Hi!


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.

Read more

Mix & Match Mama

All things Fall!, Andrew, Ashby, Kensington, Madeley, Pets, Shay, Smith ·

Fall Family Things.


Hey, hey Monday!

Guess what???

It’s my mama’s birthday!!!!  Awwwww!  We love you so much, Lovie!  We’re so very thankful for YOU!!!

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I thought it was high time to check in with the fam and share three random things going on right now for each of us (dogs too!)…plus some bonus and random fall things 🙂 .

Gang’s all here.

Sort of.

Dang.

We should really carry a selfie stick everywhere we go!

We have been loving this September so far.  We love the sports.  We love the decorations in our house.  We love the cooler weather (it was a gorgeous weekend!).

On Saturday night, we were all six in the car heading to the square when I asked everyone what their three favorite things about fall were so that I could share them with you.  Here is how the conversation went:

Me: What are your three favorite things about fall?

Smith: Football

Ashby: Football

Smith: Don’t copy me.

Kensington: Halloween

Ashby: Halloween

Smith: Why are you copying everyone?

Kensington: My birthday!

Smith: That’s not fall.

Madeley: My birthday too!

Kensington: What about the weather?

Ashby: That’s not a good one.

Me: Why are you all making this so difficult?

And thus, today’s post 🙂 .  If you have middle schoolers, you feel this whole conversation in your bones.

KENSINGTON

Three Things:
1: She’s loving being the top dog at her school!  She’s super active this year in volleyball, cheer, FCA and her social life.

2: Kensington binged watched Gilmore Girls like three times in a row last year.  The entire family was THRILLED when she (finally) picked a new show.  She’s currently bingeing Friends.

3: Little Miss Bakes A Lot is in the kitchen as I type this baking cupcakes.  Kensington wants to be a nurse when she grows up who also runs a side business out of her house as a gluten-free baker.  I feel very confident she will most certainly do that.  This girl LOVES to bake!

Favorite Fall Things:
1: Cheering
2: The weather
3: Fall movies

SMITH

Three Things:
1: Smith is loving 7th grade!  His days are long (he has to be at football at 6:30 and some days, he’s not home until almost 9:00), but he’s loving it!

2: Smith is very much into making paninis these days.  He discovered our old panini maker in the cabinet over the summer and started playing around with them.  Now, he’s in there anytime he can making some sort of sandwich.  Just today, I saw him adding garlic salt to a pepperoni and Swiss sandwich.

3: Smith is constantly on the go.  When he’s home, he’s outside shooting his bow, riding his bike, climbing a tree, riding his electric scooter, throwing a ball to his dog…if you’re looking for him, he’s outdoors.

Favorite Fall Things:
1: Football
2: Cider
3: Halloween

ASHBY

Three Things:
1: Ashby is Little Miss Social.  Our doorbell rings all afternoon and evening long, and it’s always one of Ashby’s friends.  This girl has always been our social butterfly, but this year, she has BLOOMED into a big fourth grade girl with so many sweet friends.  She is always out the door and heading off on a bike with a little crew of neighbors.

2: Ashby is all about hummus.  Hummus for breakfast?  Yes.  Hummus for dinner?  Of course.  Hummus is always a good idea.

3: Ashby has discovered Food Network and HGTV.  Whether it’s a home improvement show or a Food Network challenge show, she’s there for it.

Favorite Fall Things:
1:  Leaves changing
2: Cider
3: Making s’mores

MADELEY

Three Things:
1: Little Miss Creative is teaching herself cursive.  She is constantly doodling something, drawing or printing words in a clever way.

2: Mades has recently discovered Chick-fil-a Chicken Minis and well, her life has been forever changed.

3: Mades “puts on” makeup every morning.  She stands in my bathroom and applies it before school.  Most of the time, she’s just using brushes and not applying any actual makeup, but the creative person in her just wants to play, explore and work with color and textures.  When I’m not looking, she totally sneaks actual product. Ha!

Favorite Fall Things:
1: Her birthday
2: Halloween
3: Buying a costume

ANDREW

Three Things:
1: Andrew is coaching Madeley’s 2nd grade volleyball team this fall.  He coached Kensington when she played and now, it’s time for him to coach the baby.  He is SO GOOD with those little girls.  They are a sweet and very giggly bunch, and he’s doing a great job of teaching them the game while also making sure they’re having fun.

2: ‘Tis Red Zone season!  Andrew and Smith are currently on the patio (as I type this) screaming their guts out.  Those two can’t get enough of football season.

3: If you happen to stop by my house this week, you’ll notice all the gorgeous pumpkins in my yard and on my porch and patio.  All Andrew.  God bless him, he knows the way to my heart.

