Happy Monday, friends!
Okay, today’s post has THREE THINGS about each one of the Shulls right now!
Just little bits of randomness to kick off your week! xo
1: Our resident sixth grader is officially obsessed with learning about WWII and the Holocaust. She is reading book after book on the subject, watching shows on TV and asking a million questions. I always loved studying history, and I’m so glad that she’s very much into it right now too. Anytime my kids get excited to read about a topic, it makes my heart happy.
2: We are officially in volleyball season, and I’m officially feeling like the parent of a teen. For years, Kensington tried many things to see if they were “her” thing. She did gymnastics for three years, dance for 8 years, soccer for one miserable season where she stood there on the sidelines, looked at Andrew and me and sobbed during each and every game, she played basketball for one season (where she would happily give the other team the ball as long as that meant they wouldn’t steal it from her), but a few years ago she found volleyball and that is “her thing”. I love it when my kids have a passion, work hard, fail and then get back up and work some more. This season, watching her play volleyball has been so much fun because they’re actually really playing. Ha! No more little kid volleyball. These girls dominate when they take the court, and it is so much fun to watch!
3: For Christmas, Kensington asked for a keyboard. Right now, she is not taking lessons (she says she doesn’t want the structure of a lesson), so she’s trying to “self-teach” herself how to play the piano. Is it how I would prefer she learn? No. Does she go up there and practice every day and is she excited about the songs she’s taught herself? YES! My dad taught himself to play the piano when he was younger and does an excellent job still today, so who knows? Maybe that’s just how she’s going to learn? Either way, I love to hear her practice every afternoon, and I appreciate her genuine enthusiasm.
Bonus tidbit: When Kensington grows up, she says she wants to be a pediatric nurse.
1: Well, I really can’t keep Smith still long enough to find out what he’s up to these days 😉 . This boy is always on the move! From the minute he gets out of school to the minute he goes to bed, he’s busy. He’s playing football with boys out at the park, he’s at boxing lessons, he’s practicing his violin, he’s playing fetch with his dog, climbing a tree, and he’s obsessed with fishing. This kid is never lacking things to do, and they’re all so ACTIVE!
2: Smith started waking up early about a year ago, and it’s revolutionized both of our mornings. Back when I would wake him up at the “normal time” with the other kids, he was grumpy, cranky and just not the best version of himself all morning long. All of a sudden one day, it hit me…he’s just like Andrew and me. If we sleep in/miss our alarm/don’t get up on time, we’re not our best selves either. We like to ease into our day with coffee, our Bible time and working out…and well, so does Smith! As counterintuitive as it may seem, Smith enjoys his morning time when he wakes up early and is not rushed, and it’s TOTALLY changed his attitude and made our mornings so much better! He sets his own alarm for 5:30 and then takes his time doing whatever he wants to do before we leave the house at 7:45 (shower, quiet time, breakfast, reading, violin, fetch with the dog, anything outside…whatever).
3: Smith is very much ready for middle school. Kensington had all the feels last year (nervous, excited, a little sad, kind of anxious…it was all very bittersweet), but Smith is ready to peace out of elementary school and head to middle school. He’s ready for school athletics, more challenging classes, a variety of classes/teachers/students, more independence…watch out middle school, Smith Shull is comin’.
Bonus tidbit: When Smith grows up, he says he wants to be a Supreme Court Justice.
1: Here’s the deal with Miss Ashby…she’ll surprise you. Sometimes, Ashby will say things like “Is tomorrow Saturday?” on a Tuesday. She gives off this appearance that she lives in a land of lollipops, unicorns and rainbows…but that’s just one little side of her. Her inner-self is competitive to the core, and she’ll whoop your butt if you play her in a game. Smith and Nixon started playing poker a few months ago, and they taught Ashby. She picked the game up really quickly and now, no one can beat her. Nixon told me the other day, “Miss Shay, I was trying so hard, but she is really good at it.”. Andrew came downstairs the other night after teaching Ashby a new game…he literally said “Shay, she was doing the same thing every time it was her turn, but yet, I could not beat her. It was maddening.” Ha! She looks sweet and innocent, but on her 21st birthday, I’m taking her to Vegas 😉 .
