Today’s post is called 10 RANDOM THINGS 🙂 .
(I feel like that’s pretty self-explanatory but because I’m a writer, I feel compelled to explain further…terrible habit, I know).
I picked some categories (random, of course) and am listing 10 Random Things about each one.
This is basically a very random brain dump of sorts for your Tuesday.
(After five days at home loving on my Ashby, my brain needs to unload somewhere and thus, this post.)
Here we go…
10 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT:
Ashby post op
1: Staying the night in the hospital is kind of one of my favorite things. I mean, it stinks when my kiddo has to stay the night, but it is oh so cozy in there, we are all snuggled in, people are always so sweet, and I read an entire book.
2: Is there anything better though than a post-hospital shower and change of clothes? For both patient and mom, I seriously cannot think of many times when a shower and new clothes feel better.
3: We came home with drains this time…not our favorite. They are being removed today.
4: I prefer any post-op/sickness on cold/rainy/dreary days. The Lord must have known that because we had an unseasonably cold weekend.
5: I never love graham crackers more than in the hospital. Ashby doesn’t love a graham cracker, so anytime they would bring her one, she would tell me I could eat it. I ate them all.
6: If you’re staying the night in the hospital, flip flops and cozy socks are a must. I just really don’t think you want your bare feet on the hospital floor.
7: Avoid showering at the hospital at all cost.
8: Ashby loves true crime podcasts, so we have been binging The Deck Investigates together. It’s a 12 part series. We’re currently on part #8 and cannot wait until our next car ride to listen more (which will be to and from the hospital today).
9: Breakfast burritos with pico and pizza have been Ashby’s post-op meal of choice which is odd because she’s not a huge pizza person.
10: My worst habit as a nurse? Not sitting down enough. I feel like I must be *doing* for the patient.
Finishing up the school year
1: You guys, we only have 23 school days left! I AM SO EXCITED.
2: This week, we have the mandatory state testing which is no one’s favorite thing.
3: I really love Quarter 4. Even at the middle school level, I just feel like its way more relaxed, fun and chill.
4: Kensington and the freshman cheer square are already practicing with the high school squad for next year. We are SO EXCITED!
5: I’m also having all the feels that next year, my girl will be in high school and at the same time, Smith will be top dog of the middle school while Ashby will be top dog in elementary. For the love, someone is going to need to hold me the following year when both K and S are in high school and Ashby is in middle school.
6: As much as I love Q4, I do think this meme adequately sums up my mom life right now…
…my lunch making at the beginning of the school year verses the end.
7: This weekend, we wrap up Madeley’s volleyball season, due to her surgery, Ashby has officially wrapped up spring soccer, so we’ll be down to one spring sport here in just a few days. What will we do with all of that free time?!
This…
…bring it on!
8: Sunny days at the end of the school year call for lots of walking to and from each day. It’s truly my favorite time of the day.
9: I’m in that end of the school year phase when I just don’t want to wear jeans any longer. I’m ready for shorts, shorts and only shorts.
10: Our goal before the end of the school year is for Mades to ride a bike without training wheels. She has zero desire to learn but all the desire to actually be able to do it. We’re working on it.
My dogs
1: Poppy turned 11 this month! This pup still has all the spunk of a young dog although, some days, she makes it up the stairs quickly and other days, it takes her a wee bit longer.
2: My three dogs live for their morning walk. It’s the highlight of their day.
3: We’ve never flown with our dogs before, so if you have any tips and tricks, I would greatly appreciate it! They’re all about to head out on their first flight.
4: I love that during the day, all three dogs nap in my office. It fills my heart with just dog mom joy.
5: The dogs are all sleeping longer these days. Right now, it doesn’t matter who wakes up and how much noise we make, they all three stay sound asleep as we move about.
6: We get the dogs groomed twice a month, and it’s like a field trip for them every single time. They’re always so excited when we say the groomer’s name.
7: When Ashby came home from the hospital, all three dogs understood she needed to be protected. It has been Ashby on the couch with three dogs sitting as close to her as possible for days now.
