It’s What’s Up Wednesday!
If you’re new around here, on the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little linky party where we share what’s going on with us right now. It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post.
Friends, I’m really excited about today’s post! For starters…it’s almost September and that makes me HAPPY! I can feel it coming in the air. You know what I mean? I can just sense it. If I were a superhero, I would be called Pumpkinwoman or something. Ha! I’m also excited because waaaaaaaay back in January (do we even remember what January looked like???) I asked you guys in Stories to tell me what you wanted to see more of this year on my blog and so many of you said Amazon Try Ons…and then you know, the world fell a part, so that got pushed to the back of my sticky note list but today, I have it for you!
I hope you guys are having a great week so far! Here’s a little look at what’s going on in our world…
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
We have been enjoying all of our favorite “back to school” suppers around here! Make sure you check out this week’s Meal Planning Monday to see some of our faves! Do you eat seasonally at your house? We totally do! Many recipes feel very back to school to us, so that’s what we’ve been enjoying. Speaking of which…
…make sure you’re referring back to my Back to School Slow Cooker Suppers for other great ideas!
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
Oh my word, I had a moment on Saturday morning at Ashby’s soccer practice. This year, we were randomly assigned to a new team where we don’t know anyone, but on Saturday at our second practice, I had a moment with several of the parents on the team. We all just started sharing stories and introducing ourselves, and we quickly realized so many girls on that team have “a story”. Whether it was a story about the girls’ health and physical limitations or a family member currently being treated for cancer, everyone has a story. I left and couldn’t stop thinking about how God took this sweet girl…
…who didn’t have a family, had a mountain of health issues, who was non-verbal and with His love and grace…
…grew her into this AMAZING eight year old girl with so much spunk, love, joy and personality. She has a story that is still unfolding, and on paper, the odds are not in her favor, BUT I KNOW SHE WILL THRIVE. I just left that park thinking about how BIG and AMAZING God truly is.
3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
Our quiet weekends! Our summer had busy weekends between the construction/house gutting that happened and all of the baseball tournaments, we were waking up early every weekend, always gone, it was loud/crazy when we were there…but the past few weekends, we haven’t had much to do at all, and it’s been niiiiiiiiiiiice. We’ve been able to sleep in a bit, enjoy coffee and Pinterest…you know, just have some downtime before Monday started, and that has been so nice!
4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
House.
School.
Repeat.
Is this year over yet?
I’m ready for my house to be put back together and my kids to be back in the building BUT in the meantime, I’m trying (not always successfully!) to have a positive attitude.
5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
Ashby’s having surgery in September, and it will be her biggest/toughest/hardest to date, and I am dreading it. I’m also dreading all of the new rules/regulations that are in place. I understand why we have them, but I don’t like them. The last time she had a surgery to this magnitude, I had wonderful support with us in the waiting room, from Sean and Catherine to my grandparents…it was a long/hard day, but we had people there to love on us during the surgery. This time, Andrew can’t even be there. He will be sitting in the car in the parking lot the entire day as only one parent can enter the building. He needs to be near in case we need to make emergency decisions (and it’s not like he could focus on anything else if he were to not be there), but they said only one parent can enter the hospital with her for it…and let’s be honest, there is no way on God’s green earth that I’m not entering that hospital with her…so I’m dreading that. I’m dreading all of it. Ashby knows, but we don’t focus on it a lot as to not worry her, but I just dread the whole dang thing.
6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
Allllll the 2021 vacations! Apparently, everyone is ready to start booking their trips for 2021, which makes us excited because we LOVE planning vacations!! It’s been a sweet month of talking travel for next year with so many new and returning clients. If you’re interested in booking a trip next year, email us today! mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com
7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
All. Of. This.
8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
My AUGUST Book Review is tomorrow!!!
Woohoo!!!!!
Make sure you come on back for that!!
In the meantime, if you missed this…
…you can read it HERE.
9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Remember how Kensington was in love with Sutton Foster several years ago?? And then randomly met her…
…and then became OBSESSED with her? Well, she’s back. We’ve been listening ON REPEAT to both the Thoroughly Modern Millie soundtracks and the Anything Goes one as well. We’ve been listening so much that I’m pretty positive Andrew could bust out tapping in song at any minute.
