Amazon Mom and Mother's Day Gift Ideas!
Mother’s Day is less than 7 days away! Do you have the perfect gift? If not, let me help you!
Mothers Day is Sunday and if you are like me you are behind the eight ball at getting your gifts for the moms in your life taken care of. I mean what did we do before Amazon Prime! Seriously?????
My mother in law is the easiest person to buy for because she literally loves and appreciates ANYTHING I get her! Seriously! My mom use to complain and say, "Don't get me anything that I have to dust!" It took the fun all out of it and I would end up just sending flowers. That was easy yes, but I really like surprises and I love surprising those I love with something fun. So today I am going to share some ideas I am toying with for myself and for my mother in law. Maybe you will see something you would like to get for your mom!
I literally have been waiting to get this bad boy! It is water proof and it is pink!
I love this deodorant! My mother in law does too, but forgets about it until I give it to her each year! Great gift to spoil your moms with pretty smelling GOOD deodorant!
Best leggings EVER! Especially if you know someone who loves yoga or dance!
I get more compliments when I wear this stuff than anything! I learned about it from Kelly Ripa and she is right! It is a mysterious scent that people literally chase you down to ask you what you are wearing! Great gift!
I have horrible ankles and cannot wear flip flops anymore. True story! Found these babies on amazon and I get more compliments and they are soooooo comfy! I walked all over Mexico in them!
Who doesn't love a great candle?
I don't know many women who do not like their chocolate and these bad boys are to die for!
Pool days are almost here and this speaker is amazing!!!!!!
Love my Hydro flask!
Love my Mom coffee mug! Holds just the right amount!
Who doesn't love a yummy bath and these eggs are from Easter yes, but they are soooooo good!
Amazing hand cream and it smells so fresh! Who does not love a great hand cream?
One of my FAVORITE mother's day gifts of all times! My Tom Ford Shades! LOVE THEM!
So there you have it! Anything from good smells, to electronics, to clothing and then some! I hope something sparks you here and gives you an idea to get your mom the perfect gift! Or yourself! Hint! Hint!
Happy Mothers Day!
Xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
Who does not love their chocolate?
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Get your mom some dresses! Target has an amazing selection and spend over $35 and get free shipping!
Our Beautiful, Messy, Caboose
May 5, 2011 is one that will go down in the Berry books as a day of true miracles. Our little man/child Graeme made his appearance and our lives were forever changed. Shoot who am I kidding! They were forever changed in September of 2010 when a pregnancy test confirmed why I was so sick and emotional.
My first view of Graeme! Yes, I was that pregnant when I found out! SHOCKER for sure!
May 5, 2011 is one that will go down in the Berry books as a day of true miracles. Our little man/child Graeme made his appearance and our lives were forever changed. Shoot who am I kidding! They were forever changed in September of 2010 when a pregnancy test confirmed why I was so sick and emotional. I was pregnant and I was 40! Now that will change your life! It will change your life for the good!
I remember to this day calling Trey and asking, "Where are you?" He said he was at Home Depot. Most people at that point would just say, "Great, I will see you when you get home." Ya...not me, I blurted out through tears, "We are pregnant!" Dead silence! Then Trey said, "How?" Silence. "Are you sure?" Sniffling and Silence. "We will talk about this when I get home." More silence...."It will be o.k. I love you and will be home in a minute." Deep exhale and sniffles.
Of course by the time Trey got home he was calm and breathing and truly amazing with me! I am sure he and God had an amazing conversation on the drive home from the store and the Holy Spirit filled him with a peace that was just what I needed. To be 40, think you are done having babies, but not really wanting to be done, then told, "Guess what, you are not done!" Well that was a roller coaster ride I had never expected to jump on, but one I am so glad I did.
Back story: Trey and I have a baby in heaven. We lost Baby Berry June 2, 2009 to chromosomal conditions. It was a loss that rocked me at my core and one that came with many medical complications. 5 surgeries later we were told there would be no more babies. This was a tough one for me to swallow as I had always had dreams of having four kids. That dream did come true, just not how I imagined. On May 5, 2011 my fourth child was born and our family was forever changed and my dream had come true. I am a mother of four beautiful children and Graeme is our caboose. Our beautiful, messy, caboose!
To be 47 years old with a 7, 15, and a 16 old can be difficult and has it's own layer of challenges like any family of multiples. Having one that is 9 years younger than your oldest provides wisdom I did not have the first go around. I am much calmer about things I use to get all worked up about and I have this realization of what we feel is important and what really is not. Good, bad, or indifferent, I don't know, but what I do know is we tend to enjoy the little things more because we are not missing them getting caught up in the rat race of stuff, to- do's, and whatever everybody else is doing. I have learned the beautiful word, "NO". I have learned that kids really don't get to be kids these days so you have to fight for that. I have learned that, "God made dirt, so dirt don't hurt." I have learned play is the highest form of research for a kid. I have learned that all my kids need is to know I believe in them and in turn they will believe in themselves, and that time is not refundable with my kids-I need to use it with intention. And most importantly I have learned that Graeme Thomas Berry is a gift that God gave us. A gift we are so grateful for and one that we cannot wait to see the plans God has for this beautiful mess of a boy.
7 years ago today I was blessed with our third son Graeme and what a gift he is. He is growing into such an amazing and joyful kid with such a bright future ahead of him! Ever since the day he was born I have tried to be the best parent I can be. Having three boys REALLY changes everything! Priorities shift and realities of what is really important come into play... the day Graeme was born my priorities were changed once again.
Priorities of helping them feel important, empowering them, teaching them about Jesus, finding time for the things that matter to each of them. Laughing with them, crying with them, growing with them, listening to them, and all the moments in between. Sure we disagree and my biggest fear when this happens is do they know that even in disappointments I love them? Do they know that I will make mistakes or they will make mistakes, but, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THEM. No matter what, I love them! Do they know this? That is the priority! Love! Unconditional love.
So, as I reflect back on the last 7 years, I sit here in awe and at peace knowing my family is complete. I am in awe of the little man/child Graeme has become and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him. I know my boy is a miracle with such a beautiful future ahead of him. The world is his and I pray every day he realizes how loved he is, how amazing he is, how he can be and do anything he wants to, and how grateful I am to have him as our caboose!
Happy Birthday my little Pig Pen/Chub-a-lub!
All my love,
Mom
Hello, World!
For all the little joyous pig pens in our lives.....any kind of toy a boy would like! click the link above!
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The Curse That Cannot Be Reversed
I never intended to be a parent of a special needs child. And though I had hopes of the fairy tale family where everyone breathed on their own, milestones were met with ease; I soon realized that I was just not meant to live in a perfect castle, high on a hill, while those below thought my life was something more “perfect” than it was.
Wednesday I introduced you all to an organization by the name of Hope's Seed. If you missed that post you can catch it here: https://worthyheart.squarespace.com/blog/2018/neighbors-friends-hope What I did not tell you was the back story to how Hope's Seed came about. It is a pretty powerful story, one that I am so glad I responded to the founder's request and learned more about why she started this organization. I asked Shelley, the founder, if she would like to share her story and she was so gracious and wrote her story as to why she does what she does. Take a minute and read it. You might see how blessed you are or you might see you are not alone. Whichever shoe you are wearing, you are loved!
A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever.
“Shelley and Zoe’s story”
I never intended to be a parent of a special needs child. And though I had hopes of the fairy tale family where everyone breathed on their own, milestones were met with ease; I soon realized that I was just not meant to live in a perfect castle, high on a hill, while those below thought my life was something more “perfect” than it was.
I know that this typical world that looks at the differently abled as broken may try to tell you they pity you, but I want you to know that our life is beautifully chaotic—there isn’t anything damaged about this road that we, us the special needs parents have been asked to walk.
Perhaps we are nontraditional, at times scary, and possibly sometimes, it feels as if we are alone, but there is nothing about our life that is broken.
I see now that this was the journey that some of us were meant to walk.
I would never have thought my children would grow up thinking that trauma was a routine, instead of something you read about in a magazine,
Perhaps if I can show you through my words that sometimes this special needs road isn’t easy—and that the first step is always to learn how to cope—then maybe you will know more than I did and make choices that are founded in greater awareness and courage.
I didn’t know how little I knew about life and myself when I began my journey of special needs parenting, but time did a beautiful job of teaching me.
I know that sometimes it’s hard just being confined at home, only going out to doctor appointments, because your child is too medically fragile to just go out for ice cream, There is hope, and there is always a way to learn the joy of this new normal way of life. Yes, I say new normal, because this life that you are being asked to walk will turn into a normal life, a different one then you are used to, but you're new normal.
You are enough; you are doing the best you can, I know that you still want to do more. However, you have to realize your good enough, is good enough.
When you tell me that you can't-do this it is too much, I understand, I have driven on the highway, many times with tears sliding down my cheek because I honestly thought I couldn't do this, just as much as you have. I can’t say that it is easy, I am saying you can do this.
