It’s life lately…
…and apparently, now that my two big kids are in school all day, I should pretty much just rename this series, “a bunch of pictures of Ashby”. I didn’t realize how much of a picture taking failure I was until it was time to upload my photos for this post and then I was like, “geez, where are the big kids’ pics?!?!”. Note to self: do better next week.
Ashby walked into my office the other day with her big red bow, drinking out of my Red Sox cup with a Red Sox straw and I thought…yup, that’s my girl.
Two out of three have their eyes open! I’ll take that :). We treated the kiddos to frozen yogurt the other night after dinner. Love these three.
I went to wake up Kensington from her bed the other morning…and she wasn’t there. I went to Smith’s room…and there she is. I should just let them share a room and call it a day…
Walking to school with my babies first thing in the morning!
It’s Fri-day!!!
It’s Mon-day!!
Now…let’s vote. Who thinks that I have the cutest little baking partner?!?!
I do! I do! I do!
I mean…she just melts my heart.
This pic was in the car on Tuesday morning. Ashby and I had stopped in Starbucks and saw that the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte was out! My heart.
Here’s the thing…you ladies know how obsessed I am with the PSL…I mean, I even did a post about it one time…but at the beginning of this year (right after Christmas), I started getting lazy and ordering plain Blonde or Pike with a splash of cream because it’s so much faster when I run in…and then, it kind of just stuck. After a while, I totally forgot about my one latte a day addiction and bam…9 months later, I enjoyed my first latte in a long time…the Pumpkin Spice :). I saw on the news that Starbucks changed the recipe but I couldn’t tell a difference. It tasted the same to me! I won’t be going back to my latte a day habit…but you better believe that wasn’t my first and last latte of the season :). #iheartthepsl
So…that’s it! That’s our life lately. Big kids in school, Ashby and I enjoying Starbucks…our new normal around here :).
And one last thing…
…so my friend Jenny created an online boutique called Gray Monroe and sent me this flannel shirt AND…
…this super cute scarf. I’m happy in this picture because this scarf and I know we will be seeing each other A LOT this holiday season! Hello? A fun plaid scarf is a must for Christmastime!
Jenny is the mama of two and one of the sweetest girls I know. If you want to see these items plus a ton of other cute stuff, you can find Gray Monroe here.
For dinner tonight, you MUST try my Beef Ale Shepherd’s Pie!
This supper was a huge hit at our house!
Your family will think it took you all day to make it…but you and I will know it came together in no time.
xoxo
The Robbins' Nest says
I always enjoy these little updates on how life is going. But, when you throw in a recommendation for an adorable boutique with great prices, the post is nearly perfect 🙂
Elizabeth says
I absolutely love that scarf!! I might have to order one! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Not A Mom says
Dying over that scarf and shirt combo, going over to gray monroe asap! I love those pictures, looks like you and ashby are making the best memories!
Linds @ Not A Mom
Erika Slaughter says
My vote is YES!!! You have the cutest baking assistant ever!
Narci says
That scarf is precious!! Also, I vote your baking partner is the cutest ever! 🙂 xoxo
Johannah says
I'm with you on the picture taking thing! I went to upload all of my pictures this week, and found very very little of my oldest. And then I remembered it's because she's in school all day =) I need to remember to take more!
Also, do you mind sharing what color nail polish you are wearing in your last photos with the plaid shirt? Love the color!!
The Stantons says
I feel cheated! Robbed! I thought PSL came out 9/8!! It's on my calendar for 9/8!! Good heads up, have a crazy day ahead and the latte report makes me excited. Sweet pictures of all the kiddos. Xoxo
Sara Fehrenbacher says
My Starbucks here in Indiana said they won't have it out until after Labor Day, and 9/8/15 is the date they gave me too! So you aren't alone in your wait ;).
Sarah says
It does. The 4th for card holders. Some Starbucks locations are just sneaking it a little early. I have yet to find one in my location though. ?
E says
In wa state they don't come out until 9/8! 🙁
kimm atwood says
Love that flannel shirt !
