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
Gramzee's Chili
Don't you just love the fall? I do! The leaves begin to change, the air is crisp, and football season is in high gear. Whenever I think of football and fall I think of frito pie! Boy do I love me some frito pie! Especially when the recipe involves my Mother in Laws Chili!
Don't you just love the fall? I do! The leaves begin to change, the air is crisp, and football season is in high gear. Whenever I think of football and fall I think of frito pie! Boy do I love me some frito pie! Especially when the recipe involves my Mother in Laws Chili! You guys, this Chili is so good and so easy to make! I changed it just a tad bit in that instead of water I add a can of beer, but you can do whatever is best for your family. Over here we like the beer! (Ha, I am a poet and I did not even know it!)
GRAMZEE'S CHILI
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons Oil (I use olive oil)
1 Cup of Chopped onions
1 clove of garlic (I use crushed garlic and a ton)
1lb ground beef
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can ranch style beans (we like the can with jalapenos)
1 can of water (we use beer here)
1 teaspoon paprika
2 Tablespoons chili powder
Instructions:
In a large pot saute your garlic and onion in your oil. When onions are transparent add your ground beef and brown. Once cooked throw in your tomatoes, ranch style beans, water (or beer), paprika, and chili powder. Let simmer until ready to serve.
FRITO PIE:
If in the mood for the frito pie you will need the following:
fritos
shredded cheese
onions
jalapenos
In a bowl place your chili and top with any and all of the above. I promise you will LOVE it! This is so good and so easy to make!
I made this Halloween night for 32 plus people (I tripled the recipe) and it was easy and everyone really enjoyed it! I hope you do too! Let me know what some of your fall favorites are for feeding a crowd! I would love to know!
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
What can we Whip up this Wednesday?
Halloween is behind us and the crash from all the sugar is upon us! Lord help me! If you are like me, today you are exhausted and just want something easy and healthy for dinner. Something that will not create a lot of mess in the kitchen and fuss amongst the multiple taste buds in your house... I HAVE IT! Read along and see if you agree!
Halloween is behind us and the crash from all the sugar is upon us! Lord help me! If you are like me, today you are exhausted and just want something easy and healthy for dinner. Something that will not create a lot of mess in the kitchen and fuss amongst the multiple taste buds in your house... I HAVE IT! I can share with you what we do in my house, because we have just that! Multiple tastebuds to please: Some who love this and some who love that! So I need a dish that can be versatile and make everyone happy AND be SUPER DUPER easy for my tired body.
I got this dish from Six Sisters Stuff and it will not disappoint! It is DELISH!
INGREDIENTS:
2 LBS of flank steak, 1 teaspoon minced garlic ( I used crushed garlic) , 1/4 cup soy sauce (I used coconut aminos because I don't like soy sauce), 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, 2 cups COOKED rice (we do white in our family but I am sure brown is great too) 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 2 cups pico de gallo, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, 1 cup guacamole (central market's is amazing) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 bunch chopped cilantro for topping
INSTRUCTIONS:
Slice steak into 1/4 inch strips
In a resealable gallon-ziplock bag, combine steak, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Marinade in the frigelator for at least 1 hour (it taste better the longer it marinates).
Remove steak from the marinade and pan fry over medium heat until it is cooked all the way through.
evenly distribute the cooked steak, rice, romaine lettuce, pico, black beans, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
Top with cilantro and lime juice
MAKES 4 BOWLS. IF YOU ARE LIKE ME AND ARE FEEDING HUNGRY BOYS I DOUBLE THIS RECIPE! SO GOOD
ALTERNATE WAY TO COOK STEAK IF DO NOT LIKE DOING IN A FRYING PAN:
I hate the way I smell after I fry anything.....I have found an alternate way to cook the steak that I personally love!
For this you will need a cast iron skillet and do not cut the steak before you marinate it.
preheat oven to 450. Once at 450 put your pan empty in the oven for 30 minutes. Once the pan is nice and hot place your marinated meat in the pan and put back in the oven for 5 minutes flip it and cook for 3-4 minutes or to your liking. We like our meat medium rare so I usually do 4 minutes. Slice your meat into thin slices and follow the rest of the recipe.
And if your house is like mine you can make each bowl to each hearts desire. For instance, my man/boy only likes beans, rice, meat and cheese.....so that is how he gets his....and everyone is happy!
Enjoy!