But I do know that I was given this child who does not breathe for a reason, and you were given your differently abled child for a purpose.
For now, all I can do is love you, and give you hope to know you are not alone and you are strong enough to do this.
To say that your new normal is beautifully chaotic and messy implies that your life is hard, but it is has created flowers where there were dry and barren fields.
The reality of this journey is we don't know the outcome. Will, your child live, will your child be able to have some semblance of a normal life, will your child have someone other than you to want them, to love them, or will you be able to do it alone. The answer is I just don't know. I have found that staying in the present and dealing with the day to day and not dwelling on the what-ifs or maybes of what the future brings is the way to help to take some of the anxiety of what the future holds away. It is hard dear hearts, not to worry about what is coming around the next corner, staying grounded in the present is key to calming the storm inside of our hearts.
I know that what I say doesn’t mean anything if I am not willing to do the hard work to back it up with action. I struggle with what the future holds, when I know what the future will bring, more ICU stays, more people not understanding, more people wanting to pity the journey that we walk.
What good would I be to you if write you these love notes about finding, loving yourself, following your heart and all of the magic that this life of parenting a special needs child is if I wasn’t willing to follow my advice?
The truth is, my loves, we stumble over this road, we make mistakes, we learn lessons, and we get up the next day and do it all again.
If I hadn’t followed my heart and decided that I wanted my child not just to live, but have a life worth living to be the greatest example to both of my children, to show grace and fortitude, to advocate for them, to pave away, to tell them it doesn't matter if you can't breathe on your own, cannot talk, walk, eat by mouth, you were put on this earth to teach us what life is really about, then I also wouldn’t be the mother that they truly needed me to be.
Without this road that I have been asked to walk, I wouldn’t be the type of women who would have amazing children who were differently able that will one day change this world.
My goal from the start has been to raise amazing children; this did not change because one of them was born not knowing how to breathe. I never intended to keep watch over them teaching them, their ABCs while they learn how to best blend into society so that one day they might get a mortgage, and an IRA and find themselves settled down but empty.
I intended for them to grow up to be people with soul and depth.
People who have vision and ambition who know they will have to work through blood and sweat to get the life they want and deserve, breathing on their own or not.
People who follow their hearts no matter where it leads and who possess the courage to help others who are differently abled to do the same.
I wanted my children to be game-changers and status quo destroyers. This is what our special children were born to do. No, they might not be in the boardroom, behind a desk or political office they were born for greater things.
I first had to become this type of woman because of walking this journey.
So, no my darlings we do not have broken children, it was us who were broken before we had them and were able to learn what truly mattered.
Brokenness begets gratitude for the little things, the first step of a legally blind child, the first food a tube fed child eats by mouth, the first word a trached child forms, the first day you drive alone with your vent dependent child, all these things that unbroken parents never think of. You just feel the rush of gratitude for the ordinary, the new normal, the only normal you now experience. It makes you who you are, strong, yet bendable, because you know the wind will blow hard again, but you bounce back. Every time.
My story like all good stories is a story of hope, failure, brokenness, elation, beauty, and life.
My darling Zoe was born just like every other perfect child. She came out kicking and screaming, the nurses beamed, the father overjoyed, and I laid on my birthing bed glistening with the dew of a hard-won victory.
Even Shakespeare could not have foreshadowed the events that began to unravel like a ball of un-kept yarn as soon as Zoe's head was placed in the nursery.
You always hear the greatest stories of milky laced trauma that start with a dramatic birth but alas Zoe had a perfect peaceful birth, yet like all good suspense novels, it is not what is obvious that stirs the plot but the silent nuances that sneak in like a thief in the night.
Zoe just simply stopped breathing, there was no struggle she just closed her perfectly made doe eyes pursed out her bow like lips, went to sleep in the nursery of the hospital and stopped breathing.
There was no fanfare, no blue to tinge her lips, not even a tear.
The nurse noticed something off and went to pick her up, and Zoe took a deep cleansing breath opened her eyes yawned, stretched and wiggled like any other newborn. The nurse shook her head laid Zoe back down and walked off. This seemed to be the beat of Scottish tattoo Zoe played.
Stop breathing, the nurse picks her up Zoe takes a breath, and the snowflake pattern begins a new.
The doctors moved her up to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit all confused why this perfectly perfect newborn would stop breathing with not even a struggle.
Zoe played this game of cat and mouse for 6 months, 6 months of Zoe not breathing when she slept, a tube was placed in the small of her neck so a machine could whirl and whistle air into Zoe's while we all held our breath watching and waiting for Zoe to take a breath on her own. For six months we waited winter turned into spring and spring into summer.
At last the doctors had found a name for why Zoe would not breathe, like all good fairy tales one needs just a simple curse to make the story come to completion.
A curse is what she had, to be precise Zoe had " Ondine's Curse" the curse of forgetting to breathe.
Hearing words that your daughter has a curse upon her, and you not knowing what that curse could be, you sit there in that ICU holding your cursed baby and weaved steadily within her, and I a resolve to weave a web of a life with little fear and only beautiful joy. The doctors gave us no hope; the nurses gave me a pearl garland to wind her head, to lay her on a velvety bed and let her fly back to heaven like a fairy princess. The curse can never be reversed but I did know you could live with a curse I had read about all kinds of fairy tales when I was small. You should always believe in fairy tales not because curses can be reversed, but because curses can turn your scars into threads of silvery beauty. The Doctors gave me one year with Zoe, Zoe has given me 17 years.
Shelley
To learn more about Shelley's organization go to www.hopesseed.com
Hello, World!
Every mom could use an Apple Watch
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Have you gotten your mom that special something for mother's day yet? If not click the link above! You might find something she will love!
Neighbors, Friends, and Hope
Have you ever heard the saying, "A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing?"
Have you ever heard the saying, "A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing?" It is so true! I am happy to report I have amazing neighbors and our little block is one of pure love and joy. Once a month the moms on my block all get together and do a mom's night. Every once in a while we will change it up and include the family, but for the most part it is about 12 women and we get together and eat, talk, and just share life. It has been so good for our souls and so good for our street. Twelve or so mom's getting together and finding out that we are all the same, but yet so different. Some work, some do not. Some exercise, some do not. Some like wine, some just drink water. Some have multiple kids, some just have one. Some have kids out of colleges, while others still have kids in the womb- the list goes on and on of differences, but what we do have in common are the same fears and dreams for our families and we all understand the joy of doing for others.
Last month after our last get together I started putting ideas out there of what we could do for April. Oddly about the same time, I read a post on the book of face (facebook) from a lady who was collecting bags for mom's in the hospital on Mom's day with their sick kiddos:
Many mothers are going to spend their first and last mothers day sitting at the bedside of their children who are medically fragile and terminally ill.
Help Hope's Seed to bring mothers day to these mother's at children medical center Dallas.
We need gift bags full of items like lotion, toothbrush, dry shampoo, chapstick, pens, notepads, anything at all that a mom would need while in the hospital with their child. Let's all bring some sunshine into these mothers lives on Mothers day this year.
I will PPU all you have to do is get your friends together, church groups, girls scouts, mothers day out or just on your own. I will pick up and deliver to children's medical center on your behalf.
Deadline for PPU is May 10th
I had never heard of Hope's Seed, but I had done enough work with my "Cancer Mom's" in the past to know that this was an amazing idea. I immediately sent out the text to the group asking if they would like to do this. You guys, my friends/neighbors went above and beyond! EVERYONE jumped in and everyone contributed; even if they could not be there the night I had chosen to build the gift bags. My amazing sister in-law, Erin, donated gift bags, ribbon, and adorable stickers from her stationary business at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/erinshelby
I made my neighbor, Amy's tortilla soup! If you missed that post you can find the recipe here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/4/28/amys-tortilla-soup-modified-for-this-amys-tastebuds Some of the mom's bought other nibbles and wine and together we built 50 adorable bags of love. We had fellowship, we had laughs, we had food, we had wine, and we all counted our blessings because God willing we will be home on mother's day with our healthy kiddos. It was such a great night, so easy, and we all felt so good inside! We were all happy and full! Full of love, full of joy, and full of hope for these mommies!
Grandpa joined in on the food and fellowship! #luckyguy
“I began learning long ago that those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.”
We enjoyed this evening so much that one of the mom's came up with the idea of "Cause a Quarter"! I love that! Once a quarter Milton Mama's will be giving back! How fun is that and how blessed am I to have such amazing neighbors! Not only neighbors, but friends! Each one of these ladies has a story and beautiful story and each one of these ladies has a heart a beautiful heart! To top it off each one of these ladies I can personally call my friend!
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul”
So as Mother's Day approaches I want to take a moment to thank my neighbors/friends for being who they are! I want to tell each one of them you are Amazing! You are Strong! You are Loving! You are Happy! You are Selfless! You are Graceful! And you are Special! Happy Mother's Day to 12 amazing ladies and Happy Mother's day to all Moms! Because after all, Mom's are like buttons, they hold everything together!
