Merry Monday!
We saw Santa, we saw lights and someone got her ears pierced over the weekend…needless to say, we had a great time!
Before I get to all that, I wanted to say that the winner of our final Five Days of Fabulous prize is
KIM TWIST!
Congratulations Kim! You and four friends will each receive a Kitchen Aid Mixer from Williams-Sonoma! You have 48 hours to email me at mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com to claim your prize.
Friday morning, I went to wake up the kids for school and found this…we put them in their own beds at night and often find them like this the next morning. Thankfully, Kensington still has all of her teeth.
We made our annual trek to the Dallas Galleria to see Santa. This picture cracks me up…Kensington and I are looking, Smith is clearly upset (because we told him that he couldn’t hit Kensington…heaven forbid we have that rule) and Andrew is staring off at something else. Nevertheless, it’s the only one I have of the four of us from this trip :).
Ahhh! Christmas picture success! They were both so sweet sitting up in Santa’s lap. They told him how old they are, their names and each asked for a few things. They were really sweet. We always do individual pics of them with Santa and then I group them and put them here during the holidays…
After pics with Santa, we ate dinner with my parents. Love my mama.
Silly Smith and Papa Jay.
Later that night, Andrea sent me this pic of sweet 3 year old K and 2 year old Smith. It feels like yesterday we had this little party at Andrea’ house. They grow up so fast!
Speaking of growing up too fast…somehow, Kensington got her ears pierced on Saturday afternoon. I’m still not sure how this happened.
We were going to meet my parents at one of our very favorite restaurants in Dallas and then see lights (an annual tradition), but before, we went to North Park Mall just to see it all decked out…well, Kensington asked (for the first time) if she could get her ears pierced. I said I wasn’t sure (she’s never asked!) and that daddy would say no (he’s super strict about that stuff)…well, she asked Andrew and he was like “I guess” (his first rodeo as a girl dad).
The entire time we walked to the store, I thought she would back out. She is not typically our adventurous child. She gets nervous and shy and doesn’t usually do well in situations like this. But…in this instance, she totally proved us wrong…
Here she is showing me her un-pierced ears.
She wanted to hold my hands really tight. (My mom is in the background taking video.)
Two at a time.
She closed her eyes and never even flinched.
Not one tear or sad face. She was so brave! I was really so proud of her!!
She picked turquoise (her favorite color) flowers. I was really, really proud of her!
Random fact: Andrew asked me how old I was when I got my ears pierced and I said my mom literally forced me into the chair when I was 12. She was tired of me wearing my 70 year old grandmother’s clip-on earrings, so she made me (I was totally chicken!). Then a few years later, I wanted a tattoo and she said no…so, I pierced my ears a lot instead. I have four holes in one ear and two in the other (still have them). So, I went from chicken to “girl with several hoops in her ears” quite quickly.
After the ear piercing, we went and watched the puppet show. I looked down and saw them sitting like this. XO
We ate dinner at one of our very favorite restaurants, who sadly after over 25 years in business is closing its doors in February. We’ve gone here several times a year since I was in high school. It was really bittersweet eating dinner. They have this lovely patio with lights (and heaters to keep us warm) that overlook the gorgeous trees.
Love him.
Love her too.
After dinner, we looked at lights. Stunning. The lights around here are just stunning.
And more thing…
One hour before we left for Santa on Friday night, we received a phone call that said we would not be able to leave to get Ashby as planned. We have plane tickets in our hand, we have hotel arrangements, we have our holidays planned around this trip…we are ready to leave and unfortunately, the government where we are going has decided to shut down for a bit.
Our adoption agency was very upset because apparently this was super unexpected (the fact that we have plane tickets and were just days away from departing speaks to that). So…we’re waiting. We’re still hopeful that we’ll leave some time in December…but right now, we’re not sure. We already had court dates scheduled and such…so now, we have to apply for new dates at a later time. It’s all a big mess.
