Hey there Thursday.
Thank you so much for the prayers yesterday. Our sweet Ashby did fantastic! She is such a trooper. I never knew a four year old could be your hero until I met her. I hate that we have to go to the hospital so often, but I LOVE the people we see when we’re there! The doctors, nurses and entire staff could not be more amazing. They bless us each and every time.
Here’s a little look at life lately…
I spent a fun little morning with these three. It’s never dull, I tell you!
(Psssst: by the way, that’s that top I love so much!)
We walked around the pet store for a bit and looked at all the animals/fish.
I’m saying “look at me” but clearly, they were all three looking at something else! Ha! Probably a turtle or something…
I’m pretty sure that Poppy’s greatest delight and worst fear is when Ashby asks to walk her. She’s equally happy and terrified at the same time 😉 .
We’ve been spending time with our new friend Willow. Madeley can already recognize her and say her name. Our friends just brought her home from China about three weeks ago. She is PRECIOUS.
It was Western Day at preschool 🙂 .
We played outside a lot while Andrew was gone. Love these four kiddos so much!
After her bath, I often wrap her up like a new baby and talk to her. I always look down at her and wonder what she looked like as a baby. It hurts my mama heart sometimes to think about the fact that I’ll never know what my girls looked like when they were born, how much they weighed, or even what day of the year it was. Some people dismiss these feelings…but they’re real. It’s sad not to know those intimate details about your own kiddos. I bet both of my girls were beautiful babies.
He fell asleep at 6:30. First grade life is exhausting!
On Friday mornings, we often volunteer at the big kids’ school. These girls keep me company while I do workroom stuff.
Bubbles for days over here.
This very much represents my kids. While Madeley napped on Saturday, Kensington wanted to play with her dolls independently while…
…Smith and Ashby wanted to play together. They built a “kayak” out of random stuff.
It rained for like three minutes and they played in it. Ashby carried a sled around.
Four clean kids wanting to bake with mom!
Just being them at the counter. Madeley seems to really be enjoying her book 😉 .
Bowen taught Madeley how to be a dog 😉 .
On May 1st, it was beautiful out, so we ate outside and swam. I wasn’t sure if Madeley was going to get into the water (because we’ve not had her over a summer yet), but she’s a fish! She loved it!
The rough life.
Madeley and I love Tuesdays! We play outside a lot…
…and often walk to Starbucks for a drink.
That’s a little life lately for you!
Have the BEST Thursday!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I loved walking around pets store as a child. Actually, I still do… come to think of it, does anyone NOT like hanging out looking at cute animals?
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Leslie Z. says
Madeley wrapped up in that towel is precious!!! ??
Diana Austin says
Agreed! So adorable!
ELizabeth says
So fun! I Can’t wait until it’s a pool day, everyday! Prayers for sweet Ashby, glad to hear she is doing better!
Xo, Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Erika Slaughter says
It must have been a big turtle those three were looking out because not a one could give you a glance for the picture!!
Amy Rae DeVito says
I’m so glad to hear Ashby had a successful operation and to hear she’s doing better! Keeping her & you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Great photos! Your pool is beautiful!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I always love your driveway every time you show a picture of it! Is it stamped concrete?
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
It is!
Andrea Breece says
What a warrior Ashby is. Sounds like she takes after her momma. ?
https://andreabreece.wordpress.com
Kristin says
Ashby’s strength is incredible, what an amazing little girl!
We have a pet store right next to Whole Foods so we get to visit all our “buddies” every week, my friend calls it the free zoo. Haha
Narci Dreffs says
I bet your precious girls were adorable babies–I would have loved to have known them then too! And? Your life lately looks perfect! Love all that outdoor fun!
Sarah says
We have been playing outside every day, too!! Gotta take advantage of this weather while we can!! So my girls actually despise the pet store LOL. They call it the “stinky store” and my 4-year-old will actually cry if I mention going in there! So funny!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Melissa says
What lipstick are you wearing in the first pic?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think that is Nars Roman Holiday.
Sheaffer Sims says
Miss Ashby is such an inspiration to me! I was annoyed that I have my yearly OB appointment today, but when I thought of Ashby yesterday, I realized how silly that was. That girl is FIERCE and SASSY and AWESOME.
Amy says
Those mama feelings, you mentioned, with the pic of Madely. They are for real! They can be overwhelming at times. We just miss what we missed! And what we missed was huge for them and us. I process those thoughts and feelings and then move on….again and again. Adoption truly is amazing! Prayers for your sweet Ashby! Love reading about your family.
Audrey says
Are your kids able to swim? Do they take swimming lessons from you?
Mix and Match Mama says
My big three can! They’ve all taken lessons from someone.
Stacy says
So fun– we’ve been outside all the time too lately !!! It’s so fun to see the imagination — kayaking in a sled love it!!!!!
Nikki says
Kensington looks so much like you!! Your kids are all so sweet. Here’s to Ashby being such a trooper & to being one step closer to Friday 🙂
http://www.speakathometonight.com/blog
Dana says
So happy to hear that Ashby’s surgery went well!! And it made me tear up to think about you not having pictures or details of Madeley and Ashby as newborns. That’s important and it would make me sad, too!! I also wonder how many people are going to start adopting little girls from China. You’ve definitely given our family an idea, although I don’t think it’s something we’re going to pursue in the immediate future. What a sweet way to promote adoption though!!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
So much going on in your life lately!! I love Ashby’s outfit for western day!
