Faith of Bee-rad and G money
Have you ever heard the quote "faith like a child"? I have numerous times and last night Graeme Berry displayed faith that I only wish I could have an ounce of! His faith was so innocent, so real, and so big that my heart burst with love and joy watching him speak.
Have you ever heard the quote "faith like a child"? I have numerous times and last night Graeme Berry displayed faith that I only wish I could have an ounce of! His faith was so innocent, so real, and so big that my heart burst with love and joy watching him speak.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
We have a neighbor, Brad, who was an olympic hopeful back in his day. Long story short, Brad was in a car wreck on the way to the olympic trials and basically died but was revived. He sustained a major head injury and was in a coma for a month if my memory serves me right. Brad went from being a Prince grad, aspiring surgeon, and a US olympic hopeful to a hospital bed with years of physical therapy. Brad would tell you that today he is 30 which he is not. He is probably in his mid 50's, but he likes to think that when that happened, he got a second chance. He cannot drive a car so he rides his bike everywhere and I think he has been hit by a car 9 times! And he giggles about it and just keeps on keeping on! He is such an inspiration in the Berry House. He is on fire for God and we always talk about how angry we would be if our lives were turned upside down like his was, but not Brad. He is grateful!
Graeme LOVES Bee-RAD, this is the nickname my husband gave him. Anytime Bee-RAD is here, Graeme is right by his side and asking questions and hanging on to every word Bee-RAD says. I see it all the time, but just the other night it became very evident.
I was really tired and missing my mom one night and decided to lose myself in a TV show and I chose Chicago fire. I was watching the show and Graeme walked in and I did not notice because I was so into it. (Another mom fail on my part! Told you these happen all the time here!) Anyways.....there was a man about to jump off of a building and take his own life. The firefighters basically save his life and a commercial comes on.
I turn to hear Graeme saying, "Mom, that would of been really bad." I was like, "Um, yes....Very Bad....he would of died and then the people that loved him most would be so sad." Graeme looked at me so calmly and said, "Not if Jesus woke him up when he died." I was very perplexed and said, "Graeme, that does not happen." He shook his head and looked at me square in the eyes and said, "Yes it does mom, it happened to Bee-RAD. Jesus was not done with him on this earth and he woke him from the dead and the only reason he did not wake up Grandma was she did what he needed her to do here, so he brought her to Heaven."
WOW! WOW! WOW!
I really was speechless and for those of you who know me that NEVER happens! I hugged Graeme tight and with tears in my eyes just said, "Thank you Graeme. Thank you for reminding me that anything is possible with God".
I really wish I had the same simple innocent Faith as my little man/child has. I know I don't, but his little heart is so full of faith. When do we lose that innocence and strong belief in anything is possible? I guess when the world gets a hold of us. This is a broken world after all. Bad things happen daily and to good people. I guess all we can really do is try really hard to get back to the faith of a child or the faith of someone like Bee-RAD and see the world through their eyes and heart. Maybe then we can live in peace knowing that sometimes bad things that happen in our lives that put us directly on a path to some of the best things and times that will ever happen to us. We just have to have a little faith....
xo,
Amy
B Stellar and Be You!
I honestly had not planned on blogging today, but after the amazing day I had yesterday, well, I just had too! Yesterday, I got to play with Jewelry and dress a model and help a photographer! As a boy mom, I promise you this is a day in paradise for me! A day away from stinky soccer shoes, stinky dance shoes, and stinky six year old boy clothes!
Our model Stephanie!! Is she not the cutest! You can find her at
So fun watching them work and playing dress up!
Starbucks and earrings! Yes please! Earrings at www.bstellar.co
I honestly had not planned on blogging today, but after the amazing day I had yesterday, well, I just had too! Yesterday, I got to play with Jewelry and dress a model and help a photographer! As a boy mom, I promise you this is a day in paradise for me! A day away from stinky soccer shoes, stinky dance shoes, and stinky six year old boy clothes! AHHHHHH HEAVEN! I AM IN HEAVEN!!!!!
My extremely talented and gorgeous niece has a jewelry line that I asked my adorable friend Stephanie to model for and blog about. (you can find her blog at www.krusingthroughthekhaos.com) Yall it was so much fun that I just have to share it with you now!
Meet my niece Misty!
First, I would like to brag about my niece. Her name is Misty and she is an artist. She paints, she draws, she is a mom and a wife and she is so talented. She draws most of her inspiration from nature, however, she gets ideas daily from everything around her. She has an amazing eye and everything she does is "line driven". I honestly have ZERO idea what that means, however if you are an artist I am sure you do. All I know is I LOVE HER STUFF! I think you will too!
I played dress up too! LOVE THESE EARRINGS!
The name of her company is B.Stellar and she pretty much came up with the idea because her maiden name is Misty Burns. The B is for Burns, and Stellar, well....the definition of Stellar is:
Exceptionally good, outstanding, marvelous, superb!
So BAM! B.Stellar-it is her call to action for "Be"....Be something EXCEPTIONAL!
