About twice a year, I do a “day in the life” post. I always try to do one during the school year and one during the summer. I don’t know what it is about these posts…but they’re my favorite to read on other people’s blogs and seem to be quite popular here too. Isn’t it funny how interesting it is to see how other people do life?
I don’t typically go back and read my old blog posts…but these, I do. These simple old boring days are the ones I know I will cherish the most when I look back on raising my kiddos.
So, on Monday, I woke up and documented our day. Please note: it’s a pretty basic/not too exciting/rather boring day in the life of my family…which are my favorite days.
Happy Wednesday! Here’s a look at our Monday…
Rise and shine! It was time to get up and face the day.
I don’t know about you…but I can’t face the day without coffee 🙂 .
I settled in for my quiet time. My sweet friend Sophie (a.k.a. Boo Mama) is about to release this new devotional/journal and I have an early copy. Girls, you have to get this!! Go ahead and add it to your Amazon cart along with her other books (they’re hysterical, sincere, honest and will make you feel good inside!). It’s been an extra blessing to my morning to have this devotional. (And random but both my pajamas and my robe are on sale right now!)
I use the You Version app and this was the verse of the day. I like this. And then this part of the scripture that I was reading…
…I’m doing a You Version study as well and this scripture was part of that day’s section. Isn’t that powerful?
After I was done…I headed to my office to do some work. First up, check that day’s blog posts.
My favorite guy came to tell me bye as he headed to the gym.
Around 6:30, I stopped working and headed to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher.
I also made myself some breakfast (oatmeal with almond butter and honey).
I try to eat breakfast outside every day.
This guy came downstairs and immediately wanted to close his eyes again. After I snuggled with him a minute, I went upstairs to wake up the girls. We only go to the gym twice a week, and this was one of those days. (The other days, I let them sleep in.)
Madeley was easy to wake up, and she waited in the bean bag chair while I tried to get Ashby up from the top bunk. Side note: waking kids up who are on the top bunk is pretty impossible. Ha! They have the advantage up there because they can kind of get away from you and keep sleeping.
After that, it was a blur of waking up kids, getting them fed, making my bed, and all of us getting dressed. We were headed to the gym and then the pool, so I had to grab all of my bags…
…I keep my gym bag and pool bag both stocked and ready to go so that it’s easy to just grab them in the morning and know that I didn’t forget anything.
One of them needs to work on her “I’m sad because it’s Monday” face! 🙂
It is always a race inside the gym to see who can push the button first (the button buzzes them so that they can unlock the door to the kids’ area and let us in). Madeley was the clear loser today.
I snapped a quick photo during my class. It’s a mix of cardio and strength training.
He was excited to be heading to the pool after I was done. But first, we had to make a stop…
…we stopped at Sheaffer’s, so my kiddos got out and played with their two new golden retriever puppies…
…I mean to tell you!! Aren’t they sweet?!?!?! I don’t follow many dogs on social media, but I do follow these two 🙂 . They have the cutest little Instagram account (@ourgoldenpups) . They make me want to go home and buy puppies. Ha!
After that, we met a ton of friends at the pool for lunch and swimming. Every day at 1:00, they have a cannon ball contest and Ashby won!! She has never won before, so we were all so proud of her!! She just gets up there on that big diving board and jumps her heart out! The prize for winning is a free popsicle. She was BEAMING!
We swam until about 2:15 and then we dried off and headed home.
I put Madeley down for a nap first thing and when I came back downstairs, I found this. Smith apparently put himself down too. Kensington read and Ashby watched Cinderella while I headed to do some work…
I love this picture of my family on my computer 🙂 .
I had some peanut butter pretzels from Trader Joe’s while I worked because…they’re amazing.
This time went by super fast! At 4:45, I had to stop work and put dinner together (we had a summer corn chowder that I will blog ASAP!) because both of my big kids had games that night (which was a first). Andrew came home right around then and helped me get Madeley up and everyone dressed for their games.
I had thrown on some real clothes and eyeliner post-pool and hugged my boy as he headed off to his flag football game. Andrew took Smith because he coaches that team and I took the girls to Kensington’s basketball game.
