Easy, Flexible, Crock Pot Tacos
Need an easy, flexible, taco recipe the entire family will love? Read on my friend. I have it!
If your house is anything like mine in the summer you NEVER know who is going to be home for dinner and who is not, or even better who is going to bring over a friend or four! My kids do that and I am not complaining by any means, but I am having to get creative with meals. I need them to be simple, quick, and really good. I mean I want the boys friends to want to come back! I love that our house is a grub hub for them. Do you want to know why? Because what happens when you eat? You talk! It is such a beautiful thing-especially when you have teenagers!
Graeme was VERY happy with this recipe!
So Tuesday Trey was flying and I knew I would have Graeme for sure, but had no idea about the others. Graeme TOTALLY digs taco Tuesday so I knew I had to do something or we would be going to Taco Bell. I decided to get creative and try something that I could make a lot of and it would keep all week. I have to say it turned out pretty darn good. I would love if you gave it a try and let me know your thoughts. Even if it is bad, I love hearing from you!
Summer Tacos/taco bowls
INGREDIENTS:
2-3 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil will work too
1 chopped onion
3-4 tablespoons crushed garlic in the jar or 2-3 cloves garlic minced
1 lb ground beef
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can black beans
1 can rotel with lime juice
Cooked rice
flour tortillas and hard taco shells
avocado
romaine lettuce
cilantro
sour cream
shredded cheese
jalapeno
PREP:
For this recipe I used a crock pot and let it marinate all day in the crock pot. So stinking good!
In a pan heat your oil on medium heat and add your onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Add your ground beef and brown it.
Pour your meat mixture into your crock pot and add your enchilada sauce, beans, and rotel. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
About 15 minutes before time to eat, cook your rice.
When you are ready to eat EVERYONE has options. You can do soft tacos, hard tacos, or taco bowls for those of us trying to be a little more health conscious. Whatever your choice add your meat mixture and garnish your taco or bowl your way. If you do a bowl start with the rice and then add your meat and top.
That is it! Super Easy! Super Good! Super flexible for everyone in your family! My kind of meal!
Bon Apetit!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Have you seen the new fire cube from Amazon! Check it out! Pretty cool stuff!
The Gift of Time
Time is a gift that is free and priceless and it might be the greatest gift you ever give a person.
This past Friday, Trey and I loaded up two cars with 7 boys and 1 girl and headed out to the lake and I have to say I was a nervous wreck for a number of reasons. I have a tendency to worry as a mom as it is, but add in 5 extra kids who are not mine and I really worry. I worry so much that Thursday night as I laid in bed I literally had to talk myself off of the, "what if" cliff. "What if one gets hurt tubing?" "What if one falls out of the bunk and breaks an arm?" "What if one gets bit by a snake?" "What if one drowns?" I am not kidding when I say I had to talk myself off the cliff because the more I worried, the worst the "what if's" became. Have you ever done this?
Finally I started to relax my breathing and really concentrate on it and I got smart and started talking to God. That my friends always helps and a funny thing happens, you go to sleep and you wake up in the morning refreshed and ready to go do whatever it was that was trying to keep you up. Only now you put it in God's hands and have a little faith. So we loaded up and headed out and I focused on these amazing kids and having a wonderful weekend where these kids could be just that, kids!
I honestly did not know what to expect, 6 teenagers and 2 seven year old boys, but we honestly had a great time. We went tubing, fishing, boating, swimming, played corn hole, frisbee, and ate whatever we wanted. I had the opportunity to talk with a few of the kids alone and it was awesome. Awesome to know that they would not only talk, but really open up to what they are going through as teenagers these days. I have to tell ya, it does not sound easy. They are so connected with each other, yet so disconnected and the funny thing is they know it, but they don't know what to do about it. They want to be more connected, but technology keeps pulling them from each other, telling them do this and you will be "in" or "one of the cool kids". Kind of sad really. When I asked one of the guys if he was having fun his immediate reply was, "Yes, I am so relaxed!" I thought to myself how sad that a kid has to feel like an adult now and get away to relax. It hit me though, it was not that he was away, it was that they were not attached to their phones. They were enjoying each other right there. The only thing the phones were being used for was music. It was a beautiful relaxing thing.
Later on that day, Will, my oldest son, asked me to go take some pictures in the fields with him. He has really gotten into photography and wanted to find the perfect spot for the golden hour to take pictures with his buddies. The golden hour in case any of you are wondering is at 7:30 pm at Possum Kingdom Lake. Any how, we were in this field and he was snapping pictures of me getting the camera ready. I was playing around "pretending" I was modeling and he looked into the camera lens and with the most sincere expression said, "I love you." RIGHT THERE AT THAT MOMENT I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, there was NOTHING more important than what I was doing. Right there, Right then, spending time with my beautiful boy, my family, and their friends. I was given an opportunity to love my boy, love his passion for photography, love my family, and love all their friends, and I took that moment and did not worry about any thing else! Boy am I glad. That is moment that I will cherish FOREVER!
