Happy happy What’s Up Wednesday!
You guys, is it just me or has February felt long. I saw this on Pinterest and laughed out loud…
…I mean, that really really just sums it up, right? Needless to say, I’m excited about March 😉 .
Okay, today, I have this post and OURA RING PART 2 for our Wellness Wednesday, so make sure you check them both out.
As always, on the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little linky party where we share what’s going on with us right now. It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post.
Before we get to that though…
…you guys, today marks eight years since we’ve said goodbye. Eight years. In some ways, it feels like yesterday and in other ways, it feels like a lifetime ago. I think about my sweet friend Manda every single day, and I live with so much peace knowing that one day, I’ll see her again. Love your people. Life is super super super short.
Okay, here we go…
On Sunday night, I made…
…CHEESY RANCH TACOS when we got home from Austin.
On Monday night, I had dinner out with some of my girlfriends.
On Tuesday night…
…we had PULLED PORK RICE BOWLS and tonight, I’m going to make…
Being in Austin over the weekend had me reminiscing about…
…the first road trip Erika and I took with all eight kids!
You guys, my heart can hardly take it! Look how sweet they all were! This was almost 7 years ago when we took them on a road trip to Austin…
…stopping at a lot of “Texas” things along the way…
…these pics just melt me.
I thought about that trip many many times over the weekend.
This is our very very busy season at Mix and Match Travel Agency, and we LOVE it! Our clients are returning home from all over the world including places like Mexico…
…Walt Disney World…
…and Japan.
I am so passionate about traveling. I love to travel, and I love to send other people on vacations too. I know you know this, but it truly, truly, truly brings me so much joy. Whether you’re trying to plan a spring break vacation, your summer trip or even something during the fall/holiday season, we want to help! Please contact us today for more information!
Since our plans to visit Nantucket fell through last week (darn weather!), we decided to make Smith’s rowing competition in Austin more of a family affair. Andrew and I had originally planned on just the two of us driving up early early Saturday morning for the race and coming home with Smith on Sunday, but the little girls were free and wanted to go too, so we left after school on Friday and headed down to the capital for two fun nights (Kensington had plans, so she stayed back)…
…because as a Texan, I feel like there really isn’t another option.
On this trip, we even brought our sweet Charlie along too 🙂 .
He enjoyed his time in Austin as well 🙂 .
Due to weather, the race was pushed back on Saturday until later in the afternoon, so we decided to check out The Domain for a little lunch and shopping…
…um, we found an Irish pub with zero personality…
…seriously, I wish they would have made it more festive. 😉
Jack and Ginger’s you were extra special!
We bundled up and walked around The Domain after we ate. It was super cute, thank you all so much for the recommendation!
It was time to head to Lady Bird Lake and watch the race…
…Smith competed in an 8 man boat on Saturday. You guys…
…I find these rowing regattas fascinating. All of the boats and rigging and oars…it’s a massive undertaking to get all of these kids in the water…
…this was a big race, so it was extra fun!
We were cheering loudly as they went by!
Race #1 down!
After that, Smith hung with his team while Andrew, Ashby, Mades and me…
…had dinner at the Iron Cactus.
Sunday morning we were back at the lake for one last race…
…this time, he was in a four man boat. After he raced and helped load up the boats on the trailers, we had one last meal in Austin…
…at Hopdaddy Burger Bar…
…it was delish! It was a fun little weekend!
Well, what I’m NOT dreading is my hand any longer. I’m actually really really REALLY thankful how well it has healed!
Here it was on January 27th…
…and then here it is on February 25th…
…I am so so SO happy to be on this side of the burn.
BRING. ON. SPRING.
If you missed BOOK CLUB THIS MONTH, please note that in March, we will be reading…
…The Crash by Freida McFadden.
Yesterday, I shared…
…my ways to “hygge” and the amazing book I read all about it. You can see that blog post HERE. This will also be one of the books I review in the upcoming FEBRUARY BOOK REVIEW post. Stay tuned for that!
And this week, I watched…
…which was just so unbelievably sad.