If you want to learn more about Hope's Seed go to: http://hopesseed.com/ and later this week, Shelley, the founder of Hope's Seed will be sharing her story as to why she started Hope's Seed. Stay tuned because it is a story you will not want to miss!
Bags of love produced by some amazing women! Women I call my friends! #luckygirl
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Mother's day is fast approaching! Here are some beauty gift ideas!
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Don't forget your moms! Click the link above and find her something to make her day EXTRA special!
Amy's Tortilla Soup Modified for This Amy's Tastebuds
My neighbor Amy might be one of the coolest cats in the world. She always seems to have her head on straight and is always there to be my sounding board when I feel like I am about to jump off a cliff. That my friends is a great friend and she is my neighbor!
My neighbor Amy might be one of the coolest cats in the world. She always seems to have her head on straight and is always there to be my sounding board when I feel like I am about to jump off a cliff. That my friends is a great friend and she is my neighbor! How lucky am I? To top it off the girl can cook and she is not afraid to try new things! When she made this tortilla soup once- I was like I have to have that recipe! Unbeknownst to her, I changed a few things and you guys can too! That is what is so amazing about this recipe; you can add or take away whatever your family's likes or dislikes are and the end result will be the same! Delish! Give this recipe a whirl and let me know how you like it!
Amy's Tortilla Soup-kind of!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
1 Cup Chopped onions or as much or little as your family likes
3 garlic clove minced or 2-3 tablespoons of jarred minced garlic
1/4 of a jalapeno chopped
3/4 cup chopped really good cilantro (word of advice, cilantro is tricky. People love it or hate it. If you are making for a group of people that you do not know their thoughts on cilantro don't use that much. You will notice in my photo below I just use a little. If I am making for my family I use 3/4 cup for sure, but for friends, I only use a little.)
1/2 teaspoon oreagano
1/2 teaspoon cummin
8 cups at least, I like more of Chicken Stock
1/2 a beer
2 cups chopped chicken breast (I just buy a whole roasted chicken cooked at the store and shred it)
1 bag of frozen corn
1 cup of COOKED rice
1 1/2 zucchini sliced
1 can of rotel tomatoes ( I like the one with cilantro and lime for this recipe)
lawry's season salt for taste
Prep:
Heat your oil and add your onion and garlic and saute a minute or two.
Then add your jalapeno and cilantro and saute for a few more minutes.
Next add your spices and saute a little longer.
Then add your chicken stock, beer, vegetables, chicken, cooked rice, and more lawry's for taste.
Let simmer for at least 30 minutes longer is better.
Top with your toppings of choice. Some ideas include:
Avocado, Shredded Cheese, Jalapeno, Sour Cream, Cilantro, and Tortilla Chips.
That is it. So easy and so good! What are you cooking this week? I would love to know!
Bon Appetit!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Need any new appliances? I am thinking about getting the insta pot! Anyone love or hate theirs?
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K-cups on sale! Need to up your coffee supply? Now is a great time!
Letter to Barbara
Dear Mrs. Bush,
When I heard the news you had declined medical intervention I really did not know that much about you. I knew the basics. I knew you were the First Lady and I knew one of your sons had been President, which those two facts alone make you something big in my book.
Dear Mrs. Bush,
When I heard the news you had declined medical intervention I really did not know that much about you. I knew the basics. I knew you were the First Lady and I knew one of your sons had been President, which those two facts alone make you something big in my book. You were a wife and a mom, just like me; and as far as I am and was concerned when I was listening to the news that is pretty big, maybe bigger than being the first lady and the mother of one of our Presidents. Our jobs as moms and wives are big and you set an example that I want to follow the rest of the days of my life.
As the end of your life was progressing I learned so much more and then you died and I was glued to the T.V., glued to N.P.R., which any of my friends reading this letter would tell you that is not normal. I like my music! But you Mrs. Bush have me wanting to hear more and more about you. You were an amazing lady who got it! You got the meaning of life and you were so classy! Gosh I wish I had known you personally! What I could have learned!
I am not really sure why I am writing you this letter; we all know it won't reach you in heaven, but maybe by writing this letter, I can engrain the many, many, lessons you have left behind into my pea brain and be a better person. A better wife. A better mom. A better friend. If that happens- then hey this letter was worth it!
Your strength and faith was amazing. I honestly had no clue you lost a child to leukemia. I use to do a lot of fundraising for Leukemia Society and it is an organization that is very near and dear to my heart. Not because I lost a child to leukemia, because I have not and God willing I will not. I actually think it is a crime for a parent to lose a child. It goes against the order of life. Your grandparents die, then your parents, then your older siblings, then you, THEN your child. Not your child first! That is not fair. Yet, you never looked at it as unfair. Sure, when Robin got the diagnosis you tried everything, any parent would, but when she died, you did not shrivel up. If anything you made her death a beautiful story. You shared how she was still a joy not a sadness. You shared how she was your angel and how no you can't hold her, but you can feel her. That story right there changed my entire perspective on my lost baby. I no longer want to wallow in what could have been, but I will stand firm in knowing I have an angel that I cannot hold, but yes I can feel. And when the day comes for me to meet that baby in heaven I just know my reunion will be just as joyous as the reunion between you and Robin and the other baby you lost. I wonder if that baby was a boy or girl. I wish you could tell us, but I know that reunion was just as amazing! If you get some time will you go give my baby a hug for me? Mom to Mom?
Barbara, your humor, I had no idea you had such a sense of humor. and the way used it was amazing to me! I really think it helped to break the ice or make the playing ground even. You never wanted people to look at you as royalty or someone big, you wanted people to look at you as Barbara. I just love that. What a beautiful gift; the gift of humor to make people feel worthy, loved, and normal. The joke you made about your famous pearls back in 2015 just had me in stitches and the fact that you told the doctor in your last days that your son was the way he is was because you drank and smoked with him in utero, well, do you know what that joke did for a lot of moms? That joke let a lot of moms off the hook. If you are a mom- you know what I am talking about.
Your commitment to your husband was one beautiful love story! 73 years! Wow, if Trey and I get 73 years together on this earth, I hope and pray it is half as beautiful as your love story was to George. The simple act of you two holding hands until the end, again, thank you! I will now hold my Trey's hand more often. Such a simple act with so much emotion. Holding hands says: I love you, I got you, you are ok, I am not leaving, hold on tighter, and the list of emotions goes on and on. Medically it has been proven to decrease blood pressure and heart rates and puts people in a more relaxed state. You two did this often and you did it until the end. What we all can learn from this act alone in your marriage; hold hands with your spouse and hold hands often.
It is said you were the enforcer in your family. You were straight forward with your kids! They knew right from wrong, they knew you loved them, but that you expected them to live a life of purpose and meaning, genuine and authentic. I love that all your kids knew the basics: Sit up, do your homework, say please and thank you, eat your vegetables, don't whine or complain, look people in the eye, be kind, treat others how you want to be treated, always tell the truth, don't put others down, serve others, and most importantly love God with all your heart. Wow! How lucky your kids were to have you! That my new found friend is everything I want to teach my kids! Thank you for being such an example. All these lessons no matter how little or big- become habits if you are there every day enforcing them. You were and I will be too! I know there will be difficult times and I know that as long as I am strong and firm in my beliefs like you were and remembering that sometimes these boys will need tough love or as you put it "benevolent dictatorship"! Ha! I love that! I am stealing that line! I hope that is ok? Because I assure you my boys will not look at it as benevolent most of the time, but we moms know what is best and sometimes tough love is it. The ability to strike fear into a child when they are acting out, but let them know they are loved at the same time is a gift. I would say Barbara, you had this gift. Look at your legacy! Beautiful! Well done my friend! Well done!
So as I wrap up my letter to you Barbara, I now know why I wrote it. I wrote this letter to say thank you! Thank you for being you! Thank you for all the lessons I have learned this past week and will continue to learn, because you better believe I will be stalking you! You have taught me so much since your death and I will forever be grateful. You have taught me how to be a better human, wife, and mom. You have showed me what it looks like to be the Rock of the family, the enforcer of the family, the heart of the family. You have taught me not to take myself to seriously and that my humor is a joyous gift. You have shown me an amazing love story, one I plan to emulate all the days of my life with my Trey and you have shown me how death is not scary because our God is beautiful and he is real. Thank you Mrs. Barbara Bush and may you rest in peace as I know from the little bit I have learned about you, It is well with your Soul.
Your friend in Christ,
Amy
P.S. Not really sure how it works in heaven, but if you by chance see or can find my mom, will you tell her I am o.k. and I love and miss her dearly. Thanks! Xo, Amy
Hello, World!
Shopping for all the grads in your life, click the link above. $35 or more might get ya free shipping! Win!
Grubba's Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a funny thing to me. People either love it or hate it, but what I don't understand is the people who will not even try it. All it is meat in a loaf pan. Sure it is disgusting making it, but if you are not making it what is the big deal?
