Happy Monday, friends!
Alrighty, you guys, it has been a SUPER-SIZED WEEKEND for the Shulls.
After a very late game on Friday night, Andrew, Smith, and I woke up suuuuuuuuper early on Saturday morning and flew to Boston for the Harvard/Princeton game in Cambridge.
Harvard invited Smith to come to a game, so the three of us decided to go up on Saturday morning and then we came back yesterday morning because…it was my birthday 🙂 .
24 hours in Boston + my two boys + Harvard football + an afternoon/evening celebrating with my girls was the perfect way to turn 45.
When I sat down and wrote my first blog post here, I was only 25 years old.
I have grown and matured and changed and become a mother and a business woman and “grown up” here with you over the last twenty years. I have learned so many valuable, truly life-changing lessons over these two decades but one that sits really heavy on my heart is what an absolute blessing it is to get older. It’s a privilege not afforded to everyone, and I have buried a bestie that would have loved to have seen 45, so it’s with so much gratitude that I celebrate another year.
I’ll share pics from my birthday weekend later this week, but for now, we are going to dive right into our Monday…
Amen to that.
Want me to prove to you how much I’ve grown over the years?
I’m at a point in my life where I can actually say that it is possible to do a…
…TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE on my second favorite holiday 😉 .
Today, it’s TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN!
Because as much as I L-O-V-E this holiday, I can admit there are a few things about it that aren’t my fave.
Here we go, these are my TOP FIVE FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT HALLOWEEN…
#5: THE WEATHER
Halloween weather is just its own thing. In Texas, I love that it’s typically chilly but not so cold that we need a lot of extra layers over our costumes. It just “feels” a certain way outside on Halloween night, and I love it.
#4: THE COMMUNITY
On other holidays (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc), we are typically inside and with family. This holiday is special because it’s one where we are outside amongst our community. I love that it’s a neighborhood holiday. I love walking with my kids and knocking on my neighbor’s doors. I love seeing the big groups of elementary parents all huddled together while their kids are at my door…it’s just sweet and wholesome and fun and very small town feeling.
#3: IT’S JUST FOR FUN
I love me some holidays (you know I do!), but I love that Halloween is just about the fun. You don’t have to spend a lot (if any) money to enjoy it. There are no presents to buy (and wrap). There is no pressure about sending out cards or a million school events tied to it, it doesn’t consume the calendar with “other” details surrounding it. It’s simple and fun.
#2: IT USHERS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON
I absolutely lean into going from Halloween straight into the holiday season. I love them both, so I fully embrace them both for about two months each (September and October and then November and December). I will be that person who flips on her Christmas music November 1st. I’ve never wrapped up a holiday season tired of Christmas music, so I must not be starting it too early. When other holidays end, there is this deflate that happens. After Christmas and July 4th, there is a let down…after Halloween, we have Thanksgiving and Christmas immediately following. I love going from one “holiday high” to another.
#1: IT’S A NOSTALGIC “FEELING”
Halloween gives me alllllllll the feels.
It reminds me of my childhood.
It has allowed me to create traditions for my own family…and those memories I will cherish forever.
Like I mentioned above, the air feels different…it even smells different around Halloween. It’s woodsy and smokey and flat out cozy.
I love re-watching Halloween movies with my family, making the same festive recipes year after year…it’s just a holiday layered with nostalgia, and I adore that.
As much as I LOVE this holiday…there might be a few things that simply are not my fave.
Here are my BOTTOM FIVE THINGS ABOUT HALLOWEEN…
#5: THE WEATHER
Just like the meme says, Texas likes to throw out temps like they’re lottery numbers. Some years, we’ll have a high of 46 and other years, 91. Sigh.
#4: TIMING EVERYTHING
When we celebrate other holidays, there is a bit more structure because it’s only my family involved. We will eat when we please, open presents when we like, and do whatever works for us. With Halloween, you have to factor in all of your neighbors and community too.
What time should we eat dinner? We don’t want to be eating when the neighborhood is out and about (we’ll miss the fun!), but we also don’t want to eat at 4:30.
“Okay, we’re done with the holiday fun, and now we’re going to bed!” (Insert 45 people ringing my doorbell.)