2: At school, Ashby has to work really hard at reading and writing (because her brain processes everything backwards since she’s a right-handed person being forced to use her left hand), but she is excelling in math. Numbers and especially scores are her jam. It literally does not matter what game is on TV, if Andrew is watching (insert random sport here), Ashby will stop, ask a few questions and then focus on the score, the time, the penalties/outs/touchdowns/yards/points/you name it. This past fall, she sat down at the scoreboard at Smith’s baseball game and did such a great job keeping score (of runs, balls, strikes, etc on the big electronic outfield scoreboard) that after that game, we made her do it every week. Ha! One week, a grandparent was laughing so hard because Ashby had her cast on which meant she was eating nachos, drinking a slushie and keeping score at the same time with one hand. It’s kind of freaky how well she does this job.
3: If you don’t read anything today, I hope you read this, last week, Ashby showed me her prayer journal that she had started. She had written out all of her prayers and friends, I cried when she walked away. She didn’t have one prayer on that list for herself. Every prayer she had was for someone else. The list is so long of things that Ashby could have been praying about for herself, but she’s such a selfless, thoughtful, loving person, that she was praying for everyone else. It was a very convicting moment for me. I am often so selfish in my prayer time and only focus on myself…I need to be more like Ashby.
Bonus tidbit: When Ashby grows up, she says she wants to be a veterinarian (but I think the MLB will be hiring her instead for some sort of scoring/statistics position 😉 ).
1: Well, Miss Madeley is our social butterfly. If you go up to her school right now, I think you’ll meet at least 24 kids who say they’re her “best friend”. Andrew and I asked the other three what they were doing wrong because clearly, Madeley has more friends than them. Ha! She is just so social, so happy go lucky, so fun to be around…and kindergarten has been just an awesome experience for her!
2: Speaking of kinder, I’ve been so proud of what a great little reader Mades has become! She’s reading some books and attempting to read anything and everything she sees. You just never know how that kinder transition will go, but for us, it’s been fantastic this year! She has truly blossomed into a young student (who does twerk often…sigh…).
3: Madeley always has a bubbly and bright personality, but friends, she misses her naps. Most days, I find her sound asleep on the couch between school and dinner. She is such an energetic an happy kiddo, but she crashes hard too.
Bonus tidbit: When Madeley grows up, she says she wants to be a police officer.
Love these four so much!
As for Andrew and me, well, we’re still getting our house back together post-flood. You know, 2020 wasn’t a banner year, but I’m so thankful that we got to do it together. This year, we celebrate 17 years of marriage (which seems like a lot of years!), and we both turn 40. What? What? There is no one else in this world I’d rather grow old with than Andrew Shull. Our favorite little thing to do is once a week or so, we tell the kids to leave us be, and we make a charcuterie board and drink. It’s always such a fun time of snacking and chatting with my number one guy.
Happy Monday, friends. xx
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Thank you for the update! Your family is so cute! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Suman says
Loooove this!! I always admire your parenting skills and make mental notes for when I have kids. I love the fact that they play with each other and outside and read!! I feel like kids nowadays and so consumed with electronics and social media. I would want to raise my future kids just like you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh! You’re really sweet! Thank you so much! They have their off days too, but I appreciate your kind words.
Mary Rink says
I have such admiration for how you and Andrew have created such a wonderful and loving family unit! It is truly inspiring (if not a bit exhausting) to see how much y’all do in a day, every day!!! ????
Leah says
You should check out the simply piano app for Kensington. My husband and daughter both taught themselves on that app. It is fun like a game and the more correct notes you hit, you open up new songs. It listens to you play and will tell you if you hit the wrong note.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just wrote that on a sticky note!! thank you!!
Erika Slaughter says
??? Those pictures of your kids are so cute!! And yes, Ashby has a skill!! Especially if she’s just asked if tomorrow is gonna be Tuesday on a Friday, that makes her score keeping even more impressive.
Alexis deZayas says
I so enjoyed reading this this morning! Hope your sweet fam has a great week!
Kristen Thompson says
Aww I love this sweet post! I was laughing out loud about Ashby being so good at poker! Too funny!