I’m not worried. God will sort all of this out. We’ll get there when we’re supposed to get there, we’ll get her when we’re supposed to get her…it will all work out. It always does. It does break my heart though that I have a one way ticket to the US with her name on it that won’t be used right now. We really want her home.
Each Monday in December, my friend Ashley is interviewing different friends about their holiday traditions, and today is my day! You can read her post here. I love reading other people’s traditions because I get so many fun ideas! Thanks Ashley for including me this year!!
Don’t forget, it’s Monday, so that means…
Super simple suppers for your busy week.
Beth Brown says
Shay I'm sooo sorry about the delay in getting your baby girl:( God really does work in mysterious ways doesn't He?! Hang in there girl and be strong for that precious fam of yours!
Brantlee says
I know y'all are disappointed about the adoption. I'm praying for you all and trust God's timing to be perfect!
Erika Slaughter says
I am so proud of K!!! I told you I was in 7th grade and I'm going to say, "my eyes watered". Hahahaha!
Bethany says
Happy Monday, Shay! I, too, am so sorry to hear of the delay in bringing sweet Ashby home. Your faith and your trust in God's timing is truly inspiring. When I was going through that difficult time of waiting and being delayed, my faith was tested like never before, and yes, God is always faithful and His timing is always perfect (though I'm not so sure I exhibited as much good grace as you continue to show!). But waiting is never easy. Hope you have the best week! =)
Kathleen says
Love the earrings and how brave she was. I am so sorry about the delay. The waiting is the hard part. Hang in there and hope these open up SOON!!!!!!
Narci says
That is amazing that she was so tough!! WTG K!!!
Dani {Adventures of a Pharm Girl} says
So sweet Kensington got her ears pierced! I had the exact same idea as you did about tattoos. I have 8 total piercings but not one single tattoo haha. Praying that y'all can bring sweet Ashby home soon!! Xoxo
Betsy Maddox says
Oh noooooo!!! Shay, I am so sorry!! That is a HUGE disappointment I know. But you are right. God knows. He loves Ashby more than anyone does and He has the plan and the timing. Praying for lots of patience and peace. And, Kensington is such a big girl! Such a cutie pie.
Michele @ The Joyful Home says
So very sorry to hear about the delay, but glad you know God's got this 🙂 My family and I know that mall (and my oldest had her ears pierced in that same chair) and that patio very well, and I'm seriously devastated that it will be closing next year. It's been a part of our Christmas tradition to have dinner there before our families come in for Christmas. My kids have grown up at those tables, and we look forward to the tree lights every year. So sad that this year will be our last 🙁
Sarita @ it's my girls' world says
Oh my! You're so strong to take the delay with Ashby's Homecoming so well. I feel like I'm more disappointed that you! Have a wonderful week!
Macy Strozier says
Awwwww… All of us are all sad, we can fell how sad you are. Like, it's your child for gods sake. I'll pray y'all get her this month. I'm excited to see how she and Kensington react, because I just know you'll have matching outfits for them.
Morgan Madigan says
The pictures of Kensington are so cute!! I'm really sorry to hear about the adoption delay, but I agree that the timing is all in His hands and is all for a reason! I will pray Ashby's gotcha day comes very soon!
Melissa H. says
Oh, I am so sorry for your disappointment! The unknown is so difficult, and I hope you don't have to wait much longer. Praying comfort and peace for you in knowing your little one is in His hands.
Jenna Stiegelmeier says
Shay, I don't know you at all, but I just said a prayer for you and your dear family. That God would continue to give you patience and encouragement and for Him to wrap His arms around sweet Ashby a little tighter until you all can get to her and hold her.
Charla Liedahl says
My heart just broke a little hearing about Ashby's delay. Hugs to you all. And YES, GOD has a plan!
Kristin Cramer says
Shay, so sorry about the delay in getting your sweet Ashby. God's timing is always perfect so we will pray that everything will turn out even more perfectly than you even imagined. Merry Christmas!!
