Yay! It’s the first Show & Tell Tuesday of 2016!
Y’all…I’m super pumped about this :).
Twice a month, we all link up with Andrea and show & tell ya something. If you missed it in 2015, here they are all…
(I was in China for the first two, so I wasn’t able to participate.)
I love looking through this link up and reading everyone’s posts…so I better get started so I can do just that!
Today’s topic is introducing ourselves and sharing our New Year’s Resolutions.
I’m Shay…
…I’m a 34 year old wife to Andrew (we’ve been married almost 12 years!) and mother to three kids…
…that’s Ashby (3), Kensington (7) and Smith (who will be six on Monday!). In my opinion, we live in the greatest city on Earth…
…McKinney, TX. Both Andrew and myself own our own businesses…
…he owns an insurance agency and I own a travel agency plus, I write a food blog and have two cookbooks coming out on February 1…
…Cakes and…
…Meal Planner can be pre-ordered now and hit bookshelves on February 1. That being said, my number one favorite thing to do is…
…be a mom to these three kids. Now, none of them came easily…
…it took two years of fertility drugs, IUIs, a miscarriage and a miracle to get our daughter Kensington (you can read about that here). I considered myself blessed and didn’t think we’d have any other kids. But God’s funny that way and only 16 months and 3 days later, I gave birth to this guy…
…Smith (and yes, I also had braces…sigh). Now, we thought we were done having kids. One boy, one girl…we were set. And then in November 2010, God placed adoption on my heart and four years later…
…we welcomed sweet Ashby into our family. Her One Year Anniversary Gotcha Day was yesterday. You can read that here. So, these are my babies…
…and I couldn’t love them more. Speaking of babies…my brother and his wife appear on TV from time to time and are about to have one! You see, one night, I entered my brother’s name online to be on the Bachelorette and well…
…as you might say, the rest is history. He came in third place on the Bachelorette, was picked to be the next Bachelor, proposed to the final girl, married that same girl on live TV and they’re now expecting their first baby. Whew! It’s been a wild ride! This is my crazy family…
…my parents, my family and my sweet brother and his gorgeous bride. Speaking of my parents, my dad and I are obsessed with the Boston Red Sox…
…I’m talking…do not miss a game on TV, go to as many games in person as we can, love, love, love the Red Sox. They have my heart. Not only do they have my heart, but let’s be fair…
…Starbucks does too. I’m a junkie who just can’t quit. But the person who has my heart the most is the Lord. I can’t inert a picture here…because let’s face it, he hasn’t given me one ;). My heart belongs to Jesus and He is all I need in this life. To read more about my faith, click here.
So, I’m Shay and this is me :).
Beginning tomorrow, I’m going to have my monthly to-do list (last year I called them goals, but I think a to-do list will allow me to incorporate more stuff. (Like, what should I do when the weather is cold and I need to entertain three kids?). So, check back tomorrow for that!
As for 2016 resolutions, this year, I really just have one…
I am going to read through the Bible in one year. I have been reading the Bible daily since I was 15, but I have never read it all the way through in a year. I bought a One Year Bible online and have started. I’m really excited about this goal! (And pssssst…if you don’t know me, I love to read! To see all of the books I read in 2015, click here.)
Some years I have several resolutions and some years, not very many. This year, reading the Bible more has really just been placed on my heart, so that’s what I’m going to do. What are your resolutions? Comment and let me know!!
Whew! Okay, time to go read through all of your posts as well! So happy to participate in this link up again! To see the upcoming posts, look here…
…and don’t forget to check out my foodie blog every day! Today’s recipe is…
…my super simple Pork & Beans over Rice! This slow cooker meal will be a hit in your house!
And psssst…one more thing…
…my very favorite sweater of 2015 is now 40% off! Eeks! I love this sweater so much that I bought it in two different patterns. It’s so soft and comfy! See them all here.
Happy Tuesday friends!
xo
Erika Slaughter says
Eeeeeekkkk!!!! Those cookbooks!!! So proud of you friend!!!!
K says
my resolution is to lose weight. I gained a lot of weight with my pregnancy, and I've really struggled to lose it. My son is 3 now so I really have no excuse. But I'm turning 40 years old next year, so I really want to get in good shape. I do have a question or two about your travel agency. Traveling is something I've always enjoyed and I've thought about opening up a side business. But do you find it difficult to compete with the big companies like Costco travel, vacations to go, Expedia, etc? I like that you focus on a few areas. By the way, my husband I and took our son on a Disney cruise when he was a year old, leaving from Galveston, on the Disney Wonder, and it was fabulous. Anyway, any advice you have would be appreciated ?
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, I just love my little business. The people I get to work with make it so much fun. I really feel like I have the best clients and get to send them to the neatest places, so I've never felt any pressure to compete. I guess it all depends on your expectations and mine are just to help those I can plan vacations they'll remember forever.
Elizabeth says
I'd love to hear how reading the Bible goes throughout the year! I've thought about doing that before but never committed!
