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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Shay ·

Q&A with Shay!


On Monday, I posted in my Insta Stories that I would do a little Q&A today!  I love it so much when my friends do these posts, so I thought why not me?  You guys!  I asked for questions and got so many responses (holy cow!).  Thank YOU so much for playing along!!  Not only did I get a lot of questions, but I got a lot of sweet notes from you too.  THANK YOU!  I randomly went through and grabbed the first batch (saving others for future posts).  If your question didn’t make this round, perhaps it will on another one.

Here’s a little Q&A with Shay…

I love to make pastas because I love to  eat pastas.  Ha!  That being said, anything PUMPKIN makes my heart the happiest.  I save all of my pumpkin baking/cooking for the Fall, but when it’s time, I’m giddy.  I really like pumpkin in savory dishes too and my Pumpkin Sausage Pasta is always one of my faves.  (Best of both worlds…pumpkin and pasta!)

That’s a hard one…but I think our trip to Ireland and Scotland last summer…

…was my favorite.  Two weeks with just my fam?  I loved that!  You can read the recaps HERE.

I don’t 😉 .

I really try and stay positive as much as I can because this is my one and only life, so I better not waste it with a bad attitude, but I definitely have my negative moments.  I am very thankful for the people in my life who I get to vent to when necessary.  I think it’s so important to find your tribe and to be honest with them.

Like giving birth to them?  I’m going to assume that’s what you mean and the answer is YES.  I knew I was done having biological kids when I was pregnant with Smith.  I hate to say this…but I didn’t like being pregnant.  I hate saying that because I know there are so many women out there who would give anything to be pregnant, but it just never went well for me and made me not want to have biological children anymore.  (We took permanent measures when Smith was an infant to make sure I didn’t get pregnant again.)  Now, looking back, I am going to give God a HUGE shout out because if I would have enjoyed being pregnant, I might not have pursued adoption and THAT is where my heart needed to be.  I’m going to think that God made my pregnancies hard to discourage me from having more.

We talk about them!!  Andrew and I always talk about vacations at least two years in advance.  We look at the calendar and map out where we would like to go. We have a bucket list of places, so we try and knock a few of those off one at a time, but then sometimes, we revisit favorite places because…if it’s a favorite, you want to go back, right?  Traveling is a pretty constant conversation around here.  We talk, we add it to our list and we (hopefully) check them off.

I read all of my books…lately, on my Kindle.

I am a pretty active person in general (you don’t see me siting down very often), but I do try and give myself grace when it comes to working out because…sometimes, it’s just not in the cards.  For instance, last week, I went to the gym once and did the Peloton once.  Two workouts in one week is probably not #goals.  In theory, what I aim for every week is to go to the gym 2 to 3 times (I like HIIT classes) and then 2 times a week, I workout at home (I love my Peloton and I am a yogi).  So…my goal is always 4 to 5 days a week…sometimes, it happens, sometimes, it doesn’t.  My number one tip is to find something you love and do it.  I love yoga and I love HIIT, so I do that a lot.  I did a class at my gym for a year one time every Friday and hated it so much…one day, I was like “this is stupid, don’t ever go back” and I didn’t.  I found something else I like better and did that instead.

Nope.  I never had a clue that I should adopt until I heard a sermon at church about it one day and then it was like a lightening bolt came down from the sky and hit me.  I was a fan of other people adopting, but I never thought I was supposed to until that day…and I’ve never looked back since.

Nah.  I mean, Andrew and I like to be asleep by 10:15ish, so the kids go to bed before that, but I try not to be too strict about it this time of year.  During the school year, we aim for 8:30 every night, but during the summer, we’re more relaxed.  That being said, if we have somewhere to be early/need to get up, they’ll go to bed earlier.