This sweet girl loves basketball! It was a rocky start this summer, but now, she really enjoys playing!
Two bow heads sat in front of me during the game :).
Erika had to take Bowen potty, so I got to hold sweet Britt! Eeeeeeks! I love this girl!!
The girls and Bowen enjoyed their popcorn during the game 🙂 .
We got home and the two little girls took a bubble bath.
All clean and lotioned up! She watched one episode of Mickey Mouse before bed. I asked her if she wanted to sleep in our room in a sleeping bag (we told the kids that they could do that since they did so well in their games that night!)…but she opted for her big girl bed. But first…
…she helped me sort some laundry. After that, Madeley went to bed, the big three got cozy in their sleeping bags, I took a shower and got my pjs on before Andrew and I sat down…
…and watched a little TV and had a brownie together. Around 9:45, I headed into our room…
…unmade the bed and climbed in…
…and while they finished their movie, I read my book.
And then, just like that, our day was over.
That’s a day in the life of us.
To see days from years past, look below…
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Oh my gosh, I have to follow that puppy Instagram account. They’re so cute!
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Erika Slaughter says
What a great day to document…the day the girls get a big W in the books!! I was about to be impressed that I saw you three different times and you managed to document without a Slaughter getting in a pic. And then Britt made it! Hahaha!
Bethany says
Love these! I love bows and basketball as well =)
Courtney says
I love that you are so intentional about things you do each day. Thanks for being such a wonderful role model, and such a wonderful mama! 🙂
XO
Courtney
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
These are always my favorite posts of yours — it’s always so fun to see other people’s day-to-day lives!
LauraLikesDesign.com/blog
Narci Dreffs says
Ashby winning the cannon ball contest was the highlight of my day! Her big smile afterwards was the best thing ever! Also, Sheaffer’s puppies are so cute! We are gaga over them!
Elspeth Mizner says
Love these posts!!! It’s always so interesting to see how everyone else’s days go. I agree, the normal days are the best ones!
Tana says
Will you be blogging about your favourite finds from the Anniversary Sale? I hope so!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! Stay tuned for that!
Megan Butler says
What a great day!!! And now I feel like I need some peanut butter pretzels!!!! Yum.
Carly says
This is waus my favorite post! Can’t wait to hear your review of that book! Plus Kensington playing basketball with that bow is the best!
Crissy says
What a fun day! I love simple also! What did you do for lunch or I did I miss that part? Have a blessed day!
Mix and Match Mama says
We ate at the pool! Erika and I take turns bringing lunch and on this day, we had ham and Gouda sandwiches!!
jamie says
can you share the purchase info for your book light, please? do you ever nap? i get the typical midday {i need a nap} but you seem to power right through. it is super fun to peek into the lives of imaginary friends! thank you for sharing all these sweet moments. you inspire even through your simplest of days.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s off of Amazon! I love book lights!! And no, I don’t nap. I tend to get cranky after a nap…so that’s not good for anyone!
Nicole says
Love these! Simple days like this are my favorite too. ? Do you ever still make your Betty Crocker brownies? And if you go to the gym two days, how many days do you work out at home?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do sometimes and…I try to do some sort of workout at home at least two other days a week…but sometimes, that doesn’t work out.
Sheaffer Sims says
Yep, these are my favorite posts. I wish the pups would have cooperated for a better picture! I also wish they hadn’t woken up at 4:30 this morning…. 🙂
Alexis deZayas says
Love these sweet posts! Where are your shorts from in your gym picture? Love the print!
Mix and Match Mama says
Athleta!!
Amy says
I’ve been eyeing those pj’s! How is the fit? Do they run true to size?
Mix and Match Mama says
True to size!
Rhys says
Shay you should look into getting a kindle! Some reasons why I like it:
– 1 device holds sooo many books, no longer have to carry 2-3 books per vacation
– Ebooks are generally cheaper or you can use your local library’s ebook collection to borrow for FREE!