Jessica says
Ashby in her western gear is too cute!! ?
Allison says
Madeley in the picture of four clean kids wanting to bake…. PRECIOUS!!! Speaking of swim lessons, we go back for year 2 at Miss Sally’s next week and I am so excited about it!
Jenna says
What a bunch of cute pictures! You have all been having a lot of fun lately!
Brittany says
Um, why is your child wearing Yankees gear???
Angela Ellingson says
So much sweetness! Madeley wrapped up in the towel is so precious. Hugs Mama!
Kara says
1) I feel just like Smith does in that picture on the chair-Tired!!!
2) I love how Madeley is copying Smith and Ashby with her elbow/hand propping her head up. (Kitchen picture)
Kudos to you and your happy family.
Lauren says
random question for you, I’ve been going back and forth so need your opinion. Did you get your escalade in the ext size or just the smaller? Idk which one to get… how do you like it overall?
Mix and Match Mama says
I need the most room possible! I should probably be driving some sort of passenger van ;)!
Carly M says
So glad to hear that Madeley is a little fish too- she’ll fit right in this summer for all your pool days! Glad to hear that Ashby is home and resting. what a hero she is!
Michelle B. says
Love your life lately!! I just love your yard. Looks perfect!! I wish it was warm here but up in Missouri it’s been rainy, cloudy, and in the 40s & 50s brrrr. The sun is actually out today so I’m thankful for that. No doubt your girls were both beautiful babies. I also love that top and have been thinking of buying it since last time you posted it. Guess I better just do it 🙂
Lynn says
Hi Shay! What is your go to starbucks drink? I’m always looking to try new ones!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s one of my Friday Favorites tomorrow!!
Carly M says
Also, I have been LOVING your instagram stories, Madeley only cheering on Bowen at baseball was too funny!
Julie Magdic says
Does Madely use a high chair up at the counter? We’re in the process of moving and I’ve been freaking out about how my 18mo will eat at the big kitchen island with the rest of us on stools…LOL
Mix and Match Mama says
She eats mostly in her high chair but she likes to color/play at the counter.
JEN CHO says
You make having 4 kids look so easy! Love all the beautiful pictures. 🙂
Paige E says
This whole post makes me happy. Your babies are all precious. I don’t know ya’ll one bit, but I feel like I know ya a little bit. Real life rocks!
Yolanda McLean says
Madeley being a dog, I’m done! That is the best! Also her wrapped like a little baby, done. So adorable! We have a four year old foster child and she loves being a dog. Sometimes I pick her up and rock her like a wee baby too.
Alexis deZayas says
These posts are always so sweet – they are my favorite!!
angela shields says
I love all of the pictures of you and your kiddos and all of your activities. I need to be more active like your family! I have two children that were adopted through CPS. Their birth mom wrote me every December (per our agreement) and I asked her repeatedly for baby pictures. Just this week my 5th grader had to fill out a form about his birth and at the bottom attach a baby photo. It really bothers this momma’s heart that I don’t know how much he weighed or how long he was and I really wish I knew what my boys looked like as babies. I know the date and county where he was born. We googled some information to figure out the hospital but we ended up making up most of it up and attaching a picture of him at three because that is the earliest picture I have. He got a little teary eyed doing this project. What is so easy for some children is really difficult for others who don’t know that information. My sons were being starved by their family. I told him to not worry about the information that we don’t have and focus on the fact that God got him out of that environment and saved his life and gave him a forever family to love him.
Jessica Murphy says
Oh Angela, that’s so heartbreaking. Poor sweet babies with broken beginnings. My little one is from China, and though she doesn’t remember it, we talk often of her birth family, and she tears up missing them. It breaks my heart for her, and I wish I could heal all the wounds, but I’m so grateful that God can. Saying prayers for your boys.
Shay – thank you for sharing your story. Your kiddos are precious!!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
I’m so glad to hear that Ashby did well yesterday. I’ve been praying for her. She is amazing, Shay! Just amazing.
Jeanie says
Madeley and Willow look like they could be sisters. Love the chair Smith conked out in.
Megan says
Love your sweet life updates! Glad to hear that Ashby is doing well! What a strong and brave little lady! This might seem like a trivial question, but how do you get the cute bump in your hair when it’s pulled up?! I need to know how to do it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh, it just happens and it’s a mess. You wouldn’t be impressed in person ;).
Cori says
I fell in love with that precious Nordstroms dress you wore at the Go Wild conference. I wore it today… all the colors make me happy. Did you dry clean or hand wash cycle? I know it says dry clean, but I bet it could be washed. I’m scared to try!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I dry cleaned it!
Megan Butler says
Madeley is just stealing the show!! I mean she is just precious.
Erin Port says
Such sweet photos of a precious photo and those feelings as an adoptive mom are so helpful to us considering as we navigate all the emotions as we pray and wait for Gods perfect timing so thank you.
Kimberly Penson says
I’m sure those girls were beautiful babies but looking up and seeing your mamma face now makes them even more beautiful. What a story. God is good. #twoless
Lynda says
Haha! Poppy and Ashby, love it ?
Detroit Duchess says
Miss Madeley trying to be a dog is cracking me up! She is so precious and you are both lucky to have found each other. <3
Liliana Hernandez says
Hey Shay, I love the color of your lipstick in your first picture. What’s the name of it? Also, I’ve been looking for a pair of earrings like in that picture, any recommendations? Thanks! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
The earrings are Kendra Scott and lipstick is Bobbi Brown’s Blush :).