Penny Lane! Love this three chain necklace! Called the Penny lane because the hand is holding a compass...meaning behind it...a girl does not know who she is until she finds her way holding a compass
I love that she is empowering people subliminally through her jewelry! So cool! Only an Artist could do that! And an even cooler fact is all the pieces are named after women of influence, women she knows, or women in art. There are some men's Artist names that she uses as well, but only if they stand out to her.
Is she not the cutest?! Necklace and Earrings B.Stellar
Our amazing photographer Lorena
Her Jewelry really is amazing! If you like what you see, just go to her website at www.bstellar.co and use AMYBERRY as your code and you will get free shipping! Perfect timing for the holidays!
This is a one of a kind so if you like it message me and I will get a price for you. Just think....you could be the only one in the world with this beauty!
Happy Shopping!
xo,
Amy
Not the First and Not the Last
I don't know about you, but I find myself making mistakes daily. Some days are just a series of tiny mistakes that really amount to nothing, but every once in a while I make a BIG MISTAKE. When the mistake involves my kids I feel awful.
I don't know about you, but I find myself making mistakes daily. Some days are just a series of tiny mistakes that really amount to nothing, but every once in a while I make a BIG MISTAKE. When the mistake involves my kids I feel awful. I call these moments MOM FAILS. Every time it happens I find myself apologizing and feeling really lousy about myself. Has this every happened to you? If so, you are not alone.
Last Saturday, while Trey was away with our youngest, Graeme, I asked the bigs for a date night with me. WELL THAT WENT OVER LIKE A PARTY! NOT! So we compromised and they agreed to go to Church with me before they went on their merry teenage ways. I was soooooo Happy!
This particular Saturday, our church was wrapping up its series on giving. When the service was coming to an end, our Pastor Paul, asked the choir to sing one last song before the benediction and asked the congregation to consider their gifts to the church for the next year. I looked over at Will and he was reaching in his pocket! I was mortified! Was he seriously reaching for his PHONE?
I leaned over and quietly whispered, "Please tell me you are not reaching for your phone..." With a look of disappointment, he shook his head and pulled out his billfold and put $5 of his own money and a card in the offering. The look in his eyes was pure sadness as he laid his money and the card in the plate. It crushed my heart. I had totally doubted him! REALLY DOUBTED HIM. WHY? Because he is a teenager? Because they all live with their phones attached at their ear and fingers? Because I had not stopped to see before I spoke? Maybe all of the above but the real point is I had not given my son the benefit of the doubt.
When the service ended and we began to walk to the car I began asking for forgiveness as fast as I could. I was crushed, Will was crushed, it was just bad. Will had two tears roll out of his left eye and calmly asked, "Why do you always doubt me? Why do you always assume the worst of me?"
This was like an arrow to my heart. He was right though. I doubted him and I assumed the worst. I sat in the car quietly for a moment then I turned to him and said, "Son you are right. I do. I am so sorry! You are so right though. I promise to try harder and not doubt you. You are a great kid! I am so sorry." He pushed me harder on why and I told him I was not really sure.
I do this with my boys quite often I must confess. They are both good boys and for some reason I ALWAYS assume the worst. Maybe it is because I know how difficult I was growing up. Maybe it is because I live in fear of them going down the wrong path. Maybe it is because I listen to so many stories of teenagers...I don't know what the reason is, but I do doubt them EVEN BEFORE THEY GIVE ME REASON TO DOUBT THEM.
FEAR
It is all fear driven. I know this. And I know what the solution is! GOD! Put them in God's hands. Hand them over. Ask him to protect and guide them. This is so hard! But it is the only way.
GIVING IT TO GOD
I promised Will and JP that day, that moment, in our church parking lot, that until they gave me reason to doubt, I would trust them. I told them I would try harder and put my fears and doubts in God's hands and let him guide them. I promised that I would ask God daily to let them be a light to others and a leader.
As we were pulling out and heading home I asked Will what the card was that he had put in the offering. He began to tell me a story about a man who helps the homeless that he had lunch with at Whataburger! The man gave him the card of his ministry and Will prayed over it then put it in our church offering in hopes that our Church would pray over it as well. Talk about a moment of mixed emotions! Pride and disappointment in myself as a mom. How could I doubt such a beautiful young man? How could I be raising such a beautiful young man? Well folks, I did and I am . I am sure this will not be my last time for a mom fail...but I promise I will work harder at giving these doubts and fears up to God. What are you giving up to God these days?
xo,
Amy
Stumbling in the Darkness
Do you ever find yourself stumbling in the darkness? I don't mean in the "literal sense", I mean in the "figurative sense". I know I do and I do quite often. Usually I can find my way out of the darkness, but there have been two times in my life where finding my way out was like digging through concrete.
Do you ever find yourself stumbling in the darkness? I don't mean in the "literal sense", I mean in the "figurative sense". I know I do and I do quite often. Usually I can find my way out of the darkness, but there have been two times in my life where finding my way out was like digging through concrete.
The first time was when I lost our baby and the second time was when I lost my mom.
Both times I took to my bed and pulled back the covers and drowned out the world with tears and moaning. Both times I was ANGRY WITH GOD and ANGRY WITH ANYONE WHO TRIED TO HELP. The pain I felt was crushing. I cannot even begin to describe it. It was weird, because both times with this pain I felt guilt. Guilt of could I have done more? Should I have done something differently? AND GUILT FOR BEING ANGRY WITH GOD. But, I was! And it was what it was.