Whoever wrote the following quote was spot on, "The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back."
Time is the gift you will never get back and time is the gift you can never take back. What are you doing in your life to ensure that you have the beautiful gift of time with those you love? When was the last time you hugged someone you loved so much you did not want to let go? Or spent time with your kids-even though you were so exhausted all you wanted to do was veg on the couch? When was the last time you went on a date with your spouse or sent someone you love a note or flowers? How often do you put your phone down and really listen to your kids, your friend in need, or your spouse?
One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure you spent your time with those who matter to you most. Because when this life is over none of the other "stuff" will matter. What will matter is those that we leave behind have the memories of time well spent and knowing they were loved. I for one am going to try harder to spend more quality time with my family and friends. I want them to know they are loved and they are worthy!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Father's day is just around the corner. Why don't you give the gift of time no pun intended! This new Fitbit is waterproof and is awesome! I love mine!
Why Worthy Heart
I have been asked a lot lately as to why I started this journey into blogging. Today I will try to answer that question.
It has been almost a year since I started my writing journey, 10 months to be exact, and I have to say I have thoroughly loved every minute of it. I really did not know what to expect, but I can assure you I did not expect the joy and healing writing has brought me.
Oddly enough when I started this process I started it as a way to cope. My mom had died. My sister and I, with the help of our younger brother take care of our father who has mild dementia and I have a family. Three boys and a husband who is a pilot for a living- so gone quite often. Seemed reasonable enough to add more to my plate and start a blog with the tens of thousands of other new bloggers and tens of thousands of established bloggers in the world! Right! Not so much, but I went for it. Mainly because my mom had encouraged me to write and so had my cousin Sue in New Jersey. Not even sure if she remembers that, but she did and it stuck with me and I went for it. I figured what the heck did I have to lose! Nothing really and I had no idea how much I would gain! Sue if you are reading this, "Thank you!"
Cousin Sue, Dad, and Cousin Peg to the right......
Because of my beautiful mom and my cousins inspiration Worthy Heart was born. Some of you have asked why Worthy Heart? When I was choosing a name I really wanted something with the word cope in it. Simply because that is what I was doing at the time. Coping. However the name I came up with was not a good fit. "Commit to Cope". I was smart enough to google similar things just to see what would come up and honest to God all kinds of stuff on suicide came up. Swear! Try it. Promise that is what you will find too. I scratched my head and thought, "that is not gonna work!" and I started the process of looking at words I loved and playing around with meanings until I realized what it was I wanted to convey. I wanted to convey love and that everybody is worthy of it. EVERYBODY! Pretty people, fat people, rich people, poor people, sick people, old people, talented people, boring people, skinny people, homeless people, black people, white people, yellow people, short people, people without limbs, people in wheelchairs, addicts, gays, blondes, brunettes, athletes, non athletes, ... ALL people. All people are worthy of love. You are worthy of love and you are loved. You are loved by God!
That my friends is the why and how of Worthy Heart and boy am I so thankful! So if you are ever doubting your worth remember this: "You are not worthless. God does not make worthless things! You are worthy because God Says so and you are good enough because God made you." Always remember this and know you are worthy and you are enough.
Until next time...
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Always remember....You are worthy!
10 Plus One Unique Gift Ideas for Dad!
Looking for a unique gift idea for Dad? Look no further! I have some fun, neat ideas.
Amazon mom is back! Well, she never really left as Amazon is at my house on a daily basis! No lie! However, I decided yall really only need to see my cool Amazon finds once or twice a month. The same stuff over and over can and did get boring. To me at least......
Today that is not the case! I have some cool finds that will get Dad's Day taken care of in one quick click of a button! Or two if you are feeling really generous! I have to tell you, I took some time researching different ideas and I really do believe I have found something for almost anyone. But, if you have a really cool find, please share! I am always open to new and other suggestions! And hey, that is another beautiful thing about Amazon. Free returns on most items! I love that!
Trey has some back issues due to a crash a while back so he is trying out swimming for his workouts as of late and is finding that he really enjoys it. My friend Karen told me about an item similar to these and I immediately jumped on it. I think he will be very pleased and very surprised. If you have a swimmer in your life, try these bad boys out, I bet they make swimming all the more fun!
For all the golfers in your life this jacket is so cool and weather resistant! Bonus!
Because what Golfer doesn't need more golf balls?
So what do you get for the dad who does not need anything but loves his scotch like my dad? Golf ball chillers! Because....why not?
While researching ideas for Trey I came across this cool contraption! If your hubby or dad have any neck or back issues this might be the gift of relief.
