We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family this year. My family of 4 slept in and then watched the parade before heading to my grandparents’ house for lunch and dinner (yes, we eat twice!).
Casey and Paisley
My little turkey!
Me and Paisley! (Oh…and who is that stranger in the background???)
It’s my little brother Sean :). He’s home and we’re all so happy! We had a lot of Uncle Seanie time this Thanksgiving weekend.
Three kids and two puppies: we had so much fun!
Me and my girl
We don’t normally do this but we celebrated both Sean and Brandon’s birthdays along with Thanksgiving (Sean turned 29 on the 16th and Brandon turned 27 on the 21st…they were both out of town on their actual birthdays, so we had a Thanksgiving combo party this year).
Just for the record, they both stated that they were too old to blow out candles at the same time. My mom didn’t care and insisted…so here they are. Cute boys!
Me and my cousins
Two peas in a pod. Smith helped Sean open his presents.
She’s not exactly happy to be posing for her 874th picture but she’s thankful. We all are.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Callie says
I bet you are SO happy to have your little brother back!!! So happy you guys had a great Thanksgiving!!!
erin. says
Looks like a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Totally like the idea of eating lunch & dinner on Thanksgiving… everything is bigger/better in Texas!!
🙂 Erin
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Sweet pictures!
Anonymous says
Please tell me how you get those awesome curls/waves in your hair! Nora
Mix and Match Mama says
Hey Nora! My hair is naturally wavy (which is how you see it 99% of the time), however, sometimes, I put hot rollers on top of the wave (like that day) and that's what you get. Thanks for asking!
mel @ the larson lingo says
Yeah for having your brother home! Looked like you guys had such a nice Thanksgiving. Family time is the best! And, I agree…your hair looks GREAT!
Anonymous says
Hi Shay,
I love your blog! I was wondering if you will keep writing indefinitely? I found your blog through reality Steve back when your brother was just a contestant on the bachelorette so I am sure once his season starts airing you will have tons and tons of new followers! How do you feel about having so many people read about your life? How does Sean feel about it? Also I was wondering if you will post on his relationship (normal stuff, like you would if all of America wasnt watching). I am sure some of the gossip mags will be blog stalking you – how do you feel about that? I read your blog daily so I'm hoping that you keep writing, that is why I am asking. You are a positive example in my life :). One more quick question – I know that you are strong in faith and I was wondering why you don't talk about that more.
Thank you for your time! Annie (SoCal)
Rikki says
A great holiday for all! Thank you for the lovely pictures! So cute! 🙂
Anonymous says
Love those questions above – I hope you answer them!! Would you ever consider doing an official "question/answer- ask shay" blog entry?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hi Annie!
Great questions!! Let's go through them one at a time:
1. I've been blogging for over 5 years and see no reason to stop. I have a degree in journalism and have always considered myself a writer…this is the perfect platform for me.
2. Back during the Bachelorette, the number of viewers I had was CRAZY. The craziest part…I was still just blogging about nothing much. My random life, my friends, my family and my kiddos. I anticipate another surge with the Bachelor but I don't plan on changing my format. Will I discuss the episodes? Yes! That's my little brother and I've been including him in my blog since its inception, so it just makes sense to keep talking about him. And after the show is over and he's long forgotten…I will still talk about him. He's my brother :).
3. I will address each episode after it airs. I don't mind discussing the content of each one and a little extra from my perspective. I don't think Sean has anything to hide, so I'm not worried about saying too much.
4. I get phone calls on a weekly basis from news and gossip magazines. People are always calling me…it doesn't bother me. I usually don't answer, so it's not a big deal. I have no problem talking about Sean because I'm so proud of him and am happy to tell people that.
5. I do talk about my faith on here all the time. Every Christmas and Easter, I do a post telling the world how Jesus is the only way…my savior and reason for living. I also talk about how I survivied infertility and hard pregnancies only through the grace of the Lord. I don't talk about my relationship with Christ every day on here because that's not necessary. (I don't talk about how much I love my husband on here every day either, but you know I do). I feel like I mention my faith often and when appropriate…this blog is really just about my daily life as a mom. Sometimes you get celeb gossip, sometimes, you get the Gospel…it just depends.
Thanks for the comment!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sure! I'll do an "ask Shay" post later this week! Great idea!
Anonymous says
Thank you for your open and honest answers!! I found your blog (like I mentioned) bc of the Bachelorette but keep reading bc I am also a mom who stays home with young kids and relate to the "everyday aspect" of your life. I am trying to learn more about Jesus and have Him guide my life, which is why I asked about your faith. My favorite part about Sean was his openness about that…I have so much to learn.
Thank you, annie
Lindsay says
Looks like a wonderful holiday and your family is adorable! Love that you are a journalism major! I am too and I agree blogging is the perfect platform 🙂
jen says
Love your blog, Shay! I think you are a wonderful momma and great example. There is no telling how many people you and your precious brother will reach via this blog and his appearance on tv. I love reading daily! I have a couple 'shallow' questions…ha! What do you use to have such lovely, glowing skin? And, will you show us more of your home please? It looks so pretty! You have me hooked on the Circle K candles! Was already a fan of Gooseberry and Vanilla Bean Noel! 😉 love reading about your favorites! Many thanks! P.S….I have also started coping your multi-bracelet look, even though I'm a new SAHM, it makes me feel good. Hugs…
Mix and Match Mama says
Jen! Thank you so much for the kind words!! I work hard on my skin :). No lie. I get chemical peels, use Retin-A and swear by lotions and serums. Thanks for noticing :). I'll do a home post soon!
jen says
Oh, thank you! I can't wait to see more of your pretty home! I will be asking for some retin A next time I go to the Dr! Would you mind if I am a Nosy Nancy and also ask you about your fitness routine also? 😉 I have a sweet 8 mo. old. I just like hearing what other mom's do to get ideas. Many thanks, sweet Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
I workout 3 to 4 days a week. I was a long distance runner for years and years but once I had babies, I decided I didn't want to spend all of my free time running. I did Stroller Strides and Baby Bootcamp for 3 years as a new mom (google them…they're great!). Right now, I go to the gym and mostly do classes (spinning and bootcamp classes). I workout for an hour. Hope this helps!
Anonymous says
Does your gym have a daycare? Also a new mom looking fitness ideas!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! My gym has a great day care. My kiddos love going and always have the best time. They "work out" too :).