Happy Monday, friends!
IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!
And guess what?
I don’t dislike this season any longer.
(You’re shocked, I know…me too.)
If you’ve read this blog for a bit and/or listened to my podcast, anytime the four seasons were brought up, you would know that when numbering my favorite seasons, I’ve always said:
#1: FALL
(and then there is a huge gap because let’s be real, I really love fall)
#2: SUMMER
#3: WINTER
#4: SPRING
You know me, I like to be upbeat, positive and happy…but things like seasonal allergies, mosquitoes, humidity and losing my cozy winter nights to bright evenings when I feel like I should be “doing” and not “relaxing” coupled with it still being too cold for shorts just made me ick about spring. BUT over the last two years, I really think I’m getting into this season. My affection for it started slowly, but now, I would say I’m flat out TICKLED PINK it’s Spring today!
What changed?
Honestly?
I think it was…
…QUARNATINE.
What?
Yeah.
I mean, it was terrible and yucky, and I pray we never have to live through that again, but looking back, I think it really made me get outside with my family and enjoy spring. When I moved into my new office in January 2021, I even put this photo above…
…in a frame behind my desk because I always want to remember that sometimes life can be super sweet even when it’s not going as planned.
So, in lieu of a more traditional “Mix and Match Mama” post, I’m just going to give you my 13 reasons for finally loving Spring.
Are they mostly silly and ridiculous? Of course. It’s a Monday, who wants serious? #notme
#1: WORKOUT WEAR
I feel like I can really justify leaving my workout clothes on most days. I tell myself things like “it’s so sunny outside, I can walk the dogs later, so don’t shower and fix your hair, silly!”. I feel like baseball caps over “should be washed hair” are cuter during this season too. There is joy in this. Lots of joy. Speaking of which…
#2: I PLAY OUTSIDE MORE…
…I really love to play outside! I’ve always been a “let’s go outside and play” mom more than a “let’s sit here and play a board game” mom, and truthfully, this season just lends itself more to playing outside than the others. It’s not super hot yet but the sun is still shining long after the kids get home from school. Who knew I just needed to hop on my bike more in the Spring to appreciate it?!
#3: I CAN OPEN MY PATIO DOORS MORE FREQUENTLY
I loooooove working with the door open or even better, working outside on my patio table! Fresh air, birds chirping and the sound of my fountains are my favorite backdrop to work.
#4: DINNERS CAN BE REALLY SIMPLE
Like real simple. As much as I love a casserole, enchiladas and soups (and we all know, I love them!), in the spring, I can throw some sausages on the grill, whip up some guacamole and hand my kids ears of corn, and they feast like kings. So simple.
#5: SIMPLE FAMILY ENTERTAINING…
I love, love, love having my peeps over for Christmas, but when they come over this time of year (like Easter!), it’s just so easier. No exchanging gifts, the entire party can pretty much be outside, the food is all on the grill (and simple!) and all of the kiddos can run around outdoors (instead of inside). Easy entertaining is my jam.
#6: SCHOOL IS ON THE DOWNHILL SLIDE
Oh praise! By quarter four, we know our teachers, their expectations, how testing will go, how we’ll need to study, we have our extracurriculars figured out, we have our sports figured out…we just know all the things about this schoolyear. It’s DELIGHTFUL!
#7: WE CAN EAT DINNER OUTSIDE…
…thanks to fans and heaters, my family eats dinner outside any and every chance we get. We are able to enjoy dining al fresco year around, BUT it’s probably the most enjoyable during the springtime. Summers can be super hot, fall can just be super busy…springtime is outdoor eating time at home and at our favorite restaurants.
#8: WE CAN WALK TO AND FROM SCHOOL
We love walking to and from school, and we try to do it as often as we can (we try to do it daily!), but the weather is just consistently better during the spring and our calendars are less full than during the fall, so it’s the ideal time to walk home and stay outside to play.
#9: WE CAN PLANT OUR VEGGIE GARDEN…
…this is one of our favorite traditions!
#10: I CAN WATCH “SPRING” MOVIES
In my head, I have movies for every season. I’m not saying they’re “real” seasonal movies, but they give me certain seasonal vibes when I watch them (typically while I’m at my desk working). My favorites to watch this time of year are: Crazy Rich Asians, Fever Pitch, One Fine Day, Mama Mia, Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, Ticket To Paradise and Eat, Pray, Love.
#11: WE HAVE FOUND OUR SPRING SPORTS GROOVE…
…which is lovely! Everyone has a “thing” right now but not too many things. I dare say, we’ve found ourselves a nice little balance and looking into this sports season, we’re feeling very excited. Andrew is coaching Mades’ volleyball team, Ashby is loving her new spring soccer team, Smith is rowing crew and Kensington is cheering. Nice weather and family time watching a kiddo do something they love? That’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday!