Katie Schellinger says
Just wanted to thank you for your blog. I'm one of those Bachelor cheeseballs that found this because of your brother's season on the Bachelor. But I'm so glad that I did!! I love your recipes and your book recommendations!!! Also – just bought the skechers you recommended and didn't realize until they came that I had bought a pair last year too and they are my favorite shoes – just a different pattern. Your family updates are super cute too.
Melissa says
Hi! Just curious about your Go Walk shoes…..can you throw those in the washing machine? Have you done it and/or do you know? Thanks!
Bianca Catalano says
I'm interested too! Just got mine! Ready for Disney World!!
Dina says
I have a pair and washed them couple times and air dry. Come out looking brand new 🙂
Dana says
Love these 'Life Lately' posts! Also, yes you have the cutest baking partner AND that scarf is fab! I'm going to check out Gray Monroe now! Happy Thursday, Shay!!
Angie says
LOVE the flannel shirt! How does the sizing run?
Lindsey says
What brand/style are your denim shorts? So cute, just love them! ❤️
Lindsey says
What brand/style are those denim shorts? So cute, just love them! ❤️
Rebecca says
You are right you have the cutest baking partner! Also, I laughed when you found Kennington in Smith's room. My GROWN daughter and son used to go to each other's room all of their lives and I only found out a couple of years ago that especially on Christmas Eve they would meet and tell each other what they were getting for Christmas. It never occurred to me to keep it all a secret from them, so now they've done it and I won't tell either of them one thing about what the other is getting for Christmas or Birthday! LOL Precious memories for sure and yeah, you probably could just let her move in, but then her darling room would be wasted. So, just keep finding her with Smith, and bank it all in your memory book! : )
Sara Fehrenbacher says
I love your eCard about fall and the Pumpkin Spice Latte. When PSL comes out, its fall, and when the red Starbucks cups come out, its officially the holiday season, and totally okay to put out Christmas decor and listen to Christmas music. 🙂 Ahh!! This really is the most wonderful time of the year.. fall, followed by Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas. Love!!
Leigh Clark says
That scarf is perfect!! Ashby looks like the perfect chef's assistant!!
Chelsea says
I know your kids are super great sleepers. Any tips on how you got them to sleep so good? I have a 4 month old who hates taking naps unless I'm holding him. We're in the process of training him to nap in his bed and the cry it out is so hard on mama!! Any tips?!
Kristian K says
What, what? PSL is available??? I thought it wasn't out until the 8th? OH MY GOODNESS! I've got to get one now! Thanks for the deets! Oh, and yes, your little baking assistant is out of this world adorable!
trying it my way says
I used to work at Starbucks and because lattes are hard on the budget and the waist line, I would do a black coffee with pumps of pumpkin spice in it and a splash of milk. Maybe try that, instead of lattes…that way you still get your beloved pumpkin spice fix! And it's faster than waiting for them to steam the milk. 🙂
Clareio says
you've thrown me completely now… here in the UK shepherds pie is exclusively topped with mashed potato, no pastry in sight!!!! it is also made with lamb because well…sheep! (Therefore steak and ale pie may be too much for my brain to handle on a friday morning)
Mix and Match Mama says
Haha! It's true! We enjoyed a pastry topped Shepherd's Pie at a pub in Covent Garden and it was delish! We call the pastry topped pies "pot pies" but this pub served three different types of Shepherd's Pies all topped with pastry. That being said…how good would this be with mashed potatoes on top?!?! Either way, so good! xo
Love on the Lake says
I do pikes, 2 or 3 pumps of the pumpkin spice depending on grande or venti, some cold soy and 1 Splenda. It took years to get the perfect combo! ?
Jenn @LoveOnTheLake
Your Older Selves says
just pre-ordered that scarf and i am SO excited!
ChelseaSalomone says
Been reading your blog for years & years and it's so fun to see the next phase– big kids at school and just you & A!! So crazy how much can change in a couple of years. It goes WAY too fast. XOXO
Jackie says
That scarf tho!!! ? Enjoy your precious time with Ashby!
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
I love how your big kids always end up in bed together! So sweet!