Hey there Thursday.
Otherwise known as the first day of post-season baseball for the Boston Red Sox.
Otherwise known as my favorite time of year.
Otherwise known as do not try and contact me tonight via phone or text because I will not be taking my eyes off of the TV.
Otherwise known as I AM SO NERVOUS ABOUT POST-SEASON BASEBALL!
Alright…on to life lately.
We have kicked the jet lag, we have settled into a nice little routine, we have found our sweet little smile and we have even taken a quick trip to meet our Missouri family. It has been a great life lately!
Madeley has now been to the grocery store with me twice and Andrew once and she is all smiles! She points, she laughs, she giggles and she smiles.
It was my turn to take Kensington and Ebby Lee to tennis, so Madeley and I went out and sat in the grass and watched them. She had the best time playing in the grass and drinking water from my straw. It was a special little hour watching my big girl play tennis and my littlest girl play next to me on the grass.
I came out of the pantry on Friday morning and found the three big kids like this…all huddled around Madeley watching her eat breakfast. She is currently their favorite form of entertainment.
On Friday afternoon, we made a quick trip up to Missouri for the weekend. Along the way, we stopped for a bite…just a bunch of silly kids waiting on their food.
Speaking of silly kids…
…two things to note:
1. I love my little t-shirt here. It’s super comfy and I’ll probably be wearing it a lot this fall (plus it’s 40% off today!).
2. Because I have the world’s most sensitive stomach, I of course, was car sick just a little bit after this. #theregoeslunch #uggggg
We made this road trip to Missouri because Andrew was being inducted in the first class of his high school’s hall of fame. This was such a big honor for him that we couldn’t miss it. Plus…this meant family time with the Missouri Shulls, so it was win, win! Here I am with my girls at the football game.
My girls wanted to go say hi to the cheerleaders “by themselves” because you know…they’re so big and all 😉 . Funny story, I was asking the girls what they wanted to do in high school. Did they want to play an instrument and march in the band? Be on the dance team? A cheerleader? Play a sport? And Ashby pointed to the girl in the coral dress and said “I want to be a princess”. Ha! That girl was in the homecoming court. All of this to say, if you’re looking for Ashby come high school, she’ll be the one in the tiara.
Andrew and Smith on the field before the game. I’ve blogged about Coach John Roderique before…but not only is he the winningest coach in Missouri high school football by percentage, but he’s just such a good man. Andrew and I both think so highly of him. He too was inducted into the Hall of Fame and I can’t think of anyone more deserving. (And all the Webb City folks said “Amen!”.)
The next morning, we slept in and cuddled.
Well, some of us wore our hunting gear and built Legos. You know you’re on a farm when you’re in head to toe camo.
Look what my sweet mother-in-law made! She made my very favorite bundt cake (it’s my favorite out of 101!). This is the PERFECT time of year to make my Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundt Cake. She just turned her frosting orange and added sprinkles for a nice Halloween touch. It will always be my very favorite cake.
Out to lunch with my peeps.
(And pssssst: that’s that scarf I’ve had for 3 years in a row and just can’t stop wearing.)
It was a Madeley sandwich.
And of course, Ashby wanted to make a Madeley sandwich too 😉 .
So, the awards banquet for the Hall of Fame was on Saturday night and of course, Andrew and I brought along our favorite little date (and my father-in-law too!). Nanny (Andrew’s mom) stayed at their house with the three big kids where they tell me they “had the best time ever”.
She was so sweet at the dinner. She had brisket for the first time and couldn’t get enough!
They announced each inductee individually, so here they are announcing Andrew and reading off his stats (I’m not sure why they didn’t include best husband in the world because that’s his best stat!).
Receiving his award. Ahh! So proud :).
And then we were back home by Sunday afternoon and up ready for school on Monday. These four make me so happy. There was a time not that long ago (that I remember so vividly) where I really thought I would never be a mom…and now look. God is good. He knows exactly what you need when you need it.
Madeley and I enjoying our Starbucks date together. I miss the big three when they’re at school, but it’s fun to have all of this one on one time with just Madeley.
I mean…a picture of my life. Ashby was in with the speech therapist and the four of us were waiting out in the hall. Smith was building Legos on the floor, Kensington was watching a movie and eating an apple and Madeley had a goldfish in her mouth squealing for more. I read a book and just hoped no one tripped over us walking by.
