Life lately has been really nice.
Nice but also a little crazy.
And kind of tiring too.
I’m very much an organized person. I dot every i and cross every t…until recently when I’ve been a bit of a hot mess from time to time 😉 .
Let’s see…in the last week:
1: I accidentally threw away Kensington’s brand new jazz shoes. On trash day. So, yeah, I had to buy another new pair. #uggggg
2: I spent a week coordinating a play date with Smith and a school friend. And then totally forgot all about it. I’m sure the new friend’s mom thinks I’m a mess.
3: I used to shower every single time I finished up at the gym…in the last week, I’ve only done it one out of four times.
4: I forgot that I had to teach Sunday school.
5: I was running late to speech therapy with all four kids and was so hot by the time I got there that I had to sit out in the hall with my shoes off and jeans unbuttoned just to cool down. I was thiiiiiis close to just taking my pants off entirely.
6: I forgot to put on deodorant one day.
So…it’s been fun…but it’s a whole new ballgame that I’m having to get used to :). Sometimes, with my pants undone.
We brought home tulip bulbs from Amsterdam over the summer and planted them in the backyard one night after dinner this week.
This girl has such spunk!
I took this picture last Thursday morning after Ashby had been all checked into the hospital. We were walking down to the radiology department when we stopped for a picture by the butterflies. This girl is so tough. She knew she was going to get an IV (in her ankle!), she knew she was going to go to sleep and wake up in so much pain and with a wrap and sling…but she never wavered in her joy.
Speaking of which…here they were just one day later as we were getting ready for dinner. While the big kids fussed over how they were going to hold Madeley’s hands, this one stood grinning from ear to ear.
She said “take a picture of me and my book Mom”, so I did!
Love this girl so much!
It was hat day in the 2nd grade and this one picked out her outfit. That morning, she was so excited to get dressed and wanted me to take her picture (this one). When I picked her up from school, she was sad because she said some boys were making fun of her for wearing “boy clothes”. My mama bear heart wanted to track down said stupid boys and wring their necks…but I refrained. Sweet girl. I hated that they took the wind out of her sail.
On Monday, Erika and I took these three to a little park for a bit after lunch.
And then later after naps, we walked to the school park and waited for the big kids to walk out.
I couldn’t love this more. 🙂
We really try and do something outside every night after dinner. Madeley is a big fan of her wagon!
All set for a walk around our neighborhood!
We love when neighbors decorate for holidays! Giant spiders are our jam!
That’s a little life lately.
See you later alligator!
Leslie Z. says
Kensington looks like a little teenager in that outfit! Too adorable! I hope you all had a GREAT week!
http://withlovefromgablog.blogspot.com
Erika Slaughter says
I’m fairly certain you’re 100% allowed to be a bit of a hot mess at this moment in your life! The important part is all four little people are still alive. 😉 And Smith is the cutest thing ever in those glasses.
Kellee says
It’s called “Mom Brain” when you totally forget anything and everything! I always feel better when I unbutton my pants. Who has time for discomfort when you’re hot and stressed out! Have a blessed day!
Holly Hopkins says
The girls matching too cute!!! Kensington looks so sweet, darn boys.
I have had one of those weeks myself. Hopefully the weekend will be better. One can only hope.
Aja says
Only in Texas, I guess. My kids’ district is in uniforms now, but even before, no one in Central FL would have said K was dressed like a boy. Little girls mostly wear shorts and tshirts here (unless they’re out of school and then it’s tanks and flip flops!). Too hot for layers! She looks precious.
Emily Moylan says
You’re doing a great job! I remember after I had my second daughter (I was feeling totally overwhelmed) I took my toddler and newborn to the town pool alone for the day. I remember getting in the car feeling so proud of myself. No hubby, no friends, just me and my two little ones at the pool…then I got home took off my cover up to change out of my suit and realized I had worn my big ole maternity bathing suit inside out all day at the pool. Didn’t even notice that “liner” hanging out al day! ???????????????????????? . Feel better now??? Ha! PS. I fee like I have a lot to learn from that sweet Ashby! Have a wonderful day!
