Happy Thursday!
This week, Andrew has been in Africa doing mission work. In the last 8 months, Andrew has been in the Middle East and now in Africa feeding the hungry, working in schools and most importantly, sharing the message of Jesus. On Monday, my dad returned from his fourth trip to Bangladesh doing the exact same thing. Needless to say, I’m very proud of the men in my life and their willingness to go the distance to share the Gospel of Christ.
Life lately has been really funny :). These two sisters (and the dog) keep me in stitches all day long!
Kensington’s class had a parent participation research project where we got to go to school and be a part of their final project. Kensington loved this!
She’s filling me in on all of the details of her terrarium.
Smith built a tent and all I saw were feet sticking out. When I lifted the blankets, he was sound asleep on the floor. And isn’t Andrew’s blanket cool? We had it made from all of his old college football t-shirts (Because oh my heavens! That boy had a ton of shirts from his time at K-State!).
Walking to school pick up, Smith picked me flowers :).
Walking home with my crew.
On Saturday, we loved going to Griffin’s 2nd Birthday Party! It was at a cupcake place where my girls were able to decorate their own cupcakes.
Sweet girls at the cupcake place!
Early Sunday morning, we had patio time and enjoyed the chilly weather.
He made this for daddy :).
She made this for Daddy. She said it’s Andrew with his kids :).
Later that afternoon, these crazies wanted to swim. It was only 70 degrees outside but they swam in the cold water for over an hour. Then, they snuggled and dried off.
After their baths, they asked if they could play “dots”. I’m totally on board with any game that’s not Chutes and Ladders (because that game lasts forever!).
I didn’t think I would be able to go with Kensington on her field trip this week since Andrew is out of town and someone needed to stay with Smith and Ashby. Well, when they sent out their field trip destination is was at an aquarium that is 45 minutes away from us…which is only 10 minutes from my parents’ house (my parents live an hour from me), so my mom was able to meet me at the aquarium and take the younger two to her house, so I could attend the field trip. We had so much fun!!
Kensington loved this aquarium!
We were both thankful for sturdy glass…there were sharks under our feet!
On Tuesday, I got me an assistant :). Typically, Ashby rides in the little car part of the shopping cart but on this day, she asked to push a small cart and it worked out so well! She was so sweet and followed right behind me the entire time. She also filled her little cart to the brim. We had the best time!
And then by Tuesday afternoon, everything went kind of crazy. As soon as I walked up to Smith’s class at school pick up, I knew he was sick. He just looked sick. I called my nurse friend Sarah and she said she thought he had strep, so I took him to the doctor and yup…strep. Poppy was supposed to have been groomed on this day, but when we took her in, they had accidentally moved her appointment to another day…so in the randomness that was my Tuesday afternoon, I drove sleeping Smith around (he fell asleep in the car) and the dog while we waited the 30 minutes for the pharmacy to fill his prescription.
A sweet reader named Justine sent me this quote this week…
Children born to another woman call me Mom. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege are not lost on me. -Jody Landers
…my heart in one quote.
That’s our life lately! We’re looking forward to a baseball filled weekend and then for daddy to be home next week!
On my foodie blog today…
A yummy spring breakfast or little slice of dessert. (Or for me, a mid-afternoon snack with coffee!)
xoxo
Erika Slaughter says
It's been a busy time in kindergarten!! Thanks for carpooling on Monday! It made the aquarium that much better! 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Chutes and Ladders makes me CRAZY! I will TOTALLY cheat on that game just so one of us will win! I don't care who, it just needs to be OVER. And my goodness that quote is powerful!
Anonymous says
That tshirt quilt is a genius idea! You just saved our marriage.
thebusybrunette says
I am so impressed at all you do! Your kids are so lucky to have such loving, caring parents. I bet it's been hard being in "single parent mode" while Andrew is gone, but you are doing a great job. I can't believe your kids wanted to swim and that they actually did it. I guess we were all crazy as kids, too – just wanting to have fun. I hope Smith is feeling better soon. Have a great Thursday!
The Busy Brunette
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
daniellem02 says
Great pictures! I know you like Karen Kingsbury–you probably already know this, but she has an adoption stories book called "A Treasury of Adoption Miracles" I think you would enjoy
Narci says
That picture of Ashby with the cart! So precious!! ❤️
blake walker says
So amazing that Andrew is over there serving Christ! You have had your hands full!
kimm atwood says
Cute little grocery shopping assistant
mommyto3 says
Your kids are just the cutest!
Paula says
Busy week. You sounds like you are doing a fabulous job job while daddy is away.
I always love your pictures. Your sweet family makes me smile.
Stacey says
I've said it before and I'll say it again, my kids are grown so I just adore seeing yours. Ashby was meant to be with you.
Cathy says
I lost my mother when I was 4. What a beautiful and powerful quote, and so true. Ashby is so lucky to have found that unconditional love with your family. I admire you Shay.
