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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 ·

A Random Mix!


Today’s post is just a random mix of things, friends!  I had an assortment to share with you this week and decided, heck, I’ll just stick it all in one post 🙂 .

First up…

…did you set your DVRs????  Kensington and I sat down on Sunday night and set ours!  The first original one for 2018 begins on Saturday night, but tomorrow afternoon, they start playing the older ones.  Somebody pinch me!

Second thing on my list…

12 Easy Chili Recipes

…’tis chili season, so I thought I’d remind you about my 12 Easy Chili Recipes!  They’re all really yummy and easy too!  I made my Sweet Corn Chili on Sunday night for our annual Harvest Party…

…Smith decided to save his costume for Halloween night, but look at my girls!  They all selected their own costumes, and I couldn’t be more pleased!  We have Elsa, Anna and Liv (of Liv and Maddie!).

These sisters were so excited!!!!!!

As was my Liv!

Once we arrived, she united with her Maddie!  Aren’t they so cute?!  We had a friend make their shirts (it had their names on the back), and then we just pieced it all together.

 

I was so busy enjoying the beautiful evening that I didn’t take very many pics.  Here is one with Griffin…

…a random bounce house pic…

…a shot of all the kids! We had them ranging from days old to high school!

I love this one!!!

And then…

…look at this one my friend sent.  Hahahaha!  Look at all the moms!

I surprised Smith with tickets to see Dav Pilkey at an event by our house.  It was such a special afternoon!!  Dav Pilkey was so inspiring!!  I was encouraged by his message to kiddos that day myself.  Smith’s favorite part?

Meeting him!  Every kiddo there got to have their picture with him.  It was really special!

Know what I’m doing today?  Turning 37.  You know what?  I have my health, a wonderful husband, kiddos I love, a great family, the best girlfriends and a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I consider myself really blessed on this birthday.  From me to you, happy October 25th! xo

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Comments

  1. Nicole says

    Happy, happy, happy birthday to my favorite blogger!!! You make life so much fun and have taught me to celebrate every single day!! Have the best day ever, knowing you inspire so many!!! ❤️?

  5. Erika Slaughter says

    Happy Happy Birthday Friend! I hope this year is absolutely amazing! Love you so much! XO

  6. Cherry says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAY! What a wonderful life you live! Thanks for letting us follow along with it all!

  15. CJ says

    Wishing you a very happy birthday Shay! Thanks so much for being so willing to share a bit of your life with us. While I’m probably your Moms age, with no kiddos of my own, posts from the fun to the inspiring have made me a devoted reader. And as someone who was adopted myself at 3 weeks old and thought my mama hung the moon, I can relate. Wishing you and yours nothing but the best in the coming year. xoxo

  17. Denise Panetta says

    Happy Happy Birthday! Celebrated mine yesterday but I’m way older then you are! Have a blessed year!

  19. Sarah P Wall says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Hope you have a great day and I hope year 37 is filled with lots of love and blessings! 🙂

  21. Eileeen says

    Happy birthday! May this year continue to bring you many blessings. Btw – my DVR is on overdrive this week with all the Christmas movies. Bring it on!

  22. Maryann says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! Thank you for sharing your love for Jesus, your family, friendships, and career with us through this blog. Wishing you a beautiful day filled with all of your favorites! ?

  24. Beth Dunham Swindig says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Hope you have a great day!! The girls costumes look so cute!

  25. Elspeth Mizner says

    Happy birthday! So happy I found this blog and have been able to get a peak into your world! Have the best day ever

  26. Amy says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! I just love your blog, your positive attitude or how you circle back to it and share that part, too sometimes, your family, your recipes… Thank you for sharing. I love to begin my day with your blog and I know so many others feel the same way. That’s just wonderful–
    Good on ‘ya, girl and here is to your 37! Continued Blessings with thanks ❤️ Have the best day!

  27. Ash says

    Happy birthday to one of favorite bloggers – you truly have a gift for connecting! Hope you have a wonderful day!

  29. Amy Getz says

    Happy, Happy Birthday! Today my oldest son turns 17 . . . I didn’t realize you all shared a birthday and I’ve been reading for years – duh!!! Love your blog . . . thanks for sharing with us!

  30. Chrisina says

    From one October 25th birthday to another (my birthday is today too). Happy Happy Birthday!!!?

  33. Pamela Garrett says

    Happy Birthday…hope you have a day filled with joy!!!! Thank you for sharing your life on this blog and all your yummy recipes!

  34. Julie says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Your blog gets me going in the morning with positivity, a laugh, or encouragement! You’re pretty awesome, and I am grateful you share your family with all of us. Hope you have a great day, and praying for a blessed year of 37!