Magnolia Mamas says
I love that your big girl was so brave to get her ears pierced on a whim and I'm praying your baby girl can come home with you very, very soon!
Mackensey Stang says
That little girl is already so loves, my heart breaks for you because of the delay, but just reading your posts I can feel the love your family has for her and despite the delay, she is a lucky little girl!
kimm atwood says
Love kensingtons new earrings!! So sorry about the delay in being able to bring ashby home. Praying for you xoxo
Anna says
I teared up hearing your news about Sweet Ashby. I'm so sorry to hear there will be a delay. Thanks for sharing your heart. Hoping she'll be home by Christmas!!
Kellee says
I am sorry to hear about the adoption delay. Remember the Lord has a plan and it is in his hands!
Tara G. says
Praying for "the" time!
Such sweet pictures!
Natalie Zambreski says
Saying prayers for your family at this time! You are so wise to trust in God's timing!
beaner says
I am so sorry to hear about the delay. Sending my prayers and thoughts that you get to be your family of 5 this month.
Jenna {Real Simple Girl} says
What a fun weekend! I am so very sorry to hear the news about Ashby. But your positive attitude about it all is so encouraging to me. I've been going through a rough patch lately, and sometimes it's tough to keep trusting God, but you're right… Everything does work out in the end. I'll be praying for your family.
Allison F says
I physically felt a twinge in my chest when I read about the delay in getting your baby girl. Ugh… I am so sorry! Your faith is touching though! Also I LOVE that K got her ears pierced! I too was in kindergarten, and I remember it was a random day at the mall with my mom and I asked, she said yes, and walking to the store I was TREMBLING inside, but I didn't flinch, and it was awesome! Way to go!! Such a fun thing to remember when she is older! Not that there is ANYTHING wrong at all with moms who pierce their daughter's ears when they are babies, but I LOVE this way more because I remember it, and I made the choice, and I was SCARED out of my mind, but I did it! It was a proud moment, I am certain she feels the exact same and it will be a memory for her as well!
Melanie Cantelmo says
You're faith in God's timing is admirable. I could not imagine how challenging this news would be. I will be praying that God opens the doors for you Ashby can come home. Hugs.
Leigh says
Love the Christmas traditions you have. So proud of K for being such a big girl while getting her ears pierced. I was like you, 12 and a major chicken. I teared with while reading about the delay getting Ashby. I'm so sorry. I know that has to feel devastating. Praying for you and your family and little Ashby.
Lindsay F says
What an incredible weekend. The strength your family has to live in the moment and enjoy this season of life is truly remarkable. Here's hoping good news come through soon and your sweet, sweet family is complete in no time.
Paula says
I love how brave A Kensington was! Such a cutie!
I am so very so about Ashby. I know you must be disappointed. Trust Him is the only thing you can do because it brings peace during an emotional time. Praying God pushes papers and changes minds swiftly! Quicker than anyone expects! Hugs!
melissabunny100 says
So So Sorry about Ashby! I am thinking of you!
Helen Truesdale says
Shay, I am so sorry for the delay in plans for getting your baby girl. I know your heart is breaking but I truly admire your trust in the Lord. His plans are bigger than ours and it sounds like you have totally grasped this. I will be praying for your family and your baby girl across the world. She will be here in God's perfect timing. Peace to you.
Jenny Perez says
I'm sorry that you'll be waiting longer to hold your precious Ashby. You're right, God's timing is always perfect! During times of waiting, I have always loved the following bible verse.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of of The Lord in the land of the living. Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord.
Psalm 27 13-14
Praying for peace, comfort and strength for all of you as you wait on God.
Kari Maddox says
I am sorry to hear about your delay….it will come soon. Praying.