When I look back to those dark, dark, days, I see I was blinded.
Blinded by pain. Blinded by loss. Blinded by anger. Blinded by sadness.
I was in the dark. It was not until I opened up my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit that I was able to see beyond my suffering to the glory of God. This was not easy either! It took me literally forcing myself to open this daily devotional I bought. It did not happen overnight either. It was a slow painful process, but one I am happy to say brought me to where I am today. I still have a lot of room for growth, but I am happy to say I have at least opened my eyes to Hope. Ironically enough, the book's name is Hope!
HOPE IN JESUS
Some days this hope just lies in getting through the next 30 minutes and somedays this hope just lies peacefully in my heart. But I have HOPE! And I do still stumble in the dark, but I hold onto Jesus and I hold onto hope!
Do you ever find yourself stumbling in the dark? If you do, I promise Jesus is there! He is reaching out his hand ready to touch you and take hold of you and your heart and transform your life. Will you let him in?
xo,
Amy
Life with Dad
If someone would of told me 10 years ago that when my mom died my sister and I would be sharing the responsibility of taking care of my father I probably would of laughed in their face. My father was and still is one of the most independent, strongest, men I know. However, life has taken a toll on his memory and he cannot live alone.
If someone would have told me 10 years ago that when my mom died my sister and I would be sharing the responsibility of taking care of my father I probably would of laughed in their face. My father was and still is one of the most independent, strongest, men I know. However, life has taken a toll on his memory and he cannot live alone.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY.....
My father was in a serious car wreck when I was a little girl. He basically went through the windshield of his car going 70 mph. He was conscious until the paramedics arrived and he told them EXACTLY where he was headed and who he was going to see and then slipped into a coma. He had something like 8 surgeries and once he healed he went on with life happy and healthy, UNTIL probably around 2008 when my siblings and I noticed some changes. Not really memory changes, but more like he was not involved in the conversations and decisions with our family business and other things. Slowly the memory issues started creeping in and when he got lost one time going to get my nephew we knew it is time to intervene.
VERY LONG STORY SHORT...
My father was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Honestly I think it is just a catch phrase for physicians now a days because people are living longer and they are seeing astronomical numbers of patients with the same condition. They use to call it Alzheimers if I understand the history correctly until they realized you really cannot diagnose Alzheimers until the patient is dead. Yep you heard me....Dead! Then they called it Dementia, which basically is a huge Umbrella of memory issues and now I feel like the new term for beginning phases of Dementia and Alzheimer's is Mild Cognitive Impairment. And let me be clear, this is the Amy Berry Understanding of Memory issues in the elderly, because honestly, I don't think they know! This is all new territory because more people are living ALOT LONGER and the brain is an AMAZING thing! But, the more I talk about my father with friends and hear their stories about their parents or grandparents I see that we are all in this boat paddling like crazy and not really getting anywhere with answers or solutions!
OUR SOLUTION FOR NOW...
When mom died, my sister Robin and I decided we would take care of Dad together. We knew he could not live alone and we also knew he would NEVER allow a nurse or babysitter in his own home, and the idea of any kind of assisted living, well that just shuts him down. So for now our set up is, I get Dad Monday through Friday, anywhere between 11 and 1, and keep him until around 6:00 at night where he then goes to my sisters. Our baby brother Paul helps when he can on the weekends and we are all a team. It is not easy and at times it gets tense but it is what we are doing. It is what works for us for now.
NO IT IS NOT EASY, BUT IT IS A BLESSING...
People give me a hard time because we don't discuss other options, but it is so hard to think about other options. I just lost one parent and I don't want my father to feel like we don't care. Every family is different and every family has to work to find what works for them. This works for us for now. If you only knew how many fights and battles we had when mom was alive trying to get them to move into assisted living or to Dallas to be near us. It was awful! Now my father has lost the love of his life, he has basically moved to Dallas, away from his home of 49 years, his friends and church, and people want us to put him in assisted living. I just can't right now. Right or wrong, I can't! And I know there are many other people out there dealing with this as well. I hear stories almost every day. I wish I had an answer, I wish I had a solution, but I don't. So I am hoping through my blog I will meet other people in my shoes who we can bounce ideas off of each other, offer each other solutions, and hope, all the while loving on our parents to where they don't live in constant fear of losing their independence and everything they have ever known. There has got to be a way and I think we can pave the way together. So if you too are in a situation like me where you are taking care of your parents tell me what you do to make life beautiful for all? I would love to hear.
xo,
Amy
Thankful for November - Goals for the Month
It's November 3rd and the busiest yet most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! The parties will start, the shopping for the best gift, the charlie brown movies, the amazing meals, and the Christmas decorating will all begin. Just thinking about it all makes me excited, tired, and stressed. I hate that last feeling and I know you do too!
It's November 3rd and the busiest yet most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! The parties will start, the shopping for the best gift, the Charlie Brown movies, the amazing meals, and the Christmas decorating will all begin. Just thinking about it all makes me excited, tired, and stressed. I hate that last feeling and I know you do too!