Meatloaf is a funny thing to me. People either love it or hate it, but what I don't understand is the people who will not even try it. All it is meat in a loaf pan. Sure it is disgusting making it, but if you are not making it what is the big deal? It basically taste like a meatball and who doesn't love meatballs. Vegetarians I suppose and that is okay because they don't like any meat, so it is nothing personal to the meatloaf. Right?
At the Berry house we LOVE our meat in a loaf pan! It is my father in law's recipe and it is so easy and so good! Pair it with some mash potatoes and a salad and the entire family's stomachs are happy and their hearts are full. Pure happiness and the world is a better place. So try my father in laws meatloaf and see how happy it makes your home!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground meat
1 bell pepper chopped up (color of your choice)
1/2 to 1 onion chopped up (we use an entire onion because we are onion people)
1-2 cloves of garlic minced or 1-2 tablespoons minced jarred garlic
1 egg
12 crackers crushed (saltine or ritz I have used both and either way it is great)
salt and pepper to taste and I use Lawry's season salt
Prep:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a loaf pan with pam.
Mix all your ingredients in a bowl. This is where it gets messy, but I promise it is so good and so worth it!
Put all of it in your loaf pan and bake for one hour.
Serve with mash potatoes and salad and everyone is happy!
Try it and let me know what you think! I know my father in law would be so proud if you like it!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
I swear by this garlic! I know some people prefer fresh, but to me this is just as good and a lot easier!
Another staple in the Berry House and I use it in EVERYTHING!
If you want a more buttery flavor use these.
Always good in your meatloaf and to have on hand.
Hello, World!
Free shipping on orders $35 or more at www.target.com
Diary of an Amazon Mom Part 2
Ah Friday! How I have needed you this week? I don't know about the rest of you, but the end of the school year is always hard on me. Maybe it is because I am a mom of three VERY active beautiful boys. Maybe it is because there is a banquet for EVERY interest they are in. Maybe it is because there are still soccer games, flag football games, baseball games, dance recitals, orchestra concerts, choir concerts, homework, projects, fundraisers, and the list goes on and on! Oh and did I mention that I have yet to book the littlest guy in any summer camps or vacation bible schools?
Hello, World!
Ah Friday! How I have needed you this week? I don't know about the rest of you, but the end of the school year is always hard on me. Maybe it is because I am a mom of three VERY active beautiful boys. Maybe it is because there is a banquet for EVERY interest they are in. Maybe it is because there are still soccer games, flag football games, baseball games, dance recitals, orchestra concerts, choir concerts, homework, projects, fundraisers, and the list goes on and on! Oh and did I mention that I have yet to book the littlest guy in any summer camps or vacation bible schools? My organized friends started that mess in February! No LIE! I am afraid my poor little guy might not get in, but I will deal with that when the time comes. For now I need to focus and keep the household afloat! So how am I gonna do that? AMAZON! DUH! I am telling you AMAZON is my friend and can be yours too! Here are just a few things I got this week to keep the house from crumbling! Let me know what you got! You never know, you might save me big time with your Amazon Finds!
With all boys in the house we run out of soap all the time! So thankfully when one boy is low they bring it to my attention and bam! The world is saved from stinky Berry Men! Thanks Amazon!
I follow Glennon Doyle on Facebook and love her! You might too! So I ordered her book and I will let you guys know what I think, but I have to say, I am betting it is a winner!
My boys have a habit of telling me they need a particular book at the last minute and when the calendar is super full. Thankfully this time I had 48 hours notice so I just went straight to my phone, pushed some buttons, and Amazon made sure it got to our door just in the nick of time!
We have a lot of trash! Four men, a lady, and a dog! We need big bags! Enough said!
I know this seems crazy, but Trey LOVES these and yes we can get them on Amazon! You see why I love this company! All from my home I can do this!
Will drinks a lot of protein shakes and this is his favorite powder and thankfully Amazon has it!
I love to take notes at Church and this is my journal of choice. Filled up my last two and keep ordering this one. It fits in my purse nicely and it is lined and easy to keep.
The littlest Berry is on the Astros so when in Rome.....
If you saw my post about my addiction to tanning, then you understand this purchase completely! If not, you can find it here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2017/8/25/secrets-of-a-tan-a-holic
Have you smelled these dryer sheets?! IF not I suggest you get them! So fresh and so good!!!!
To understand why I need this much turmeric you have to check out my post on my coffee! It explains the amazing benefits of this yellow powder that is like gold for the body! Click the link here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/1/7/do-you-bullet-proof-your-joe
So that my friends is a sneak peak at this Amazon Mom's finds for the week! What have you found on Amazon lately? I would love to know!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Spend $50 on select natural baby items and get a $10 gift card! I love that!
A Twist on Taco Tuesday
At the Berry home, creativity is little necessary for dinner. Weather that be a new recipe or just labeling the meal with a title, Taco Tuesday! For whatever reason, titling the night makes the meal creative and more fun! I don't know why, but if it gets this family of five to sit down together for a meal, well that is a win in my eyes!
Hello, World!
At the Berry home, creativity is little necessary for dinner. Whether that be a new recipe or just labeling the meal with a title, Taco Tuesday! For whatever reason, titling the night makes the meal creative and more fun! I don't know why, but if it gets this family of five to sit down together for a meal, well that is a win in my eyes!
The older ones are not as into the titles as they use to be, but Graeme is and I still remember a time when Will and JP loved the titles too. Some titles that have lasted are Spaghetti Sunday, Meatloaf Monday, Taco Tuesday, Wildcard Wednesday (I will write about what we do here some other time because they love that), Throw back Thursday- which is basically leftovers, and the weekend becomes pretty much a crap shoot with our busy schedules. Just because a day has a title does not mean we use the same recipe over and over either. For instance; Taco Tuesday; just last week I tried a recipe I have never done, it was still tacos, but with a twist. I am on a mission to come up with at least 5 new taco recipes so that each month I can rotate tacos to keep it interesting and new. Try this recipe and let me know what you think and if you have a taco recipe I should try, please share it! I would love to add it to my Tuesday rotation.
Stuffed Baked Tacos
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 pound cooked chicken shredded (I used a rotisserie chicken from the store)
1 ounce of taco seasoning (I used green taco seasoning)
1/2 cup onion chopped or diced
1-2 garlic cloves minced or 1-2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic-The Berry's like a lot so I do about 2 tablespoons of the jarred garlic.
1 can diced tomatoes with hatch green chilies (14.5 ounces) fully drained (if your family does not like really spicy use regular tomatoes)
1 can chopped green chilies (4.5 ounces) fully drained
10 hard taco shells
1 can refried beans of choice
Shredded Cheddar Cheese at least 2 cups unless your family is like mine and LOVES their cheese, well the skies the limit!
Prep:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray a 9 x13 baking dish with Pam or some type of non stick spray.
Heat your avocado oil over medium heat in a skillet add your onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the chicken, seasoning, tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir until fully combined and reduce heat and simmer for about 8 minutes.
Place the taco shells in your baking dish, standing up, and bake the shells empty for 5 minutes to allow them to crisp up.
Remove from the oven.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of beans into the bottom of each taco shell. Top with the chicken mixture, almost to the top of each shell.
Top each shell generously with shredded cheese and bake for 7-10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and the edges of the shells are brown.
Garnish with your choice of more cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and salsa.
Serve with Rice or your side of choice.
That is it! So good and so easy!
I will say that JP and I both agree that maybe making the chicken mixture a day in advance might even be better because the left overs were to die for! So maybe letting the chicken, seasoning, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chilies marinate for a day would be even better! We might try that this week, but the recipe above is delish even if you don't take the time to marinate the mixture!
Bon Appetit!
xo,
Amy
Spend $50 on Target Restock, save $5. Valid 4/8-5/5.
Hello, World!
Amazon mom!
Amazon might be taking over the world, but I assure you they have saved this busy mom's butt a number of times! Heck Amazon saved Christmas 2017 for the Berry Family! Take a look at what I get and how it continues to save me week after week!
I was sitting at a soccer game the other day and literally over heard two dads discussing Amazon. Basically they were discussing how Amazon is taking over the world and how Amazon is becoming an animal of it's own; more or less...Point is they were kind of irritated. I had to bite my tongue, but hindsight I really wish I would have opened my mouth. Why you might be asking? Well, because Amazon literally saved my life last year when I was in the throws of my mom dying, taking care of my dad, and raising a family. Like LITERALLY! Christmas was saved and anything anyone needed happened. All from the cold hospital room that my mom was dying in! Amazon saved me and keeps on saving me!