Madeley is OBSESSED. She’s in her Annie era. I feel like all I do is listen to this soundtrack. Her school is putting this play on, and Mades has a part and well, it’s a hard knock life listening to it over and over and over again over here 😉 .
A little bit of everything…
…I bought these little Vuori ankle pants and love them! They’re like an athletic pant that looks like a “real” pant. I bought black, but they do come in several other colors. I wore it with THIS TEE and MY NIKES and felt more pulled together than in regular “athleticwear”.
When I went to dinner with my friends on Monday night (we talked so much about our sweet Manda!), I wore THIS SWEATER. It is on sale right now and also comes in other colors.
And yesterday’s OOTD…
…my SWEATER (feels like a sweatshirt!) is on sale and comes in other colors + JEANS + MY SLIPPERS 😉 .
It’s the annual cheer banquet! This pic is from last year, and I am so so excited to go to this year’s too. Other than the banquet, we don’t have much going on this weekend.
SPRING BREAK!!!!!
I am oh so very ready!
And that wraps up this month’s What’s Up Wednesday! Don’t forget to check out OURA RING PART 2 today too!
If you blogged WUW along with us too, please make sure you link up below!
I hope you all have a WONDERFUL day! I will see you back here tomorrow. Happy happy Wednesday! xx
Emi says
Your poor hand! I’ve wondered how you were doing. So glad it’s mostly healed!! 🙏
Ruth says
Oh my goodness, Shay! That burn on your hand looked so painful. I’m so happy to hear that it has healed up well now.
Elspeth Mizner says
What a month! So glad you had fun in Austin!
Happy Wednesday!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Whitney Greenlee says
Clare planned the best trip to Mexico for us! A fun surprise to wake up and see our pic on my favorite blog 🤗.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU For letting us be a part of your vacation! We are beyond honored.
Kelly says
OH MY GOODNESS- your burn. How painful. Ugh. But it looks fantastic. That is FAST HEALING. Aren’t our bodies so amazing? I’m sorry that happened to you.
I’m assuming your family has watched The Boys in the Boat? Such a great movie.
Mix and Match Mama says
We did! A great movie (and book!).
Erika Slaughter says
Your weekend looks great! And yes-bring on spring!!
Beth Knecht says
Ah! Your poor hand, Shay! I’m so sorry that happened and hope it won’t happen to anyone else. That is such a freak accident and I’m sure it must have hurt so bad!
Sheaffer says
Well now I’m worried about Smith’s arms in addition to his feet!!! WHY isn’t he wearing a hoodie???? So thankful that your burn heeled so nicely (I’m SO surprised). And Manda’s impact on all of us is still so great. She was one of a kind, such a sweet model for how to live out your faith, and she will forever be missed.
Angela says
Oh my, your poor hand!! I am so thankful your burn is healing! I can’t imagine how painful that was! Did the dr recommend a scar reducing ointment or vitamin E oil? It looks like it’s healing so good!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes but he said not yet. He wants it to heal a little more before I start adding any scar cream.
Kristin says
Oh my goodness, I am glad your hand is healing so well. This post makes me want to go back to Austin and EAT! We loved our one visit, but the friends we were with were more in the mode of “let’s eat here, because this is where we are”, while I had researched restaurants that I really wanted to try. But it is definitely a great place to visit.
Eliza says
Good morning ☀️
Your bit about Smith reminds me…has he/you read Boys in the Boat? Incredible true story.
Your hand looks great! Yay for your body’s ability to heal. Thank you, Jesus!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I loved the book and movie!
Alyssa Norman says
Ok weird question. HOW on earth do you keep those Nike shoes ( the cream/ white ones) clean!? I have a similar pair and cannot keep them clean. Maybe it’s just me with 4 small kids I’m getting stepped on/ kicked/ climbing in and out of the car to buckle everyone multiple times a day but man if you have any tips I would love em! HA
Love them though, and love that outfit!
