Hey there Thursday!
(Thursday is still my forever favorite day of the week. Anyone else?)
Today, it’s another edition of Day in the Life!
This is always, always, always the most requested blog topic.
At this point, 17½ years later, you know the drill…I pick a random day and document it. I picked a Tuesday thinking “this will be pretty normal” but of course, that never works out.
Here is a little look at this past Tuesday, April 8th…
Look at me sleeping in until 5:00 AM! Who am I?! Hahaha!
Coffee, check. Bible time, check. Pups, check. My typical morning ritual that I always savor, check, check!
Next up, I padded down to the kitchen…
…and started prepping my dinner. I knew we were eating later and in shifts on this night, so I browned two briskets on the stove a minute…
…before popping them into my slow cooker for my EASIEST WEEKNIGHT BRISKET.
I made sure Kensington had everything she needed for school and said goodbye to her before…
…heading out on a walk with Charlie.
One thing to note, currently, there is a two hour and forty five minute time difference between when the first child has to be at school and the last. Kensington leaves at 6:15 and Madeley doesn’t have to be at school until 9:00. This is the part of my day that, if I could, I would tweak. I do the typical mom stuff each morning (make breakfast, make sure they have their lunches ready, their computers charged, forms signed, etc) and then Andrew and I divide and conquer and take them to school. I wish I could do all of that one time, and bam, it would be done. Instead, I do it four different times which creates an almost three hour “heading off to school” routine for me. I work, do chores, and workout around it all, but dang it would be really nice if we could condense it.
I typically take Smith to school early in the morning for an “off season” workout, but on this particular day, they had state testing which meant, they went in later. This gave Charlie and me time to walk before dropping him off. I had lifted weights two days in a row (and was sore!), so I walked on this day and rested my muscles.
I typically like to walk longer than this (closer to 3.5 miles), but I had to get back and get Smith to school.
First though…
…I can’t leave the house with an unmade bed…
…so much better!
I ran up to my office next…
…sat down and did a little work before making sure Ashby and Mades were getting ready for school.
I double checked to make sure they had everything they needed for the day and then left them with Andrew while Smith and I…
…headed to the car for the drive to school. It was our turn to carpool, so we grabbed three other friends along the way.
I dropped them off, turned on a podcast and took the next 25ish minutes to enjoy my “commuting routine”.
After I got back home, Andrew had already taken the littles to school which left me to…
…shower and get ready for the day. It was a TENNIS SKIRT and SNEAKERS kind of day!
After that…
…I spent the morning at work.
Around noon, I made me a super quick lunch (I can make this in about six minutes!). It’s a BREAKFAST TACO with a side of Trader Joe’s sauerkraut.
After I ate, it was gorgeous outside…
…so the five of us went on a one mile walk.
And then…
…it was time to head back to work. Do you spy two of my favorite friends under my desk?
The five of us worked, worked all afternoon buuuuut then we had to stop for a moment and go grab…
…Miss Ashby from school for some routine bloodwork. Is Ashby a pro at all things bloodwork? Yes. Does Ashby even flinch when she has to have blood drawn? Not one bit. Is Ashby still a typical almost thirteen year old who says things like “Mom, can we please stop at Swig on the way? I mean, I’m getting my blood drawn today.”? One hundred percent. Hahaha! Am I a sucker for this kid and thus provide her with a cup of sugary gross looking green slushie stuff? Yes. Yes, I am.
A picture of the pretty flowers in front of the hospital. Spring has sprung here in North Texas!
After we returned home…
….I headed back to work to finish off my day. While I had been at the doctor with Ashby, a very sweet babysitter had grabbed Madeley from school and met us at home just about the same time Kensington was pulling in from her day. Three out of four home, check!
I went to finish up our EASIEST WEEKNIGHT BRISKET. From here, my kids could get it and assemble it any way they like (tacos, on a bun, nachos, etc) when they needed to eat that night. I don’t love eating in shifts, but some nights, we have no other choice. Dinner ready to go, check!
