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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 ·

Life lately & Day in the Life!


Whew!  It’s a two for one today on my blog 🙂 .

First up, I have a little Life Lately to share with you and then, I’m going to be doing A Day in the Life on Stories today if you want to catch up with us in real time.

So, double the dose of the Shull family today!

If you have a question for Andrew and me (marriage/life/parenting/etc) drop it in the comment section, and I’ll track him down and sprinkle some video answers from us throughout the day too on Stories.

In the meantime…

…this girl and me at her hematology appointment doing bloodwork.  Here’s the deal, the longer I parent a child with medical issues, the more I realize how important it is to make sure you’re taking care of their emotional and mental health too.  Ashby is doing absolutely amazing right now thanks to specific help she’s now receiving in this area.  I know there is a stigma out there (still in 2022!) about therapies for emotional issues and/or medication for anxiety and stress, but this girl is living her happiest and most mentally healthy self right now despite the ever increasing physical issues we are facing.  I’m just so happy for her.  Appointments like this are so much easier now that we are tackling Ashby’s health from every angle.  Just my two cents for your Thursday.  I’m so proud of Ashby!!

Our elementary school had their annual “family dance” last Friday night and these two girlies were so excited to go!

We enjoyed dinner with our besties before everyone headed off to the dance!

Ashby’s first soccer game of the spring season was last Saturday morning!  The gang was all there to support our girl!

On Saturday, I picked Ashby up from a birthday party with a cooking theme.  How cute did she look walking out to greet me.  Awwwwww!  The sweetest!

Speaking of the sweetest, while I was chatting with my parents outside the restaurant that night, apparently the little girls took selfies with my phone.  I found these the next morning…

…these sisters are truly best friends.  I cannot imagine one without the other.

My current view between now and July 🙂 .  We love watching our kiddos on the field!  Side note, how much cuter would he be without that ugly hat on his head?

And finally, I found this by my coffee on Wednesday morning.  My mama heart about burst out of my chest.  I love that little girl more than she’ll ever know.

That’s a little life lately.

To see life in real time, head to my Stories!  I’ll be sharing pics and your questions for Andrew and me throughout the day! xx

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Comments

  3. Cassie says

    Thank you for talking about the mental and emotional health! I’m a school counselor and always advocate for kids and adults getting support when they need it! I always say the sign of a healthy person is being able to ask for help – and truly believe every person can be benefit from support! Thank you!

    As a side note- hello from Tulsa! Not far from you. And might I suggest a quick weekend trip here? I think your family would love it for a quick getaway! Just check out the gathering place- right up your kids alley!

    Much love!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We love Tulsa!! Back in college, I spent quite a bit of time there and now, we stop every time we visit Andrew’s parents. Hello back to you!! You live in a lovely, lovely city. Thank you for your sweet comment!

    • Carly says

      You brought a big smile Tulsa! Not long ago my hubby’s career brought us to the area for a few years. We were living in Owasso at Stone Canyon and Patriot Golf Course. Hello Hideaway Pizza! Still one of my all time favorite pizza spots even after relocating to 12 states. Anyone driving thru the area, stop for the pizza.

  4. Julie says

    What is your idea for something extra special I can do with or for my daughter on (or around) her wedding day? Or a special gift to give her? She is getting married in two weeks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh goodness, congratulations!!! I’m going to open this up to the group. I imagine some ladies out there will have really sincere and creative ideas for her special day!

