Hey, hey Friday!
Well, this is me…
…yes and yes.
We have had a BUSY week, and this mama is excited for the slower paced weekend that begins with…an 8:00 AM Saturday morning soccer game in another town.
Of course it does. Of course it does 😉 .
I hope you’ve had a wonderful September week with a nice weekend ahead of you. Looking back over our week, we have covered A LOT of ground here in blog world which always makes me super excited. In case you missed any of our posts, here is a little run down for you:
MEAL PLANNING MONDAY
KENSINGTON TURNED 16!
TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE ABOUT CARNIVALS AND FAIRS (the comment section, y’all!)
20 YUMMY MAPLE RECIPES FOR YOUR FALL
ANDREW’S SPINAL FUSION Q&A
A NEW WORKOUT FROM ANDREW +WORKOUT WEAR
A 5 INGREDIENT APPLE COBBLER
and MY TRADER JOE’S FALL HAUL!
Thank you so much for being here this week! As always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing this week’s FAVORITE THINGS!
Happy FRIDAY!
We “homecoming-ed” hard all last week and through the weekend.
Both big kids’ schools had their annual homecoming, and here are a few pics from our fun…
On Thursday night, we all went to cheer on Smith and the Leopards at their homecoming game!
We always love watching our boy play!
On Friday night…
…we went to the McKinney Boyd varsity homecoming game because the JV cheerleaders got to cheer too!
We had so much fun watching our girl cheer for the first time in the “big” stadium!
We had extra fun as one of our favorite seniors won Miss Congeniality! Isn’t this picture the sweetest?!
It was a fun Friday night!
On Saturday…
…our boy headed off to his homecoming dance/dinner/alllllll the things with his group of friends. Andrew and I saw him off before…
…sending off the sophomores on their big night too!
What did we need on the heels of two football games and two homecomings?
Well clearly we needed…
…a HUGE birthday to celebrate on Sunday 😉 .
Speaking of which…
…on Monday, Kensington and I embarked on a road trip from McKinney to…
…Sulphur Springs, TX so that she could get her driver’s license!
Let me take just a minute to say that the people at the Sulphur Springs DPS could NOT have been more amazing. I absolutely LOVED both women who helped us there and have since told two other families to use that DPS. Let me also say this, after a full 12 months of trying to get my kid a driver’s license (she got her permit exactly one year ago), I do not feel AT ALL equipped to start this process over in January with Smith because for the love, Texas, you make this difficult.
I rarely rant, but geez, I could get on my soapbox about this topic. Spoiler alert: it’s a terrible system that doesn’t make a lot of sense/requires way too many pieces of paper (that no one even looked at), it’s next to impossible to get an appointment (and they are now required, no walk-ins) which is why we had to drive 90 minutes each way to this DPS, they have a terrible website, AND the majority of the work really had nothing to do with whether or not she can actually operate a motor vehicle. In the few minutes that we had to wait at the DPS, we saw THREE different sets of people get turned away for not completing their paperwork correctly. THREE! I was a NERVOUS wreck when it was our turn because we had just driven and an hour and a half to get to an appointment I had to schedule in June. I was shaking…that’s how nervous I was. Needless to say, MY FAVORITE THING THIS WEEK IS THAT SHE GOT THAT DARN LICENSE!! I was so so so relieved. It’s such a process, and I’m both relieved and petrified to do it again in January with Smith.
We officially have a third driver over here. It’s the weirdest feeling to watch her leave and have her return on her own. This feels like one of our BIGGEST milestones yet. It’s awesome and terrifying at the same time.
Yes, yes, yes. I know I have pumpkin addiction problems, but they’re really good.
Please don’t judge me.
I just love this season so much.
Just another day where I walk around in head to toe Vuori, but this time, I added my FULL ZIP JACKET! Isn’t it so cute?!
I’m actually wearing it right now as I type this sentence…
It comes in this color and “dune” which is a light, neutral color. You guys, I just adore Vuori!
Today, I’m wearing it inside…
…over my Vuori BODYSUIT!
I’ve raved about these for years. They’re so soft and so comfy and can be dressed up or down.
I took a few minutes this week to make my bar cart feel a bit more “September”…
…little things like this just make me happy.
Probably no one but me will notice that I swapped out the glasses, added some bar snacks and made it more neutral-ish, but I do and love it!
I have these AMBER GLASSES in other colors, and they’re just so nice for their price. They work for cocktails and juice too!
Since I’m sharing my bar cart, I thought I’d also share…
…a new cocktail for September!
My APPLE BUTTERSCOTCH COCKTAIL is super easy and very delish!
