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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 ·

Life lately.


Whoa!  Sit back and relax…I have a big post of randomness for you today.  Andrew was gone last week from Sunday until late Wednesday night, so it’s a lot of shenanigans before he took off and then some while he was gone.  Here’s hopin’ your hump day is fantastic!

What did we do the day after Halloween?  We hit up a huge Christmas store with Erika and Britt and bought decorations.  Bam.  #tistheseason

We like pizza on Friday nights (well, we like pizza any night…).  This was my side of the table.  I just love these girls!

The BEST thing to come from getting Frenchie is how much Ashby loves her.  We were not planning on that!!  Ashby is the most indifferent to Poppy.  The other three kids will play fetch with her, chase her around, etc…but Ashby has always been “eh” towards Poppy.  But she LOVES Frenchie!  It has been so precious to watch her take care of this little pup.  Our hearts were not expecting that!

We had a family dinner date before Andrew went out of town.  This guy looked so handsome that I wanted a pic!

This one too 🙂 .

Morning life: me (wearing Andrew’s shoes) outside drinking coffee in my pajamas with the two dogs…

This is Poppy’s morning life…her trying to do her own thing…

…and Frenchie literally trying to crawl on top of her…

…she’s like “Can I please have a piggyback ride?!”…

And then I rescue Poppy from the pesky puppy.  (Psssst: those are the Old Navy pjs I love so much!)

I found this pic on my phone.  That cozy fleece sweater with the EverEver moto pants…a.k.a. the comfiest thing to wear on a Monday!  By the way, the sweater comes in 8 colors and the red one totally looks like something to be worn during the holidays 🙂 .

I looked out the window the other day and saw this.  Just a girl and her two dogs 🙂 .

Before school last week, Kensington wanted me to take a picture of her to send to daddy (because he was gone) and even though it was cold outside, this one ran out there to stand by her big sister 🙂 .

These two.

When your biggest sister is away at school and you find her scented markers.  Sigh.

On Friday night, Kensington had a solo in the church musical.  We were SO PROUD OF HER!!!!  She is a super shy kid in most settings, but she shined up there!

 

I am blessed to be a founding board member of the Manda Strong Foundation and on Saturday morning, we had our first 5K and Fun Run.  It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful life.  Guys, I miss her so much!  She was just the most precious person I’ve ever known.  She was just so, so, so, so sweet…unless you hit a button (and she didn’t have many), and then she was a fireball 😉 .  I miss that little fireball personality.

We had over 300 people come out and run!  It was such a success!!

My very favorite picture from the day.  I sure do love these three so much.

Me and two of my favorite buddies: Tyler and Karla.  I could gush all day about both of them!

Meanwhile back at home…mornin’ time.  Andrew stayed home because Ashby wasn’t feeling well.  I texted him to ask how it was going and this pic was his reply 🙂 .

This sweet girl rallied by Saturday night and then coasted through Sunday.  This was by far the hardest procedure she’s had.  It was TOUGH, but she is TOUGH!

On Sunday night, we celebrated Britt’s 2nd birthday!!  These two are so sweet together!

 

See…she rallied 🙂 .  And I have no idea what Madeley is doing. #fourthchild

The girls!

I love this guy 🙂 .

All the kiddos!

And that’s a wrap!

Whew!  Thanks for reading today.  See you guys tomorrow 🙂 .

 

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Comments

  1. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    Sounds like Frenchie is bonding very well with the family. I’ve always wanted a puppy growing up. The kids are super lucky! ❤❤
    –
    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  3. Erika Slaughter says

    That was a whole lot of Slaughter in your week. Ha! Thanks for partying hard with us at Britt’s birthday dinner! You guys know how to bring the party!

  6. Natalie says

    What a fun post. Everyone having fun. Glad to see Ashby bonding with Frenchie… Smith is gonna be one handsome young man Shay.. where did Andrew and Smith go? Have a wonderful day ..

  8. Sheaffer Sims says

    WELL. I’m going to need you to send me that picture of Madeley in her bed. It brings me such joy. Seriously, send it to me now. Please. 😉

  12. Brooke Richardson says

    I wish I looked that cute with crazy hair in the morning like Madeley! Love all the pics today!!!

  16. Kim says

    My favorite picture in this post is the one of Madeley in bed that Andrew took! So flippin’ adorable. Can you remind me where you purchase the bulk of the clothes for the little girls? Wish I could buy yours second hand for my sweet granddaughter!

  19. Angelique Dale says

    I love these random posts! We did a fun run a couple months back and our kids had a blast. I’m thinking of signing up for the Turkey Trot but I’m a little worried it will be WAY too crazy. I guess we’ll find out soon enough!

    http://www.FOURPOINTSMOM.com

  20. Chasity says

    That Madeley sure makes me smile with her sweet, funny faces and especially the marker on her nose! I just love your little family!

  21. ColleenB.~ Tx. says

    Love seeing your beautiful family photos.
    What a lovely and loving family you have. Thanks 4 sharing

  22. Erin Port says

    So much goodness in those pictures. Thanks for sharing your life with us, I just love following along! xoxo ERIN

  23. Sara says

    I just love the way Madeley looks up to the big girls! ? You are doing such a good job with your kiddos!