Slightly Askew Designs says
That quote has me in tears!!!
Cori Patrick says
I see your kids are wearing Natives again and I've been meaning to ask…when the kids get sweaty/wet feet, do they slip around on the bottom of these rubber looking shoes? I guess I think of Crocs and how a foot could really wiggle if wet?!
Haley Southey says
Such a fun time! Everything looks so sunshiny. I'd be swimming too! 🙂 Prayers for Andrew and safe travels!
Holly says
I had no idea the aquarium was so cool. I need to make the drive from Austin for my shark loving little boys.
Michelle says
Beautiful family! Two random questions for you, I have been following your blog and we are in the process of renovating our kitchen. Do you know the paint color of your kitchen and prep area cabinets? Also, how do you like having the microwave in the pantry? We are thinking of doing the same thing instead of putting it in the island, since we rarely use it. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hi Michelle! The cream cabinets are a Sherwin Williams cream color with a brown antiqued finish. I think it's the finish that really makes them pop. The island has a black antique finish but the other cabinets have a brown. My microwave is in my kitchen (not pantry). I really don't think it would matter much to me where it is but it's in the main kitchen area. Have fun!!
Michelle says
Thanks for the response. Sorry, when I first looked at the pictures I thought the microwave was in the pantry but I see it in the island.
Queen In Between says
I love that aquarium! So glad you got to go…..and that pic of Ashby with the cart..adorable!
Laci Page says
I know you and your family are just normal people but I find myself looking at your blog daily because I just enjoy your life so much. I try not to compare it to mine because I know you share your struggles as well but I just wish we were friends! We have so much in common! Lol!
Natalie Zambreski says
Ashby with her tiny cart is so sweet!
Elaine Welte says
Looks like you've had a great week and have survived well with Andrew being out of town!!!
Bekah Bruce says
I can't do Chutes and Ladders but my kids love and they suck me in!! Love Kensington's arrows (with hearts) in her drawing!! Your kiddos are precious!
Kelsey Mann Peacock says
Such cute pictures! Love the t-shirt blanket, that's what we do with all of our old ones & it makes life so much easier 🙂 It's so great that Andrew & your dad are traveling to share the word of the Lord. I'm sure it's hard taking of everything by yourself in Andrew's absence but you make it look easy!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
Danielle says
Hi Shay! Been reading your blog for 3+ years now and absolutely love it (my favorite blog)! Your family is so very precious and beautiful and the love and joy of Jesus truly radiates from your pictures. Just wanted to let you know I went to highschool wirh the lady you quoted above and her name is actually Jody Landers. She has 4 biological sons and then adopted adorable boy/girl twins from Sierra Lione. Blessings to you and your family!
jeejee says
Shay, I enjoy all your blog posts! Just wanted to let you know that Jody Landers (not Judy) is the person who made that incredible comment about adoption. She is a remarkable Jesus-follower who, as a wife and mother of 4 boys, adopted a brother and sister from Sierra Leone, West Africa. You can find her at jodyrlanders.com.
Mix and Match Mama says
I'm so glad you told me! I corrected it on my blog and on the note card I have on my desk too :).
Charlise says
Your kids are so darn cute!
Goodbyebreadandcheese says
I love that t-shirt blanket. I've thought about doing that with some of my favorite shirts my son has outgrown.
Chicago Mom (Heather) says
Did you get your other 2 munchkins tested for strep too? I would if it's not too difficult! My son Henry had it and I decided to get my daughter tested too even though she had ZERO symptoms. She also had it!! Kids can carry it without showing symptoms I guess? Just wanted to let you know. Your kids are all SO CUTE. 😉
Amy says
I am interested in what aquarium that is!
Tracy says
Where in Africa is Andrew working? I have a friend going to Kenya this summer. She's so excited and a so anxious all at the same time!
Lisa Selan says
I love seeing updates on mission trips that your dad and Andrew are taking or have taken. This July I am headed to Haiti with a group from church along with my 24 yr old son. Excited for the opportunity to serve and to share the experience with my son. Blessings for a great weekend!
BellsforStacy says
Completely blanked on your son (Smith!) name when I ran into you today! I apologize.
It's weird to run into someone you only "know" online. You represent well in real life. 🙂 have a great day!
Marty says
This quote, tho: "Children born to another woman call me Mom. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege are not lost on me." -Jody Landers
Awesome.
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
So cute! Love all the family pics!
Jaren says
That quote.! Just simply beautiful!
Amy@My Front Porch says
I'm behind on my blog reading, but just had to say I love these posts about normal, everyday life, they are some of my favorites! One of the reasons I started reading blogs was to get a fun peek into other people's lives! Your kids are all so cute! Way to keep things running while Andrew was away! My hubby just went on a business trip a couple weeks ago (to Dallas, actually!) so I can relate to the challenge! Hope you have a great weekend!