10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
Woohoo! It’s an Amazon round up of things I thought we could wear to transition us from the warm days of summer to the early days of fall. Several of these finds you’ll remember from last year too.
You know how it is, the calendar changes and we want to be more “fall” but it’s still warm out so it’s not quite time yet for heavy sweaters. Here are some easy pieces to wear while we’re transitioning.
How cute is this top?! This color is “orange” which in person is more orange-gold than this pic is showing. It comes in several other fun colors too and will look great when I’m on the sidelines this soccer/volleyball/football/baseball season 😉 .
Speaking of the perfect sidelines shirt…
…how cute is this tee?! Again, it comes in multiple color choices but this green just spoke right to my heart!
This tee is from last year, and I’m still going to love it this year too! It comes in multiple prints and patterns, but this leopard here just says “fall” to me!
Speaking of last year…
…you guys saw me wear this top so many times! Isn’t it cute?! I can’t wait to wear it again this year too! It comes in multiple colors that are fall-ish but since it’s sleeveless, it works great for transitional weather (along with my jeans and peep toe booties).
Now, this is a new top…
…how cute is this?!?! It’s so cute that I want it again in another color. The material is nicer/thicker/a bit different than a plain old cotton…I’m smitten!
A perfect plain black top? Yes, please!
And finally, this one is not “fall” but boy is it cute! I would size up though if I were you. ADORABLE!
Don’t forget, if you like my waves, I have a tutorial HERE about how easy they are to get!!
11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
We’re going to enjoy our second to last weekend of summer. We’re going to spend time as a family, swim and soak up the sun!
12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
word.
13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
That’s all I have, friends! I can’t wait to see you guys tomorrow for my AUGUST BOOK REVIEW! Make sure you link up if you also blogged today! xo
Beth Knecht says
Aw my heart is tense for you all and Ashby! I wish you didn’t have to go through those anxious moments of the unknown, but I will pray for God’s guidance for the doctors, Ashby and you and Andrew!
Amy Heinl says
Just wanted to wish you a blessed day
Praying for all in the path of Hurricane Laura. Hope you wont be getting any of the rain when it pushes inland. That would be the last thing you need.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Amy. Prayers are so powerful. xx
Holley says
Praying for you and sweet Ashby. You all are truly amazing. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. That picture of you holding her is beyond precious and sweet Kensignton’s hand touching Ashby’s touches my heart.
-Holley @ simplyholleymarie.com
nicole says
@Holley, you took the words out of my mouth. I couldn’t agree more. Sweet Kensington already loving on Ashby.
Praying for you, Shay, sweet Ashby and Andrew as you tackle another surgery.
Erika Slaughter says
Love how God meets us wherever we are to speak to our hearts. Sometimes it’s even on the soccer sidelines! ❤️❤️
Lori Reggio says
Good morning Shay, I have been following your blog for years. I love how you raise your children, the morals and ethics. It reminds me so much of my daughters and grandchildren. I wanted to tell you this post touched my heart when you wrote about sweet ashby. The picture of you holding her in China….and Kensington reaching for her hand. It made me well up. I will continue to pray for your sweet Ashby. I can see through the internet that she is a special gift from God. May God watch over your family always! xo Lori
Mix and Match Mama says
She is, Lori. I cannot imagine not being her mama. xo
Dana says
Aww…sweet Ashby! Praying for all of you. Being a mama is so hard sometimes. I really do feel like it’s like walking around with your heart outside of your body at times! And I have to say, I love WUW! I don’t blog anymore, but I love sitting down and writing these out and seeing you girls’ months-in-review as well. It’s a sweet way to remember all that’s going on as life changes so quickly and we often don’t even realize it! Have a great day, Shay!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Hooray for quiet weekends! Glad you and your family are finally having some poeace and quiet! ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Joanne says
Praying for you all with that surgery! I have mine coming up this next month and while I am pretty sure no one can some in the hospital with me I haven’t asked that question because I really don’t want to know the answer!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m sorry, Joanne. I hope your surgery goes so well!!