– built-in dicitionary, translator, highlighter, and notes feature
– connects to your Goodreads account
– can change font, size, layout (lifesaver!! No more small fonts)
– track your status bar
– all the kindle models (except for the most basic one) are BACKLIT! You can adjust the brightness and read in the dark without having to use a lamp. Oh and they have an anti-glare feature so u can actually use it in sunlight (unlike iPhones)
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Reading the summer edition of a day in the life brings me back to my childhood with my mom and siblings! Pool time with friends, quiet time at home, sports at night lol It really is a time to cherish and I think you do that so well 🙂
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Abi says
Shay,
I just adore reading your “day in the life” posts! I wonder if you’d ever consider writing a Christmas time day in the life post! During winter break! Super busy time of the year… but it would be such a sweet memory to look back on!
Merideth says
I always look forward to these posts of yours! By the way, what kind of coffee maker are you using now?
Mix and Match Mama says
Nespresso 🙂
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I totally agree–I LOVE posts like this! It’s always so interesting to see how someone else chooses to spend their time! Enjoy the rest of y’all’s summer!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Dana Vissage says
I love these ‘Day In the Life’ posts! Cannot wait to see your Anniversary finds! 🙂
Lisa D says
Fun post, thanks for sharing! Are you still drinking tea?
Mix and Match Mama says
Not as much now because it’s hot outside. I will get back to it in the fall though!
Meg says
I make a big batch of sun tea and put it in the fridge so I can have my green tea any time during the summer ?
Angelique says
What a fun post about your day. I’m glad I’m not the only one who looks like she’s heading on a two-week vacation each time we head to the pool. 😉
http://www.fourpointsmom.com
crystal says
You’re so encouraging to share what your quiet time is like and I was wondering what that is like with the kids. Do y’all have a family devotional or Bible plan you go through? I love hearing what other mamas are doing too 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We do different things during different seasons and times of the year. Right now, my kids are going through the kid version of Jesus Calling.
jamie says
my son is 13 and every morning before school {off and on in the summer} he hops in my bed and we do devotions and pray. i’ve made him promise he’ll do this until he is 18! we’ve been using {triple dog dare} by jeremy v. jones for a couple years and i, as a boy mom, love it. i wish he would come out with another one!
Melissa Sexton says
Hi! Could you tell me what flip flops Kensington is wearing now? I bought my littles the Toms flip flops you recommended last year, but my baby girl’s (she is 9 1/2) feet are almost as big as mine now! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sperry’s!
Danielle Rigg says
Love these posts. Question what brand of flip flops are the kids wearing? Love the pink ones. Have a wonderful day!
Mix and Match Mama says
K is wearing Sperry’s and Smith is wearing Vineyard Vines.
Heather Bramlett says
I love these post! I can’t wait for Boo Mamas new book to come out! I had the privilege of meeting her a few months ago! She is PRECIOUS!
heidi says
I love these days posts. It’s always fun to see what others get upto!
Paula says
Fun post! I love sweet Ashby won. So proud & cute.
Amy says
I can’t wait to read your review of that book! I’m reading it now, I look forward to her new book every summer! Love her books!
Crystal Williamson says
Hey, Shay! Any special recipe that you use for your brownies or are they store bought? 🙂
Kelly says
Day in the Life posts are always my favorite! I suggest you do one for every season:). You will look back on these days with such fond memories when your kiddos are big.
Monica says
Your kids are sad it’s Monday in the middle of summer vacation? Ok…
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Because we wake up early and go to the gym on Mondays :).
Mary says
I love your blog! and your adventures and energy!! please dying to know one thing- you post many times on your days and busy life especially with husband and job and four little ones- we all need to know what is your secret for energy!? How in the world do you get up at 4am! you arent going to bed early and have super active days- I have 2 boys and job and am exhausted! I just would love to know your tips for that since getting up early is a mom’s best way to GAIN time in her day especially for just us! Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am tired! I am…I just persevere and rely on coffee :).
Shawnna Griffin says
hey girl- love the post! so cool! your kiddos are so cute!
Paige E says
Do the kids do ok at the gym childcare? I’m in a weird season where my oldest can workout on his own now so its only my little going into the kids care at the gym. I feel guilty since they are in childcare all day while I’m at work and then he has to go there while I try to get in a workout a couple of times a week. Ugh, the guilt. A never ending struggle.
