Happy happy Monday, friends!
You guys, yesterday…
…this sweet baby girl turned SIXTEEN YEARS OLD!
I can hardly believe it.
A lot of birthdays and milestones hit me hard, but this one in particular has hit me extra, extra hard. Kensington is SIXTEEN! It’s just crazy.
We spent our weekend celebrating her in lots of ways. Andrew and I attended her pep rally on Friday morning (our second one of the week!), we watched her cheer for the first time at the big stadium on Friday night (the JV cheerleaders get to cheer during the varsity homecoming game), we drove her and friends to pictures and homecoming dinner on Saturday and then at midnight, when it was time to pick her up from her friend’s house, Andrew and I showed up with a cake and candles and everyone surprised her with an impromptu mini party. Yesterday, after church, her closest girlfriends came over for pizza, cake and to watch Sixteen Candles. You guys, it was a FULL weekend 😉 .
Okay, in honor of her Sweet Sixteen, I thought I’d share 16 SWEET THINGS ABOUT KENSINGTON KATE.
In no particular order, here you go…
#1: You guys, she’s funny. She’s dry and witty and even when I don’t want to laugh, she can make me laugh. She always has a straight face too which makes her even funnier.
#2: This girl loves an old movie, a Hallmark movie, a cheesy movie, and especially a seasonal movie. I’m pretty sure she’s already watched Hocus Pocus and You’ve Got Mail at least 5 times since Labor Day weekend.
#3: She always says that when Smith gets married, she’s going to be his best man. He is not sure about that, but she’s very insistent and my mama heart sure hopes it happens.
#4: She is fiercely loyal and compassionate. She loves her people BIG.
#5: Kensington puts her heart all in. She’s not a “half-hearted” girl…she’s a whole hearted girl in every relationship or situation.
#6: She loves holidays and seasonal things. Right now, there are pumpkin twinkle lights hanging in her room, and she swapped her sheets out for Halloween ones. This girl loves an occasion.
#7: She LOVES the Gilmore Girls. She watches it on repeat and quotes it often.
#8: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I’ve never seen a dog and a human with a closer relationship. She and Frenchie are inseparable.
#9: Kensington loves the Lord, and it makes this mama so happy to see her develop her own personal and unique relationship with Him.
#10: She loves anything scary. Scary movies, scary stories, haunted houses…she loves a good fright.
#11: Andrew and I love that for her 16th birthday, she wants an “experience” with her mom and dad. A gift that gives us more time with own teen? Yes, please!
#12: Kensington’s love for sugar runs deep. She’ll pass on your savory, sour or spicy, this girl wants a cookie…or candy…or a brownie. She’s a sweetie who loves sweets (like her Lovie!).
#13: Kensington will try anything. In middle school, she played every sport and cheered too. She doesn’t care about being the best, she just wants to be with her friends and have fun at the same time.
#14: I love that she has had the same best friend since her best friend’s birth (just 6 months after hers). Just Saturday afternoon, we came home and Mades asked me who was laughing so hard. I went upstairs and it was Kensington and Ebby Lee laughing hysterically in my office. It is really pretty darn awesome that they’re best friends.
#15: Kensington loves listening to records and has grown quite a collection. I think it’s awesome that among her many records are artists like Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.
#16: This girl is her own person. She has her own thoughts and opinions, her own ideas…she is not easily swayed or influenced. She is strong and strong willed and her dad and I could not love that about her more.
Happy birthday to our Kensington! We are oh so proud to call her ours. xx
Beth Knecht says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! 🎈
She was so little when I started following; I can’t believe how time goes by!
Caroline says
Wow. I’ve been a reader since she was in kindergarten (I think??) Hope she had a fun day!
Kara says
Happy 16th to your girl! As I put my sweet 5 year old to bed last night, I prayed for you as I’m sure she took her first solo drive! 🩷 it is so bittersweet how fast they grow up! 🥰
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, there is really nothing sweeter you can say to me. I am so very grateful for your prayers. Sending YOU and your sweet five year old so much love. xx
Elspeth says
I can’t believe she’s 16! Thank you for sharing your life and hers with your readers!