    • Laura says

      I’m sentimental to my core so I’ll bite here. Depending on what you think she’ll enjoy some ideas off the top of my head would be…
      1 — have a special breakfast catered to your home. Order special beautiful paperware so it’s truly a no fuss situation for you. Have some topics to talk about ready. Memories, dreams you have for her, ‘the talk,’ all the things you wish you’d said…it can be super sentimental or not, depending on her love language.
      2 — a gift should be either sentimental like a simple bracelet or practical like engraved wooden spoon set. Even something she’ll use forever like an engraved cake knife set to use for every special occasion in her life including baby shower cake, baby’s birthday cakes. I still use my wedding cake knife set for everything.
      3 — if you have a light-hearted relationship already, give her a survival kit of sorts for her honeymoon (beach chick lit book, puzzle book, sun hat, sunscreen, massage oil, etc……)

    • Nicole says

      Julie – I got my mom and I matching bracelets from Etsy (they’re a silver cuff bracelet) that’s engraved on the inside with our sayings for each other. She always says “love you more” and I always say “always and Forever”. It’s a special way for us to stay connected as we live in different states too. I’ve been married almost 4 years now and she still wears it every day.

    • Emily says

      My bestie had all the important people in my life (parents, brother, bridesmaids, friends, etc) write me a letter and put them all together in a special binder/folder type thing. It was so special!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t know off the top of my head. I believe he purchased them at Dick’s Sporting Goods though.

  6. Melissa Terry says

    I am so glad Ashby is getting the help she needs for all around health! It makes me sad that mental health is still a taboo topic in our culture (especially within the church which makes it worse). Just keep doing what y’all need to do for her and know that we are cheering her/you on!

  8. Kimberly Dimmig says

    Ashby is a rockstar! I am happy to hear she is getting all around help and support. Good for you mama for recognizing she needed it. As a mom to a young adult that has struggled with anxiety and depression for years, we need to end the stigma – mental health is HEALTH! I always use this analogy…if you have a broken bone you don’t feel bad or ashamed, you don’t wait to seek treatment or get help and heal…mental health issues should be treated the same way. Continued prayers for Ashby xo

    • Kelly Davis says

      Amen! My Mom is a retired counselor so I grew up hearing this analogy, and honestly never saw a stigma with mental health, as a result. I wish everyone would catch on to this and stop making any aspect of wellness negative. Hugs to you as Momma to one who struggles, I identify with you and know it is so hard when it isn’t always as quick a fix as a broken bone.

  9. Kelly Webb says

    YAY Ashby! Brings tears to my eyes that she’s doing so well emotionally. What a difference that makes not only now, but will also in the future when she tackles challenges in academics, relationships and work. Those lessons and techniques she’s learning will be with her forever. And likely she’ll have an opportunity (or lots!) to minister to those around her in this manner and share what she’s learned. What a gift! As someone who has some wicked anxiety, I wish I had bit the bullet and had help at a much younger age (you know, prior to age 42!!). She is such a doll and I love seeing those happy selfies.

  10. Nicole says

    Can you please have Ashby and Madeley do a blog post on how to take selfies? Clearly they know what they’re doing! ?. I’ve yet to figure out where to even look when I take one

  11. Danna F says

    Ashby is such a resilient girl. And even resilient girls can struggle. Glad she is getting support. Love the girls’ selfies…they took good ones! Hugs to you and Andrew. Parenting is tough and rewarding. You are both doing great!

  12. Janie says

    I’m so proud of Ashby and y’all as parents supporting her in all aspects of life! I have been seeing a therapist for over 11 years and it’s the best things ever!! Also on anxiety medicine and it’s amazing what it can do to help. She is so strong already and this makes her even stronger!

  13. Sara Young says

    Random question..have you found the chair of all chairs to watch kids sports? I have not and seeing how many hours a week are spent in that chair I am on the hunt for the best!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I have not. I really like the ones we use now…but they could be lighter to carry in my opinion.

  14. Alyssa A. says

    I love your tidbit about mental health. It is so important to talk about, no matter the age/circumstance! As someone who waited years to seek mental health help and ask about medication, I can say my only regret is not seeking help SOONER. I think it is amazing that you are tackling this at her age, and it will truly benefit her for the rest of her life, knowing she has those supports. You guys are doing an amazing job, and I’m so glad Ashby is thriving. 🙂

  15. Kate says

    As a psychologist thank you for bringing awareness to mental health. It’s sooooo important and definitely a part of living your healthiest life! Continued prayers for Ashby and the rest of your sweet family!