  25. Amanda says

    Looks like a fun week! I’m glad frenchie is fitting in so well! I remember reading about tulip way back when and how she wasn’t such a fan of kids 😛

  26. Cindy Earnest says

    What is the material around your swing set? We are going to redo one this summer and yours looks so neat and tidy.

  27. Rebecca Brittain says

    You had a busy week! I love Madeley’s Christmas sheets and pj’s. Ashby is a trooper with soldier spirit. God bless you and your family. And hooray for the first 5k turnout!!
    XO
    Rebecca @ EveryPieceFits.com

  29. Kelly says

    Hi Shay
    I wanted to order some of those necklaces that have names engraved on them. I remember you had it on your blog at some point. But I’ve been trying to search for them and I can’t seem to locate it. Could you send me the information on where I would find out on your blog? Or where I would just purchase it online? My email is HE I wanted to order some of those necklaces that have names engraved on them. I remember you had it on your blog at some point. But I’ve been trying to search for them and I can’t seem to locate it. Could you send me the information on where I would find that on your blog? Or where I would just purchase it online?
    Thank you!! ?

  30. Kelly says

    I didn’t realize that I didn’t completely delete the part with my email. I started to put my email address but then realized that you already would see it and I didn’t need to broadcast it. Ha ha thank you

  31. Remah Franco says

    Quick question, so I’m 5’1″ and I’ve been looking for jeans that are petite size. Do you have any good recommendations that are good quality and are a good price?

  32. Lindsey Stromberg says

    Love that little Ashby waking up photo! Will you please share where her jammies are from?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t know what they get done, so I can’t answer that? I would imagine her’s are more invasive since they’re dealing with such a complex issue.

  35. Jana says

    I just love Madeley pictures – she just cracks me up – especially the one after she had been “smelling” the markers! What a joy she must be! Happy Thanksgiving!

  36. Marti says

    That picture of you outside in your pj’s with your two dogs and coffee–that’s my mornings in a nutshell!

  40. Sarah Gicius says

    The pictures of the Manda Strong run really brought tears to my eyes…but that picture of Madeley {all decked out if Christmas jammies and holiday bedding} may have been the BEST picture I’ve seen today! Such innocence, such real life! Love it!!

  42. Liz B says

    Serious question about the girls’ bows: do they hold up ok? IDK if it’s just my kid but I was so disappointed that some (cheap) Amazon ones didn’t even last 6 months. So sad because we love the gigantic ones. 😉 The bigger the bow the closer to God, right?

  44. elizabeth hovorka says

    With all your nail color changes, how do you keep your nails from getting brittle? I love to do mine frequently too but lately they have been peeling and tearing! I’d love to hear your advice!

  46. Liz Thorson says

    I loved ALL of your pics today, Shay! Sweet Ashby holding Frenchie, Madeley’s adorable pop-up in her Christmasy setting, your pics w/Smith and Andrew and Kensington with Madeley–the pic for Andrew–were my favs! My eyes completely filled when I saw the pic of Manda’s family. Her husband looks so sad and heartbroken, and her son does, too.?

  48. Anne says

    I didn’t realize that Madeley was much bigger than Britt. I know Madeley is small, so Britt must be tiny.

  50. Lauren says

    Such beautiful photos! I especially love the one of the two youngest girls. Do you think the transition into your family has been easier for Madeley because she has Ashby? Do you think it has helped her understand that families come in all shapes and sizes?

  51. Jeanie says

    Love these Life Lately posts. Shay, can I give you an important heads up? A friend of mine was dog sitting his daughters two pups (both Yorkies). He let them outside to potty, and the youngest one fell in his pool, unbeknownst to him, and drowned. I just thought you should know so that someone is keeping an eye on your two sweet dogs when they’re outside.

  52. Lizzie @ This Happy Life says

    So much fun going on! Little Madeley is just the cutest! I was giggling at Frenchie trying to jump on Poppy! I’m so so glad Manda’s 5K was an awesome turnout!!

  54. Kelly says

    Such a wonderful life lately! I love the kid pics, they are precious and a reminder to pray for Manda’s family and friends. Thanks for sharing, Shay:).

  55. Heather says

    Hi Shay! I am so glad Ashby bounced back and was able to participate in the festivities during the evening! When I read that Ashby was under the weather, it made me wonder…do you have any “wellness” tips for keeping your family healthy during the winter months? I have two small kids in daycare that are sick ALL.OF.THE.TIME. You have so many awesome tips on everything else, I figured surely you might have some advice or tips about how you keep four kiddos healthy. I’m trying Essentials Oils but you know…just not sold yet. 🙂 But curious for your Momma knowledge on this! Have a great weekend, Shay!

  56. Sarah Hobbs says

    Hi there! I want to order those moto pants but not sure about sizing. Do they fit true to size? I have a pair of blank nyc jeans but not sure if I should order the same size? Thanks so much!

  57. Molly says

    Random but I think of this as I read about your sweet tribute to Manda- have you read Imagine Heaven? Reading this book and it is really incredible. Written by a pastor in Austin, TX. It is exactly what I would read while I’m missing a friend now in heaven. ♥️

  58. Brenda says

    Hi Shay! What gym bag are you using in your picture? I’ve been looking for one big enough. Thank you!!

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