Happy happy THURSDAY, friends!
I have so many random things to say in this one little post starting with this quote I saw on Pinterest…
I just really, really, really love that quote.
It is a blessing to “share my energy” with all of you and to receive yours in return. I feel that EVERY SINGLE DAY, but I must say, yesterday, I felt it extra.
You guys, that comment section was nothing short of E-P-I-C. I am still laughing about it.
By the time you’re reading this post, Andrew and I will be at Kensington’s high school pep rally. Last night, Ashby had a choir concert and then we went straight to Kensington’s game to watch her cheer. This morning, we have her pep rally, and then tonight, Smith will play football, and it’s nothing short of running around like crazy…but geez, I feel so incredibly blessed to do it.
My family has been playing a lot of “this time last year…” recently. It was last fall when Andrew and I were sitting on the patio one minute and then the next, he’s in the hospital parking lot holding our friend who is wailing, and I’m in the ER standing next to her body with the doctor explaining to me that they did all they could for her, and he’s sorry for my loss.
And then yesterday, I went to the funeral of a young mom of four in our community who recently lost her battle with cancer.
I am trying really, really, really hard to be present and appreciate all of these crazy, hectic, joy-filled, chaotic moments with my family because I know those two women don’t get the privilege of doing those things with their families any more.
So needless to say, I’m soaking up my October days with my family, and here are just a few pics to prove it…
I snapped this picture on Saturday morning. After YEARS of “Friday Fun Nights” (when the kids all pile into our room and sleep on the floor), we’re down to one. We have one kiddo left who still thinks it’s fun to make a big comfy spot in our room, watch a show with us and sleep on the floor. The days are long, but the years are certainly short.
On Saturday afternoon, the Shull Six made our annual trek to downtown McKinney for Oktoberfest!
This is one of my FAVORITE things to do in McKinney, TX each year.
We just love our little downtown square.
Geez, I love these boys.
She has become obsessed with blowing bubbles 🙂 .
This mama loves any reason for the six of us to spend time together.
Several years ago, I told you that my New Year’s Resolution was to make friends in my neighborhood and guess what? It’s happened! I now have the SWEETEST group of friends, and it has been so much fun to get to know them better over these last few years.
One day this week, one of my sweet friends dropped off…
…amazing fall candles on many of our porches just because. Isn’t that the sweetest?!
Because I’m in a reflective state this week, I told my family that we were going to make October 1st a holiday. I mean, why not?!
We started the day…
…with a birthday breakfast at Starbucks for the October babies. Everyone else was either already at school or still asleep, so the two of us went and celebrated the fact that we were both having birthdays that month.
Later that night, I made my EASY BAKED MEATBALLS for dinner, and we watched The Addams Family and then…
…I turned one of my bundt cakes into a PUMPKIN SPICE POKE CAKE 🙂 .
You can see the easy recipe HERE.
Okay friends, I am off for the day! We have a pep rally, a game and lots of life to celebrate in between.
Sending you so much love this October 3rd! xx
Kristen Thompson says
Wow I am so sorry for your losses. It’s so hard to stay positive when such tragedy is going on in your life and all over the world but your positive attitude even in sad times is so nice to see and you spread joy through this space!! Thank you for that!
Dana P says
I didn’t have a chance to reply yesterday, but that post certainly got my blood boiling while simultaneously brought me great comfort! 😆
I agree on really living and appreciating those around us. I woke up to news that a (long distance) friend of mine who was battling breast cancer for the second time suddenly went to be with Jesus. Broke my heart because I’ve meant to reach out to her nearly every day for the last several weeks. What a reminder to follow those little promptings to reach out and remind someone I’m thinking of and praying for them. 💜
Dawn Timmons says
Shay,
You do an awesome job of making the most of your moments. By your example, you remind us to do the same. Your faith, family, friends, fellowship, food, fitness, and flying off to so many fun places are clearly all priorities in your life. Thank you for setting that example.
First year anniversaries are so difficult.
I will be praying with you for your friends who had a loss a year ago and now this family who most recently suffered a loss too. Prayers continue for Andrew’s back recovery also. Thank you for being you and reminding us to make the most of our moments today. ❤️
Elspeth says
What a wonderful reflection of life and the importance of living in the moment! Thank you for sharing!
