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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Parties, Shay ·

33


Woohoo!  On Saturday, I turned 33 :). I don’t know what happened…but somehow, my birthday kind of became a really special event this year.  Maybe because it fell on a Saturday?  Maybe because my mom had extra time on her hands this week?  Maybe because they need a really big favor from me?  Who knows?  Who cares?  I had a fabulous day :).  Grab a cup of coffee and maybe a little snack…somehow, I took approximately 5,568 pictures of my silly birthday.
My morning started with jumbo sized cards from the kids (a big thanks to their daddy for helping them).  Kensington drew a picture of us at my birthday party with balloons and presents.  Smith drew a picture of us at the circus and a clown is throwing pies in our faces…boys.

We had an 8:00 a.m. appointment with our photographer (and bestie!)…the fabulous Narci…for our annual holiday cards!  I figured the only way I could get my family up, dressed and motivated for picture taking that early in the morning was to say “it’s my birthday, you have to”.  It worked :).

We were back home by 8:40 and the kids wanted to watch a movie in their sleeping bags and eat popcorn.  Why not?

At 11:00, we headed off to lunch at our neighborhood sports bar/restaurant to watch the K-State game and eat a bite.

My peeps played some intense games of tic tac toe.  When I play games with my kids, I usually let them win…but Andrew Shull plays to win…so things got rowdy.

After Andrew won a game, Kensington drew this picture of her crying.  Even her eyelashes are sad!

And then she scribbled out his winning round.  This is a Shull thing…Lowes are not competitive during game playing!

I totally indulged and ate a Fried Pickle Cheese Burger for lunch.  Yes.

Kensington had been working on a dance to celebrate my birthday.  Andrew said she had been practicing often :).  After lunch, she performed for me, and she danced to Pharrell’s Happy.

Sweet girl!

Kensington also told Andrew that I love pumpkins and gourds, so she picked out a pretty looking gourd for me.  I love that she got me a gourd for my birthday.  That is totally something I will remember forever :).

 I had made some bars the day before and we needed to frost them…Kensington helped me whip up Marshmallow Cream Cheese Frosting :).

Yum!
After that, the boys were watching football, so the girls headed to Starbucks and then Hobby Lobby.

Fa-la-la-la-happiness!

We walked next door to Bath and Body Works…

…and she insisted on posing like a VonTrapp child.

And we walked through the pet store on the way back to the car.  She told me she was asking Santa for a cat for Christmas.  I said he wasn’t going to bring her a cat (because he is not!) and she said he would.  I have two months to get her mind on something else…something not alive.
Around 5:00, the four Shulls loaded up and headed over to my parents’ house for dinner.

And holy cow!  My mom has apparently been busy this week!  This year my birthday fell with a record high heat, so we were able to celebrate outdoors. Did she do a fantastic job????

Everything was so special!!

Yummy appetizers 🙂

Me and the two Cs…Casey and Catherine :).
On a side note, Casey is about to have baby girl #2 and they can not come up with a name for her.  They already have a Paisley and they want another P name (he likes Peyton, she likes Piper and they’ve agreed to not use either because they can’t agree).  We welcome P name suggestions in the comments below :).

My Grandmother and Aunt Pam…such amazing ladies!

Me and my little brother and my little cousin…both of whom are not so little any more.

A selfie with my dad.  Somehow, I didn’t get a picture with my mom…she must have been too busy working her tail off!

My sweet cousin Brooke.  
Ahhh…Andrew :).

My girl and me.

These are my people.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes for me :).