Trey has crazy hours being a pilot, like really crazy. Some days he reports at 3:30 am and others at 1:30 pm so needless to say his sleep habits are awful. Thinking about one of these bad boys for him. Anyone have any experience with it?
If your husband or father drive a lot and need to use navigation this device is super cool! I need one!
Have someone in your life that could use help trouble shooting car issues? This little gadget will save the day!
If he hunts or loves to be outdoors than he definitely needs this bad boy!
Because everyone should have something like this in the car. Especially your loved one!
One last idea because we could all use a little laughter in our lives!
Hope I have inspired you and you have found the perfect gift for the dads in your life! Until next time....
xo,
Amy
Delicious Mexican Street Corn
Have a pool party? Need a quick, easy, delicious dish? Click the link! It is a crowd pleaser!
Summertime, summertime! Oh how I love summertime!
One reason I love summertime is all the pool parties and gatherings! Summer is such a great time to slow down and spend time with those who matter most. You catch up and you really enjoy each other. You are not worried about what practice you have to get to, if there is a test your kid should be studying for, or thinking about how your alarm will be going off at 5:45 am so you really should scoot! You just enjoy your time and you relax a little more than usual.
Next time you have a recipe with onion or jalapenos to chop, try my trick of swim goggles! Works like a charm!
What is one big thing you do when you get together with your friends and family? Eat! Nothing brings people together like good food! I am always playing around with new recipes and watching what people like to eat so I can perfect it at the next gathering. To me it is a way of giving something to my friends and family when I see them really enjoying something I have made. Honestly, it is a gift I get back when that happens. It brings me so much joy when someone says, "Oh my gosh, that was delish! I need that recipe!"
This past weekend we had our annual summer party at our Uncle Peter's and I made a mexican street corn dish that I got from my neighbor Monica. She had never made it either so I played around with it, based on my likes and dislikes, and I have to say I am very happy with the outcome. Everyone loved it and I promise you will want to have it at your next gathering! It was that good! It is pretty easy to make too so that is a bonus! Next summer gathering you have try it. Let me know how they like it!
Monica's and Amy's Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients:
5 ears of fresh corn (I bet you could use frozen here and you would need 4 cups)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 red onion chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
6 green onions chopped
1 jalapeno pepper diced (I took the seeds from the pepper to have less heat)
1.5 avocados chopped
Juice from 2 limes
1/2 tsp cumin ground
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup feta cheese
PREP:
The corn can be done a number of ways. For this particular time I grilled the corn until it charred a bit. I then cut it from the cob and put in a large bowl and tossed with with the butter. Another option is to put butter in a skillet and melt it on high heat then place corn cut from the cob or take frozen corn (you do not have to thaw) and put in hot butter and cook until you see the corn charring. If fresh 5-7 minutes if frozen could take up to 10 minutes. Whatever way you choose, once corn is charred put in a large bowl to cool for a few minutes.Once corn is cool add the rest of the ingredients and stir. You can add more lime juice, salt, and pepper as you desire. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
If desired garnish with cilantro and more cheese or if you are like my man/child more avocado! So easy and so good! Even the kids loved it!
Happy Summer!
Bon Apetit!
XO,
Amy
Happy Birthday to the Best Father in Law a Girl Could Ask For!
Happy Birthday to the best father in law a girl could ever ask for!
It is May 31 and it is my father in law's birthday! Happy Birthday Grubba!
We call him Grubba because his nickname was Bubba. Then he had his first grandbaby, Autumn, and she named him Grubba! Grandpa and Bubba all mixed up in one. Pretty cute if you ask me and oh so appropriate as he likes his Grub!
All about his Grub!
The man can cook! Oh man can he cook! I actually learned how to cook bacon and meatloaf thanks to my father in law. Meanest meatloaf you will ever taste! I posted about it a while back because it is that good! Link to that recipe is: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/4/22/grubbas-meatloaf He also loves to cook us "Grubba eggs". These eggs are amazing, but I always say they are a heart attack on a plate. He gets a ton of bacon grease really, really, really, hot in an iron skillet. Once it is piping hot he cracks an egg into the grease and watches it bubble and cook. These eggs are oh so good! But probably oh so bad for ya! I really don't care though because they are that good.
Grubba Guitar
Another thing my father in law can do is pick the guitar. Every time we have a family get together we do "Grubba Guitar". We all sit around singing songs and having a ball. Such an incredible family tradition. When Trey and I got engaged we started incorporating it into my side of the family's holidays and I kid you not, my nephews are bummed when "Grubba Guitar" is not there on Thanksgiving or Christmas. It truly is a tradition on both sides of our family now and a tradition all of us cherish.