That wraps up this week’s Friday Faves!
Okay friends, instead of a Saturday post tomorrow, I am going to wait and post on Sunday because that’s the 22nd which means…
…it’s BOOK CLUB DAY!!!!
Sunday, September 22nd is when we’ll discuss this month’s book, so I hope to see you all back here then!
In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend! I’m excited to hang out again with you next week! xx
Kristen Thompson says
I love the bar cart update!! Congrats to Kensington on getting her license-what a major milestone!
Jami Romano says
Congrats to Kensington! I completely agree, the stress of the paperwork and the nightmare of juggling scheduling appointments was probably one of the most stressful times as a mom lol. I only have to do it two more times, bless you! Have a great weekend ◡̈
Elspeth says
What a packed full week! Congrats to Kensington on getting her license!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Britt says
Congratulations K on your license, the fun part is what kind of car did Kensington get for her sweet 16?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know that I’m going to share what she’s driving or post a pic. She is driving Andrew’s car, and he has a new one. It just makes me feel uncomfortable putting it out there since she’s a 16 year old girl driving by herself, you know?
K.K. says
Totally makes sense!! Yay, Kensington!! That’s so great.
Knowing it is Andrew’s (and what you’ve shared), I bet it’s kept so well that it looks new! ha
Lorna Ponte Tomek says
I agree! Everyone does not need to know everything.
Massachusetts Grandma
Britt says
Understandable.. I wasn’t thinking 🤦♀️ just always fun to get the sweet “16” car.
Katie Compton says
The real question is… will she be able to eat in her “new to her” car or will it still have Andrew’s rules? Ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahaha! Solid question, Katie. Solid question.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
So glad Kensington got her license! That sounds like a crazy process these days. I am also LOVING that jacket on you!!! I feel like I need to add that to my cart asap!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Grace says
Sulphur Springs is where I got my license coming up on…oh…20(!) years ago! I can’t imagine the feeling of watching my kids drive off one day! Stay safe out there!!
Natalie Alvarado says
Don’t even get me started about the DMV. I’ve gone through this with 2 kids in another state and it’s no better. They require so much paperwork, even for the parent! It’s sooooo stressful! 😜
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s SO stressful!!!
Cathy Carter says
Love the jacket! Did you get xs? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!
Debbie says
Do you use Life 360 or a similar app? It gives me such peace of mind. I don’t check it as often as I did when she first started driving, but I still check a couple of times a week.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do use Life 360!! I feel like I watch it all day long now (and she’s parked in school most of the day so it’s really quite silly of me!).
Angela says
We love Life360! Just a little tip… With our youngest son having 15 minute drive to school, we put stops on our Life360. It helps me know, “OK he’s halfway to school because he just passed that spot”. And we have other spots on our circle, too… McDonald’s, the gas station and the gym are on our “map”. 🙂
Happy safe driving K!!!
Dawn Engle says
Love Vuori too! Just wish it wasn’t so darn expensive!
Heather W. says
Oh I understand he drivers issue its not any better here in OK, the permit part is a complete nightmare and if you show up at three and they close at 4pm they will turn you away. I could rant on and on about it. It was so easy upteen years ago when I got mine and i have know people drive over 2 hours to get theres as well.
SS says
Congrats Miss K on your license!!! Hugs to you Momma and the rest of the family. We have 2 drivers for a few yrs now. When I drove as a teen my mom would be like call me when you get there and leave (this was before cell phones). So I would ask our text me when you get there. Well, oldest found Life 360 we use the free version…he is like there now you know. Lol. He told me mom I don’t care if you have it the rest of my life. Lol. It does come in handy. I agree with you though get all this paperwork signed the log, the this or the that. All they care about was birth certificate and soc card. Is TX drivers ed like a segment 1 then after so much driving do segment 2 and then drive some more, take road test and wait until 16? When I took it it was like 6-8wks class with course work(closed driving), you already take the road test and they give you your permit, wait until 16 and you are off and running. Lol. I was shocked that they went right to the road now ..ugh that was so scary when our kids would come back and say what they experienced as they had to sit and witness other teen drivers. Ugh!!!
Homecoming looks like fun.
Have a great last few official days of summer!!!
Libby says
LOL! Yes, the TX DPS is ridiculous. We drove 1 hr to get our permit & license. Thankfully, my kids tested at their driver’s school, so we had to only do the paperwork with them. The ladies at the rural DPS were nice, and YES, didn’t even look at our paperwork this last time. Happy weekend!!