Joanne says
Thank you! I’m slowly making my way back through all your hysterectomy posts so I’ll hopefully have a good idea of what to expect.
Christine R. says
Pumkinwoman made me LOL! Continued prayers coming your way for your sweet Ashby and your Mama heart.
Paula says
Armies of prayer warriors are innthe gap praying for sweet Ashby!
Side note, you were randomly in my dream last night. I was walking through a building and you were sitting in a corner booth drinking coffee with your computer and Madeley beside you grinning her cutest smile. We just smiled at each other and I kept moving. So random…like you were an ‘extra’ in my movie. ????
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! That made me SMILE!!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Ugh my heart goes out to you and Andrew for Ashby’s surgery. This is such a stressful time in so many ways because of simple things like BOTH parents being able to be there for a child during a tough time. She is so lucky to have you two as parents.
Can’t wait for your book review and loving a few of those tops you shared!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Elspeth says
What a fun roundup of things going on! Poor Ashby!! I’ll be thinking of her and you during that surgery, she is such a champ and I know she will do great. I’ll be thinking of you too mama! Hang in there!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Melissa Terry says
Praying for your mama heart as y’all prepare for Ashby’s surgery next month. I loved the side note about Sutton Foster…she’s one of the reasons we named our baby Sutton. We LOVE broadway and I can’t wait to introduce our Sutton to her music!
Mix and Match Mama says
She’s phenomenal, right?! I love the name Sutton too!
kathy says
I will be praying for you and Ashby.
I broke down and had my husband drive me through Starbucks last night for my first PSL of the season. I had told myself to wait til Sept. 1st, but I just couldn’t do it.
Sending you lots of love.
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t had one yet!! I need to go TODAY!!!
Aubrie Ferguson says
Already lifting sweet Ashby and you up in prayer. Xoxo
Mary says
I was lucky enough to see Sutton Foster I’m Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway, and I too have loved her ever since!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bet that was fantastic!!!!!
Sandra says
Prayers for Ashby as she has the surgery and you and Andrew as you are both there to support her even if he is in the car. My brother-in-law was recently in the hospital in Fort Worth and the first night he was there we honestly thought he wouldn’t make it (long story short) and my sister thankfully was able to be there but I hated that I couldn’t be there to just give her a hug or encouraging word when she needed it. It is so hard for families who have loved ones in the hospital right now. Prayers again for everyone.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, prayers for your family, Sandra!!!
Megan says
Loved this post! I have to admit I was in tears reading about Ashby, but she has proven that God has blessed her with a strength beyond and has great plans for her. Sending all the love and prayers!!!!
Kacy M says
Praying for Ashby’s procedure!!
Mary says
Fall starts September 22nd. You have a few more weekends. 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Not at my house. I legit think the calendar says fall starts on September 1st 😉 . (And summer starts on May 1st! Ha!)
Amy says
Shay, I read your posts every day but this one really hit me when you talked about Ashby’s upcoming surgery. I strongly felt like I needed to just stop and say a prayer for you all.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delight.
God has Ashby and all of you in the palm of his hands and he will not fail you! Praying also for her medical team.
Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh! Thank you, Amy! Seriously, THANK YOU! To be so obedient to God’s calling…I’m blessed by it.
Ally says
Have a vacation planned for Hawaii in February. Do you think we will be able to go?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would like to think so…but if there’s anything I’ve learned in 2020 it’s that you should be flexible with your plans.
Ani M. says
Such a fun post, but just wanted to let you know that this line you wrote about sweet Ashby really touched my heart: on paper, the odds are not in her favor, BUT I KNOW SHE WILL THRIVE.
Our youngest joined our family through adoption, and she is the happiest, sweetest, hardest working, most loving girl. She has also been diagnosed with every single learning disability you can think of. Since before age 2 her life has included ALL the therapies, ALL the assessments and ALL the doctors. And still she persists. She does the work, she tries harder than anyone, with a smile on her face and a can do attitude. ON PAPER she is a list of diagnosis and accomodations and makes people doubt her potential, but I KNOW SHE WILL THRIVE.