November Goals...
I really want to TRY to implement a plan to help my family and I enjoy this time more. This is such a special time, a time to reflect and be thankful and boy do The Berry's have a lot to be thankful for. So I decided to sit down and write out goals for us. I would love to hear any of your ideas and goals that you implement to help bring back sanity to this crazy time of year too! Here are mine:
1. Special Night Out with the Hubs (Alone) at least three times this month.
As a mom, I get so caught up in all of our kids activities and sometimes Trey gets lost in the shuffle. That is just not healthy. I know this, so I am going to try really hard to put Trey at the front of the list and have 3 special nights alone this month. I bet we will see miracles happen in our marriage just by doing this! I mean let's face it, when these kiddos graduate he and I are it, so why not start dating again and get back to the basics!
2. Pray more for others; make a "Hit List"
My sweet mom use to LITERALLY pray for people EVERYDAY! She had what she called her "Hit List". It was a pad and she sat in her chair daily praying over her list. Now that she is gone, I have decided to pick up where she left off. Again, I bet Miracles will begin to happen daily! I dare you to try this too!
3. Write one hand-written thank you note a week and mail it.
Cutest note cards and invites ever from my sister in law, Erin! Stop by her store in etsy and tell her Worthy Heart sent you!
What happened to snail mail? It is GONE! Who does not love to receive a handwritten, heartfelt note, in the mail! I know I do! So since November is the month of Thanksgiving I am going to write a minimum of ONE handwritten note a week! Want to join me in this endeavor and bring some joy to someones life. I will even share with you my source! She is amazing! Stop by Erin Shelby's Etsy Shop and see these beautiful notecards for yourself!
4. Start Christmas Shopping and finish 95% of it by November 30
Who wants to join the rest of the world in the rat race of shopping in December? Not me! So I am going to challenge myself to get this wrapped up (no pun intended) by the beginning of December so when the OOPS I forgot this person's gift arises I am not stressed to the max!
5. Daily Family Devotional
Our life is JUST CRAZY with three boys ranging in age from 6 to 15 so with all the different activities, somedays, the boys don't even see each other! This November I am going to try to implement a plan each day on a daily devotional. I realize I will have to be on top of the calendar as some days the devotional will have to be in the morning and others at the dinner table, but I am determined to make this happen. 30 days! That is all! I think anyone can do that for 30 days and who knows what God will do to bless this! I can't wait to see!
There you have it! Amy's November Goal's for herself and her family! What are you guys going to do this month to kick off this crazy season and try to stay sane? Share with me! I would love to hear! After all we are all in this together and I am so thankful for that!
xo, Amy
Oh no You Didn't!
A TEENAGER!
It's a scary thing I tell ya! A Teenager! Somedays it is so kind and loving and other days you are like who is this creature!? And you find yourself thinking, "Oh No You Didn't!?"
Do you ever feel like where did I go wrong? How do people do this? Dear God, PLEASE HELP ME! I AM A FAILURE AS A PARENT!
It does not matter what stage you are in with this thing called parenting and honestly I don't think it matters what book you read on the subject matter- I still say it is ONE BIG FAT EXPERIMENT!
I mean come on--EVERY kid is different and EVERY kid thinks differently or reacts differently! So yes, while these books give us direction the truth is it is STILL AN EXPERIMENT!
ITS KIND OF LIKE MEDICINE REALLY--The way I see it with medicine, every case is different, every body is different, every cell is different, and that is how our kids are! DIFFERENT! So I have decided, due to a "CERTAIN" situation, I will do an experiment. Maybe just maybe, my little experiment will help someone else in my shoes navigate this thing called...
A TEENAGER!
It's a scary thing I tell ya! A Teenager! Somedays they are so kind and loving and other days you are like who is this creature!? And you find yourself thinking, "Oh No You Didn't!?"
So for this experiment here is your background:
I get up every morning at 5:45 for my Quiet Time (I will call this QT). I pray over my family, our day, my friends, etc. etc... by 6:20 am I start waking the boys and I usually start with our Soccer Player. At least twice a week right now we have to be out the door by 6:40 to get to his Physical Therapy for his ankle. I drop him at PT and if my husband is on the road I run back home (this is what I did this particular morning). I get the other two boy's up and going and get them to school and yep I head back to PT to pick up Will. As we are leaving therapy I gently ask Will if he has gotten his note for school since we will be late? The emotion that erupts from him on this one question is UNBELIEVABLE at best, his language is colorful and he let's me know that as far as he is concerned I know nothing....
Enter Tawanda! (remember her? my alter ego)
Oh NO he Didn't!
But unfortunately, Oh Yes he did! When I get to a safe reasonable area to pull over and look him in the eyes and calmly say, "Will, I am your cook. Your uber driver. Your laundry mat! Your coach! your cheerleader! AND much, much, more, but I am most importantly your mother! You don't ever talk to me like this again and until you can appreciate me you are on your own! You are on your own with your meals! Your laundry! Your rides! Your recruitment coaches! Your school! Your jobs! YOU name it....you are on your own! Once I get you to school you are on your own!" Not another word was spoken- When we got to the school... AGAIN he surprised me! He got out of the car without saying a word and slammed the door!