The Rohman Family says
No resolutions here, but can I just say…I can't WAIT for your beautiful cookbooks to hit my kitchen shelves…AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
Ally Bruno says
I am reading the bible in a year as well! I have an outline but, I also downloaded the app She Reads Truth. It sends you notifications and you can also see what others got from the verses read that day in comment feed after you've read.
Narci says
First, you are seriously the cutest. I love all of this! Second, I'm anxious to see how you like reading through the Bible this year. It's on my list of things to do!
Stacy P. says
I love learning about you and your sweet family. I'm reading (listening) to the Bible this year as well. I downloaded Daily Audio Bible and am listening while I have quiet time in the morning before my house wakes up. He reads Old Testament, New Testament a Psalm and Proverb each day. I'm really liking it so far. Best wishes for your journey through the Bible this year. 🙂
And congratulations on the cookbooks! I have preordered them for myself and my cousin who is getting married this spring.
Phi Mai says
I just love your family and reading your blog. Your kids are the cutest!! I cannot wait for your cookbooks to come out! That is so exciting and I am so happy for you! Also, congratulations to your brother and Catherine on their first baby! Congratulations on becoming an auntie! I gotta admit that Sean has been the best bachelor so far!
I can't wait to continue to see what theme you have planned for smith this year! Me and smith share the same birthday 🙂
ClintandGina says
I just ordered the sweater in gray and olive. Hope it's as cute as yours! My resolutions are on blog today. Happy back to shool week…..I'm so sad break is over!!
Dawn Dannenberg says
Reading the bible in one year is a great idea! Can I ask what app you recommend? Also, ordered that sweater this morning,(different pattern)! Thanks for the heads up on the sale
Mix and Match Mama says
You're going to love that sweater! I recommend getting the One Year Bible off of Amazon (I like the New Living Translation the best). You can also use the Bible app on your phone!
Cait says
Love this!
Cherrisse Sabillon says
Will you be doing a book tour? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! Dates and locations coming soon!
Brigid Hamilton says
Hoping one of those will be DC! 🙂
Unknown says
Hoping one will also be Orlando!!
D Daley says
Hoping one will also be Orlando!!
Pam Clavadetscher says
Hoping you'll stop in Boston!
Kelly Sites says
Hi Shay,
I'm a long-time reader. I LOVE Jesus, and have read through the Bible 5 years in a row via a Chronological reading plan (it's AWESOME to read the Bible in chronological order, it's my fav. way). You can google a reading plan on line. I read 7 days a week, and follow the plan. Just wanted to suggest that way to read. It pulls the puzzle all together. 🙂
Blessings,
Lee and Anna Hogan says
A chronological reading plan–AWESOME idea!!! I will be checking that out-thanks!
kimm atwood says
How exciting about the cookbooks! Congrats. Happy 2016!
Dena says
I would really LOVE it, if you came to CO for your book tour!!
Liz says
So since you'll be doing a book tour & you love the Red Sox so much I assume you'll becomung to Massachusetts! I've been following your blogs for a few years & I'd love to have you sign my pre ordered book!
Therese says
Thanks so much for recommending "The One Year Bible." I have always felt overwhelmed with reading the bible in its entirety. I checked out the Kindle version on Amazon and have already downloaded it and caught up on Jan 1-5. I really like how it's broken down into manageable sections and has Old Testament and New Testament readings each day. It's going to be a great way to start each day!
Jenna Grace says
I love that goal for the new year, and I can't wait to read your new cookbooks!
http://www.jenna-grace.com
Jamie {the celebrating momma} says
I am so excited for you and your cookbooks! Congrats!
V @ X-tremely V says
You are one of the very first bloggers/blogs I ever came across, and I have been hooked ever since! You are real! And that means alot! I love hearing about your family grow and explore!
Tina ferrell says
2015 – My plan was to read the Bible through in one year chronologically. My church had a reading plan broken down daily to use as a guide. I didn't finish on schedule but have continued to read it. I'm currently in the month of October in the reading plan so I'll hopefully be finished before Easter! I've really enjoyed reading it chronologically. When I finished the old testament, I felt so accomplished!
Aubrey says
Wait! You have three kids? And your brother was the Bachelor?? And you wrote a cookbook??? You learn something new every day! 😉 Your introduction is completely presh and so very YOU! Here's to an amazing 2016 for you, friend!
Corinne says
Shay, I've been wondering what you serve as side dishes for your family? I'm trying to incorporate more veggies and sides into our menus, but I'm stumped. We eat a lot of green beans, peas and carrots, and rice. If it were me, I'd just toss a good old salad on the side of any meal, but my daughter wont eat salad, and my hubby isn't interested either. Help!
Mix and Match Mama says
We eat a lot of salads (we joke that my kids are part rabbit!) and we roast any and every vegetable! Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus…we roast them all!
Nicole says
Shay! Love, love your family and foodie blog. Your positive outlook on being a mama, meal planning, and celebrating the little things is so contagious! Thank you 🙂 I preordered both of your books…can't wait!!