I headed into my bathroom to change and freshen really fast because I had somewhere super important to be…
…Lauren, who is a neighbor and very dear friend, published her novel that day, and her hubby was hosting a surprise party at her house to celebrate. You guys, it was the SWEETEST surprise. Lauren has worked so hard on her novel, The France Dance, and this was such a special day that needed to be celebrated. I read an advanced copy of the book and LOVE it! It’s the perfect spring/summer novel, and it’s especially fabulous if you want to read a book set in France 🙂 .
After the party, Andrew (who met me there after he picked up all the boys from school…including Lauren’s son) and I headed home and had our brisket on the patio.
After that, I showered and…
…grabbed my Kindle to read before bed.
Last photo of the day…
…as I was about to go to sleep.
And that’s a day in my life 🙂 .
I have a TOASTED COCONUT CAKE today should you need one for Easter!
I’ll see you tomorrow, friends. xx
Kari Miller says
Can’t wait to read this later and then feel super motivated all day!!!
My blog post today is not as motivating, but might make you giggle.
https://karimillerblog.com/3-things-on-thursday-ways-i-annoy-martin/
Allison says
Do you have tips for how you start and pause and pick back up with work so many times? I struggle with my kids needing me while working at home and then losing my train of thought or the flow I was in.
Mix and Match Mama says
It is not my favorite thing to do. I would much rather sit and stay put while I work…but that doesn’t always work out. I really focus when I’m at my desk (especially on days like this). I remove my email from my screen while I’m working on my blog (so I don’t get sidetracked) and then remove my social media and blog while I work on travel. I put my phone on the charger behind me on silent so that it isn’t distracting me. I do allllll the things like that so that I’m hyper focused during these windows.
Beth Knecht says
Thanks to your suggestion last week or maybe it was weeks ago, I found some shimmery glow pump in my makeup, added it to my foundation and bam what a glow and game changer! It looks so springy! Love it!!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! It really does a little something, right?!
Sarah says
Love these posts! 🙂 And the cutest drawing ever about Nantucket with your quiet time!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s my bookmark 🙂 . I always use my kids’ drawings as bookmarks. That one is pretty sweet, right?
Elspeth says
These are my favorite kinds of posts! Thanks so much for sharing Shay! Happy Thursday!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Paula Hobbs says
My all time favorite post! Happy Friday Eve!!
Karleigh Johnson says
Oh Shay, you are super woman! It amazes me what all you can fit into one day. My husband and I always joke about how much energy we used to have, but now we have two littles and sometimes it feels like we’ll never get there again. You inspire us! Xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
Don’t give me too much credit…I complain often 😉 . You will get there! You are in the trenches now but enjoy this stage because it goes by so quickly. You will have independent kiddos and extra sleep before you know it…snuggle those littles while you can. (But know the energy will return!) xx
Gretchen says
My weird question of the day… how many pounds of meat (brisket, chicken whatever) do you typically make for a family of 6? Just curious! I have 2 kids, and they routinely each have a friend for dinner…. Go Cats!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great question! That was about 5 pounds total. We certainly had leftovers which I enjoyed for lunch yesterday!
Danielle says
Your skin looks so great! Can you remind me what type of facial/peel/treatment you said you’re currently receiving from your dermatologist?
I need to start a regimen with mine. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well goodness, thank you. It varies, but I would say that I typically do 2 IPLs a year and then maybe one hydrating facial. I did my first chemical peel in about 6 or 7 years in January and they just aren’t my favorite (it will probably be another 6 or 7 years before I do another).
Laney says
Hello! Where did you get your white apple watch band?
Mix and Match Mama says
Amazon! They are CRAZY INEXPENSIVE! You get SIX for a total of $14! https://shopstyle.it/l/coQr3
Sue Jones says
I always love these posts. I love your starfish necklace. Do you mind sharing where you got it?
Enjoy your Thursday!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love it too! It’s from Sezane: https://bit.ly/4cenOKc
Tish says
Hi Shay! Can you share what to look for when purchasing the brisket? There are so many options at the grocery store and I’m not familiar with the cuts. Love the day in the life posts!