8: None of our dogs like to swim which I actually think is a blessing (we don’t have to worry about them getting into the pool) and just a random tidbit.
9: They love to eat ice.
10: Poppy is still our lovable Alpha, Yankee is our sweet little youngest and Frenchie can do no wrong. Seriously, that dog is really perfect.
Amazon Finds
1: We bought these beach chairs to take with us.
2: I get asked all the time what my favorite non-stick skillet is and for YEARS, I’ve said that it’s this one right here.
3: Andrew just bought this cell phone car mount for his truck, and he’s pretty giddy about it.
4: I loved these shorts so much that I just bought myself a second pair…hot pink!
5: I’m really into these dry erase markers these days.
6: I bought a pack of these hair clips that the four girls in the family can’t seem to quit. My three girls like to wear it out and about, I love them for getting my hair off my face for showers, sitting at my desk, etc.
7: I buy my g-free soy sauce and g-free flour on Amazon!
8: I listened to The Simple Sophisticate podcast last week and bought this book on French blooms. It’s the perfect bit of inspiration for spring.
9: I also bought myself this book on French cheese too.
10: We’re really into reusable straws at our house. These are our favorite.
Our new house on Nantucket
1: Construction is moving right along. They finished the floors yesterday! Woohoo! That’s huge!
2: At this point, Andrew and I have lists for our lists. If we have forgotten to pack something, I’m going to be shocked.
3: I’m anxious to see *all the things* in person.
4: So many of you have asked if we’re going to be renting it out, and we are not.
5: I’ve had a lot of questions about if we’re going to have a car there, and the answer to that is yes!
6: I’ve also had questions about why we’re having things delivered here and not there, and the answer to that is because no one is there to receive things for us…and it’s under construction, so we don’t have anywhere to put it. This has also given us a chance to see everything we’ve been buying and return or exchange as needed.
7: We’re excited about our family coming to visit us this summer on the island!
8: Speaking of which, this summer, we have decided not to travel as to figure this Nantucket thing out first…we will be traveling next summer though. My bucket list is long 🙂 .
9: I now understand why so many people sell their homes furnished on Nantucket. Now that we’ve had to coordinate getting things on to the island (not super easy), should we ever sell, I will sell it completely furnished too. #savemethemassivetrouble Ha!
10: I’m excited to read Elin Hilderbrand’s next book. I hear there’s nary a ghost 🙂 .
And that, my friends, wraps up this first edition of 10 Random Things…
…a perfect time to share this “random” photo of my bigs. You know what is just so cool? How much these two really like each other. The littles are just the very best of friends and my bigs, well they’ve really turned into besties too…
…it just makes this mama’s heart so full.
Happy Tuesday! Time to get Ashby back to the hospital and get her one step closer to feeling like her best self.
One last thing…
…we have an all new episode out TODAY! Make sure you tune in on your favorite podcast platform. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
This was such a fun post to read and catch up on all the things! Looking forward to hearing more about your new house!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Maria says
Shay, A big thank you, hug & kiss for your hospital suggestions! I thought I’d never need it but then my son needed emergency surgery! Terrifying! As I was about to leave in the ambulance I packed a quick bag: bottled waters, phone chargers and a cozy blanket (thanks to you!!!) That blanket was everything! We got so many complements from everyone there what a good idea it was to have a blanket from home!!! My son loved having something cozy for warmth and security.
I do have to respectfully disagree on the shower. After 4 days in the hospital, that shower changed him completely. It energized him. I was thankful the hospital provided a full toiletry kit, I would have never thought to bring.
I pray Ashby is doing well. She has a wonderful bedside nurse!
PS: I ate his graham crackers too Haha!
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope he’s doing well right now!! That’s so scary!
