It’s been a crazy year. It seems like if something could have gone wrong, it did. Thinking back though, I had my peeps and we spent more time together than ever before. Our Christmas looks different this month, and we missed out on most of “the things” that we thought we couldn’t do without…but, when I look back at life lately, I see lots of smiles and togetherness, and that’s better than any old parade, recital, Santa visit or whatever else we missed.
Here’s a little look at life lately…
We’ve made driving around and looking at lights a full-time job this year. Ha! Over the weekend, we ate dinner and headed out for more light looking…it’s the best entertainment around right now! 😉
He’s smiling because he’s neither bought a gift nor wrapped one this holiday season.
Snuggles with the Mades.
One on one time with my big girl is one of my faves! Guys, she’s almost as tall as me! What?! How did that happen?!
I looked down and saw this… 🙂 .
I looked out on the patio the other day, and the three of them were making a song on Smith’s computer. Those two girls needed a big brother…and he sure needed little sisters.
The resident dog whisperer. I don’t know how she does it?!
Curls for days at our house.
Both girls are obsessed with good old-fashion sponge rollers!
They call them their “curlies”,
A little early morning violin always makes me happy.
And finally…two dogs fighting over the “alpha” position and one dog happy to be in the rear.
That’s a little look at life lately. I’ll see you guys back here tomorrow. xo
Erika Slaughter says
I had so many things to say about your kids but then that last picture…well let’s just say I’m now cheering for Yankee to take the lead!! 🤣🤣🤣
Sharon says
Honestly between the “curlies” and the dog walking pic, my heart is full!
Lisa N says
That last picture of Smith should be in one of your big beautiful frames! Love all of your sweet pictures:)
Tami says
Yes!
Elspeth says
What a fun update!! I love the picture of all three dogs! Super cute!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Ani Martinez says
Those curls are to die for!!!!! And Ms K is growing up into such a lovely young lady. Happy Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for sharing a bit of joy with the blogosphere.
Julianne says
A tip for sponge curlers….I think it gets less tangly! Put the girls hair up in a high ponytail in a soft band so you won’t have a crease. Put the curlers in normal but when they are all wrapped up you’ll have a big bun of curlers on the top of your head! It seems to make the curls less tangly in the morning in my daughter’s hair!
Mix and Match Mama says
Trying this tonight! Thank you!!!
Christine R. says
Please post a pic of how this curling method turns out – very curious! Thanks!!
Alexa Jae says
Also wrap a bandana around it for bedtime!
Alicia Fedell says
So fun! How long does the curls last with the sponge rollers? My daughter from China LOVES to have her hair curled…but the curls just slip right out! I will have to find some rollers!
Mix and Match Mama says
They last until they wash their hair!! No hairspray or anything…they last a very long time! And I LOVE that your daughter is also from China 🙂 .
Dana says
That one of you and Kensington is a framer. And it gets even more weird when they surpass you!!
Lori J says
The “curlies” are so precious! I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas & pray that 2021 is our year! Thank you for a bit of sunshine everyday as we plow through. You have been a joy to follow! ABTW Kensington could not look more like you if she tried, she is a gorgeous girl!
Happy Thursday, Shay! ❤️🎄❤️
Ella Williams says
How cute!!! The curls are ADORABLE!!!!!
kathy says
I love seeing your kids:)
Kensington looks so much like you.
Julie says
So sweet! You know we’re going to ask…where is the adorable Christmas leash from? We’ve gotten some cute dog collars on Puddle Jumper Pups (on Etsy) but I’ve never seen a leash like that before! Adorable. Thanks for providing such happy content during these really challenging times. Your positive attitude always inspires me!
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, I bought it a few years ago off of Etsy, but I don’t remember which “store”. Merry Christmas, Julie!
Tamra says
Seeing your little girl’s hair in sponge curlers brought back memories. My mom would put them in my hair every Saturday night, throughout my childhood, so my hair would be curly for church on Sunday morning. I remember the bows and ribbons, too… love seeing all four of your young ones grow up.
Melissa Terry says
Between the curlies and the comment about Smith needing little sisters and the girls needing a big brother, I am done for the day. The miracle it took for both our families (and countless more) to look the way they do is not lost on me. Happy Thursday xo
Mix and Match Mama says
Merry Christmas, Melissa!!! xo
Alison T. says
That photo of your dogs at the end… so funny! What a furry little troop you have. 🙂
Melanie M. says
Just wanted to say that I appreciate you and your blog. Yours is the only blog I read faithfully everyday! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Megan says
Love the curlies and the dog pic totally made me laugh ❤️
Sara Bryant says
You need a leash that allows you to walk all three dogs on one leash!! We have one for our 3 and it’s life changing. One handle for you and three separate attachments.
