Happy happy Wednesday, friends!
Today, I have a WINTER WORKOUT for you + it’s time for this month’s LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what this is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). We have been doing this little linky party for years now, and it’s always one of my favorite posts each month because most of the topics are YOUR suggestions!
Alrighty, just as a reminder, here’s what we “looked at” in 2026 (all your suggestions!)…
In January, we looked at THINGS WE OUTSOURCE WITHOUT REGRET.
That was a fun one, y’all! It ended up being THE SECOND MOST VIEWED BLOG POST IN JANUARY!
Speaking of fun…
This month, I am sharing a look at WAYS WE’VE TURNED INTO OUR PARENTS.
Or my father.
It really could be either.
Here’s the deal, I absolutely love my parents. I would pick them over and over and over again to be my parents. Are they perfect? No. Are they exactly who I needed/need to get me through life? Yes.
All of that to say…
…hi, my name is Shay, and I am for sure turning into my parents. 😉
I made an eclectic list of ten random ways I’m turning into Jay and Sherry.
Here we go…
#1: MY FAVORITE PEOPLE ARE MY PETS
The older I get, the more obsessed I become with my pets. My mom really loves her pets, but my dad is OBSESSED with them. My dad has two children and seven grandkids, a lovely wife and…the background photo on his phone is of a dog that died about six years ago. He can’t part with her picture. When we have family gatherings, my dad worries and frets about leaving his dogs too long. My dad celebrates their birthdays (even the ones that have passed). My dad tells us they’re his favorite children. My dad’s favorite people are his pets. I’m almost there, y’all. My iPhone is filled with 20% Shull family and 80% Shull dogs. I just love them so much.
#2: I LOVE TO “PIDDLE”…ALONE
I’ve used this word before (I know it can mean different things!), but in our family, when we “piddle” that’s basically just going to a store/place (like Target or Hobby Lobby) with nothing in particular to buy but just look. One of my favorite things to do during the week is “piddle”. I don’t get to do it much, but when I do, it’s so relaxing. I don’t need to spend a dime, but a few minutes just browsing and looking alone really recharges my batteries. My mom LOVES to piddle. This is an activity we enjoy doing by ourselves. It’s a time to decompress. My dad retired in December 2024, and my mom called me one day last January because she was going to “piddle” and my dad offered to come along. They went to this candle shop by their house and my dad asked her “what do we do” and my mom said “we just walk around and smell candles”, ha! She said she sent him one direction and she went the other so she could still “piddle” alone. I laughed and laughed because I SO RELATE. Sometimes you just need a minute to do something simple and meaningless…alone.
#3: I AM LAZY ABOUT GOING TO THE MAILBOX
Growing up, I never understood this about my mom, but she never went to the mailbox. Sometimes, she would even do this odd thing where she would walk out there, open it, pull out a magazine and then walk back to the house while leaving everything else inside. I found this SO strange…and for the LOVE if I don’t do that now too. I could dress this up and make it sound better but the bottom line is that I am flat out being lazy. At this point, every bill I have is via the internet, so I don’t need to go to the mailbox to get actual bills. It’s just junk that I have to recyle…so I don’t go out there often. If I think my Southern Living magazine is in there though, I will go right out and get that. Andrew knows this laziness about me and goes to get it most days. When did I start doing this? I don’t know? I used to be a solid citizen who retrieved her mail and now, I’m a lazy lady just lookin’ for Good Housekeeping.
#4: I WANT TO BE ON THE PATIO
Well this one is funny because I remember rolling my eyes at my mom when she started turning into HER MOM by doing this. My grandmother and mom ALWAYS want to be “on the patio”. It can be 95 degrees out and those two want to sit on the patio for a meal or to read a book…um, no. Except um, yes. Please let me be on the patio. I want to eat there. I want to work from my MacBook there. I want to read a book or take a nap…I just really want to be outside all the time.
#5: I QUIT ON TECHNOLOGY
I don’t know who would agree with this more my kids or my team, but the older I get, the faster I “quit” on learning new technology. Sean, Catherine, Andrew and I have a text thread that’s basically like “I just spent 30 minutes trying to explain to Dad how to get Paramount+ on his TV. If he calls you, don’t answer.”. Ha! My sweet, sweet parents don’t really even like to *try* to learn new technology which would be super annoying if I weren’t slowly morphing into this same person. I mean, could I learn it? Yes. Could I just hand my phone to Ashby and let her do it for me instead? Even better.
#6: I’M JUST NOT SENTIMENTAL
The older some people get, the MORE sentimental they become…Sherry Lowe is not one of those people. My mom could walk out her front door and never look back and not miss one thing inside. I am absolutely turning into that person. It drives Andrew crazy, but hey, just blame my mama.