Timing a holiday that directly involves the masses is trickier than one might think.
#3: THE NOVEMBER 1ST HALLOWEEN “HANGOVER”
I get it. My husband gets it. My kids get it. I think even my dogs get it.
A super fun night of eating a lot of candy, staying up late, and being social always creates a rough November 1st.
Which leads me to…
#2: THE WEEKDAY/WEEKEND EFFECT
I have said this before, but I kind of prefer Halloween on a weekday. With school aged kiddos, a Halloween school day is just a bit more festive. I don’t love a Halloween Monday…but I can get behind a Halloween Thursday or Friday. Halloween Sundays are odd because you’re at church one minute and then dressed like a pirate the next. I love that it’s the standard October 31st versus being “the third Thursday of the month”, but it does create this weird dynamic every single year depending on when it falls.
#1: IT GOES BY WAY TOO FAST
Wasn’t it just August? I swear it was. Why must months like February and April and August drag and drag on but October flies by? I could have an entire year of this October-ness. It’s always so bittersweet to reach Halloween because you go to sleep knowing the whole awesome month is over.
And that, my friends, are my TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN
Now…
It wouldn’t be a TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE without Andrew weighing in too.
ANDREW’S TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT HALLOWEEN:
#5: Halloween candy. I sneak at least one or two pieces. Snickers, Butterfinger, or a Reece’s Cup!
#4: Hanging with the neighbors. It’s been a few years with the football schedule interrupting it, but I always look forward to that part of the night.
#3: I love the joy the candy brings my kids. I have very fond memories of my mom and dad taking me around town getting candy too.
#2: Christmas comes as soon as the last trick or treater exits the premises! Seriously we turn on Christmas music as we clean up on Halloween night!
#1: Weather….sometimes. You’d expect it to be a little cooler, but in Texas you never know!
ANDREW’S BOTTOM FIVE THINGS ABOUT HALLOWEEN :
#5: Wind and the BIG pumpkin. I always pray for no wind or that massive thing will end up in Oklahoma.
#4: When we pass Halloween the next two months go by so FAST! I find so much joy in November and December that I never want them to end.
#3: Usually by this time of year, the Cowboys season is already over.
#2: I love Christmas decorations, love them, but that stupid tree haunts me all year. When Halloween is over, I know I have to put it up soon.
#1: Sometimes it can be 90 degrees in Texas.
And those are the TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN!
If you missed our TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN CANDY go back and check that one out too.
The comment section is very passionate. Ha!
Make sure you check out these other TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE blog posts…
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: TEENAGERS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SCHOOL SUPPLIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SUMMER GIVE UPS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: END OF SCHOOL YEAR
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VALENTINE’S CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CONDIMENTS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOLIDAY HOLIDAY THINGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: STORE-BOUGHT COOKIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT A FAIR/CARNIVAL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: ICE CREAM FLAVORS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SPRING CLEANING
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: TRAVELING BY PLANE
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SKIING WITH YOUR FAMILY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS MOVIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CEREALS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOUSEHOLD CHORES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS SONGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THANKSGIVING FOODS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE ROAD TRIP SNACKS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: VEGETABLES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT FALL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS FOODS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SNOW DAYS
Now, it’s your turn!
What are your Top Five, Bottom Five Things about Halloween?
Please comment and share!
It’s Halloween Week, friends! Let’s try to enjoy every single minute of it.
I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Emilee says
Ooh, a good one! As a teacher, I am GIDDY about Halloween being on a Saturday this year 🤗 I’m even more giddy that the next day is Sunday, so we don’t have to rush around putting kids to bed after trick-or-treating!
Jess says
YESSS!!! This kindergarten teacher completely agrees!!
Kristy Moore says
This teacher is loving it as well! At our school the kids get to dress up on Friday and it’s a half day! Extra bonus this year!!!
Susan Jeffries says
We also love Halloween here! Our daughter will be home this year for this holiday so we are extra excited! I think it’s her favorite holiday! We are dress gin up as a family and headed in town to join the festivities. Sometimes we have snow for Halloween but this year we are expecting 70 degrees!!! Have a fun and blessed week!
