Ahhhh! Life lately has been NUTTY.
I volunteered in the library at the big kids’ school and I was in the middle of sorting some stuff when I heard this very raspy voice start talking to the librarian. My mama ears perked up right away…I love that raspy voice so much. He let me take a pic with him :).
My little candy crush.
After school, I took the two big girls to get pedicures while the littlest girl watched. She was fascinated by the whole thing. Maybe next time, she can get her toes painted too?
These two.
On Friday night, both Andrew and Tab were out of town, so Erika and I walked to dinner with the kiddos. Our town is so cool :).
The next morning was chilly and bright, so the girls and I walked to Starbucks for drinks. Love these girls. And FYI: The scratch is because Madeley fell and scraped her nose. Boo.
On Saturday night, my mom and dad hosted mine and my uncle’s birthdays. My parents ALWAYS out do themselves! Here are all five of Lovie’s little pumpkins.
On this special day, we let Papa Jay and Lovie hold Madeley for the first time (my mom would insert a “finally” into that sentence 😉 ). She’s been doing so well, that we decided to let them have a few snuggles. My dad wanted me to document this momentous occasion…they both look pensive…
…and then they both realize that everything is going to be okay.
Dinner was an Italian theme. Isn’t it so pretty? My mom can sure host a party!
Lovie’s first snuggle with Madeley James.
I walked out back and saw Smith sitting in the swing with my grandmother and Samuel. Love these three so much! My grandmother has five great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons.
This was Madeley’s first trip to Lovie’s house, which means it was also her first trip inside the playhouse too!
My two busy bees inside with Papa Jay…
…another one of my busy bees outside with his cousins Paisley and Penley (well, they’re my cousin’s kids but we call them his cousins because they see each other so much!).
My beautiful girl.
All the fun (and punch!) at Lovie’s house!
I love my Uncle Bryan. He and my mom are each other’s only siblings…and my grandmother will hate me for pointing this out…but they’re only 10 months and 29 days a part. How funny is that? (I don’t think my grandmother found it funny at the time 😉 ). #irishtwins
The next evening was one of our very favorite nights of the year…our Sunday school class Harvest Party. WE LOVE THIS SO MUCH! My kids always wear their Halloween costumes and this year, we had Jasmine, Kylo Ren, Mulan and Belle. I let them pick their own costumes…but the big girls picked Madeley’s 🙂 .
My mama heart.
One more just because.
We have so many friends and their families attend each year. Here Erika is taking some pics of sweet girls (with tiger Bowen crawling up).
We ate and ate and played and played.
Mulan, a tiger and Minnie Mouse.
So many kids!
Andrea texted me this one :).
And then…things got a little crazy. Ashby fell down and…she broke her left arm. INSERT PANIC HERE. Her right arm is the one affected with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome…so she really depends on her left arm…and that was the injured one. The bad news was that she was in pain (both arms hurt now!), but the good news was that it wasn’t her affected arm (that could have been extremely serious…I’m talking hospitalization serious) and she won’t have to wear a cast because of where the fracture is…it’s between her shoulder and her elbow (right in the middle of that ). After a trip to the ER, they said it was clean and should heal up on its own. We’re being extremely careful now with both arms. I’m so sad for her…but I’m so thankful it wasn’t worse.
And then…
…on Tuesday morning, this one had a little procedure on her ear. She had a few growths that needed to be removed, so after an early morning trip to the hospital, she was all checked in, worked on and released without any hiccups. As my mom pointed out…it’s always going to be something with this many kids. Ha!
On Tuesday night, we met the Slaughters on our town square for pizza to celebrate my birthday. (It was school t-shirt day at the big kids’ school…so please excuse my artwork on top of their tees). Love these five so very much!
My birthday ended on such a high!
So…that’s life lately.
xo
Leslie Z says
Those pictures of your mom and dad holding Madeley are to die for! I just can’t get enough of her little face. That’s so awful for poor, sweet Ashby. I really hope she heals up and feels better soon. You are definitely no stranger to the hospital!
XO,
Leslie
http://www.withlovefromgablog.blogspot.com
Bernadine says
BUSY life lately but memories to last forever!
Francie says
Precious pictures, I always look forward to your life lately post! http://supersimpleways.com/
Amy Heinl says
Hapoiest id birthdays to you..beautiful pictures of a very blessed life. Sending healing prayers for Miss Ashby
Stephanie Zapata says
My big girls picked out the same Belle costume for my youngest (we have 6). She’s 5 months old and they love doting on her.
I have 2 that were adopted (one from Russia and one from Guatemala) and I simply love reading about your family!
Thank you for sharing your family with us. ????
Kelly Stamps says
So much fun!!!! I’m glad everyone is ok now. Hope they stay healthy.