Tammy says
This book about the resistance is amazing. It is aimed at middle schoolers and does a wonderful job of telling individual stories. There are also unit plans for it i she likes structure.
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Courage-Untold-Resistance-Holocaust/dp/0763669288
Sheaffer Sims says
ASHBY’S PRAYER JOURNAL! How precious. What a precious precious girl she is. And count me in on that Vegas trip.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh, you’re totally coming with us. 😉
Elspeth says
What a super fun post!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sabrina says
This was such a fun post!! Love how different your kiddos are! Happy Monday!
Abby says
So glad Kensington loves volleyball! I never really liked any of the sports I played until volleyball! I have been playing it for five, almost six, years now! It is such a great sport to play, and to watch!
Sarina says
As a fellow STEM gal, I am SO pumped Ashby loves Math! You go girl!!! ❤️❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
She really does! It blows my mind how natural it comes to her!!
Julie says
Loved the update. Have you all tried vision therapy for Ashby? My sweet 2nd grader from China needed it to help with brain processing and vision issues. It has made a big difference in her reading. Best wishes!
Mix and Match Mama says
We have discussed it (my cousin’s daughter does it). Right now, she’s in OT and in a separate program (very similar to a Dyslexia program) through our school district (daily) to help her. I actually have seen HUGE strides in both her reading and writing this year all thanks to it!
Erin says
Check out https://readingacceleration.com/. Comes from the company that makes the concussion protocol tests which seems random but was an offshoot from their research on eye movements I think.
Liz Thorson says
Loved this post today, Shay! Learning more about your precious family is such fun! Each of your children are so dear, unique and interesting! You and Andrew are terrific, involved, loving parents and your children’s confidence, creativity and perseverance reflects your guidance and support!
Ella Williams says
Hi Shay!! I’m a huge reader, so I have a few recommendations for your kids!! These are mainly towards Kensington but I’m sure Smith (or even Ashby!) would enjoy them too!!
1. Holes by Louis Sachar – I read this going into the 5th grade and absolutely loved it!! I’m sure that Kensington and Smith would enjoy it!!
2. Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper – I read this one in the 6th grade, and I remember having a lot of trouble putting it down!! A very sweet story about a girl with cerebral palsy!
3. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas – You mentioned that Kensington is learning about the Holocaust right now, so I think she would really enjoy this one!! I read it in the 6th grade, and it’s about this boy who lives near a concentration camp that this dad is in charge of.
4. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry – Another book about the Holocaust!! I read this going into the 5th grade. My 8 year old brother is currently reading it, so maybe Ashby would also enjoy it!!
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry – You’ve probably heard of this one, but I think that your kids would really enjoy it!! I know that Smith likes darker books/thrillers, so I think he’d love this one!! I absolutely loved reading it when I was his age!!
I hope you find this helpful!! Have a great day!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I remember reading some of these when I was younger!
Ellen says
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom is a must read. ? ? I read it with my son when he was in sixth grade. Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby while reading.
Marissa Taylor says
Came here to recommend this book. It’s an incredible true story.
Jill Berry says
I’ve seen an iPad app that teaches kids to play the piano!
Holly Sandkamp says
Loved this post! Loved the pics!
AM says
I teach sixth grade literacy and one of my students’ favorite books on the Holocaust is Prisoner B-3087. Kensington may have already read this book but thought I would suggest it anyway. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!
Carly Cuthbert says
Yes! My 7th graders fight over this book!!
Melinda says
Kensington needs to check out the Zion Covenant series by Bodie Thoene. Christian historical fiction set in pre WWII Europe. She will learn a TON about the war and the Holocaust. I first read them at her age and they sparked my life long obsession about that era.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!!
Jalana Jennings says
hi shay – sweet post <3 – have ya'll watched The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society movie on Netflix? sweet historical romantic-drama WWII me & my daughter watched over the weekend. xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! We have!! I hear the book is so good too!!
Claris Yoder says
The book is excellent! It took me a little while to get used to the writing style – it’s written in letters – but once I got used to it I loved it.