Laura Fuller says
Did you see the giant pumpkin blowing in the wind here in NC? Cary is a large suburb of Raleigh and it made national news!
https://apnews.com/article/inflatable-pumpkin-halloween-north-carolina-8080a8242a44e36d6c9483f9838683c1
Also, I was in Providence & Boston this weekend for a little girls’ trip. Not nearly enough time was spent in Boston. I saw the CapeAir gate as you have mentioned so many times. That was cool!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I love that little Cape Air gate 😉 .
Robin says
There was also a runaway giant inflatable pumpkin in Wyoming last week. It traveled more that 60 miles from where it started. I read about it on FB and the story that WYDOT posted was hilarious! I am a retired elementary teacher and work now part time in an afterschool program. There is a full moon this week, and daylight savings time starts over the weekend along with Halloween. I am afraid Monday will bring some grumpy kiddos to school. Pray for us!
Elspeth Mizner says
Love the candy and the nostalgia that comes with it. Don’t like the hit or cold weather, it’s often snowing on Halloween!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Amy Azza says
Happy Birthday Shay! You are such a blessing to so many, and I adore you and love your big heart and love reading your blog every day. And don’t even get me started about Mix & Match Travel Agency. I hope you know how loved and special you are. Cheers to 45!
Mix and Match Mama says
Amy, don’t even get us started about YOU! We just absolutely love working with you SO VERY MUCH!!
Kelly Sites says
Happy birthday, Shay. Thanks for sharing your life and family with us. I hope you had a great and special day.
Christina G says
Shay! I was laughing out loud at Andrew’s bottom five- by this point in the year, the Cowboys season is over, and wind and praying there is none because your pumpkin will end up in Oklahoma😂😂 thank you for sharing and adding humor, these posts always make me laugh! Sounds like you had a wonderful fall weekend in New England. And happy happy birthday! So glad I found your blog several years ago, the space has been a light and encouragement to me!.😊
Allison says
I LOVE Halloween too! There is just something about it. This entire time of year. I LOVE being out and taking my kids trick or treating. That being said, parents of young moms – enjoy it!!! If you also LOVE walking your kids around, seeing neighbors, enjoying the chilly air, soak it all up because you don’t know when it will be your last time walking them around. We were blind-sided last year when *both* our kids went with other friends and groups in other neighborhoods!
Ellen says
Agree 100%. I LOVED those days! I still like Halloween … hoping for a driveway fire pit this year! But it’s not as fun once the kids have grown up. We’re just trying to be the fun, take-as-much-candy-as-you-want neighbors!
SS says
Shay…Happy Belated!!!
How fun Harvard!!! We went this summer and did a tour that was led by a Jr who attends… It was so interesting!!!
Halloween is so fun! We carved our pumpkins yesterday. Our kids did group costumes… Oh how I miss this littles and the groups. Lol. We always go to a couple houses then have a dinner full of snacky food! Our weather can be crazy from hot to snowing… This year seems like it is going to be “just right”! Andrew, I saw somewhere a giant pumpkin rolling. Away like the story…now I will be thinking of yours! 😆
Sarah DeWald says
Halloween used to be my least favorite holiday but as I have a kiddo who loves it, I’m getting into it now too. But the Halloween hangover is a real thing!!
Becky G says
The weather… In Michigan, more times than not it is snowing on Halloween. Usually costumes are picked around whether or not you can wear your winter coat under it! I love the community of my neighborhood. Many neighbors have a firepit in their driveway and many will hand out adult “treats” too. So fun! And my favorite is any teens who show up to trick or treat. Costume, no costume, it doesn’t matter. I love that they still enjoy this fun holiday!
SS says
Love this…and every Michigan family ready for a quick change costume if need be (depending on weather)!!!
Lori says
Happy Birthday!!! I hope you had a great time celebrating with your family!
I love rewatching Halloween movies…Hocus Pocus is always a favorite. Happy Halloween 🎃…love this time of year!
Paula Hobbs says
Happy Belated Birthday, Shay!!! What an awesome weekend for you guys! I laughed out loud about the giant pumpkin and the huge tree!! Have a great week!