BIG MISTAKE!
This is where my heart crumbled and I knew what I had to do-I had to follow through and nip this behavior in the bud. This is not the boy I raised. Where have I gone wrong? What should I do?
It hit me! Blog about it! Blog about my follow through and how it felt, so on days in the future when something like this happens again with Will or one of the other two boys I have something to remind me it will be ok. And guess what? So will you my friend!
Teenagers are hard, but so were toddlers, and all the other stages-It is just a different kind of hard! We are all in this together and together if we share our stories and our mistakes even, maybe we can raise Strong, Confident, Kind, Loving, Respectful, God fearing human beings. This is what I want for my kids and I am sure it is what you want for yours. So yes, discipline and follow through are hard, but together we can do it!
Fast Forward to the very next day, because my son was too smart to ask for any assistance the same day, however, he did think I would forget and soften within 24 hours. WRONG! He asked for a ride to work. I looked at him calmly and without any emotion simply said, "you are own your own buddy...remember?" Tears welled up into his eyes and I had to turn and walk away as they did in mine too and my heart was yet again crushed. I knew I had to do it though. I knew he would be late for work, but that was a consequence-
Consequence-a result or effect of an action or condition
Something these kids need to learn. Will went through the rest of the weekend without asking me for anything, it was strange, and we were distant, but he was thinking and I was praying. By Sunday night, he was asking for forgiveness and telling me how much he appreciates me and realizes how much I do. I accepted his forgiveness of course and gave him the biggest hug and so far so good-sure there have been a few bumps, but for the most part he has really worked on his attitude.
This follow through hurt. It hurt Will's ego, it hurt my heart, it hurt our relationship while we were in the thick of it, but in the end we were both better for it. Will learned and saw what I do for him. I learned and saw what Follow through can do for Will and my other two boys. As hard as it is I need to remember this experiment and follow through. Our kids need us too. They need to learn under our roof the consequences to poor decisions so when they are out in this ruthless world they can cope. Cope with Confidence, Grace, Respect, and Love.
My follow through with Will was so hard, but I did it and I am proud to say I have seen a change and shift in his behavior. How long will it last? I don't know that answer, but my prayer is that through this situation he and I both have grown in areas we needed to and we are both better for it.
Where are you growing in your role as a parent? After all we are in this together!
xo,
Amy
She is not here...
BIG DAY TODAY! I AM TURNING 47 AND ANNOUNCING MY BLOG! WHY AM I SO SAD? READ ON AND YOU WILL SEE.
Big Day Today!
It's my birthday!
I am 47!
I am announcing my Blog!
I woke up to the sweetest cards and flowers!
WHY AM I SAD?
Sweetest cards, flowers, and chocolate. My heart is full.
I am not your typical birthday girl. Birthdays do not bother me at all. I look at them as gifts. The gift of another day on this beautiful earth. But today I am sad.
I sit down to do my quiet time and my mind is racing-So bad I cannot quiet it. Instead of doing QT I decide to work on my blog. After all, today is the big day! There are plenty of loose ends- as this blog is a work in progress. I decide to try to work on some technical issues (I will not bore you with the details) that I have been struggling with for a while now.
Long story short, I go into settings to trouble shoot and BAM! Just like that, on a silver platter, in black in white, are the instructions and help I have been looking and searching for! For almost two weeks now! And it hit me! It hit me hard! It hit me like a ton of bricks!
Dear Mom, I love you-Amy
She is not here! My mom is not here!
The person who brought me into this world and was one of the first people to see and hold me is not here! The reason I started this blog is not here! She has ALWAYS been here on this day and I have ALWAYS spoken to her on this day! AND NOW SHE IS NOT HERE! And I am so sad!
I realized as I begin to cry that the instructions I spoke of-that jumped out at me-were a gift from my mom. Ironically she was not tech savvy at all! Heck she barely knew what a computer was! But, this was her way of nudging me and saying, "Happy Birthday Amy! I am here."
It was then I realized what a perfect day to announce this blog. My birthday! You know why? Because on July 31 of this year, my moms birthday, was when I wrote my first story, but did not publish it. It was July 31 that I decided it was time. Now on October 22 I am going to go live with my grief and about one of the hardest losses I have ever wrestled with. What a perfect day this will be- with the one exception.....she is not here.
xo,
Amy
Life in a Locker Room - On Being a Boy Mom
BOYMOM
MY friend asked me what it was like to live in a house full of boys so I peed on her bathroom floor, ate everything in their fridge, told her 800 stories about Minecraft, farted 20 times, and when she was ready to kill me I gave her a hug and told her she was pretty.
I know I mentioned that I am the mother of Three Beautiful, talented, loving boys who could not be more different. I love this about each of them and embrace their differences with Grace and joy, but, I have to confess, raising boys is exciting and fun, BUT the truth is....raising boys is quite disgusting at times and VERY messy. Don't get me wrong, I love my little monkeys, but life is so crazy and messy! I read this quote once and it stuck with me because OMG is it SOOOOO true....
