  Thank you 40 Days for keeping me motivated.  Anyone else have any success stories yet?  My husband and I both bought JAWBONE UP wristbands.  I've only worn mine for about six hours.  I'll make sure and post a review next week.  It records everything, even sleep patterns.  I'm looking forward to seeing my results.  Does that make me a nerd?

four
On a different note. I'm thrilled to be receiving new potential clients each and every week.  Word of mouth is traveling and its a good one.  I'm working on all kinds of things - weddings, births, thank yous, even custom monogram drink stirrers.  I can't wait to post everything.  Stay tuned.  You can view my latest at my shop.

five
Leaving you with a smile.  My little helper pulling things out of the fridge for dinner. Follow me on instagram to see all my photos.

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! 

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

Ever since Anna was born I've been wrestling with Proverbs 31.  I wrestle with it because I feel my world has been turned upside down.  I also don't feel like I have time for anything anymore.  Well I may have 5 minutes here or 5 minutes there but never a giant chunk of time to get anything seriously accomplished. Anyone else get where I'm coming from?  I'm reminded of Proverbs 31. You all know this story.  Its the complete guide on how to be super woman. All I can think is, how in the world can I manage this?

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies. 

 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value. 

 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life. 

 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands. 

 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar. 

She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants. 

She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 

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. 

In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy. 

 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 

 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come. 

 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

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

 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her: 

 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.” 

 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

-- Proverbs 31: 10-31

So basically ... the lady in Proverbs 31 is this lady.

and this is really how it is ...

I'm not asking to be super mom.  And I hate being crazy mom.  Can we find some sort of middle ground here?

So what is the action plan?  Well, this month I'm implementing a few things.  Baby steps I tell you ... baby steps.  Feel free to join me on this crazy adventure!

:: Real Simple daily house cleaning schedule for more detail
:: a clean house = less anxiety for me & a happy husband (he hates clutter)  if I see the entire kitchen trashed I get so overwhelmed I can't even tackle it.  (Maybe a later blog post will be on dealing with my anxiety, eh?)
:: this plan states it will get you a clean house in less than 30 minutes a day.  Clearly they haven't been to our house.

:: P90x  I've already started but am implementing into this challenge
:: I'm taking this post baby belly by the horns.  I'm headed to Vegas at the end of May and I'm going to feel so much happier and more confident if I like the way I look.
:: clean eating - meatless mondays, regular (healthy) smoothies, planned meals, plenty of water, less carbs, less sweets, more vegetables

:: recommit myself to the Bible in a Year (i'm two weeks behind)
:: regular writings in my prayer journal

:: actually spending time with him - actual conversation which means we may need to turn the TV off or sit down at the table for a family meal together
:: more date nights - even if this does mean we will have to spend a little money on a babysitter

:: spending quality time with her each day (this is the easiest task by far!)

:: yes, even pup needs love.  He has felt so neglected since Anna was born.  Just 10 minutes each day is what he needs for a good ear scratch or tossing his stuffed animal around.

:: carve out a small section of each day for me, my happiness, and my mental health (a bubble bath and a glass of wine is definitely calling my name!)

Please join me!  Would love to hear your goals in becoming a better you!  Stay tuned for my progress and follow me on twitter and instagram for more!