Happy sweet 16!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Glad she had a great day!! I can’t wait to see what her experience is!! I remember when she was still in a stroller 😭
Alysa says
Happy Sweet 16 Kensington!! I loved reading 16 things about her. I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog since she was a toddler, and now I have my own toddler 🥹 Time sure does fly.
Erika Slaughter says
AWWWW!!!! I LOVE all the baby pics you shared today! I hope K had THE BEST day yesterday! You nailed it with your list! My FAVORITE thing about this girl of yours is her jokes! She is FUNNY! I’m going to be READY at my house this week for her to pick me up and drive me somewhere!!
Grace says
Happy birthday, Kensington!! My daughter is about to turn 5, and she has many of the same traits. It’s amazing how they turn out to be everything we wanted and so much more than that! I’m just trying to soak it all in!
Traci M says
Happy, happy birthday to your sweet girl!!!
Amy Heinl says
Happiest of birthdays and I can’t wait to see birthday experience you three pick to share together. I love that she wants to be Smith’s Best Man….lol. she is a happy well adjusted young lady who is so talented. Can’t wait to see her path as she moves forward in life
Nicole says
So much sweetness in one post. Happy Birthday Kensington!!
ALLISON says
Happy birthday, Kensington! Wow – time FLIES!!
Katrina Goodman says
Happy birthday, Kensington! I loved your sixteen facts! I got teary eyed reading this thinking that my twelve year old girl will be sixteen before I know it!! She looked so grown up going to school today!
Natalie Alvarado says
Happy Sweet 16 to your girl! She is beautiful! 🩷
Rita says
Happy Birthday Kensington.
Pamela Garrett says
I have been reading your blog since Kensington and Smith were little and this hits me hard too 🤣 She is beautiful and sounds like a wonderful young woman. I hope she had best birthday!
Debbie Hibbert says
Such a beautiful person! Happy Birthday to Kensington🎉💞🗼
Jennifer P. says
What a truly beautiful post about such a beautiful daughter. As a long time reader, I feel like we’ve watched her grow up. Blessing for a wonderful 16th year!
Lauren says
Happy 16th to your beautiful girl!!! I can’t believe she’s 16!! 🩷🎉
SS says
Happy Birthday!!! How exciting for all of you!!
Now my momma advice… Be careful on those roads!! My Grandpa always told me never swerve to miss an animal in the road, that’s how you end up hurt yourself. I have always listened to that advice and told our own drivers the same. (He is right so many people hurt or worse because of swerving for an animal). Now you get to see it. Lol.
Have fun during your 16th year and many more!!! Thanks for allowing your momma to still allow us into a small part of your teen life!!!
Sheaffer says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! This has been the fastest 16 years of my life! How in the world are you and Carter 16????? I’m so happy to have had a front row seat to watch you grow!
Jami Romano says
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl! She sounds like someone people just love to be around and that is the best gift ever.
XOXO
Julie says
Well now that I’m a blubbery mess, ready to start my Monday! Happy Birthday Kensington!! 🩷🥳
sandi says
Like many other readers, I have watched your kids grow up on the blog. I’m not sure if it was a book post or a recipe that led me to your blog many many years ago. It was long before Madeley became a part of your family and could have been around the time Ashby joined your crew. Either way, Happy Birthday to Kensington! Stay strong in the Lord and let Him direct your path. His way is the best way… there will be many missteps that trip you up, but the path back is full of grace and redemption.
Our youngest turned 16 in April and that one was a big one for me. You say it all the time, babies don’t keep. The days are long but the years are really short.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you Sandi. Your contributions, encouragement and insight here always bless me. xx
Kate says
Happy birthday Kensington! I have loved watching her grow up ❤️
Amy Branderhorst says
Happy Sweet 16th Kensington!! So fun to read things about her! My baby has her 16th birthday on Thursday and I am not sure how I’m going to handle it… Love watching my kids grow up into who God created them to be but at the same time would love to freeze life for just a bit 🙂
Have a great week!
Kelly says
Happy birthday Kensington!
