Happy Tuesday, friends!
We had the SWEETEST little weekend, and I would be remiss if I didn’t give it its own space here in blog world.
In the fall, Madeley had selected her spring electives for school (this current semester), but around Christmastime, one of the classes she had selected needed to be cancelled which meant she had to pick something else. Well, at that point, most of the electives were booked which left us few options…and so very reluctantly, she picked theater to replace the class. Mades is so funny and always happy go lucky, and I just knew she would love it, but she was SO nervous. She was so nervous that the day before the class started, I emailed her teacher to let him know she was extra nervous. Fast forward 24 hours, and she was THRILLED because she had finally found her “favorite class” 🙂 .
This semester, this little elementary theater class worked so hard on the production of Annie, and over the weekend, we had their big three performances. It was TRULY the sweetest little weekend.
The class worked all semester at school, but rehearsed the final week and performed…
…at the CUTEST little theater north of McKinney. I took this pic one of the days we were up there for rehearsals. If you know me in real life, then you know I’ve said approximately 568 times over the last 10 days that I want to live in this little town. It was just the cutest!
We were so excited for the big day to finally arrive. Our entire household has been singing the songs from Annie for the last four months. We all have them all memorized now. 😉
Here we are, ready to go!
We were so proud of our little July 🙂 .
She did a fantastic job with both her lines, her dancing, hitting her marks, and her little solos sprinkled throughout the songs…
I had to work hard not to sob my eyes out during the first performance. There were just too many things playing on this mama’s emotions. Our littlest one who is always the kid going from one “big kid activity to the next” and watching them shine was doing something on her own that no other Shull kid had done before. She just felt so BIG out there. The youngest of four always seems “little” but all of a sudden, she seemed like a really big soon to be 11 year old. We were all just so proud.
We love our sweet Madeley James so much! We were just oh so proud!
Okay, a few housekeeping things before I wrap up today…
…first, I am also sharing my HOT HONEY GRILLED CHICKEN BOWLS today, so make sure you check out that recipe as well (and you can certainly make it “not” hot!). Plus, don’t forget, you only have a few more days…
…to enter to win my SHAY’S HAPPY MAY GIVEAWAY!
Make sure you HEAD TO THIS BLOG POST for all of the details and to enter to win. The winner’s name will be announced THIS Friday. Speaking of this Friday, I am taking a little blogging break between now and then. Andrew and I are leaving later today for a very quick trip before the kids are out of school, and it’s 24/7 family time on Nantucket. We are very excited, so I will be off tomorrow and Thursday but back home and here with you on Friday. In the meantime, don’t forget to WALK EVERY DAY IN MAY and post your #photoadaywitherikaandshay pics! I will be sharing both on IG and Facebook over these next two days too.
Have the best best Tuesday! I will see you on Friday! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Have the best time away!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Diane Moore says
How wonderful for Madeley!! And your whole family. To see one of your children really find something special like that is a wonderful thing.
May God continue to bless you all.
Susan Jeffries says
I love this! Our daughter also loved the arts throughout her high school career and went to college for dance. She is now making a career out of it! It’s a tough career but she can’t see herself doing anything else. Keep at it and have fun!
Susy says
So wonderful for her!
Your daughter has found her passion!
Kristi Reno says
I love elementary plays! My kids aren’t interested but we always go watch their friends!
Kari Miller says
Loved this post- congrats to your girl! Have a fun trip!!
https://karimillerblog.com/peek-at-my-week-april-28-may-2-2025/
Amy Heinl says
If there was ever a child made for the stage it’s your beautiful Miss Madely. You can just see her joy radiating from her. I have no doubt this was just the first of many performances to come in her future. Bravo Madely….the world got to see what he already knew….you are a bright shining star!
Kathy says
Looks like Madeley has found her calling Shay!
Vesta Surles says
Such a sweet post. Congrats to Madeley on her stellar performance!!
Mandie says
That is so great! My oldest daughter is incredibly shy! Yet she loves theater. I am always amazed that she will get up on a stage and sing and act in front of tons of people. It is so fun to watch her shine! Glad Madeley discovered a new passion!
Susy says
How wonderful for her to go to a school with arts programs! So happy for her to have these great opportunities!
Sheaffer says
MADELEY!!!! This is so awesome, and I’m so proud of her!!!!! Do you have any videos? If you do, text me a couple!!!!
Reba says
Yay, Madeley! That play looks like the absolute cutest! And what a darling little theater! Enjoy your getaway!!!
Janice says
Love this!
Emi says
👏👏👏👏she’s too stinkin cute!
Jami Romano says
Her face is priceless – so much love! God is so good.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love that Madelely did something the other kids hadn’t tried yet! How special for her! Have fun on your trip!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kristen says
Our daughter is a theatre kid and she started at 6 yrs old. She is 15 now and it has been the best thing for her. Besides being so brave to get up on there on the stage it has given her so much confidence and a sense of self. And the friendships, oh my the friendships she has made, it has been wonderful! And I sob at every curtain call , doesn’t matter who it is I always think of their families watching them on stage and how proud they must be!