Mandy says
Tears in my eyes this morning after reading that your adoption trip is on hold. May God continue to grant you His perfect peace in the unexpected extra waiting. Prayers for you and your family. Can't wait for the day when all 5 of you are safely home! <3
Elaine says
In the midst of job issues with my husband I definitely needed to see your quote this morning! Praying that Ashby will find her way home in God's timing and that you'll have peace of mind moving forward. Let Go and Let God… It's the only thing moving me forward right now.
Sara Laverty says
Wow! K is so brave! I was in jr high and I definitely got teary eyed when they pierced my ears! I like her choice of earrings! 🙂
Sorry to hear about your delay in leaving to bring Ashby home. I pray the peace and confidence the Lord has given y'all these past few days continues and carries you as you wait to hear more details!
Elizabeth Valdez says
I got a knot in my throat when I read about Ashby. Like you mentioned, it is all part of God's plan! Know that the Shull family is in my prayers.
Lindsay D. says
My heart broke for your family when I read Ashby's adoption is delayed. I will be praying that this is a quick delay and she will be coming home soon!!!
Lari says
So sorry about the delay in getting Ashby home. Praying it will be resolved quickly!!
Meg Hodges says
I'm so sorry about the delay with Ashby. Praying for y'all and her that she will be home soon!!
Nina says
Hi Shay,
I am so sorry to read about Ashby. Maybe they shutdown because of the holidays and wanted to be extra cautious at the airports. Anyway you will have her home soon. Your family has missed out on so much of her infancy. I wish adoptions didn't take so long. I have an idea. If you have photos of her, why don't you take them to the same Santa that the kids sat on his lap and maybe have him hold the photo of her and take some up close pictures of her with him. Also try to get one with the kids, the photo and Santa. I think that may make this kids feel better and your family that you have a picture of Ashby within a picture with Santa. How cool will that be framed in different parts of the house.
Greta says
Oh I am so sorry Shay! We'll keep praying for Ashby until she comes!
Jennifer Ericksen says
Sorry to hear about the delay on bringing Ashby home. Happy to hear you are staying positive. Can't wait for the happy news on your blog that she's with her loving family!
Anonymous says
I am sorry to hear about the delay on bringing sweet Ashby home. I am praying for you, Andrew, Kensington, and Smith. Looks like you all had an amazing weekend. 🙂
Christene Amy
@dancing_ with_love(Instagram)
Anonymous says
Shay, Oh man!! Just want you to know I am praying that God opens the government in that country and makes a way. 🙂 He did part a sea, so I know He'll make this work in His perfect time (as you said as well!).
Just a quick add: My pastor preached on advent season the other day and talked about it being joyful but some mourning in the waiting and anticipation. I can relate right now with some of my own life situations that I'm having to wait on God's timing to see how things play out. It made me think about you in this. I pray that you will still anticipate with joy and hope, even though the heart mourns with expectation…
So much love to you and your sweet family!
Karen I.
Lana says
Shay, one of the reasons I love your blog so much is that you are always an encouragement to me. I'm so sorry about the delay in getting Ashby home with you. Your faith and grace are truly inspirational. Praying for your family that you will all be together soon!
Queen In Between says
I know God will work all this out in His perfect timing but oh my goodness I'm praying for your sweet family.
Anonymous says
How was your service at Patrizio's? I was there 2 weeks ago and we had the worst service ever!! They messed up our bill and then trying to correct it was a huge fiasco that took about 45-minutes. They were super rude and unapologetic throughout the process and then a few days later we discovered we still had been charged twice! We were very kind and patient about it. The whole experience made me wonder if they have just given up since they know they are being booted out in just a couple months…it was like they just don't care anymore. Sad!
Anonymous says
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Ashby. It must be heartbreaking to have your daughter on the other side of the world and not be able to get to her. Will say some prayers that things get fixed so she (and any other kids effected) can get home as soon as possible.
Meaghan says
So sorry about the travel delay! It's so tough! We waited through several delays to get our son home from Ethiopia last year, but then the Lord worked it out in THE most amazing way. Only He could have done it in His perfect timing…for His glory! Hoping you get good news ASAP!