After her goldfish were done, Madeley “read” too. It’s a talking/light up/very loud and happy baby “book”.
Well, Madeley noticed a glaring error yesterday in Eats. For those of you who have a copy already, please modify the dedication page :). And for those of you who don’t, click HERE :).
And her new favorite thing to do is to take all of the Play-Doh out of the cabinet and line it up. She could play with the jars of Play-Doh ALL DAY LONG! She stacks them, she makes them fall off, she thinks this is so much fun!
That’s life lately! Hope you have a great Thursday! Go Sox!
Kathryn R says
Oh Shay, I feel you on the sensitive stomach problem. I don’t go anywhere without Bonine!
kelly says
I love your life lately! Everything about it. I love your pretty house, I love all the pretty clothes, I love all the pretty children… ! And I love your t-shirt! Congratulations to Andrew woohoo
Regine Karpel says
Love.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Susan Jeffries says
What a happy and precious life(:
nichole says
That’s the best way to play with Play-Doh! All of the fun and none of the smell 🙂 Congrats to Andrew!
Elizabet says
What a happy little bunch! Looks like a fun trip! Plus that pumpkin bundt cake sounds like something I would love, you can never have enough pumpkin!
XO
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Narci says
Ahhhh! What a sweet life lately. Love all of the precious pictures this week, friend! And what a fun trip!! Xoxo
Sheaffer says
Oh my word! That picture of you and Madeley snuggling in the morning is absolutely precious! I mean, she’s smiling almost as big as when rice and beans get put in front of her on National Taco Day! 😉 And I have that striped tee in the berry color. I love it, and everybody needs it.
Beth Bowling says
Sorry. Go Tribe!
Sarah says
Awwww what a fun week!! Madeley fits RIGHT in, and she looks like she is already smitten with all of you!! I just love it! 🙂
I have been on the hunt for a pumpkin bundt cake. 36 weeks pregnant over here and pumpkin has been a huge craving of mine…though I’m not quite sure I can blame the pregnancy 😉
Thanks for sharing a peak into your life!! Hope you have a fantastic day!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
emily @ a little bit of emily says
I know this sounds so silly, but try putting a penny in your shoe on long road trips. My grandma told me to do this years ago and it totally worked! Not sure if it is just your mind tricking you, or if there really is something to it, but you never know. 🙂 Love all the family pictures – Madeley playing with the play-doh is too fun!
Beth says
God knows exactly what you need when you need it… Love that line of hope and encouragement!!
Sorry Shay but tonight I will be rooting against you! Go Tribe!
Ramona says
What a perfect little life lately!!! I think I need to make your pumpkin spice cake pronto.
Erika Slaughter says
Girl! You’ve had a good week! That Madeley is doing great! I’m sure if anyone started to approach your crew in that hallway-after one look they’d find another route! Ha!
Liz Even says
Very fun life lately! Congrats to Andrew! What an honor! Love football and baseball. We now think we’ve rigged a way to see sports. Yay! Love those kiddos.
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
How awesome for Andrew and yay for a visit with family too! Madeley is too cute with that play doh! My youngest does the same thing! Your kids are all so adorable!
Aubrey says
I love this life lately! So glad the North Side Shulls got to meet Madeley so soon!
Bridget Reily says
Hi Shay! I get car sick at the drop of a hat, too. One of my doctors recommended taking a Claritin and Pepcid before long road trips and it really helps! Hope you find success with that on your next trip with your sweet fam!
Sarah says
The last picture of Madeley with the playdoh is my favorite!!
Kathy says
This is great! Love reading about your ‘life lately’. I miss those days, when my girls were little. Enjoy every minute!
Can I ask what kind of wood floors you have? They are gorgeous and that is our next project – to install hardwood – just haven’t found the perfect floor yet. Thanks!
Therese says
Thanks so much for sharing all of this joy and happiness! It always brings a smile to my face.
Michelle says
Hello! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family! Congrats to Andrew and I love everything pumpkin and fall that you show!! Makes me happy. Most of all! Sending good thoughts from Boston and GO SOX!!! I have a great feeling about this team this year! Hopefully, we can send Ortiz into retirement with another Trophy!