Karen H. says
I am also Type A and love (need?) to have everything in order, T’s cross, etc. My life also has been messy lately. With so much life stuff going on in the day to day and then my middle son (21) got a German Shepherd puppy 6 weeks ago. He’s been a great puppy but he’s still a puppy and since we’ve been in cat mode for 12 years, it’s just different around here. I was stressed out for a while but I’m slowly learning to just let some of the things go and not have everything in order. It’s just a season of life that we’re going through and it will be over at some point, so that’s what I’m focusing on (or trying to at least). Love your blog! And those four children of yours are SO precious!
emily @ a little bit of emily says
Kensington looks adorable – those boys don’t know what they are talking about! Love how you spend time outside after dinner – so fun!
Narci says
Kensington looks adorable in her cute outfit! I hate that someone said that to her! And, You are doing a great job, friend!! Every time I see your kiddos, each one of those precious babies had a big smile on their face. I call that success!! 🙂 Xo
Nicole says
I think we can ALL relate to some season we were hot messes, for me – hands down, when we had our second baby. Hot. Mess. I am wired in so many ways you are, and my friend begged me to read this book…I am about to start it, but thought you might need it to. 🙂
This season too shall pass, and I’m sure on the other side of things you’ll be an even more polished version of yourself. Praying for you today!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0718085221/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476961227&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=grace+not+perfection&dpPl=1&dpID=51A1eOxlOgL&ref=plSrch
Lisa says
Looks like a great week! My kiddos and I are going for a walk this weekend to check out our neighborhood’s Halloween decor! We just love this time of year!
Jillian kaufmann says
I was thinking to myself, as a 29 year old, how much I loved Kensington’s outfit before I read the caption! I would wear it myself!
Jen says
Kensington couldn’t have looked cuter! Those darn mean boys…????
Sheaffer says
The very second I saw that picture of K, I thought that she looked DARLING! The tee, the cardi, the rolled up jeans, the converse…..DARLING! ALL OF IT!
Kim says
Shay, I could not love this post more! It’s so nice to be reassured sometimes that everyone is a hot mess from time to time. The pics of the kids are fantastic – love Smith reading to Madeley! And my heart broke right along with you for Kensington. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Sarah says
You have a lot on your plate, mama!!! I don’t know how you do it all!! But props to you – because you are raising fantastic little kiddos and when push comes to shove, that’s all that matters 🙂
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Marcela says
Kids can be mean. Kensington is adorable and that’s th cutest outfit I’v even seen!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Ugh my son came home the other day sad too because kids were making fun of him, and I wanted to wring their necks as well! I’m sorry that happened to Kensington, I think she looked so stinkin cute!!
Alexandria Roy says
Poor Kensington! My daughter is in kindergarten and some other girls recently told her she couldn’t be friends with them because she didn’t have a diary. Meanness starts so young!
Grace says
Ha! That so sounds like me (& I only have 1 child!) completely understandable that you’re a little “off” you’re adjusting to 4 kids! Bowen & Ashby look so big now, esp with little Madeley in pic! And those mean ol boys! Kens is a doll! Idk if I’ve ever seen her in jeans & tshirt though! I love that she’s so girly in dresses all the time!
Emily Burke says
Oh my goodness! I am in LOVE with your honesty in this post and was cracking up about how much I can relate!!!! Poor Kensington. Kids can be so mean. I cannot deal with Ashby and Madely in their matching outfits… CANNOT! So stinking ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!! thank you for posting. your blog is the first thing I look forward to reading when I sit down at my desk each day! Have a wonderful weekend!
Lindsay D. says
Kensington looks adorable in her hat day picture!! She did a great job picking her outfit!!
Paula says
Kids can be such turds! K looks adorable!