Kristen Gerdel says
So sorry to hear about the delay with sweet Ashby. Hang in there! And what a brave girl Kensington was!!! Have a great week Shay! I'll be praying for good news with Ashby.
Shesabigstar says
I remember you saying things are always up in the air with adoptions like this and that things can, and often do, happen right up until the last minute. I'll be praying for your family… you have the right attitude and faith, that's for sure! I'm so excited to see/hear that she's in your arms one of these days… hopefully sooner than later!
mel @ the larson lingo says
I am so sorry about the delay for bringing Ashby home. Praying for you guys! And, way to go K on the pierced ears! I told my girls they had to be 10 to get their ears pierced 🙂
Amanda M says
So happy for Kensington! She is brave, I don't know if I could do it since I had mine pierced when I was 2 months old.
So sad to hear about your travel to bring Ashby home. I will say a prayer for your family!!
Anonymous says
Just read and thoroughly enjoyed your Holiday Traditions Interview with Ashley.
Ani says
I am so sorry about the adoption delay. As a family who walked the adoption path, I know how hard it is to love our kids with all our hearts… from afar.
May God grant you peace and move the mountains in-country to ensure Ashby is safe in her mama's arms soon!
Cheri says
So sorry to read about your little girl not getting to come home right now. Keep your faith in God and his timing.
Amanda & Jerrod Carpenter says
I'm really sorry to hear about the delay in the adoption process. That happened to some friends of mine adopting from Uganda. You have a great attitude about it though!
allisonwest says
I'm sorry to hear about the delay with Ashby. You're totally right to have your confidence in God's timing. Praying it won't be a long delay and you all can keep comfort in His timing. Merry Christmas!
Anonymous says
It breaks my heart that you have to wait even longer to meet your little girl! I pray everything gets worked out quickly so your family can be together soon.
Kelly says
So sorry to hear about your delay with Ashby's adoption. God always has a plan and it will work out for y'all. Praying for your family and that everything works out and you can bring her home very soon.
Mely H says
That's so amazing of you to take this so well and trusting God 100%. I hope everything goes smooth and this is simply just a hiccup… It's amazing to see how loved she is before she's even here 🙂 Me husband and I have thought about adoption and hearing your story has been so inspiring. Can't wait for Ashby to be home <3
Kendra C says
hi! I just found your blog through a different blog i follow and i clicked around for a while. I instantly fell in love! I love your family and how close you all are, I dont watch the bachelor or bachelorette so I have no idea who your brother and his wife, or even you, are but I must say i love reading how excited and happy you are for him. I love your friendships and everything about this page and what you share about your life! Awesome and I'm absolutely a new follower for as long as youre writing. I'm a new blogger and I can only hope to be as successful. I am sorry to hear about your adoption delay but God knows what he's doing and the timing and process will come together just when it's time.
Angela Pino says
Oh, Shay, I'm so sorry about the delay in going to get your sweet Ashby. My heart breaks for you, but your ability to stay positive is inspiring. God has a plan for it all. You, your family and sweet Ashby remain in my prayers.
The real housewife of DC says
I can't imagine how you felt when you were told you could not go get your baby girl yet. I am so sorry and will pray for you and her. Sorta on the same note- thank you for that quote. I needed to read that today.
Jaclyn Johnson says
Hi Shay! I'm so sorry about your disappointment w/the change in Ashby's adoption plan but I must say, I admire how you're not stressing and letting God figure it all out in his time. You've been an inspiration for me to try and live this way recently and it's really admirable, especially in Ashby's adoption instance. I'll pray that you're still able to get your baby girl this month, please keep us posted, we're all thinking of you and your family!
XO, Jackie G. Johnson
Anonymous says
So very sorry to hear about the adoption delay. I was coming to your blog to comment about a shoe deal I found, but really who cares about shoes? or clothes? Family is more important. I hope you receive good news soon.