Like most mom's of multiple kids I am extremely busy. Throw in the differences in age and likes (one plays soccer and is 16, one is an actor/dancer/ musician/ and is 15, and one is six and remains to be seen) all that makes it more complicated. Add that I help take care of my dad with my sister and I am married to a pilot who is gone quite often. So, yes, Amazon is my hero! I am not lying when I say to you that I order from Amazon on average once a day sometimes two or three times! And Amazon Pantry is my friend! She makes sure that we never are low on dog food, paper towels, energy bars, toothpaste, detergent and toilet paper; which could get ugly in this house!
What do I order? Let me just tell you EVERYTHING. Ok I lied. Almost everything! I have yet to do raw meat or dairy, but you never know. They do offer groceries from WholeFoods now and I am told is is great!
I will show you what I have ordered this week alone and you might laugh, but then again you might say, "Hey, I need that! Had no clue I could get it from Amazon or even have it set on a monthly schedule! Thanks Amy!" -"You're Welcome!"
Sneak Peek at this weeks Amazon deliveries-and we get a bunch!
I am happy to report the Berry's very rarely run out of T.P., unless of course there is a crush on some girl and we just have to toilet paper her house!!!!!
My son LOVES these and I have to say on busy days when I just don't have time to eat I grab one of these babies!
Boys are ALWAYS needing new shoes and I hate the mall! Thank God for Amazon!
Love my detergent and love I can get it from Amazon.
I do my own dermaplane facials and love to use these. Trust me it is a much better price than the dermatologist and so easy!
I am a book-a-holic so to go to a bookstore can be dangerous. Amazon is such a great source and I cannot wait to dive into this one!
Another great bar that my entire family loves!
Again I hate the mall so I really love the free shipping and shopping from my own home!
These gummies are Grame's favorite gummies and that makes life easier getting those probiotics down daily!
If your child has sweaty feet I promise these shoes are the best ones on the market! Graeme actually has a condition called Hyerhidrosis which is basically feet that sweat excessively and these shoes along with the socks below saved our life! Best shoes and socks on the market and Amazon carries them! Bonus!!!!!
These socks have relieved a lot of stress from our lives with Graeme and his sweaty feet! A lot!!!!!
This my friends is only a taste of what I have received this past week! I swear Amazon helps me get more done in a day with one click of a button! So I have decided that Friday's will be my Amazon share for the week! Maybe just by me showing you what I had delivered will spark what you need. Busy moms need each other! So I am here to help and so is Amazon! Trust me!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Blueberry Salmon
Ever have a dish that taste so good you dream about it? If not you should click on my post today and try this mouth watering recipe! I promise it will have you day dreaming about it for weeks!!!!!
Have you ever eaten something that tasted so good you could not stop thinking about it? This usually only happens to me when I go out to eat, because let's face it, food is much better when someone else prepares it! True or False? I say True!
My girlfriend Elizabeth, from Organized by Elizabeth was over helping me clean out and she rattled off this dish and I thought, "Wow, that sounds interesting and easy! I am going to try it!" I did- that night and I am telling you guys I cannot stop dreaming about it! To top it all off, it is so easy that I promise it will become a regular in your home and in mine!
I am going to title it Blueberry Salmon because I really don't know what it is called. I just know it is so finger licking good!
Ingredients:
Salmon (I got a pound of the Verlasso Salmon from Central Market behind the fish counter)
Lemon to flavor your salmon
Olive oil for your salmon
Sea Salt and Pepper to taste for your salmon
Mixed greens (I just got a bag from Central Market in the produce section)
Blueberries
Avocado (I got 4 for our family because we love our Avocado!)
Pecan Pieces
feta Cheese
Prep:
I had Trey season the salmon with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, and sprinkle it with fresh lemon juice from a lemon and then he grilled it.
While he was grilling I cut up the avocado.
Plated each plate with some greens and had the blueberries washed in a bowl.
When the salmon was done I placed however much each person wanted on top of their greens and let everyone sprinkle their own blueberries, avocado, feta and pecans and that was it! So simple, so filling, and soooooooooo delish! You really should try it!
I had some rice on the side for my boys and two of the three ate rice with it, but honestly this is a meal in itself, unless you are like me raising three growing boys! They always need a little something extra!
This dish is so easy, so good for you, and so yummy that EVERYONE should put it on your menu for this week! I promise you will be thanking me!
Bon Apetit!
XO,
Amy
What Ignites Your Soul?
As you know I LOVE to dance; I would credit dance to saving my life. As something that has really brought me so much joy, confidence, and a passion (the loss of weight, fat, and inches is a plus).
Hello, World!
Friday's Pure Cardio!
As you know I LOVE to dance; I would credit dance to saving my life. As something that has really brought me so much joy, confidence, and a passion (the loss of weight, fat, and inches is a plus). Dance reaches at my soul almost as much as my quiet time with God. It is a fire ignited in me that brings an unexplainable amount of joy and so much more!
The community of ladies that I have met through dance is nothing short of amazing. They range in age from 21 to 71! NO LIE! And each one of these ladies brings something to the class that is all theirs. Whether it is their smile, their whoo hoos, their twerks, their wisdom, their organizational skills, their wine knowledge, or their ability to make the room light up with love. Each lady has a story, a story that has brought them to our class. From needing to meet people, health reasons, or wanting to get back to their love of dance. Today I want to introduce you to one of our newest members that's story is just that; a wanting to get back to her love for dance.
Meet Brittany!
Meet Brittany! Brittany just found us this year and I am so glad she has. Brittany is 31, married, and a lash stylist at The Lash Lounge. She does have a dance background as she is a former Dallas Vigilantes dancer, but what I did not know until just last week is Brittany has been working with a Personal Trainer for over a year now and had hit a wall if you will. After meeting us and joining our group, in just one month Brittany lost 2.7 pounds of fat! And that was just by joining our group! She did not change her diet or any of her workouts she was already doing, all she did was add 1-2 days of our classes! I laughed when she was telling me her story because she said her trainer was a little ticked, but very happy for her.
Today I share Brittany's because it is similar to why I got started. I needed to lose weight, but I was also somewhat in a funk. When I found Dallas Dance Fitness I found a home that loved me where I was and encouraged me and cheered me on. I had a lot of challenges to overcome, which I will save those for another day, but I can tell you since I started I have lost over 25 pounds, gained friendships that will last a lifetime, and found a passion for teaching dance. I would say that is a good exchange!
Hello, World!
Rediscovering dance has brought me a peace within my soul that I so wish everyone could have. Think of passions you may have that light you up? It could be tennis, golf, walking, karate, improv, acting, running, swimming, or maybe dance like me! What is it that you really want to try and are scared to take the first step and show up? Trust me, you can do it and you will love it! Take that first step. Sign up, take the next step, and show up! You might be surprised at what the future holds when you go out on a limb and try something you've always wanted too! You might find a peace and joy that you never knew you could have, and isn't joy so much sweeter than the despair that the day to day drudge of life can bring us!
Try it! I dare ya!
Xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
Have you seen the new looks for spring at Target? Spruce up your workout gear and start your new passion in style! There is something for everyone! Click the link above!
Easy Red Beans and Rice for the Hectic Life
Looking for an easy hearty meal that will become a staple in your home.....look no further!
I often get asked how I have time to cook every night with three boys, my dad, their busy schedules, and a husband who is gone a lot. The truth is I don't, but I find short cuts to awesome recipes and I play with them until they work for my family. I love to cook and share any recipe my family enjoys.
The Berry boys LOVE red beans and rice, but there is no time to match the cajun style. However, I finally succeeded with a version that would even make my cajun friends happy! Unfortunately I had to use canned red beans but the seasoning I used tied everything together. It will make ya want to slap ya mama!
Ingredients:
1lb Hillshire Farm Polska Kielbasa cut into round pieces or chopped if your family prefers it smaller
1 chopped onion
3 cloves of minced garlic or 1 to 1/2 teaspoons of bottled minced garlic
1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (I like the diced tomatoes with oregano)
Hot pepper sauce to taste
pinch of salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of slap ya mama cajun seasoning or something similar
2 cups of cooked rice
Prep:
If you are really in a hurry you can skip sauteing your onions, garlic, and veggies, but I really like to saute them in a separate pan and then add them to my slow cooker.
In a pan add olive oil, onion, and garlic and saute for about 2 to 3 minutes then add diced tomatoes and saute another 1-2 minutes. Once they are all nice and juicy pour the mixture into your slow cooker and add sausage, beans, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning. On the seasonings and hot pepper sauce go slow knowing you can always add more at the end if you need more pop or pizazz! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. When you are ready to serve, ladle the mixture over your cooked rice. I serve this with a quick salad and bread because my boys love their bread! I also doubled this because the left overs are even better! So give this hectic mom's version of red beans and rice a whirl and let me know what you think!
What are you cooking this week that is easy? I am always looking for easy and good recipes to feed the men in my life so if you have something I would love to try it and even share it!
xo,
Amy
March Book Review
Looking for a good book to read? Look no further! March was a great month of reading!