#12: BIRDS, DUCKS, BUNNIES OH MY!
Andrew is not a fan of all the wildlife in our yard (they eat his flowers, ruin his bushes, etc…I get it), but, other than those coyotes and bobcats, I get excited to see the wildlife pop up this time of year. Our mama and daddy duck are back for their third spring in the pool (more baby ducks in our future!), the birds are a plenty (we even have a bald eagle in our neighborhood which is super cool and quite rare here), and when I have my door open during the day and see/hear all the critters, it makes things a bit magical.
#13: BASEBALL SEASON IS BACK
Do you know how I know it’s baseball season? My dad calls me 14 times a day. Ha! Well, yes, but it’s because it’s our favorite season! If pre-season is any indication (and I sure hope it is!) my Sox are going to have a killer year!!!!
So look at me! The list of things I’ve been wrong about here in blog world over the last 15+ years is quite long (remember when I foolishly said things like ‘I will never go on a Disney cruise’ or ‘I will never have more than two kids’ #howdumbwasi), so let’s just add this one. Hello, my name is Shay and I’m excited today is the first day of Spring 🙂 . I’m going to consciously make it a great season for my family and me. The older I get, the more I feel in my soul to stop worrying about tomorrow or fretting about yesterday but to seize TODAY. This is the only time I will ever have this day, I better stop and enjoy it.
Now tell me please…what’s something YOU love about spring and/or took with you from quarantine that became a blessing?! I would love to know!
See you girls tomorrow! xx
Lauren says
Yessssss Shay!!! Spring is my favorite and always has been! I’m happy you are starting to see the beauty in my favorite season. There is something about seeing the new leaves budding on the trees that just brings me so much joy. The flowers blooming. The Home Depot garden center. 😆 We are a big outdoorsy family too and I love that we can spend time outside without having to worry about the dang mosquitoes yet.
Rachel says
When you look outside and suddenly everything is beautiful shades of green. I love that day- from gray to green. 🥰
Susanne says
I need to carefully read all your reasons because I absolutely detest spring…like it puts me in such a bad mood. I hate the plaguing allergies, I hate being cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon, I hate the time change. I could go on but I’m being too negative.🤦♀️ Maybe there’s still hope for me…
Niki says
Being outdoors and having daylight longer for sure! Coffee/wine on the screen porch without a doubt. My kids love to have their after school snack and do homework out there too.
Would love a post or podcast on your vegetable garden!! I’m attempting this for the first time this year so any tips are appreciated!
Mix and Match Mama says
You can check out my gardening posts here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/posts/gardening/
Elspeth Mizner says
I love more time outside, more sunshine and longer Days! Welcome Spring!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughter says
We took SO many things away from that time but the thing that stands out the most is we have all we really need right here inside our home. ❤️
Sarah nienhuis says
In WI, spring never comes and it will ALWAYS be my least fav season so every spring I live vicariously through my Texan Girl Blogs who are enjoying nice mild weather while we battle another April snowstorm lol. That being said, I love your positive outlook!
Question – is Smith not playing baseball this season?
Mix and Match Mama says
Enjoy those cozy days inside! And no, he’s not playing baseball this spring. xx
Sheaffer says
Bring on spring and patio weather!!!
Susan Jeffries says
Spring is usually cold, rainy, and dreary in Ohio. I have trouble loving this season too. But you’ve inspired me to make a list of the reasons I love spring! Thank you! And the fact that your husband doesn’t like wild life in the yard made me laugh (: I am always sneaking around and feeding the wild life here while my husband is always finding ways to keep them away(:
Katie C says
What I love about spring is seeing the growth in my sweet 2nd graders… academically, socially, physically (I’m a tiny teacher and they are catching up to me, ha!). It’s bittersweet b/c I know we only have 9 weeks left together before I let them go. But it’s pretty amazing! Happy Spring, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
I can’t even imagine how far you’ve taken them from the first day of school until now! I bet the growth is so rewarding to see!
Melissa Terry says
Just the other day one of our kiddos said, ” you were right, Mama…now when I look back at quarantine I only remember the good stuff.” That spring (and subsequent time) was so unique and I know it was hard for so many, but for our little family it was a time of such togetherness. We welcomed our baby home after a very long adoption process and it bonded us in a unique and special way. I will always look back on that time with fondness.
polly pover says
Spring in Northern New England means…It is 14 degrees this morning and the snow banks are way taller than me! But, the birds are tweeting, the deer have a “spring” in their step, and warm weather is on its way! So much loss from Covid… But, way less pollution because there were fewer cars on the road for such a period of time which was great for the environment. Also, so many people stayed working remotely—again better for the planet, better for the pocketbook, and more family togetherness!
