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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Everyday Life, Life Lately, Shay ·

Life lately.


Well, life lately has been…quiet.  Quiet because I have had laryngitis for almost a week now.  Insert sad face here.  I am not sick one bit…I even went to the doctor hoping he’d be able to offer some relief but since I’m not sick, he said I have a old-fashioned case of laryngitis.  Which is difficult when you have a bunch of kids at home who ask 4.6 billion questions a day.  So, I’m on the upswing…but it’s been a rough few days of silence (on my part) around here.  Saturday through Tuesday were the worst, but now things are starting to sound a bit better.  Other than that…here’s a peek at life lately…

We celebrated Ashby’s 2nd Gotcha Day last week!  Look at my big girl!!!

The picture on the left was taken the day we got her…and on the right, exactly two years later :).

That evening, we went to PF Chang’s for our annual Gotcha Day dinner tradition.  Love my family so much!

We explained to our waiter why we were celebrating and he brought out a cake :).

Lately, I’ve been feeling very grateful for round two of kiddos.  A few years ago, it was always Kensington and Smith in the kitchen with me and hanging out with me all day, but now they’re in school.  So…I get to do it all over again with these two AND IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!!  I think now more than ever, I realize how quickly it all goes by, so I’m savoring every single minute.

We had a little dusting of snow on Friday and when it began, the two littles wanted to go outside and catch snowflakes on their tongues.  I’m so thankful for these moments with these girls.

Friday afternoon, Kensington, Ebby Lee and Molly tried out for the school talent show.  It’s going to be so much fun to watch them perform!

I took this picture on Sunday just because.  Kensington is getting so big.  She dresses herself and has her own stamp to put on everything in life…she’s just a really sweet girl and I’m thankful for her too :).

I posted this picture of me doing my quiet time on Monday morning.  To read more about the daily books I read every morning, click HERE.

We had a play date on Monday and I took a picture of these two just because.  They have the sweetest little relationship.

She’s like “look mom, I’m putting the lights on the light wall”.  She’s getting so independent and active!  She loved the play date too!

After school, we played at the park with the big kids.  It was cold and windy…and Madeley ate everyone’s snack she could find.  She looks so innocent but really…she was just casually waiting for everyone to walk off so that she could eat their stuff and drink out of their water bottle 🙂 .

It’s funny how my kids have naturally paired off.  This didn’t happen when I had three, but now, it’s most definitely happened.  Kensington was sitting at my desk doing 30 minutes of homework on my computer and little Madeley just sat next to her the whole time.  I was like “Kensington, do you want me to take her?” and she was all like “No, she likes sitting here with me.”.  These two are quite the little pair and are together all the time.  Just like these two…

…Smith and Ashby.  I was in there folding laundry and they came in to ask if they could play a game together.  Look at them in their pjs with their blankets.  They just bounce around the house together after school until bedtime.  They’re just a little pair 🙂 .

So, that’s a little life lately.  It’s a good thing I don’t need my voice to blog or else we would have been in trouble this week 😉 .

And on another note, just an FYI to those of you who liked these sweaters…

They’re both 40% off today!  Click HERE to see this one.  And then for this one…

…you can find it HERE.

See you tomorrow!

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Comments

  2. Heather Bramlett says

    Oh no…no voice with 4 kids would be rough! Hope it’s back soon!!
    The kids are precious!!
    Question?? Is your computer screen framed?? How did you do that?? So precious!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      No, it just has a big monitor. There is a framed pinboard next to it, so that might be what you’re seeing.

  3. Susan Jeffries says

    Cute sweaters and darling kids(: I am heading over to the Loft site today for that great sale! I hope you feel better!

  5. Angela Ellingson says

    Your kiddos are just so precious! Miss Kensington looks so big in that picture where she’s wearing orange! Excited to hear what the girls are doing in the talent show. And that picture of the two littles helping you in the kitchen… so sweet! I can’t totally picture a similar photo of Kensington and Smith when they were littler. 🙂

  6. Sarah says

    Awww that’s sweet your kids each have a buddy!! I have three but have had numerous people tell me I need a fourth for that very reason 🙂

    Also, love that you are enjoying round two of toddlers!! I’m still technically in round one (ages 4 and 3, and my third is just 2 months), and I think in round one it’s easy to both take advantage of that sweet time not realizing how quickly it goes by and sorta wish it away LOL! Toddlers are tough; but it does fly by!!