I have patience for picky eaters until they are about five, and after that, I’m very much a “eat what’s on your plate and don’t complain” kind of mom.  I really try hard not to serve things I know they won’t like (I don’t like tuna fish, so I’m thankful my mom doesn’t make it for me when I go to her house).  I know they like certain veggies and proteins, so I stick to that a lot.  I also really try and incorporate things I know they love (noodles, guacamole, tomato sauces, salad, broccoli etc) with each meal too.  Sometimes, my kids are just in a mood and don’t want to eat what I’ve made them, but that’s their only choice…I’m not a short order cook.

SIT DOWN AND HOLD THOSE BABIES.

Geez.

I should probably sit down and hold 10 year old Kensington so that one day, 45 year old Shay isn’t saying that to 37 year old Shay…but that’s what I would tell her.  I’m a busy person by nature, so sitting down isn’t really in my wheelhouse, and I wish I would have just sat there and held my babies more.  Of course, I held them…but now that they’ re so big, I wish I would have held them for days and days.  When I was thirty, they were 2 and 3…I should have just sat around holding them 😉 .

Breaking Bad.

Without a doubt.

I don’t!  I get overwhelmed by the options.  Who should I be listening to???  If you tell me, I will listen!

Not all of my kids are the same, therefore, I can’t parent them the same.  Just because certain things work with Kensington does not mean they’ll work with the other three.  That took (and still takes) trial and error.  Each kid is different.

It was a very natural fit for me!  I’ve always been a big traveler, so when I became a blogger and started sharing my travels with an audience, I was asked by people pretty regularly if I would help them plan their trips.  At first, I was flattered and said I don’t do that and then I wised up and thought why don’t I do that?!  And thus…a business was born.

I have known I wanted to be a mom since I was like two.  It’s in my blood.  The BEST thing I’ve ever done is become a mom. I LOVE being a mom.  When I die, I hope they say, “She loved Jesus and her family”.  That’s it.  I was that girl who nanny-ed her way through high school and college instead of getting any other type of job…I love kids and have always wanted my own.

I am a Christian and attend First McKinney which is a Baptist church that leans very non-denominational.  Andrew and I both grew up in church (my grandpa is Baptist preacher), and our kids are growing up in church now too.

I always dig a romper.  I feel like they can go from casual day to dinner with just a change of shoes.  They feel very “summer” too!

Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse.  For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future.

Ephesians 3:21 is the verse I look at every day when I sit down to work.  God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.

My favorite drink is a Pumpkin Spice Latte, so I get a few each season, but my standard drink is a Venti Pike with a splash of half and half.  #boring

I don’t know???  I feel very happy with my four right now, but I learned a long time ago not to tell God what my plans are.

SWIMMING!

I love it when we swim all together.  It makes me HAPPY!

So many things. Ha!

Um, a silly one is that I don’t like it when I’m eating a meal outdoors and the person next to me (cough, cough, Andrew) is waving his hand in front of my face to get a fly away.  I hate flies.  I don’t want flies around my food.  I will handle the fly.  Do you know what’s more annoying than a fly by my face?  Your big hand.

England.  England.  England.

Without a doubt.

I don’t.  I’m a frantic, hot mess many days.  I wake up early, jump right on in and go, go, go.  Some days, I do it better than others.  Waking up early is the key for me.  Those quiet hours in the morning are my most productive.

Oh, it’s not immaculate.  Andrew and I are both neat freaks.  There are a lot of pros and cons to this.  Pro, our house is really tidy and I would never be embarrassed to have a surprise guest walk in.  Con, we probably miss out on some joys in life because we’re too busy cleaning up to stop and appreciate them.  Our kids make messes, we just have them clean up when they’re done.  Andrew and I both probably need to chill out.

Journalism

New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, Japan and Singapore to name a few!

This stuff right here!!!  It’s amazing!!!  Even Andrew is using it now!