Nikki says
I love halloween too! We have a big neighborhood party and all the kids, even the teens, go around to trick or treat. I love that it keeps them young, even just for a night!
http://www.lifeunreconstructed.com
Katie Hahn says
This was FUN! Hope you had the best birthday, Shay! Thank you for always bringing Jesus, joy, and inspiration to this side of the internet! 🙂
Bren says
Happy birthday, Shay! I greatly appreciate what you shared about your friend and birthdays. I lost a beloved friend when we were both in our early 40s. In the birthdays that have occurred since, I remind myself that from her place in heaven, she is watching me celebrate with a heart of gratitude that I am able to. A perspective I wish neither you or I have, but one I do not take for granted and aspire to celebrate this life in her, and other loved ones, honor. 💕
I live very rural so was thrilled when years ago our businesses in town made the decision to stay open from 5-6 for the kids to trick-or-treat. My husband and I find such joy in seeing all of the community’s kids and sharing candy with them. And their parents. 🎃 Have a wonderful Halloween week ahead!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I love that your town does this!!
Kristen says
Happy Birthday!
Harvard, well that is cool! How does he know the coach for the invite?
Mix and Match Mama says
He went to Harvard’s camp this summer and the coach reached back out and asked him to come up to this game.
Kacey says
I almost spit out my coffee when I read “you’re at church one minute and then dressed like a pirate the next” LOL, seriously, that made me laugh so hard! Halloween is going to be a new one for me this year. I move in June and Halloween was so much fun in my old neighborhood. I LOVED seeing all of the kids in their costumes and having neighbor friends stop by. I would set up a projector and play Casper while handing out all the treats and it was the best, even when bundled up in my winter jacket (MA fall turns to winter quick sometimes!). I’m no longer in a neighborhood, but it’s exciting to see what my new town has planned!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s always so odd to me. 😉
Connie says
Don’t forget the time changes on November 1st! That could be a good or bad thing!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that it’s going to get darker earlier!! That makes everything COZIER!
Kacey says
And how could I miss wishing you a happy happy birthday!! Your weekend sounded like the perfect way to celebrate!
Carol says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Faith says
As someone who works with children in an elementary school, I am so thankful Halloween is on a Saturday 😅 add a full moon and daylight savings ending, thank goodness!
There is a video of one of those pumpkins rolling down the street here in North Carolina when a storm came through!
Happy belated birthday!
Amy Owens says
Glad you had a happy birthday! Andrew’s bottom number 3 made me laugh out loud. Even though we’re in Illinois, my older two are Cowboys fans. Today my oldest is 17 and this morning he said, I can’t wait for the Cowboys to ruin my birthday tonight on Monday Night Football. 😂😂
Valerie A says
Happy Birthday, Shay!!! Can’t wait to see what you dress up as this year.
I agree on so much of what you wrote. The community coming together, the nostalgia, candy, costumes, etc. are what makes it just so fun! The bottom is definitely the weather. Last year we had rain on Halloween, and it was really disappointing.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m dressing up as a 45 year old mom of four this year. I have the perfect costume 😉 .
Jess W says
I love your take that there’s not the after Halloween let down because we are going into Thanksgiving and Christmas…other things to look forward to!
I do think Halloween should always be the last Saturday of October. I do not love a weekday Halloween (unless it’s Friday).
K.K. says
I love these top 5/bottom 5 postings!!
I like the focus on community you brought up with Halloween. You have a point.
The holiday is not my favorite, but it’s the gateway to my favorites!!! Christmas music is starting to load in my head…. 😉
Laura Holmes says
Happy Happy Birthday! Hope you had a great one!
Jenny N says
Happy, happy birthday! I hope you had a great day and were celebrated BIG by family and friends.
Heidi says
Andrew’s bottom #3… looooooooooong sigh…. it’s true.
Being a lifelong Cowboys fan is hard work. 🙁
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s BRUTAL!
Lois A. Hilty says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shay! Celebrate all day in your favorite way!
Jill says
I laughed out loud at Andrew’s bottom number 3.