Cherry says
Thank you Shay for sharing ALL the little things about your family today! So sweet and how in the world do you all live together with all those personalities ?? Actually, it’s nice to see a little of you & Andrew in your kiddos!
We could all learn a little from Ashby in our prayer life, thank you for sharing that dear insight and prefacing it by being important!
Blessings to you all!
Becky says
I wrote my first term paper when I was Kensingtons age on Concentration Camps, as I too was interested in the holocaust. I grew up outside of the US and most of my classmates were actually Jewish. It still tugs at my heart.
Jaime says
Has Madeley started growing more yet? I know you said a while ago she was having issues with her growth.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh she’s still tiny! At her 6 year well visit, she was in the 2nd percentile.
Jennibell says
Our main takeaway on Sunday was “we over me” – guess your little one is more mature in her faith/growth than many adults!!!
You have a precious family.
Kerrie Hofstad says
My goodness, I just love the Shull fam! I think we could all learn a huge lesson from sweet Ashby. ALL your kids are just precious and going to do great things. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Lindsay M says
You should be SO proud! I know you are. Sweet kiddos. Beautiful family!
Paula says
What a precious update. In particular with your bigs….you can really see those “adult” like personalities coming through now. So sweet. Does K still enjoy baking since she has had to remove gluten? I know it’s a bit more challenging trying to find good flour mixtures. I hope she hasn’t gotten too discouraged.
Mix and Match Mama says
She does! She made a easy little blackberry cobbler just yesterday!
Emily Haynes says
Can you post or share which books Kensington is reading about the Holocaust? My 6th grader is really into them too and has read a bunch but curious if we’re missing some good ones! Have a great Monday!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I need to do an updated book review with K!!
Cathy Carter says
LOVED this post so much!! Thank you for sharing!! Precious kiddos! Retired 2020 after 34 years as an Elementary Teacher. Would LOVE to have been their teacher!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! God bless YOU! I’m sure there are so many thankful kids who were in your classroom!!
Laci Murray says
What a beautiful family!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!
Kristen says
Loved reading your update. Such a beautiful family with some amazing kids ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Kristen!!
Tammy says
Awww super cute post ! Love the little update !
Candy says
Sleep and Glow? You mentioned it once I coincidentally got it the same time. Struggling and curious!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh wait? I’m not sure what you mean??
Candy says
Pillow
Janie F Reinert says
You made my morning ! I love hearing about your adorable Kiddo’s. I have always been fascinated how siblings have so many different talents. Thanks for sharing Ashby’s prayer journal, she sure is amazing to me !! Have a fun family day XO
Amanda Wilson says
I have a Historian in my house to. Might I reccomend all the Allan Gratz novels. My daughter is 13 now and about the same age became obsessed with WWII. She has read every book and and watch3d every age appropriate movie. She is way more knowledgeable then me now!
Kara says
Allan Gratz is a favorite at our house. My youngest is only in 3rd grade but loves history and especially WW11. He has enjoyed all different views and parts of the war. Right now he is reading In Harm’s Way about the USS Indianapolis. Another non war book all 3 of mine have enjoyed flipping through is Mysteries in History. For younger readers the series “Who was/ Who is” got them started. Also the I Survived Series is good for getting a starting point or to find a historical event to dive deeper into.
Meagan Ruse says
K should come over to our house! Tim has two bookshelves full of WWII books! Not to mention he authored one of them 🙂
Bev says
These are my favorite posts! In fact, I think it was a suggestion request when you asked for them. ? I loved reading about your amazing children, their personality traits, etc. The photos are so beautiful, too! Thanks for sharing.
Cheriese says
Have you taken Kensington to the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in downtown Dallas? It was a yearly 6th grade trip when my girls were in middle school. Pre-Covid of course but it is still open at 25% capacity.
Mix and Match Mama says
We haven’t yet. I believe it’s their 7th grade field trip though!!
Donna Dulworth says
I really enjoyed getting to know each of your kids a little better in this post. We have several members of our family that play the piano by ear, and do an awesome job! (ask Cheryll ) and Smith’s love of fishing is one that goes back many generations in our family! I love it that Ashby is such a Jesus girl. You should be very proud of her! Madeley, makes me smile every time you post anything about her! They are all such blessings!