Mix and Match Mama says
Pro tip: a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 🙂 . Works like a charm! (I also find that these wash well too, I just let them air dry)
Paula Hobbs says
Happy Wednesday, Shay! Your hand healed just beautifully! I know you’re happy to be on the flip side of that deal for sure!! Enjoy the rest of your week. 🙂
Stephanie Thomas says
We have a true theater kiddo over here who loves being in all of her shows! We hit as many Broadway shows as possible wherever we can and just saw Annie as it past through here. I have seen about 20-30 shows and honestly this ranks in my top 3 (it was that good)! Boy did it bring me back to my youth. Songs on repeat here also!
Sarah says
Sending love to you and your family at the end of this love month! 🙂
Tara says
Do you ever think about the short and long term repercussions of sharing so much about your kids online? Their activities, interests, health struggles, etc are shared for anyone to read. I would think you would want to protect their privacy for their safety and dignity.
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course. My kids are the first generation of kids whose parents put them online (especially online as a part of being “an influencer”). There is no road map for this. I’ve been blogging since before I was ever even pregnant with Kensington. I know it’s probably hard to believe, but I am more selective than you might think about what I share.
Faith says
Oh my! That burn had to be so painful! I know you have to be so glad it’s better.
K.K. says
So glad your hand is better!! WOW!
And gosh, Manda… It’s amazing how her impact carried so far, yet so many of us never knowing her!! I love how you remember and love her. And what a reunion it will be one day!
So, Smith rowing in Austin brings back a funny memory for me… Some friends and I kayaked in Austin, and we are subpar at it at best, but were having the time of our lives paddling around the river. All of a sudden my ‘kayak mate’ and I hear “ladies in the pink kayak, please clear the waterway…”. It was UT’s rowing team practicing… We paddled so fast while laughing the whole time. Glad we did collide with the “pros”… 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
That is really really funny!
Alison says
Goodness, Shay! That was quite the burn. But you’re right, it is healing up very well. I had something similar happen when I was in high school 20+ years ago. It was horribly painful but I admit, I was grossly fascinated by the changes in my skin as it went through the healing process. 😂
Debbra says
Your hand has healed so great. If you are looking for a clean scar cream, Nemah has one that is really great on all scars.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!
Carly T says
Love Wednesday posts!! Since Smith is a rower- yall should watch “The Boys in the Boat!” – serious but sooo good!
Mix and Match Mama says
We did! We loved it!!
Kacey says
February has flown by over here!! Total opposite! Also watched the Gabby Petito doc over the weekend and my heart just hurts.
Mix and Match Mama says
HURTS.
Amy Rae D. says
I’m so glad your hand is healing. I can’t even imagine how painful that must have been for you.
Dana P says
SHAY!! Your hand looks so painful. I’m so glad it’s doing better. Do you mind sharing how you got it to heal so quickly? The only thing I’ve heard is vaseline and keep it covered. Our daughter had a bad burn as a toddler and I do remember my husband having to rub it or something at night with the gauze. It makes me so squeamish just thinking about it!
Mix and Match Mama says
At first, the doctor prescribed medication but after my two week appointment, it was just Vaseline. I am so thankful it’s healed. The first week was really hard for me to handle as the whole thing was just gross/upsetting to my stomach to watch.
AliJ. says
Isn’t it amazing all the work that goes into the regattas for a short race? My daughter has been rowing for three years now. I always thought her swim meets were a tad crazy but rowing is a whole other world. I do enjoy watching the sport though, and the camraderie with the parents on the team.
Hope Smith and is crew have a good season!
Katie Compton says
So much goodness in this post! I have always found rowing facinating. The coordination, the strength, the way they glide over the water. It’s almost mesmorizing.
My mom, and my 17yr daughter all watched the Gabby Petito doc together this weekend. So heartbreaking, and so very scary. It was good to watch it with my daughter as a way to show the horrible affects of toxic and abusive relationships. Also, his parents were just despicable in my opinion.
Oh Annie! That same 17yr old daughter played the Orphan Duffy in her 6th grade production of Annie and I remember the soundtrack being on repeat. LOL. Fun fact… it almost got cancelled b/c of a freak mid-November snow storm!! Of course there were many puns about “The Sun Will Come out Tomorrow” from my husband. Ha!
Holly C says
Oh my gosh, how beautifully your poor hand healed!! Looks so good… love Austin, such a fun town!
