Life lately has been sweet.
This is our favorite time of the year, and we’re doing our favorite things…so, it’s been extra special!
Ashby is nine days post op and still doing great! We’re anxious for the doctors to remove the dressings and cast so she can get her mobility back…but she’s not letting any of this stop her. This girl has such a fiery spirit! Nothing is going to get her down :).
Speaking of which…look at Miss Cutie Pie! My heart.
And then there’s this. She’s mad at me because I wouldn’t let her have candy corn for breakfast. #kidproblems
On Monday, the big kids didn’t have school because it was conference day. Each kiddo and their parents get a 20 minute teacher conference in lieu of class. Here we are waiting to go into Kensington’s class. I love having my older two home all day! It made me wish for summer!
After their conferences, I took the kiddos to lunch. This boy has my heart.
The bakery department at our grocery store was selling these Halloween sugar cookie kits, so I picked one up for an after dinner treat. We headed out to the driveway to enjoy the nice weather and to decorate (it’s been in the low 60s at night).
This girl was all about the decorating!
These two.
These two are crazy :).
On Tuesdays, I pick Bowen and Ashby up from school and then head to get the big kids (and meet Erika). These two are so sweet together! I gave them both a drink, and Ashby was holding it in her cast-free hand…well, Bowen kept saying, “give me a high five Ashby” and finally she looked at him and said “I got one arm Bo”. That made me laugh :). Sweet girl is trying to keep up but she can’t hold and drink and high five her best friend at the same time. #castproblems
Later that night at the big boys’ baseball game, they helped Meagan feed her new baby. Meagan and her family are in the foster to adopt program and they have the sweetest three month old baby now…that we’re all praying they get to keep forever. I have several friends who have been a part of the foster to adopt program and to me, they’re super heroes. I’ve learned from watching them all that fostering is not for the faint of heart. These are amazing families willing to give so much of themselves even though they’re not guaranteed to get to keep these kids.
Here we all are watching our boys play baseball. Love these ladies!
Yesterday, Smith had a field trip to the pumpkin patch! It was his first field trip and even more importantly…his first time riding a big yellow school bus :).
I love getting one on one time with my kiddos :).
Well, that’s life lately!
Since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, I thought it would be fun to make a special breakfast…
…so whether you need one recipe for your family or several recipes because you’re inviting a crew over, my Spooktacular Breakfast is for you!
Happy Thursday!
kelly says
Ashby's comment was hilarious!
This is random, but your driveway is soo cool! It looks huge – looks like you could have a block party on your driveway!!
Haley Southey says
she is such a cutie pie!! I'm all for the candycorn breakfast too Ashby!!
Erika Slaughter says
I still don't understand why Ashby couldn't have candy corn for breakfast! 🙂 And Bowen…come on!!
Kate Hofer says
I giggled out loud at Ashby's "I got one arm Bo". Too cute and hilarious. My husband and I are in the early stages of getting approved to be Foster parents. It is such a cool and awesome feeling to know that this is in God's plan for us but also terrifying!
Erica Benson says
My husband and I were in the foster to adopt program a couple years ago after being told we couldnt get pregnant. Over the course of 2 and a half years we had 4 babies. (3 of which went back to their biological families) we got to adopt our daughter, whom we've had since birth. In the meantime we've had 2 biological children. So now we have a 4, 3 and almost 2 year old. Eeks, these toddler years are hard. Good luck to your friend. I will be praying they get to keep that precious baby!
marianiel avila says
Awwww Ashby! She's so cute even when she's mad. Lol!
Kjlb37 says
Life lately IS sweet:) Enjoy Shay, these are the best of times. And Ashby's comment to Bowen….I die:)
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Now I'm mad at you. Give that kid candy corn for breakfast mama. She deserves it. 😉
Melissa says
Ashby is tooooooo much-I'm so glad she's doing so well! Her "one arm" comment made me laugh ; )
Those halloween cookie kits look like so much fun-it really is such a fun time of year!!
Narci says
What a great life lately! So glad that you had fun at the pumpkin patch!! 🙂
Elizabeth Valdez says
Ashby's response to "Bo" made my day! Loving that olive green vest, where is it from?!? Have a good day Shay!
Kendra Petrellese says
What a fun time of year for you and your family! Wishing ya'll a spooktacular Halloween!
Jenny says
That picture of Ashby, being mad at you, is the cutest thing ever. Sweet girl! 🙂
The Nelson Happenings says
So happy that recovery is going so well for sweet Ashby ! I've been praying for that special girl 🙂 She is adorable just like Smith and Kensington !!!
Megan says
"I got one arm Bo" might just bethe cutest thing I've ever heard.
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
Ashby is such a sweet little soul and it's wonderful that she's not letting this get her down. Lucky Momma! You are so blessed to have that sweet little shining light in your life. :o)
live compassionately says
"I got one arm Bo." Hilarious!
Meagan Ruse says
What a sweet picture of Bowen and Ashby feeding Sissy! Love you friend! So thankful for your friendship and encouragement while we wait and love on our girl.
This Is Not Nutcrackin' says
Your kids are adorable! Love the cookie kit! Have a great and fun Halloween!
Tana says
Do you have any idea what necklace Erika is wearing in the photo from baseball? I love the look with the plaid shirt! Thanks so much!
Maureen Chen says
Oh my cuteness! I love reading about the adventures of Ashby! That is a beautiful picture when the two help feed the baby, a beautiful picture of family and adoption!
In Her Chrysalis says
Hi Shay. I love your blog so much. Your adoption story is so inspiring. I came across this lovely poem and wanted to pass it along to you in case you have not seen it yet. I think Ashby would love it on her wall in her room. "Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute, you didn't grow under my heart but in it." Of course the poem looks a lot better on a poster board and not in paragraph form. You can google the poem and see the images that pop up for ideas for the layout if you choose to make a poster for Ashby. I just really love this poem. I hope you enjoyed reading it! Have a great Halloween weekend! Best wishes from CA! =)
jenandsophia says
Hi there. I have read alot over the last few days regarding the new policy in China about allowing two children vs one per family. I thought of you and wondered what your opinion was on it? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
It's a step in the right direction for China, but it still is sad. I immediately thought of Ashby's mom. What if Ashby was the second child? What if she would have kept her if she could have had two kids? I was immediately sad for her. I think it's wonderful that they can now have two children but extremely sad that their government is still limiting them.
Suzanne Hines says
Hi Shay!
I have read your blog ever since you announced that you would be adding to your family through adoption. My husband and I were pursuing adoption when God led us instead to foster care. We currently have a sweetie pie newborn (who cries more than she is sweet, to be honest). I really appreciate you mentioning your friend that is fostering! I feel like fostering doesn't get a lot of attention or has a bad rep in general!
Love reading along!