Mix and Match Mama says
My kids like the child care! I mean…sometimes they complain, but for the most part, they have fun in there.
Bernadine says
Hey! A few links to previous posts are not working, it says “Nothing found”. December 2012 and January 2014, didnt check them all out yet. Busy day you had!!
Angela Ellingson says
What a wonderful day! These posts are so fun! Thanks for sharing. So excited for your anniversary sale favorites!
Emmaleigh says
Hi Shay! I was wondering what made you decide on the Nespresso, what you like about it, and your thoughts on it vs. the Kuerig?
Mix and Match Mama says
We went on vacation and had one in our hotel room…and we loved it!
April says
I love these “Day In The Life” post so much. I think it’s amazing you can wake up that early everyday . I’m not a morning person at all. Coffee helps but getting up at 6:00am is hard for me. I hope you do a post about the Nordstrom Sale. I love seeing what other people bought.
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I have had that book on my wish list for awhile now! Let me know how it is!! And we need to talk about the other one! I’m finished!!! 😉
That Inspired Chick
Tish says
Shay, I recently bought a Nespresso however I’m still trying to figure out the best coffee for me. Which espresso pods are your favorites? Some are definitely stronger than others. And do you add creamer to yours like you would coffee? If so, what creamer do you prefer with the espresso? Thanks for any suggestions!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love the caramel one!! And I do add a little cream to mine. I like either half and half or a sweet cream creamer.
Gabriela says
How do you function on only 6 hours of sleep!?
Maria says
I am right there with you. I get 8-9 and am dragging.
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
Best posts ever!! Why is it so darn interesting to see the regular every day lives of others? I never get tired of them!
Erin says
Love the morning unloading of the dishwasher. Every. Single. Day. Finally have gotten my 2 older boys to start helping with that chore!!
jessica o says
Where do you buy Smith’s clothes? I have a son the same age and size and need help finding boy clothes.
Mix and Match Mama says
A lot of Old Navy!
Michelle B. says
Love these posts!! And that picture of Madeley after just waking up is adorable. Then the one of her after her bath is so adorable too!! ❤️❤️
Char says
Hi Shay! Love reading your day in the life posts! They always leave me inspired and motivated to take on the day! I love how you prep your gym/pool bag before heading out for the day. I try to do the same for me and my babies. Just curious…do you have a post on what you pack in your gym bag/pool bag/purse? Would love to see how you organize it all! Thanks! Have a lovely day.
Mix and Match Mama says
I sure do! http://mixandmatchmama.com/2013/06/fifty-two-shades-of-shay-pool-bag-with/ and http://mixandmatchmama.com/2014/02/fifty-two-shades-of-shay-inside-my-gym/
Kaelyn says
Hi Shay,
Random question, but I recently got engaged and noticed that at the gym you don’t wear your ring. Do you have any tips for safely keeping it in your gym bag? What do you do with your ring? Thank you for sharing!
Kaelyn
Mix and Match Mama says
I keep it at home when I’m at the gym. I wouldn’t want to lose it (or it get stolen).
Ruth says
I love your day in the life of posts, looks like a nice summer day – and Madeley is sure rocking the summer tan. I’ve noticed you mentioned trader Joe’s several times now and if you haven’t already tried it, their Kentucky Bourbon barbecue sauce is amazing! I won’t buy any other barbecue sauce, although I would also like to try the siracha infused one, too. Happy Summer.
Ramona says
I just finished that book. So good!! I’m reading The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer right now. I think you’d like it. It’s set on Nantucket. I really wish I could make myself get up as early as you to get in my quiet time. I get up early but always end up doing other things and then the day gets away from me and it dies y get done. I guess I need to take my cue from you and should just do it first, huh? :).
Jamie says
My favorite type of post! Thanks for sharing:)
Olivia Snyder at Joyfully Prudent says
Love posting and reading day in the life posts 🙂 Sounds like the perfect day to me!!!
Sabrina says
Please link your kids bathing suits!! I love all of them!
