It’s a little life lately.
Friends, thank you so much for the prayers yesterday. I really cannot say enough about what this community means to me. Your prayers and words of encouragement were felt by all of us. Ashby and I are staying home today to snuggle and watch movies.
Here’s a little look at what we’ve been up to lately…
Frenchie waits all day long for her two girls to come home from school…she likes Smith and Madeley, but her heart belongs to Ashby and Kensington. Some days, kindergarten is just exhausting, so when Ashby puts herself down for a nap, Frenchie patiently waits nearby.
This was such a full circle moment for us! A few Fridays ago, Kensington was the surprise mystery reader in Ashby’s kindergarten class. Ashby was SO EXCITED!!! Ashby’s teacher was Kensington’s kindergarten teacher…and that was the year, we left to get Ashby (so her teacher really was such a big part of the whole experience!). Isn’t that cool?! Kensington brought her own book from home to read to the class…and it was about how it’s okay to be different. I love these two so much!
The two of us spend a great deal of time in the car waiting on the other three. #lifeofthefourthchild
Friday night dinner date…us plus four other people 😉 . I love that Smith is still at that sweet age where he thinks it’s so fun to be with his mama and fights to sit next to me at restaurants (which you really have to fight because Madeley will throw down if she’s not sitting by me. Hahahaha!).
A hawk has made a nest in our yard…we like to sit out there and watch it.
Volleyball, volleyball, volleyball is on the brain these days! How big does Kensington look?!
On Friday, these two girls asked to make muffins…and didn’t want me in the kitchen to help at all. #mixandmatchdaughters
Sometimes, Kensington gets to help me teach the three year olds at church. She is amazing! Andrea and I typically sit back and let her take charge. Ha!
Four kids in their Sunday best!
We get so excited when Daddy makes dinner! He was making us homemade pizza!
Madeley always makes herself so cozy!
When your brother has two baseball games and sister has two volleyball games, you bring a big bag of stuff and make your own happiness 🙂 .
Do you see the cheering section at the end of the volleyball court?
One of our favorite things to do is sit by the window and enjoy a cheeseboard. Seriously, it’s like one of our favorite ways to connect. Over cheese. #noshame
Just a boy and his Yankees.
Smith is a professional Captain Underpants artist. I hope that gets him a college scholarship or something 😉 .
When your baby still acts like a baby sometimes. Andrew soaked this up!
One more thing…
…I made a Quick Trader Joe’s Gnocchi with Meat Sauce that you might want to make. It’s the easiest little weeknight meal!
So…that’s life lately. See you guys tomorrow. xo
Alexis deZayas says
These posts are the sweetest!! Hope Miss Ashby feels better today!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Positive vibes all around! Your family’s the sweetest. 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sheaffer Sims says
I have a lot to say, but the Captain Underpants drawing is IMPRESSIVE!!!! Kensington looks 14, I want to see Madeley throw down, and now I want gnocchi for breakfast. The last 2 times I’ve been to Trader Joe’s they’ve been out of the cauliflower gnochhi and the cauliflower fried rice. WHAH! 🙁
Elspeth Mizner says
Sending all the positive vibes and prayers for Ashby as she recovers! Love your life lately posts! Always great to see everyone appreciate the busy moments of life and be present with where they are at. Have a great Thursday!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughter says
I read this post thinking I wanted to comment on that or that and then we got to Smith’s sidewalk chalk drawing and I forgot everything else. I have no doubts that will get him a FULL RIDE!! That is GOOD!
Annaliese says
Did you ever end up going to see Dumbo?? How did you like it? Debating taking my 6/9 yr old boys to go see it but heard mixed reviews! Would love your opinion!
Mix and Match Mama says
We did!! I actually really liked it! The story is a little different because it focuses on a family who works at the circus (and there are no talking animals), but I thought it was sweet and I personally felt it was less sad than the cartoon.
Whitney says
What Sheaffer said except I want muffins for breakfast I didn’t have to make instead, ha!
Narci says
I swear Kensington looks like a teenager all of a sudden in that volleyball pic! When did that happen? And I love that pic of you and Smith! So sweet!
Holly says
These life lately posts are always so fun to read!! Praying for Ashby & your family!