As for being a hot mess, you’ll find that groove. If your children are healthy & happy, you’re winning! One day at a time sister!
Laci says
If it makes you feel any better, I completely forgot to deliver dinner to a new mom friend last week and realized it yesterday!!! I had to call and admit that I have too much on my plate and redeem myself with dinner last night!!! I mean, what kind of friend am I?? Mortified!! But thankfully us moms understand LIFE!!! It gets crazy!!
Megan Butler says
Okay Kensington looks adorable and I’m going to track those boys down myself. Gosh. Kids are mean. And Smith reading to Madeley in his glasses!! I mean stop. Sooo cute.
Rebecca says
I agree that Kensington looked adorable- stupid boys, oh wait we can’t say stupid! Anyhoo, love all the pix but my fav is Smith reading to Madeley, that is just a precious picture, the joy on her face and his face concentrating on his reading, LOVE it! And cut yourself some slack honey, take it from this Grandmommy, we all have those days when all you can say at the end of the day is everyone survived! Your family is precious and you will find your groove soon! Have a great day!
Natalie Clark says
Don’t worry, you are not the only hot mess mama! I love the unbuttoned pants! ha I just can’t tell you how much I love the pictures of your kids, but sweet Ashby is just so special. You are so right when you say one word to describe her is joy. She looks like pure joy!
Regine Karpel says
Hugs to you Shay. You’re doing great.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Elaine Welte says
I have three children and a husband that works a lot. I feel you in the hot mess department.
Emily Clark says
I love Kensingtons outfit…I would wear that myself. I can’t imagine what that feels like for the mom to hear that….one thing I do not look forward to once my littles are in school. Hope Kensington reads these encouraging words from all these ladies to let her know she is not alone ????. Thanks for this post……it’s nice to know I’m not the only one with mom brain, especially coming from you who just seems like you always have everything so well maintained and all figured out ( I absolutely mean this is the nicest way) .
Melody says
Love this post! I’m a hot mess quite often and I only have two kids. But my little one is 2 and officially in the “let’s tear up everything!!” stage. I accidentally left her alone in the bathroom and she found the toothpaste. ????????????
I think Kensington looks so cute in her tee and jeans and hat. But of course some kid had to ruin it. My oldest is 5 and in half day kindergarten, and I’m already dreading sending her to full day school next year. Because I’ve worked in schools and I know they kids can be so mean. ????
But guess it just has to be a teaching moment about how people will not always be nice and how to handle that. Sigh.
Love reading your blog! ????
Caity says
That picture of Smith reading to Madeley is priceless!
Jennifer says
I so enjoy reading your blog. You are such a fun mama, and your children are SO precious. Thank you for your sweet, funny, and encouraging spirit! God bless you and your family! 🙂
Kelly says
Tell K to just ignore those boys, what do they know about fashion anyway? You may not be on your A game (who is?) but your kiddos are fed, dressed and happy, I call that a win. Love all the pics of your life lately, enjoy!
Brigid says
Kensington looked great!! Shame on those boys.
Angela Ellingson says
You are doing amazing! So much sweetness in these pictures. Kensington looks so cute in her Red Sox outfit. I want to track those boys down and tell them what’s up. 😉 And that is so cool about your tulips – my favorite!
Patricia says
Tell Kensington to wait a few years and those same boys will be following her home from school. Actually, they probably already have crushes on her and are being snotty just so she’ll notice them. Boys can be like that.
Little Ashby is so brave. I so wish she didn’t have to face such struggles and admire her for her courage and spirit.
Astleigh H. says
So precious! As a new mama with an almost 10 month old, I feel like I’m constantly wondering where my brain has gone most days. That and I’m always hot too. No pants for the win…if only that were acceptable!
p.s. I would totally wear Kensington’s sweet outfit! I think she’s ahead of the fashion game! Sweet girl, I hope the wind is right back in her sails and she’ll proudly rock her outfit again 🙂
Rebecca Jo says
That picture of Smith reading to Madeley… my word. What a good brother.
