1. This year was obnoxiously big.
2. I hope next year is less eventful because the regular old days are my favorite.
3. No wonder I’m tired.
To see the reviews from years past, you can find them here…
As for 2014,here we go…
January
February
We took in every moment of the winter Olympics…Andrew and I are obsessed with the Olympics and watch it religiously!
Kensington and I hosted a Valentine’s Day party for her friends at our house 🙂
March
April
In April, we packed up and headed to Hawaii for two weeks. We had the best time!!
May
May was HUGE. I’m still exhausted from May.
Our month started out by the kids and I being in a car accident on the 5th. We were driving down the road when traffic backed up in front of us, so I slowed down and then was forced to stop. The lady behind me wasn’t paying attention and hit us from behind going 55 mph pushing us into three cars in front of me…the car directly in front of me was a big flat bed truck…talk about scary…being pushed into a vehicle you know you can’t hurt. Airbags deployed, all of the windows of my car shattered out, my sunglasses that had been on my face were found about 20 feet from my car…it was scary. Kensington suffered the most cuts, scrapes and bruises…it broke my heart but thankfully, we were all okay.
…flew to New York City to see their Yankees play.
June
And then we swam…oh boy did we swim! We were swimming every day this summer!
July
Smith and I drove down to Houston with my parents to see the Sox play the Astros. This was Smith’s first time to see the Red Sox play and after the game, he said he didn’t like them and only wanted to go to Yankee games in the future. I blame his father.
Also, the night before I left for Houston, I was lying in bed watching TV just about to fall asleep when my phone beeped that I had a new email, I rolled over, opened my email and there she was…Ashby. It was my very first time to look at my daughter. Andrew came in there and we just starred at her little picture. I’ve probably looked at that sweet picture a thousand times over the last six months.
August
In August, the four Shulls loaded up and drove to Colorado for a little vacation. We had such a good time on our family road trip!
September
On the 15th of September, my sweet girl turned six! We celebrated with Kensington’s British Bash!
October
And then my little Ninja Turtle and Mulan had the best Halloween :).
November
And we decked our halls for the holidays!
December
We simply could not have fit more into our December (and trust me, we tried!). We really made the most of our favorite month…
Our annual carriage ride.
We rode the North Pole Express!
We took in every little detail of the season.
When I look back on our year, my very favorite moments…the ones I want to remember for the rest of my life are these…
I really feel like these are the very best days of my life and I don’t take them for granted. This year wasn’t perfect…there were days and situations that were stressful and upsetting…plus, building a house, moving and adopting a baby add a huge amount of stress and anxiety…but each day is a gift from the Lord and I will appreciate it.
2015 is going to be a year to remember too! We’re going to kick off our year by adding sweet Ashby London to our family and then we’re going to figure out how to be the Shull five :). We have two BIG trips planned for this year, Smith will start kindergarten (insert me sobbing) and the Mix and Match Mama brand is expanding…so much to do in the new year!
That being said, I really have no idea what’s in store for us in 2015, so I’m just going to pray and ask God to give me the peace, hope, joy and patience to endure whatever the year brings. I’m not guaranteed more than this very minute, so I need to appreciate where I am today and pray where God will lead me tomorrow.
I’m thankful for 2014 and hopeful for 2015.
XOXO
Sarah Macinnis says
Your family is just the sweetest! PTL for all he has given us! Hoping for a blessed 2015 and I can't wait to see what's ahead for you!
Anonymous says
So thankful for your blog. Read every single post this year. Looked forward to it every day! Love your recipes and your insight. You are a great role model! Thanks for everything!
Jen says
Wow!!! What an exciting year!
Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing all your memories from this year with us.
How is mix and match mama expanding? Can we expect an upcoming announcement?? 🙂
Shesabigstar says
This made me tear up… you have the best perspective, Shay… thank you for those last paragraphs, I needed the reminder this morning! <3
Elizabeth says
I am so excited to see what 2015 has in store for your beautiful family and Mix and Match Mama!!
Lori S H says
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You're a great Mom, wife, and inspiration to many.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
WHOAH! I know that I already knew everything you did this year…but seeing it all together is kind of mind blowing! You WERE busy! I mean, like CRAZY busy! It was fun being along for the ride, and I'm SO EXCITED about what's in store for the Shulls in 2015. It's going to be y'alls best year yet!!!!! LOVE YOU!!
