Ways of the McKays: Life in Grapevine AND an Announcement!

We're adjusting very well here in good ol' Grapevine. It's funny to me I grew up around here for most of my life yet I'm still discovering new things about this cute town. We frequent Grapevine Main St. often. I love the culture there and we try our best to support local restaurants and stores.

I'm still meal planning and thinking of new recipes all the time. We love Mexican food so I try to mix things up a little. Recently I've cooked fish tacos a different way using our electric grill pan and it makes SUCH a difference! We tried it with shrimp too and it was amazing.

One of my best friends, Dakota, lives near us so I get to see her often, which is great!! We love wine and we love the pool so most of our time is spent doing those two things. We also equally love food, so we always make sure that's in the schedule too.

Our community group has split to all women and all men study groups for the summer. This is truly a blessing because I've been wanting to get to know more of the girls on a deeper level. We are studying Jen Hatmaker's "Pulling the Thread" so I will have to fill you in on how it's going as we keep going through it. We've only finished the first week. The guys are studying something by Timothy Keller, but they also are having fun and doing community by playing pick-up basketball together. Our studies are simultaneously, which really helps Heath and I out since we are still a one-vehicle family.

….but not for long!!! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Heath recently accepted a position at YMCA Southwest Fort Worth as their new Sports Coordinator. This is a HUGE blessing and something we've been praying about for awhile. As I've mentioned before, I wanted Heath to find something he was going to love rather than just be a "job." I'm confident that this is going to be a great opportunity for Heath and also the perfect niche for his hobbies! I know the YMCA is lucky to have him. Now that Heath is going to be driving to Fort Worth for work, I will have to get a new car soon. Please pray for direction because I'm hesitant to make such a big decision. We both want to be better stewards of our money so it just kinda intimidates me.

Anyways, thanks for keeping us in your prayers. We will keep you updated. Enjoy the pictures!

Mimosas and brunch at Gloria's with Dakota

Claire's baby shower with the community group girls

My cute cook making baked ziti!

Baked Ziti with quinoa penne, half ricotta and half nonfat Greek yogurt

Homemade salsa

Homemade corn relish

The coloring is off on my phone, but this was the best guacamole I've ever made

My lunch on the patio at work

Pork tenderloin tips with sautéed mushrooms and red quinoa/black bean mash topped with corn relish - so delicious!

We love pool days!

Grilled fish tacos with homemade guac and salsa

I also made the slaw. The healthy version was a simple mixture of nonfat Greek yogurt, salsa, salt, pepper and lime

This is NOT healthy!! I had this for lunch during the work week and needed a pick me up… so clearly I ran to food for comfort. I ate allllll of it.

Twisted Root is the death of me. I never even liked burgers before!

Supplies for my wreath. I need to get a smaller wire because the big one looks a little funny on our door :(

Impromptu dinner at Brio's after some birthday shopping - he is too cute!

Are you on Snapchat? I love it!

Dakota and I at the pool

I met this little boy at the pool that liked to play basketball so I recruited Heath to play with him! Heath let him win :)

The beginnings of a delicious homemade chicken quinoa penne pasta!

Homemade sauce: I put minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, kale, mushrooms, onions, olive oil and a little bit of chicken broth in a pan and then put the lid on for 15 minutes on low-medium heat. The tomatoes will burst and create its own sauce.