Brice says
Shay, could you post sometime about what music you listen to? When I hear it in the background I always love it! I know you listen to the French cooking station on Pandora, are there any other favorites?!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s always either the French Cooking Station or Steve Tyrell Radio on Pandora. Always. 🙂
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
That is the sweetest full circle with Kensington and Ashby!! I can’t believe how old Kensington looks after following your blog for so long! What great little family moments!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Melissa says
Just a little FYI, If you have a hawk in your yard, please watch your dogs. As small as they are, a hawk could pick them up. A friend of mine lost her cat due to a hawk.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yessssss!! That’s why we watch the hawk!! You’re exactly right!
Amanda Wilson says
Shay you are just so lucky to have your family come and watch your kids!! What a blessing you are all to each other! I love these posts!! Enjoy your snuggles with Ashby today!
Clare Butler says
Mix and Match daughters??!! I can’t even handle that! ???
Also Smith and art skills! Super impressed ?
Alison says
What lip color are you wearing in the picture of you and Smith at dinner?! Your face looks so fresh and beautiful!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, thank YOU!! Okay, that’s a Beauty Counter one! https://www.beautycounter.com/product/color-intense-lipsticks/variant-913 the color is First Date 🙂
Emily says
Love these posts! So many bloggers have gotten away from everyday life content, so I always love these everyday posts!
Kelly says
I have been noticing how grown-up and mature Kensington has looked lately. Glimpses of what’s to come:). Hoping and praying that Ashby is feeling much better today. Happy Thursday, Shay!
Maureen Werner says
Oh my goodness, I love Kensington’s Maxi Dress! Where does it come from? Also, praying that Ashby and all of you felt the prayers and love! I know this season can be rough, but so glad to see all the happy things too!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Matilda Jane 🙂 . Thank you for your prayers!!
Laci says
WHOAAA that Captain Underpants drawing is incredible!!!
kara says
Have you heard about the lady that makes dolls that have the same differences as their owner? I saw it on CBS news. If a kiddo has a birthmark, or a surgery scar, or a difference in their limbs, etc., she makes dolls that look like them.
Here is her go fund me account. I bet you could use that to locate her. I think Miss Ashby might need a doll with a special arm just like her’s! https://ca.gofundme.com/msbezk
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!! I saw it on Today!!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I can’t get over how grown up K looks. She is such a beauty. I hope Ashby has a better day today!
That Inspired Chick
Missy says
Love these posts too! What is your nail color in the picture with Smith, I love it! Also, is Kensington’s Sunday dress Matilda Jane? So pretty!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a “dip” color, I don’t know the number!
Liz Thorson says
Shay, I was on the run yesterday and didn’t comment, but I carried you, Andrew and sweet Ashby in my heart all day long.??. I hope she is in less pain today and wasn’t too sick yesterday? I love that Frenchie adores K and A. What a comfort Frenchie must be for Ashby while she heals from a procedure. ❤️?❤️ I loved all of the pics you shared today, especially the one of you and Smith! I love his two new front teeth! He is such a darling, handsome young man! I also love the pic of the four kids in their church clothes!❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Liz.
Janie says
Shay, thanks for the update on Ashby, I have been thinking & praying hard for your sweet girl. So happy to see the pup-pups snuggling with her. Your entire family is an inspiration to me XO
Francesca says
Hi! This is kind of random but are you still painting your own nails? Or do you get gel manicures? Happy Thursday!
Mix and Match Mama says
In December, I started going and getting them “dipped” at the salon. At first, I wasn’t sure about it, so I stopped…but then, I realized that I really did like it, so I continued on 🙂 .
Francesca says
Right?! I just got my first dip manicure and I LOVE how thick and strong it is. Kinda concerned about how weak it’ll make my nails though. But I just love how long it lasts!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I was nervous the first two times I did it (so I stopped), but then I was like “nope, that was fantastic, I’m doing it more!”.
Kacy Mah says
That pic of Madeley and Andrew was the cutest!
Monica says
Tell me about the cute hats you take on vacation that are packable please!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The one from Nordstrom is packable and really does “pop” back up when you arrive. I’ve had it two seasons now and it’s really held it’s shape!
Alexis says
I spy Andrew’s wild swimsuit!! LOL
Detroit Duchess says
Kensington looks SO grown up! Your babies aren’t so little anymore (tear). Where does the time go?
Jen says
That captain underpants drawing by Smith is amazing. Seriously impressed with those skills. Is this long specific character drawing practice or does he have other super heroes he can do?
Mix and Match Mama says
He basically only draws this. On repeat. Ha!
Laura says
Aw what a lovely post!
You have such a great family – so positive I love it! 🙂
– Laura| https://makeupscholar.com