{shanks household} Merry Christmas

From our house to yours,
warm wishes for a Christmas full of joy, family, good food, and friends.

{mommy mondays} embracing the chaos

My reason behind slow blog posts.  Bare with me in our transition and moving.

--

These days have become busier than ever I do believe.  Every stage of babyhood comes with their own challenges, struggles, and happy moments.  The grass is always greener on the other side.  At 3 months you think "oh it'll be so much fun when they can get up and move".  And then 12 months later they are up RUNNING and you think "oh my, I wish she would just sit still for a minute."  And "wait, now where did she go again?!"

I've been through countless moves.  Packing and unpacking have become a no brainer activity for me.  I know what to pack and what to unpack first.  I know how to pack and label.  Oh, and I even started saving all my boxes and bubble wrap because we move so often (that stuff gets expensive!). I have it down to a science.  It takes me about a week to unpack.  And possibly another week to rearrange and tweak my organization.  Piece of cake. 

Cue toddler.

I love this little girl to pieces, but she definitely throws a giant wrench (ok more like stuff animal, my cell phone, the remote control, lightbulb... wait lightbulb?  Maybe I should put that up somewhere higher.  Where did she even get that in the first place?!) into my moving process.  I can't help but laugh at her trying to help me.  My little shadow sees me getting things out of boxes and putting clothes on hanger.  She wants to do just like mommy. However, her ideal of helping is THROWING everything out of the box and spreading hangers out all over the floor.  And then as soon as thats done she is completely over it and on to the next room.  You know how it is, toddlers attention span is about 2 seconds.  So then I'm off to the next room too because a toddler out of sight is usually a toddler getting into trouble.  Especially in a house full of boxes and inadequate baby proofing (its a work in progress).

Time to initiate breathing techniques and patience. My crazy organization and mild case of OCD is being surpressed (with the help of some yoga breathing techniques of course).  I will NOT let the chaos and the mess get to me.  I will not pull my hair out looking at all the unpacked boxes and break down in a huge anxiety attack.  I will remember this is our LAST move for a very long time and I have amples amount of time to get this finished.  I will remember to hug this little girl and kiss her sweet little cheeks.  I'll make time to for cuddles.  I will make time for laughter.  I will make time for what matters most in life.

In a nutshell, my life has slowed down at sixteensunbuckles for the moment.  But my life has definitely sped up kissing sweet baby cheeks and running after tiny feet.

{shanks household} happy anniversary

 We have been through a lot together these past four years.  We've been through eight moves (two states, one international), We purchased one new car, new winter tires for both cars, and practically new everything for the other car. We welcomed a puppy into our lives as well as a beautiful little girl.  We've survived ample amounts of paperwork for all the moves, a car loan, a birth abroad, Canadian healthcare, new jobs, and closing on a house.  We've vacationed in 3 different countries in four years (12 if you count all the little countries on our caribbean cruise). We made it through one big job changes, countless small job changes (on my end), and crazy work schedules and long hours on the job. We paid off all our financial debt! We made it through the destruction of Maximus Orelius and his puppy years.  We made it through colic, acid reflux, and postpartum anxiety.We have survived hours on end of long distance relationships and phone calls.  You've eaten through my "one new recipe a week in a year" and even ate the bad ones. We've learned a lot about each other.  We've learned to really rely on each other. We've made it through a lot and as I look back on it all I see is the happiness, laughter, and wonderful memories. I have them all stored up and treasured in my heart.  Today we celebrate year number four.  We celebrate all three years behind us and the two and a half years before.  I love you Brandon Michael and am looking forward to the next 50+ years ahead of us together.

Thank you for the best anniversary present ever.  I love our new house and can't wait to move in to it with you this weekend.

It'll be quiet around here for awhile // we're moving back the good ole USA!