Mary Arredondo says
Happy birthday Kensington! I’ve been reading your blog since she was so little. So fun seeing her grow up!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Happy Sweet Sixteen Miss Kensington! It’s been so fun to see you grow and change on your mom’s blog. I hope you have the best year ever! God bless you sweet girl 🙏🩷🎉
Faith says
Happy sweet sixteen! Sounds like she takes after both mom and dad……except in the sweets department. I can’t wait to hear what her birthday experience is!
Lisa Elliott says
Happy Sweet 16!!
Erin Blum says
Happy birthday Kensington! I cannot believe I’ve practically watched her grow up!! My daughter is turning 16 at the end of October. Time is a thief!
Marie Williams says
Did you know there is a Gilmore Girls Advent Calendar 👍 I’ll send the link if I can find it again. I saw it and thought how cute but my daughter never watched it. Happy Birthday to your beautiful Kensington 🎉🎂🎈
Mix and Match Mama says
No?! I need to order one STAT!! Please please send me the link if you find it!
Erica Hauser says
I saw this one recently and plan to buy for my Gilmore Girls loving daughter.
https://m.dodorado.com/products/gilmore-girls–the-official-advent-calendar?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=120211701686810098&utm_campaign=Conversions_%E5%90%89%E5%B0%94%E6%91%A9%E5%A5%B3%E5%AD%A9%E9%99%8D%E4%B8%B4%E6%97%A5%E5%8E%86_rado_wangyuting_240911_lian-shi%20-%20asc%20addd%20-bbbb%20Campaign%20%E9%82%93%E7%8E%89%E5%A9%B72%20Campaign&utm_term=120211701686830098&utm_content=120211701686820098&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0BMAABphwo_9qmP2CHPzZwLD-BqGe4lds12lV_gzoZ6_hcFxc4xHEoMkQbQ2v9aQ_aem_hQ0miTocpsVZGVJfSTV6Rg&campaign_id=120211701686830098&ad_id=120211701686820098&variant=864546567284695042
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you SO much!!!
Michelle Etheridge says
Happy birthday!! I have enjoyed watching her grow up on your blog.
K.K. says
It’s so fun to “watch” your kids grow up over years here on this blog! I’m also a little bit in disbelief. Kensington, happy, happy day! You have so many reasons to be proud of her, and how cool that you get to see her faith take off as well.
Stephanie Snyder says
Happy sweet 16! And happy 16 years of parenting! She is beautiful, inside and out, and it’s been a joy to see her grow up over the years as you have shared life on the blog. 🩷🩷🩷
Dianna says
Happy sweet 16 Kensington! Crazy how an internet stranger has also watched her grow up! I’ve been here for 10 years and have loved every minute😂
Marian says
Happy Birthday to sweet Kensington! Enjoy all the moments!
Julie Kitchens says
Happy BIrthday Kensington!! Love watching her grow. She is beautiful!
Jess Wade says
Happy 16th Kensington! I’m not a Mom, but I’m a proud Aunt and my niece and Kensington were born on the same day. I’m sure I’ve posted comments in previous years about this. We celebrated my niece Kacyn’s 16th yesterday and it was wonderful. My brother (her dad) and I lost our Dad on the 6th after battling Parkinson’s, so it’s been a rough few weeks. And they debated about even having a family party but we all decided it was what we needed. And it really was! The years go by SO fast!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Jess, I am just so sorry for your loss. I am so so very sorry. Please know I’m sending your entire family a lot of love right now and wishing your niece the best and happiest year. xx
GiGi says
Jess Wade, just said a prayer for you and your family. I lost my daddy to Parkinson’s 20 years ago in October, so I felt a kinship reading your post. The grief still sneaks up and grabs me every once in a while. My brother now suffers from a chronic illness with Parkinson-like symptoms. I too do not have children but have nieces and nephews that I love dearly.
Kristy says
Happy Birthday Kensington! What a treasure these words are for her. Well done celebrating and loving her!
Laci says
Sweet 16 to Kensington! My daughter started driving this month too and it hit me with all the emotions!
Elizabeth S says
What an amazing young woman! Its someone like Kensington that give me hope for our future generation. Happiest of birthdays to your sweet girl!