Ashley Lewis says
That burn is literally INSANE. I am SO sorry. 🙁 I hope you let the hotel know what happened so they can always check that the lids on those coffee things are on correctly. I don’t think I’ve ever thought to check if it’s secure before pouring my coffee at hotels/diners/etc. Sending much love to you and your beautiful family!
Katie Hahn says
I still remember adding your sweet friend Manda and her family to my prayer list prior to her passing. It’s always hard to believe how long and short it can feel at the same time when we lose someone we love. My cousin died tragically when he was 14 and I was 18..it’s been 17 years and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. Thank you for sharing her and your friendship.
Have a blessed day!
Jill says
Ouch! That was definitely a bad burn. Glad it has healed so nicely.
I love to row on my Concept 2 rower at home and enjoy hearing about Smith and his rowing journey.
Callie says
I can’t believe your hand looked like that from coffee! Ouchy! I’m glad it has healed so well!
Addy Robinson says
I think Charlie is the Shull family collective emotional support animal and I love it. Dogs are more evidence that God loves us! I thought of you today because when I’m walking my good boy, in my weight vest, I want to go as fast as possible and he wants to stop and do his sniffs. I had a slight but meaningful mind shift today to *stop rushing* and use his time sniffing to do several squats. duh! Such a great reminder of how to reframe what’s in front of us (and make our doggos happy).
Mix and Match Mama says
HE IS!!!! All of us are absolutely smitten with him.
Joanne says
Your hand is looking great! I am so glad it’s healing so well.
Susie Harrold says
I highly recommend the Annie with Alicia Morten. It also has Victor Garbet, Alan Cumming, and Kathy Bates. It’s the only Annie I ever enjoyed – so good!!
MonicaBeth says
You hand is looking fabulous! You need to spill on the bling though! Gorgeous!
~B~ says
Thinking of you as you remember your sweet friend, Manda. 💕
Many thoughts today: Oh, Shay! Your hand! Maaaany years ago, first starting in my healthcare career I worked with burns/wounds and I am so very, very thankful to see how well you healed! I am sure they have shared this with you and you do such an amazing job with self-care = take special care of that new skin area in the sun. I just finished reading The Wedding People, after 2 Freda books back-to-back…so back to Freda I go to read The Crash! I cannot believe how quickly time has passed since you shared about you and Erika’s road trip!! Look how little they all were! We just watched Gabby’s story last night. No words adequately explain that deep sadness in hearing her story. And last but not least, I love hearing that Madely is in her Annie era! I began mine in 1983 and I don’t think I’ve ever left! 😍
Sarah says
This is very random and feel free to ignore it, but have you looked into a PT evaluation about your hand? I burned my hand in 2015 and actually lost some mobility in my hand as it healed due to post-burn contracture. I was busy and by the time I’ve looked into it a few weeks after my injury looked healed on the outside, I had had some permanent contracture. If your doctor hasn’t mentioned this, I would highly recommend that you get an eval and just make sure that you still have all the functionality and mobility in your hand. The range of motion exercises weren’t very complicated and apparently if I had done them from the start, I wouldn’t have had any change in hand functioning. I’m just throwing this out there because I wish someone would have told me that sooner!
Mix and Match Mama says
Great question! The burn center evaluated my mobility (flexing, making a fist, etc) at every appointment. They gave me a few “exercises” to do between now and when I go back. I’m glad you mentioned it!
Sarah says
I’m so glad this was covered in your care. It was a missing piece in my care follow up after I initially went in with the burn. I know you’ll do your exercises! I can take your hand off my worry list 😅
Dawn M Engle says
We watched the Gabby Petito documentary too and sad is an understatement! What a tragedy! Being a mom of three girls in their early 20’s this really hit home. How do you protect them yet let them go out into the world at that age? It’s SO difficult. I did a LOT of praying…and always will!
Bri says
Two things I miss most about living in Texas: Bucees & HEB haha.
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahaha!
Claire says
Have you (or Smith!) ever read the Boys in the Boat? It’s a must if not! The movie is good, but the book is better.
Mix and Match Mama says
We both have!! It’s SO GOOD!!