I opened a few gifts…

…and the night was really wonderful.
Sean and I both posted this last picture on Instagram and there were a gazillion comments about how we look like the Braverman family off of Parenthood.  Just to be clear…we’re very much like them…  we’re normal, loving and full of problems just like them.  This cozy little group has been through divorces, death, cancer, hard times, sad times, happy times, and in-between times.  Just like almost all families, we’re a hot mess some days too…but we sure do love each other.
Call me silly (or morbid) but every year after my birthday and usually on Christmas day night too, I think about the day and who was there and what we did…and I pray for the next 365 days.  On October 25, 2015…who knows what things will look like.  Will we all still be here?  Will we have our health?  Who knows what the next year holds?  Will 33 be a year I remember as fabulous or one of the worst?  Who knows?  I am thankful and grateful for my wonderful birthday and very hopeful and prayerful about the year ahead, however, I don’t take any of it for granted.  I chose each and every day to celebrate and make the most of…because you never know what the next day holds.
Thank you for all of the birthday wishes on FB and Instagram!  It meant the world to me.
It’s Monday, so that means Meal Planning is on my foodie blog.  Check it out here.
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Comments

  1. Whitney Plunkett says

    Looks like a fun party! 🙂 Happy birthday!
    How about the name Paige? I really like the name Peyton too though!

  2. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    What a wonderful post! Loved all the pics of you and your people! And those cards the kids made you were precious. You really did have an incredible day!

  4. Anonymous says

    Happy belated birthday Shay! It looks like 33 will be a fabulous year!
    Here are a few names for your friend-Penelope, Preston, Pamela, Percy, Parker, and Posy.

  5. Narci says

    What a fun birthday!! ? I love all of the pictures of you and your crew celebrating all day! My fave is of you and K with the gourd! So sweet!!

  9. Betsy Maddox says

    Wow!! What a sweet and special birthday! Your mom worked hard!! I love sitting outside on a beautiful night with family. That's pretty much the best birthday present ever right there. And, I am like you…on special days I wonder what the next year will hold for me. But, whatever it may be…we know God is in control. Happy 33rd!

  12. Sara Duncan says

    Happy Birthday, Shay!! I live in Krugerville, about 30 minutes west of you, and yes, it has been hot!! I'm ready for fall to come…..any time now? Haha!
    How about Paisley for a girl name?

  14. Michele says

    Happy belated birthday! Such cute pics and a precious family. For P names, I love Piper also, but would suggest Parker, Presley, Paige, Pippa, Pearl, or Penelope.

  15. Erika Slaughter says

    That last picture is gorgeous!! Lovie out did herself and I'm so glad you had a great day!!!

  17. Emily says

    I had a little girl in my class one year named Perry. I think her middle name is Kate or Katherine and they called her PK as a nickname. So sweet!

  18. Blue-Eyed Bride says

    Oh my goodness. It looks like the very best day! And you look gorgeous! The party is so magical and charming. I know y'all had the best time. (My friend has a little girl named Poppy and she is the cutest little thing I've ever seen.)

  19. Lindsay Hilosky says

    Happy Birthday! It looks like you had a fabulous family focused day! I am pregnant with baby girl #3 and her name will be Paisley too! My other two girls are Lacie and Blakely (I did the same ending rather than the same beginning sound). I do like Pressley for another P name. Also Parker is really cute…I know that is traditionally a boys name but I read a book where the main female character was named Parker and I loved it.

  21. Anonymous says

    Happy Birthday! I love the booties you are wearing at your birthday party. Do you mind sharing the name/brand?

  23. Mary says

    Phoebe. Paige. Pearl. Penelope. Good luck- the name game is fun until there's a stale mate 🙂 Happy Birthday-

  24. Hilary Jose says

    Happy Belated Birthday, Shay! Your family is too much… in a cute adorable fun way 😉

    And Casey, you know how big of a fan I am of your bows (Hilary Jose, ha!) I was even awkward talking to you on the phone one time you called because I felt like I was speaking with a celebrity, haha! Anyway, for a girl name that starts with P, how about Pearl? I have 2 nephews named Parker and Peyton (which are both popular girls names too) and when my brother & sister-in-law tried to come up with a girl name she was almost going to do Paige but they chose Pearl. It is old fashioned yet timeless and so sweet! I love Paige too. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy! XO

  25. Anonymous says

    Happy Belated Birthday, Shay! Saturday was my birthday too! We celebrated my Mema's 90th birthday, and made memories. As for a cute baby name I love Preston, for a boy or girl! I think it goes perfect with Paisley! Dawn 🙂

  26. Bonnie M. says

    I also love the name Paige. Posey/Posy is adorable as well. Oh and I liked Piper too:-)
    Happy Belated Birthday!