Melanie Countryman says
Happy Sweet 16 Kensington!
Watch out for those CRAZY drivers!
Bee Safe!!
Nancy says
Happy birthday Kensington!
Angela says
Happy Sweet 16 Kensington!!!!! 🥳🎂🌸
You are beautiful & we’ve loved watching you grow up!!!! Keep shining for Jesus & know that God has great plans for you!!!✨
Jessica says
How is she 16th? Augh….. I think I starting following you when she was 6… so she’s forever 6 in my head.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
Grace says
What a wonderful post today! I teared up a little reading it because it is so sweet! Thank you for sharing. Happy Sweet Sixteen to Kensington!
Dawn Engle says
Happy birthday Sweet Kensington!!! Ah…I remember my daughter’s Sweet !6! Such a fun time in all of your lives but a bit “sad” too as they grow up so fast! Enjoy your trip when you go!
SC says
Happy Sweet 16, Kensington!! Ahh I cannot imagine her being funny with a straight face because she always has a big smile on ;))
Marisa Patel says
Happy Birthday to beautiful Kensington!!! My middle turned 16 in March and it hit me very hard, it seems like just yesterday she came into my life and made it so much brighter!
Gina Luebke says
She is a beautiful girl and it sounds like that’s both inside and out! Happy sweet 16 Kensington!! 🎉🎂🥳🎁
Beth Valenta says
Happy birthday Kensington! I can’t wait to hear where your experience will be! Enjoy this time. 🙂
joanna says
Happy Birthday, Kensington!! How has time gone SO fast? Your kiddos were so little when I first started reading your blog and so was mine. Sounds like a perfect bday weekend 🙂
Heather says
Happy Birthday to Sweet Kensington! I remember you posting her Pumpkin Patch party and it doesn’t seem that long ago🎃
Kathy says
I was my brother’s best man…and he’s 14 years younger than I am…so I was kind of OLD! It was wonderful.
Jill says
Happy 16th Birthday! 🥳
Jenny N says
Happiest of birthdays to your sweet Kensington! Those babies grow up in the blink of an eye….enjoy every moment!!
Maryann says
Happy Sweet 16th Birthday to Kensington! I have enjoyed following along on your blog for many years. She is beautiful! I feel like I, too, can’t believe she is 16 (haha!)
Keisha Dawson says
Happy, happy birthday to your Kensington! I can’t believe she is 16! I have been following you since she was 4 or 5.
Stephanie Platt says
Happy 16th birthday to your sweet girl.
Alicia Black says
I started following you when she was little, and she is the same age as my twins, who turned 16 last month. It is so crazy how fast time flies. Happy birthday Kensington!
Leslie Wilcox says
What a beautiful birthday tribute. XXOO
Cathy Perez says
Happy Birthday Kensington! Shay your daughter is such a lovely young lady, you have done on awesome job!
Kelsee says
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
Addy Robinson says
why did the picture with the ketchup tear me up?! my son is about to turn 3 and I constantly feel nostalgia for the present, anticipatory nostalgia, a feeling of longing for the present moment while it’s still happening. the time with them really goes by so, so quickly and they are the greatest blessing this side of heaven!!
did she get a car?!
I don’t remember if this was a find from you but it’s really cute!! alone or over a button up shirt -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN6TQCYG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Jeanne says
Happy Birthday to a smart, talented, confident girl! We see the beauty from the outside but he 16 “facts” about her help us see the beauty on the inside. I can’t imagine how hard it to be a teenage girl these days. Good job Dad & Mom!
Rhonda Nichols says
Such a sweet and beautiful young lady! Happy birthday to her!
Yvonne says
Happy 16th Birthday Kensington! May God’s blessings shine down on you, hope you have a beautiful day!!!
P.S, I hope you are Smith’s “best women” too!
Brooke says
My oldest daughter will be 16 next month! My momma heart is feeling all the things along with you. Happy birthday to your girl!
Michelle Kornfeld says
Happy Sweet 16!! I love that she picked an experience with you both as her present, that is so sweet. Most girls want big sweet 16 parties. I understand the sweets thing, you can have my steak and I’ll have your ice cream sundae.
