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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

Christmas, Faith ·

Merry Christmas from the Shull family!


And just like that, we have wrapped up 2025 here in blog world.

From the very bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you enough for being here each and every day with me.

12 months.

465 blog posts.

58 books read.

3 Disney trips.

7 countries visited.

2 new brunettes in our house.

1 repaired bicep.

4,675 high school football games attended.

4 dogs.

1 family.

One very grateful woman that sat down to start a blog when she was 25 years old, and who, by the grace of God, still gets to do it every single day…18½ years later.

I know for a fact that the internet pulls you in a million different directions every day, so I am beyond humbled that you would spend any time you have at all here in my space.

I know I’ve shared a lot of randomness this year on my blog.  My prayer is that you were able to sift through the 465 pieces of content and find a book, an exercise, a pair of leggings, a podcast, an idea, recipe, piece of advice or encouragement…something that benefited you in 2025.

I hope you saw genuine happiness.  The love I have for my family.  For traveling. For Nantucket.  My girlfriends.  And my pups.

I hope when you think back to what you’ve read here on my blog this year, you think “man, she loves her family”, “goodness, she really loves to travel”, but most of all, “SHE LOVES JESUS!”.

You guys, my prayer every single day when I sit down to type these posts out is that Christ’s love shines through me to you.

Recipes, holidays, vacations, books, movies, clothes, exercises, funny memes…all of it is meaningless to me without a relationship with the Lord.

This holiday season, if you want to know more about Jesus…THE RESAON FOR THE SEASON, please reach out to me.

If you want to hear more about the peace, and hope and love that I have because I put my faith in Him, REACH OUT TO ME.

My joy comes from the Lord.  If you want that kind of joy, please let me point you in the direction of the man who came as a baby into this world to die for our sins to be resurrected so that we can have the peace, and hope, and eternal salvation through HIM.

Email me at mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com to connect.  Please let me send you a Bible or pray for you or encourage you or help you find a church community…I would be honored.

If you do not have a church, I would love to “invite” you to mine.  If you’re local, please come see us in person…if not, you can watch our services each week (including our Christmas Eve services!) online.

I am so excited about meeting with you guys in 2026!  I have a very long list of things we need to discuss next year, so I hope you will join me here every day beginning on Tuesday, January 6th.

If you are interested in reading the Bible with this community, please consider joining us for The Bible Recap in 2026.  You can get all of the information HERE about The Bible Recap and our little “group”.  We would LOVE to have you!

Today is my last day of work until January.  Andrew and I are so excited to kidnap our kiddos and enjoy every single extra minute of family time with our four favorite people.

I won’t be blogging again until the 6th, but I’m positive you’ll be able to see what we’re up to on Facebook and Instagram until then.

Again, thank you so much for spending 2025 with me.

I am so thankful for each of you.

Merry Christmas, friends! xx Shay

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Comments

    • Diane Moore says

      Merry Christmas, Shay, to you, your family, and other grateful readers. Praise God for his son. I pray many reach out to you as you requested, to learn more about Him.

  3. Carrie Martens says

    Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family! You bring me joy every day and I am so thankful for your postings💙 I share your faith and I am so grateful that you use this platform to share the gospel. Jesus is the reason for the season and we can call that baby in the manger our Savior. Thank you for shining your light. Looking forward to “seeing” you in 2026🩷

  4. Laura says

    Merry, merry Christmas!! I so enjoy reading your blog every morning (I’d guess it’s been 10-12 years??) and am looking forward to continuing in the new year! Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a happy new year!!

  5. Vicky says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Shay! Your positivity and enthusiasm are inspiring year-round, and a great reminder for this British reader to try to bring the same things (and a sprinkling of Texas!) to her own day-to-day. Best wishes for 2026!

  6. Samantha Harris says

    Merry Christmas to my favorite little corner of the internet. Soak up all that family time. See you in January.

