Infertility...

You might think that the number one thing I am emailed about would be my brother.  Nope.

You might think that the number one thing I am emailed about would be food.  Nope.

The number one thing I am emailed about is infertility.  

Some of you are new to the blog, some of you are old friends.  No matter which you are, you know that my two precious kids are the most important things in the world to me.  Andrew and I thank God for them every single day...they have filled us with more joy and love then we ever thought possible.  However, they did not come easily...my road to mommyhood was long...bumpy...hard...sad...frustrating...and necessary.  I am the mom I am today because I had the journey I had.  This is my story...

Andrew and I had been married for several years, we had a puppy, a new house, two good cars, a savings account, and our own business going...we were ready for that next chapter in our lives to begin...parenthood.  It was time to become parents...or so we thought.

After 5 months of not getting pregnant, I went to see my doctor for some answers.  I remember leaving that appointment and calling my mom in the car.  I was 25 years old and the doctor had just told me that he wasn't sure if I would ever be able to get pregnant.  I cried and cried and cried.

My doctor didn't mess around with mild fertility drugs...he pulled out the big guns right away.  From that point on, I began taking 2 types of fertility drugs a day plus Andrew would give me 4 shots in my stomach daily.  Between the pills and the injectable medicines, they were trying to get my body capable of being pregnant.  A few months passed and we decided it was time to try an Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).  I had the IUI in mid-May and on Memorial Day 2007, I found out I was pregnant.  Being the big-mouthed, never holds anything in kind of gal I am, I immediately told my entire family and all of my friends.  We went to the doctor, everything looked great and my pregnancy was in full swing.  I had horrible 24/7 morning sickness almost immediately and had every symptom in the book of a healthy pregnant gal.  

On June 25, I went in for my routine checkup (I was almost 9 weeks pregnant) and they couldn't find the baby's heartbeat.  I was devastated.  The baby was gone.  My D&C was scheduled for the next morning and that was it...I wasn't pregnant any more.

Between that day and December 8, I would go on to have 5 more IUIs...all failures.  I took so many hormones, so many pills, had so many needles jabbed into my stomach...I was a mess.  Finally, on December 16, when we received confirmation that my 6th IUI had failed, we decided to proceed with Invitrofertilization (IVF).  We filled out the paperwork, paid the money, had the affidavits signed and picked mid-January to start.  It was Christmas, and all I wanted to do was enjoy the holiday season minus the pills and needles to the belly.

This is us in Chicago during that month...we went Christmas shopping and tried to forget our sadness.

On January 16, 2008, I was ready to start the IVF procedure.  My doctor called and said for me to take a routine pregnancy test before I began my meds (something I did frequently...they wouldn't write a prescription until they knew for sure I wasn't pregnant).  During my lunch break, I grabbed a pregnancy test and decided to take it at work so that my doctor would call in my prescription.  I took it...and it was positive.

I remember staring at it for a long, long time.  Fortunately, Andrew and I worked together, so I went into his office and told him my pregnancy test was positive.  Being the typical cynical Shull that he is, he said it was probably wrong.  I called my fertility doctor and told them what happened...they asked me to come in for blood work right then and low and behold...I was actually pregnant.

After thousands of dollars, 6 IUIs, a miscarriage, a D&C and more drugs then I'll ever be able to count, I became pregnant without any of it.  God likes to show his glory and might on his own terms in unexpected ways...he gave me my miracle baby.  And on September 15, 2008, I gave birth to Kensington Kate.

Kensington was worth the wait!

Then...God thought he would really make his point clear, and on June 5, 2009, I found out I was pregnant again...and I had a 6 month old.  

Smith William arrived on January 18, 2010 and was my best surprise!

After all of that money...all of that trying...all of the doctor appointments...all of the prayers...God gave me two freebies.  Kensington and Smith came on the Lord's terms...on the Lord's time...and it was exactly what I needed.  I just didn't know it before.

I am a big believer in fertility doctors...please don't get me wrong.  I was blessed with wonderful doctors that loved me and cared for me and did everything they could to try and help me get pregnant.  But the bottom line is...they could use all of the medicine in the world and create the absolute most perfect conditions for conception but unless God wants to bring a human being into this world, nothing they do can create a baby.

Even though I'm five years past infertility, I still have a huge heart for moms that can't conceive.  I don't care whether you're trying to have your first or your fifth...whether you've been trying two months or 10 years, I have an aching heart for you.  I pray for each and every woman that emails me about their struggles.  From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry for your pain.  I wish I could tell you that one day, you'll conceive a child but I just can't.  What I can tell you is that God is in control...the Lord loves you so much...and he has never left the plan for your life.  Trust in the Lord and he will bless you more than you could ever know.