This past Christmas was our first Christmas with my Mom in heaven and our second without her as she was in the hospital in 2016. I really believe in my heart "Grubba Guitar" is what helped us all enjoy the holidays with such a huge piece missing, my mom. For this I will always be grateful. Thank you Grubba!
Two Big Grubba Lessons
I have learned many things from my father in law over the years, but the two things I have really taken in are the importance of family and and the importance of faith. My father in law gets both. He loves us all so much and he loves time spent with his family. Not too much time though! He always says, "After three days, fish and company stinks" In other words don't out wear your welcome. I like that and I think it makes a ton of sense if you think about.
In the area of faith, my father in law has taught me so much. I think this might be one of the things I admire most about him. I will never forget dating Trey way back in 1992. I woke up early to get a glass of water and I remember seeing Grubba sitting at the table reading his bible. I stood there in awe that day and in that moment I remember thinking I want to be a part of this family. Course that did not happen until 2000, but I remember thinking it.
His faith has not waivered in some of the toughest times. I am always in awe of his faith. Seriously in awe. Through many tough losses, including the loss of his middle son Marc, to the tough medical diagnoses like the one he is fighting now personally with, cancer. His faith remains intact and he still runs his race, steady and determined with his eye on the prize of Jesus. The example he has set for me and my boys, including my husband Trey, is one I will always hold onto and fall back on in times that I want to quit my own race in faith. For this, thank you my Grubba! I may not be able to run the course God has set for you and you may not be able to run my course, but because of your example we will both finish the course God has marked for us and we will finish strong!
So today, May 31, 2018 it would mean the world to me if you would hold my Grubba in your thoughts and prayers as he fights yet another battle in his race. The battle of bone cancer. It would be the best gift he can receive and it will mean the world to me!
Happy Birthday Grubba!
LYMSIL,
YOUR DILL!
XO,
Amy
Easy and Quick Carbonara
Easy and Quick pasta recipe with bacon! Yes Please!
It's officially summer here as our youngest son is out of school. With that comes long summer days in the sun and lots of kids coming and going at the Berry house. I try to get dinner on the table by 6:30 during the school year, but when summer hits.....forget it! I am lucky to make it happen by 8:00 and that is only if it happens. So I am always looking for easy quick recipes or making up easy quick recipes. I did just that last week with the following recipe.
I was in the mood for something with bacon and Graeme wanted pasta so I combined the two and made my own version of a carbonara. It turned out pretty good and everyone was pleased. Including me as it was super easy and I got my bacon fix! Give it a whirl and let me know what you think and while you are at it, if you have any recipes I could try I would love to try them and share them!
Carbonara
Ingredients:
1 Package of pasta uncooked (I used the thin pasta in a box)
Bacon (I used 10 slices)
2-3 Tablespoons crushed garlic from the jar or 1 garlic clove crushed
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1-4 ounce can of mushrooms, drained
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1.5 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep:
Preheat oven to 375 and place your bacon on a cookie sheet and cook on 375 for 20-30 minutes until bacon is cooked to your liking. Crumble bacon and set aside.
Save the grease from the cookie sheet.
Boil your water for your pasta while bacon is cooking and cook your pasta according to the package directions.
In a large skillet place 2-4 tablespoons of your bacon drippings and saute your garlic for about 2 minutes over medium heat.
Add your green onions and mushrooms and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Drain pasta, and place in big serving bowl.
Stir egg yolks into hot pasta immediately after draining it.
Stir in bacon, garlic, green onions, cheese, salt and pepper: toss.
Serve immediately with a green salad and garlic bread.
Easy Peasy and so good!
Bon appetit!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
do you love bacon!?
In Memory of those Who Gave it ALL
Do you really know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? I am sad to say I did not and if you are like me read on…..let me share what I learned. It is very eye opening and makes you see both holidays in a whole new perspective.
I about to make a confession that I am somewhat ashamed of. Ashamed simply because I was too lazy to do some simple research as a veteran's wife to understand something. That something I am referring to is my confusion on the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's day and if I am being real honest Labor Day. So today I did a little research to understand the differences and thought I would share it with you all because if you are anything like me, once you understand the true reason for the holiday it sure does make you appreciate it all the more than just a simple day off of school or work or whatever it is you are taking a break from.
I have confused Memorial Day and Labor Day for years simply because of the way my brain works. I always knew Labor Day was a public holiday held in honor of working people. What I could not wrap my head around was the day. Was it May or was it September. I finally came up with my own little brain tease and remember it like this. "Amy L comes before M in the alphabet yes, but in holidays M comes before L." BAM! Problem solved! So there was my confusion of Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Now the big one! Memorial Day and Veterans Day. One would think that I would know the difference seeing that I am married to a Vet., but I am ashamed to say I did not until very recently when I decided to take a quick second and research the two. What I found has been very eye opening. Basically, Trey and I get to celebrate Veterans Day (and anyone else who has served or is serving in the military) in November because he survived and came home. Some of his fellow service members and very close friends were not so lucky. Memorial Day is for them and their family and friends to remember them by. Now if that does not change your perspective on the difference between the two I don't know what will. It is not just a day off. It is not a free day at the beach or lake or whatever it is you do every Memorial Day. It is a day of remembrance to honor those that fought for our freedom and died. It is a way to honor their families and the sacrifices they too have endured for us. The sacrifice of their child, their spouse, their parent, or their friend.