Melissa Terry says
Yay Madeley! Our baby of 4 has her ballet recital this evening and she is beyond excited to have all of her big brothers cheering her on too! After spending her whole life cheering them on, it’s finally her turn. Such precious memories
Kristin says
Congrats to Madeley! I’m so glad she ended up loving theater!
Paula Hobbs says
Madeley is the cutest July ever!!! I don’t see how you held back the tears, it tugged at my mama heart just thinking back to that sweet shy baby girl. So very proud of her!!!
Beth says
Madeley…the cutest July ever!
Sarah DeWald says
I love that Madeley ended up loving theater and what a sweet performance!
Beth Knecht says
Aw this makes my heart so happy and at the same time makes my postpartum heart want to bawl! I’m so glad she had the best time and can’t believe how old she is now! Enjoy every moment…I will always remember that as wise words from you Shay!
Joan says
Is she ever adorable! I love elementary ages.
Krista F says
There is no better feeling than watching your child THRIVE! So happy for her and you all!
Becky G says
As the mom of an elementary theatre kid, I love this and love that in spite of her fear she rocked it!! My son surprised us in 4th grade by trying out for his school play. Shy, quiet kid so it took us all by surprise. He’s in 7th now and had the lead role in this year’s play and it is his passion. Way to go, sweet Madeley!
Tish says
I wish I knew Madeley in person! I know her smile lights up a room! 🙂 And gosh, all the emotions we moms go through sometimes unexpectedly. You said it so well. Those littlest are so go with the flow and it is truly special to watch them come into their own spotlights. Our littlest of 4 just turned 16 last week and got his driver’s license. Time goes so fast! Thanks for sharing, Shay!
Amy says
So happy for Madeley!! Glad she got her chance to shine!
Have a wonderful couple of days away!!
Rebecca J Vincent says
Great – now I’m singing the songs in my head – EARWORM!
K.K. says
Wow, I love this for her!! She is beaming!!!!
Melody Byrd says
The arts are a favorite in our house and especially Annie!! When our daughter was 10, she played Annie at our community theater. It was 2.5 months of hard work and her nerves were through the roof for the performances but she was so good! A core memory for sure. I know Madeley was a fantastic July!! So fun! Watching your kids on stage just hits different than sporting events in my opinion, although we love both sports & the arts in our house & spend plenty of time at the baseball fields! Enjoy your time away with Andrew!
Susy says
Lovely thoughts!
Susan says
so precious!
Lori says
A star is born!
leslie Maxey says
I love Annie! How fun for her and great memories for everyone! So exciting when your kid finds “their thing!”
Jaci says
Madeley was made to be an actress! She is so precious!! I Love that it’s her time to shine after supporting all the older siblings!💜
Courtney C says
Yay Madeley! 🤩 Have a fun little getaway! Look forward to learning where you’re off to!
Kim says
Lover her personality and I bet she continues to shine in theater-definitely a great match! enjoy your time away!
Shannon Proctor says
She looks so grown up! How fun that she found her niche!
Sonya Derczo says
You can tell by looking at Madeley that she was made for the stage/theatre! I’m so glad she tried that class & I bet she’s found her passion.
Marisa Patel says
So happy for Madeley that she found “her class”, my youngest struggles with that! Have fun on your trip w/Andrew, can’t wait to see where y’all went!
Robin says
Way to go, Madeley! So proud of you!
Jill Snethen says
Congrats to Madeley! I love the play Annie and remember going to see a production of it with my parents many – many years ago.
Enjoy your time away with Andrew.
Nicole says
So sweet 🥰 and making those hot honey bowls!!
Anne Lippert says
Well this post made me cry! There is no better feeling than watching your child perform at an activity they have been practicing and working so hard to do. I wish I could bottle that feeling up and give it away! It’s the best!
Karah Stracener says
Yay Madeley!! It looks like she has found her talent. I hope you and Andrew have a fun getaway. Enjoy!!
Robin says
Happy that sweet Madeley has found a calling all her own. Feels like a natural fit from the outside looking in 🥰 enjoy your getaway❤️
Jackie says
Oh my stars! That little theater is dreamy! I’m so glad the baby found her niche! Can’t wait for more theater highlights!
Faith says
Awww way to go Madely! Enjoy your time away!!
Kristen says
Way to go Madeley!!
Janet Bush says
How awesome for her to find her Favorite Class by accident! Her smile says it all 🙂
Lisa N says
She was Mades for this!! When I saw this picture at the forefront of todays blog I thought Nantucket. And then when I read the story I thought it was reminiscent of Miss Patty’s on Gilmore Girls. How sweet!
Laura says
My daughter found theater in high school. She loved it and made so many great friends. I’m glad Madely found something she loves early.