#7: I JUST WANT TO GO, GO, GO
I learned to love travel the most from my dad. My dad has been all over the world (to all seven continents) many times over. Now that he’s retired, he really, really, really wants to go, go, go. In fact, he wants to go so much that my sweet mom now wishes him well and sends him off. They travel A TON together, but he still wants to GO, so he does. I love to be home but man, I love to go.
#8: ARTHRITIS
When I look at my dad’s hands, I cringe at the arthritis…and for the love, I see it happening now to me too. Ughhhhhhhh.
#9: I HAVE NO FILTER
My dad is an Enneagram 2, so he’s more emotional and sensitive. My mom is an 8. We lack a filter on our best days…and the older and more into menopause we get, we lack it even more 😉 .
#10: I AM MORE CHILL
Something wild happened to my mom as she aged, she got more chill. “Chill” is not a word I would have used to describe her growing up…but low and behold, as she’s gotten older, she has really relaxed. You guys, I see glimpses of this, and I’m loving it. Things that used to stress me out/make me fret/worry me/annoy me just don’t anymore. I would love to think that I’m slowing morphing into a more chill version of myself a la my mama.
And those are a few ways I’m turning into my parents.
Okay, YOUR TURN! Please comment and share and let me know how YOU are turning into YOUR PARENTS!
Next time on Let’s Look, we are going to look at…
…our FAVORITE FAMILY VACATIONS! Just in time for Spring Break 🙂 .
Don’t forget, if you blogged along with us today, please make sure you link up below.
Also, don’t forget, I’m sharing a WINTER WORKOUT today as well.
See you in the comment section, friends! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love these linking up parties!!
I have definitely gotten my mom’s way she tells stories and her creativity and my dad’s humor. Can’t wait to read other peoples responses.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kelly Sites says
I’m 100% my mother because I live to feed my birds. I have 2 bird feeders out my front window and I literally know all of my birds who come to visit daily to eat. I feed them daily and have a morning chat with them as I feed them. They literally bring me so so so much joy. My mom was exactly the same way. (And my Grandma)
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I love this!!
Jennifer says
This is so crazy! As I’m reading your changes I’m thinking… that’s totally me! All of it. I’m definitely becoming more like my dad. Less filter, always wanting to travel… this is fantastic! 🙂
Alison says
Love this! Thanks for hosting! It is quite humorous how we are turning into our parents. I giggle when I open my mouth, and I directly hear my Mama coming out of it. I also like to go, go, go, and I got this from my parents growing up.
Dana P says
Your parents seem like they would be so fun to just sit and talk with, especially on the patio. 🙂
I think the world of my mom (the kindest person ever!), but I don’t really think I’m wired like her. Right now our kitten and young golden retriever are the highlight of my day. They’re best friends and take up 90% of my camera roll, including many videos. Every time I hear myself talking to them or laughing at them in the videos, I hear my mom. I love it!!!
Marie says
I need to know how Andrew is turning into his!!
Lisa D says
Unfortunately, I find I’m also losing my filter. And my keys 😉
Kristin says
I love my parents, but I tend to focus more on the ways I DON’T want to be like them!!! But, my dad loved me unconditionally and was always excited and happy to see me, so I want to be like that for our kids. I don’t always feel that same unconditional love from my mom. I am turning into my mom in that our cats get away with a LOT more than our kids ever did. I was much more strict with my children! If I was better with the cats, I wouldn’t have turned around when I was making dinner last night to find one up on the counter digging in the cornstarch container!! I loved today’s post, and will be thinking more about how I am turning into my parents…or NOT.
Kristen says
I am the opposite! My favorite thing to do every day is to run to the mailbox and retrieve the mail!!! ha
Candice says
My dad who will be gone four years next month always used to say “use the old stuff up first” (condiments, cereal boxes, etc) I find myself saying that to my two kids daily.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you say that too. xx
Katherine Darlington says
I ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ this post!
we need more Sherry & Jay posts.
a parafin wax hand machine will do wonders for hand and finger arthritis and they arent expensive!
Mix and Match Mama says
REALLY?! I am so intrigued! Thank YOU!
Paula Hobbs says
Oh…piddling is one of my favs!!! I love to piddle!!! Amen to the mailbox, just stop with the JUNK!! It’s so annoying!! The no filter made me LOL!!! Hi, my name is Paula and my filter broke years ago!!! haha!!! Love this post and your parents are so sweet!!!