Lyndsey says
Love these random posts! I have been in Spain for the past week. My family and I met my mom and sister for a trip! (They are in US, we are in Middle East). We traveled up the coast to Cadaques, have you heard of it?! It TOTALLY reminds me of a European Nantucket! Even the hotel we stayed in was super coastal and amazing. I highly recommend checking it out, or at least suggesting it to your travelers! xx
Linking hotel here, xx:
https://playasol.com/en/
Jessica says
Will you be doing any New England traveling while you’re on Nantucket? There are some wonderful towns I think you’d enjoy if you need an “escape” from island life (if that’s even possible!). I can’t wait to see more!
Julie C. says
The Deck Investigates is SOOO GOOD!!!!! My daughter & I also love true crime podcasts. My daughter actually wants to go into forensic science in college. 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
I can only imagine how many lists you have going!!! 🤯🤯🤯😂😂
Dana P says
For traveling with the dogs, we always gave our animals (when they joined us for our year-long furloughs) Zylkene. You build it up in their system starting about 10 days in advance if I remember right. On one trip, we didn’t do it for our dog and she was a mess. Normally she was an amazing traveler. I will also say that she wouldn’t potty or drink the whole time on the flight, no matter how hard we tried. We got the Zylkene in France initially, but our American vet had it, too. I’m pretty sure it was a lot more expensive here though. 🙂 Bon courage!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you SO much!!!
Kari Anne Maddox says
Yes, Elin having TWO back to back books with ghosts was a bit silly so this will be nice to have without
Mix and Match Mama says
It was a bit much, no? I’m super excited to read this new one!!
Kay says
LOVED today’s podcast, as usual! I was 100% with you on chili powder, but THEN, I changed my mind. I choose taco seasoning! Maybe it’s cheating as it’s a mix, but that’s what I’m going with.
Taylor says
Love the Nantucket tid bits. Can’t wait to see all of your photos!!
Holly says
I loved all the randomness in this post. 🙂 This could be a regular series!
Liz says
What a fun post – added those Amazon shorts to my cart! I’m so excited to see the Nantucket house and follow along on your summer adventure on island!
Jenny B. says
This was fun!!! I have a random question now…do you think the GF soy sauce you buy on Amazon is that much better than say the Braggs Liquid Aminos or whatever else you can find in the store?
Mix and Match Mama says
I honestly don’t know that I can tell a difference. We just really like it and go through a ton over here.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Love your random things! Excited to see y’all enjoy Nantucket this summer!!!
Arika says
Sending so much love to sweet Ashby. Have you established with doctors in Boston if she needs to be seen urgently during your Nantucket time, or will you just fly back to DWF? I hope with this surgery behind her she’ll have time and space to fully enjoy her summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
We have! Boston Children’s Vascular Anomaly Center is amazing!
Debbie K. says
Loved the entire 10 things post!
Kim S. says
I love the random list but I have to disagree about the hospital shower. I had breast cancer last year and was hospitalized numerous times for long periods of time. The showers at the hospital were so clean! Much cleaner than the gym’s shower.
Jenn says
Kim, I had breast cancer in 2019 and I totally agree with you. I was only in the hospital for 2 days after my double mastectomy & reconstruction (done in the same surgery), but that first shower in the hospital was AMAZING! I just celebrated 4 years cancer-free! I hope that you are healthy as well💗
Andrea says
My husband is a veterinarian, and he always prescribes Trazodone for dogs that will be in a stressful/anxiety inducing environment. It definitely helps to keep them more relaxed. Our French bulldog is obsessed with ice too, but I did get a lecture from said veterinarian when he caught me giving her regular ice. Apparently it is terrible for their teeth, but pellet ice is totally fine. Sigh…
Laura says
OMGosh I teared up about your bigs being friends – that’s my prayer for my daughter and son!! So happy for you about that!
Alyssa says
I fly with my dog quite a bit! Look up where the pet restrooms are in your connecting terminal ahead of time. Be patient as your dogs smell the turf– it’s pretty gross but if your dog has to go, they will use it! I gave my pup Benadryl the first few flights but he doesn’t need it anymore. Keep them out of their carrier as much as possible in the airport so they are tired and ready for a rest once you board your light. They’ll do great!!