I have to admit this month I was all over the place with my reading. Maybe that is because I had an entire week where I read nothing!!!! Zero, nada, goose egg! Why? Because I was roofing in San Antonio and if you missed that post, you can catch it here at: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/3/17/what-is-in-your-kids-snowball
Even with that one week out, I managed to sneak in four books and I have to say they were all really good! Take a look and if you see something that interests you I highly suggest you get it because I give all four books two thumbs up this month!
I started the month with a little love story about second chances and I fell in love immediately! Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner was such a brilliantly written love story that I could not put it down. If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be FATE! Who does not love a book about destiny? As fate would have it, the two main characters in this book meet at the ripe young age of 8 and have no idea that the stars are lining up for them. Rachel and Andy are from two different backgrounds and meet one night in the ER of a hospital. Rachel has snuck out of her room and sees Andy in the waiting room. Rachel is very intrigued as they are both kids, eight to be exact, why would any parent let their child go to the ER with a broken arm alone? The ER waiting room is the last time Rachel will see Andy, so she thinks. The two will meet up again, but when? When they do will they connect? Do they remember each other? Yes, but I don't want to ruin it for you! You have to get this sweet book that has twists and turns, ups and downs, but is a wonderful story about love and fate and my favorite, happy endings! This is a story that will touch your heart and bring you hope. One I will never forget!
I had several people tell me to read You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living and Awesome Life. Let me just tell you, this book is BADASS just like its title! I should have picked this book up sooner, but I did not, so guess what, I am still a badass! That is what this book is about! Stop doubting and start doing! It is not that this book is chalk full of advice and encouragement I have not already heard, but it is the way the writer delivers it! It is humorous, real, and raw. IF you are sitting at a point in your life where you are starting something new, ready to make a change, needing to get out of a self sabotaging rut, or just needing to love yourself again, this book is for you! By the end of this book, if you are as lucky as I am, you might learn there are things about yourself you just need to embrace and love. Things you can't change and things you can. How to relate to people and how to go about life feeling confident and secure in who you are and who you are evolving into. Great book and one that you want a highlighter and pen with you while you read, because trust me, there is some serious sage advice! Click on the link and get it today and start living the life you were intended to live and love yourself and watch the world love you!
When I started 23 Minutes in Hell: One Man's Story About What He Saw, Heard, and Felt in That Place of Torment, by Bill Wiese, I was expecting one thing. I was expecting to hear about a near death experience and how Mr. Wiese went to hell. That did happen, but not through a near death experience. I can honestly say the book scared me and left me unsettled. I understand there is a hell and I understand Mr. Wiese's message and how it needs to be heard, but it is a scary one and yes one that all we can do is hope to plant the seed and hope like heck the seed plants enough fear about hell that our non believing friends will want to explore God and the Truth. This book is not an easy, light read. It is dark, heavy, and downright scary. But isn't that what Hell is all about? Will I use this as a tool to share the Gospel? Probably not if I am being honest, but I am glad I read it and if anyone is questioning their faith and brings up the topic of hell, I will absolutely make this book one of my recommendations for those questioning the idea of Heaven and Hell.
After reading 23 Minutes in Hell I desperately needed a light and fluffy read! First Comes Love by Emily Griffin was just what the doctor ordered, however, it hit close to home on a number of levels. It is about a pair of sisters who have to deal with some family situations and loss together. Sometimes that is tricky and can drive a sword between relationships if you let it. The beautiful thing about this story is that both sisters realize how much they need each other and love always comes first. This really touched my heart as I have walked a similar path with my own sister and love always comes first. If you are looking for a sweet book about family, friendship, and following your heart where ever it might lead you, then this book is for you. Great read all the way to the unexpected ending, which I always love!
So there you have it! Amy's March Book Review. What is on your bookshelves as of late? I would love a recommendation or two.
xo,
Amy
How Does Your Garden Grow?
I just spent the most magnificent,relaxing, week away with my husband. On the plane ride back I started my third book of the trip and the whole basis was flowers and love. Through this book, I realized our marriage, and all meaningful relationships, are the same in that relationships are like a garden. If you don't tend to them, water them, and clean them out at times, what happens? They die.
Amy, Amy, quite the lady, how does your garden grow? Bluebells, and seashells, and pretty pink tulips all in a row!
This child hood nursery rhyme is nothing short of truth to my marriage. Now I know comparing a garden to my relationship may seem weird but if you follow me there's no doubt you'll relate in the same way.
I just spent the most magnificent,relaxing, week away with my husband. On the plane ride back I started my third book of the trip and the whole basis was flowers and love. Through this book, I realized our marriage, and all meaningful relationships, are the same in that relationships are like a garden. If you don't tend to them, water them, and clean them out at times, what happens? They die.
Well, after the week we just spent in Mexico, my garden (me and Trey) is lush and full of beautiful blooms, like we were first married. However, I am smart enough to know that weeds will creep in, soil will go bad, bugs may or may not infest it, squirrels and rats may invade it, and children might stomp through it. What am I or you to do and protect our blooms.
TIME!
This is a tricky one as Trey is gone a lot, but it is also very important as I can honestly say we have had to fight to bring our garden back to life at times. What happens when you don't spend time in your garden? I named a few above and they are all bad, so Trey and I decided we needed to really communicate in meaningful conversation a minimum of 15-30 minutes a day in order to keep our garden in the shape it is in now. Hate to break it to you, but what doesn’t seem hard, with three active boys, chores, groceries, schedules, a high energy dog that must be walked, might throw you for a whirlwind! It is much harder than you would expect. I would like to think of the conversations we will have as water. Life. These conversations will help us to sustain the marriage just like water will help sustain the garden.
Date night does not have to be fancy like this either! It could look like a run to home depot or the movies!
We also need to really focus on establishing a date night at least twice a month, preferably every week. This part of the time equation is what will help keep the weeds out and when they start creeping in we can pull them immediately while we are out on our date. Not a couples date either! A date with just Trey and I.
And lastly, we need to go away as a couple at least once a year, preferably, if one can afford the time and money, more than once a year. This will keep the insects and tiny animals like rats and squirrels at bay. If the children are stomping on the garden while playing ball ruining it we can fix it because we will be away, alone, spending time together. Feeding, nourishing, and loving on our garden and our marriage, watching it come back to life. If you are lucky enough to do this more than once a year think how beautiful your garden will be!
This is us on a date to Home depot then off to the movies! Time well spent!
I don't know much and by no means am I a counselor, but I do listen to my friends who have been in tough situations and I have looked back on my own marriage during tough times and it all pretty much came back to we were not spending good quality time together. One on one time that does not revolve around the kids, work, friends, fundraisers, or simple management of day to day life. Time, time, time. When Trey and I are in a rut and believe you me it has happened and I am sure it will again, it comes back to-WE HAVE STOPPED SPENDING MEANINGFUL TIME TOGETHER. Sure we were physically present, but not emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.
We were so young here! How fun to remember these times!
Think about your relationship when you first met and compare it to a brand new garden. That relationship took time to grow just like your garden. You were so excited to water it and see what would come up from the ground and you could not wait to get to know it more. Just like your spouse, you could not wait to get to know him/her more and your relationship grew into a beautiful marriage, just a like a new garden that you spent time in. In order to keep the garden beautiful you must be intentional with your efforts to keep it alive and the same goes for our marriages. We have to be intentional on our effort to spend meaningful time together.
Life has too many twist, turns, ups and downs, and curves that if we are not intentional about this time, we too can find our garden bored, dried up, and lifeless and in such bad shape we just want to quit and start over. A little secret my friend, quitting and starting over will still require you to invest intentional time in your new garden. So why don't you just do the work in your current garden. I know Trey and I have worked hard at ours and we will continue to, won't you join us?
xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
Take advantage of Target's sale on bath! Sale Ends Thursday!
What Is In Your Kid's Snowball?
What did you do this springbreak? I went with the whole family on a mission trip and you might be surprised in what I discovered....
In December Trey and I sat down with our two big boys, Will and John Paul, and talked with the boys about our plan for Spring Break. Trey flies for Southwest and as of recent they have started flying to Costa Rica. We thought it would be so cool to take the boys surfing, but both boys immediately shot down the idea saying they had already planned on going on mission with the Church. I honestly was taken back as they have been going on Mission for 5 years now. I thought this might be a good break, but no, they insisted. So we agreed of course, and decided against their will to join them. Plot twist! Just kidding! But in all seriousness, Trey had been before but I had not and really wanted to see why they were so adamant about going. We had to see if the Church would allow Graeme to attend, which they did happily, and the rest is history!
So this past weekend we all loaded up with about 120 other people. Mostly loud, obnoxious, full of life and jokes, teenagers and headed to San Antonio to do God's work for the people of San Antonio. BUT, what I was shocked and amazed by might surprise you.
When we got to San Antonio I was excited to see how God was going to bless each family who we were there to help, to see the end result of each house, hear the stories of how each team touched each family, and hear the kids saying how much fun they had! All that did happen but, something else did too.