We were! It’s just the two of us…and since one is a boy and the other a girl, we never had to share anything so to speak.  You know, we didn’t share a room, we didn’t share toys…it’s easy to get along with someone who doesn’t want/need/take anything that’s yours 🙂 .  He’s two years younger than me, and we always had the same circle of friends so to speak.  We’re similar in a lot of ways, but we’re different in many.  He’s a night owl, I’m a morning person.  I’m chatty and he’s more reserved.  I like to go, go go and he’s more chill.  He’s the yin to my yang.

I think it’s a combination of several things.  One, genetics.  Two, diet.  Three, exercise.  I didn’t grow up in a house where diet was emphasized.  I honest to goodness learned what healthy eating was when I was in college and started reading Self, Shape and Women’s Health magazines.  I like to eat and really enjoy food, so I eat in moderation.  The older I get, the more protein I like to consume each day, and I’ve developed more of a savory tooth over a sweet tooth.  I just try and stay active, eat in moderation and drink a lot of water.

A Cadillac ESV.

I do!  I don’t eat a lot of sweet things (see two questions above), but every night, Andrew and I have a little brownie before bed.  It’s like “our thing”.

I wish I could go back and do it all over again.  I had a GREAT high school experience.  I was really involved, participated in everything, and had a ton of friends…and then, I went to college.  I went into college with a boyfriend who had already graduated college, so he wasn’t interested in all of that “college” stuff any more, so neither was I.  I worked two jobs, took a full load of classes (I graduated in 3.5 years) and did absolutely nothing fun the whole time I was there.  I wish I would have joined a sorority, joined some clubs, spent more time on campus and met more people my age.  Dating someone who was already out of college as I was going into college was probably not the wisest idea…

I grew up in a Christian household, so I started having my own relationship with Christ at a young age.  When I was 15, I started having a daily quiet time and reading my Bible every day…that changed my life.

I’m going to do a mini updated version of my skincare here really soon, but I started using Colleen Rothschild about 6 weeks ago and really love it.  I have been using these products and honest to goodness think they’re amazing…

…this is what I’ve been using: SHEER RENEWAL CREAM, COMPLETE EYE CREAM, RETINOL SUPREME EYE SERUM, and RADIANT CLEANSING BALM.

I do not.  To be fair, I stopped watching a lot of shows that I used to watch religiously.  I used to watch every season of Survivor, American Idol and The Amazing Race and now, I don’t watch any of them.  I don’t know why I stopped exactly?  I think I’m just busier now in the evenings and reading more.  Plus, Netflix and HBO have really outdone themselves with series that I like, so I go there to watch “my shows” now instead of regular TV.

Whew!

That was just a few!!

I will post more at another time (because there were so many I didn’t get to!!).  I hope you liked my Q&A!

Happy Wednesday, friends!!

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Comments

  2. Aimee says

    I love this! I have a burning question, Shay. After you are done reading your books, what do you do with them? I have way too many books and not a lot of shelving space. #bookwormproblems

    • Hillary Kinzel says

      FYI, my sister’s best friend is stationed overseas with the military. As a woman officer she cannot socialize with other women who are not the same rank. She is in an area where internet is not reliable so reading is often her only downtime activity. My family has been sending books and reading material along with other care packages. If you mail through post office you can ship in flat rate priority box for a discount so the weight of it being books doesn’t matter. Might be worth asking around to find out if you can ship excess books to soldiers overseas. Happy to PM you her info if you can’t find another deployed soldier. She is a sweet momma who left 3 kiddos at home with husband. Military waited to deploy her until baby was 1.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I got soooooo many, so I couldn’t answer all of them. Feel free to email me though!

  5. Kathryn Worden says

    Shay, I loved this post!! Be sure to listen to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey…it’s so great!! I loved you and Catherine’s episodes most, haha! ?

  6. Chane says

    Some of my very favourite posts!!
    Have you been to South Africa before? If not, is that in any future plans?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I haven’t, but Andrew has been 3 out of the last 4 years and loves it! He wants us to go back!