  36. Angela Patterson says

    Happy Birthday Shay! You are such a BRIGHT light for Jesus…thank you for sharing your world with us here on the blog!! xoxox ~ Angela

  38. Sheaffer says

    YES! Happiest of Birthdays, friend! Love you big, and hope your people spoil you all day long!!! xoxo

  43. Laurie Birt says

    I think a World Series win in your birthday week might be the perfect gift! Happiest of birthdays to you!

  45. Melissa says

    Happy birthday, Shay! Thanks for always sharing joy and kindness on the internet! I enjoy following you and your family!

  49. Melissa Terry says

    Happiest of birthdays to you! I hope your day is filled with all the people and things you love!

  54. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    Happy Birthday Shay! You also have your Red Sox at 2-0 in the world series lol but what a great reflection on this birthday. The girls look adorable in their costumes. That one of Ashby with the orange teeth is so sweet! Have a great day!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  57. kellie carrara says

    Happy Birthday Shay!!! Those Red Sox are sure giving you a gift, huh?!? So glad you were able to come up north (I’m an hour outside of Boston in Metrowest) to take in a WS game to start your celebration early.
    Thank you so much for all your great ideas, recipes, decorations, outfits and general mama inspiration — you’re totally a gift to us all. I’m a daily reader!

  58. Michelle Marshall says

    Happy birthday!! Thank you for sharing so much of your life and family with us! I feel like I know you after all this time! Praying many blessing over you this year.

  59. Amie says

    Happy Birthday! Those Red Sox know how to give a girl a good birthday gift – up 2-0 in the World Series! Have a great day!

  62. Morgan Godbold says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! Thanks for sharing you’re everyday life here on this blog, so happy I get to see a glimpse of your world! Hope you have a great birthday, and your friends and family spoil you!!
    Go Sox!! 2-0!!

  67. Nikki says

    Happy Birthday Shay! You deserve the best day! Thanks for taking us along on your journey through life!

  68. Jennifer Sawyer says

    and…..the Red Sox in the World Series…..Happy Birthday Shay! (from a N.E. Girl!)

  69. Sharon says

    Happy Birthday!! You are my absolute favorite blogger!! Every morning after reading the Bible, your blog is the first I read. You are always so positive and upbeat. What a sweet family you have. Thank you for sharing their “growing up” years with us.

  71. Jeni Pearlman says

    Happy Birthday Shay! My twins share your birthday! They turn eight today. 🙂

    LOVE reading your blog! Hope you have a wondering day!

  75. Jocie says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Thanks for sharing life with us readers! You know what you said about young readers excited for the next chapter of life because of you? That is me! I love reading this blog everyday!

  76. Taylor says

    Happy birthday to you! You are a blessing to so many! I hope you have a very special day, xoxo.
    PS: I’ve been playing Christmas music for two weeks now, bring on the Hallmark Christmas movies!!!

  82. Jennifer says

    What are some of Smith’s favorite books? My son has read all of the Dav Pilkey ones so we need something new to dive into

  83. Shelbie Fitch says

    Happy birthday Shay! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us and being a shining light for the Lord. I appreciate you openly sharing your relationship with Christ with us and the way you never write about anything negative.

  85. Ella says

    Happy Birthday Shay.
    A birthday is a great time to reflect on what you accomplished in the past, what you enjoyed etc.
    Because life is about your attitude, so let that be positive.

  86. Debbra L Weber says

    Happy Birthday to you! I hope your next 365 trip is a great one with many blessings for you and your family!

  88. Kayla A Bruce says

    So much fun stuff! Happy Birthday, Shay! October 25th is one of my very favorite days of the year because it is exactly two months before Christmas, so I say, let the celebrating begin! So fun to have your birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in this two months!

  89. Peg says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! How exciting that your Red Sox are in the World Series! (Miss my Astros tho?)

  92. Sandy Blitch says

    Happy Birthday Shay! You are a gift to your readers, a little bit of sunshine first thing in the morning! You are so real, but yet so fun! I am older than your Mom, have three children, five grandchildren and love that you share your faith so openly. I pray your birthday is FULL of blessings and family!

  94. Lauren says

    Happy Birthday Shay! I hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks so much for recommending Before We Were Yours. Out of 33 books so far this year it is my favorite! Grab the tissues gut wrenching, but the ending was wonderful.

  96. Anna S says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! My wish for you is for the Red Sox to win it all! 😉 Have a blessed year.

  97. Sally Lockwood says

    Happy Birthday Shay!
    Hope you have the best birthday ever and I know you will! Celebrate every minute, hour, day, week, month and year!!!! Love you.