What are you cooking these days that is super easy during these busy times? I would love to know!
xo,
Amy
My Latest Book Reviews: October Book Club
Stop in and see what books I read in October and tell me what you read. I am always looking for a good book to read!
I started October off with a book that I actually picked up in August to read on my cruise and boy am I glad I did not! The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware...This is a story about a young lady that takes a cruise for work and realizes the gal in the cabin next door has gone missing. From that moment on this book takes a lot of twist and turns. While I enjoyed reading this book, towards the end I did find it to be a little ridiculous. With that being said, I finished it and glad I did because the truth is I really enjoyed it until about 3/4 of the way through. Then I got a little bored because the story got a little wacky for me and unbelievable. I would still suggest this book because I did enjoy taking this eerie cruise with the main Character Lo out in the deep, blue, waters and you may too!
After being somewhat disappointed by my first choice, I decided to choose a book I thought would be a feel good easy read. Man did I pick it! The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand. If you have ever read and of Hilderbrand's book you will know that they all take place in Nantucket and for the most part she never disappoints. Sometimes her books get a little long for me, but this one was fantastic! I could not put it down! Every time I opened my book I found myself hungry for food and hungry for more of the story. The story takes place, like all of her books, in Nantucket, at the hottest restaurant in town. The main Character Adrienne has just moved there and finds herself working in the restaurant business for the first time in her life, but it was not a far stretch as she has been in hotel management most of her adult life. As the story unfolds you learn the restaurant is in it's final season and the mystery of why begins to unfold. Of course there is a little love story on the side with many other little side stories. This book is a must read if you are looking for an easy book with a beautiful story of love on many different levels.
I decided for my last book to go with The Story Teller by Jodi Picoult. This book was so good, but, of course all of her books are. I love how they all make you think and challenge you as a reader and this one did just that. It challenged me to learn more about the Holocaust as the story takes place in the present, but in the past as well during the Holocaust. The main character Sage has been asked by her new friend to help him die and the twist and turns that come from that one request alone are worth running out to get this book and diving in! At times this book was so hard for me to read because it would literally make my heart ache and my stomach hurt. I would have to put it down to take a moment because if you have ever read Jodi Picoult you know how beautifully she writes that your truly feel your characters. I will say it is hard to figure out at first and you really have to concentrate, but it is so worth it! If you like learning about the past with a amazing fictional story, this is the book for you! I highly recommend it.
Through this journey with my blog, I have discovered the joy of reading again and with that I have decided to read more to my littlest one. So each month I hope to share with you a children's book he and I are reading together and this month we chose The Dot by Peter Reynolds. It is a beautiful story about how we all have a creative spirit inside of us....and all it takes is one dot to bring it out. When I explained the story to Graeme he said to me, "kind of like your blog mommy." Out of the mouths of babes. If you have little ones at home this is a neat book and I know they will enjoy it and you will to!
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
3 Ingredient Breakfast Sausage Balls
They say breakfast is your most important meal....is it? I have no idea! But if you give me a recipe with sausage in it and tell me it is easy....I am in...if you like Sausage, easy, three ingredients, and healthy, read on...this one if for you!
I am not an expert when it comes to cooking or nutrition. But, I read a lot about it, I hear a lot about it, I try to apply it, but the truth is I LOVE MY BUBBA'S FRIED CHICKEN!
In all honesty, I do live my life by the rule of everything in moderation. I am not a diet nazi, but I do TRY....I use that word loosely, as I do get LAZY.
They say breakfast is your most important meal....and then some say no, do the fast. I have no idea which way is best, nor will I even try to pretend I do. What I can tell you is.... for ME personally, BREAKFAST is important. And honestly for my family, too.
I have that condition you hear of: HANGRY.
When my blood sugar drops, well let's just say it is not pretty and my dear alter ego, Tawanda, rears her ugly head. So today I thought I would share with you and easy recipe that I got from my friend at Primal Mom....(You can find her on Facebook...tell her I sent you!)
This recipe is STUPID easy! I mean seriously people! ANYONE can do this...my six year old helps me! And bonus it is only 3 ingredients! Yep you heard me! 3!!!!! So easy peasy lemon squeasy! And double bonus....it is healthy! And triple bonus you can make today and store in the frigelator (this is our John Paulism for refrigerator)! So what are you waiting for...Let's get to cooking and you and I will both have breakfast made for the week!