Jeanie says
Such a fun and happy post until I got to the news about Ashby. I'm so disappointed for you and am amazed how you can keep up your spirits and have such a great attitude about it all. Good luck!
P.S. I love the picture of Smith with his arm around K. And she was so brave with the ear piercing.
Anonymous says
As a long time reader of your blog, my heart hurts for you and your precious family! Of course we know God'said timing is perfect but the waiting canot be tough! Said a prayer for you, your sweet family and especially Ashby! ((((hugs)))
Erin and Josh says
So sorry to hear about the adoption delay. Will be praying she is in your arms soon!
Kristin Woolsey says
Your family is precious! Praying for y'all and love your outlook on bringing Ashby home. I love love the quote you have! I'm going to print it out and cling to it while my husband and I go through this horrid fertility battle. Thank you!!
sarah c says
Hey Shay, it broke my heart hearing the delay of the adoption of your girl ! But you are right not to be worried because you trust God. And he is in control and has the perfect plan! But it sucks to play patience game. Love you Shay!
Daniele says
Wishing you patience and love this December! Xoxo
Lauren says
Girl, you said it…God's got this and His timing is SO much better than ours. Ashby will join your family when she is supposed to and it will be just perfect.
OK…is that Patrizio's?? We go there EVERYTIME we visit Dallas, please tell me it's not closing. 🙁 🙁 I think I might cry over this…we eat on that patio all the time. In fact, the night before we moved to Amarillo, we sat out there and ate and cried over leaving Dallas. Sweet memories there!
Anonymous says
So disappointed to hear about your delay in getting sweet Ashby! The wait will be so worth it! Hang in there! Looking forward to news when you have it.
Jan Fisher
Haley Southey says
So great to see your trust in the Lord during this waiting period. Praying for y'alls family and sweet Ashby! Can't wait for y'all to have her in your arms. Such a blessing!
Sarah says
Wow, that is so hard! Many prayers to you and your family that you'll be able to pick her up soon! I'm adopted and my parents went to the airport to pick me up and they saw all the babies get off the plane and they didn't put me on it! The whole family was there waiting, and I was not there. They had to wait another month and half before they could get me. My said she was a wreck the entire time. You are one strong Mama.
Marty says
So very sorry about the delay in your plans. Someone once told me, "God is never in a hurry, but He's always on time." Which, stuff like that is easy to say and harder to live out, right? Especially when it involves the life of your child and especially when she doesn't live with you and you long to bring her home. Thank you for sharing as much of this process as you can. It helps those of us who are praying for you know how to pray more specifically. So thankful for the loving home you are providing for Ashby. Praying for a miracle.
Kathy Olson says
I'm so sorry about the delay in seeing Ashby. I will be praying!!
sdpirkle says
I can't imagine the disappointment you all must be feeling in the delay to get your sweet Ashby. Your faith astounds me, and you're right. As hard as it is for us, God's timing is the perfect timing. Before you know it, you will have that baby girl in your arms and will get to bring her to her forever family. I can only imagine the overwhelming sense of love she will experience. The love Smith and Kensington have for each other is so precious. That picture with his arm around her… Perfection. I'll be saying extra prayers for you all that the time until you meet goes by quickly!
Jamie D says
Just catching up on reading and had to say, as always, your faith is truly admirable. Your strength and attitude, even through terribly disappointing news, are a lesson to us all.
Your children, including miss Ashby, are very lucky to have such wonderful and loving parents. Looking forward to you getting her HOME!
Denise Ross says
I'm sorry to read about the delay in picking up Ashby. I am looking forward to meeting her too. Love your beautiful family photos and tales. You have lovely family traditions. I hope your kiddos will continue them with you when they are in their teenage years. Stay strong in your faith. God has it covered. This is a lesson I'm reminded of on a regular basis. Keep smiling 🙂
Erryn says
How old will Ashby be when you get to bring her home?? So sorry about the delay! God has perfect timing!