Regine Karpel says
Love.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Narci says
Well, that is a crazy life lately! I am so thankful that it wasn’t worse! And, that Lovie sure can throw a party!! So pretty!!! Xo
Amanda says
Madeley is so smiley these days! So fun to see her…she’s so adorable. Best wishes for Ashby’s speedy recovery.
Sarah says
Awwww poor Ashby!!!!!! I’m so sorry 🙁 🙁 🙁 She is one tough little cookie, that’s for sure!!
Love that Madeley is adjusting so well to life at home! What a blessing that the grandparents can hold her now. So happy for your family!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Meghan says
I love the TB flats you have been wearing recently! So much so that I got myself a pair! Do they stretch out at all? One size was almost too small so I sent back for the next half size up and they are too big. Just curious if the smaller size would stretch out a little or if I should give up on them. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do think they stretch a tad. Yes!
KimW says
SHAY! It is so fun to watch the transformation in Madeley’s face! So precious — you can tell she is happy and learning to feel comfortable and loved. You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing with us.
Erika Slaughter says
That Ashby is so tough…it’s gonna take more than a fracture to keep her down. Seriously, she’s got superhuman strength! We discuss Ashby’s toughness all the time at my house. Certain kids over here think a paper cut means they need to lay down! Insert major eye roll!
Megan says
It’s always going to be something with this many kids. Truer words were never spoken!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
I’m so sorry about Ashby’s arm! Thank goodness it was a clean break and not her other arm! And little Madeley, so glad things went well with her too! Your kids look so adorable in their costumes and I had to laugh because my son (also in 1st grade) is being Kylo Ren. I am not a huge fan but whatever, it’s hard to tell a 6yr old what to be!
Laci Murray says
Looks like Lovie throws really good parties!! Oh my goodness that Ashby is a tough cookie!!! Life is always crazy I feel like with kids, so thanks for helping me know it’s not just me! Ahh….
Kelly says
Crazy, full ‘life-lately’.
So many excellent pictures… you and Smith♡♡♡
Papa Jay and Madely, Lovie and Madely♡♡♡ …ALL of the pics!
Lovie sure made a gorgeous party . I’d love to hear what she served? It’s so wonderful that you had such a great bday. Wishing you a year full of all good things! Special prayers for poor little Ashby.
Tammy says
Awww little Ashby ! Poor little girl, praying for healing ! So sweet the photo of Madly she is adorable just like all of your children !
Meghan says
Shay! Love reading about your nutty life lately! Precious memories! Love your new “About Me” picture! Where are your plaid shirt and dark jeans from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Both are from J Crew :).
Kimberly penson says
So much fun. I love life lately. It brings back the best of memories of my three. Thank you for sharing and always being encouraging.
Patricia says
The playhouse is the cutest ever. If I were a little girl again, I’d move in right now (I’m willing to downsize) and wear princess costumes all the time. Since I can’t shrink, lucky for me I have a granddaughter who just loves to play dress up in princess costumes.
We went through the wait to hold our granddaughter while she attached to her new parents. It was hardest on her new big brother who couldn’t wait to hold his new sister. But it was worth the wait. She’s ours and all of us are hers.
Allyson Crookshank says
Tell your Grandmother that I too have Irish Twins, my kids are 11 months and 22 days apart. It’s not funny at first but now we laugh about it all the time. Such a sweet family and we are praying for a speedy recover for Ashby!
cassie (hi sugarplum) says
So much cuteness!!! Pics of your family just make my day!
Karen Ward says
That poor Ashby!!! Bless her…
My sister and I are Irish twins as well – 11 months apart. When I was finally old enough to realize what exactly that meant, I looked at my mom and asked if she was nuts! LOL!!
Mackensey says
Your parents with Madeley is just perfect. So much happiness, it is so obvious. And noticed you and Kensington have the exact same color eyes-she is such a beautiful little lady 🙂
Kelly says
As a mimi of 8, I was so excited to see your parents hold Madeley for the first time, sweet reward! And poor Ashby! My 15yo son fractured his clavicle about a week and a half ago. No fun! Hopefully, she heals quickly. Life lately is nothing if not interesting;)
Jenny says
Goodness, you guys have been busy! Hang in there! 🙂
Stephanie says
My son had a fracture similar to Ashby’s last fall. He wore a sling for a month & then was all good. Hopefully Ashby’s will heal up just as quick. I’ll pray for her and also for you for firmness and patience because it is hard to keep these active kids down while they heal!
Karen S. says
Wow ~ what a fun-filled post!! Poor Ashby ~ thankfully she is strong! I have a kiddo that fusses over everything including a paper cut……ha ha major eye roll here too! Here’s an idea ~ how about writing a book with your Mom about entertaining and/or decorating. From photos ~ I can see you both have exquisite taste!
Melanie says
Bless Ashby’s little heart!
I can empathize somewhat. When I was 7 I fractured my right arm and sprained my left. It was the worst summer of my entire life! One arm in a cast and one in a brace!