Vicky says
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this post. Some of it had me laughing out loud, but *all* of it shows just how much you love your parents. It’s really beautiful to read.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for your kind words. xx
Paige E says
Ok, I’m going to need to see a pic of Papa Jay’s pups!
Katie Hahn says
This post was SO fun! So many of these are relatable especially the MAILBOX! We have to have a PO BOX so having to stop at the post office often to pick up my mail never excites me!
Erika Slaughter says
Yay for being more chill in our older age!! That sounds delightful!!
Beth Valenta says
This is such a good one. My daughter and I were just talking about things I will never do like my mom. We are both faithful to family birthdays, decorating, and I have learned to not stress over something I can easily just create on my own. My mom is talented, plays violin, paints, sews, creates. I look at Pinterest. We easily tap into each others strengths. But when I saw that she cut her own hair, I was like absolutely never happening. She simply said it will grow back…my vain era will not allow. I am my Dad at times lacking that “filter” and doing what I want instead of saying yes to things like I used to. If I don’t want to eat there, If I want to sit in a certain area of the restaurant, If I sent back that wine that is too sweet…I do it. I don’t care that my hubby says I am being high needs. Hey, my day will be spent my way.
Carrie says
This is a fun one! Say we are at a friends house and it’s into the evening, I say let’s leave before it gets dark! I didn’t understand that as a kid but now as an adult, I want to be home before dark. Don’t want to be driving on the highway at night. I could break down. A deer could run across the road. So many things!
SS says
Shay… It’s so funny when this happens. I was about 16 or 17 taking my neighbors somewhere in the car and they were in the back being loud or arguing. I said Do you want me to turn this car around. My sister a year younger said when did you turn into mom? We just laughed so hard.
“Piddle” that makes me laugh… I was thinking it was something else. Lol. We call it “putter.”
I do the same thing with my phone or technology…our kids are like just let me do it. When my gparents were here my gramps would give hubby money to get my gram the same camera as me…that way I could help her. Lol.
Enjoy your parents and their quirks while they are here!!!
Stephanie Harris says
Always have loved to Piddle! Great word.
Allison says
“I used to be a solid citizen…” HAHAHAHA
Patti Kelso says
Where do I start?! I am so much like my mom, and I don’t mind it! She passed away almost 5 years ago now, so when a little bit of her comes out of my mouth here and there and my kids hear it, they say “you sound like Grandma” and it makes my heart happy ❤️. A few things I do that are like my parents – they had me when they were in their late 30’s, and my classmates always teased me that they looked like my grandparents and not my parents because they looked older than all of their parents. I swore I would never do that to my kids – well, we had our little surprise 10 years after our older two, I was 41 when she was born!! Ugh I did it to my kid too! Also, my daughter tells me I hug like my mom – she asks me for a Grandma hug because she misses Grandma’s hugs, so I am glad I can give that to her ❤️
Sheaffer says
Chris says I’m starting to say things exactly like she would (with like the same intonation) and that I’m starting to make gestures just like her too. Oh lordy. 😉
CathyB says
Definitely find myself (at age 77) turning more and more into my dear mother. Funny to say I see my adult daughter turning into me and she is not necessarily happy about it! Have to say I agree with many of the things you mentioned — fewer filters, don’t wanna do it so don’t do it, “piddling”, less interest in new technology but also less interest in go-go-go. I had the blessing of being in PPBC choir with your sweet dad for many years and you can’t go wrong turning into him or your mom.
Marian says
Wait. Lovie has another name??? :-). Also, I like to “putz” by myself, around the house. . .I think similar to your “piddling”. This was a fun post!
Debbie Dunbar says
So fun! I see many traits of my parents in myself now as well. The main one is that I prefer to be home more than anywhere! You should have shared this info about Andrew too! 🙂
Christy says
The picture under #3 of your parents at the beach is just so sweet to me for some reason!
Kourtney Sluder says
The mailbox thing, haha! I have never admitted to doing that but if I go on a walk and peek in the mailbox and see junk, I just keep going.
Sharon says
What does your mom and dad think of today’s blog? I wish you would interview them sometime. I just love them.
Also, which of yor kids is the best at helping you with technology?
Mix and Match Mama says
Literally of them are better than me. I don’t even know who is the best…probably Smith and Ashby, but I swear Mades knows more about my phone than I do. I love my parents too 🙂 .
Erin says
Maybe you have already discussed this, but is your name a combination of your parent’s names? The SH from Sherry and the AY from Jay?! I just noticed that reading your blog today!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yup. My grandfather accidentally said it over a prayer at dinner one night (Shay and Jerry instead of Jay and Sherry) and they liked it and it stuck. Ha!