  99. Kelly Buffington says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! I have a good feeling that you will be celebrated well;). You are a bright light in the blog world, thank you for sharing yourself and your sweet family with us! Between college football and Hallmark Christmas movies, I may never make it off my sofa. I hope my family can fend for themselves until New Year’s:).

  101. Beth Valenta says

    Happiest of birthdays! So blessed.
    Hallmark better be recorded on the 27th, as that is the day we
    will be clinching the World Series! Go SOX…

  103. Cassie says

    Happy Birthday!! My son Myles turns 1 today!! So fun that he gets to share a birthday with someone as awesome as you!!!

  104. Debbie says

    ?Happy Birthday Shay! ?. My life, and home decor, is brighter because of you! You are such an inspiration! Thank you for your beautiful blog everyday! ????

  108. Melanie says

    Happy Birthday to my favorite blogger! In reading through some of the previous comments, it is so amazing at how wide the age range is among your readers. My daughter is 32 and I will be 59 in January and we are both faithful readers of your blog. Thanks for all you do and enjoy your special day!!

  111. Michelle O says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAY!!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Don’t forget the Christmas movies on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. Their new movies start Sunday, 11/4. I’ll have to record one channel and watch the other! LOL!

  116. Kathy L says

    Happy Birthday! I hope the year ahead brings you and your family many blessings. Reading your blog daily always puts a smile on my face. 🙂 I appreciate everything you share, especially your faith and beautiful family!

  117. Theresa Wenz says

    Wishing my absolute favorite blogger the happiest of birthdays….enjoy your day and your weekend celebrating surrounded by the people who love you most and may all your birthday wishes come true. xoxo

  119. Diane says

    Happy birthday, Shay!!! Thank you sharing your life and world with us through your blog… I truly have looked forward to reading it and following along with your beautiful family over these past few years, and it has inspired me in so many ways with my own little family! Enjoy your day ?

  120. Christine says

    Happy happy birthday! Thanks for all the joy and inspiration! A big hug to you and your family!

  121. Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says

    Happy happy birthday, Shay! You ARE blessed and I wish you many many more!!

  122. Amy Heinl says

    Happiest of birthdays to you. Don’t forget to Hallmark Movies and Mysteries….they have 14 NEW Christmas movies starting for 37 all together between the two. I am looking forward to A Godwink Christmas

  123. Stephanie says

    Happy Birthday, Shay!! I love your blog and all of the sunshine you bring every day! Wishing you a year full of blessings!!

  124. Andrea says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! So ready for all the Hallmark Christmas fun! I may or may not have already had a sneak peek of Christmas in Graceland. Our friend, Eric, directed it. Super cute!

  129. Denise says

    Happy Birthday Shay! I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Go Red Sox! (if the Astros are out I’m root for the Red Sox)

  131. Lara B says

    Happy Birthday!!! Today is my son’s 9th birthday. I wish we had things closer to Grand Prairie like Captain Underpants. I am trying to find great people with ADHD for my son to see.

  134. Vicky T says

    Hauoli La Hanau!! (Happy Birthday!) I don’t usually post here but I couldn’t miss this opportunity to wish you an amazing day! You are such an inspiration to me and I love reading your blogs every day! May your day be doubly blessed beautiful Lady! God is surely shining is light upon you and your family!

  137. Talia says

    Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! You are a bright spot on the world wide web! I hope your day is filled to the brim with happiness and that you are surrounded by those you love most. Enjoy and celebrate YOU!

  138. Kim says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! ? You are such an inspiration to your readers! ☺ I hope you feel all the love and good wishes being sent your way today! ?

  143. Liz Thorson says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! I’m thrilled your Red Sox gave you a pre-birthday gift with a win last night! Here’s to a day and evening of celebration for you!?????????

  145. jen says

    I love the Dave Pilkey pic! I will have to show it to my 2nd grade class – the boys are obsessed with DogMan! HBD

  152. Emily says

    I LOVE that we have the same birthday. Happy birthday to you!! Thank you for the positivity and love of Christ that you share with people!

  154. Malani Vega says

    Happy birthday Shay!! 37 looks amazing on you! Thank you for sharing moments of your life with all of us. Wishing you many more blessed years!!

  155. Kacy Mah says

    Happy birthday! You are such a blessing and it makes my day to read your blog! Love you and your sweet family!

  156. Jaime says

    All the girls costumes. I love both of madeleys the best. Did she decide she wanted to be fancy Nancy for her birthday party and Ana for actual halloween?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Ashby and Madeley have been talking about Anna and Elsa for months (since probably like May!), so when we went to buy those costumes, I told her she could pick one more for her special costume birthday party and she immediately saw the Fancy Nancy and wanted to be that 🙂 .

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