Happy October!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Natasha says
Our friend, and pastor, died suddenly this summer, and my husband and I are sitting here with our two teenagers (who, I swear, were JUST toddlers), and yeah, life is so freaking short. Life is a different kind of busy with teens but trying to remember to breathe and enjoy it feels even more important these days.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. So freaking short. xx
Laura says
The “one kiddo left” on Friday Fun Nights got me! 😭 My littles ask me to do a sleepover in their room all the time. I usually say no, but maybe we should figure something out…
Kelly Sites says
I’m so sorry for all of the loss- how terrible and hard. I’m struggling this week as I was just randomly in Asheville, NC during the hurricane at a debrief for my work (Samaritan’s Purse) and we had 50 of us stranded. The devastation was hard and continues to be a challenge for all of my co-workers who live and work in Boone, NC. A bunch of disaster response workers, now finding ourselves in disaster ourselves. I felt my funk- so went for a long long walk in the woods yesterday with my dog, and stayed away from heavy news. That really helps me. I’m also reading Psalms as part of my read through the Bible in a year. God’s love and compassion never fails. Hang in there. I agree- life is short and enjoy the moments.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, I cannot even imagine the heartache you’ve gone through and witnessed. I am just so sorry you’ve been in this. Kelly, you are always so sweet and encouraging to me here each day, and I will be praying for YOU now too.
lisa fagin says
Shay, this post is why I love your blog so much. If I had to describe it to someone I would say it’s about finding the joy in your life and your family and in the simple every day crazy that comes with it. My kids are grown now but I look back and think, did i enjoy it enough in those moments? I appreciate you and your example that in every stage of life there is joy to be found. I’m very sorry for you losses. I lost a dear friend when she was 36 and it forever changed the way i look at aging. It’s very much a privilege 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. It is a privilege!!
Bev says
It will be so interesting to see how many of traditions your children will take into adulthood that they have grown up with. I’m guessing many! You have given them all a wonderful life. 💞
Kim Harrigan says
The days are long but the years are short has never been a truer statement. Enjoy your babies. Make a holiday just because!
Kara says
We all have “things” in our lives that make it hard but I can’t express to you enough how encouraging you are to this community. I am facing an upcoming bilateral knee surgery (30 years in the making so I feel Andrew!) but when I read your blog, I am always reminded to make the most of every day and enjoy my babies/husband.. you are such a special person in this world and I hope everyone can find some joy in each day.. even the hard ones! 🙂
Grace says
Thank you for sharing your more reflective notions with us!! It’s what makes all of the other stuff worth it! I’m going to start implementing “fun Friday nights” too! When the kids are small, you relish normalcy and getting sleep, but little by little I am realizing that I will very soon be missing the commotion. We have to soak it in! And I am so on board for making Oct. 1 a holiday! It’s my birthday!!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!! I am so happy you are doing Fun Friday Nights too!!
Melissa Riley says
Hi, How is K doing with her Celiac stuff? Can she eat whatever she wants?
Thanks Melissa
Mix and Match Mama says
She’s doing really really well!
Whitney says
It has been a heavy week! NC native and my heart is just breaking seeing what the hurricane did to the mountains💔 Bright spot is that our state is rallying around that community!
I’m also turning 40 in 10 days so all sorts of emotions but just so thankful to turn another year older💜💜💜
Paula Nichols says
Shay, I’m so very sorry for your losses. Life proves just how short it truly is here on earth, over and over. I love how you find joy in the daily!!
Elizabeth S says
How did you get to know your neighbors? I basically know my neighbors but wouldn’t say they are a friend group. I am interested at my age to go about building a new friend group.
Mix and Match Mama says
I had to make an effort and some things were “hits” and others were “misses”. I started inviting women to lunch or to my house for a drink/coffee…things like that. I also got involved with our HOA a bit more (Andrew has always been involved, so I thought that was enough for our family, but it wasn’t enough for me to really get to know people). I helped organize a holiday party and went to some HOA meetings…I just got out there, and it really, really worked.
Kacey says
You sure know how to make a girl tear up before breakfast! Thank you for sharing your days, good and bad. You inspire me so much and consistently remind me to make the most out of each day, live in the moment, and try my best to always have a positive outlook. I’m so grateful for you and this community you’ve created around you. Praying for your community, those sweet moms and their families & friends. xoxo
kesha says
Everyday in October should be a holiday! Lol! Octoberfest looks so much fun! What great memories!