Jessica Belanger says
My son got his license in June and it’s the most bitter sweet milestone. I’m so happy for his independence and that he’s becoming an adult but also so sad that he is becoming an adult. lol! Thank you so much for sharing all the homecoming pictures and letting your readers into your life. It feels like we’re all friends here just sipping coffee and catching up! Friday Favorites is MY favorite post every week! Have a great weekend Shay!
Lisa D says
Such great pics of your kids and their friends for Homecoming
Your bar cart looks great!
I have family visiting for a wonderful Colorado fall weekend! So many fun outdoor things going on.
Nicole Silva says
Can you link Kensington’s dress!? Desperately searching for one for my daughter’s homecoming!
Mix and Match Mama says
Here you go!
https://www.lucyinthesky.com/shop/qirin-jacquard-corset-mini-dress-in-lilac-62799
Sarah says
Why do you have to wear sweats and fleece
Inside your house when it is 100 outside. Adjust your thermostat Andrew isn’t there every minute do the day and you deserve to be comfortable in your home too.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am quite comfy in my sweats and fleece 🙂 .
Paula McKaughan says
Same!! Crank the air down and bundle up!! I love it 🙂
Lorei says
Energy waste!!
Lori says
The DMV in MN is just as wonky. I dread going because of all the paperwork that is required yet never listed anywhere. I’m glad you finally got an appointment. Happy Friday!
Missy says
Congratulatitions to K!! My girl will get her license in January. 🙂 On another note, the Uggs you’re wearing under #4, do you you like them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I bought the dupes over the winter and loved them, so this year when they were finally back in stock (I feel like they were out of stock all last year), I bought a pair.
Kate says
I feel you on the license. Sooooo bittersweet! My son has been driving almost a year and I still worry when he’s out and about! It’s also not just Texas, our DMV situation is a mess too! Also our teen license comes in levels and while it’s mostly good the process is a PAIN!!
Joanne says
If it’s any consolation Connecticut isn’t any better with our Department of Motor Vehicles and trying to get a driver’s ed permit and license– I tripled checked our list of what to bring and brought “extra just in case I read that wrong” paperwork with me to make sure we didn’t have to go back again! It does get easier with each consecutive one though since my boys were pretty close in age and it was fresh on my mind.
Katherine says
Congratulations on adding a 3rd driver to your household! It is both exciting and terrifying from a parent’s perspective, and I remember those feelings well. Homecoming looks like it was festive, fun and busy for everyone. Love seeing teens all dressed up!
Melissa says
You all have been very busy. Hoping you can find some rest this weekend! Congrats to Kensington on her drivers license. Also, love that jacket. Some people have a handbag obsession or shoe obsession…I have a thing for jackets. Love them!
SC says
Congrats on Kensington getting her license!! Smith looks dashing 🙂
Carly Johnson says
I was born in Sulpher Springs! I’ve never heard of anyone refer to that tiny town so I got so excited when you mentioned it! We only lived in TX for 2 years and I’ve been in FL ever since, but it’s so fun to claim TX as my “home state.” I cheer for some TX teams just because too🥰
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Well they had the loveliest ladies at their DPS 🙂 . We love that you claim us!
Sarah says
I don’t understand why Texas has made it so hard to get a DL. Thankfully I still have time before my kids have to go through the process, but I’m not looking forward to renewing mine next year!
Love those glasses you have on the bar cart!!
Chrissy says
Yay for Kensington! The day I got my license was the most exciting day EVER! What does the red bandana mean on her arm, is she the cheerleading captain?!
Mix and Match Mama says
No, they were for “red out”. The game was the “red out” game and those were passed out to the students in the stands.
Laci says
I have now dealt with the DMV with new drivers twice!! You are so right, papers they never even look at!! The stress is insane. glad it’s over for K!
Heather says
Congratulations to Kensington!
SarahBeth says
Crazy question- any chance you could get a link to the hot pink dress on the girl next to K? Exactly what my daughter is hoping for for HOCO and I have been striking out- thanks!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Have you tried the website Lucy in the Sky?
Marisa Patel says
I know what you mean about the DL process…I went through it in the spring with my daughter and was so stressed by all the obstacles. The good news is that we all survived and have new drivers to help relieve some of our running around!
Rene' says
Trader Joe’s is not super close ( we need one in Frisco!)but you inspired me. I went yesterday and the apple cider donuts from there ( warmed) are amazing!!!
Arika says
Well they say everything is bigger in Texas, and I guess that means a bigger bureaucracy too! Glad that worked out. Curious – since Smith is attending a school outside your district, I thought he might not know many people. But wow, that kid must be great at making friends! Looks like great groups for both your kids!