Mix and Match Mama says
googling that right NOW!!!
Debbra Weber says
You are a blessing!! Thank you for your posts. I hope you and your family have the best Christmas together!
Danna F says
Best reminders of what life really is…family and the little things. I needed this today. Merry Christmas Shull family. Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us.
Kay says
Shay, your comment about why Andrew is smiling is so darn funny!!! I love reading your blog every morning and taking a peak into your life happenings. Love all your pictures this morning – what a beautiful family you have. Love the girls in their “curlies”. Have a very Merry Christmas and here’s to a bright 2021!!!
Paula says
When life throws a curve ball, it’s one of those in the midst you can’t see anything but hard or suffering. It’s the after reflection we get the rainbow and are reminded He was always with us and we’re stronger for it. He promises, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I dare say, this will be one of the most memorable years as a family and it will have absolutely nothing to do with the flood.
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Those “curlies” take me back!! I remember one would always come out while I was sleeping and I’d end up with one straight piece while the rest of my head looked like Shirley Temple. 😂
That Inspired Chick
Laci says
Life has been different this year but you have made the best of it!
Kristy says
As tough as 2020 has been I bet it’s going to be the year that will your family will remember the most. Not only for the ‘Great flood’, but because of all the extra time you spent as a family.
Thanks for sharing those memories with all of us!
Allena Gurley says
Since Andrew is so tall, do you think Kensington will pass you in height? My girls are both trending to be around my height and I think it would be so crazy to have a daughter taller than me!
Mix and Match Mama says
Who knows?! I feel like she’s growing like a weed…but our nephew is 14 and 6’5″, so maybe she’s not?! Ha!
SS says
We used sponge curlers for a wedding. We had to travel, so I put a shower cap around them. It worked we had to travel a couple hours and I didn’t want them flat in the car ride. LOL!!! It worked curlers stayed in and hair looked great!!!
My family member who is a hair dresser said if hair is longer you may want to piggy back them.
Have a wonderful weekend before Christmas watching Christmas movies. We have been waiting for them to go on demand (Hallmark), so we can fast forward through them. Only downside is that you only have a few days that they are on demand. LOL!!!
Abby Kate @ That’s Life For Ya says
Hey Shay! The girls’ hair looks so cute! I was wondering what kind of hairspray you use. My hair does not stay at all! Do you have any hairspray that holds hair, but doesn’t weigh it down? Thanks so much!
Abby
Joanne says
Just wait until you’re looking up at your kids! My older two tower over me by a lot and my youngest is now eye to eye with me.
Brenda says
Were you able to host your recipe exchange this year? I look forward to that post the most!
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too. Maybe next year, right?!
Victoria says
I know others have said the same thing, but that pic of you and Kensington in the car – twins! You both have the same eyes and nose! 🙂
Kathy R says
Kensington is definitely your mini-me. I love seeing pictures of your sweet family!
Carol says
I laughed out loud at your comment about Andrew. Not only does my husband neither purchase nor wrap gifts–he also has no clue what is in the gifts until Christmas morning!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew has ZERO idea!!! He is as surprised as everyone else!!! Hahahaha!
Kacy M says
That dog walking pic is so cute!
JMD says
Not one to usually comment but the picture of Smith is beautiful. Strong & gentle at the same time.
I started following you for the book reviews but stayed for your lovely family. I’m much older(55) with older kids & grandkids but love your style because I’m petite also. I also love to cook & read. And those pictures of Madley asleep make me laugh so darn hard! Thanks for all of your hard work especially during this hard year you & so many of us have had. Prayers also for Ashby & upcoming surgeries.
Liz Thorson says
Shay, your family is so precious! It’s pure delight to read your words and view your pictures of life with the Shulls! Quiet, reflective moments like watching Smith play his violin by the Christmas tree, kids sharing time together and with a pup or you, curls, snuggles, pup walks…A very loving family! I am so happy you love, honor and cherish your family. Thank you for sharing snippets of your family. Merry, Merry Christmas!
kasey davis says
Where is Mades white snowman dress from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Etsy!