Love you to you. Happy Wednesday.
Mix and Match Mama says
She will!!!! I am so thankful you are her forever family!!
Colleen says
I’m so so sorry that Ashby will have to have surgery during all these restrictions. My 8 year old had surgery yesterday and I was the parent in the waiting room. I thought my husband was fine about it because Monday is always his busiest day at work and the surgery seemed pretty straightforward. Turns out he was pretty upset and ended up working from the hospital parking lot. Sending alllll the hugs and prayers for Miss Ashby, her family, and the surgeons/hospital staff.
Caroline Dunn says
Prayers for Ashby and your family! On a lighter note, if you like Sutton Foster and haven’t watched Younger, you definitely should!! It’s certainly not for children but is so funny and Sutton is great. I’m a Gilmore Girls fan and it reminds me a bit of that show.
Dustin says
Ashby is already such a strong little lady! The hospital situation stinks, but having just been in myself, I can say that I felt all staff was so much more attentive to me as a patient. I also felt extremely safe, which was a pleasant surprise. While not ideal, you could get family on facetime or zoom to love and pray with Ashby before the surgery. I hope you all feel the love of this wonderful community you have created!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for the encouragement!!
Dawn says
Prayers for Ashby, the house, you and Andrew….all of it. XOXO
Danna F says
I LOL at “pumpkin woman”! That is the best description!
Ashby was blessed when your family adopted her and she has come a long way! God has more planned for her. Prayers for a successful surgery and recovery.
Thanks for the Amazon recs. Have a good day Shay & Shull family.
Mix and Match Mama says
😉
Beth Valenta says
Sending you prayers for your family, especially your sweet girl. God’s plan was cradled with you. xo
Jillian says
Hi Shay – I was curious what you meant by the odds not being in Ashby’s favor? ❤️?
Mix and Match Mama says
In that orphanage, without medical attention, the odds of her survival were not in her favor. She was in an orphanage with over 800 kids…couldn’t speak…had life threatening clots and aneurysms…the odds of her living very long were not high much less having any quality of life. God knew she needed a family…just like every other kiddo in there does. My prayer is that more people feel compelled to be forever families.
Julie says
Have Kensington listen to the Little Women Broadway soundtrack, too!
Mix and Match Mama says
What a great idea!!!
Karen Ivy says
Praying over Ashby’s big surgery… I can’t even imagine. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this with those restrictions. I hope you can get in a lot of Facetimes, books, something else diverting?, and feel the prayers strengthening you and your family. So much love!
Debbie K says
Praying for your momma’s heart and the stress an important surgery for your child brings. Praying for sweet Ashby too. That girl has brought life and light to those she will never know. It was hard when my husband had double knee replacement done in June and I couldn’t be there very much. I was never so glad to get him home with me. Hugs to all three of you…Andrew included, as you walk this difficult path in September.
Liz Thorson says
Shay my heart breaks for you, Andrew, Ashby and all your dear, sweet family members worrying about Ashby’s next procedure. My eyes filled with tears. You do, indeed, have a HUGE village supporting you, and I’m certain you feel the love, concern and prayers flowing, but still, how very heartbreaking for you. The thought of you and Andrew being unable to be together, knowing how strong your bond of love and support for one another is…I am so sorry. I am thankful for technology, so you and Andrew can stay connected and I am certain your precious girl will feel the strength and love from you two and it will carry her through this surgery. Ashby is such a remarkable girl! She could not be more blessed to have your family hers forever!
P.S. You look absolutely darling in every single top you shared!
Colleen T says
Hi, did you use that link for your CHYRII Womens Casual Color Block Long Sleeve Twist Knot Knit Shirt Blouse Tops Pullover Sweater? I love your short sleeve version but I only see the long sleeve version.
Mix and Match Mama says
Just went back and checked…my color choice must be sold out now. Boo! It’s super cute! Hopefully, they’ll bring it back!
H says
Thank you for loving Ashby as your own… What a blessing.