Lisa D says
I am sitting here early this morning with coffee and my gratitude journal, as I do every morning. I am blessed to have family visiting and to have my health back. A year ago I was recovering from cancer surgery. I am so thankful to be “cancer free” now. My Dad passed away earlier this year and I feel the loss every single day. So yes, this year has been hard for so many.
“Count your blessings, name them one by one” as that lovely old hymm says. That is something we can all do even with tears in our eyes.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so so so happy to hear that you are cancer free now! Sending you so much love as we close out this year. xx
Janice says
Well of course October 1 is a holiday. It’s my birthday!
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday!!
Susan Jeffries says
There is so much tragedy in the world currently. It’s nice to come to this place and feel uplifted and hopeful. As a mom of an only child who is an adult now, your time with your babies at home goes very quickly. Enjoy every moment God gives you with them(:
Jessica Nothum says
This time last year is a hard game to not play! Whether for good things or sad things.
Sandra Roberts says
After reading the first part of your post, I have a heart filled with gratitude. I don’t want to take any of this life for granted. You put a few things into perspective for me this Thursday morning. If you ever question what this blog means, please know that on random days you post exactly what a lot of us need to read. Thank you.
Katherine says
The days are long but the years are short is the most accurate quote of all time! I felt it when I had children at home, but still feel that way at times depending on the quality of my workday. The older I get the faster these years go. It feels like yesterday I was just turning 40, yet 18 years has flown by! Those, like yourself, that can appreciate and cherish the small moments as much as possible are the ones that know true joy.
Grace says
Hey Shay! I opened your blog post this morning and saw that wonderful quote. It reminds me of a bible verse in regards to guarding your heart. Some may think that it applies to a partner that one may fall in love with, but it was explained to me a little differently and has always stayed with me. How it was explained was summed up with that quote above. It is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Faith Kapp says
So sorry to hear of the losses this past year. Life is very short indeed. I live in North Carolina and the devastation of Helene is just a few hours away. As you may recall, Asheville and Blowing Rock were on the top places to visit in the Fall. We have many memories of going ourselves. So many people have lost everything. Many lives lost and that area is closed indefinitely.
I heard a story/interview with a mom who watched her 7 year old son get washed away when their house collapsed in the storm. He was calling out to Jesus. I cannot even imagine what that was like. Such a testimony of their faith. His name is Micah.
Thank you for bringing joy and happiness to my mornings. I look forward to reading your blog each day. Enjoy the family time! There is so much to be thankful for in the midst of all the bad.
Mix and Match Mama says
There are no words. That is just devastating. Devastating. My heart has been so very heavy for the people affected. It’s just devastating.
Paula McKaughan says
Prayers for your family and friends as you remember it all like it was yesterday. It’s just never easy when we suffer loss from this side of Heaven, but man ole’ man isn’t it awesome knowing how amazing it must be on the other side…? Thank you as always for the sweet reminder to hug our loved ones just a little tighter. xoxo
Roberta Schwandner says
Life is precious and it has so much more meaning the older you get when the death of friends and family are more frequent.
A Vindel says
This is a great reminder to cherish every moment! I have 2 teenagers and try to remember to enjoy every moment even when it seems chaotic running from one sport or activity to another.
Laci says
Life is so SHORT!
Becky S says
Oh goodness, this post made me tear up! I got divorced last year–the kids (3 kids, ages 9-14) and I had to move out of hour home. I was a mostly a stay-at-home mom. I have full physical custody. It’s a lot. It’s been a tough, tough year, but also wonderful. I am able to form a close bond with my kids and found a job that allows me to still be there for my kids (most of the time)and it covers the bills;-) I usually am able to focus on the positive, but this past week I was ‘feeling sorry’ for myself. However, I was at work last night and my co-worker/friend told me that her dear friend (whom I also know) husband died from cancer. They have 5 children ages 3-18. It put in perspective of how blessed I am to raise my children–even on the most stressful days (even when I am yelling at my kids as to where all the scissors went;-) yesterdays post made me laugh so hard). Soak up the time with your kids!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, you have been/are going through so much, and yet, you have such a wonderful perspective. I am sending YOU so much love! I’m also thinking about that precious family who just lost someone too. xx
Anneka says
Yesterday was my October baby’s birthday and we so much fun celebrating her. She’s my passionate firecracker and has been looking forward to it for months!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Shay I’m right with you about getting to know my neighbors. I am building a new home that will be done in January and in my “new life” my husband and I want to really know our neighbors, which we only know a few since moving to Phoenix 7 years ago. I can’t wait to host a happy hour and a ladies coffee time. If you have any other fun ideas shoot me an email! 🩷🎉
Aimee says
I agree with you – soak it all up! The years go by SOOOO quickly. Enjoy every second! 🙂
K.K. says
It seems more and more of this happens as we hit our 40s… I know that’s just part of it, but it is certainly not easy. It is very helpful in ensuring what is actually important in life – and what is not.