I do notice on a lot of your recipes you'll mention a side salad, but all I could find were non-lettuce salads. What do you usually serve as your side salads?
Also, I got a Fitbit for Christmas and I was wondering if you would share your fitness goals? You seem to have a realistic, yet healthy balance in that area of juggling all of that and mom life.
Thanks for putting up with all the questions 🙂 You're a blessing!
Corinne says
I love roasted broccoli and roasted cherry tomatoes. I think I'm just going to start making them whether anyone else will eat them or not! Ha!
klmoore23 says
Love your little family Shay and pray that one day I can have one of my own too. 🙂 I think you should seriously consider coming up to Calgary for your book tour-turn it into a little family holiday! 😉 Best of luck with your resolution-reading through the Bible is great!
Megan says
Yay!!! What a great reintroduction!! Love it!! And that's a great goal for 2016.
sarah says
Just curious… Did you put an affiliate link in the Bible? Wow
Mix and Match Mama says
Absolutely not! I just linked to it so that people will know exactly which version I'm using.
Sara Briggs says
I do not understand why people feel compelled to be mean when NO ONE is making them read your blog—-wow
JMatthews says
Shay, that is a great idea on reading the entire bible in a year! I think I will copy you and do the same. Do you have a recommendation of a good study bible to kind of go along with it?
Mix and Match Mama says
I use the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation :).
Jessica Stroud says
Was looking for a daily devotional to do this year – but instead went with the One Year Bible, can't wait to get it in on Thursday (Thank You Amazon Prime). I never would have thought have thought about this – thanks for always sharing and for the great ideas!
Jen says
How fun that you are doing a book tour too! I'm in Albany, NY, so hopefully I can get to one in the Northeast. 🙂
Emily says
My resolution this year is to lose weight and figure out what the heck I want to do with my life (I'm 23.) Also, please please please come to Albuquerque, NM on your book tour!!!!!
Blake Callahan says
I so enjoy getting to read your blog!
MissKimmie says
Thanks for sharing you. My resolution is the same, I'm excited to get started.
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
I'm excited for your cookbooks coming out! Will you share more about how that process went? I'd love to hear how it all came together!! Happy New Year!
Violet says
Loved reading this. So excited for Show and Tell Tuesday. I just wrote my first one (eeek!) on http://www.violetandblush.com Happy Tuesday!
Kathleen Hulbert says
My resolutions – 1) be easier on myself 2) replace negative self talk with positive and 3)be more present 🙂
mel @ the larson lingo says
Love your goals/to do list! Our church is also doing a read the bible in a year project & has an app for it!
Unknown says
Are you able to share more on how you started your travel agency? More specifically how you became a Disnet vacations agent? Thanks, Christina 🙂
McCameys says
Just have to say I adore you and your family! It has been so much fun following your blog! Thank you for your blog! xoxo
Tracy Stegall says
I just love your blog and your sweet family. I have adored reading about Ashby's adoption and am so happy to hear it is all going well. I've been reading for a long time but this is my first time commenting. Trying to put myself out there as I just started blogging. I also love all of your recipes!
Jaren says
Such a great resolution!! So excited for you on the new cookbooks!!
The Corbridges says
Shay,
I just wanted to tell you thank you for being such a great example for so many people. I just recently had my 3rd little boy, and with each pregnancy I've gotten pretty sick- but this last time was the worst. I was miserable and I really struggled. When my boys were in bed, or sometimes if my husband was with them and I was just trying to get my mind on something other than being sick, I would read your blog. Tears streamed down my face more than once as I read about your sweet journey in getting- and now raising Ashby. I felt the same desire to adopt as you described and have talked with my husband many times about it. He has also always been willing to adopt. I've loved your fashion tips, trying out your recipes, and watching your sweet kids grow. I'm not sure where life will take us, but I am so thankful for the part you've played in my journey… Your positive attitude helps me every time I read your blog- and your example as a mother and person is so appreciated. Keep up the great work! You're blessing so many 🙂
(Also, as a totally random side note, my husband and I had a layover at your airport when we flew from Utah to Puerto Vallarta last month, and all I could think about was how close I was to your cute town and all you fun ladies. Sometimes my husband teases me about my pretend friends in Texas- because I may mention a few things to him about you guys every once in awhile ?– anyway, you are all great 🙂 Even if we are just pretend friends 🙂 Have a great night!!! You're amazing Shay!!
brittneydefelice says
I'm reading through the Bible too – my first time. 6 days in and I'm a little overwhelmed…but excited.
Kristi McDaniel says
Hi Shay! I just finished my second year of reading the Bible through chronologically. This year I also journaled through the Bible as well. I use Reader's Guide to the Bible; Chronological Reading Plan by George Guthrie. It's awesome with some commentary on each day of reading and discussion questions as well. You can use any translation with this guide and I love the NLT as well!
Kelly Giles says
Hi Shay, I have just placed an order for your cook book, Mix & Match Cakes. I received a gift card for christmas to an Australian book store. I typed in your name in the search field and up popped your books. I'm so happy they are available in Australia 🙂