Mix and Match Mama says
Smith Shull is great at making friends! It makes this mama very happy. It helps A LOT that he plays football (instant “community”), but yes, he jumped in and immediately made a great group of friends.
Josie says
We’re in North Carolina and My son got his license a couple of weeks ago. I could have written word for word what you did about the process. It’s truly amazing anyone ever gets a license given all the hoops to jump through!! But he got it and off we go. But we have to go back in 6 months to get the next stage license. (Can only drive 1 person and until 9pm right now. )
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!! Isn’t it mind blowing how many people are driving based on the insane hoops one must go through to get a license. We don’t have stages in our licenses. That in itself is so interesting to me too!
Tamara R says
Happy Friday and congratulations to Kensington! Oh my goodness, the license stress is unreal! Can you or any of your kind blog readers share where you got boy’s suits for Homecoming? Hopefully a national chain because I am at a loss of where to go! xx
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom!! From his shoes to his shirt 🙂
Katie says
Two Homecoming and a sweet 16 all in one weekend y’all need a month to recover! Its so crazy to me how early Texas has their homecomings given how it still is there! Where i live up north we don’t have ours until middle of October! The dresses all look amazing!
Mix and Match Mama says
It is way too early. I could not agree more!
Sharon says
Hi Shay! Random question for you. My hubby’s birthday is approaching and I’d love to gift him a high quality watch, but I am way out of my area of knowledge here. I am wondering if Andrew has any suggestions at all. Thank you in advance!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew has two watches that he loves and they are both Breitlings. He’s had them a long time and loves them.
Kay says
Side note-the look on the dogs’ faces in that one photo is precious! I have two dogs and I KNOW that look, when one is about to playfully “attack” the other. LOVE IT!
Congrats on the new driver! If it makes you feel better, the process is exactly as terrible in MA. And taking time off sports for the kids to jump through hoops to get the required driver hours in is a “special” form of torture!
Hope K loves having her license. It’s such a big exciting moment and makes them so much more independent!
Mix and Match Mama says
Those two in particular LOVE to “play”. Legit right this very minute, they’re rolling around together on the floor in my office.
Alyssa Norman says
So excited for your daughter! And also so glad I have MANY years before one of mine is driving 😳 I LOVE that you are so festive in each season ( especially fall, which is also my favorite!) I don’t have many friends who really get into the seasons and I’ve always been BIG into holidays/ seasons/ any way to make everyday life just a little more fun so I’m so thankful I found your little corner of the world where I feel like there’s someone else out there I can share that with 😉 We too are heading to an 8am football game tomorrow morning 40 minutes away with 4 kids under 6….. wish us luck 🤪 ha! Happy weekend!
sandi says
I was homecoming dress shopping with the youngest a few days ago and walked by a Carter’s baby store. While I love the stage our kids are in now (college and high school) I did have a moment of “man life was easier when we shopped at Carters”.
We’ve been through the DMV new driver situation several times now and you would think the process would be imprinted in my brain. But for the life, from kid to kid I cannot remember all the steps. Our kids paid for half of their first cars, so between the paper test, titling of vehicles, new license plates and all the other stuff, we were there with each one for several hours.
At least you were not the mom in a situation I once witnessed:
While our oldest daughter was taking her written test, a young man left with a driving instructor to take his road test. Within three minutes they were walking back in the building. He failed. At the end of the street is a red light with a large, NO TURN ON RED sign posted by the light and posted at the sidewalk. In his nervousness, he turned right on red and the instructor had him promptly return to DMV. His mom was furious that she was going to have to return for him to take the test again. I felt so sorry for the young man. At least you didn’t drive all that far for her to fail the test!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wasn’t it so much easier?! Back then, I only had to really worry about my kids and now, I have to worry about my kids, other kids influencing my kids, everyone my kids have access to online, other drivers, agh, it’s so much! And yes, oh Sandi, I am SO GRATEFUL that situation did not happen to us too.
Dana says
I too drove to another outlying town for our children to take the driver’s test! But it was SOOOO worth it and so much better! Franklin TN is booming and trying to get an appointment was just too difficult! I am so glad that you were smart and went to a less busy place also! Smart parenting!!!
Cathy Perez says
Congratulations to Kensington! Drive safe!
Ari says
Do you still get signs made for your kiddos’ birthdays? I just thought about that. It was such a sweet tradition that I hope you do! 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!! I do!!! I need to take pics of our very updated wall and share them!
Karen says
She just turned 16 and got her actual driver’s license? In Connecticut and Massachusetts, you get your permit on your 16th birthday (or after) and 16.5 (but that’s typically how long the classes last) for the actual license. And then obviously can’t drive siblings until 17 and friends until 17.5.