Hope you have the most October-y Thursday!
Kristy says
I’m so sorry for your losses. Everyday is a miracle just hits differently. Maybe it makes those annoying things they steal easier to smile at. 😉
And I’m moving into a new neighborhood this weekend. Make friends is on my list of goals.
Lisa Elliott says
Wow – I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend.
Marisa Patel says
This is the 1-year mark since my FIL passed and then a month later my husband’s BFF died in a motorcycle accident. I also realized that anything can happen without warning and that I need to learn to enjoy the chaos. On a brighter note, we enjoyed Saturday afternoon at Oktoberfest. My aunt was in town visiting my mom so we took them with us and everyone had a wonderful time. I have printed the pumpkin spice poke cake recipe and hope to make it this weekend!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am just so so sorry. That is a lot of loss at one time. xx
Lisa says
So sorry for your loss
Bridget Reich says
I really feel this post! My brother passed away unexpectedly about a month ago. I have definitely been trying to live life to the fullest as well.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, I am just so, so sorry for your loss.
Kerry says
I’ve been following you since your bigs were littles and it makes my momma heart sad that the Friday Fun Nights has come down to one little. The saying “the days are long but the years are short” is so incredibly true. My only is a Senior in college and boy the years went by once she hit Junior High.
Morgan Morrell says
Thank you for always encouraging me to spend more time with my family and make memories!
Jennifer says
Someone who can stay positive and strong even through life’s difficulties is such a blessing to others. Thanks for your example, Shay. It has totally helped me.
Stephanie Snyder says
As my dad says, attitude is everything. Your attitude of gratitude, even through life’s toughest hits, blesses and inspires so many. Hence having loyal, avid readers for years and years! Thank you!
My 9 and 6 year old boys are on a bubble blowing kick, so Madeley cracked me up. They also are into sleepovers in my room. You reminded me to enjoy it rather than focus on the extra work and mess it creates.
Praying for the families of the friends you have lost. A reminder we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so today matters. Happy October!
Deena says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend last year and feel for her family also. My dad died suddenly when I was a newlywed so that one really touches my heart.
I keep hoping we’ll be able to go to Octoberfest in McKinney one year. It always looks so fun. Enjoy all the kid events!
Karah Stracener says
I am so sorry for your losses. Life is oh so short and I am really trying to savor this season of life. My kids are growing up before my eyes and I have to remind myself to enjoy the little moments. Thank you for being reflective. Thank you for always being a bright light and being your true self on here. I appreciate it more than you know. I am also still laughing over yesterday’s post and all the comments.
Anya Knudson says
Sending a virtual deep breath and a hug from a friend you’ve never met. I love this quote by L.R. Knost – “Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living – heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” It’s just so true. Thank you for being brave enough to share the heartbreaking parts of life with us. We’re all in this together.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that quote so much! Thank you for sharing it. xx
Sarah says
I love that quote from Pinterest!
You are an amazing example of staying positive even during the rough patches!
Jennifer Bourquin says
Simple joys are the best.
Katie Meldrum says
I have always thought that both Smith and Kensington were great mixes of you and Andrew, but by golly, Smith is growing up and looking like a CARBON COPY of you, Shay! I also think the older Kensington gets, she favors Andrew quite a bit. Both beautiful kids, for sure. Ashby and Mades are both lil beauties as well.
Deb says
That quote spoke to me – it is a great reminder. I am going to print and frame it for my bedroom so I see it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I feel my husband and I do a pretty good job of making the most of our moments, but it will give extra encouragement on the rainy, cold mornings that come with fall.
I am so sorry about both of your friends. I lost my mom at a young age and it breaks my heart for those families. Prayers for them and for you.