Favorite Fall Things:
1: Football
2: The weather changing
3: Fall food (chili, meatloaf, soups, etc)

ME

Three Things:
1: I’m living my best Fall Girl life!  I’m trying to stop and enjoy all the little things that make this season so special each and every day. From my coffee creamer to the shows I watch on TV, I’m keeping them all fall.

2: We are super busy after school with sports right now, but I keep telling myself that these are the days I will always remember the most and want to “do again”, so even though I’m eating dinner at 9:00 PM, dirty and sweaty from sitting outdoors in some stadium and tired as can be, I’m here for it.

3: I love Friday night football!  We have been going to high school football games since we moved to McKinney in 2006, but this year, I’m especially loving it.  When I sit in the stadium with people I love in my community all sitting around me chatting, laughing and doing “life” together, it makes my heart so happy.

Favorite Fall Things:
1: Pumpkins
2: Pumpkin spice anything and everything
3: Sweater weather

THE DOGS

Three Things:
1: I think when the kids went back to school, all three dogs took a big sigh and said to each other “whew, the crazies are gone, let’s relax now”.  They love the kids, but they also really love laying in my office all day long sleeping their day away in the peace and quiet.

2: Pretty weather means longer morning walks.  They’re pumped about that!

3: The dogs are all a little older but their roles are the same…Poppy (10) is the alpha who runs the show.  Yankee (2) is the baby who pushes the Alpha’s buttons and constantly gets in trouble from said Alpha for trying to out-alpha her. #nevergoingtohappen While Frenchie (4) is the middle child just trying to stay out of trouble and out of the way.

Favorite Fall Things:
1: Pumpkin treats from Trader Joe’s
2: Long morning walks
3: Time on the patio while the family watches TV

And that, my friends, is a little about each of us for your Monday.

See you tomorrow! xx

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

You’ll Also Love

Out and about
Top Three from Back in the Day!
Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Grocery Shopping

Comments

    • Sheaffer says

      I totally agree! And I think I’m going to need to swing by for some cider. There has to be something extra amazing about it for it to make a Top 3 list!

  3. Carlin Smith says

    I love this post and I love fall!!! Is Kensington still playing volleyball? Also, I laughed so hard when I read your comment that Mades calls her dad big fella! 😂. I still giggle!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      She is playing for her middle school team right now. I’m 99% sure this is her last season, so we’re trying to soak it up!

      • Sofia says

        Why isn’t she planning on playing in HS? Is she moving on to a different activity or only playing club next year?

        As for my three things they would have to be:

        1. The Fall-themed Target Dollar Spot
        2. Sweaters (I’m happy to report that my cozy sweater collection grew a lot last year)
        3. Pumpkin Flavored Desserts

        God Bless!

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          She’s going to focus only on cheer in high school. This will also give her time to participate in other fun things like FCA, student council, etc. I love your three things!!

  6. Jennifer Goodwin says

    I love that you included the dogs! I remember when my boys would go back to school each year, our older dog (who has since died) always acted a little depressed when the kids started school again. I love all the fall things too and our weather this weekend was perfect…even if we’re making it back up to the 90’s this week, at least it’ll be lower humidity. I’m so ready for consistent fall weather, though! I hope your week gets off to a great start!

  7. Faith says

    One of your best posts! My faves are when you write family-centric pieces, especially as I have become a mama; this year my baby girl turns one in November. As a fellow friend of the fall, here are my three things I am specifically looking forwards to this season.

    1. Curled up on the couch with a blanket, tasty snack, and football on- preferably a close game!. (My husband and I enjoyed exactly this last night. The snack was milk and oreos.)
    2. The crisp weather that beckons you to open up those boxes of your cozier clothes…like sweaters. (I live in Georgia so it takes a while for this as you Texans understand.)
    3. My daughters first birthday in November! We are planning on having her baby dedication on her birthday, and I am so blessed to be able to celebrate a year of motherhood in this significant way:)

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank YOU, Faith!!! I love that you shared and hope others do too! Happy birthday this November to your sweet girl. Enjoy every minute! xx

  9. Dana P says

    Love this post! All the fall, all the random updates…your blog has been a happy part of the start to my day for so many years. I love that our kids are some of the same ages and get to hear your perspective on those things, too. 🧡 Hope you all have a wonderful Monday! (I’m trying to change Monday in my mind 🤪)

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank YOU, Dana for the sweet feedback!! I’m on my second cup of coffee…it magically helps my Monday 😉 .

  11. Jaime says

    So fun! This may be Random but where did you get the green dress Madeley is wearing in her gotcha day post from last week? I love it and would love to know if possible:)

  12. Cynthia Solomon says

    So fun!! Making memories and enjoying life! What more could you ask for?? As always, God is so good!!

  13. Julie says

    So fun reading what your adorable family has been up to! I am in love with the little pumpkins over your office fireplace. (Green, white, orange). Are those real? If not, can you share where you got them? The color combo is so pretty! Happy Fall!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They were a little set from Hobby Lobby last year. They’re just little faux pumpkins. Maybe they have them this year too?