Barbara Pedersen says
Being car sick stinks, literally 🙂 My teenage son has been using Wal-Dram for years, it really works – we get it at Walgreen’s. You should try it, and it is fast acting so you can pop one in as you get in the car (we actually leave the box in the car glove compartment).
KimW says
SHAYYYY!!!! SO SO awesome to ALREADY see a smile creeping onto Madeley’s face!!!! Just precious. Really beautiful family you have 🙂
Lisa N says
Love your family pics and the stories that go with them!
My current favorite gift to give to young girls getting married is your MixandMatch cakes book fixed in a bundt pan with misc items (spatulas, measuring cups, etc) ????
In fact my daughter’s best friend wanted 3 bundt cakes from your book for her shower…she made a list and we tried them out and she picked out the 3 she wanted….lots of happy sampling! Then we shared two of the recipes with hostesses to help make the ones she picked and they all loved how good they were and how simple to make!
Emily says
lol… that toy barn set in the picture at your inlaws….hilarious. we had the exact same growing up and now my dad has it for the grand kids. Best toys ever are the old ones. Also, I just LOVE the last picture … Madeley looks like she just feels so happy about life now… being a true toddler. God Bless!!!!!
Kelly says
What a great week! I don’t think I can even choose a favorite, it’s all. so. good! Shay, the Lord has blessed you abundantly! Enjoy;).
Angela Ellingson says
Yay Andrew! And I love that you updated the dedication page! So sweet.
Natalie Clark says
Love this, and I love your comment about a time not long ago where you thought you’d never be a mom. I just recently experienced my first miscarriage, and I have thought about you a lot. We do have a beautiful almost two year old, but I have always wanted my own little village, so trusting in God’s timing has been hard. It’s not about my plan though. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Jennifer Barber says
Love the update, thanks for sharing ( : Could you also share where you got Smiths cute Halloween shirt? I’m having the hardest time for my 5 yo. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gymboree 🙂
Lindsay D. says
Congrats to Andrew! I love all of the pictures of your sweet family!!
I know you’ve done post about your makeup routine, but was wondering for a quick update?!? What are you lining your eyes with? Also, what eye shadow and lipstick are you wearing in the striped t-shirt picture? Sorry for so many questions! 🙂
shell says
Loved this update. thank you for sharing! Madelay just seems soooo happy and that makes me happy for your family.
Melanie says
Congratulations to Andrew! What an honor!
I love seeing the big kids so entertained by Madely. I can’t believe she wasn’t eating solids when you met her, and now she’s into everything. Woohoo!
And girl. Your Cracker Barrel pic. Do you know how much I love me some CB??? Like me and my group of girlfriends try to go every Monday night. We love it that much!
Charity says
I’m cracking up at the picture of Smith in camo at your in laws because of That Little People Barn and Silo on the floor, my parents also still have ours from our childhood and now get it out when my nephews come to visit! 80’s toys were the best! 🙂
Rebecca Jo says
I’m totally correcting the front of my book 😉
All that camo. When in Rome.
I love seeing Madeley with more & more smiles.
I have the worst car sickness too so I feel for you.
Ashby is my kinda gal – I still want to be a Princess :0
Kayla says
I recommend Natural Dramamine for car sickness. I didn’t find it until last summer when I was in DC and could not ride the metro without feeling terrible motion sickness. I was willing to go buy regular Dramamine and just be drowsy and I found this new Dramamine at Rite Aid. It is the best medicine I have found and works very well. It is ginger root.
Jessica Shrock says
Loved seeing your life lately. I have to say though, being from North East Ohio, Go Indians!!! 🙂
Whitney Herrera says
LOVE this post and it is so clear God chose the right girl for y’all!!!!
JEN CHO says
Love starting my day reading your blog.
Jodi says
Post season baseball has me the same way! Go GIANTS!
Kirsten says
Over the past two years I’ve gotten to see my team (the Royals) in an ALDS game, an ALCS game and a World Series game (a bucket list item for sure) i can say that OCTOBER BASEBALL ROCKS! Enjoy it for all its worth!
Meg says
Love these posts! Sorry to hear about the car sickness…my 6 year old son and I each take 1/2 a Dramamine before we go on drives and it helps a ton. You could take a whole one…
Would love a post about your favorites for fall beauty wise…hair/make-up 😉
Kristina says
Reading about your life makes my heart happy! It makes me smile from ear to ear! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
Susie says
Madeley’s kitty shoes kill me! Where did you get them?