Amy Heinl says
I love seeing everything starting to bud and bloom and I love the days staying longer and not getting dark until later in the evening. It just feels like everything in nature is waking up from a long winter slumber
Kara says
We love the start of baseball season for our two boys! ⚾️💙 and open windows! 😎
Kim Harrigan says
Being a Minnesota girl, Its been extremely snowy winter I look forward to all the spring things. The sun set is later, warm enough to have doors open, finally not having snow on the sidewalks and roads to get a good walk in the evening. Plus for us no mosquitos yet.
Alison says
Yes, SO snowy. I’m over it. Like, last week. Lol. But the longer daylight is refreshing for sure!
Lisa D says
I love the longer daylight! Where I live (Colorado) it’s going to be winter weather for a while yet, but with more daylight I love getting out and about. My takeaway from the pandemic days: take it one day at a time. Worry changes nothing!
Laci L Murray says
I love the start to longer days and sunshine!
Becky Grech says
Hello there. I’ve always loved spring (we live in Michigan and are dying for the SUN), but quarantine forced us all outside!! We’ve picked back up so many outdoor activities. Skiing (I’m a mama who loves to ski), biking, and most surprisingly hiking! Who knew my kids would love waterfall hiking in the smoky mountains more than a beach vacation. Also, after my son plays at Cooperstown this summer, we are making our first trip to Boston! I’m reading your old posts about where to go and what to do. Hopefully a Red Sox game!
Mix and Match Mama says
Where in Michigan?! We used to live in Dearborn! I am SO excited you’re heading to Boston!!!
Becky Grech says
I grew up in Dearborn Heights 🙂 Small world! We live about 15 miles straight west in Canton. We are excited for Boston too! Have beautiful spring day!
Mix and Match Mama says
What a small world?! I love it!
Maria says
Thank you Shay for your uplifting post! I always start my day with reading your blog after my quiet time which I am doing all thanks to you! You are an amazing woman, wife and mother. Because of quarantine, I started working from home which gives me more time to spend with my kids! It is such a blessing.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Maria, THANK YOU! I know your time is so valuable, so thank you, thank you for taking time to read my blog. xx
Angela Jernigan says
This is so funny, because a friend and I were just having this conversation. She was saying she never realized how glorious March is until quarantine! (We live in South Ga and March was absolute perfection in 2020). So you are not the only one that developed a love for Spring from quarantine… and yes, I hope we NEVER live through anything like that again!
Mix and Match Mama says
Amen and AMEN!
Laurie says
Is smith still doing baseball?
Mix and Match Mama says
He’s not! This last fall, he hung up his bat 😉 .
Beth Valenta says
Oh, I so agree that the lockdown really taught us to appreciate the simple things. This is exactly when my spring birthday was centered around croquet and we have been playing it ever since! It has become a family/friend tradition in the spring, along with frequent cornhole games and bonfires.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this!!!
Jen says
My son (he’ll be 12 in May) and I started taking walks during quarantine, just the two of us, and it’s become our thing! We take a walk together just about every night after dinner and just talk/catch up, even in the winter. He plays baseball and practices have started, so our nightly walks aren’t quite nightly right now, but I know they mean just as much to him because, on the way home from practice one night last week, he said he missed our walk 🙂
Kim says
As a mom of two grown sons this made me smile…I hope this tradition continues for years to come, you won’t regret it.
Tamra says
I’ve always loved spring as it always reminds me of God’s miracles. I see all the new growth outside. The tree branches are beginning to bud, the flowers will be blooming soon, it’s almost time to plant gardens and people just seem happier and more upbeat.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!
Erin says
Just be careful with that bald eagle and small dogs. That scene in The Proposal is true, they will carry off small pets! Someone saw a bald eagle carry off a cat in my hometown. YIKES and sad…
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so paranoid about all the things out in my yard! Thank you for this tip! I will add eagles to my watch list.
Kristen says
Well here in New England spring is non existent, We jump from winter to summer usually. But I love the weather for my daily walks while listening to the podcast Smartless!!! Those guys are hysterical and the celebrity interviews are the best!!! I have to say, going through quarantine made me a podcast lover.. I would of never discovered any of them without all the downtime I had. Now I fit them into my daily life 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, that’s one of mine too!!! I had never listened until then, and now, I almost prefer them to Netflix shows!
Robin says
I love Spring so much ! I love the green , the new birth and flowers staring to grow. Here in SC we are usually getting there by now , but this morning it’s 34 degrees! Hopefully , soon . I do love the longer days too. What I can’t embrace is it’s also….allergy season !🤧
Shay , I’m hoping you will do your recap of Spring Break trip to DR ! Have been waiting to read your thoughts. We have been there several times and enjoyed it ! Happy Spring !