Hey – I have no kids & you STILL sound more organized then me 😉
Janet says
Kensington was adorable in her BoSox outfit. Elementary boys do not know fashion. You may have been a hot mess but you kept all for kids alive and accounted for. That’s a WIN!
Kimberly Penson says
Boy clothes?????? Boy clothes!!!!!! I have on almost the exact same outfit today. I love her style.
Julie Clark says
Okay, I was totally cracking up about undoing your pants and wanting to take them off!!???? Thanks for being so honest. I think you’re amazing!!!
Laura says
The confession about having your pants unbuttoned from being so hot…hilarious ???????? thanks for being so honest. I have four and yes, most days are just crazy so it’s ok if this is your new norm. You are doing the most important thing by loving on your kiddos a lot.
Laura says
Remember the mean boys’ names…when they want her number in another 7-8 years, the answer is: NO SIR. “You were mean to me in the 2nd grade!” Little cutie Shull kids…all of them. Smith’s glasses slay me. I wonder if any of my four need glasses???
Julie Mayfield says
I LOVED this post! It reminds me what it used to be like… I have 4 kiddos too. They are 15,17,19 & 21 now, but boy were those younger years crazy! It gets easier but also too quiet. Just remind yourself to not sweat the small stuff and continue taking lots of pictures!!
Jill says
So cute! Tell Kensington to not worry about those darn boys… maybe it is because she is always dressed so cute and girly that she threw them for a loop in the hat and baseball tee. Gotta keep those boys on their toes! 🙂
Jenny says
I think Kensington’s outfit was perfect! And that picture of Smith with his glasses reading to Madeley… Love it!
Samantha says
Don’t worry! You are not alone! I am usually pretty good at keeping up with everything but in the past few weeks I have had many forgetful incidents like the ones you mentioned! Us moms are a busy breed. We are allowed these moments. Your family is adorable!
Ariadna says
Oh my goodness, Kensington looks adorable!! If I may ask, what did you tell Kensington when she told you that? I ask because my 3 year old told me not too long ago that her girl friends from daycare told her she was wearing boy undies just because they had the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on them even though they are girl undies. She had been so proud that she found those undies while shopping with her Grandma because her dad loves the TMNT. I asked her what she had told her friends and she said “No they’re not! They are girl undies!” I’m glad she stood up for herself in that situation but it’s also sad that kids are already noticing differences at that age. I just tried to encourage her and praise her for sticking up for herself and said a prayer that she continues to get tough skin because I doubt life will get easier as she gets older. I pray that all of our kids have kinds hearts and are strong enough to not only stick up for themselves but also for others. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Crystal McDonald says
You are rocking mommy hood. Pants undone and all. Such an inspiring part of my every morning, your blog. I just got my one year bible and am reading it with Jesus Calling and Uninvited. And I use your cookbook, Eats every single night. You are helping mamas conquer our hot messy days. Thanks for being real and open and inspiring. Ashby is inspiring too! Praying for you sweet thing. Blessings in the Shulls <3
Melissa says
Being a mom is crazy!! I don’t think anyone told me that before I had kids. Someone should give pregnant moms a heads up.
I can’t quit laughing about the unbuttoned pants. You’re tiny…no reason to unbutton lol Made my morning!
Susan says
I have to admit, after reading your list, I scrolled back up to be sure I was reading your blog, haha! I know the chaos is wonderful!
Anna says
Oh, Shay! I am totally type A but when I started a PhD program, a full-time job, an assistantship, and building a house, I had to learn to embrace the hot mess express…it just…happens! Also, Kensington looked ADORABLE (as always) – I hope she doesn’t let those boys dim her shine!
Andrea says
Random question. How do you get your pictures onto your blog? Do you plug in your phone every time you try to blog? Or do You have an app on your phone? Looking for some ips on how to better at blogging my family’s life. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically plug my phone into the computer and upload them. If I’m using my MacBook, the pics automatically upload from iPhone to MacBook.