Glad she’s ok!
And I’m loving seeing everyone in costumes! This time of year is my fave!
Lovie is right up there with Andrea in decorating for parties! Looks fantastic!
Andrea says
Your mom should really do a hosting parties book! Your family parties always look so amazing!!!
Angela Ellingson says
Great life lately minus the broken arm! That is so scary, but like you said, it could have been worse. My little guy broke his arm a year ago when he was 3. It happens so quick! Prayers that those will be the last broken bones for both of our families. 🙂 Anyway, such fun celebrating your birthday! I’ll never get over that playhouse at your parents’ home. Amazing!
emily @ a little bit of emily says
Poor Ashby! That is one tough cookie! Madeley is so sweet – I can imagine how excited your parents were to hold her and love on her!
Emily says
Hi Shay! Your makeup always looks amazing!! What eyeliner do you use? Do you apply it to your waterline? It seems to have real staying power, which is what I need! I tried to find it in your past makeup posts, but didn’t see it. Thanks in advance!! And yes, our town is pretty incredible!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m going to do a new makeup post next week!!
Rust says
Your posts land in my inbox and they just stop me in my tracks. Everything in my life fades to the background and for just a small life of my life I become part of your life and I tell you, it is such a sweet place to be. I wanted you to know how you impact me, and my thoughts in the mornings, and how my day is in some tangible and important way shaped by your world. I know you don’t know it, but through time, by my coming to care about you and your beautiful, beautiful family, you have spread so much love into the world and into my heart. You are so very fortunate.
Kerri says
HI! I am a faithful blog reader…all the way from Boston! Sorry to hear about Ashby’s arm! My 8 year old Olivia did the same thing on the monkey bars and she’s been in a sling! Broke her arm and she was bummed she didn’t even get a cast! It was int he same place….top of the arm. Hope she’s better soon! Love your blog! PS: just got your new cookbook!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
Oh goodness gracious, Shay!! Bless Ashby’s sweet little heart. I hope everything heals quickly. She is one tough little cookie.
Anna says
Kids are so resilient! My son broke his finger at 4. By the next week when we saw ortho it was nearly healed and he just had to wear a splint for a few weeks to keep it straight. And yes, it’s always something when you have multiple kids. Right now, after a fall break trip last week to Great Wolf in Grapevine and a birthday party, we managed to pick up a cold/respiratory infection and the two youngest boys have a tummy bug. And I had already planned on sending my husband to see the Cubs this weekend before this stuff hit. I love being home with them but the chaos gets to me sometimes. Returning to work is just not feasible with 5 little ones right now. Nearly every week, someone has an appointment or activity that would require my presence. I still have three at home until next fall but the other two are right behind her. The days are long but the years are short!
Debbie says
Wow what a busy week! Glad the girl are doing good! It is so hard when they get hurt or sick, you are a great mama! ????????
Jess Deisher says
Busy busy life is sometimes, but I’m sure you wouldnt have it any other way 🙂
xo
Nicole Vong says
I only recently discovered your blog and i love seeing how well madeley is adjusting to life with your family and her siblings.. really makes me smile when i read your updates. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Jeanie says
Wow, your mom certainly does go all out! The table looks great. As usual, I love all the photos, especially pensive Madeley. So sorry for Ashby, but I bet she’s doing fine already.
Sarah says
Prayers for sweet, tough Ashby.
Madely’s smile makes ME smile!
Anna says
Where are your watch and necklace from in the pic of you and Kensington?
Mix and Match Mama says
The necklace is Kendra Scott and the watch is Burberry.
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
loving all the trick-or-treat festivities!! Way too fun!!!
Sarah @ The Teacher's Wife says
Happy Birthday, Shay! It sure sounds like you have been really busy, but I think your Mom is right. It’s just life with kids! Have a great weekend!! –Sarah 🙂
Christin says
Happy Birthday Shay! You weren’t kidding when you said life’s been nutty! I have 3 boys and what your mom said is so true haha. Those pictures of your mom and dad with Madeley just makes you smile!
Danielle says
Your family is the cutest and sweetest. And I love how much your mom and dad love and care for y’all!!!
I was adopted from korea at 3 months old, and have followed you since Ashby’s adoption journey. I love seeing how they fit so perfectly into your family!!!
Michelle Wiseman says
I love your post! You certainly have a beautiful family!! My sister and I are also Irish twins… we are 5 days short of a year apart!
Sasha Posey says
Shay – which nail salon do you recommend in McKinney? We are taking our girls to McKinney for the Ninja Warrior activity and wanted to get pedicures too. 🙂 ????????
Mix and Match Mama says
There is a Grand Salon close by that’s great!
Holly Hopkins says
That is alot! Hope both gals are doing okay. Your Mom sure knows how to throw a party love it!