Hagan says
Love your day in the life posts! Encourages me to be more intentional with each and every moment of my day. Any tips to help get up earlier? I’m definitely not a morning person. I have a 9 month old and would love to get up an hour or so before him to have some time to myself. I always have great intentions when I go to bed, but the alarm goes off and I go right back to sleep. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
You just have to do it! I think if you do it enough, it will start to become a habit.
Sarah says
So when you work in the afternoon are you talking about cleaning your house? I can’t the only one wondering this! I feel like I spend hours each day cleaning and certain areas are still a mess when I go to sleep!
Mix and Match Mama says
No, I’m talking about working on my travel agency. I have phone calls with clients, I’m booking trips, quoting, book keeping, etc.
Southern & Style says
I love the idea of this post, I just might have to do one of these tomorrow 🙂 I can’t wait for your Summer Corn Chowder recipe…if it’s anything like the one from Panera I’ll be addicted!
xoxo, SS
Southern and Style
Susie says
Do Kensington and Ashby still sleep in the same bed? I’m sure it’s hard getting them both out of the top bunk!
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, Kensington is in a phase where she wants to sleep in Smith’s double bed with him. Seriously, getting kids out of a top bunk is HARD! Ha!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
You are an inspiration to so many Moms, myself included!! I love reading these posts and am always amazed at what others get done in a day, but then when I think about it, we do so much too so maybe I should document it so I can convince myself LOL! I get up earlier than everyone else and get my workout in at home, it’s my saving grace!!!
Natalie says
Are you really tired every morning when you get up? It’s awesome you get up every day at 4:30!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m always kind of excited to get up and get my day going…but I’m tired by the end of the day for sure!
sydnee says
I love reading these posts! I have no idea how you wake up so early and still have time to read without falling asleep! Looks like Smith has the right idea, napping whenever he can. 😉
http://www.tulipsandpersimmon.com
Emily says
Love this post! What blogs do you like/follow?
Jaye says
Shay, how do you like your Nespresso? I’ve been eyeing it for a while and can’t decide if I should take the leap from my Keurig. What do you like/dislike about it?
Erin Port says
I love these posts and seeing how you squeeze work and blogging in 🙂 Thanks for sharing your life with us! yay for the cannon ball winner, how cute and proud is she???? xoxo ERIN
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Love these posts and your precious family!!
Jordan says
Hey shay! I love that you and your hubby enjoy a little brownie treat together every night. Can I ask what brownie recipe you use or are they store bought? Thank you!
Kristin says
How do you keep it all together without losing your mind.. haha!! I love my daughter, but sometimes I just feel overwhelmed and lose my cool, you seem like you have it all together all the time!! Can you please maybe do a post on how you stay focused and positive? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I sometimes lose my cool too! I try really hard not to…but sometimes, my buttons get pushed as well :).
Pam Guiling says
How fun!! Thanks for sharing! The quiet time in the morning can make all the difference.
Nicole Robbins says
So many things, but first: thanks for sharing your life with your readers! I know you blog a lot about your family & trips to look back on but I appreciate you taking time out of your extremely busy “normal/boring” days to blog! Crazy how interesting day in the life posts are, but they.are.so.intriguing! 1) your kiddos & husband are so tan! & beautiful! Are you as strict on them for sunscreen as you are yourself? 2) you need more sleep! Ha! I know everyone is different but I’m a 9 hour girl so I can’t imagine your schedule/energy on so little sleep! My fil is a 5 hour guy & he gets SO much done each day! Scripture study/prayer for like 4 hours a day, while I sleep. Makes me feel bad! Ha ? 3) ashby winning the cannonball contest is so precious! 4) change those backgrounds to include Madeley???
Mix and Match Mama says
Madeley is in that background picture! She’s right there laughing!! 🙂 And I’m suuuuuuper diligent about sunscreen for my entire family. They’re just all dark complected!
michelle says
You get up early!! What a full and fun day. Also, I love that booklight, where did you get it?
Lindsey Stromberg says
Hi! Do you love your book light? If so do you mind sharing where you got it?
Mix and Match Mama says
I just bought one off of Amazon! I don’t read without it!!