Mix and Match Mama says
The brand is Mini Melissa from Nordstrom :).
Amanda says
So precious. You guys are a breath of fresh air.
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
I can already tell a difference in Madeley and you guys have only had her for a few weeks! She smiles SO MUCH now. And look at her cheesing so hard in that last picture. Oh my. She is such a doll.
And is it me, or has Ashby shot up recently? I don’t know if it’s because you have a child smaller than her now or if it’s just because she’s actually grown that much, but man, she looks like she’s grown three inches in the last few posts!!
Genelle P says
Hi Shay! Thank you for sharing your life with us. I love your blog and am a super fan of your brother and Catherine too! So thankful for followers of Christ being salt and light in the spotlight! 🙂 Love you all! Anyways, just an idea for a post perhaps…your tried and true favorite baby/toddler toys, products, equipment, etc! I have a 10 month old and am a big researcher. For our baby registry, I loved reading all the reviews I could get my hands on! But now, it’s more word of mouth from friends and family and suggestions before we buy “big boy” stuff! 🙂 Would love to hear your thoughts as someone with 4 kids! Anyways, I am curious the water bottle that Madeley has, and it looks like Smith has one too (from the picture where they’re her breakfast fan club). 🙂 Thanks so much!
Maria D. says
You are definitely staying busy! Madeley looks so happy in the pictures, actually all of your kids look happy, and I’m so glad that they are all getting along so well with the new addition to the family.
Jas says
I officially have to stop ready your blog and Shaffer’s blog! I went to Loft after seeing your shirt and there being a 40% off sale and left with $127 worth of stuff!!!!
Lauryn White says
Absolutely love your blog and story! So inspirtational! xoxo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Everybody looks so happy 🙂 Congrats to Andrew! I need to make that Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake asap! yum!
http://www.cupcakendreams.com
Lacy Byrd says
Love your life lately and Madeley’s sweet smile!
shelly Janac says
I’ve been busy and haven’t had time for much blog reading this week but so glad I stopped by….this post just made me so happy! God is so good and you are so deserving of his blessings. Oh…and that cake is next!! My Carly is having a blast picking items to cook from your Good Eats cookbook….she made the pumpkin angel food cake on Sunday night and we are loving it!
Patty says
Congratulations to your husband. I love reading about your children. On September 25th we were married 45 years. My sweet husband bought me a neon Budweiser Beer Sign (which is funny because we don’t drink) but the top says Boston Red Sox with the sox out lined. I am very particular what is hung in the living room but this sign is and I put it on every night. Go Sox!!!!!!
Sarah Roderique says
I have been following your blog for a while now so it made me smile to see a comment about (Uncle) John! We sure have our Webb City pride. 🙂 I love reading about your sweet family.
Vanessa says
Hi! Love your posts. Try putting newspaper between your stomach and jeans when you’re on a road trip for your sensitive stomach. That really helped my sister with road trips! Let me know if it works for you!
Xoxo
Sarah Eddins says
Sounds like y’all had a fun weekend and I’m sure you were so proud of Andrew! I’m so glad that God chose to fill youe home with the kiddos you prayed for!! 🙂
Lindsay glover says
Oh what a happy life! Love your sweet family! Congrats to Andrew. Would you mind sharing what kind of toddler cups those are that you have? They look spill proof and I’m thinking I need that for my little one. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
The brand is Nalgene and they DO NOT leak!!
Lauren McLean says
I just love how sweet and wholesome your little family is. Just reading about our day to day life as a family puts a smile on my face! Madeley and all of your kids are just too cute and seem so genuinely kind and well-behaved! #goals!
Holly Hopkins says
Shay she is so sweet. Sounds like a great family weekend. I am so jealous you got to the cracker barrel seriously love that place! The closest one is a 6hr drive to another country for us. Cant stop thinking about that cornbread lol.
Susan says
Hi! First time commenter here! You have a beautiful family! Would you be so kind to let me know where you found the pink skeleton outfit (PJs/play clothes??) for your girls? My 3 year old granddaughter is crazy for bones these days- maybe because grandad is an orthopedic surgeon, who knows?! But I would love to get this for her…and it’s PINK! Thank you so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gymboree!