Deb says
That quote really spoke to me. I try to make the most of every day, but it is a great reminder. I am going to print/frame it for my bedroom as encouragement on the rainy/cold days that come with fall.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friends. I lost my mother at an early age and my heart breaks for both those families. Prayers for the families and for you.
Pat says
Thank you for reminding me to enjoy every moment with loved ones.
Lisa says
Thank you for this gentle reminder that joy can be found in all the moments. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friends. My dad was recently diagnosed with lewy body dementia and I feel like he’s fading away from me day by day, and I didn’t have enough warning. And as hard as it is for my brother, me and my kids, who call him PopPop, it’s 100 times harder for my mom. I’ve been trying to treasure every moment and accept the new normal. Thank you again for the reminder. Your blog is like a warm hug from a friend.
Keisha Dawson says
I’m so sorry for the losses you have been experiencing. The last year has most definitey taught me to soak up all of the small things each and every day. We never know when it will be ours or a loved ones last day!
Julie says
Such a beautiful family! 💛
Katie H. says
Most days I feel I am in the trenches with raising my two daughters (ages 2 and 4), working full time in a school as an SLP, trying to find time with my husband, along with all the other things life throws our way. But then I come to your blog as I have for many years (when your kids were little) and am reminded how fast it goes. You always put a positive spin on hard circumstances. Thank you for being a bright spot on the internet.
Misty says
I am so sorry for you loss!
I feel exactly the same way about soaking it all in. I am a mom of 6, and even though we are constantly running to some sort of sporting event or school activity we are trying to soak it in. Starting this year for the next 5 we have a senior(s), so they are quickly going to be starting a new path of their own. It takes a village, and I appreciate you and this platform you share on daily to help us all know that we are not alone.
Sara Mayo says
You are an inspiration to us!! Love your blog! Can’t believe you are so tiny!! Smith and Kensington tower over you!😉beautiful family!! You are doing a great job!!
Lancaster says
It’s great to see the “man child” in the photos!! I know he usually denies all photo ops!
Soak it allll in!! It goes by so fast…you blink and all of a sudden you have a 19yo in college 🙂
Brandy S. says
I love watching your kiddos grow up. It’s been such a joy. It’s definitely hard to live in the moment for me right now. Life has felt crushing lately but I hold on to the hope that joy comes in the morning. Happy October!
Dana Jackson says
Goodness…the one Friday Fun Nights left got me!! They grow up so fast! I had my daughter get married last year and now my son is getting married in two weeks!! Each season has its own blessings and I love watching my adult children grow but sometimes I miss those days of babies and little ones!!
~B~ says
I’m so incredibly sorry for the loss of your friends, Shay. In my mid 50’s and have lost some of the dearest people in my life. I try and work hard to honor one of my dearest friends in the moments I am here/have been here for that she is not. Graduations, weddings, babies being born. But then also the day-to-day moments. Nights at home in comfy clothes, texting and laughing with our kids, enjoying a sunset, a sunrise. So, so blessed. I also smile to myself knowing that she was as honest as they came and on those harder days, no matter how mundane or the seriously hard moments in time, she’d be understanding that too. I’m reminded…I am here and for that, I am fortunate and by living, I can honor her and my other loves ones’ memories. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
Elizabeth Stephens says
I am so sorry about your friend that you lost. It is important to not the granted moments with our family especially as our children grow up. A good friend of mine passed aesy from cancer this summer. She was my age and left behind 3 children. It was a difficult summer and we are honoring her this month for breast cancer awareness. Thank you for sharing your heart on your blog.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I am just so sorry for your loss and your friend’s family. Cancer is just terrible.
Jennifer Speer says
My oldest (of three) went to college this year. I am saoking up all of the memories!
Katie says
I am so very sorry for your losses. There are never words for losing a friend. One of our very best friends, he is family & truly the nucleus of our group, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer at the end of summer. And while this has completely devastated us and shaken us to our core, it has also reminded us all to truly slow down and appreciated every little chaotic bit of our lives. To romanticize our lives. And we are doing it – four ourselves and for Robbie. It reminds me of the way way you live {and have inspired me to do so – I’ve been around since K was a babe}.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, I am just sending so much love to you and especially to Robbie. Praying. I am seriously going to be praying for him and all of you.