  7. Lee says

    Shay, I’m going through very challenging times right now and your favorite Bible
    verses really spoke to me this morning. I know God is with me and has a plan, but sometimes need a reminder. Thanks for sharing!

      • Katelyn says

        You will love podcasts! It’s all I listen to during my commute to work besides when Christmas music is on come November 1st! ? So many inspiring ones…Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations, Oprah’s ‘aster Class, Family Looking Up, 3in30 Takeaways for Moms, Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, Goop, Annie F Downs and Naked with Catt Sadler. I’ve learned so many wonderful things from these podcasts!

  9. Cristin says

    My question was too long for Insta-questions…Would you ever consider stepping out of your box and doing a National Parks RV style vacation? We are Americans living in Europe (and moving to the Middle East next, thank you US Navy), so we have been to AllThePlaces in Europe, but we still long for our RV, the National Parks, Ranger Talks, Hikes, Smores, the great ourdoors and campfires back home in the USA. May I suggest Yellowstone and Grand Teton or The Grand Circle of Utah Parks? Both are phenomenal!! And PS…I am definitely a Four Seasons, Raffles, Fairmont, Ritz Carlton style traveler and RV-life is still AMAZING!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t think so. Is that wrong??? I don’t see us doing that. BUT…never say never!

  10. Annaliese says

    Do you plan on traveling more in the US with your kids at all? It’s cool they get to go all over the world but the US has some awesome places too, was just curious if that’s something you guys are going to do more of in the future? Sorry missed this on instagram but that is my only question I often would like to ask! Such a fun post!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We do travel throughout the US as well. Over the last year, they’ve been to Park City, NYC, Boston, Key West, and Smith went to Beaver Creek and Vale.

    • Meredith says

      Podcast recommendation —- That’s sounds fun with Annie F. Downs is SO good! She (and her show) have really helped my walk with Christ and is just so fun to listen to.

  12. Angela Banae says

    I love this!!! Thanks for sharing, Shay!! You are such a beautiful person inside and out!! Just a few questions: did you take online classes to become a travel agent? Any suggestions of how to point someone in this direction? And I can’t remember…is it a box brownie mix that you make? If so, which one? Happy Wednesday to you!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I did take classes through my host agency! And yes, I typically buy a Duncan Hines one and jazz it up with butterscotch chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc…a million different ways.

      • Danielle says

        Shay, you have to try the Triple Chocolate Ghirardelli box mix one time. Oh man. So stinking good.

        Loved reading your Q&A!!

        • April was in CA now MA says

          What Danielle said. I’ll never make brownies from scratch again after having the Ghirardelli mix, any flavor is good and you can’t go wrong!

  13. Whitney says

    Omg the waving at the fly is a pet peeve of mine too!! Or when people flip out over bees.

    But, if your still watching housewives the podcast you NEED to be listening to is BItchSesh, they recap the shows and are hilarious!!!

  15. Nicole says

    Since you once posted about trying to stick to vegetarian meals during the day, and then even some whole days, I started trying to do the same. I’m wondering how you felt doing that? I would love to see another daily eats post!! ? Thanks! That was fun to read!! Happy Wednesday!!

  17. Kasie Miller says

    This was so fun! I laughed out loud at the bit about Andrew swiping flies out of our face at dinner! ha!

    Looking forward to your next one!

  19. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    I love your pumpkin pasta recipe!! The first time I made it, my husband looked at it and thought it was weird, so I told him not to eat it and all the leftovers would be for me–he tried it and now it’s one of his favorites too!!!
    MeetTheShaneyfelts

  21. Rachel says

    There are generally two kinds of podcasts: Ones with a general theme but none of the episode are connected to each other and each is about something different and ones that are a series and tell one (true) story over several episodes. I prefer ones that tell stories (through narration and interviews).