It is very bittersweet to say goodbye to our home in Central Alberta.  I still remember the day over two years ago when Brandon texted me and said "we're moving to Canada".  And I thought "uh, WHAT?"  And I had to get out the map to figure out exactly where we would make home.  Needless to say,  I never realized how much these two years would mean to me.  I feel its the first time Brandon and I have actually lived together since we have been married.  Its definitely the longest we have lived in one place.  We ended up celebrating the birth of our beautiful little girl here.  What a sweet little Canadian surprise she was for us. She will always be unique in having dual citizenship/birth abroad status in the USA.  I've made some amazing friends.  I never would have made it through as a new mom without these wonderful women.  There were so many there at all hours of the night, with prayer, food, medical advice, and plenty of hot yoga dates.  I'll also miss the two wonderful ladies (that I've grown to love) as I worked for them part time.  They watched me waddle in and out of their businesses severely pregnant.  I'm so thankful for their friendship, advice, and overall trusting me enough to give me a job.  I'm going to miss my church.  Sherwood Park Alliance is doing some amazingly good things there.  God is definitely at work in that place.  And last but not least, I'm going to miss my one American friend I'm leaving behind in Canada.  I know one day she and her husband will also move back to the states (probably sooner than later).  I'm looking forward to seeing her in October and continuing our friendship over an obscene amount of text messages daily.

Everytime we move it is sad for me.  Yes, I am looking forward to new adventures and (FINALLY) putting down real roots this time around.  It'll be so nice to live by family and to buy a house.  However, I feel a little part of me is always left behind when I move.  Good thing is a new little pieces comes with me. 

Thank you to everyone is has made such a huge impact on my life while in the "great white north".  I hope all of my Canadian friends come visit.  I also hope we can come back for a visit as well.  Afterall, I never did get to go skiing in those Canadian Rockies!


To all my faithful readers, bare with me while I pack, unpack, clean, declutter, and reorganize.  I'll be up and running again shortly.

{mommy mondays} picking strawberries with Anna

My friend Alanna asked us to go pick strawberries last week.  I haven't done that since I was little (or have I? maybe its peaches I'm thinking of?)  In my head I saw this glorious hallmark moment with Anna.  You know, the big "life lesson" storybook moment that has been instilled into you from Pinterest, instagram, other bloggers, and professional mommies.  It would be a perfect sunny day.  She'd help pick strawberries.  We'd sit and eat a few.  Laugh.  You get the idea.

I should have known better. There were a lot of thorns.  It was chilly (and we weren't prepared for the weather)  and all Anna wanted to do was throw the picked strawberries out of the bucket.  Thank goodness Emily came along and helped us with all four children.  At the rate I was going I would have never filled my bucket.  I pick two.  Anna throws out one.  You get the idea.

But, we got these adorable pictures of Anna.  It does look like she is having fun and that is all that matters right?  So, it was worth the trip.  And we will probably go and pick raspberries next time. ( I may be better prepared with shoes, pants, and my moby wrap to carry Anna though!)

Now ... time to make JAM!

{shanks household} happy one year to my Anna Marie // weekly onesie collage

We spent all of last week visiting family in the States and celebrating my daughter's first birthday.  I can't believe this little girl is one already.  Seems like just yesterday we brought her home. 

I had the inspiration for a weekly onesie picture from my friend, Kathy.  They grow up so fast, so I didn't want to JUST do a monthly picture. I also didn't want to spend a fortune (and time ironing on) all those weekly pictures.  Since I know a little bit of photoshop this wasn't that hard to do for me.  I took a picture of Anna every Monday on the same blanket.  (I didn't want to spend money on 52 yards of fabric either) It was knitted by my grandma so its sentimental to me.  I thought putting her on the same blanket each week would show how much she is growing week to week.  After I took the picture I uploaded the image to photoshop.  Then I added a circle and the text.  Super easy right? 

I saw last month that Young House Love is doing the same thing for their daughter, Clara.  They have a very user friendly photoshop tuitorial on their blog.  The hardest part about doing this is remembering to do it every week!  It is SO rewarding though in the end.