When you think of mission trip what comes to mind? The definition of mission is: the vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the world and spread its faith. Does this match up with yours?
I did see all of that, but I saw more. Every night after dinner we had worship and what happened each night in worship with our own was amazing. It was like a tiny snowball at the top of a hill on Sunday night, but by Thursday night it was this ENORMOUS snowball at the bottom of the hill that had rolled a little farther down the hill each night. Each night that ball collected more snow, more debris, and more momentum that by Thursday night it was so big and so full of stuff that had been picked up and taken to the bottom of the hill where it was safe.
You might be thinking at this point, "What the heck are you talking about Amy?" I am talking about our own kids. I am talking about their pain, their fears, their frustration, their joys, their hurts, their confusion, their hopes, their dreams, their desires, their wishes, their disappointments, the pressures they feel, from themselves and from us, I am talking about their beautiful minds, their amazing yet oh so fragile hearts, talking about how bad they are hurting. Our kids! Mine included! The ones who came to help are hurting too! This broke my heart each night as I looked around the room and saw tears and clenched jaws with anger.
I also saw friends loving on them, leaders loving on them. I saw the tears turn to tears of joy and the clenched jaws release and the shoulders relax. I saw the Holy Spirit and he was working overtime people! And let me tell you, this is not only a teenage girl thing which is what really shocked me. I saw teenage boys hurting like there was no tomorrow. This pain does not discriminate. This pain is not for the least popular. This pain is not for the acne ridden kid only. This confusion does not just say I am a female. The fear is not just in our boys. It is across the boards male and female. And I promise you the teenage hormones aren't the reason for these cries; Cries for love and a safe haven.
That is just what our kids received this week! Love! They got love and help from volunteers with NO skin in the game. What do I mean by this? I mean volunteers whose kids are grown with their own kids, or volunteers that are new fathers, so they come to learn how to be a better parent. Volunteers who are single with no kids and not on youth staff! These volunteers were there loving on our own and letting them know they are loved, they are worthy, they are safe, and they are supremely good. When they came to worship each night I saw the veil of pain, anger, and confusion slowly lift. Each night the kids were given the option to leave after the message and have free time or stay and worship with the band. Each night the group staying grew. Each night there were more tears because kids finally felt safe enough to let it go! They felt safe enough to find a leader or a pastor and they would release whatever it was and in return they would receive love. I can honestly say, by Thursday night each kid who did let their guard down had changed. A rejuvenation if you will. If tears came they were tears of happiness and relief and tears of knowing full well they are supremely good because they are made in the image of God.
Sure this did not happen with every kid there. IF I am being honest, as I sit here and write this, my heart hurts more for those who could not let their guard down. My prayer is someday they will, but I spent an entire week with our staff and I know first hand that until they do or do not this staff will love each and every kid right where they are. No matter how hard it is. That is how AMAZING our children's ministry is at HPUMC. Truly amazing! They love our kids hard and love our kids big! And for this I will be forever grateful!
Spring Break 2018 I tried something different. I went out of my comfort zone in a huge way and I had a blast! My dream is every parent in the metroplex who reads this will join me next year, whether it is at our church or yours! It was that good. I am smart enough to know that probably will not happen, but if I have one wish, it would be this post might stir something in a few of you to join me and let's partner with our churches and their youth staff and together we can encourage and love our youth. After all they are the future. Won't you join me and learn what is in your kiddo's snowball?
Until next time....
“You are loved beyond all measure. ”
xo,
Amy
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Shrimp and Grits as Easy as 1-2-3!
Looking for a good ole southern comfort meal? If so, I have one for you and it is so easy and so good!
Ok Yall! I am pretty sure if Trey made this once a week nobody would complain! Everyone loved this recipe and it is fairly simple, quick, and easy. Trey actually got this recipe from our friend Luke, who is a Louisiana native so you know its got to be good! You should try it sometime this weekend. I promise everyone will enjoy it! Especially you if you are as lucky as I am and your husband makes it!
INGREDIENTS:
Yellow Stone Ground Grits, but if you cannot find those, just good ole fashion grits will do. Luke's recipe literally calls for enough grits for 6-8 people so I don't have actual measurements. (men!) The grits need to be cooked and that is a very important piece of the equation. So make sure to cook your grits ahead of time.
2 pints of Heavy cream
2 lbs of shrimp shelled and deveined. IF you use frozen shrimp make sure to get ALL the water out. This is very important.
1/2 lb of tasso sausage
1 teaspoon chopped green onions (basically 1/2 a bunch chopped up)
1 Tablespoon crushed garlic
2 ounces white wine
1/2 cup roasted red pepper
1 Tablespoon creole seasoning
Kosher salt to taste
Directions:
Before we poured it on the grits.
Dice the tasso and put in the bottom of a pot with olive oil. Sorry folks, not sure how much so let's assume a tablespoon! Again it's a man's recipe! Brown your sausage very well. Once brown, add your garlic and red pepper. Saute that and then add your shrimp. Be very careful not to overcook. Just cook it until pink. Next add your white wine to deglaze it. Let the wine swirl around with your help to clean the sides of the pan and keep the flavor full. Add your creole seasoning and your heavy cream and stir until you reduce the cream by 1/2 of what it was. Add Salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. You do not want to over salt. Pour this mixture on top of your cooked grits and garnish with green onion. Serve with delish buttered bread and salad.
So easy! I mean come on my husband made it! Don't you want to try it? Or better yet, let your husband take a gander at it and watch how easy and good it is!
What are you making for dinner these days? I would love to know!
Bon Apetit!
xo,
Amy
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Proverbs 31.....Superhero or TOTAL Beat Down?
When you hear Proverbs 31 what do you think? If I am being honest I think, "Oh God, her again!"
It is Sunday morning and we are leaving for spring break and I am not going to lie to you; I am SPENT! Trey has been gone for 10 days and each kid had more than the norm AND I have to get the entire family ready for our mission trip, all the while still doing my daily routine of dance (thank God for this), get Grandpa, groceries, clean, laundry, walk the dog, cook dinner, etc. etc. etc. To say I am tired is an understatement. But by the ironic will of God when I got up this morning would you believe my quiet time included the Proverbs 31 woman.
If I am being honest, she is a total beat down for someone like me! She is a Domestic BADASS, who has her entire life put together! She gets up in the middle of the night, makes all meals for her family (and maids), and she gardens with bare hands on top of everything else. Verse 17 says she girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. To me that says she works out and keeps her body in check. She stays up late making clothes on an ancient spindle, feeds the poor, and reaches out to the needy. OH and those clothes she makes, she sells them too and makes money! She is IMPOSSIBLE to live up to, however with a little study time I was surprised by what I found.
Proverbs 31 is a poem meant to explain women of strength. Not a lesson for women on how to land a man, get married to him, have kids and take up the loom. The subject of this poem is a woman of noble character. It is meant to be a tangible expression of what wisdom looks like: Bravery, faithfulness, guts, kindness, grace. A woman of valor. The poet uses flowery words to basically describe the achievements of an upper class Jewish wife, keeping her household functioning daily, on top of managing and investing money, feeding her family, and preparing for each and every season of life. It's purpose is to draw attention to the overlooked glory of the everyday. I realized when I got deeper in to my study it is not meant to be interpreted as a job description, its purpose is to celebrate women. A strong, dignified, multi-talented, caring woman who is an individual in her own right.
The target audience for Proverbs 31 is a man, and not so he can go have his checklist of what to expect from his future wife. I learned from Rachel Held Evans that in ancient times jewish men memorized this poem and sang it as a song of praise to the women in their lives; wives, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, all women! Memorized it and sang it to them! I can't imagine my husband doing this, but oh how I would relish in it if he did! And another fun fact is the only verse that has ANY kind of instruction in it is a verse directed at men! It says: “Praise her for all her hands have done.” All these years I have looked at this passage as a command to women and not as an ode to women! What a difference those two words are. Command means: give an authoritative order, Ode means: a lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject. What a refreshing difference. Proverbs 31 is a song through which a man offers a woman praise it is NOT a task list through which a woman earns it.
Proverbs 31 celebrates women of Valor. I love that! Valor: great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. This poem is meant to celebrate who we are as women! Not who we or anyone else thinks we should be or do. It is meant to say here is how we praise and celebrate a woman- a woman of Valor. It is meant for men to affirm the women in their lives. It is meant for women to affirm the women in their lives. It is meant for us to know as a woman no matter how small and insignificant the task may be do it with valor. If you are a stay at home mom, make breakfast with Valor! If you are a barista at Starbucks, make the grande latte with Valor! If you are a teacher, multiply with Valor! If you are a doctor, save with valor or lawyer, argue with Valor! Whatever it is, as a woman, this poem reminds us to do it with Valor!