  17. Katie says

    Here’s my marriage question for you and Andrew…
    You are both very physically attractive, so I have no doubt you both get hit on or at least “checked out” fairly regularly. Has jealousy ever been a thing in your relationship and if so how did you handle it?

  18. Arika says

    I work in higher education at at large university and the number of students we are seeing with mental health issues is astonishing. Thank you for bringing awareness that it can impact any of us. It’s astonishing to me that as parents we have no problems treating our kids (or ourselves!) for medical issues, but shy away from the emotional ones. They are just as important. Sweet Ashby is a rock star and so are you for taking care of her whole health and for setting her up to have the tools to navigate through life!

  19. Diane says

    So glad you brought up mental health. As a speech language pathologist for 35 years who has channeled high anxiety levels my entire life, I have helped so many families by being open with the strategies I use. Hugs from Waco ???!

  20. Mary says

    Hi Shay,

    I just love Ashby’s glasses! Could you please share the brand and the name of the frames that she’s wearing now?

    Thanks so much for your help!! 🙂

  23. Nancy says

    Ashby Shull is forever my hero. That kid is the definition of tough as nails! So happy that he’s happier than ever!

  24. Kelly Bonner says

    How do you handle disagreements? What’s your favorite part of the season you’re currently in?

  25. Bethany says

    Hey! I would love reading a post on how you deal with technology with your kiddos- I know the big kids don’t have phones but just wondering how y’all use screens and maybe how you cultivate a love of reading with them. I know before you’ve mentioned books for when y’all go out to eat.l but would just like to hear you weigh in on your thoughts! Thanks!

  26. Debbie says

    My warrior, Rachel’s latest update!!! We are so thankful for the many prayers on her behalf.

    Happy News! My MRI & CT scan look good! I’m so thankful!

    So for now just treatment once every three weeks & the hormone suppressor I’ve been taking (thankfully no bad side effects so far?)

    Mammogram in 6 months & MRI in 1 year.

    Praise God.

    Love you all! Thankful for each of you!
    ❤️

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh Debbie! Praise the Lord!!!!!! Wow!!! What amazing news!!! I’m still praying for sweet Rachel and your entire family. This news made my day!!!

  27. Christi says

    Great job on prioritizing the emotional and mental needs too. They are real and impact so much. And the therapies are just not available for Ashby but her siblings and parents who are also affected. Anyhow great job! And I’m so grateful she’s getting support in all areas and is living in joy. She’s amazing.

  28. Elizabeth Feldpausch says

    Do you have a link for the chairs y’all bring to games?? Just starting games for my kids and need a tried and true chair!

  29. Kate says

    Have you thought about doing a post about how life has changed after Kensington’s celiac diagnosis? Is your house completely gluten free? Do some of you eat gluten out of the home… and if so, how does the body react? What have been the biggest successes/challenges? (My 2 year old daughter was just diagnosed, and I have so many questions!) Thanks!

  30. Jojo says

    Day late and I know it’s not genetic necessarily but I just had to say… Madeley and Smith look so much alike! Love!

  31. Leslie Susan Clingan says

    Thank you for speaking up about mental health. We can tend to our babies physical health all day long but complete healing doesn’t come until they are healed mentally and emotionally, too. Bravo!!

    Beautiful, beautiful family.

  32. sjfb says

    Is there a way to go back and see what you put on your Instagram for your Day in the Life? I don’t do Instagram much and am not familiar with the ins and outs.

    And thank you for talking about mental and emotional health for children. It’s so important. I have a 17 year old family member who has had fibromyalgia for some years and the mental health therapy has helped so much to cope with that.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      If you head to my IG account, on my page, you’ll see “highlights” (the little round bubbles). Find the one that says Aulani and click it. And thank YOU for sharing your story too!

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