  27. Molly M says

    I laughed out loud at Kensington's sad eyelashes and posing like a VonTrapp child. Thanks for making me laugh at 7:00 in the morning. So glad you had a great birthday, you deserve it!! Such a sweet family you have! 33 has never looked so good 🙂

  28. Dani {Adventures of a Pharm Girl} says

    So glad you had such an amazing birthday! Praying this year is full of happiness and prosperity for you! xo

  29. Anonymous says

    Hi Shay! Totally random, but my husband and I are moving into a new home in a couple months and we will need to paint. I love the color in your living room / kitchen (the same?) I tried to look back and see if you gave the name but I can't find it. Could you tell me what it is? It is exactly what I have been thinking. Happy birthday!

  30. Polka Dot Blossom says

    Happy Belated Birthday! Looks like it was fabulous! And just in case you haven't seen…you can order Vanilla Bean Noel off of B&BW website! Glory!

  33. Brittany Sciba says

    What a wonderful birthday you had! I know the most beautiful and fun little girl named Perry! Paisley and Perry would be so cute!

  35. Anonymous says

    Paula? It might not be very popular in your region, but where I am coming from, the name Paula is having a revival!

  36. jojo says

    Happy Birthday Shay! 33 will be a great year for you!

    My friends daughter's name is Presley…my girls call her Pressie!

  38. Anonymous says

    Happy Birthday! Here a few names:
    Paden, Pierson, Pilar, Perrin, Paycie,Parklynn, Patrice,and last but not least Phoebo(LOL)!

  39. Tracy says

    What a fun birthday! Love K's gift to you and your party does look like the Braverman's! (I love the Bravermans!).

    My cousin named her sweet girl Parker – had never heard that name for a girl before but love it!

  42. Jill says

    I love your blog!!! I have two little girls as well- Payton and Paige! I always thought if I had another girl, her name would be Paisley 🙂

  45. Amy M. says

    What a fun and fabulous birthday! And as for P names, our friend's daughter's name is Pava. Whatever they name her it will be great!

  46. Anonymous says

    Looks like a fabulous time!!! I would vote for Peyton since that is my daughters name, but Penelope, Preston , Phoenix, or Portia are all pretty cute names too!!!

  47. Chelsea Vantrease says

    I love love love Patton!

    Parker is a unisex favorite of mine too though. My son's middle is Parker – but we planned to use it as a middle had he been a girl as well!

  48. JSTYMIEST says

    Your party looked amazing! And that backyard…..wow!! Happy belated birthday! 🙂
    For names…..Paxton, Presely, Preston.

  50. Anonymous says

    Happy belated bday! What about Priscilla, Patsy, Petra, Pauline, Patricia, Philomena, or Philippa

  51. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    Looks like the perfect weekend…so thrilled to see you surrounded by so much love on your special day! And i love K's little Mini Boden outfit. 😉 #ofcourseInoticedthat

  52. Tigervalgal says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Some of my favorite names are Piper, Harper, Kinley and of course Bree….just had my baby girl, 4 weeks ago! Please tell me where you got the amazing scarf you are wearing in the pictures! Thanks!

  53. Anonymous says

    I have been loving Palmer or Penelope or Parker for a girl lately! I love a good unisex name and Parker is just perfect!

  57. Queen In Between says

    Beautiful party and love that you documented the entire day! It's always the most special to me to spend it with my family doing things we all love. Love your reflection at the end. And as for a P name I too love the name Paige and we have a friend with a Penelope…I never would have loved it but her daughter is outgoing and caring and that gives good vibes for the name!