    -Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com

  7. Allison A. says

    Your kids are just the cutest! They are so sweet to one another. I love that! Both of those Loft sweater are darling. May I ask what size you got in those? I hope your voice comes back real soon!

  9. Lesley McFarland says

    What a bunch a cuties. You poor thing…no voice…YIKES! Glad you are on the mend.

  11. Sheaffer Sims says

    Love that K lets M sit with her while doing homework. Such a sweet little pair! And thank heavens your voice is is on the mend. That was TERRIBLE! Your little squeaks were so hard to understand. 😉

  12. Cheryl says

    Such a sweet family. I love to see your updates! How do you get your girls to keep bows in when they are younger? My 1 year old puts her hand up and pulls it out 2 seconds after I put it in! She’d look so cute with a sweet little bow 🙁

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think it’s because I put one on them starting at birth :). They don’t know any difference!

  14. Jen Fisher says

    I had laryngitis a couple of months ago. Same thing…not sick just couldn’t talk. At the end of the day I was so exhausted from “trying” to talk and communicate. Hope you get your voice back soon. Your family is precious!

  15. Erika Slaughter says

    Awwww!!! I’m so glad the waiter recognized what a special day it was! You guys have had a fun week. And you did it all without talking. Hahahaha!

  16. kristen says

    I had laryngitis for 7 days over Christmas break! It is so frustrating! Luckily all my kids can read now so I could write them notes. Ha! Hope you get your voice back soon.

  17. Katherine Darlington says

    My church did a sermon series on “quiet time”. The book by Gary L Thomas, Sacred Pathways: Discover Your Soul’s Path to God, has a little quiz in it to find out how you feel closest to God. Personally, I feel closest when I’m outside in nature, for some it’s being a caretaker and some even protesting/advocating. There’s several different ones. It’s interesting because once you know how you relate best, it can enhance your quiet time or the time you set aside to spend with the Lord.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Ha! Good eye! We’re getting new flooring in my closet, so we’re stashing clothes in a bunch of random places until it’s completed.

  19. Julia Ward says

    Hi! Just found your blog through an adoption blog! Wow–what a perfect life! Such positivity! Your kids get along perfectly–“They just bounce around the house together “–ha ! Perfect perfect! No wonder you get up so early! Love it! Hope my adoption of 2 siblings will be just as seamless and easy!!

  20. Gwen Connery says

    I have been following your blog for years and look forward to reading your posts every morning. You have a beautiful family!! I love your rug that’s in the picture with Kensington. Do you mind telling me where it’s from?

  21. Anna says

    Do you use another camera other than your iPhone for the photos? Love reading about your sweet family!

  22. Lisa N says

    Love the pictures of your sweet big kids paired off with the littles…and I had to laugh at Madeley sitting by Kensington with your draw open to take a peak?

  23. Kelly says

    Hope you get your voice back pronto! Ugh
    Kensington looks so gorgeous as always. I love her scarf and outfit!

  25. Cathie B says

    Curious about your BIO Cleans product on the desk! How do you take that– every day! Do you get results? How long have you been using it?

  26. Aubrey says

    So funny how kids pair off naturally according to their personalities. My three pair up differently multiple times throughout the day while the odd man out gets a bit of much needed solo time. Living with introverts is so weird for me! Feel better soon, friend!

  27. Kay says

    I hope your voice comes back soon! I had bronchitis and laryngitis while student teaching, and then started getting it every single year while teaching kindergartens. No voice with kids is the absolute worst!

  28. Angela Shields says

    I love reading about your family! My husband and I adopted two boys through CPS 7 1/2 yrs ago and I love thinking back on the first days that we had them after reading about your recent experiences with Madeley. I was wondering where your cute cream scarf is from that is in the picture with the striped sweater and mint green hat? I also wanted to tell you that I have been reading the one year bible that you recommended and I love it!☺️ Thank you! Angela

  31. Sandy Blitch says

    I am a Grandmother who reads your blog every morning. I love what you stand for, and the way you are raising your family. I love your sweaters, and order many of them for myself, because we are built similar, but I am meatier! You are an amazing person, your parents did a great job, and you have continued that! Thank you for my morning perk!