Shelbie Fitch says
I love everything about this! First of all, it made me think I should do it with my family. While I don’t blog, I think a personal journal with updates or on IG/FB would be a great way for me to quickly update and remember my kiddos. Also – love each of your kids and their uniqueness! (Also love that Smith wants to be a SCJ! You go kid!!!) Thanks for the sweet update!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! You totally should do this on your social media!!
Christy says
Your blog is my very favorite place to visit each morning! It’s always so inspiring and just a good dose of goodness. Thank you!
I LOVE all of this….. What journal does Ashby have? I would love for my kiddos two devote some time each day to prayer, the Lord, etc. Have a great day!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awww! Thank YOU, Christy!! She just uses a little spiral notebook.
Colleen says
Love hearing what your crew is like. My son was just like Ashby with sports stats. I tried to teach him his multiplication tables for 6, 7, and 8 and he did NOT need any help. I asked how he figured that out bc most kids struggle with those. He said, “Mom, it’s just touchdowns and extra points.” He also taught himself decimals and percentages that way (baseball!). He doesn’t know poker yet. I love that A is unbeatable! What a sweet crew you have.
Christy says
I unexpectedly found myself in tears over the prayer journal. What an tender heart for God’s people she has. And, yes, an example for many of us to focus on gratitude, and love for others. What a reminder to “take it to the Lord in prayer”?
Alisa Zimmerman says
My sister is super into baseball and was the scorekeeper for her high school team and now has a scholarship for scorekeeping her college team!
For Kensington, I really enjoyed watching Foyle’s War, a murder mystery show set in WWII England. I’m not sure where it’s streaming, but might be worth checking out.
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! That is AWESOME!!
MelanieL says
I loved this post! Today is our 17th anniversary, we got married in Las Vegas, and my hubs favorite # on the roulette table is 17 so I was LOL about taking Ashby! Have a great day! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh how fun!! Happy Anniversary!!!
Patty says
Volleyball is such a great sport and we have so many friends that didn’t pick it up until later. I love seeing these young ladies find their thing and excel. Glad she loves it.
Happy Monday
Patty
Goodbetterbestfood.blogspot.com
Jennifer Ward says
I literally laughed out loud when you said you’re taking Ashby to Vegas when she turns 21. ?
Kim Pennington says
A lady I go to church with is a child of the Holocaust. She has written a book called “Finding Schifrah” that Kensington might enjoy. Tells the story of how her parents gave her to another family so she was able to escape & how she much later learned of her past.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SWY3SKY/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
briana says
As a data scientist, it makes me so happy to hear that Ashby is a budding numbers queen too 🙂 So cute!
Joy says
Your family is precious. I love what you said about Ashby’s prayer list. I definitely need to be more like her, and pray for others more than worry about my prayers. Thank you for sharing this.
Michele says
A good twerk never hurt anyone. 🙂 Your family is so precious. The prayer journal is AMAZING. I don’t want to embarrass you at all, but that comes from you and Andrew. The bible says to “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”. I know she gets this from her parents. My mom and I didn’t always have a great relationship but the one thing I am thankful for is that she kept my brother and I in church. So keep doing what you’re doing. You and Andrew are great parents. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh well, Michele, thank YOU. That means more than you know.
Paula says
Morning — Tell sweet Ashby that SHE’s been on MY prayer list! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Well this is everything. God bless YOU!
Kim Deats says
When/if Kensington decides she wants piano lessons, consider a program called Simply Music! It’s a method of instruction that essentially teaches them to play by ear before they learn to read music because, let’s face it, all we really want to do is learn to play cool songs! My daughter has been doing this method for 4 years and is just learning to read music now. It’s been amazing for us!
http://www.simplymusic.com to find an instructor near you! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!!!
Ashley Hinerman says
I have a 6th grade girl who loves to read and WWII too!! This past semester she loved Making Bombs for Hitler and Fly Girl.
Ashley says
You have such a beautiful family! I can’t believe how far Ashby has come, still remember your posts from China! It’s so fun to watch your family, I’m sure that each of your children will accomplish the goals that they have set for themselves!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for following along for so many years!!