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! I would start by asking your butcher. I find that butchers and fishmongers LOVE to answer questions and help customers. I always look for a “flat trimmed brisket”. Mine are always around 2.5ish pounds.
Allison says
Love this post!! Congrats to your friend on her book! My close friend is getting ready to publish her debut novel and this inspired me that I should do something special for her when she publishes it!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was such a special night celebrating her huge accomplishment.
Kristy Moore says
Just another day in the life of Shay Shull. 😉 2 questions for ya- does Kensington have her own car that she drives? (Wow is she does!) Second, how is Ashby doing with her medical appointments? Stable? She looks great and I can’t believe she’s almost or is 13??!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Kensington does have her own car! Thank you for checking on Ashby. She’s doing well. We’re just truckin’ right along. xx
Stacy says
Ummm can we discuss that amazing beach screensaver at the end?( I need it
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s so calming, right? Pinterest has many! Just search beach iPhone covers 🙂 .
Karie L DeFrees says
what brand of slow cooker do you have? possibly link? i am in need of a new one!!! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! I just upgraded mine this fall. It’s All Clad from Williams-Sonoma.
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-gourmet-plus-7-qt-multi-cooker/?_br_psugg_q=all+clad+slow+cooker
Shelby says
I love day in the life content. What is the tall rectangular object in front of your cupholders in the car?
Mix and Match Mama says
Sunglass case!
Kacey says
HUGE congratulations to Lauren!!! What an accomplishment! Side note, the man behind you in that photo is giving Josh Duhamel vibes =)
Mix and Match Mama says
I can totally see that!
Randi says
We LOVE Swig! I didn’t realize you had one in McKinney.
Mix and Match Mama says
My kids do too!
Kim M Letteer says
What is Swig? We are getting one where we live but haven’t heard of it. Just saw the sign the other day.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a drink place…kind of like a very small version of Sonic (slushes, drinks, lots of add ins, etc).
Lauren G says
Hi Shay! Love these posts! Just curious, what were you drinking on your carpool drive?
Mix and Match Mama says
Black coffee 🙂
Allyson says
Haha! I was going to comment on the drinks, too. After seeing in the pics a coffee mug, yellow cup and green travel mug, I feel totally validated that I’m not the only one who uses multiple diff drinkware in a day. It totally changes the drink = life’s little pleasures!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and amen!! It’s the little things that add up to a very happy day 🙂 .
Emily says
I love these posts, thanks for sharing your day!
Lauren Palmer says
So fun celebrating with you on Tuesday night!!!! Thanks for showing The France Dance some love!!! xoxoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
It was so fun celebrating YOU!!
Erika Slaughter says
BAHAHAHAHA!!! I’m CRACKING up! We missed you by about 25 minutes!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew and I have laughed about you and Tab coming over that night so many times. So. many. times.
K.K. says
LOVE this kind of post too! Thanks, Shay!
Jennifer says
Love these posts! Madeley’s artwork is precious!!
Lyndsey says
Hi Shay! Do you mind sharing what the boys do in the car on the way to school? I’m new at carpooling with friends and curious how others manage. Do you play music they like? Do they just talk casually? lol random question I know!
Mix and Match Mama says
I like that question! Typically, I take them so early that they’re pretty quiet and kind of nap in the car (because it’s dark too). I always listen to sports radio in the AM, so we listen to that. On this particular day, it was later and they cut up and talked the whole way. On the way home from school, they are HYSTERICAL! Listening to them talk to each other about their day always leaves me laughing.
Jeanette says
Whew, that is a busy day! I don’t know how you manage to stay up that late. My body just can’t do it.
Joy says
I love these type of post! Congrats to your friend on her first published book. What type of kindle do you have? How do you like it? I love to read print books but they weigh my purse down so I’m thinking of buying a paperweight kindle.
Mix and Match Mama says
I ADORE my Kindle! I never, never, never thought I would, but I absolutely adore it. I have the Paperwhite. I love how many books I can store on there (dozens!) and that the light is always perfect no matter where I’m reading.