  8. Debbie Hibbert says

    Thank you, Shay, for the time, thought and prayer you put into each post. I’m looking forward to everything to come in 2026, but especially being part of the Bible Recap Group starting on the 1st!

    Merry Christmas to you, Andrew, Kensington, Smith, Ashby and Madeley🎄

  9. Alicia says

    Merry Christmas Shay! I love coming to this space each morning during my quiet time, it’s a great little way to start each day. So thank you!

  11. Pamela G says

    THANK YOU Shay for all the hard work you do for us. I have read evety blog post since before Ashby joined the family and one thing that is certain is that you radiate the joy of the Lord. Merry Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  12. Alison says

    I hope you have a festive filled weekend and a very Merry Christmas with your favorite people! Thank you for all your funny memes, your positivity, your favorite products/items, your recipes and just sharing life with us all!

  13. Ari says

    Merry Christmas, Shay! I hope you enjoy the precious time with your sweet family. Excited to see what 2026 has in store.

  14. Paula says

    Merry Christmas, Shay!!! This has been my most difficult year losing my sweet precious daughter in April. Your light and random post gave me something to do daily than other focus on my intense grief. I pray you have a blessed break.

    And pointing your readers to Christ makes my heart full joy. Knowing the Lord is the only reason I am able to hold both grief and joy in tandem.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh Paula, I am so so sorry for your loss. So very sorry. Sending you so much love this holiday season. xx

  15. Jessica says

    Merry Christmas! Reading your blog each day is a favorite thing of mine. Your love for Jesus, your family, your dogs, health, and travel shines through!

  16. Emily says

    Merry Christmas Shay!
    Thank you for sharing your life and family here every day. You inspire me to be a better wife and mother with your love and joy. Enjoy your holiday break!

  17. Whitney says

    Shay, you are such a light in this crazy world. I enjoy reading your blog daily! Have a wonderful Christmas break with your family!🙂

  19. Amanda Wilson says

    Thank you Shay for all the idea from vacations to supper! The one that bring me the most joy is the idea I got from you many many years ago to have quiet time in the morning!! Praying for an advent full of the beautiful anticipation of Jesus and a new year filled with health, fun and so much love for you! I read this blog every morning to awaken my brain before my quiet time. It cracks me up when u here in Alberta Canada people say how do you know so much about McKinney Texas or Nantucket.

  20. Lori says

    Merry Christmas Shay! Thank you for using your platform to glorify Him! I pray for you as well! May this time away from the blog world rejuvenate and refresh you. Love from Southern Minnesota.

  21. Paula Hobbs says

    Thank you, Shay!!! Thank you for being a light on dark days and for sharing so many wonderful memories that you make with your family, with us. You and your blog are truly a gift from God and I love being a part of this sweet community. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Shull Family!!!

  22. Krista F. says

    Merry Christmas Shay and THANK YOU for all the ideas, recipes, recommendations, encouragement and inspiration you have provided me all year!

  23. Kara says

    Merry Christmas to the Shull Family from Ohio! You inspire me to be the best version of myself all year long! Thank you for this happy place to visit each morning! 🙂

  24. Bev says

    Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family, Shay! Your hopes of what we see and hear from you throughout the year definitely hit the mark! I especially love the way you share the gospel message so thoughtfully and clearly. May God continue to use you and your positive influence in this special corner on the internet! ♥️

  26. Valerie P says

    Merry Christmas Shay! I so enjoy your blog and each of your posts. I love the content, your sense of humor and the humanness you share daily. What keeps me coming back though is your joy and genuine love for Jesus and how it comes through with such sincerity and care in all that you share with your readers. I share your faith and that I know is what keeps me coming back. Thank you for that! I pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas with days filled with joy and laughter as you embrace the craziness of life. 🙂

  27. Kim says

    Thank you for sharing happiness and fun with us everyday. Most of all thank you for sharing Jesus! I love that I can come here every morning and read your encouraging blog. It’s a day brightener. Merry Christmas! Kim

  28. Julie says

    Merry Merry Christmas!! It’s been so fun to follow along. Your blog is one of the first things after my Bible read. I love the Jesus, the joy, and the content. It’s been so fun! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

    ✝️🎄❤️

  29. Debbie Schultz says

    Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season. I am grateful for your blog, and the joy and happiness it brings to my morning reading! I’m also grateful for a blog where I can come with a prayer request and be blessed by so many who prayed over my daughter. She is doing WELL, and we are so very grateful. God bless you and your family.