Meggie says
So proud of Madely and totally relate to your comment about the youngest always seeming so little until they do something all their own. Congratulations to your youngest Shull! ❤️❤️
Stephanie Platt says
Her smile says it all!
Beck says
This is the sweetest. I love how you savor every stage and every activity. It goes by so fast!
Laura Holmes says
How wonderful it is when our children find something that makes their hearts sing and their entire being shine! Congrats, mama!
Jill says
This is so wonderful and I imagine the emotions were a lot. She’s so darling! It’s a reminder that sometimes when a plan doesn’t come to be, we can trust God to light our path to where we should go. God bless you all.
Christina G. says
Aww, Shea I love your comment about the youngest going everywhere to support the older kids, and finding their place to shine! So so true in all areas! Mades it’s just the cutest, and I’m sure you had all the feels about her part as an orphan in Annie! This is so awesome that she found a new hobby and place to shine!🥰
Unrelated, but I am so curious as to what your family plans look like on Nantucket. I am curious how it works with two older high school kids, and what their plans are for the summer living away from their home. I always love the day in a life post, and would love to see some of those this summer with your family in Nantucket!
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! I am positive there will be many daily life posts this summer on Nantucket. 🙂
Christina G. says
*Shay (talk text lol)
Karlee says
I was already tearing up before you even mentioned your tears! Nothing like a mama’s heart for her kiddos. I am so proud of her and know you are too!
Robyn says
Madeley is shining in the photos! What a gem and a great experience for her.
Kristina says
This just makes me smile extra big for Madeley! I also played the part of July in our 6th grade production of Annie almost 30 years 🫣 ago. I love that she’s finding her “things”!
Kimberly Hayes says
Ummm, retired teacher and Mimi here with puddled eyes!🩷
Joanna says
How fun for all of you to watch her shine!
Paula N says
Madeley is just too adorable! I can’t believe how big she is getting! No better smile on the web!
Amy S says
I have 2 “theater kids” (my son, not so much 😂) and I LOVE being a theater mom! My 15 year old daughter just did Annie in March, and she was also July!
Erika Slaughter says
She HAS to be THE CUTEST July EVER!
Jen D says
I cant believe how quickly time has flown by.. and to see your little Madeley grow up before our eyes is just so sweet. Im so proud of her too!
Andrea says
I bet Madeley was absolutely adorable in Annie! Wayl to go, girl!
Sandra Rosellini says
A Star is born!
Dana J says
Madeley is so filled with joy and I can only imagine how she must have shined on stage!! So much fun for all of you I am sure!!
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
I feel this deeply about the baby doing big things!! My baby (of 5) while only three started swim team this year 🥹 she’s still our baby but seeing her do a big kid activity is breaking my heart!
Laura C says
Enjoy your trip. Marley exudes joy in the photos.
Laura C says
Ugh autocorrect. I meant to type Madeley!
Ruby Huling says
It’s so much fun watching little ones as they shine on the stage! I’ll be watching my red haired 11 year old as she plays Goldilocks in “The Fairytale Network” this weekend. This will be her second play and she’s hooked!
Cheryl Sandoval says
How incredibly sweet for her to find her own “thing”. Not even knowing her personally but seeing her personality through your posts, theater screams Madeley! So happy for her 💕
Cyndy says
Oh your sweet girl!!!! What a beautiful moment for your mama heart! I love what you said about this not being something any other Shull has done. May the shows go on for Madeley!
Rita says
The sweetest. Loved reading this.
~B~ says
I couldn’t stop smiling reading this – watching your kids shine in their element, trying something new, is such an overwhelming mama-joy feeling! How brave of Miss Madeley to try something new and what a joy for all of you to see! Have a wonderful time away!
Susy says
Congratulations Madely!
Supporting Dance, Visual Art, Music and Theater makes our lives soar like nothing else—expressing moments of life, story and emotion! Giving all children access to the arts, especially the less fortunate, is crucial! So happy for Madely!
Karleigh Johnson says
I love that Madeley is doing theatre! I was a theatre girl myself and absolutely loved it. I wish I would have stuck with it throughout high school but I didn’t. I still remember my sisters (and my parents and grandparents) coming to my performances and how special and happy that made me feel. I’m the youngest of three girls and it was definitely fun to have “my own” thing!
Tamara R says
Way to go Madeley! Look at that big, bright smile! I love that she went from nervous to shining on stage. And now I am singing It’s A Hard Knock Life in my head. 🥰
Heather S says
Congratulations to sweet Mades!
Rachel says
Go, Mades! My son is part of the children’s theatre in our area. We love it! I love that all his events are indoors in the AC, too!
Hilary says
I have a 9 year old daughter adopted from the Guangzhou orphanage, and she played an orphan in a large Annie stage production a few months ago, too. Oh my goodness… WEEPING. “Maybe”?? “Hard knock life”??!! “TOMORROW”!?!? Weep.ing. We are so lucky. 😭