Ingredients:
1lb natural pork sausage (confession time...I have used regular pork sausage)
1 cup grassfed grated cheese (here is another confession...I have been known to use regular cheese)
1 cup Almond flour
Mix all ingredients together and make little balls or put into tiny muffin pans and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.....
SOOOO FINGER LOOKING GOOD!
Bon appetit!
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
Quick and Healthy | A 15-minute Dinner
So as a mother of three very active boys I am always looking for quick and healthy go-to meals, and man have I found one! Come and take a look and give it a Whirl! I dare ya! You might just like it.
Quick and Healthy: Music to my ears!
So as a mother of three very active boys I am always looking for quick and healthy go-to meals, and man have I found one!
This is not my personal recipe, though, I played with it a bit for my family’s likes and dislikes, but I did get it from The Primal Mom on Facebook. If you have not checked her stuff out yet you really should.
The first time I did one of her 30 day Challenges, not only did my waistline benefit, but my skin and hair, and my family benefited! BONUS! So you really should check her out if you are looking to transform your eating habits. I still cannot say we are strictly primal, but I can say we are much healthier, thanks in part to Primal Mom!
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you are so sick of the crockpot that you could bury it!
I don't know how I live without my crockpot, but their are days where I just want to kick that thing! Yesterday was one of those days! We had dance, acting, soccer, flag football and homework. So i pulled out this recipe and started cooking around 6:30 and was done by 6:45 and everyone got a health meal! So take a look at the recipe and see if it is something your family might enjoy. But like my mama always said:
"You won't know till you try it!"
Paleo Turkey Squash Recipe
Ingredients
1lb Ground Turkey
2-4 yellow squash (I usually do one zucchini and one squash, her recipe calls for 4 squash),
1 lb of bacon (Can I get an amen! Love me some Bacon)
8 Mushrooms (your choice)
2 small onions
2 celery stalks
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried cilantro
2 limes
Prep
Slice squash into thin medallions, chop bacon into small pieces, chop mushrooms, chop onion, chop celery (SECRET, you can buy your onion and celery already chopped and if you have an HEB near you they have them chopped and packaged together in the deli!)
Cooking Instructions
In a large skillet or large pot, cook bacon pieces. When done, remove bacon from the pan and set aside. (try not to eat it all! That is always our problem!) LEAVE THE BACON GREASE IN THE PAN.
Next using the same pan, on medium heat, add the squash slices, onion and celery (I add mushrooms here because my family is not crazy about mushrooms and if add them early they cook down and are smaller so harder to see :)
Saute 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside with the bacon.
Using the same pan, add ground turkey and cook 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink.
Once turkey is cooked, add mushrooms if you have not already, plus parsley, coriander, cumin, garlic powder and cilantro. Mix well.
Add squash and bacon mixture that you have set aside and mix well. Cover the pan and turn down heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
Plate turkey squash. Squeeze lime over the dish. Done! (Now with the lime, Will, Trey and I get the lime. JP and Graeme do not....you have to do what is best for your families tastebuds.)
Hope you enjoy this dish as much as my family does.
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”
Easy Salad for An Outdoor Gathering - Marinated Cole Slaw Salad
I need an easy go-to salad and side dish that can feed a crowd. On top of the kids' soccer, acting and grocery shopping, plus whatever else life throws at me, I'm making a very simple Marinated Cole Slaw Salad. For 30. (Yes, you read that right.)
Today especially, I need an easy go-to salad and side dish that can feed a crowd. On top of soccer, acting and grocery shopping, plus whatever else life throws at me, I'm making a very simple Marinated Cole Slaw Salad. For 30. (Yes, you read that right.)
And no Karen, there is no Mayo!
The next event you have where they are cooking hamburgers or anything on the grill really, try this. I usually double it because I promise this is one that EVERYONE loves and you will too.
Amy's Marinated Cole Slaw Salad
Ingredients
(Double if you have a crowd)
1 bag of cabbage salad (I use Taylor Farms Asian Chopped Salad and I don't use the wonton noodles, sliced almonds, and seasame ginger dressing. You can throw away or use on a salad another day.)
1 (3 oz) pkg of chicken flavored ramen noodles (crumbled, use a spoon and before you open the packet pound out any frustrations you may or may not have. It's fun!) Reserve the seasoning package for the dressing.
