Edited Sunday night: I wrote this post on Friday and had it scheduled for today, but tonight as I watch the news, I am just so heartbroken and burdened. It feels like not a day goes by that there isn’t some horrific event unfolding right there on the TV. I feel like my prayer list keeps getting longer and longer every single day. My heart is heavy right now, friends. I’m praying for you right now. You who read this blog. I’m praying that the peace of the Lord is with you today and whatever it is you’re going through. I’m also praying for the victims and their families from yesterday’s shooting. I can’t even imagine their grief. May God be with them today too. xo
Happy Monday, friends! I have such a random assortment of pics for today…
Bundled up and ready to watch Smith play his last football game of the fall!
The cheering section 🙂 . It was 34 degrees at kickoff, so we huddled in our chairs and kept warm by cheering loudly from the sidelines.
I bought my dad this hat last Christmas. When my parents walked up, my mom was like “thanks for buying him that hat”. Hahahahaha! It was MADE for him!
Someone asked me if Madeley was affectionate with Samuel unprompted and the answer is YES! If you know Madeley, you know that she’s super maternal with kiddos younger than her. She loves “taking care of” and loving on Samuel and Britt. It was so sweet of my whole family to get up early and come sit and the cold to watch Smith’s last game.
Later that night, we got sitters with the Slaughters for the little four and took the big four to dinner and a haunted house. Here we are moments before we went inside.
And here we are when it was over. Both Nixon and Smith lost a tooth inside the haunted house?! What the heck???? It’s like their teeth were so frightened they jumped out of their mouths! Isn’t that funny? We had the BEST time inside! It was just the right amount of fun and scary (never scary enough to upset anyone). This will have to be a new framily tradition!
Oh hey there two big bobcats hanging out in my backyard. Please go away. (Insert BIG eyes HERE!) They were looking for lunch…otherwise known as Poppy and/or Frenchie.
The Sunday night before Halloween, we always go up to our country club’s Halloween party. It’s always such a fun night of family fun!
Can I just say that I think bobbing for apples is gross? Right? All I see are germs in that water…
My cute little pumpkin.
Um, they had a realllly good person doing face paintings there. I was seriously impressed with this one’s artwork!
One big group pic before we left!
Last Monday, our kids didn’t have school, so I asked the big two what they wanted to do on their day off…and they said go to the zoo. Now, I want to be totally honest here…I did not really want to go. The zoo is about an hour away (with traffic) and being that it was a Monday, I typically have a ton of work to do and that would have wiped out my whole day…BUT we went. And do you know what? IT WAS OUR BEST ZOO TRIP EVER! Thank you Jesus that I didn’t put myself first because I would have totally missed out on the blessings from that day.
First of all, the zoo opens at 9:00, but when we got there at 9:45, there wasn’t a car in the parking lot. Not one. As we parked in the closest spot to the entrance, I told my kids that maybe it was closed, but that we’d walk up and ask. When we hit the entrance, I asked and they were like “nope, it’s just not busy”. Second of all, it was chilly at the zoo that day (like 50) and not blazing hot (the typical temperature when we visit the zoo), so that was extra delightful. Plus, when we walked in, they were selling pumpkin spice coffee. Seriously, it was like the Lord threw that one in just to be nice to me 😉 . The whole zoo was decorated for Halloween (which was the next day), we had the place to ourselves and the weather was crisp and gorgeous. It was PERFECTION!
My kids were pumped when the tiger saw them and stood up to come check them out. See him back there? They were so excited about this 🙂 .
My four babies in a jeep!
She was all smiles all day long!
#hairgoals
This was taken right after we fed the giraffes. See how no one is around? Ha! We had all of the giraffes to ourselves!
Because…why not?
I love their little laughs.
And we ended our day by spinning around in circles on the carousel. I was seriously so nauseous for about 15 minutes after this, but it was worth it. My kids are still talking about it 🙂 . It was just the best day with my kids. I hope I never forget it.
Morning snuggles with our little French fry.
And yes, she’s wearing an American Girl skirt because…she’s being raised by three little girls.
My big two headed to school on Halloween 🙂 .
Both Ashby and Madeley had parties at their school on Halloween too. Ashby got to wear a costume…
…and it was pajama day in Madeley’s class 🙂 .