Mix and Match Mama says
In Texas, you can get your permit when you’re 15 and your license when you’re 16 (as long as you’ve completed all of the drivers training, etc). So, she’s been driving with her permit with us for a year and now, she has her actual license. So weird how it’s not universal across the US.
Arika says
I think maybe that in some states, regulations were initially set up to accommodate farming and rural communities, and that’s why each state is different? In Kansas, you get your permit at 14, restricted license at 15 (so you can drive to school and work) and then the full license at 16. I mean, most of us are not farmers, but I get why kids who live in those communities might need to operate a vehicle earlier than in busier metropolitan areas? It’s definitely interesting to see how different all the states are.
Leticia says
My youngest was eligible to get his driver’s license in 2020 (yup, during lock down!!) We drove 2 hours for an appointment to take his behind the wheel test (this is in California). Fortunately, it was in the same city that my mom lives so we combined it with a visit. But was still a pain!
We are also a Life360 family. We got it when the teens started driving, now they check on us about as much as we check on them 🙂
Mindy says
Always excited to read your blog each day. Thank you for sharing yourself and your sweet family with us!
Did K know what car she was getting or was it a surprise?
Also, looks like Nixon also attends the high school with Smith? Was that a decision y’all and the Slaughters came to together?
Mix and Match Mama says
She knew! She’s been practicing driving it for the last year with her permit. We wanted her to practice a lot before she was driving solo. Nixon also goes there (as well as a few other McKinney boys). Every family made the best decision for their kiddo, but certainly it helps when you and your best friend decide to go to a new school together 🙂 .
Jen says
The DPS system in Texas is broken. We drove 1-2 hours each time our kids needed to get a permit or a license, absolutely ridiculous. The only bright side is the people in the small town are so much nicer than the people at the DPS in the Dallas area.
Sally Reyna says
Just a question…do Smith and Kensington go to different high schools?
Mix and Match Mama says
They do!
Sheaffer says
Love all the Homecoming pics so much! AND LISTEN. I have some very easy to implement to suggestions for the DMV.
Hope says
What a big week for the Shulls! DMV in NC is just as horrible. I just got an appt for my license renewal and to get a real ID. I think I have to have 6 different documents with me.
Kristy Moore says
If you think getting a drivers license is bad in Texas, you should come up here to Alberta, Canada. You can get your learners at 14! ( how was I driving at 14??!!). I think it’s way too young! However, after 2 years the process to get your license at 16 is pretty seamless- as long as you can parallel park! 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
The thought of 14 year old Smith right now having a permit gives me anxiety. That is so young!
Kim Carberry says
Homecoming sounds like so much fun. There was nothing like that at my girls school here in England.
Happy birthday to Kensington!! It sounds like such an ordeal to get the drivers license! Thank goodness it all worked out!
Jaren says
The Louisiana process isn’t much better! We have to get a “temporary permit” to get the permit…I’ve been through it twice! Never fun! But it is kind of cool now that they are able to drive and help me out so much!
Melissa Terry says
I totally agree with you on the DMV situation. After helping two kids through it (one during Covid which was extra fun) the process seems like it could be a little more simple and perhaps focus a little more on their actual driving capabilities. Usually I think our great state does well with things like this, but in this instance I don’t think so. I know it’s such a relief to have it behind you and I don’t envy you having to do it all again so soon.
Mirsa says
Texas DMV is wild. The paper work to get my kiddo her license and even to go in person and renew my own! My anxiety was high!!! Congrats K!
Shannon says
Hi Shay, How tall are Andrew and Smith. I can’t believe how tall Smith got!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew is 6’5″ and I believe Smith is almost 6′. I feel like he’s growing so fast, it’s hard to keep up. His shoe size is a 13 which I know because I feel like that is changing so fast too.
Natalie Lyles says
Oh my garsh!! Where did you get them almonds?! I’m so sad that target no longer sells theres. You got me hooked on them a few years ago. Speaking of pumpkin you should try the Kodiak cakes pumpkin pancake mix. Anyways, had to share. Reminded me of you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought mine at my normal grocery store. And thank you for the rec!! You know, I will!
Julia says
Love seeing your kiddos growing up!! Would love a denim round up from you… your favorite denim styles, washes, and places to shop for denim!
Anita G. says
Awesome and terrifying are the exact words I used to describe my teens getting their license. I now have 2 drivers and my “baby” has her permit.
Elizabeth Stephens says
Congratulations to your daughter on getting her license! Exciting and nervous all at the same time! The DMV is always a fun place to visit 😉 We have to wait until the end if October for homecoming.. when it is very cold here in N.Y.