2 Tablespoons Sugar
3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
3 Green onions (there are green onions in the salad package, but I like to add more)
1 small package of Slivered almonds (you can use what is in the pre packaged salad or save those for another time)
1/2 cup to 1 cup sunflower seeds (whatever your family prefers)
Salt and pepper for taste
Salad Dressing:
In a coffee cup, mix the ramen packet, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and oil together. I do it in a coffee cup and then put in the microwave and stir occasionally until sugar dissolves. You can do this on the stove in a sauce pan as well, but I like to keep things simple and easy. Let cool and stir before pouring on your salad. You can use all the dressing or part.... your families taste buds will be different from my family so do you decide what is best for your family.
Salad Directions:
In a large bowl place your salad, almonds, sunflower seeds, green onion if you have extra like me and the crumbled ramen noodles. Toss together.
Once your dressing is cool stir and pour over your salad. You can serve immediately or allow to sit for a bit and marinate. The Berry's like it to marinate! So easy and oh so good! Bon appetit!
xo,
Amy
The Silver Lining of Grief | Some thoughts on losing my mom
Grief is strange. I don't like it. It is weird. The thoughts, the what ifs. Wondering if my mom is ok, all the while knowing I really am not without her here. But I'm learning to look for the silver linings in my waves of grief. Maybe you are, too?
Our Time Together was the Greatest Gift....love you Mom.
A friend posted a comment about grief yesterday morning on her social media account. Her mother too has passed away and reading her post was cleansing, yet it brought up some emotions again. I cried all day missing my mom. I thought time would make it easier, but this month has been rough. I guess that is why they say it takes 12 to 18 months.
Grief is strange. I don't like it. It is weird. The thoughts, the what ifs. The wondering if mom is ok, all the while knowing I really am not without her here.
Silver lining...the funny memories. My mom was a pistol! A beautiful red headed pistol!
Everyone around knew she was a firecracker! I think that is where I get a lot of my pop from! I will never forget one day in the hospital after she had her first stroke, physical therapy had come in to do her exercises and they asked my mom to lift her leg. I wish I had a video of it!
She threw that leg up so high it almost went behind her head and hit the pillow! Everyone in the room busted out laughing because that was just her personality. Tell the redhead to do something and she was not just going to do it, she would do whatever you asked and then some just to show off! She was this tiny little 4 foot something red headed elf that weighed maybe 95lbs... Kind of like a tea cup chihuahua who thought she was a great dane! She was so feisty and funny! Man do I miss her and wish I could call her, but I can't.
So on days like today, when the tidal wave of grief hits, I will dig in deep. I will be ok with whatever emotions come out me. I will repeat: I am ok all the while trying like heck to remember something about her that will carry me through. After all there always is a silver lining - we just have to look for it.
xo,
Amy
Doubting God
As I sat watching the Hurricane unfold in Florida and remembering the effects of Hurricane Harvey just the week before and the earthquake in Mexico and Kim in Korea, my goodness this is a lot of bad I kept thinking to myself! I started thinking, "What the heck God?!" I mean my mom's Death hit me VERY hard and I was doubting God, but now this? This has got to have a lot of believers doubting.
As I sat watching the tragic event of Las Vegas unfold and remembering Hurricane Maria, Harvey, and Irma, and the earthquake in Mexico and Kim in Korea...My goodness this is a lot of bad I kept thinking to myself! I started thinking, "what the heck God?!" I mean my mom's Death hit me VERY hard and I was doubting God, but now this? This has got to have a lot of believers Doubting. Unfortunately, that is what Satan wants which puts him at an advantage. Which infuriates me so I started wondering how do I get the upper hand on my doubt? I look Up and look to God and really ask some hard questions. Satan really does not like this and I personally think he preys on these questions.
I think Satan looks at this questioning as a weakness and just can't wait to pounce. So I decided I would try to Look at it from God's perspective which meant really digging in to my quiet time. Really asking hard questions and crying out to God and asking the hard question, "WHY?"
After Irma hit the beautiful islands I kept thinking....what a terrible loss of life! WHY? AND SHE WAS STILL ON HER WAY TO FLORIDA WHICH MEANT MORE LOSS! WHY GOD!?
Then it hit me! All loss of life is terrible. A child dying of cancer is tragic! It should be against the law for a child to die before their parent. Someone getting killed in a sudden accident is tragic! There is no time to say good bye. My mom, after 80 years on this earth dying, tragic! I lost my best friend! And all these people in the wake of these storms or bad dictators. Tragic! It is all bad. AND newsflash, People die everyday!