  14. Alison says

    This 3’s post about everyone was one of my favorites to read! I think you need to this with the change of every season. 🙂

  17. Rachel says

    I may have missed this in another post, but will you and Erica be starting your podcast back anytime soon? I have missed listening to y’all each week!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Agh! We’ve moved the date now three times. I *think* Season 3 Episode 1 will air Tuesday, October 3rd. We changed the way we record the episodes which turned everything upside down. We should be good to go now!

  18. Paige E says

    When you guys have sports that late, do you still try to eat together at the table as a family, or does everyone kind of grab when they can? I’m struggling with it. I’m starving at 6pm, everyone else could wait until 7 or later. If we want to eat together, it will be after 8pm. Wasn’t sure how other people managed.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      It varies but most of the time, we’re all together doing sports (or at each other’s games), so we all come in dirty, tired and hungry and eat late.

  19. MelanieL says

    I loved this post too! Perhaps you could make it a quarterly post when the seasons change…:)

    3 Fall things I’m looking forward to:
    1: My girl turns 18 on 11/5 and she’s requested a weekend trip to Chicago!
    2: Making many batches of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
    3: Visiting our local apple orchard for cider slushies

    Have a great Fall Monday!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      One of his very best friends played football for Auburn 🙂 . We bought them for the tiger to go with Mades’ tiger volleyball team, but yup, we’re representing Auburn now too!

  21. Shelly Nutt says

    I went to Market Street on El Dorado yesterday and there’s an entire section devoted to Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING!

  26. bette says

    what a sweet post. my top 3: my girlie’s birthday in november, cool weather, and fall colors. i’m with mades on the chicken minis from chick fil-a. that’s been our fave since we discovered them in 2009.

  27. Danna F says

    Such a sweet post on your kiddos! Happy Birthday to your mom! I have a September birthday as well. I always wish for cooler weather (Texas native too). I live again vicariously through you since mine are 21 & 23. You have well-rounded beautiful children. I need to try the chicken minis..where have I been? Question about Smith shooting with bow & arrow. We bought land and want to put an archery area up. What does he use? I can relate to the conversations in the car. Believe it or not, they still fight in their 20’s. Have a great day.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh gosh, this is more of an Andrew question…he has a whole target setup area in the yard. I’m not sure exactly what he uses??? Thank YOU for the sweet comment!!! Have a wonderful September!

  29. Cindy says

    My daughter just graduated college this year as a nurse and she baked her way through high school and college! That was her primary job and she loved doing it! She had other jobs as well, but she always made more money baking! She sounds like Kensington in the future!!

  30. Debbie says

    I love fall! The leaves changing, the decor, and the smells are my favorite things! I’m with Madelay on the chicken minis. I wanted some this afternoon! HA!

  31. Debbie Hibbert says

    I love reading your posts, Shay! And today was especially fun, and definitely added to my “all the feels for fall”!

  32. Kacy M says

    Loved this post so much! So nice (and adorable) to hear each kid’s responses – would like this kind of post for other seasons too! Have a great week!

  33. Debra says

    I love this post! So fun and a wonderful idea. You have such a beautiful family. Sharing your everyday life gives such inspiration. Thank you so much.

  34. Mel says

    Love everything you shared. I was only surprised by an 8th grader watching Friends…they mention sleeping together / sex every other scene

  35. Addison says

    From one gluten free home baker to the next, it is the BEST job ever! Kensington has a bright future ahead of her!

  37. Becky says

    Hi Shay, do you ever run into any of us fans in McKinney? We are thinking of visiting in the next month, and if I see you and your sweet family, I’m sure I will get excited but I will try to contain myself. I’m a Southern girl so it will be difficult!! Lol

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh my gosh, you’re too sweet! I’m always so excited to bump into my online friends! If you happen to see me out and about, please say hi!!

  38. Ashley says

    I’m catching up on blog posts! Loved this one! Ok-I LOVE Gilmore Girls and Friends and would love to watch with my kids but am concerned about all the rated R talk in them(rated r for a kid anyway)-especially Friends. How do you balance that with telling K-this is not how we act but its ok to be entertained by it? Genuinely asking this for advice. I struggle with the balance of this. ☺️

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You know, it’s not easy and I sure wish there was a manual for it. I actually watched Friends when it was on TV when I was exactly her age. My mom used to always call out things they said/did and we would discuss them and apply them to our values. I am doing that right now with her too.

Subscribe via Email

Copyright © 2025 Mix & Match Mama | Privacy Policy

svg{display:none !important}img{display:none !important}.pf-content img{display:block !important}.pf-size-full, img { max-width: 25% !important; } li svg.detail-icon{width:55px !important}svg{display:none !important} svg{width:55px !important}