My two favorite scriptures are Jeremiah 29: 11, "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.".  And I also love the Message's version of Ephesians 3:20. "God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams."

Four wonderful things happened to me through infertility...
The first two are of course, Kensington and Smith.  Without my struggles, they wouldn't have arrived.

My third blessing was my dear friend Erika.  She and I bonded over the fact that we were both having fertility issues.  Our mutual friend Whitney told us that we should be friends because we were both trying to get pregnant and having issues...well, we bonded over our sorrows and then the Lord blessed us times four!  Within 18 months, we had 4 kids!  Without my fertility struggles, I wouldn't be as close to Erika as I am today...and my kids wouldn't be the same ages as her sweet kids.  I am so thankful that infertility brought me Erika.

Four special kiddos

And finally, if it weren't for my struggles, I wouldn't be able to relate to so many of you.  I count you in my blessings and am praying for you.  Thank you for sharing with me and trusting me with your struggles.  I love you all!

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#shayeveryday2013 Week 8

 Day 50: At Good Morning Texas right after my segment aired.  I'll be on every Tuesday following a Bachelor episode.

Day 51: I love my little people :)

Day 52: It was a Welly kind of day...very rainy and cold.

 Day 53: Shopping with Sheaffer...at Loft (of course!).

Day 54: Sheaffer and I got to meet the three best bloggers in the world (seriously...they are!).  Boo Mama, Big Mama and Kelly's Korner were so sweet to hang out with us for a moment during their Dot Mom conference.  I've loved these ladies for years via their blogs, but now I love them even more because I've met them and I realize they are as sweet and wonderful in person as they are on their blogs. (Giveaway details below!!)

Day 55: time for church

Day 56: My lunch date with these four kiddos...at the glamorous McDonald's.

Melanie a.k.a.Big Mama just published a memoir about motherhood and all its glory (and all the hard, yucky stuff too!).  Already a New York Times bestseller, this book will have you laughing, reflecting and loving your kids even more.  Melanie was sweet enough to autograph a copy for me to giveaway on my blog.  All you have to do is leave me a comment saying hi and your name will be entered to win.  One comment per person please.  This contest will end at 4:00 AM CST on Friday, March and the winner will be announced that morning.  Best of luck!

**Contest closed!  Click here to see the winner!**

And don't forget, you can follow me on Instagram everyday @mixandmatchmama.

For all of the other ways you can follow me, click here.

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Bachelor Recap 9: Three's a Thai

Top three?!  How did we get to the top three already?  In reality...I've known about the top three since November, so on one hand, this has taken FOREVER but on the other hand, it happened quickly and the season is almost over.  Instead of ABC, we have ALC...

A: AshLee

I was so hoping that AshLee would be the one!  I just moved into this rent house and am building a home and could really use a sister-in-law that can organize a closet.  Nuts!  

I loved AshLee...loved her.  However, she wasn't the one for Uncle Seanie.  I empathize so much with her and her family because Sean came home third on the Bachelorette, so I know how hard it is to see someone you love think they're going to get engaged but then be heart-broken.

Now...Sean came home third and ended up the Bachelor...should sweet AshLee be our next Bachelorette?  Top three reasons why I think she's a good candidate:

1. She is smokin' hot.  And let's face it...we like the lead to be smokin' hot!

2. She seems to be really mature and have a good head on her shoulders...a must for someone in the lead's position.

3. I already miss her dad.  I would love to see more of her dad, so that in itself is reason enough to give her a TV show, right?

Which recipe makes me think of AshLee going home...well, it has to be my Lemon Whoopie Pies...because I made those the day I first saw Sean after he came home from Emily's season.  Trust me, a whoopie pie can help you get over almost anything in life.

L: Lindsay

Our sweet substitute teacher Lindsay has made it to the top two.  The chemistry between her and Sean is obvious...I'm pretty sure they made out the entire date (at least when they weren't petting monkeys and eating bugs).  

Top three reasons why I think she's in the top two:

1. Lindsay and Sean make out like high-schoolers.  Lots of chemistry there!

2. She is very forthcoming with her feelings.

3. She ate bugs.  Seriously...that in itself deserves some grand prize.

When I think of Lindsay's date in Southern Thailand, I can't help but think of...

...my Chocolate Monkey Bread. :)

C: Catherine

Our quirky and spirited Catherine has also made it to the top two.  Her and Sean seem to have a real connection over all things goofy and fun...and just being themselves.

Top three reasons why I think she's in the top two:

1. Catherine and Sean seem really relaxed around each other...they're not trying to hard, it's very natural.

2. She seems really easy-going and fun.  No drama from C.

3. She's the only one that can back flip off a boat alongside Sean.  I would have jumped in feet first holding my nose.  

When I think of Catherine's date in Southern Thailand, I couldn't help but think of...