INTERESTING FACT: Did you know that 154,000 on average die everyday! And guess what...God knows EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!
GOD is aware of EVERY single person who suffers and who dies EVERY moment of EVERY day in EVERY nook and cranny of the world. So while I sat there thinking how unfair and why is it happening, I had to remind myself of the mom whose child died of Cancer, or the Friend whose best friend took their life through drugs and alcohol, or the Wife whose husband died in an accident, or the loss of life to Malaria, to Heart attacks, to head injuries to whatever else...you get the point. It is ALL bad and it ALL seems unfair!
ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE THE ONE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM and it is your loved one who died.
It is so easy to Doubt God during these times, but what we NEED to remember and what we NEED to hold on to is God created this universe. God gave us life and He determines the length of life for everyone. He is simply taking back what is HIS. WE ARE HIS.
When we start to doubt God we are letting Satan win and we cannot do this. We are God's children. When we are suffering we need to try as hard as we can to see it from God's perspective. Sometimes we cannot see God's perspective until well after the Storm is gone and honestly there are storms we may NEVER know God's perspective until we get to heaven. So how do we deal? How do we not doubt?
FAITH MY FRIEND! FAITH AND TRUST THAT GOD IS INVOLVED IN ALL OUR SUFFERING. WE MUST HOLD ON TO THE FACT THAT OUR SUFFERING IS NEVER MEANINGLESS. OUR SUFFERING ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE.
I do realize that this is so hard to understand. We are after only human. So my dear friend, when suffering reaches such an intensity in your life that seems senseless and you just want to give up....it is then and only then that we MUST CLING TO GOD IN FAITH!
DEFINITION OF FAITH: complete trust or confidence in something or someone: trust, belief, confidence, conviction
So as life unfolds and we suffer tragic events, suffering, and losses.....let us never let go of our faith and God because God will never let Go of you or me.
xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
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Chicken & Rice Soup - My Way (Paleo-ish)
About a year ago, I decided to change the way I ate. I am not a hardcore Paleo mama by any stretch of the imagination, but I do try. My motto in life is pretty much anything and everything in moderation. This would include my diet. You may or may not see me indulge in a coke here and there and you will FOR SURE see me indulge in Vino and Vodka and the list goes on and on. But, for the most part, I do try. Here is my take on her Chicken & Rice Soup. I make it and eat on it all week long!
About a year ago, I decided to change the way I ate. I am not a hard core paleo mama by any stretch of the imagination, but I do try. My motto in life is pretty much anything and everything in moderation. This would include my diet. You may or may not see me indulge in a coke here and there and you will FOR SURE see me indulge in Vino and Vodka and the list goes on and on. But, for the most part, I do try.
One thing I started doing last year, with the help of Primal Mom, (check her out on Facebook) was I started cooking breakfast and lunch for the week on Sunday. Truth be told, not every Sunday, but a lot of Sundays.
This Sunday I made my version of her Chicken and Rice Soup. Y'all this stuff is AMAZING! My six year old even loves it! And did I mention it has bacon in it? Who doesn't love bacon?
I am going to share my version with you all today. You should try it, and if you are wanting to make the change to healthy eating, you really should look Primal Mom up on Facebook! I promise. Her recipes are amazing and she helps you every step of the way! And you might even get the added benefit of weight loss...just saying.....So try the soup and look up Primal Mom! I promise neither will disappoint!
Recipe for Primal Mom's Chicken and Rice Soup (mostly...I changed one or two things to fit my family)
Ingredients:
3 Chicken Breast
1/2 lb bacon
chopped up celery and onion (I go to Tom Thumb or Central Market and get the box they chopped up that day of celery and onion)
bag of small skinny carrots
Trader Joes cauliflower rice
Chopped Garlic like as much as you want I take 6 spoonfuls from the jar
4 Cups of Bone Broth
1 Cup of heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
Prep:
chop your bacon
Season your chicken (I use dowry's season salt, Himalayan salt and pepper) Cut chicken into small pieces
Instructions:
In a large pot over medium heat cook bacon
When bacon done add chicken and cook through. Add ALL remaining ingredients, EXCEPT CREAM, cover and simmer for 1.5 hours
When done add the cream and mix well
Serve immediately or let cool and store in refrigerator and you will have lunch ready for the next 5 days! Easy Peasy Lemmon Squeasy!
Bon Apetit!