So, there are some pics for your Monday. xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
How lucky you got a nice, unbusy day at the zoo! How rare!
The kids look super cute dressed for Halloween at school! 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Erika Slaughter says
Those four in the Jeep-eek-that will be happening for real before we know it! And the haunted house was so much fun!
Natalie Juns says
Thank you for praying Shay and always sending encouragement! I feel really upset about the tragedy yesterday. It’s so hard to think about! Thank you for praying for peace. Love your blog!
Kristine says
Umm ya the bobcats in the backyard YIKES!!!
Debbie Hibbert says
The terrible tragedies that keep happening … I’m so thankful for a Saviour who is with us through it all. AND, thank you Shay, for a post that brought smiles in another heartbreaking day.
Dustie Day says
Oh bobbing for apples….I’m with you there! We attended a fall birthday party and they luckily did it one apple at a time, so I️ made sure my boy was first in line, aka clean water. lol, so pathetic but it creeps me out!
Bethany says
Yes! This world needs so many prayers right now! Plus more of those sweet toddler kisses!
Narci says
What a perfect zoo day! That picture of your with all four of your babies is one of my favorites ever!! Love it, friend!
Alexis deZayas says
That pic of you and your four at the zoo is precious!! What a sweet post!
Sherri says
Your babies are just the cutest. Random, What shoes were you wearing at the zoo? They look comfy!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sketchers Go Walks 🙂
Tish Ferry says
Love the comment about not putting yourself first or you would have missed the blessings of the day. This is so true and a great reminder I needed to hear! Praying with you for the victims and families. My heart is broken for them. Have a great Monday!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Love the pictures from Halloween and the zoo!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Megan says
I had a very similar experience last week when Quinn asked yo have a girls day at the zoo. I absolutely did not want to go but said yes any way. The cool weather ended up being perfect and all of the animals were super active. I’m glad we both decided to say yes!
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Erica @ Whimsical September says
I smiled when you talked about how you really didn’t want to go to the zoo but ended up loving it. I think SO many moms can relate to that! Sometimes doing “kid stuff” just doesn’t sound fun or you just reallyyyy need to get stuff done, but I know personally that I never regret getting out and doing fun stuff with my kids. They always say that the hardest step is the one you take out the door. 🙂
Kristi Knowles says
Right there with you on bobbing for apples. Ick. What a dreamy trip to the zoo. That sounds amazing!
Dana Carter says
This Georgia girl is freaking out about the bobcats. Um…they look huuuuge. It’s like Africa, not Texas. I would rather bob for apples…and I’m a germ-a-phobe.
sydnee says
Another Halloween for the books! Looks like the kids had a great time! I love seeing their smiling, happy faces.
Design by Sydnee | A Lifestyle Blog ?
Marisa Tompkins says
Cute black jacket you wore to the zoo! Where’s it from?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s actually an olive green and it’s from J Crew!
Sheaffer Sims says
Y’all have been having so much fun lately! Great pics of a precious family!
Angela Ellingson says
I can’t get over the bobcats! Ahh! Such a lovely day at the zoo!! And praying right now for all those affected by the shooting.
Christina says
It’s amazing how God rewards a Parent for those selfless acts, like giving up a precious Monday.
Love all these photos. Laughing about your mom’s hat comment.
Can’t get over those bobcats in your yard. Yikes!!!! Do you guys do some kind of bobcat-safety training with your kiddos? Are they, er, mean? Have you heard stories from neighbors about what they’ve done?
Mix and Match Mama says
Smith was the one who saw them. He was playing in the backyard and they were watching him. We’ve had neighbors report that they’ve killed small dogs.
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
I can’t believe they both lost teeth in the haunted house! Such a funny story!
LauraLikesDesign.com/blog
Laura says
Aww, what a great zoo day! You’re encouraging me to branch out and do more fun things with my kids that I may not be in the mood for. ? Hope you have a great day!
Natalie says
Those bobcats are huge!!! I thought they were bears a first!
Brooke Richardson says
What a fun day at the zoo! I did the same thing with my 4 not a long ago and we had a blast too.