Jamie Atkins says
I have a question related to your kid’s sports and being away for the summer. I would love to do this with my family, but I have 3 boys who are very involved in sports. I’m not sure if it is the same in Texas as it is here, but missing an entire season would be problematic for them. For some, sports are not as important, but for my boys it is. However, I would love to live at our lake home for a summer!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We realized last summer that, for our kids and their sports, they’re pretty much finished by the end of May and don’t begin again until August. We spent last summer taking inventory of life and realized we had more time than we thought and, considering how close we are to them being out of the house, better capitalize on what time we have when we have it.
Jamie Atkins says
It also makes a difference living in a state that only has 5 months where it’s possible to be outside 🙁 So excited to hear about your family’s adventures!!
Colleen says
I just cannot believe how much older your older two look now. It is exciting and devastating. My oldest will be going into middle school next year and it just all goes so fast. Big hugs to you. and love the top 10 lists! Our lunch boxes look the same, luckily my kids have resorted to “I’ll just buy Mom it’s ok”
Mix and Match Mama says
It all goes by SO fast!!! I really think the jump from 6th to 7th grade was huge for both of my bigs.
Laura Holmes says
Happy to hear sweet Ashby is doing well! Cannot wait for all of the Nantucket content!!
Patty says
I had surgery myself last week and our 60 lb lab mix would not leave me. He had to have a Paw or his chin gently on some part of my body last week.
Glad your girl is on the mend from this surgery.
Patty
Goodbetterbestfood.blogspot.com
K.K. says
Love this post, Shay! Very fun/helpful. Glad Ashby is doing better and getting the drains out!
Also, that’s pretty amazing about the two “bigs” becoming close. Love it!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Oh fun, I love this post! I love your Nantucket updates!! Will you be spending most of the summer on the island? If so, you must all be ecstatic! So fun that you get to host your family too! Will they all stay with you?
Brittany says
I have a cavapoo I have flown with a ton! She’s six now and went on her first flight at one. I would have the vet prescribe Ativan if they tend to be a little anxious. I usually give mine a pill right before getting to the airport. The Sherpa dog carrier is great for travel. I would also get either a collapsible bowl for water or a bottle with the part they can drink from (on Amazon). My dog refuses to use the dog relief area (it smells so bad) but I would get the wet one pet wipes (also on Amazon) to wipe paws off if they walk around that area. I always have a small baggie of food and treats too. Also, before traveling on a plane I’d practice putting them in the carriers and walking around the house or even driving with them in it to get them used to it. Hopefully those tips are helpful!!
Kristy says
I loved this post! I am so excited to see Nantucket life in the summer. And I hope you bump into Elin. And Andrew can work remotely all summer? That’s fabulous. We have a place in Park City and this will be our first summer as well, but we don’t get the whole summer like y’all. But 3 weeks out of the Texas heat will be amazing.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh I love, love, love Park City!! I want to live there too 😉 !
Sheaffer says
THAT LAST PIC OF S AND K!!!!! I miss those babies
!
Ashley says
Loved this post, Shay!! I’m so sorry Ashby had to come home with drains, but so thankful they’re getting removed quickly!!
Make Life Marvelous
Kim Haston says
We taught all three of our kids to drive using the “magic” towel trick. Takes less than an hour. Google teaching kids to ride a bike using a towel.
Mix and Match Mama says
Googling this right now!
Kim Towse says
Most surprising thing I read is that you groom your dogs every two weeks!!!
Lauren says
I can’t stop laughing right now! I go through stages where I am frequently admitted to the hospital and every single time I leave and put graham crackers on my grocery list because I LOVE them in the hospital. But they aren’t as good at home. They hit different in the hospital!
Mix and Match Mama says
Why? Why are they extra good at the hospital? I was eating them like mints. Ha!