  30. Keisha Dawson says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your mission definitely shines through daily! Your love for the Lord radiates through you!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank YOU for being such a wonderful supporter of St. Jude’s. We appreciate you so much! xx

  31. Julie says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! You are pure joy Shay. I look forward to reading your blog each day.
    Love from the mitten state ~ Julie

  32. Heather says

    Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family Shay!! Thank you for always sharing Jesus and He answers your prayer that He shines through you and your posts that you share with us!! Enjoy your family and can’t wait to see you on the 6th!! ♥️💚

  33. Patti Kelso says

    Merry Christmas to you all! I started following you earlier this year and am so glad I did! I have gotten into a routine of reading your post as I sip my first coffee before I start working. It really is a great way to start the day! Enjoy your time off with your family, you deserve it! And thank you so much for pointing people to Jesus, you have such a great platform to do that! Blessings to all of you!

  34. Kristi G says

    Merry Christmas to You & Your Beautiful Family Shay! Thank you for being you & bringing sunshine & joy to all of us. Wishing you abundant blessings in 2026!!

  35. Kristin L. says

    Yes, yes, yes! Jesus does shine through you and your blog. Your joy in Him and genuine gratitude for what you have is evident. Thank you for sharing your honesty and heart. Merry Christmas!

  37. Jodie Kingsbury says

    Merry Christmas to the whole Shull family!! Hope you enjoy the holiday season with your kiddos.

    • Carly says

      God Bless you and your family Shay! Thank you for all the light and happiness you bring into my morning. I am grateful. Wishing you health and adventure in 2026

  41. Kathy says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! All the photos you shared are beautiful, and I appreciate you sharing your faith, travel, recipes, and sweet family through your blog.

  42. Denise M says

    Merry Christmas! Instead of repeating all of my thoughts – just read all of the previous comments! You are amazing and I wish I was even a fraction of the person you are. Your positivity radiates through your blog and I can’t thank you enough for sharing it with us. I’m already looking forward to your January 6 post!

  44. Yvonne says

    Merry Christmas Shay to you and your family! So grateful for your blog, this is where I found out about so many things, from recipes, Nantucket and future vacation destinations but by far the best is The Bible Recap. It is life changing!
    I appreciate you sharing your family and puppies with us, thank you for all the positive content! Have a blessed holiday and I look forward to reading your blog in 2026!

  45. Donna Dulworth says

    Merry Christmas from the Dulworth cousins in Missouri! This has been the worst year of my life but Jesus and our family and Christian friends have carried us through it. You have the best MIL in the world her prayers and encouragement has been a life line. Thank you for allowing me to visit with you daily with your blog. Enjoy your precious family this Holy season

  48. Faith Kapp says

    I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to encourage us and share your life and family with us. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!

  49. MICHELLE OKERLUND says

    Merry Christmas Shull Family! Thank you Shay for your wonderfully positive outlook on family and daily life. Wishing you the best Holiday Season and so much love and fun with your beautiful family. Take care and see you 2026!

  50. Jess W says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family! And thank you for making this a light, fun and happy place to visit every day on the internet!

  51. Carol says

    The best gift you’ve given me is a love for the Bible Recap! I had read the Bible through a few times before, but the daily chronological plan truly changed my heart. I’m finishing up year three. In year one, I did it by myself. In year two, I shared it with a small group of ladies. In year three, I brought it to my whole church. I’m excited to start year four in January! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

  52. Heather Green says

    Thank you for another wonderful year of light and love. Happy Holidays to you and your family! See you back in January!