Emily Burke says
Reading your blog makes me happy amidst all of the sadness in the world. You are so blessed. I just CANNOT deal with Madeley’s smile… I cant imagine how many times a day her sweet cheeks get smooched on! Have a great Monday Shay, and thank you for leaving a little light into all of your readers lives!
Leah Crouse says
Those bobcats!! I would have been terrified! They look like they should be at the zoo. ?
Madi says
I’m a Christian and believe in the power of prayer, but as the Bible says “Faith without works is dead.” These people were literally in church praying when the tragedy occurred. Prayer is not enough! We need to take action!!
Laci says
That last picture of Madeley in Halloween jammies and pigtails??!?!?!?! I mean-HOW CUTE can one be!!! Bobcats-oh my word that would have scared me to death!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Oh my gosh, those bobcats worry me with your pups!! We’ve got them all over our neighborhood too. I saw one just trotting down the middle of the street the other day like a lost dog. And yes, on bobbing for apples! So gross!! That Inspired Chick
Julie says
Shay, every time I see sweet Madeley smiling, I think how wonderful it is that you changed her life (and your own!). To imagine she was one of many in an orphanage just a short time ago, and now she has a loving family with so many fun traditions. I just have to tell you how amazing it is that you gave Ashby and Madeley such a loving home. All your children are adorable and I’m glad you got to the zoo with them even though it wasn’t the most convenient. I promise you, you will never forget that day!
Sandra Reynolds says
I’m always surprised to see you and the kiddos bundled up with hats and parkas as I think of Texas as a warm sunny state. Would love for you to do a blog on your weather. Also surprised at the bobcats in your yard … wow! Is this a common occurrence? We have them in Canada but they are so elusive. So interesting!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The weather swings crazy here. It’s either blazing hot or freezing cold. It also changes on a dime.
Myka says
My heart is very heavy, Shay! Senseless tragedies after tragedies starts to make people feel numb. I’ve been very prayerful lately, and grateful for the time I do have to spent with my little family. Beautiful pics!
Myka
http://www.supersimpleways.com
Jenny says
I know, yesterday was just heartbreaking. I am praying too. You’re right, it seems like it happens more and more often. I think that’s why it’s so important to keep family close and keep making special memories with our kids. You do a great job of that!
Heidi says
What a fun fun day !!!
Lois says
Are you permitted to shoot or otherwise kill bobcats in your yard? I’d be quite bothered because of your children.
kellie carrara says
The kids are precious! What a fun zoo trip!
The bobcats are scary! Keep those furry babies inside!
And I don’t know what to ask for in my prayers other than peach and love.
B.Y.S. says
We have Bobcats here in Ohio too but haven’t seen them but have heard them though really close to our house.
Amy
Melanie says
Enjoy your blog so very much. Great photos!
Brittany Hensley says
I can’t with those bobcats! Oh em goodness! Hopefully they will move on & not come back!!
Angelique Dale says
Bobcats! Yikes! We have coyotes who are always looking for their lunch, our cats. Eek. What a fun day at the zoo! I’ve never been when there weren’t tons of other people. I bet you all had a blast!
http://www.FOURPOINTSMOM.com
shawnna says
hey girl- great pics! Such cute kiddos!
Kelly says
Thanks for a fun post!! I love Kensington coat. Can you share where you got it? Thank you ?
Rebecca Jo says
The teeth thing is hilarious!!!! What are those odds?As long as no adults lost any teeth, we’re all good.
That puppy in a skirt. I’m dying!
Marcia says
What a fun idea for a new family tradition. What are the odds that BOTH boys would lose a tooth in the Haunted House! I didn’t know you had bobcats in your neighborhood. My mom has them where she lives out in the country (outside of Manhattan, KS) but the ones I’ve seen pictures of were smaller. I didn’t realize how big they are! The picture of the kids in the Jeep kind of reminded me of Jurassic Park! Ha! Ha! Enjoy the fall temps and decorating for Christmas!
LeAnn says
Do you wear socks with your Sketchers Go Walks? I find my feet sweat a lot in them without socks but then I haven’t found socks that you can’t see in the hole in the back.