Lauren says
I think because you expect hospital food to be bad, but they aren’t bad because they are prepackaged. 😂 Like the hospitals near me (Boston) have Hershey’s brand ice-cream. It’s amazing. You can’t buy it anywhere. So it’s kind of thrilling to just send someone over to the patient freezer for the most delicious ice-cream ever!
Lauren says
Love that you are taking the dogs with you! Before we got our second dog our 12lbs Maltipoo was a frequent flyer. Maybe we are just lucky but he was fine on the plane – not a single peep out of him. He seemed to be ok with knowing that I was right there sitting in front of him while he was in the carrier. Your dogs seem pretty mellow and low maintenance like mine so you might be good. I would just recommend that if you haven’t already introduced them to the carrier that you will be using I would do that ahead of time. Also get one that works with your luggage so you can easily secure it to the top of your luggage and not have one more thing to carry. We have Away luggage so got the Away pet carrier that works perfectly with it. Definetly pricier but again worth the price to have it all work together. Before the boarding I would let him walk though the airport on the leash to get some energy out. Getting off the flight I would wait until I took him to the bathroom…and have a plan for that – the nearest pet relief area or patch of grass outside the terminal. Also make sure you add the dogs to your flight reservation ahead of time and ask if they will need any documentation for them at check in. Some airlines might ask for rabies vaccine verification. In the event you get delays just have some food/snacks/water bowl in case you need them. Ahh four kids and three dogs traveling cross country – good luck!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for these tips and tricks, Lauren!!
Kelly Bonner says
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this post! Can you keep this on the blog schedule? ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Yay! I’m so happy you love it!
Hope Stewart says
I’m sure being a travel agent you know this, but a coworker recently moved across the country and she said there had to be an adult for every pet you bring on the plane. I don’t have any experience myself but my dog just wants to be wherever I am.
sandi says
Random posts are so fun! When my dad was in the hospital at Duke Medical my mom, sister and I took turns staying with him. I loved that the nurses would randomly bring warm from the heater blankets without us asking and cups of ice and juice as well. They loved taking care of patients AND those staying with them. It probably helps when you talk to them, ask questions and try to get to know them for the time you are there.
College kid one will be home this weekend, college kid two on May 8, college kid three on May 13 and the high schooler has 26 days left. Whew, summer needs to come soon! Everyone has jobs or internships so this will be an interesting summer… no spontaneous lets go visit the grandparents at the lake for two weeks or a long weekend. Just glad for whatever time we have together at this point.
Our kids are close too and as they call home during the week we hear snippets of conversations and updates that they have on their other siblings so we know they are talking to each other during the week. They call the youngest at home and sometimes add whoever is available to chat at the time to the screen. It’s nice to overhear them caring for the “only” at home. I mess up each and every day but man, that sure does make my momma heart happy when I know they check in on one another!
Jodi says
Traveling with a dog….did it once…you could not pay me to do it again. It was awful. I’m sure it depends on the dog, flight attendants, other fliers etc but man was it hard. I was anxious, dog got sick, the flight attendants were terrible….maybe they just didn’t like dogs. I used my empty plastic cup to give the dog water and the flight attendant lost her mind saying they were for humans only and demanded I give it back to her. It was awful. I hope it goes better for you than it did for me.
Amanda says
I’m not sure what it’s like in Texas, so your dogs may already be on a good flea/tick regimen, but the ticks on ACK are no joke. So meds and/or Lyme vaccine may be worth a consideration. And the island has a great vet clinic on Crooked Lane! And Geronimo’s is a cute pet store!
Can’t wait to follow along on your adventures. I travel to the island weekly for work. The daffodils are all beautiful right now!
Kacy M says
This random post and format is so fun to read!
Trese says
Love that you and Ashby listen to true crime. I need recommendations on true crime podcasts that are appropriate for my 12 year old.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I’m not sure they’re super appropriate. I look them up (just randomly) and read the synopsis first. If they seem *tame enough*, we’ll listen. I’ve stopped a few, but for the most part, they’re pretty fine for her. She is obsessed with them!