  53. Debbie K says

    Thank you for bringing joy into my life with every blog you write. I look forward to reading each morning with a smile. Merry Christmas to you and yours!! Can’t wait to reconnect in January.

  54. lee ann vicary says

    Thanks to you, Sheaffer Told Me To, and A Little Bit of Everything – I got the nicest call from a girlfriend yesterday – telling me she doesn’t know where I get all my great ideas for gifts but that I absolutely give the best gifts. It’s y’all for sure. I got her Laundry Sauce thanks to you for her birthday. You all are showing the world that Jesus saves us and that women can be besties and support each other mightily. I hope you have a lovely time off and are able to come back recharged for a new year. How can it be 2026!!!

  56. Carol says

    Have a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS! Looking forward to M&M blog and recipes in 2026. Have been with your blog journey almost since the beginning. As my Grandparents passed when I was young, Thank for for always, sharing your Grandparents with us. Hope your Grandmother is doing well, Most important Thank you for Always sharing your faith and Always every year reminding all of us the TRUE meaning of CHRISTMAS.
    Again MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

  57. Paula says

    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the Shull family! I’m here every day and enjoy your blogs so much. Yes, I have found new recipes, Trader Joe’s finds 😉, and decor, but most of all, I want you to know that Jesus does shine through you. And that’s why I’m still here every day.

    May God continue to bless your family.

    Enjoy the holiday and your time off!

  58. K.K. says

    Merry Christmas, Shulls!! I love that you bring us back to Jesus (often) and always with your last post of the year. It really is the most important thing. And – yes, absolutely, it’s easy to see that you love HIM!!
    I hope you have the best break. Much love and holiday cheer!

  59. Brooke says

    Merry Christmas! I very much enjoy reading your blog every day. There has been so much that makes my year better. Thank you!

    On another note, I noticed Smith looks taller than Andrew in that last picture. I opened one of the old “you’ll also love” post at the bottom of a blog earlier this week and could not believe how much Smith has grown in such a short time. I kept looking at the year it was from again thinking that can’t be right.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Those babies don’t keep. I think Andrew still has him by an inch, but it’s a tight race to the tallest over here 🙂 .

  63. Tracy says

    I love your blog, Shay! I’m doing TBR for the third time with another group and cannot recommend it enough–it is a wonderful way to see the big picture of God’s plan and to see Jesus throughout Scripture! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

  64. Taylor R says

    Merry Christmas, Shay and family!! You are a joy and a gift in my life. Thanks for being a bright spot for Jesus on the Internet. Mission accomplished ✔️
    Joyfully, Taylor

  65. Christy says

    I found your blog on Pinterest when I was 25 looking for a recipe for spaghetti (haha) and I’ve been reading ever since. I’m 35 now! Funny how the internet works! Merry Christmas

  66. Michelle P. says

    Merry Christmas Shay, to you and your family! Happy New Year, I look forward to your blog post each and everyday and I am looking forward to being part of this community in 2026.

    Thank you for all that you do! Enjoy your break!

  67. Melissa Brown says

    Merry Christmas, Shay! You bring such joy to the world. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your life with us.

  69. Kay says

    Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I can’t even remember how long I’ve been reading your blog, but it is always the highlight of each morning. Although I’m older than you!, I consider you my “big sister” friend because I am always inspired to follow the amazing example you lead. I can’t say this for much I see online, but your blog has me making true life changing choices such as: waking up early, reading the Bible for the first time!, exercising more, being conscious of what I eat, reading books like ‘Unoffendable’ that truly make each day a little better and so much more. I also always admire your positivity (doesn’t come naturally to me!), strength and resilience.