Anna is turning one // Nursery Art Prints

My baby is turning one next week.  Where did the year go?  I'm spending a lot of time reflecting over it these past few days.  Its been a whirlwind of happiness, laughter, challenges, new relationships, and love.  It seems like only yesterday I was folding all her newborn clothes and putting arranging her stuffed animals on the shelves.  I'm finally posting the artwork I created for her nursery.  It hangs over her crib complimenting the whimsical animal prints by Trafalgar's Square.  Check out more of Anna's nursery here.

all prints by sixteen sunbuckles.  please visit the shop for more detail.

{favorite things} tuitorial // and how to curl your hair with a curling iron

I stumbled across Kate at The Small Things Blog awhile ago via Pinterest.  She has perfect hair and a face to go with it.  Her tuitorials are so easy and so personal that you instantly fall in love with this girl.  I am by no means a hair dresser.  My idea of "doing my hair" is a straight iron or throwing it up in a bun.  And even that bun doesn't look like those prefectly placed / top of the head / chiffon buns you see trending all over the place.  Kate actually taught me how to use my curling iron though.  I've gotten a lot of compliments on it.  So many that when I do it I always wonder why I don't make time to blow dry it more often.

^ Did you catch my headshot last week?  I used Kate's curling iron tuitorial ^

^ Rocking the same hair tutorial last year with short hair ^

Check out the full tuitorial below.  Thanks Kate!

getting a makeover // sixteensunbuckles is under construction // headshots

A HUGE thank you to my favorite friend Chelsea for spending Saturday with my little family.  We spent most of the afternoon making silly noises, blowing bubbles, and jingling keys trying to get Anna to laugh and smile.  Needless to say, I was exhausted when I got home.

Chelsea got in a few quick snapshots of myself while Anna took a snack break.  I am always the one taking the photos around here at the shanks household.  I'm not in many of them if you've noticed.   So thank you Chelsea for getting me in front of the camera!

{all photos by Chelsea Dawn Photography}

my little lady on {film} // the "i'm not eating what's on my plate" tantrum

VID_20130522_175052_843.mp4 from Lauren 'Dougherty' Shanks on Vimeo.

{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!}

Get Healthy/Get Fit // Implementing Springpad Notebooks into my Daily Life

I've been doing some more exploring on Springpad. I love the notebooks you can create with this program. I've also been on a clean eating, get fit, get organized kick this Spring. Which I hope is starting to be ingrained in my routine. If you'd love to join me on my quest to be healthy start following this notebook. I'll post all kinds of tips and tricks I'm noticing work for myself! *Here's to keeping New Year's Resolutions.

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.

{shanks household} and morning sunshine

"you are my sunshine my only sunshine"

^ We woke up to this, ^

^ but I was greeted with this in the morning. 

Who minds the snow when this little sunshine is so happy to see you? ^

^ check out the rest of Anna's nursery if you missed the first post ^

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{all pictures by sixteen sunbuckles / Anna at 10 months / Anna's favorite blankie by Tiddliwinks for Target / Sleepsack by Halo }

{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

enjoying the little things at the {shanks household}

 

 ^ who knew this tiny little bottle of soap could make this much joy ^

 

^ "ok enough bubble making for one day - now what about me?!" ^

testing out the canon 50 mm

We had a little photo shoot test driving the new Canon 50mm 1.8 lens ... My good friend, Chelsea at Chelsea Dawn Photography hooked me up with one of her old lenses.  Since she is a professional she has upgraded to some much nicer gear.  (She is good... please check out her work!) I'm of course stoked to get a hold of this! It takes a little getting used to since its a prime lens.  In order to focus you have to manually turn the lens.  And if you want to zoom in and out you literally walk toward or away from your target.  It takes great photos though!  Anna is so busy its hard to get a focused image but we are working on it.

Look at me sticking to my New Year's Resolutions, eh? Happy Wednesday Everyone!

^ her daddy's blue eyes ^

^ getting sleepy ^

^ easily distracted ^

^ the ceiling fan caught her eye ^

^ love her ^

{photos by sixteen sunbuckles. Anna at 8 months}