  32. Angela Banae says

    Always love your blog, Shay! I’m loving the picture of the two littles helping you in the kitchen! Can you share where the pink bowls from? I love it!!

  34. Tonya says

    Madeley is already changing so much. She looks so much more grown up in these pictures.

    I coordinate the women’s ministry at my church. I am super pumped because tonight we are meeting at a local restaurant and participating in our inaugural SCARF EXCHANGE! Thank you! Can. Not. Wait.

  35. Shelby Fullerton says

    Can I ask a question? I notice your girls in heavy coats and no socks. Is this the style now? I am a grandmother so forgive me. Not questioning your decision, just curious. Seems like if it is that cold they would need socks.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      It’s the shoes that they’re wearing…you just don’t wear socks with those types of shoes (ballet flats, Toms, etc). It’s just the style of shoes. 🙂

  36. Tracy says

    I’m losing my voice now. So annoying! Are you using Plexus products (I think I spot one of my favorite supplements in your pic of the girls at the computer)? Would love to see you post on your experience with them (or any other supplements you like). 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I do! I think like 8 of my friends sell it, so I’ve turned into a user myself :). Love what I take!

  37. Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says

    Girl, I’ve had laryngitis since last Friday, too!! It’s SO weird because I feel totally fine – no fever, no aches, no fatigue, and my throat doesn’t even hurt – I just can’t talk. And it’s SO hard to parent two tiny kids when you don’t have a voice! Mine is finally starting to come back now, so I’m hoping for total relief by the weekend. The weirdest thing is that this is the fifth time I’ve had it in the last eight months. What the heck is that all about?!

  38. Meaghan says

    What etsy store do you buy your little girls outfits from? You posted a link back around Halloween but I can’t seem to find it.

  39. Cindy says

    Hi Shay,

    Love reading your blog everyday it is so uplifting and I learn something new with all the recipes that get posted. I have to say that I got laryngitis as well. I got mine from the change in temperature and dryness of the air and also talking. Just like a cold you swallow that cold air and when the weather changes drastically here up north that can affect your your voice. I drank lots of tea and used a humidifier along with drinking water and spraying my mouth with throat spray. It helped and my voice is back to normal. The weather eh.

  40. Florence says

    The first thing I have to say is “WoW..people are observant..ha” Clearly, I miss the details of a lot of these photos..lol. I think I’m too bust admiring your cuties! Love following along and am so happy to see/hear that your adoptions have been such a blessing.

  43. Christina D. says

    So lovely to see the kids having fun together-family time after school is the best for us Mommas:)

  44. Krystal says

    That play date looks so fun! Is it a children’s museum? Looking for fun places to take my little one. 🙂

  46. Cammie says

    I sell Plexus and swear by the bio cleanse. Was so excited to see it on your counter. I can not go a day with out it!!!!

  47. Abby says

    Love the pairs! Just curious you never blog about houskeepers/ housekeeping. How often do you have cleaning help -your house is always looking so clean?

  49. Laura says

    Hi Shay! I have two girls, age 1 and 4. Could you please share where Ashby & Madeley’s adorable outfits are from? Thanks! 🙂

  50. Amy says

    I hope that you’re feeling 100% better as soon as possible.

    The photos you posted are great. I think it’s so funny that Madeley was acting all innocent and then taking everyone’s snacks when they walked away!!

  51. Carrie says

    Have you taken your family to a more authentic Chinese restaurant? I am honestly just curious, we have a PF Changs near us and are just not fans. With some sensitive stomachs, the grease is hard on our family. Some people love that place. But traditional Chinese food is so different.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We love PF Changs because of the Terra cotta Warriors. The original ones are from Xi’an…like Ashby :). But yes, we have neighborhood restaurants that are way more authentic that we frequent/have delivered. We just like to reminisce with the Warriors :).