  58. Darcy says

    Happy birthday! It looks like you celebrated well! And I love how you had your hair pinned to the side – it looks very fresh. 🙂

    What about Pace or Payce? Our good friends have a Paisley Jean, but they named their other daughter Marlie Rose…so that's no help in the P department. 😉

  61. Katie says

    Happy Birthday! My twin girls are named Palmer and Parker, so I am quite partial to those 🙂

  62. Anonymous says

    Oh gosh, Shay!! Beautiful pictures of your big day. Happy birthday!!
    As far as "P" names, I'm totally with your friend on liking Piper. But another I like (and grew up with a sweet one) is Priscilla.
    Karen

  64. Allie says

    Happy birthday! I love seeing all the pictures, especially the last one!! I can totally relate to thinking of the year ahead, it's fun to think of what might happen and then look back at the previous year and see how much has changed!

  66. Melissa Watkins says

    Presley and Paigr would be my favorites! I love birthdays! Someone once told me that a mom will always celebrate her child's birthday more than anyone else and that is sooo true!

  70. Ansleighsmom says

    love the birthday posts hope u had a wonderful one! my daughter wants a dog from Santa and I told her it wasn't going to happen and she says well I will ask Santa and he will bring it if I am good. So any helpful hints u have about get that out of her mind would be great. I agreed to a fish but she said she now wants a fish and a dog! goodness! those 6 year old girls are something!

  71. Daily Momtivity says

    Happy Birthday! Looks like a wonderful day 🙂

    I knew a little girl named "Pepper" and I thought it was so adorable. It was actually her middle name but she used it as a nick name.

  73. Shesabigstar says

    What a lovely birthday, Shay! And I love that last paragraph… I've learned that the hard way recently and it's so, SO true. It's comforting to me that other people realize it as well. I hope the year is full of wonderful things for you! xo

  75. Anonymous says

    Do you mind doing a post on your makeup? It looks great! What foundation and eye shadow/eye liner do you use?

    Happy Bday!

  77. Amanda M says

    Happy Birthday Shay! It looked like you had an amazing day:-)

    My name suggestion is Pierce, but I do have a girlfriend named Parker and I love that for a girl!

  78. Wendy says

    Happy Birthday!! Mine was last Monday and it was awesome! And as far as P's go – I love the name Pressley!

  80. Kat says

    We just had a baby girl 7 months ago. She was our third girl and coming up with a name was so very difficult. We ended up with Paige and I can't think of anything better. We get compliments all the time on her name!

    PAIGE

  81. Kelly Kitchens says

    Presli/Presley!!!! and Paisley – so pretty. Will you let us know when she chooses??

  83. erica zucco says

    You got me before I could say- that photo looks exactly like it's from Parenthood! I love that show. Seems like a great birthday weekend…I also love the crying tic tac toe pic… hahah! What a fun family :o)

  84. Meagan says

    Aww, Kensington's sad eyelashes, so cute. A Deep fried pickle cheese burger sounds amazing haha. What a fun day!! Your parents backyard is beautiful.

  85. Jaclyn Johnson says

    Happy Belated Birthday Shay! Looks like you had a wonderful day, which is so great! Awesome pics, thanks for sharing!

  89. V @ X-tremely V says

    I thought the exact same thing as many others…It totally looks like a scene from Parenthood. Beautfiul! Happy Birthday Shay! I hope it truly is an amazing year 🙂

  90. Sarah says

    Happy, Happy belated birthday! What a fun party and awesome Mama for throwing you such an awesome party! And I like Paige.

  91. Amy Heinl says

    Happy Birthday…your mom did a fabulous job–everythimg looked beautiful. So glad you were able to celebrate with your family. There is nothing better

  92. Michelle Bacot says

    I love Primrose and go by Prim, because it's sweet, girly, doesn't sound too similar to Paisley and it's a little British.

  94. Kellie says

    All my daughter wanted for her 16th birthday was a tiny dog. We have a lab, but she wanted some thing small….I wish I could post a picture bec you would see Milo the Morkie laying beside me. What was I thinking giving her a car for Christmas LAST year? 😉

  95. Meredith Broussard says

    Happy belated birthday, Shay! It sounds like you had a wonderful day with your family. My best friend's older sister is Parker. It is really cute and not too common.