    Some good series to get you started: The Dropout (about Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes), Dirty John (without giving it away, it’s about a wealthy woman who starts dating a guy her adult kids don’t like), Dr. Death (about a neurosurgeon in Dallas), Serial Season 3 (about the criminal justice system in Cleveland), The Dream (about multilevel marketing companies).

  22. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    I love these posts too Shay! Your answers reminded me why I’ve followed you for so many years. I hope you guys visit New Zealand and Australia someday, they are just magical places!! I highly recommend Meaningful Conversations with Maria Shriver (podcast). I think you’d really like her her outlook on faith, motherhood and more!
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  23. Angie G says

    Good morning –
    This was such a fun post. I’m like you, overwhelmed by Podcasts, and the ones over an hour, I just can’t do it. I know there’s lots of good things to listen to, but I need like 30 minutes. I did record one with my church recently, it’s about 30 minutes and the feelings as women of being seen and unseen in a connected world. Listen here: https://player.fm/series/everyday-conversations-bayou-city-fellowship/angie-the-gift-of-being-unseen. Or, it’s on iTunes, Everyday Conversations.

  24. Kristen says

    I think you would really like a podcast called “The Popcast”. It’s a once a week review of things pop culture and lots of things you talk about on this blog, TV, movies, books, etc. They are Christian and based in Birmingham but very popular in Dallas. They actually have a live show coming to Dallas in October!

  25. Maria says

    This was great! Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite of mine too… we included it on our son’s Baptism invitations! The story about the flies had me laughing because I can totally relate!

  26. Wendy says

    Loved this post!

    I had never listened to a podcast until last year when I FINALLY started listening to the Big Boo Cast with Big Mama (Melanie Shankle) and Boo Mama (Sophie Hudson). I have read their blogs for years, but I had never listened to their podcast. One day while my daughter was at soccer practice, I decided to try theirs out. So glad that I did.

    I also listen to The Bible Binge with Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden. They relate Bible stories with pop culture. It’s super fun!

  27. Kelly Franks says

    I love Rachel & Dave Hollis’ Rise Together, Thriving Beyond Belief with Cheryl Scruggs and The Big Boo Cast.

  28. Erica dunlap says

    Love this post I also have a question do you supplement or have a rigid diet if you only work out twice to three times a week at 45 years old I’m just wondering if there something else you’re doingg Love this post I also have a question do you supplement or have a rigid diet if you only work out twice to three times a week at 45 years old I’m just wondering if there something else you’re doing?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      No. I really try and work out when I can (I did this morning!), but when I can’t, I really try and give myself a little grace. I always aim for 15,000 steps a day as well!

      • Ashley says

        If you like Unsolved Mysteries or Dateline type shows, you’d really enjoy the Crime Junkie podcast! I have listened to almost every episode!

  29. Bev says

    Loved this and especially your reaction to Andrew and the flies “I hate flies, I will handle the fly!” And then the final punch, “your big hand!” I know you weren’t trying to be funny but love your sense of humor! Haha!

  30. Colleen T says

    What do you use for your kids as far as shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste etc? With all the swimming and the kids getting older, I need to find something better than Johnson and Johnson’s baby shampoo and my kids are so picky with toothpaste flavors.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      So, Smith uses like Old Spice. Hahaha! No joke. He wanted to smell like a “man”. My girls use either Matrix or Moroccanoil (whichever I have on hand!).

  31. janie Reinert says

    This was a fun read ! Best part was your favorite Bible verses…I need both today !

  33. Sara says

    A great podcast is 10 Things to Tell You by Laura Tremaine. She is a blogger with a crazy interesting life. Her shows are quick, but full of amazing content.

  34. Marla says

    That was a fun post! i have a silly question for you – in your family photos it looks like your husband is crazy tall and you are tiny. In just you photos, you look “normal” height. How tall are you and your husband???