Maria says
Shay, Sutton Foster will be in The Music Man on Broadway with Hugh Jackman April 2021. My kiddo is a huge Hugh Jackman fan and asked for tickets for his birthday. It was originally opening in October but has now been pushed to April. Hopefully you and Kensington could plan a NYC getaway next Spring.
My love and prayers to Ashby. That kid is amazing!
J says
I’m praying for you guys and Ashby. I don’t know if this is helpful, but I work in a hospital, and while we hate the visitor restrictions, it is a much calmer, more peaceful place without as many people around. So, it’s not all bad.
Jill K. says
I will be praying for Ashby! My daughter had an emergency appendectomy last week and my husband had to wait in the parking lot, as well. I had to keep reminding myself that we were lucky that she was able to have 1 parent with her. Maybe you can have some family waiting for her at your house when she gets home?
Gina says
I pray for Ashby – may she and her family feel the peace and strength of our Lord Jesus. His GRACE abounds in the deepest waters
Erin Smith says
My heart just sank reading about the upcoming surgery. Praying for Ashby and your family as you walk through something so weighty.
Lucy Bertoldi says
I’m such a summer girl, but your post has made me wanting all the pumpkin and nutmeg! Have a great week xx
Debbie says
Praying for Ashby and your family every day!
Sheaffer Sims says
Sweet Ashby, Sweet Mama. You know we will all be in that parking lot if you need us to be. And if we’re not in that parking lot, we will be absolutely praying Ashby, you, Andrew, and the doctors through it.
Erin says
Hi Shay – I’ve been reading your blog for years, but I rarely comment. You pulled on my heartstrings today tho! My daughter had posterior spinal fusion surgery on May 1st. We had to travel to have the surgery, so we were in hotels for a week leading up, a few days after the surgery, and my husband was stuck in the hotel for the 5 days we were at the hospital. I was a nervous wreck for all of the obvious reasons, but I had such anxiety about having to sit for hours in that waiting room by myself through the surgery and my husband sitting alone in a hotel. Then we weren’t allowed to switch off any during recovery. I feel like I know what you are feeling right now. There was no way I was letting anyone else go to the hospital with my baby. But I was terrified I wasn’t going to be able to hold it together for the duration, by myself, with no breaks. I’m crying now just thinking about how worried I was I wouldn’t be strong enough for her. And I know I wasn’t, but our God was. I will be praying for you guys. For Ashby and for her doctors. For you and Andrew, for strength and a peace that surpasses understanding. I’m sure you will, but please give us a head’s up so that we all know exactly when to pray the most.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, thank you for sharing this with me. You have no idea how much your prayers and encouragement mean to us.
Debbie Tamborra says
Praying for sweet Ashby and your whole family! On a lighter note, has your family watched Shrek the Musical on Netflix? They recorded a broadway performance with Sutton Foster starring as Fiona. She is phenomenal, and there are so many laugh out loud moments. Great soundtrack to add to your mix, too.
Robin OSBORNE says
My nephew and his wife are currently going through the same thing about having only one parent at the hospital. Their oldest son, Lucas was in a car accident driving home from his first day of college (he is commuting)this past Monday. He suffered a broken neck, but somehow (HALLELUJAH!) has no paralysis and the surgeon told them he should make a complete recovery. They have 3 younger children that started school this week as well, doing a hybrid of in school attendance and online. My sweet niece-in-law is trying to juggle it all, keeping Lucas upbeat about his recovery, her husband positive as he deals with all the logistics of the car and insurance etc. and the younger ones occupied. As she said, it was “The worst first day of school ever! Any prayers and positive thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I will certainly be sending the same your way.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness! I’m stopping right now to pray for Lucas and your family. I am so sorry they’re going through all of this. Praying now.
Robin OSBORNE says
You are beyond kind. Lucas is home and resting now! I will be sending all the good thoughts your way for Ashby!
Kinta says
Prayers for you and the family! Praying a quick recovery and healing over sweet Ashby!
Felicia Nguyen says
Oh my Shay!! I am crying like a baby reading “what you are dreading” my heart goes out to you and Sweet Ashby!! I can imagine how hard that is!! I will be praying for you guys!! Praying for a safe surgery and fast recovery for her!!