Look, the bible is not a blueprint or a list of bullet points of how to live, it is basically a collection of stories that look like real life. I promise you, you DO NOT have to be a proverbs 31 women to be a woman of valor. All you have to be is you and all you have to do is love! Love is what it means to be biblical-love is our highest calling. Love God and Love thy neighbor. Love-that my friend is a woman of valor. It doesn't have to be some chic that makes her own clothes and kneads her own bread, although if you do that, make sure to do it with valor! So as I sit here reflecting on my study, I sit here feeling like a BADASS! That's right girls! A BADASS! I know I love my family, I love my friends, I love my neighbor, and I love God and now reading the poem I realize that is all it takes to be a Proverbs 31 woman!
xo,
Amy
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F.E.A.R.
What does FEAR look like for you? For me it is ugly and it is real. Today I will share with you my biggest fears and what I am doing to combat those.
Fear! What does this word mean to you? For me Fear is a nasty word. It is what keeps me up at night. It it was makes me freeze on decisions or getting things done. It is what causes me anxiety, panic, or feelings of guilt and loneliness. It is one ugly word and emotion if you ask me.
The true definition of fear is:
An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.
The feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone.
The likelihood of something unwelcome happening.
And last but not least a mixed feeling of dread and reverence.
Fear is ugly. Fear is unforgiving and fear is daunting. What is it we fear? For me it was:
F. Future: The what if's.
E. Evil: It is everywhere.
A. Abuse: Of substances.
R. Rejection: From people
Yep! There you have it! These are the things that use to freeze me! These things use to keep me up! And sometimes they still do. True confession! The future can give me so much anxiety and not for me, but for my kids.
As a mom, I'm constantly living in fear for them! Maybe you share the same fears and together we will see we are not alone. Maybe you will think I am nuts and hey, that is ok! And maybe you will question me since I talk about my faith so much, but there is a devil and he finds his way into my life and the battle is constant.
Let's look at MY FEAR.
F
Future. Yall I am not kidding you when I tell you God and I have an ongoing conversation about the future. I find myself talking to him daily, begging him to allow Trey and I the opportunity to grow old together, watching each boy grow up doing what they love; to marry a person of God that he is preparing for them; having children all the while Trey and I getting to be a part of their lives. Already having one baby in heaven has created consistent fear of loss forcing a fight to put my boys future in God's hands.
E
Evil! It is a raging monster, lurking in the media, schools, homes, places you expect to be safe, but are really the safe haven for the beast... Evil scares me. Evil that could happen to my kids. Evil that could happen to me. Evil that could happen to my marriage. Evil that could happen to you. It is real, it is present, and it is everywhere just waiting to pounce.
A
Abuse. Substance abuse is something common in most if not all families. Often times it is not as profound, but I bet it is there. As my boys have become teenagers this is a constant fear of mine. At this day and age they could take the bait and think they are just going to "try" something. Something that leads to the big monster of addiction. I have seen it in our family and it scares me that it could happen to one of our own. It is a concern that keeps me up at night and on my knees praying, "Please God do not let this happen to our kids."
R
Rejection. Rejection from Trey because my youthful appearance and figure is slowly fading. Rejection from my kids due to misunderstandings on both sides. Rejection from my friends because I am not pretty enough, cool enough, funny enough, or whatever enough! Rejection, a sucky word with all kinds of angst.
When I sit here and evaluate my fears of the future, I realize some have relentless thoughts rattling through their heads of regret. At this moment in my life I can honestly say I am ok with the past, but that can change at anytime. For now most of my real fears are for the future, and maybe that is in part because I am a mom...I don't know.
In my journey in understanding my fear I have started a ritual. First thing in the morning I get up, push start on the coffee maker, and sit down in our recliner and spend a minimum of 15 minutes with the Lord. I have a beautiful daily devotional that I dig into and really read and listen to what God is saying to me. Before I open it though, I ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit, and open my ears to what God has for me to hear. What I have found by doing this is I am actually wanting to dig into the stories of the bible more. I am not about to sit here and say I can recite bible verses, but I can share stories now which is very exciting for this ex-Catholic! I am here to tell you, the Bible is a fascinating book. Filled with all kinds of nuggets of wisdom and hope.
I have to also confess that this little ritual of mine did not happen that long ago. It came to me in the throws of my depression and grief from the loss of my mom. This past summer I decided I needed something. I did not know what it was, but I needed something. I tried to dance away the pain, binge watch mindless tv, eat away the pain, drink away the pain, whatever away the pain, but the pain was not leaving and something was tugging at my soul. My boys were becoming teenagers and all those fears above started rearing their ugly thoughts and I needed something. It was the perfect storm of fear, loss, and grief.
What changed? Well, one day while I was losing myself in the abyss of facebook. I saw a post from a friend who lost her son, my biggest fear. This friend of mine was handling it with a grace that was UNBELIEVABLE! Reading about her walk in her faith amongst my biggest fear and amongst her loss, well something in me came alive. She spoke of a particular author and book she was reading to help her through her time of loss and I ordered it right then and there. It was then that I started my routine and then my fears started to lose their grip. The hold they had on me started to fade and my faith started to grow. It was then that I felt God for the first time in a long time and it was then that I started seeing my anxiety go down and my peace go up. Want to know what else happened. My definition of FEAR changed:
F
Fierce. God's love is more fierce than my worst fear and more fierce than your worst fear.
E
Eager. God is eager to have a relationship with me and with you!
A
Amazing: God's grace is so amazing and bigger than my greatest regret and bigger than your greatest regret!
R
Reckless: God's love is overwhelming reckless for you and for me!
Bottom line, what happened, God happened!
What is your FEAR? Is it what mine use to be and can still be at times? Is your fear regret? Whatever it is, might I suggest you taking some time daily to be in quiet and listen and see if you start to feel God's love. Make your own effort to sit down in the quiet and watch the miracles happen.
Until next time!
xo,
Amy
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Light and Easy
It's beginning to feel and look like Spring! If you are like me, you are looking for light, yet satisfying meals for your family. Look no further, I have found one and tried it last week! It was amazing!
As a mom of three VERY active boys, I try to sit down Sunday mornings and map out my week. I have to think about Trey's flight schedule, soccer, dance, choir, acting, orchestra, the little guy's activities at the time, my dad, my dance classes, and the list goes on and on. So I try to decide on Sunday what we will be eating so we are not stuck ordering pizza daily or running to In and Out.
I must confess, sometimes that does happen, but I try to the best of my ability to not let it. I figure if all else fails, they get a hot meal at school. Yes, I am one of those moms! I do not pack lunches because I HATE eating sandwiches that have sat in a locker or somewhere before it is time to eat. I have horrible memories of nasty, smushed gunky things in my lunch box as a kid! So unless the boys ask or it is field trip day they buy. It's a problem I know, but it's a memory and we all know what those memories can do to you! They can ruin you sometimes and the lunchbox memory is still with me. The scent, the gunk.....all of it!
Last week, as I was planning meals, I came across a recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta on Epicurious:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/shrimp-scampi-pasta-234258
I was really wanting something light, but that could fill up these boys. I gave this recipe a whirl and it was a home run! It has lots of butter and garlic which in the Berry household makes almost anything taste good! I think in the future I might add chopped up tomatoes, but you guys! Yum! My family ate it up like hot cakes and bonus it was so easy! I will be making this again! If you are looking for a light, easy, pasta, this is it. Give it a whirl and tell me what you think!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lb large peeled and deveined large shrimp raw: 20 to 25 per pound (I did a 1.5 lb just because of all the men in my family)
4 large garlic cloves, left unpeeled and forced through a garlic press (or you can cheat like me and buy the chopped fresh garlic in the produce isle!)
1/2 teaspoon dried hot pepper flakes (I left this out and let each man do his own spice for the sake of my man/child and his tastebuds)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 lb capellini (angel hair pasta)
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Prep:
Bring a pot of salted water to boil for your pasta.
While that is heating up, heat oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot, but not smoking, then saute your shrimp, turning over once, until just cooked through. I would say about 2-3 minutes and transfer with slotted spoon to a large bowl. Add garlic to the remaining oil in the skillet, along with the wine and red pepper flakes if you are cooking them in, your salt and pepper, and here is where in the future I will add some diced or chopped tomatoes. You don't have to and the original recipe does not call for them, but Trey and I both agree it might add some color and texture. Plus we are a tomato loving family! Cook all of this over high heat, stirring occasionally for about 1-2 minutes. Add butter to skillet, stirring until nice and melted, and stir in your shrimp. Remove skillet from heat.
Cook pasta in boiling water per the instructions on your box. We like ours al dente so it is about 3 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander. Toss your pasta well with the shrimp mixture and some parsley in a large bowl, adding some of your reserved cooking water if necessary to keep moist.
Plate and serve with some nice garlic bread and salad!
So good, but see what I mean about colorless? I will add diced tomatoes next time to jazz it up just a bit. Still really good though!
So easy and so good! What are you cooking this month that is light and airy, yet satisfying? I would love to know and share with my readers!
Until next time! Bon appeitt!
xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
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