    Also, I was wondering which lipstick Catherine is wearing in the picture with you and Casey? Thanks!
    I hope your 33rd is a great one!

  98. Leslie says

    Hi Shay!! Happy Belated Birthday! 33 looks fabulous on you! So…as I read the "silly/morbid" part I got really teary! I know I get sentimental on holidays surrounded with all of my loved ones, but I never thought about what it could look like the following year. Thank you for the reminder to enjoy each day and pray. You have such a huge heart.

  100. Amy Lynn says

    Great post! Happy birthday… looked like a great day and 33 will surely be a great year with the addition of your little girl.

  101. Karen says

    Many blessings for the year ahead! A P name I LOVE and don't hear often is Pilar. So pretty! 🙂

  102. Angela Pino says

    Happy birthday (again!), Shay!

    I've recently become obsessed with the name Penelope. Hopefully that will make the cut for Casey's list of "P" baby names!

  103. Jenny @ jennycollier.com says

    Happy Birthday Beautiful! Looks like the best weekend ever!

    Dying over the fact that Kensington wants a cat! I have been working on a similar notion that Santa can only bring toys that he can build in his workshop. Maybe try that to convince her a cat is not in the cards.

  104. Kim Taylor says

    Your pics did remind me of the Braverman's of Parenthood. My most favorite show EVER! and your blog posts are my most favorite! I am still trying to figure out how to hang outside lights like your mom has! Looks like you had an amazing birthday!!

  105. DetroitDuchess says

    Happy Birthday! It looks like you had a fun day filled with all of your favorite things!

    I was a huge Charmed fan and they all had names that started with P. I loved Piper and Paige.

  106. Kelly @ Familiar Joy says

    What an incredible family you have! I LOVE birthdays and can totally appreciate this post! =) I love Paige, Poppy and Presly. Cute, cute, cute!

  108. Paige says

    Another cats win – especially for your birthday! looks like you had a fantastic day!

    I, of course am partial to the name Paige, but really LOVE the name Perry for a little girl.

  110. Jeanie says

    A very happy birthday to you. Love the photo of you and Andrew. Your mom did a wonderful job on your party. My pick for the "P" name is Parker. Or Presley.

  111. Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says

    Happy birthday, Shay!! I hope this next year is a great one for you – and I know what you mean about family. Mine is a hot mess much of the time, but we sure love each other!! 🙂

  112. Amanda Bajin says

    What a special and beautiful celebration for you! I just love how you pray for the next 365 days. That's so touching. xo

  114. Margie says

    Happy birthday! What a beautiful table setting and the backyard looked so beautiful!

    I always love reading your blog. You really seem to make sensible choices, don't torture yourself with your parenting decisions (just trust yourself), and you just seem real (real life problems) while also seeming to have it all together. Thanks for your positivity, we need more of that out there online and in the world!

    As for names, I always loved Paulina, Pauline or there's also Paulette.

  117. Maryellen says

    Happy Birthday Shay – I have been following your blog but not sure I have ever commented. We almost share the same birthday, I am the 24th and my mother-in-law is 25th.

    Your children are just so precious.

    Have a great year !

  119. Nancy says

    Happy Birthday!

    I love the color of lipstick you are wearing. What brand and color is it? 🙂

    It looks the same in each picture, but if it isn't, it's the color in the Starbucks picture. 🙂

    Thanks!

  120. Anonymous says

    I really enjoyed your blog today! Happy belated! I like the name Paulina, too. BTW, any chance you can do a room by room tour of your house? We're building a custom home and I need decorating ideas. We live in a one story house now, and we're building a house with an open to above foyer with lots of space and I'm kind of stumped on what to put there.. I need inspiration.

  121. Kylie McGraw says

    Such a wonderful birthday!!! And your cousin should consider the name Penelope 🙂 I have a friend named Penelope that we call Penny! It's such a unique name!