Anne says
This might be my favorite post of yours ever!! Thanks for sharing and blessings to y’all.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Yay!! Thank you!!!
Kristen says
Sounds like Ashby needs to learn chess ASAP!!! Lol… If you need some inspiration watch Queen’s Gambit on Netflix if you haven’t already!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhhhhh! I didn’t even think about that! You’re right!!
Rebecca Lingerfelt-Brown says
The natural musical talent is awesome but as a music teacher/choir director/piano teacher for years please please please have her just learn to read music. If she decides to peruse any Avenue of music it will help her tremendously, even if she plays “by ear.” ??
Ella J says
This post gave me such a throwback because when I was in 6th grade (and 7th) I got into reading about the Holocaust and WWII and read the entire section in our public library.
Sara mcq says
I think this may be my new favorite post! ? so fun reading about all of you Shulls! And Ashby’s prayer list made my heart smile. You’re doing such a good job with your people, Mama!
Lauren Priddle says
I’m from Baton Rouge, LA and there is an incredible WWll museum in New Orleans! It is so well done. Kensington would love it. If you’re ever in NO, check it out!
Anne says
Been there and it is awesome!
Tori L says
As a pediatric ER nurse, Kensington’s goal makes my heart so happy!
Heather says
Love this sweet post! How did Smith make his transition to an early riser as a kiddo? Did you suggest he start getting up earlier? Was it a slow transition?
Sandi says
What a fun post! Kensington point #2. My daughter, Meredith, is a junior in HS. Her older brother is a naturally gifted athlete. She could never find her thing… until middle school volleyball. My dad said “well here’s another one of Meredith’s things we have to go watch for a year. Until the next new thing”. Shay, If you would have told me then that she would be the great consistent player she is now, I would have laughed and taken any bet offered. She plays travel and school and it has done wonders for her confidence. I remember sixth grade volleyball and everyone had their spot and then they would rotate and have another spot. Watching them now and they plays they run, I am going to miss this after next year. She has a few coaches interested at the D3 level but she just wants to be a student and continue to work at Chick-fil-a. Gosh she makes me proud. It’s it fun when our kids find their passion!
I teared up a bit with your younger two. They are going to do great things!
Jeanine says
I think your whole family would enjoy a book called The Oracle by Jonathan Cahn, who is a Rabbi and Messianic Christian. The book weaves together Jewish history with God’s plans and purposes for the world. You can’t help but come away from it with a new understanding of how God is truly in control and that he is working all things together for our good and for His glory. Cahn was the leader of The Return held in Washington D.C. in September, 2020. Here is a link to his message, which is phenomenal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuIoDCOcyG8&ab_channel=ChadOAllen.
Kirsty says
My son loves history as well. We’ve been reading a lot of Alan Gratz books – historical fiction but they are so good for teens. Highly recommend all of the books he’s written.
Keri says
January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
https://www.yadvashem.org/remembrance/intl-remembrance-day.html
https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/holocaust-remembrance-day
https://www.ushmm.org/remember/international-holocaust-remembrance-day
Here is a great list of books https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=11586
Christine says
This is great! Your kids are so well rounded! I was too as a child and it has paid off in adulthood as a mother and wife!:)
Tiff says
Felt like I got to know your fam a little bit better and the anecdotes were so heartwarming and encouraging! You and Andrew are incredible parents and thank God for choosing you two to be the parents of your four precious kids.
Robin Pruitt says
This goes down as one of my all time favorite posts!
Donna says
Loved the update! I hope Smith gets to the Supreme Court!!!
Julie says
Such sweet and fun facts about your kiddos. Ashby’s got some incredible hidden talents—I love reading how she’s been blessed with these gifts and puts them to work!
Shevonne says
I loved reading this
I love that All Your Children have genuinely Kind; Giving; Caring Personalities
I’ve just realized my little girls 5:15am waking is Actually a Good thing – thanks for putting that mindset out there
Here’s too a 2021 with a few less bumps but either way we made the best of 2020 and you’ll do it again
beautiful Family Pictures too ✨??✨
Corbie says
One of my MOST FAVORITE POSTS EVER! I enjoyed reading this SO MUCH! Your kids are just amazing; all so individual and unique. Can’t wait to see them follow their dreams!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! I’m so happy you liked it!!