BOYMOM
MY friend asked me what it was like to live in a house full of boys so I peed on her bathroom floor, ate everything in their fridge, told her 800 stories about Minecraft, farted 20 times, and when she was ready to kill me I gave her a hug and told her she was pretty.
Graeme and Princess Zoey
Will and John Paul all dolled up for Homecoming....
Yep! That pretty much sums up my life in a nutshell! Messy and funny and full of Love. Boys just have this way....they can drive you to the brink of exhaustion and anger and then look at you and give you this dirty stinky hug, with this smile that melts your heart, and tell you how pretty you are and you just melt! It is the craziest thing!
I will NEVER FORGET the day I realized God's plan for me was LIFE IN A LOCKER ROOM! It was December 13, 2010 and Trey, Will, JP and I were at the Doctors office finding out the Sex of our Miracle baby.....I just knew Graeme was a girl. This had been by far my easiest pregnancy! I mean with Will and JP I puked my life up all day everyday and I was hooked up to IV's and had a homecare nurse, but not with this one...I did a triathlon 9 weeks pregnant and did really good! How could this be a boy! Well JOKES ON ME! I hear the Doc announce, "Congrats! Its a boy!" I remember thinking, "Seriously God! Seriously this is your plan! Life in a Locker Room!" I remember looking to Trey and seeing Relief all over his face, which honestly infuriated me! How could he be relieved! I wanted a girl! Then I remember looking at Will and Jp and thinking, OK pull your you know what together! These two are looking at an alien on the big screen and probably thinking, "Seriously! You guys are excited about my baby brother looking like an alien!" So at that moment in time on December 13 I had the first of many breakdowns about being a mother of boys....but since then I have embraced it and realized that being a boy mom is a treasure and I basically live in a crazy house run by a tiny army that with God's help, I, with the help of Trey made and I am proud of it and in love!
So as my story unfolds and you get to know me and my tribe more, you will see that my life is messy, exciting, fun, full of laughter, sometimes tears, sometimes frustration, lots of hugs, many days of asking for forgiveness, but all the while trying to remain steadfast in our foundation of the Lord and so full of love my heart could burst. As I bring you into my life, you will see my style is basically workout clothes, though I will try to ramp it up at times. My home is made up of ikea furniture and garage sale finds, because if it gets ruined I don't pitch a hissy fit. You will learn we do everything from Soccer to dance lessons....Yes, I am a Soccer mom and a Dance mom! You will learn how God showed me not to pigeon hole my son into sports just because I thought, "he is a boy he should be athletic" and You will learn how I am still watching God unfold the mystery of what my six year old's passion will be... all the while living in my Locker Room and loving it! Won't you join me and watch as our story unfolds.....I promise it will be one exciting Ride.
xo,
Amy
Jesus and Joe....Or Joe and Jesus?
So I wish I could tell you I wake up EVERY day and spent my first 15 minutes with God....BUT, I can't! The truth is, my first 15 minutes are spent making coffee, getting the pup to pee, (me too if I am being 100 percent honest), and depending on the day....well, who knows what else.
Come away with me to a quiet place and rest awhile-Jesus
Mark6:31
So I wish I could tell you I wake up EVERY day and spent my first 15 minutes with God....BUT, I can't! The truth is, my first 15 minutes are spent making coffee, getting the pup to pee, (me too if I am being 100 percent honest), and depending on the day....well, who knows what else. I am a mother of three boys! IF we are speaking the Truth, and we are....that should NOT be an excuse...but I am me and....well....it is...Do you know why I would like to spend my first 15 with God? Because it helps me to get grounded for the Day!
Here is what it does for me....
It strengthens my relationship with God (duh)! With God I can be 100 percent honest with where I am in my life and what is truly spinning me out....because there is alot in this day and age that spins me out!
It reminds me to Count my MANY MANY MANY blessings and I am reminded that I have been made right in God's image because of what Jesus did for me and for you.
And lastly I can reflect on the people in my life...my husband, our marriage, my boys, our relationships, my father and siblings, my friends, you guys, my little "angels of the day", those that have left this world and the list goes on and on.....
This is what the first 15 does for me and my heart is in the right place...it's just some days it just does not happen! Heck some weeks it does not happen! Oh Heck! Let's be real honest!!!! I have been known to go MONTHS with it not happening! But, it does not change the simple fact that, regardless, my Father in Heaven loves me! I know this....and I don't take advantage of it....Life just sometimes....well, it gets busy, it gets messy, and sometimes....truthfully....it gets easy....Ya you heard me.....easy.....and I get lazy! It's a fact......Nothing I am proud of, but it is the cold hard truth....So my goal is now Jesus and Joe....but honestly it is Joe and Jesus....because I am not the nicest without Joe......
xo,
Amy
“My Cup Runneth over”
Even at the DMV, there are Angels Among Us
Angels Among Us
Did you know there are really Angels everywhere?
Somedays they just pop out and are so obvious...like the story I am about to share with you.
But, sometimes we have to look for them. Other times, I firmly believe they are amongst us, we just cannot see them, or feel them, or recognize them.
Angels Among Us
Did you know there are really Angels everywhere?
Somedays they just pop out and are so obvious...like the story I am about to share with you.