  35. Kalle says

    Love your travel bucket list! Based in what you have shared about your kids and family, I want to encourage you to go to Japan soon! I used to live there and the food is amazing (lots of options), it kid friendly, rich in history, breath takingly beautiful and just funky and cute. The care that Japanese people put into the little details is one of the things that makes it special. Not to mention Disney Sea in Tokyo is getting an expansion added in!

  36. Deb Tjelta says

    I love this post! Thanks for sharing your life with us. I’ve not been a podcast person either, but recently a friend started an encouraging one I think you might like too. Check out The Real Deal with Rachel Inouye.

    And…. Singapore…,it won’t let you down! There is so much culture to learn about and see in each little neighborhood.

    Happy Wednesday!

  37. Amlakar says

    I just started listening to podcasts this year due to some suggestions by friends- they are awesome to listen to while getting ready in the morning, running errands etc. Your only problem may be that you have little ones in your vehicle most of the time so it might narrow your choices. I love true crime so here are a few of my favorites: The Fall of a Titan (Story of the murder of NFL player Steve McNair), Crime Junkie ( these are about 30-40 minute episodes that are like mini Datelines or 20/20, Dr. Death (neurosurgeon in Dallas), Serial (listen to the season on Adnan Syed), Gangster Capitalism ( first season is on the College Admissions scandal), In the Dark (season 2- Curtis Flowers). On a lighter note (hahaha) Your Best New Self with Helen Elizabeth- Christian based podcast- Helen was married to singer Craig Strickland who died tragically in a boating accident and her podcast is just very uplifting on how God brought her through very sad times and how he continues to work in her life. Whew! Sorry such a long response but podcasts really are awesome!!

  38. Megan Whitworth says

    Loved this! As for podcasts – Danny Pelligrino. He talks ALL things Bravo. And it’s fantastic.

  39. Ann says

    I love the Satellite Sisters podcast, as well as Happier with Grechin Rubin, and Happier in Hollywood.

  40. Dawn says

    Loved this post, but your answer about the flies and “big hand” cracked me up! I laughed out loud!! Mostly because I relate… Thanks for the chuckle! Enjoy your day!!

  47. Andrea says

    I was so excited to see England as your answer to the place you would go back to again and again! Out son is moving there in September to attend the Royal Veterinary College so we will be spending a lot of time there. If you find yourself in the mood to do an “all about England” post with all the must see places, restaurants, etc, I would be so thrilled!

  48. Julie says

    I absolutely love this post-thanks for sharing and being so honest and open with us all! You are the best for saying staying thin is part genetics. I love love love that you said that! It is just so real and though I know you work very hard to stay active and eat well, genetics are always this factor no one will mention. Love you for putting it out there! For podcasts, though I didn’t LOVE her newest book, Rachel Hollis’ RISE podcast always gets me going. Also “How I built this” about entrepreneurs who built things like Peloton, stitch fix, etc. So interesting and inspiring!

  49. Michelle says

    This post was fun to read!! Thank you!

    You should listen to the “That Sounds Fun” podcast with Annie F. Downs. She is incredible and so fun!

  51. Maggie says

    There has been many times reading your blog that I’ve felt a nudge from God that it is something He wants me to see or hear, or know is possible – your verses from this Q&A were that for me this morning. God is definitely using you in big and small ways to lead people closer to Him.

  52. Amy Stone says

    Shay I look forward to reading your blog every morning while I drink a cup of coffee! You are encouraging, uplifting, and you challenge me to be a better human and mother. I’ve started getting up earlier in the mornings to use those quiet hours before my two littles are up and I’m trying to take your advice to slow down and just hold my babies (1.5 & 3.5). I find myself weekly saying something to my husband from your blog 🙂 And I especially love the encouragement for adoption as that is something that is totally on our hearts and minds once our girls are a little older. Thank you so much for continuing to do this! If you are looking for a podcast, a friend recently asked me to be on his blog to discuss being a full time working Mom. We discussed that in addition to how my husband and I do life together. I work full time in finance and HR and he runs our event space that donates all profit to charity and our non-traditional church. It’s a crazy ride but we are loving it. If you have some time, here is the link to the podcast 🙂 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-8-the-key-is-boundaries/id1339080424?i=1000434264766

  54. Kathy Wood says

    Could you give suggestions of the best blogger or website for online yoga or do you do your own thing? I search online and I just get frustrated. Thank you!