So as I am enjoying my long weekend this weekend and every future Memorial day weekend God willing gives me, I hope you will join me and take some time to reflect on what this day truly means. This day means MANY have died for you and for me, they gave it ALL including their lives so we could enjoy this freedom. Their families gave their loved ones so we could grill and have picnics all over this beautiful country we call America. I hope you will join me and thank them and their families every chance you get this weekend and every other Memorial Day weekend from here on out. I know I will as I sure do see it in a whole new light. A very grave but grateful light.
XO,
Amy
We Have a First Grader!
We have an official first grader! Check out my interview with him!
I cannot believe I am typing these words, but I am! Here they go! Graeme has completed kindergarten! My man/child is officially moving on! Yes, so are Will and JP, but there is something tugging at my heart knowing my baby is officially no longer a baby! He is a first grader! Sure he will always be my baby! They all will! However my mind is still trying to wrap it's little pea brain around the fact I am 47 and I am done with babies! I know this sound absurd, but I feel like I am 30 and honestly feel like I could have more! In my heart that is! My brain is fully aware and understands the facts. If you don't know what I mean it is simple. I am OLD and I have three beautiful boys! I am blessed beyond measure.
I thought it would be fun to do a little interview with Graeme and just explore how much he has changed since the beginning of the school year. I did a few questions back in August:
"Graeme what do you want to be when you grow up?"- A policeman
"Graeme, what are your favorites?"-Guns, leggos, and soccer.
Fast forward 9 months and here are the same questions and then some:
"Graeme, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Teacher of Kids and play football
"Graeme, what are some of your favorites?" Sports
"Graeme, what did you love learning about this year?" Oviparous animals! (What the what! Got to say I am impressed!) These are animals that lay eggs in case you are wondering.
"Graeme, who are your best-friends?" Luke, Jonas, Josh, JR, John (Lots of J's)
"Graeme, what is your favorite book?" Magic Tree House Series
"Graeme, what is your favorite color?" Christmas Colors
"Graeme, what is your favorite game?" Soccer
"Graeme what was your favorite lunch?" Taco Tuesday (Ms. Tonia, he is taking after JP!)
"Graeme, what was your favorite thing about UP?" It was HUGE! And Tall!
"Graeme, what are you excited about next year?" Ummmm...getting to have P.E. early and all my specials
"Graeme, what teacher do you want and why?" Ms. Grant or Ms. Savage just because.
"Graeme, if you could say anything to Ms. Rumsey today on the day before your last day of school what would it be?" Thanks for helping me learn and I will miss you.
So there we have it folks! Graeme Berry is officially a first grader and Trey and I are so very proud of him! We cannot wait to see what God has in store for him and his bright, beautiful future!
“For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
PS. To See Graeme's interview Live click here.
May Day, May Day!
May always seems impossible, until it is done! Are you feeling overwhelmed? I am too! Let’s work through this chaos together!
My May Baby!
Does anyone else hate May as much as I do? I really feel bad saying this, but it is true! And I really hate saying it because my little man/child was born in May, but the chaos that the end of the school year brings is about to get on my last dang nerve!
I honestly think before kids May was not a big deal, but I can't remember! Heck I can't remember names and lunch dates right now let alone the past! Seriously! Ask my friend Iliana! I stood her up! And anything with numbers! FORGET IT! Just last week I was doing my volunteer shift at Graeme's school in the cafeteria and Ms. Tonia told me 5 nuggets per tray for the older kids. I literally could not wrap my head around 5 nuggets on the tray! The chicken nuggets would be lying there in their spot and I could not figure out is that five or four nuggets! I am not lying yall! It is terrible! May is wreaking havoc on my brain and on my life! Anyone else feel this way?
The Amazing Ms. Tonia!
Overwhelmed by May!
I wish I could say today's post was some miracle solution as to what to do with the problem. It is not! I don't have one, I need one, but I don't have one. Today's post is more of a therapeutic post for myself if I am being honest. A post to remind me to take a deep breath. Get present in this moment and ask myself what is important this very second! Sometimes I just have to go at my day second by second and take er easy!