Natasha says
My mom used to take her birthday off and would want to be in her garden all day. I always thought that was an INSANE WAY to spend a birthday. Now guess what would be a dream birthday — if I couldn’t be travelling?!?!? Hahaha!
Carol says
I would also love more Jay and Sherry stories. I met your brother Monday night at an event, and my first words were, “I really loved your Dad on the show.” LOL.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww! I bet my brother loved that!
Carol says
This is going to sound extremely cheesy, but your dad’s conversation with Catherine really had an impact on me and the way I try to be as a mother-in-law. He said your husband was one of his best friends, and that if she and Sean ended up together in the end that he would be her biggest fan. I thought it was wonderful, and it really made an impression.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww, that’s not cheesy, that is really sweet of you to say. He meant every word.
Alexa says
Oh, the mailbox! I signed up for informed delivery so every morning I get an email with all of my mail that’s coming that day. It’s basically always boring so if it weren’t for my four year old, our mailbox would almost never get opened!
Carol says
Yes! Informed Delivery is the best. All junk today, so no reason to go to the mailbox!
Karen in VA says
You know how you couldn’t understand it when your parents would ask the waiter to turn down the music in a restaurant so we could hear ourselves talk? And you would be so embarrassed? Yep, guess who does that now. Loud music drives me nuts in a restaurant now. And we used to cringe when Mom would move tables in a restaurant if we were too close to the bathroom or kitchen. Ha! Don’t put me near the bathroom or kitchen or facing a wall!!
Becky says
This post is phenomenal! Wow, the only things I can think of like my Mom is I push meal leftovers off on my kids like my Mom did me. Many an argument has been had in both generations now about “don’t you want some of this Meatloaf to take home”, or pot roast in my Mom’s case. Her pot roast was the best but we all betted that was what we were having and right everytime. Now I do this with my adult sons! They’ve even said I sounded like “GranGran”!!
Other than that, I didn’t really want to act like my Mom, although I love her dearly and she passed on 15 yrs ago. I was more like my Dad and my 2 grandmother’s with sayings; “Lord have mercy” “Well I’ll swanee” (never figured that one out, except it’s an exclamatory saying).
These other things you talked about like “piddling”, “no filter when passing 60”, “more chill” and have developed a bad habit of calling certain family members Drama Queens when they pass that stuff out, is 100% me. Guess that’s why we say seniors can be grumpy I reckon. Although, I love people but particular what I allow in my space now, lol!
You are clearly the best blogger I’ve known and hit the nail on the head with your posts!!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are WAY TOO KIND. Thank you for sharing this, Becky. xx
Katie Stewart says
The MAIL! 😂😂😂😂😂
I do this, too! (I leave farm mail in the box and like to use the excuse that my husband needs to see it and it’ll get overlooked if I grab it first.”
Do you think the mail carriers notice? Is this common? Are they shaking their heads at us? 🤣
Janet says
I LOL’d at the tech section. I am my mom’s designated “tech support”, it should be a paid gig. Every time there is an iPhone update, it is mayhem helping with her phone.
Cris says
All of these pictures of your parents are just so great, Shay! They look so kind!
Jennifer C. says
I loved this post! My mom and I (and my grandmother, years ago) like to “bum”…which is our version of piddle. I remember flopping on my parents’ bed as a kid and my mom saying, “Get off there! I just made the bed.” I used to think that was so uptight…and then one day I opened my mouth at my own daughter and my mother came out. Ha!! My dad loves to be outside and the older I get, the more I crave that, too. I’m so thankful for them both. I’m sure lucky!!
Dr. Honor Franklin says
All I can say is I think you are pretty perfect. Aren’t you blessed to have such remarkable parents as your role model? You are pretty remarkable yourself.
Hugs to you,
Mix and Match Mama says
Goodness, you know how much I LOVE YOU! xx
Sherry Lowe says
Haha!! I literally laughed out loud at ever single one! So glad you are finally reaching that age where you can relate to us! Just wait, more is fun things are on the way, just ask my mom! Love my girl💗
Mix and Match Mama says
Love you 🙂
maria says
i love love loooove when you write anything and everything about your parents. They are such a lovely couple
Ashley says
As someone who is very close to my parents, I loved this topic and it was so fun to join in! I love that you dad loves his dogs so much and never forgets the ones that have passed away. That is so sweet!!
Valerie Callow says
I don’t go the mailbox either! I have the mail preview where I get notified via email what’s coming in the mail. If it’s junk, it stays there. If something is important I’ll make sure to grab it but almost always junk.