Kristen Gerdel says
I only know you thru the blog world but I absolutely adore you and your sweet family!!! Can't wait to 'meet' sweet Ashby!!! Merry Christmas Shay!!
Narci says
Girl! What a year, and I am so thankful to have shared in it with you! Now, go get that baby girl so I can love her to pieces just like the rest of you! 😉
kimm atwood says
What a fabulous year! 2015 will be great for you
Leigh says
I adore your blog. You did have a busy 2014. Here's to an amazing 2015! Merry Christmas!
melissabunny100 says
Wow…What a year, I am so glad i found you and your friends!! I can't wait for another year!!
Erika Slaughter says
I am a sucker for a year in review post!!! Loved that! You guys crammed a lot into 2014 but 2015is gonna be the best yet!!
Meagan Ruse says
Why am I crying? Haha! Beautiful post! Thankful for your friendship!
Dana says
Hello! I have been reading your blog for almost two years now and this is the first time I have ever emailed. I just had to say that you inspire me everyday! God bless you and your little family. 🙂
Paula says
What an awesome year! Full of blessings! Thank you, Shay, for sharing tidbits! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Tracy says
What a great year and it sounds like there are exciting thing ahead for you & your sweet family! Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with all of your blog friends! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🙂
Angela Ellingson says
Love this so much! So thankful for you! You truly feel like a friend even though we've never met and you inspire me in so many ways.
Queen In Between says
Love the recap. I have to agree…the busy can be fun but those ordinary every day moments are the ones I treasure most.
Amanda says
I so enjoyed finding your blog this year! Looking forward to your family's journeys next year and years to come. Have a Merry Christmas Shull family and a happy blessed new year!
Macy Strozier says
I love how you have so much positivity. You already know your not going to be moving into a new house and you know Ashby London will be here. You are going to make it a new year.
Lana says
Whew! I'm tired just reading it. So glad I found your blog this year. I enjoy reading about your sweet family, and your positive attitude is very inspiring to me. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Maddy Johnston says
Shay–you are a true inspiration. Your faith, kind heart, and positive attitude not only make you beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. You have the most precious family and I wish yall nothing but the best in 2015! Merry Christmas!! Xoxox
Ps- I live in Fredericksburg, TX, and the "Holiday Cheer" candle from Circle E Candles is to die for!! You must try it if you haven't already! You will want to buy five more. (Okay maybe even ten more and burn them year round). Ha! 😉
Anonymous says
What an amazing and beautiful family! I'm so glad I found you. I've received lots of great inspiration from you and your life. Thank you for sharing and I wishing your Gods blessings in the new year!
Stacey McDonough says
Thank you for all that your share. I looked forward to your posts every day! Enjoy the holidays with your sweet family!!
live compassionately says
I just had so much fun reading your posts from Sean & Catherine's wedding again! Such a fun time for your family. Thanks for sharing a little peek into your world! You have the sweetest kids & it will be awesome to see Ashby come home! Merry Christmas to the Shulls!
April Parrish says
Love your blog and especially what it stands for! Prayers for you and your sweet family in 2015!
Anonymous says
I got teary-eyed reading this post. I love the pictures of you and your family and how those were your favorite moments. I have three children and feel the same way. I also love your prayer for 2015 and how positive you are no matter the situation. I can't wait to read more of your blog next year. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
Anonymous says
2014 was quite a busy year for the Shull 4. Can't wait to see how your lives will change and evolve when Ashby comes home and makes it the Shull 5.
Vanessa Fullen says
Simply the best post of the year! Blessings to the Shulls in 2015! All 5. 🙂
Jaren says
I always get teary-eyed when you do these! Thanks for allowing us to follow along! Looking forward to 2015 and all your wonderful posts!
Avery Raley says
What a great year! You always impress me with all the things you fit into your months! You should write a book on productivity! I could learn a thing or two 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Joyce Viswat says
Aaw love this blog! Cant wait to read more! Greetings from the netherlands
Sincerely Anna says
I have loved following your blog this year. You are such a loving mom and strive to make lasting memories in the everyday moments. You inspire me in many ways to be positive and present in my relationships. As an adoptive mom, I'm so excited about what's ahead for you, as well. I'm praying for your adoption. It will grow your faith more than you can imagine. So awesome!
Alison says
Absolutely perfect. Can't wait to see what 2015 has planned for your family.