Amy
Choose Life: On Becoming a Dance Instructor
I don't know what happens to me, but when the music comes on and I begin the steps, it's like I go into this other world. It is very cathartic at times, very healing at other times, and just a full out party. A party that I get to attend and forget what is happening around me.
Last July, after a dance class I had just taken, my now mentor, Alana, approached me about teaching. Her timing could not have been more perfect. I JUMPED at the offer - and here's why.
You guys are starting to learn a lot about me I think through my writing, but one thing I have failed to touch on is my LOVE of dancing! I don't know what happens to me, but when the music comes on and I begin the steps, it's like I go into this other world. I am serious! It is like whatever is going on around me just goes away like magic and it's just me, the music, and the moves. It is very cathartic at times, very healing at other times, and just a full out party. A party that I get to attend and forget what is happening around me.
Last July, after a dance class I had just taken, my now mentor, Alana, approached me about teaching. Her timing could not have been more perfect. You see, It was in June that my mom started not feeling well and we started trying to figure out what was going on with her. So when Alana, questioned me about wanting to teach dance I JUMPED at the offer.
Dancing for me is living.
I started the training process, and I am proud to say I am now a teacher. I dance a minimum of 3 days a week, but try hard to go 5. Believe me, I don't just jump up and say, "It's a dance day!'
No, it is me waking up those days and saying I choose to live. I actually do this most days! It is hard to get up and get moving. I totally get and understand the numbing effects of sadness and depression and just not wanting to engage, but I also know that refusing to get up and do something about it is choosing to die.
I know depression is real.
Another side note about me, I have suffered from Clinical depression since the age of 16. I understand more than you will know, not wanting to get up.
When life throws pain at you when you already fighting most morning just to get up, well...let's just say, somedays I know it would be so much easier just to take to the bed and NEVER get up. But you have to! You have to most importantly for yourself and then for those around you.
So I want to challenge you!
I am challenging you to choose life!
Choose life, turn toward God and open your heart and your mind to the new joys in life as well as the additional sorrows.
Find what will help you dance through life. Who knows, maybe it will be dancing with me! I would love for you to come to my class! It would bring me so much joy! But, if dancing is not your thing, find what is, embrace it. It does not matter how old you are! Look at me! I started teaching dance at the ripe young age of 46! So find it, embrace it, and hold on to it!
May you too find your dance of life.
xo,
Amy
September Book Review - Three Books I Can't Stop Recommending
Three books I can't stop recommending: Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie, It Ends With Us, by Colleen Hoover and Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Click to read more on these books.
This month I have decided to start my review with the book that started this blog in motion. Here are three books I've read recently that I can't stop recommending.
Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow
Friends, this book was just what I needed. A friend who had lost her son this summer and was in pain but still had hope wrote about a book she was reading. I was in such awe of her strength and her courage, but mostly I was in awe of her love for Jesus still. I mean she had lost her son and she still had faith.
I have to be honest, when my mom died, I REALLY started questioning things. Then my friend opened up about her loss and what book she was reading and it was Hearing Jesus Speak into your Sorrow.
I ordered that day off Amazon and I am so glad I did too. The book is such a great resource for anyone who is struggling with a loss of a loved one or struggling with unanswered questions about pain and loss. If you are this person I highly suggest you order it.
I hope it brings you the strength and encouragement it brought me.
It Ends With Us
Now for my escape this month. Oh my, I was in tears at the end and honestly I could NOT put this book down.
If you like a good love story, you will like this one. It's just you find that sometimes Love comes with a price. Oh my, I did not want this book to end.
I am so proud of Lily the main character, and I know you will be too. Do yourself a favor an order the book. I promise it will not let you down!
And drum roll please...I read another one this month and just like the first two it did not disappoint....
Small Great Things
People! Do you want a book that will make you think? Do you want a book that will make you angry?
Want a book that will make you cry? Want a book that will make you smile? Want a book that will show you people can and do change?
Then this book is for you!
I mean seriously, some nights I found myself wanting to jump into the book and shake the daylights out of some of the characters and then other nights I sat up and really thought about some serious topics that are VERY real in today's world. This book had a profound effect on me and in a very good way...maybe it will on you too.
So there we have it. Three Great Books that I think you too will really love! What have you been reading that you think I might like? I would love to hear!
xo,
Amy
The More You Read, The More You Know
Why am I making it my goal to read at least two books a month? Because the more you read, the more you know!