Dallas Cowboys fans are a dedicated and often disappointed group 😂😂😂
Alyssa says
Happy Birthday Shay!!! Love this community so much and your dedication to “us” online friends! Hope you had a wonderful weekend 🙂
Jessica says
Happy happy birthday Shay! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself on this blog! I love reading it everyday! I hope you have a fabulous birthday!
Stephanie Platt says
Hope you had a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thanks for being such a positive light.
Grace says
Happy Belated Birthday Shay! I remember when I first found your blog about bundt cakes! I love the community, and visiting the blog each day is such a joy. Over the years, I read the blog along with the comments section, and I leave feeling all the positive energy. I hope you had a wonderful birthday! Hugs!
Cindy D. says
Happy Belated 45th Birthday Shay ! I love Halloween too ! But I live in a small town and we don’t have
any trick or treaters anymore ! It’s really sad. I’m the only one, on my street, that has my porch light on, just hoping, I’ll have at least one ! Sad how times has changed. But once again, I’ll have my porch light on, still hoping, for that one trick or treater. LOL
Amy Androff says
Happy Birthday Shay! Love reading your blogs especially around the holidays! Enjoy this week with your family!
What did Smith think about Harvard? How exciting to go to a game.
Mix and Match Mama says
We had the best time!!
Holly C. says
Happy belated birthday!!! Love these Top Five Bottom Five posts so much!
Robyn Beers says
Happy, happy birthday Shay!
Denise M says
As a kid, I loved Halloween and I have great memories of trick-or-treating and family traditions ON HALLOWEEN (as it should be). However, in the town we live in now, Halloween is celebrated on the Thursday before. I have hated it since the day I learned about it and I will never understand it. Some years, trick-or-treat and classroom parties were a full week before the holiday. I think it takes the fun out of the holiday for everyone!
P.S. Happy belated birthday!
Carrie says
Twenty years ago, my parents built their house with a 20 foot closet in the room where they put out their Christmas tree so that they could store their giant Christmas tree on wheels. It takes less than 30 seconds to wheel it across the room and plug it in. Once plugged in, it’s connected to the light switch to make it even more convenient! Sounds like Andrew needs a big closet 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
THAT. IS. BRILLIANT.
Stacie says
Happy belated Birthday Shay!
Debra says
Happy belated 45th – I would love to be 45 again! Sounds like you had a great birthday – what a fun time – A Harvard game! I love Boston and Harvard!
Alison says
I laughed out loud at Andrew’s #3!
I love the absurdity of the costumes my kids choose (what do you mean you want to be a baby raccoon when every paw patrol pup is an option, and you’ve never seen a raccoon in your life?)
I also love the movies, pumpkin carving, and, of course, sneaking bites of candy.
Least favorite- getting the baby raccoon in and out of the car seat. Full stop.
Kelly says
Happy Birthday Shay! I have discovered over the years that Christmas music can be great at any time of the year. Stressful day, Christmas music always makes me feel better. I fully begin to listen in mid-October, but little snippets here and there just make me feel happy.
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
Fun list!! I love Halloween and decorate even though my kids are in their 20’s! We have trunk or treat in my small town because we have big yards and no one wants to walk that much 🤣 I think I am handing out candy at a friend’s house this year. 🎃
Happy Belated Birthday to one of my favorite bloggers!! 💐💐💐💐
Juliet says
Happy Birthday!
April says
I always wished Halloween was celebrated the last Saturday of October!
Cheers to the Xmas coming out Nov 1! I have 5 trees up already – my kids are grown & I can just as easily hand out candy with a twinkle or 2 or 1000 in the windows.. ❤️🎄
Dana J says
Happy Birthday Shay!! Sounds like it was a fun weekend!! Halloween is extra fun this year since I have an 18 month old grandson to see in his fun costume!! I’m a Christmas on November 1 girlie too!!
Kim Rose says
I totally understand about birthdays. It used to bother me getting older. But when my sister lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 38, it put things into perspective for me. She has been gone 20 years as of August. I’m now 61 and I definitely don’t take it for granted. I view it too as a privilege to get older.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so sorry for your loss, Kim. So very sorry. It’s such a gift to age and so many would give anything for this gift.