So if you are anything like me this May and you are feeling overwhelmed, try to remember being overwhelmed steals our joy. It is true. And again I am saying this for myself. I have noticed that these past couple of weeks my joy is lacking and I don't like that. I don't like the feeling of frustration and stress that has overtaken my soul. So what am I going to do about it?
I am admitting it is happening. Acknowledging there is a problem is the first step to recovery or freedom in anything.
I am going to start and end each day with a thankful heart. I am going to write down at least one, preferably three things I am thankful for each night and re-read it first thing the next morning. If this works I will be carrying it over into life for real!
I am going to get perspective. My hope is by being thankful I will be subconsciously gaining perspective. I will be living in the present, relishing in the regular and ordinary beautiful gift I have been given. The gift of today.
I am going to forget my fears of missing out or not being included. This is a colossal waste of time and only brings anxiety, fear, and hurt into my heart and mind.
Lastly I shall look up.
“Set your mind on things above”
So as I navigate my way through May I will look back on this post daily and remember I need to remain in the present and be thankful so that I do not allow all the negative mess that comes with the rat race to roll over on to my kids. Because after all I have been given the precious gift of being their mom with one sole purpose. To love them like no one else but their father in heaven can. Unconditionally, without any strings or expectations.
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Sausage Stuffed French Loaf
Looking for summer recipes? If so, I have one for you today that you can prepare ahead of time and t is so good!
Summer is right around the corner and I am so excited! Life will become a little more relaxed and we will have major pool and lake time! I am a total water baby so I always look forward to the pool and the lake! However, with summer comes the heat and that can be draining to the point of not wanting to cook at night! So for the next couple of weeks I will be trying out some new recipes in the hopes to find the perfect meals that are quick and easy! Especially for those nights you want to be by the pool or on the lake and the thought of cooking gives you the hives!
Last week I pulled out an old family favorite and it was a huge hit with my kids! You can make the meat mixture in advance and when you are ready finish out the sandwich and bake it! So good, so filling, and so easy! I served ours with a salad and potato chips and it was the perfect summer meal! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Sausage-Stuffed French Loaf
Ingredients:
1 16 ounce loaf of unsliced french bread
1/2 pound ground Italian sweet sausage
1/2 ground meat
1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 onion chopped
2-3 garlic cloves chopped (or 2 tablespoons jarred chopped garlic)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I actually used dried and a little less than 1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (I forgot these and it was still good)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon Garlic for the butter
Preparation:
Cut the loaf down the middle in half; set aside. Hollow out the middle of one side of your loaf to make a shell to stuff with your meat mixture. Save the bread you hollowed out and make bread crumbs and set aside.
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add your onion and garlic and saute until translucent. Then add your sausage and start to brown. When almost complete add your ground beef and heat until brown and crumbles. Add 1 cup of your reserved breadcrumbs, cheese and the next 6 ingredients; stir well. Spoon the meat mixture into the hollowed out bread slice and replace the top and secure with toothpicks if you would like. I don't do this step, but mother always did.
Melt your butter, add the extra garlic, and brush over the loaf. Wrap the loaf in foil, leaving slightly open on top; place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 for 25 minutes or until it is heated and cheese melts. Cut into pieces. Serve with chips and salad! So good!
What are some of your summer favorites? I would love to know!
xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
So I don't have one of these bad boys. Do you and if you do should I invest in one? Do you love it or hate it?
Mother's Day with Three Amazing Boys
Parent fail or parent win? You decide...
I am about to be very real and honest with you all about something that happened Mother's Day Eve. In one respect I am very proud and in another way I feel like a failure. Have you ever felt this way as a mom?
Parent fail or parent win? You decide...
I am about to be very real and honest with you all about something that happened Mother's Day Eve. In one respect I am very proud and in another way I feel like a failure. Have you ever felt this way as a mom?
This past Sunday as we all know was Mother's Day. It was Saturday evening, so Mother's Day eve if you will. Trey was flying, both big boys were out with friends, and Graeme was sound asleep. I had had a margarita or two and was feeling kind of sad. I am finding at my age now booze tends to do this to me. I was with my dear friend Lyndsy and I was blabbing on and on {imagine that} about how probably nothing would be done for me for Mother's Day. Can you say first world problem! I was feeling quite sorry for myself. I mean my husband was at work and my Mom, well my mom is dead, which means no one would remember me. At least that is what I had come up with in my mind. So what do I do when I am feeling sorry for myself? I get online and shop! Doesn't everybody?
I started researching watches because I have been wanting to upgrade my fitness watch and I really was interested in the Apple Watch. Thank God I was wise enough to check the price before I hit buy as Trey and I have an agreement that any purchase on non necessary items over a certain amount we discuss with each other before we purchase. I know some of you think this is absurd, but trust me it has worked for us.