But, sometimes we have to look for them. Other times, I firmly believe they are amongst us, we just cannot see them, or feel them, or recognize them.
Do you know why we can't see those angels among us?
Because some days we are so hard, so closed up, and hurting so bad, that unless the angel literally slaps you in the face. You just don't know they are there.
But I promise you they are. Look for them. Pray to the Holy Spirit, he will reveal them.
I honestly forget to do this, but days like today when I remember, well, let's just say it brings me chills and comfort.
Sons may grow into men and grow out of their toys, but in the hearts of mothers, they are still our little boys.
Today I took my 15 year old son, Will, to the DMV to get his drivers permit.
On the way there I prayed to the Holy Spirit to please let this go smoothly.
I actually begged!
You see yesterday, my husband, Trey, took Will at 7:00 am, and I received a very not-so- happy call at 11:30 am. Will had failed the eye exam.
Failed the eye exam? Yep! Failed the eye exam.
The boy who is literally legally blind in his left eye did not wear his contact.
Naturally, after sitting at the DMV for four plus hours and to going through the ENTIRE process, to get to the eye test and Will say, "I can't read that" was not ideal. Let's just say, it was not a pretty ride home.
This morning I begged the Holy Spirit, "Please throw us a bone."
I think He heard me.
We walked up to the front door, and I explained to the lady the situation from the day before, and she led us straight to the information desk.
It was there I met my Angel of the day, Miss Charlotte.
To make a long story short, once we explained the day before she literally looked Will in the eyes and said,
"Son, why did you not wear your contact?"
He explained it fell out Tuesday night at soccer practice.
She said, "Why did you just not put in another one?"
Good Question!
He explained that was his last one. She then began to lecture him on how you never wait until the last one. You always tell your Mama when you have two left!
I sat there with tears streaming down my face thinking this Lady, this Angel, really has my son's attention. He is getting the message! Thank you.
For those of you with teenagers you can appreciate this. You see when your kids pull the lazy card, or the entitled card, which happens, (You were a teenager once. You remember).
It's easy to lose your temper. Let's just say, mine is not pretty. She actually has a name: Tawanda (more about her later).
Sometimes my kids get the message with Tawanda, sometimes they do not, and all the time I have to eat crow and apologize for my behavior. That sucks! But it is reality, and I do it.
The point here is after the tension from the day before, Will was just not getting it. But this lady talked to him calmly and sternly, and I think he got it.
Will looked at me, and was so confused as to why I was crying.
Miss Charlotte quickly said, "Son, this is an emotional time for a Mom give her a hug." And he gave me a sideways hug, and she proceeded to say, "Not a sideways hug, son! A Real hug!"
Do you know what I wanted to do? I wanted to jump across that counter and Hug her! My Angel!
So you see, Angels are here. They are among us. We just need to look for them, and maybe, just maybe, on those really stressful, hurtful, lonely days, if you open up to the Holy Spirit and ask him to be with you and throw you a bone, well, he might send you a Miss Charlotte too! Try it. I dare you.
xo,
Amy
Secrets of a Tan-a-holic
My life isn't perfect, but my tan is.....
My life isn't perfect but my tan is....from lotion source.com
You guys all know by now that I am a mom and just an ordinary gal, but I failed to mention a secret about myself....well, not really a secret, because if you ever ask me about it in person I would honestly confess it....but for those of you who don't see me daily you would not know this....I am a tan-a-holic...True story! It is truly an addiction! The definition of addiction is:
the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity
synonyms:dependency, dependence, habit, problem
I DEPEND on this tan! I know...it is REDICK! But I LOVE to be tan! Let's face it, brown fat is prettier than white fat! And EVERY Friday (yes I go every friday!) when I step into that booth....it is like magic! It sprays me and BAM! I am brown AND BONUS 5 lbs lighter! Yes! I swear! 5lbs lighter! Its crazy! And yes I do know that this is all in my head! I mean come on, I just sprayed at least 1lb of solution on me.....So in all honesty I might have gained a pound! But, I have also gained this golden glow and it makes me feel a little more confident, and in this day and age I will take any dose of confidence I can get!
I mean seriously, as a mom of three boys, I am at the grocery store almost daily and I have to look at all those bombshells in the magazines on the racks while I wait to check out, all the while reading the lies these stupid magazines promise you and me! They are constantly promising me if I do this I will look like this....If I eat this I can lose 5lbs in 5 minutes....if I drink this my hair will not be gray and will grow....if I jump up and down like a monkey 10 times a day the fat will melt...If I wear this, the world will adore me....mix up this mask, put it on your face and you will look 21 again! You all know what I am talking about! IF you are like me you have bought into these lies a time or two...me personally I STILL buy into them at times when I am down....
Well guess what friends....it is all A BUNCH OF BALONEY SANDWICHES! For real! I have tried alot of the gimmics and I have learned that while some things really do work for some people, we are all made differently....and MOST things will not work. So Sad but So True.....
So the moral of this long story....I have found something that does work...for me at least...Spray Tan...it give me confidence and I do it every Friday so I can go into my weekend glowing and 5lbs lighter and eat drink and be merry! (if you want my solution I am happy to give it up to you-I promise I am ALMOST a pro at! But my skin type is different than yours so you might have to play with it a bit!)