  55. Meagan Ruse says

    Tim and I absolutely loved Japan and loved the people!!! Maybe we can go with you 🙂 I’m totally serious!

  56. Holley@beesimplyorganized.com says

    I love this post! So fun! Podcast suggestions…I really enjoy the Crystal Paine Show, Parenting Great Kids by Dr. Meg Meeker, do it scared with Ruth Soukup, and Awesome with Alison. I listen to these randomly while doing dishes, making dinner, cleaning the house, and sometimes if I’m lucky while driving if we aren’t listening to Beauty and the Beast. 🙂

  57. Kristy Moore says

    Well that was a fun little post! I found out that we are very similar! #canwedocollegeagain? One of my favorite podcasts (which I’m sure you know well!) is The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Love her energy and the great lessons/message I receive!
    Hope you first week of summer is going well….15 more days with students for us!
    🙂

  58. Kaitlyn says

    You should try to get back into Survivor again! I’ve found that it’s a great family show. It’s appropriate for the kids. They’ll enjoy the challenges and there’s also a very big strategy portion these days. It’s really a perfect show for Kensington and Smith.

  59. Mother of 3 says

    What a fun and informative post! I love reading Q&A types of things and seeing the answers given (comparing them to my own answers in my head!). I didn’t get much out of college either other than my degrees but I lived off campus and honestly didn’t make any friends or effort. I mean there were people in my classes I was friendly with but I didn’t even want to attend my own graduation. I did go because my mom pointed out that I had worked hard and I might regret not going one day but I didn’t feel like I really knew anyone in the crowd.

  60. Kasey Davis says

    Headed to London for a week this summer. What are you must dos? What shoes do you recommend for travel?

  61. Sara says

    Do you have house rules on the amount of screen time the kids can have, especially in the summer? You talk about them playing outside a lot but do you make them cut off the screen at certain times?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      It doesn’t seem to be a big issue around here (yet). I would say right now, I let them have it when we first get home from swimming in the late afternoon for a bit and then again, they can watch a show on it at night before bed.

  62. Mara says

    Your 30 year old self question hit me hard! I’m 30… I have an 8 month old… and I’m a full time working mama that is naturally a busy body. I held my sweet girl and cried last night knowing these moments wont last forever. Thank you for that!! XOXO!

  63. Caitlin says

    For podcasts try By The Book or Happier. By the Book is 2 Friends who read a self help book and try to live by it for 2 weeks. Happier is the author Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth, sharing tips on how to be happier, healthier, and more productive. Both are such positive shows and great background noise for cleaning, cooking, driving, etc.

  64. grace says

    Hi!
    I am also Christian and LOVE that Jeremiah verse too and it always gave me comfort growing up as when reading it I read it as if He were speaking directly to me. But then recently it occurred to me, wait that is Him speaking to someone else in the Bible, so does it still apply to me? Can I take a Bible verse spoken to someone that’s not me and know he feels the same for me? Does he have plans to give ME hope and a future and not just the person that verse was originally directed to?

    Sorry, if this what I’m asking doesn’t make sense. Just wanting to understand this a bit better and deepen my relationship with Him.

    Also, thank you so much for sharing that you are a Christian over the years in your blog and being such an inspiration. It seems as though so many today feel the need to hide or not talk about what religion they are and you unabashedly convey such joy and love for Jesus. I love that!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hi Grace! I’m no theologian, but if you read a verse and it speaks directly to your heart, then YES, that verse was for you. God can use all sorts of circumstances to speak directly to us as individuals.