Liz says
Bobcats!? What? Also, where did you get Smith’s camo jacket? Thanks! 🙂
janet says
Loved all of the pictures. My favorites were Madeley kissing Samuel. (congrats to them on the growing family by the way). Bobcats. Beautiful and a little scary hanging out in the yard. I only get deer, rabbits and squirrels. Last but not least both boys losing teeth. Such fun memories you are making with your family and framily.
Wendy O. says
Oh Shay, my kiddos are grown now (ages 19 and 26), I wish I could get back a few of those days I said no to things. But, guess what? My 19 year old still wants to go see a movie with me this week and you better believe it is at the top of my list!!! Those Mountain Lions/Cougars are no joke. It looks as if you have a zoo in your back yard! Be extremely careful with the kids outside. They may like little dogs but they will move on to bigger objects if they so desire. And most fences cannot keep big cats like that out!!
Stacie Hoffman says
We have three small Chihuahuas( one is a new puppy). Hawks and Coyotes are very common in our area of TX. My husband just built a beautiful covered pen that their dog door leads to. The dog door we had done professionally because it had to go through brick( it is a telescoping design). Then there are little brick steps that lead down a stone path. The stone pavers are surrounded by large rocks and then it leads to a faux grassy area. The whole thing is covered in wire( all the sides and top) and framed with cedar. There are hinges in each section of the roof for easy cleaning. Now when our pups gonoutsise to potty the mess is contained and I know they are safe. It really is the best thing ever!!
Allyson says
Hi Shay! Wondering if you wear socks with your Skecher Go Walks? I love mine but they end up smelling after I wore them a couple of times. Might just be because I was in the rain?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t wear socks. They wash really well though! I just let them air dry.
Stacie Hoffman says
If you wash them on cold with Borax it gets rid of the odor perfectly!!
Elizabeth Kelly says
Oh my word… that picture of Madely and Samuel!!! 🙂 and bobcats in your backyard?!?!
Amanda says
I can’t believe you have bobcats in your yard! That’s so scary!
Sounds like y’all had a wonderful zoo day! Hard to even imagine an empty zoo since they’re always so packed!
Nikki Prša - Speak at Home Tonight says
Those bobcats are scary! Yikes! It is almost like your backyard is a zoo. All I have to deal with here up in Philly are some crazy city squirrels.
Lots of love,
Nikki
http://www.speakathometonight.com/blog
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
THOSE BOBCATS!!!! EEK!! We have a teeny little dog like y’all do, so we have to worry about hawks getting her. I don’t know what I would do if we had to worry about bobcats!!
Nicky says
Those look like mountain lions/cougars? Either way, yikes!
Liz Thorson says
Shay, you are such a loving mother! I love that you put your Monday work aside and enjoyed a day at the zoo with your four. What a fun day to have crisp weather and no crowd! It won’t be too many years before Kensington and Smith will be too involved with friends and activities and they won’t want to or won’t have the time to spend a day like this with their little sisters.
Julie Clark says
Yikes, Bobcats in your backyard yard!! Scary!! Kensington looks so much older to me with her braces on. Super cute pictures!!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Some of my favorite days are the days I put down what needs to be done and do what my kids want – I also hope to never forget them!
Beth says
Oh goodness! Those bobcats look huge! Keep those pups safe!
Erin Port says
So cute – love this little picture update 🙂 xoxo ERIN
Lana says
Those are definitely mountain lions, not bobcats. You are a great mom, but be sure to keep a close eye on your kiddos and dogs. They will attack anything smaller than they are.
Lori Jones says
Love these pics, Shay! They brightened my day! Where did you find the hat for your dad? It’s adorable!
Mix and Match Mama says
Eddie Bauer 🙂
Lauren chitwood says
Hi Shay! Weird question but I’m only thinking Christmas now that Halloween is over and I’m wondering where you got your Christmas tree skirt? And do you go with a theme for your tree or do you use ornaments that are meaningful and don’t always match?
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought it at Pottery Barn! And my tree is a mix of sentimental ornaments collected over time and random ones I buy. It does not have a theme :).
Leslie says
Where did you get Madely’s “happy” pom pom hat? Love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gap last year!
Dianna says
Eek! I would like to know what y’all are doing about those bobcats! I now think I need a coton de tulear because I am in love with Frenchy!