Patty says
Kensington makes 16 seem like a walk in the park. She’s the full package!
As a mom of three (now adult) daughters and two granddaughters (twins), I can tell you that each stage of their lives just keeps getting better and better. I loved every single year, but being friends with adult children is amazing! Enjoy every season.
Katie Stewart says
Kensington and my oldest, Ava, have so many things in common! Happy sweet sixteen, Kensington!
Robyn Beers says
Happy Birthday, Kensington!
Lori Whittington says
Happy Happy sweet 16th birthday! Did she get a car? Be safe and never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly!
Mix and Match Mama says
Be safe is right! I’m already so nervous. We gave her Andrew’s car, so yes, she has her own car now which she is so excited about 🙂 .
MelanieL says
Happy Sweet 16, Kensington! Enjoy everything!! I think someone commented last week that 16 is a turning point for us parents and boy is that ever a true statement. They’re gone more (without us), working, etc. it changes a lot of the dynamic but these are the best of times too.
Liz Thorson says
Happy, Happy Birthday to your precious, 1st born! I have loved following her journey since she and Smith were little ones! Here’s to Kensington, her dear, lucky parents, sibs and all who love her!
Lauren says
Happy Birthday!!! She’s so beautiful! Did she get a car for her birthday? How were you guys able to pick which one to get her? Would you mind sharing what you chose for her? It’s such a big decision!!
Mix and Match Mama says
She is going to drive Andrew’s car, and he got a new car. She is VERY excited! She got her license and is off!! Now, I have even more to worry about as a mom though…
GiGi says
Happy birthday to your beautiful Kensington. I loved seeing all the pictures of her and reading all about her. I too feel like I have watched her grow up here on your blog and seeing her on The Bachelor. I pray she continues to be the same loveable girl she is now throughout her high school and college years. She is someone I would have loved to have as a friend! I pray for her safety too as she starts driving! Thanks for sharing her with us!
Katherine says
Those are some wonderful 16 characteristics to describe your beautiful Kensington! Sounds like she had a really fun birthday weekend! Looking forward to hearing what she chose for her birthday “experience”!
~B~ says
Already so looking forward to seeing what experience you do – what a beautiful gift she asked for and especially for you and Andrew! Happy 16th to Kensington!
Natasha says
I hope Kensington had the best day and I love the idea of an experience with mom and dad as a gift. So much fun for all of you! My oldest turns 16 in March and I just don’t know how the years have gone so fast…!
Susan McKain says
Beautiful post. Happy Sweet 16, Kensington!
🎂🌻🍁
Katie Compton says
I hope your sweet 16yr old had the most magical day! It’s been so fun and such a joy to see K grow into such a beautiful young lady… inside and out!
Yesterday morning was one of many senior year moments for my girl… senior pictures! Seeing her so happy and enjoying her little photoshoot in the flower field and sunshine just as she had imagined in her head, made my momma heart so happy. The photographer sent us a couple sneak peeks and her reaction was “Oh my goodness, stop
it right now!!” Exactly what I was thinking. Ha!
Megan Perkins says
Happy birthday to Kensington!🎉🎉
Paula says
Happy SWEET 16 to your precious Kensington! I hope she had the best day. It is such a joy getting a sneak peak of your kiddos grow up. They are all uniquely lovely. I am praying for this new season with a driver. With my son at 19 now, I not sure it gets easier with worry, the prayers just change. So, I join with you in prayer for a wedge of protection as she drives.
Darcy says
I absolutely love this post and precious pictures! I moved my oldest child into college over the weekend, which felt like something looming all summer, but ended up being such a special time of fun, excitement and overall happiness! So thankful! As I was getting ready for work this morning that “Blink” song by Revive came on and I just started crying. So important to enjoy each day with the children we have been blessed with….which you model so well! Cheers to birthdays!
Kerry Lynn Pozzi says
Happy Birthday to sweet Kensington. I feel like I’ve been able to watch her grow up through your blog. She is such a beauty and is looking more and more like you as the years pass.