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! It’s coming up!!
Robin Lewis says
🙋♀️live in WI here so your post was delightful!! I am not a Spring fan (bad hair days for me) buuuuut I may just be a convert now 😉 plus, it’s my daughter’s birthday so I LOVE this day!!❤️
Joyce says
I’m surprised that Fever Pitch is not on your list of spring movies. I love to watch it every year the week before Opening Day; it makes my heart so happy!
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re right!!! I watch it all the time during the spring! Adding it now to my list. It’s PERFECT for Spring!
Peg says
I’m actually a summer girl but I LOVE the spring flowers – tulips and daffodils – and spring is so refreshing after the cold winter! And I love getting out for long walks/runs and baseball starting!
andrea says
i love spring b/c all the flowers are in bloom here in charleston and it means winter is over!!!! 🙂
Lisa N says
And you picked March for your wedding day?? lol
Mix and Match Mama says
Well it certainly wasn’t my first choice 😉 . Ha!
sandi says
I’m glad you love spring but I need to talk about Code Name Helene… just finished it this weekend. I’ve already recommended it to several people. So many people. It is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. It is hard to understand living through that time and the conviction in her heart to take such risks! Gosh, and the unnamed others we will never hear about who risked their lives to save so many people.
Our sermon yesterday was from Isaiah (we are in a series called Fulfilled showing verses from Isaiah and when they were fulfilled in the new testament) based on the verse with the words “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news…” The pastor stated we are captives in need of a rescue only Jesus can provide. If we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior and step into freedom in Him, we are called to bring the Good News to others. He showed a picture from a concentration camp when the soldiers were sent to share the news that the war was over and they were being set free. How exciting it must have been to share the good news of their release from prison.
Now, back to spring… I walk in the morning and when I am heading home the sky is changing into the most glorious of colors. The dogwoods are blooming and flowers are popping up, but then they get confused because it was 33 degrees this morning. I’m looking forward to not having on three layers and it being warming than 13 degrees in the early morning.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Sandi, all the feels from this comment. I am so happy you read that book. I couldn’t agree more, it sticks with you and is one you’ll recommend time and time again. I didn’t want it to end! Your comments always bless me so. Happy Spring! xx
Susan M. says
I am thrilled to embrace spring. I love spending time outdoors both riding my bike and in my hammock. I’m so glad you are embracing it as well, and thank you for the reminders of all things spring.
Kelly Bonner says
I love decorating my house for Spring. I love that just a little bit of decorations can make me really happy. As far as quarantine, it taught me to build time into my day to just be. It also taught me to really love being at home.
Connie says
I like spring cleaning! And the warmer weather to walk, plant flowers and veggies, sit on the patio reading a book. Also playing badminton with my kids etc. Happy Spring Shay!
Rachel says
I still don’t like most things Spring. I have horrible allergies, I don’t like the time change, the warmer weather, the pollen, the lighter and pastel colors, or the spring clothing! I like watching the different wildflowers bloom, from inside my car with the windows up, that’s about it. Today was our first day back after Spring Break and all my kids were asking how many days we have left. And, it’s testing season, so lots more stress! I need to try to find more things to enjoy until October! 😆
Beth Vogt says
I have been one that likes spring because it means summer is just around the corner. Now more recently Having just moved to Chicago from NC and having grown up in Georgia I am CRAVING spring. The tiniest of buds are starting and the hint of new life is peeking out and I am rejoicing. Our gardens centers are still bare but the racks are being setup now….. so flowers and happiness are coming! And as a teacher, spring brings about the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work by all involved!
Deena says
I love spring because the leaves are a bright green and there are blossoms everywhere. Also the Masters is in April and that means spring.
Alina says
I love that you watch “seasonal” movies. I do the same thing! Like you, I usually watch It’s Complicated. I also watch The Women, Something’s Gotta Give, Mother’s Day, and a few others. The funny thing is that One Fine Day is on my fall list! Does it take place in the spring? How did I miss that!? Either way, it’s a great movie!
Mix and Match Mama says
Mother’s Day! That’s one I’ve forgotten about!!! I think One Fine Day is perfect for any cozy, rainy day 🙂 .
Lea Ansamaa says
In Northen Finland Scandinavia spring time is the BEST! After a long and really dark winter the sun is finally back and the snow is sparkling in million colors. ❄️❤️ It is the best time to ski, walk in the forest and just enjoy the light. So no green in here before the end of May. 😄 Also I love Easter and my birthday is in April. 🧡
Allena Gurley says
As a native Texan, I feel like you are missing a VERY important spring detail – the bluebonnets! Bluebonnet season is 2nd to Christmas for me – I love it that much! I grin like an idiot as I drive around town just sitting all the gorgeous bluebonnets!