Maria Shire says
I just love your blog! I look forward to it and get excited when there is a new one! Our goddaughter is from China, so I feel like I can relate a little. Your children are super cute, and Kensington’s outfit was too. Silly boy were just jealous because she pulled it off better then them 😉
Paige Rodriguez says
Literally my kids cannot even handle a VACCINE, so Ashby is AMAZING!!! My kids could learn from watching her toughness!!!
Melanie says
Your little Ashby’s outlook on life just makes me smile and makes me want to be a happier person. I mean who gets ready for a painful procedure by laughing and smiling and wanting to take pics. She sure is special.
Sunni says
More of this, Shay! I love what a go-getter you are and I find it very inspirational, but I also really love seeing this side of you, too. We are all hot mess moms. Whether we have one kid or ten. It’s all relative. You will find your stride and blogging it out will give us all the opportunity to relate and cheer you on!
brett says
Poor Kensington- can’t believe they’d tease her! And her outfit is so, so cute too!
Lauren says
I really loved this post! I’m not sure if you’re aware, but you can kinda sorta come off as perfect, so reading about shower skipping and pants unbuttoning makes me smile 🙂 Kind of like the “Celebrities – They’re Just Like Us!” Section in US Magazine but the Shay version 😉 Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ha! Not perfect. Super organized, yes! Perfect, no. Hot on occasion and need pants unbuttoned, ABSOLUTELY!
Lindsay Wagner says
This is such a random question, but what time do your kids go to bed? I also love getting outside after dinner, but by the time my kids finish (ever.so.so.slowly!!!) it seems like there’s barely any time left before baths/beds. Silly question, but from one mama to another I would love to know!
Mix and Match Mama says
On school nights, by 8:00. We try and eat dinner at 5:30, so that we have time. Some nights, it just doesn’t work that way.
Andrea says
I am literally a hot mess every day when I get back in my mini van after dropping my 2 year old and 8 month old at daycare. I’m seriously sweating all the time. I don’t know how you do it but you always look great and all four kids are alive so you’re doing something right. I love Ashby and Madeley’s clothes. I know you’ve posted where you get them from again but can you post a link again? Thank you.
Mix and Match Mama says
Matilda Jane ;). Love them so much!
Erin says
Oh how I can so relate and I loved this post. It was F day at preschool this week and I forgot to bring an F picture (ironic it was F day ???? But I don’t cuss). i just laugh because otherwise I might cry. Now I better dash and figure out what letters next week (and no we don’t go in abc order – sigh) happy Thursday!!!!
Jasmin says
Oh my goodness, the picture of Smith reading to Madeley is so so SO adorable!! He looks so grown up with his glasses reading to her. So sweet! 🙂 Love these little snapshots we get to see of your kiddos. Have a great day!
Rebecca Walker says
Sounds like the boys just might have a crush on Kensington. I teach 2nd grade and boys usually don’t say anything unless they like the girl. She’s rockin’ the Sox outfit. I think I’ll have to have a “hat day” in my classroom too. 😉
Jeanie says
Tell Kensington that the boys wouldn’t tease her if they didn’t like her. I could not fathom your list of mistakes. Here I’ve been so jealous of you and your perfection. 🙂
Bethany says
I wore my husband’s deodorant for almost a week because I was out and I really did not want to go to the store. My husband has been out of town for a month, so it’s been full-time working momma and our sweet 6 month old.
Brandye says
Love your blog and this post! I’m an elementary teacher and I can tell you that while the boys were mean and shouldn’t have said what they did, it is just as important that K learn how to handle herself. Grown ups, I think, are meaner than kids. We just “negotiate” it better. Learning to handle such situations is part of the work of childhood. Of course, there is a point where adults need to step in. But give kids a chance to figure it out first. Just my 2 cents. I stayed home with my kiddos for several years. I had many weeks just like yours. LOL You all have been through a lot these past 2 months. Give yourself some grace. You all are just precious.