...my Mac and Trees.  The beautiful trees and landscape of Thailand reminded me of the "trees" in this recipe, plus, it's kind of a goofy recipe (like Sean and Catherine together) and it's vegetarian...no beef for the girl who keeps saying she only likes one kind of beef.

My top three favorite Tweets from last night:

Who I'm most excited to see on The Women Tell All next week:

1. Tierra

2. Tierra

3. Tierra

Ohhh...did you see the previews for the finale???  Looks like Sean's family flies all the way to Thailand to help him make this decision.  Wait?  That's me!  I'm Sean's family!   Did I fly my kids all the way to Thailand to help Uncle Seanie make this decision?  I guess you have to watch to find out...

Don't forget to check out my foodie blog here.

And check out A Bachelorette Told Me To here.

And I'll be on Good Morning Texas this morning too.

Happy Recap Tuesday!

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Brooke and a Book...

Well, well, well...I had a busy Saturday, how about you?  

First, we had our Saturday morning tradition of whole-wheat chocolate chip pancakes, then, Sheaffer and I had the privilege of meeting these awesome ladies...

 ...and then, I picked out light fixtures for the new house and ended the night with a double birthday party for my cousin Brooke and her hubby Austin.  It was such a great weekend!  (Especially, since the last 3 weekends consisted of us just boxing, packing and moving!)

 Brooke and Austin (and their niece Paisley)...Brooke's birthday was Saturday and Austin's is tomorrow.

 Brandon and Casey

 This is her look of disbelief when I told her she could not have jawbreakers...

Papa Jay and my boy

So...you probably figured out the Brooke part...but what about the book part???  Hmmm...it has to do with Big Mama's new book (the fabulous lady in the middle of the top picture!)...stay tuned and later this week, I'll let you know how you can win your own autographed copy.  It's the perfect book for a mom.

Have a great Monday!

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Sisters

Believe it or not, one of my 4 year old's favorite movies is the classic White Christmas.  She loves the singing and dancing and all-around Christmas theme.  Her favorite song in White Christmas is not White Christmas but Sisters.  (You know...the song the two sisters sing when they dance around in their blue feather outfits...)  One day, Kensington  told me that since neither of us has a sister, we should just be sisters.  She wants that same sisterly bond with someone that the two girls in White Christmas have.  So...almost every day, we dance and sing the Sisters song together.  She is my daughter...but I will absolutely try and have a sisterly bond with her too.  Here are just a few pics of us sisters ;).

I love my girl so much!  

Happy Friday!

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What's coming up...

First, just a reminder that on March 1, we'll have our second edition of Get Pin-spired.  Click here to see February's post.  I have my inspiration...do you have yours???

Check out my other Pinterest activities by clicking here.

Second, I've had numerous requests for posts about what we eat for breakfast and lunch, what we do to stay active and healthy, how I grocery shop, what kinds of makeup I use and how to deal with infertility.  I will be covering these topics here and over at the foodie blog over the next month.  Today, I'm talking all about grocery shopping over at Mix and Match Mama...click here to read about how I shop, how much I spend, and what I buy every week at the grocery store.

Have a great Thursday!

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#shayeveryday2013 Week 7

Day 43: I was live in studio with the fabulous Kidd Kraddick

Day 44: dinner with my little brother

Day 45: On Valentine's Day, me and my sweetie officially sold our home.  This was us at our closing.  After 7 years, we said goodbye and started the next chapter.

Day 46: The kids and I started moving a few things into the new rent house (the house that we're building should be complete by the end of the year!).  The kids stayed in their pjs all day and we had a picnic on the floor in the empty house.

Day 47: Moving Day!!  We moved everything into the new house...Lovie brought jumbo chocolate cookies to keep our energy levels up :).

Day 48: In the drive-thru picking up lunch.  Thanks to the move...no time for a home cooked meal on this day.

Day 49: My new morning view.  Monday morning was our first real morning in our new rent house.  I came down the stairs (I've never had stairs before!) and saw this view in the family room.  Two kids, two blankies, one giant stuffed animal and bowls of Cheerios...we're home (for now...).

Follow me everyday on Instagram @mixandmatchmama.  Or click here to see where else I am.

Have a great day!

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Bachelor Recap Episode 8: Hometown Visits!

I just love hometown visits week on the Bachelor!  We had the best experience when Sean brought Emily home to meet us on the Bachelorette.  I just know all four of the families were so excited to meet Sean and more importantly, see their daughters!  