Jessie says
I loved this post! You have amazing kiddos. I hope Kensington reads “Number of the Stars” if she hasn’t already. ❤️
SS says
I agree with the poster who put Number the Stars (although she may have read it). I now will have to go through some of our movies from about that time. I know we watched Woman in Gold (Ryan Reynolds). Monuments Men(George Clooney) is the other I was thinking about. Both are PG-13…it has been a while since we watched…so I can’t really remember if there were “bad” parts. I just remember them being very interesting.
JJ-Ann says
I got tears from laughing so hard!! :’D
Been followings this blog almost 5 years now and this one right here is your masterpiece!!! So cool to read about these tidbits, please make it a regular thing, it is so precious!! LOVED it ?
Victoria S says
Smith sounds just like me as a 5th grader! I too said I wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice, and I was reading adult John Grisham books at the time. Now, as a 25 year old, I’m set to graduate from law school this year, so who knows, maybe Smith will follow that calling and join the legal field too!
Love your blog and reading about your sweet family. Thank you for being one of the brightest spots on the Internet.
Anne says
You will want to encourage that sports statistician career. I know someone who does that for a MLB team, and he was even given a world series ring, along with the team, when they won!
Danielle Chambers says
What a fun post – it was so great to see a tiny glimpse into the special little things about each child! I especially loved the part about Ashby’s prayer journal – can’t imagine having a better gift than a child who is a prayer warrior! Blessings to your family, Shay!
Christina says
Love this post!
Good for Smith to master his morning.
Does he go to bed earlier then or just get a bit less sleep?
Mix and Match Mama says
He’s just getting a little less sleep.
Brooke Gregg says
Loved this post! So fun to see how they grow 🙂
Elizabeth says
Has Kensington read Stepping on the Cracks yet? That’s an excellent book about WWII. I’m a 5th grade teacher and that book is a favorite of all of my students!
Kristy Moore says
This was such a fun post! I learned a little bit more about your sweet family I’d never have guessed!
Get ready for 40! I had a big trip planned with my bestie girlfriends for our 40th, but alas, Covid..sigh. 🙁
I sure wish I lived closer as I think it would be SO fun to be your kids teacher-plus I’d always be sneaking a peek into their lunch kits to see what their Mama put in! 😉
sandi kellman says
such an awesome family! I loved Ashby’s prayer journal.. What a sweetheart.. I keep praying for her have a pic of her and her sissy in my prayer journal… praying for this sweet girl.. bless you God has given you amazing children.
Kacy M says
Love all the kiddos’ updates! And damn, Ashby has got me crying now too ❤️? so sweet!!
Debbie Campbell says
Be sure she reads “Number the Stars” and “Behind the Bedroom Wall”
Angie says
Hi Shay,
My husband owns a music store in Austin and they are giving online classes right now. If Kensington decides she would like a little help, let me know and I can put you in touch with a ideal piano teacher for her age group ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh! You are so thoughtful!! Thank you!!!
Holly Faye says
Love these facts about the kiddos! They are each so precious 🙂 Has Kensington been to the Holocaust Museum in downtown Dallas? It’s amazing!! You could spend hourrrrrs there!! If y’all have not gotten the chance yet, you should definitely check it out.
Denise says
Since Kensington loves historical fiction, she has to read A Night Divided. My daughter read it in 4th or 5th grade and is now in 7th grade and still says it is the beet book she has ever read!
Ash says
Such beautiful, happy and smart kids – you did well, mama!
Susan McKain says
I loved reading all of these details about your wonderful kiddos. Nice work, Mades, Ashby, Smith, and Kensington!
Heather Green says
I don’t have your email address but I had to share this. I feel like you need it in your life! ❤️
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T73WZS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_dlT2_WPmeGb5AZ0HP1
Blair says
I’m a nurse educator in SW MO…send K my way when the time comes! 🙂
Josie says
I enjoyed reading this so much Shay!! Thank you so much for sharing ?