Ruth says
Your kids are just beautiful – Kensington looks super laid back and adorable in her Red Sox gear, (boo for the boys’ comments), Smith looks like the best brother ever and is so handsome in his glasses and Madeley is 2 cute! I loved reading about her first birthday party with her forever family. And sweet Ashby, I just can’t imagine having to have a surgery every month for both her, physically, and you, with your mama heart, but I am glad she is here where she can have her health properly addressed with a loving supportive family to help her healing process. 🙂
Aubrey says
Your unbuttoned jeans cracked me up! Those of us who regularly ride the Hot Mess Express FEEL YOU, sister. Give yourself a little grace here. I lost my mind and started forgetting things after three kids. You made it to four! Well done, you! 🙂
Kate says
So many thoughts.
1. Even with your moments of being a hot mess my goal is to be more like you, especially as a mom.
2. I looooove Kensington’s outfit. There’s a reason (unknown) that those boys were spreading hate instead of love. I will pray for them that love will fill them.
3. Smith holding Madeley’s hand and him reading to her makes me smile.
4. The strength and joy of Ashby makes like seem “doable”, like if she has all of that joy inside of her after everything she is going through we need to use her as an example!
5. Last but not least. Do you/are you going to eventually do cook book signings? I’m like two hours from Detroit and you named that as a fav city a couple days ago and I would LOVE for you to do a signing there!!!
Ann says
I can completely relate to being overwhelmed and forgetting basic stuff. If you have an Iphone, just tell Siri for example, “Remind me on such and such date at such time that I have a play date for Smith.” You can tell it to remind you several times, from a month reminder to day to hours & minutes reminder. The good thing is Siri does all the work, you just tell her, no more going into apps and typing anything again.
Elise Welch says
Love these pictures! Ashby is so sweet and tough! Will be praying for your family during this transition and new pace of life and for Ashby’s arm.
Marty says
I have 4 kids as well, and I soooo remember those busy days when they were little. Hang in there! It sounds like you are able to laugh at most of it, and at yourself…take it from me: that is half the battle! I used to not be so nutty, but after 4 kids? I make no promises! Ha! Now that my kids are “grown” (or they think they are), it.is.so.fun. We don’t get as much time with all 4 together as we’d like, because of time, distance, and two of our kids are married…but when we do? It’s wild and loud and crazy…and I wouldn’t trade it for ANYTHING. *Also, not excusing the rude comments Kensington got, but she always looks so “girlie” and feminine (and I love that!)…maybe those boys were just surprised to see her in something different (which I also think is super cute!). You’re a great Mom. 🙂
Nicole says
Life gets tough sometimes…like Patch Adams taught us, laughter really can be the best medicine! Pants down, no deodorant, hot mess laughter. Soothes the soul!
Kids can be mean… Adults can be mean too. If there’s one truly important thing I learned from my mom growing up it was that those trying moments – the sad ones, the frustrating ones, the ‘I’m going back to bed until Friday’ ones – really serve as the best teachable moments for us and our young ones. It’s a great moment to remind us all to be kind. I was picked on endlessly as a kid – we moved from Sugarland (Texas pride!!) to Canada and my southern way of speaking didn’t quite sit well with the kids on the playground. I came home from school in tears, and my mom took that opportunity to teach me about kindness and self love, and turned that sad moment into a positive one that I hold onto into my adult life. There are some lovely bible verses that go along great with this teachable moment! And after all, a mothers love is truly the greatest gift of all. You have beautiful, wonderful children with Gods love in their hearts… The same way that love was shown to you through your parents love. Life truly is precious.
Southern & Style says
Your little ones are so, so cute! I absolutely adore the fact that you can tell how much they love each other-it’s so evident in your pictures 🙂
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style