Here are some quick facts about hometown dates:
1. While the contestants are not filming their specific date, they stay in LA and hang out with their handlers.  Sean had the best time with his handler Adam during this time period.  He went to a baseball game, a basketball game, he went to the beach, had massages, ate at fun restaurants...he was completely spoiled!  They do not see the other 3 contestants until the rose ceremony after the hometowns are complete.

2. The contestants fly into their hometown with the crew and only see their family on the one specific day of filming.  They don't spend the night at home.  When Sean brought Emily home, we saw him for the first time that morning when they filmed him walking into the back yard and then he left with the crew that night and flew back to LA.

3. The contestants do get to decide what they want to do on their dates.  They get to pick the activity and stuff themselves.

Being the travel agent that I am...we're going to look at these cities one at a time and do the pros and cons of Sean falling in love with a girl that lives in a different city...let's let the city speak for itself...

AshLee in Houston

There are a lot of pros to Sean marrying a Houston girl...

First, as you can see on my map here...her family would only be a few hours from mine.  This would make holiday gatherings so easy and convenient   Plus, if Sean and AshLee decided to move to Houston, he wouldn't be far from us.  And their children would be Texans through and through.

Plus...I love seeing the Red Sox play the Astros because that stadium is awesome!  Since he doesn't have a Boston girl in the top 4, this is a pretty good baseball angle for me...and you know, I always love a baseball angle.

And a recipe to go with AshLee's date...Tex Mex, of course!  My Fiesta Chicken with Rice pairs nicely with a Houston gal.

My favorite part of AshLee's date was listening to her dad talk about falling in love with her.  That was such a special story told by a man with such a big heart.  I wanted to give him the rose!

Catherine in Seattle

Seattle would be a beautiful location for me to visit if Sean picks Catherine.  Let's see the pros...

Well, first of all...it's so outdoorsy!  And I love all things outdoors!  (Well...not really.  I have no desire to go camping...sleeping and pottying outside do not sound like things I want to do!  But hiking, shopping, dining and seeing a Mariners game sound like lovely outdoors activities!)

And...if you know me, you know that I am OBSESSED with Frasier.  I know, I know...weird, right?  But I love to watch it before bed at night.  It's relaxing and mindless and funny all at the same time.  And well...it takes place in Seattle, so that gives this city a big bonus in my eyes (yes, I know it was actually filmed in some Hollywood sound studio but I like to pretend!).

And when I think Seattle...I think coffee.  My Chocolate Coffee Hazelnut Bundt Cake is the recipe that reminds me of Seattle.

My favorite part of this date was the honesty of Catherine's family.  I am not one to sugarcoat things, so I appreciate how honest and direct her family was.  It's tempting to just go along with things since cameras are there...so I highly respect them for being truthful despite the cameras and crew filming them.  They really showed how much they love Catherine and really had her best interests at heart.

Lindsay in Fort Leonard Wood

We are blended family of Texans and obnoxious show-me state Missourians over here at the Shull house, so Lindsay would fit right in!

Andrew's family is from Joplin, so if Sean picks Lindsay, we will be near her family too.  Right now, our family is dominated by Texans with just little old Andrew representing Missouri by himself...he needs someone else to be on his team :).

And come on?!  Her dad is a Two Star General!  That is so impressive that I think General Yenter deserves to be a "pro" on my list today.

And since I'm married to a Missouri boy, I know what the people of the Midwest like...meat and potatoes!  My Coach's Stack would win the heart of any Missouri lady (or gentleman!).

My favorite part of Lindsay's date was when her and Sean were just walking around the town square.  That seemed so normal and just like something a real couple would do on a weekend (no harnesses or helmets needed to be involved in this date...perhaps the first time this season!).

Desiree in LA

Sweet Des made it to hometown dates but it didn't go well for her after that.

A little Hollywood would have been a fun addition to our family...but sadly, she didn't get the rose.  I haven't had the opportunity to meet Des but she seems beautiful both inside and out.  She was one of my favorite girls this season by a mile.

Too bad he didn't pick her...I was hoping that if she were my new sister-in-law, I could somehow find my way onto the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  I love these ladies :).

And to me, nothing says Hollywood more than Champagne.  My Pink Champagne Bundt Cake would even delight a Housewife.

I felt so bad for Des.  I would have been mortified and so angry if my brother would have acted the way her brother acted.  Des is such a sweet girl with a big heart...I can only imagine that watching last night's episode was really sad for her and her parents.  Such a beautiful girl!

Don't forget, tonight is Sean Tells All  at 9/8c.

And to see more of my delicious recipes, click here.

Don't forget, A Bachelorette Told Me To is up and hysterical!.

For the rest of my Bachelor recaps, click here.

Ok, next up...three girls and a guy head to Thailand.  That sounds really far away...

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