  122. Daniele says

    What a beautiful end to a beautiful post. Happy Birthday to you! Even though we don't know what tomorrow will bring, I wish you a wonderful year ahead!

  123. Daniele says

    What a beautiful end to a beautiful post. Happy Birthday to you! Even though we don't know what tomorrow will bring, I wish you a wonderful year ahead!

  124. Anonymous says

    Happy Birthday! It looks like your Mom made it very special for you :)Here are my name suggestions:
    Paige, Penelope, Pippa, Perry, Phoebe, Presley
    Let us know what they pick, I love baby names!

  126. Melanie Stephens says

    My daughte'rs name is Paxton. She loves having an unusual name. We wanted to name our son with a "P" name and named him Preston.

  127. Heather says

    What a lovely party! How blessed you are! My 'P' name suggestion would be Praise. Beautiful name!

  130. Raegan ~ FrillyLittleDetails says

    I think PARKER is a winner! Granted I love boy names for girls and not everyone feels the same, nevertheless it gets my vote!

  131. Valerie says

    Looks like a beautiful party. Happy Birthday!

    As for names, how about Portia or, like this really cool girl I used to know, Petra…

  132. Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says

    What an incredible birthday celebration!! Absolutely beautiful! Kensington is so thoughtful with her pumpkin/gourd gifts. LOVE IT! 🙂

  134. Leigh Ann Schwanke says

    My daughter's name is Peri (Emerson). Love the name today as much as I did when she was born. Happy Happy BiRthDaY!!!

  135. Amy Madill says

    Paige is a cute one… Poppy or Penny could be sweet as well! Pamela is a classic. 🙂 Good luck with the name hunt and praying for a healthy mama and baby!

    amymadill.blogspot.ca

  136. Traci Snider says

    Happy birthday to you! I'm an October girl too! Paige or Pheebi(I like this spelling) are my votes!

  137. Jaren says

    What a beautiful party and birthday!! I think just like you about special days like that! Something about being a mom and having major life events.
    Baby Names: My daughter's middle name is Paige and my friend's little girl is Prestyn.

  138. Anonymous says

    Unique & precious names for baby girl #2 — Paxton (love!) and Paelyn (so cute!). Blessings to them! Can't wait to hear what they choose. ~Kristina

  139. Jamie says

    Sounds like your birthday was perfect! And your parents backyard….holy moly looks so beautiful.

    For your friends baby I vote Penelope.

    Happy belated birthday!!

  140. amoveableme.com says

    Love the pics!

    My stepdaughter's name is Presley, I think it is a really pretty name!

  144. Ashley @ Fancy Ashley says

    This looks like the best birthday ever!!! Love the cards from the kiddos and what a wonderful party that your mom threw for you!! You are so loved, friend!! xoxo!!

    I love Penelope or Perry for a girl P name! 🙂

  145. Holly {While I'm Waiting...} says

    You had me at Fried Pickle Cheese Burger – yummy! Looks like a fabulous birthday! Wishing you many, many more!

  146. Leanne says

    I work with a kindergarten cutie named Priya, pronounced Pree-uh. Lovely and girly and feminine!

  147. kelly says

    Happ y birthday!! This was such a beautiful celebration -all day it seems!! 🙂
    Your little family is soooo beautiful! You guys should have more kids just to add more beauty to our world!

  154. Elizabeth Birenbaum says

    Happy belated birthday! What a beautiful party your mom threw! Hope you had the best time!

  157. Mix and Match Mama says

    My booties are from Steve Madden last fall and the scarf is from Nordstrom…I bought it in September but it sold out quickly. 🙂

  158. Chic Coastal Living says

    God bless you sweet Shay! May your 33rd birthday be filled overflowing with holiness,love, health and faith. All my love, Desiee from Chic Coastal Living

  159. Anonymous says

    We have friends with three ADORABLE girls…Presley, Paige and Prebble.

    I LOVE the name Prebble!!!!

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