Through my research I did find the perfect alternative watch for me. My requirements were simple. Fitness watch that tracked steps, heart rate, calories burned, and was water proof. The watch I ended up getting is a Fitbit Versa and it is a little over Trey and I's agreement, but I was feeling sorry for myself, tipsy, and it was Mother's Day, so I purchased it. {I am in no way condoning my behavior nor am I encouraging this type of behavior. I am just being honest.}
Literally, ten minutes after my purchase my oldest son Will strolls in and I started bragging about my gift I just bought myself and basically thanked him. The look on his face was sheer pride. He turned on his heels and walked back to his room and within minutes strolls back into the living room with a beautiful succulent he had not only purchased with his own money, but literally built for me at a store in Deep Ellum! The boy knows his mama! I LOVE succulents! With joy on his face he said, "Happy Mother's Day Mama!" Right at that moment my feelings were mixed beyond explaining! I was over the moon proud AND I felt like a Schmuck! I literally sent the message that I did not believe in my kids and Trey to remember me. Those of you who know me know what happened next. I started to cry.
Next JP rolls in and wants to know what all the commotion was all about. We tell him and he asked me if I want my gift then or on Mother's Day. Yall, now I am really feeling bad! I tell him let's wait until Mother's Day. All I can say is thank God I waited or else I would of been in church looking like a puffer fish! Check out below my gift from JP! My heart was swelling with joy!
And don't let me forget sweet Graeme. He too made me a beautiful card and "took" me shopping to pick out two beautiful necklaces!
So as I reflect on my Mother's Day it was very special and I am so proud of my kids that I can't even stand it! A few of my take a ways:
Time does heal and it is o.k. to enjoy Mother's Day without your mom. That is what she would want.
I need to realize Trey and I have done an incredible job by our boys and I need to give them a little more credit than I do.
It is o.k. to order myself something I have been wanting for Mother's Day. After all.....I am their Mother and it is my job that I love and this watch is a gift to myself for raising three amazing boys.
Until next time!
xo,
Amy
Get your kleenex out!
Dear Mom,
A letter to my precious mother in Heaven.
Dear Mom,
It is my second Mother's Day without you and I feel guilty for admitting this, but the saying that it gets easier with time is true. The saying that the first are the hardest, meaning your first mother's day without you was harder than this one has been. I feel bad for saying this, but it is true. Why is it that I think I should hold on to the pain of missing you? I know that is not what you would want. I know you would want me to find joy today and to enjoy my boys and enjoy being a mom.
As you know when you left this world, my entire being was rocked to the core. I had no idea how much it would hurt. Our brains tell us our parents will leave this earth before we do, if everything goes according to our earthly plans, but our hearts-well that is a different story. Through my grief I went to tons of counseling, read tons of books on coping through loss, and talked to whoever was in the club I call, "My Mom's in Heaven Club." One of the BEST pieces advice I ever received was from Gramzee. She told me whenever I was missing you or on special days, like mother's day to write you. I listened to her advice and oh how it has helped my heart and my soul. I shared one letter on the anniversary of your death with the world. I feel like sharing these letters might open up the door to someone else hurting from their loss to write their loved one in heaven. Do you see Mom, you are gone but you are still touching people and you are still there for people. You were and are so special still.
I want you to know we are all doing o.k. Robin and I are still working well together daily with Dad. Paul and Erin have been a huge help on weekends and still have your devil dog Benji! Paul has kept his word and Benji is still alive and kicking. He has actually calmed down quite a bit, still jumpy, but is very sweet. I now know he was so bad while you were alive because you spoiled him rotten and he was a brat! Chuck is doing amazing and getting married! Yep, getting married and to Renee who you know. She was so good with you in the end and you really liked her so I know you would be and are thrilled! Chuck writes Dad weekly now and every time a letter comes in the mail Dad lights up. It is really fun to watch.
Speaking of Dad, he is doing GREAT mom! He still has good days and bad days, but more good than bad. I know he misses you dearly though. When Barbara Bush died, he was glued to the t.v. and cried a lot. I kept trying to change the channel and he would not let me. I finally got the guts up and asked if watching reminded him of you and he said, "YES! I miss her." He had tears in his eyes and I knew he was trying to tell me something. I asked if watching made him feel closer to you and he said yes and I asked if he felt it was healing. He said yes the tears felt good. So, I let him watch-good or bad I don't know, but I let him do it and I sat and cried with him. A lot of tears were shed that week, but it was good.