    Thank you for all that you do, and I hope you have the BEST down time with your family over the holidays! Can’t wait to meet back up in 2026.

  70. Carolyn says

    Merry Christmas, Shay!
    I love and appreciate you and your little corner of the internet. I learn a lot from you, relate to you, and am inspired by you. Take care and enjoy the holiday with your sweet fam!!

  71. Dana J says

    Merry Merry Christmas Shay! Thanks for all you do and share with us! I love coming on on social media and feel like I am checking on a friend to see what she’s up to!! You are a bright light to all and the light of Jesus shines in you!!

  72. Hope says

    Merry Christmas!🎄🎁
    Shay, you are such a gift to so many. I look forward to every blog post and Insta story. Your are a shining beacon to moms everywhere.

  73. Candace A Young says

    Merry Christmas from Arkansas! Love following you everyday! Thank you for being bold about your faith! We are hiding the jingle jangle in the cabinet for my husband and I to eat after the grands leave!! lol! It’s our first time to try it!!

  76. Lynn T says

    I love following your blog. I don’t have time to comment as much as others. I am a busy second grade teacher! But I usually catch up on your posts on Friday nights and always find a link, a recipe or a good book recommendation. In the years that I have followed you, I have started my own morning routine….it looks a little different than yours, but I read and listen about Jesus and your example has helped me incorporate it into my morning routine. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank you for commenting! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Enjoy your winter break 🙂 .

  77. Bren says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Shay. Thank you for all you share, reading your blog brings me such joy. Wishing you a beautiful and lovely 2026!

  79. Kelly F says

    Thank you for being a positive place on the internet to visit each morning. I have been reading since Smith was just a toddler and you have always stayed true to yourself and inspired others. This community of readers may have different views and opinions but always keeps things uplifting!
    Merry Christmas to all!

  80. Beth Valenta says

    Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family! I have laughed with you thoughout this year and look forward to many more ideas, recipes, fashion and just being real. You have become my little happy place each morning, and that routine is much needed. Have a wonderful break!
    xo,
    Beth

  81. Kristen says

    Merry Christmas to my favorite blog!
    btw you look so much younger with darker hair! Love it! Ironically I also spent this year transitioning from my bleach blonde hair back to my natural hair color. Everyone loves it so much better, not sure what took me so long! Sometimes you get stuck on that blonde blonde hair, lol!!!!

  82. Stacey M. says

    Merry Christmas Shay! I hope you have a lovely break with your family and I look forward to seeing what you will be up to in 2026!

  83. Tae B says

    Merry Christmas to the Shulls! I have been a long time reader – since just before you got Ashby – and absolutely love your blog. I live in the UK just outside of London and so it’s fascinating to see how some things are so different and some so similar about life in the US. Happy 2026 and thank you for the brilliant bit of escapism and realism that your blog provides!

  84. Tabitha says

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Shay!! Hope you all have a wonderful break, and thanks for all of the time and thought you put into your blog posts! I love following along! Looking forward to all of your 2026 posts and here’s to wishing you all a wonderful few weeks celebrating Jesus and all the joy that comes along with knowing Him! Merry Christmas!

  85. Rebecca carney says

    Merry Christmas to the Shull family❤️💚❤️💚🎄🎅🏼✝️🧑🏻‍🎄❤️💚 God bless you all during this holiday season and I pray you truly get to experience the magical gift of Christmas. Thank you for all that you do for us in blog world all year! You are a blessing to me. Love always, Rebecca.

  86. Cindy says

    Merry Christmas Shay. Thank you for all you do. Your kindness and honesty and sharing is an inspiration. I am so blessed by your words and advice. I am grateful and love my Bible daily readings. The Bible Recap (we discussed earlier) has helped me to understand and to strengthen and stretch me. A heartfelt thank you as I walk my days with the Lord and my Savior and greater understanding. I am always learning. Sending a Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Looking forward to 2026. Enjoy your time with your loved ones!

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