So there you have it folks...My first confession in the books....I am a tan-a-holic and I am happy and glowing!
Here's to you finding your little confidence builder and if it is spray tanning I will see you at the Salon!
xo,
Amy
Take A Breath and Look UP...
Summer is officially over and today is the first day of school. AGH! UGH! (and insert many, many tears here). Yes I hate this day! I am not your typical mom who can't wait for this day each year... I am not the one who has the champagne chilling next to the orange juice in the frigelator! No, I am actually quite opposite.
Summer is officially over and today is the first day of school. AGH! UGH! (and insert many, many tears here). Yes I hate this day! I am not your typical mom who can't wait for this day each year... I am not the one who has the champagne chilling next to the orange juice in the frigelator (JPism for Refrigerator)! No, I am actually quite opposite. The first day brings up so many emotions for me, but the biggest one is My Boys are Growing Up! This saddens my heart. It is a wonderful time, yes, because we can reflect on how much they have matured or developed or whatever...but it is a constant reminder to me that time is running past me and before I know it they will be going to College and preparing to live the life God intended for them. Trey and I 's job will (kind of) be done.
When I meditate on that, I start to think about who will they be, what will they become, who will they marry and then I just get way ahead of myself and I have to reel myself back in and say slow down Amy! So I take a deep breath and look up and simply pray, "Lord, thank you for our beautiful boys and for having faith in us to bring them up. I pray that as this year starts, they will remain steadfast in their foundation of you and they will go out into this world and be an instrument for you. I pray Lord that their peers, their teachers, their coaches, and whomever they encounter, will see you in them. I pray they will be Leaders and not followers. I pray for their Health and for their hearts Lord and I give them to you...Please make them instruments for you and protect and guide them this School year. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen"
Remember who you are and what God Expects you to become. You are a child of promise. You are a man of might. You are a Son of God.-Thomas S. Monson
So as this new school year starts, if you are celebrating, or if you are like me and crying, Let's not forget to take a breath and look up. In Celebration and in tears, God is here.
Happy first Day of School!
xo,
Amy
It all started when....
Why a Blog and why now...
It all started when...
My sweet mom and bestfriend got sick...and it has been on my mind ever since...I need to blog about this....I need to write for therapy and for an outlet. So here I am today starting my journey with you and I have no idea where it will lead us, but I am hoping we will have many laughs, maybe some cries (you know a good cry is very cleansing), and who knows....maybe you can learn from some of my mistakes....maybe I can learn from you....whatever happens I know it will be an amazing journey....so grab a cup of joe and lets get to know each other. I promise it will be worth your while.
xo,
Amy
Redheads are God's way of giving the world Roses.....I love and miss you mom....Amy
Howdy!
Hi there! My name is Amy Berry! I am a Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, friend, driver, cook, launder, baker, dancer, and Lover of God! Welcome to my Blog! I hope you like what you see!
I grew up in the small north central Texas town of Graham, Texas, now known as Graham America. I am number three in the line of four kiddos and I can honestly say I had a beautiful up bringing out there in the country!
COLLEGE LIFE AND MARRIAGE...
I went to college at University of North Texas and Texas A&M where I met my husband in 1991. Long story short, I followed him to Texas A&M my junior year (who does that! I guess I do) and when he graduated he told me if I would hurry up and graduate we would get married.... so I hauled my hiney back to UNT, graduated, and well....THAT DID NOT HAPPEN...after NINE years...YES you heard me right! NINE years of dating off and on we FINALLY married in December of 2000 and we are still going strong to this day. We have three beautiful boys and one angel baby in Heaven.
WHY THIS BLOG....
In December of 2016 I lost my best friend, my confidante, and my angel on earth. I lost my mom....and this rocked me more than any other loss of I have ever experienced. My mom knew ALMOST everything about me...the good, the bad, and the VERY VERY UGLY side of me that my baby brother, Paul, has so eloquently named TAWANDA. My mom loved all parts of me, even Tawanda. I called her daily and on average we talked 5 days a week. When she left this earth and went home I can honestly say I was lost. This loss has challenged me on many levels but most of all this loss has challenged me in my faith. I am hoping through this blog I can grow stronger than ever in my walk with God all the while making you laugh!
DREAMS AND HOPES FOR MY BLOG...
What I can promise from this blog is some yummy recipes (I do love to cook), HOPEFULLY some funny stories, probably some not so funny stories, because I promise to be real, and let's face it life is messy sometimes, I might have some words of wisdom here and there (if I do it will be from something I learned from someone much wiser than myself!) and one thing I will not promise is fashion sense....I try so hard here, but I am a dance teacher for adult fitness and my wardrobe consists of black tights and black tops....I will challenge myself in this area and maybe with your advice I can grow here...because Lord knows I am not fashion savy!
Love of my life and best-friend.
In a nutshell, I am married to the love of my life and my best friend. We have three beautiful boys and a dog named Zoey. My father lives with us during the day and my sister Robin at night and I survive on bullet proof coffee, God, Dance, and my amazing family and friends. I am Amy Berry and I would like to be your friend!
xo,
Amy