My boys are doing GREAT Mom. Sure we have have ups and downs. What house does not with three very active boys! I will highlight the ups as there is no need for you to worry about the downs. Graeme turned 7! Can you believe it? Seven years old! Feels like yesterday I was on bed rest and you were in the rehab facility and I would lie in your bed while you rehabbed! Good times Mom! And remember the ice there? I LOVED that ice! JP, well BIG news here Mom! He is going to New York this summer! He has been cast in Disney and Roger and Hammerstein's DVD of High School Musical Jr! You always said he had the "it" factor and mom he sure does! I so wish you were here to see it! Will, is doing amazing with soccer and he has been picked up by a College Showcase team and will be playing for them. He was picked up by a German Soccer program as well, but we unfortunately cannot do that at this time as he has also decided he wants to be a missionary mom! How beautiful is that? So he will be going to Costa Rica this summer to work in the mission fields. I know you would be so proud of all three of them!
Trey and I are doing great. Trey still dreams of living on the water someday, I just hope he will let all three boys graduate before he moves me, but I am channeling you and living in the present and letting him dream. Dreaming is fun and dreaming is healthy. You would be happy to know Trey is so good with Dad. He helps me pick him up often and he lunches with Dad and I a lot. He and Dad watch a lot of movies together and my heart burst with joy every time I walk in and they are watching something together other than Fox News. That is one thing Dad does too much we think and Trey has figured out the code on getting Dad to watch something else. How sweet is that and how lucky am I to have a husband who loves my father and helps me care for him? So really no need to worry about Dad! He is in good hands Mom!
That is life as of late in a nutshell and I so wish you were here to share it with, but you are not. So as I sit here writing I just want you to know that, yes, this year seems easier, but I still miss you so much Mom! There is NOT one day that I don't think of you and there are a lot of days I wish I could call you. You are still here with me in spirit and I know this and my wish is if you do see this letter mom that you know I love you just as much today as I did the day you left this world, maybe even more and I am so grateful you were my Mom and still are.
Happy Mothers Day Mom!
All my love,
Amy
Diary of An Amazon Mom 3
Once again Amazon has saved the day! Check out the interesting finds I got!
Wow! Does anyone else feel like May is a whirlwind? It is crazy how fast this month goes by! There are all kinds of activities from banquets, recitals, try-outs, exams, birthdays, performances, and I am getting dizzy thinking about it all! How did people survive before Amazon Prime! I truly do not know!
Once again Amazon has had my back and I will continue to be forever grateful! Here is a look at what Amazon saved my buttocks on this week and last, because I have been that busy!
Instead of trophies this season I got each kid on our soccer team a ball and a sharpie and they signed each others ball. I know and hear the argument about a trophy for every sport just for participation is sending the wrong message and I respect it whole heartedly, but there was no way in hell I was not getting my soccer kiddos something! They improved so much and I wanted them to be recognized for trying and believe it or not they loved it!
Markers for autographing their balls.
The little man loves to sing so last week we got this for his birthday and he LOVES it!
It is Mother's Day yall!
Seriously do not understand these, but Graeme asked for 100 of them and he got 8! Happy Birthday G! Ha!
It is that time of year and I needed new hoses. No time to get to Home Depot so thank you Amazon for saving the hydrangeas!
It was the letter "f" day at school and Graeme needed new flops. Are these not the cutest!?
This might be one of the coolest discoveries yet! Anti tarnish strips to keep your silver from tarnishing!!!!! My friend Elizabeth, with Organized by Elizabeth, turned me on to these bad boys! IF you have silver these are a MUST!
My mother in law's ears are not pierced so I am getting these to see how they work. Cool concept for sure!
One of my all time favorite candles and you cannot get in the store anymore but you can get it on Amazon! BAM!
So there is a little snap shop of my Amazon finds for the past two weeks! What have you gotten that is amazing and no one would think to look on Amazon? I would love to know!
Until next time....happy shopping....and happy weekend!
xo,
Amy
Friendship, Flowers, and Flare
I have this friend, Linh, she is unique, talented, beautiful, and funny,....pretty much the total package when it comes to friendship if you ask me... but we are total opposites.
I have this friend, Linh, she is unique, talented, beautiful, and funny,....pretty much the total package. When it comes to friendship we are total opposites. To think we match up as friends really makes people scratch their heads.
She is a Buddhist. I am a Christian.
She loves to go to museums. The thought of a day at the museum gives me hives.
She loves to go to any event or party. I am such a home body my couch has an outline of my body.
She has an eye for color and style and a flare about her that is electric and colorful. I prefer navy and black and boring!
She has an incredible story of survival, one I hope to share someday with you all in the near future. I never had to survive anything besides not making cheerleader in 7th grade! Worst day of my middle school career and I NEVER, let me repeat, NEVER tried out again!
Some things Linh and I do have in common; we both love to dance, like really love to boogie and feel the music. We both are moms. We both love fresh flowers. We are both loyal to our friends and do what we can to empower the beautiful ladies in our lives.
Linh might be one of my biggest critic and cheerleader when it comes to my teaching dance and I love this about her! She knows how to critique me and build me up based on my strengths. That my friends is a good friend!
When I look at our friendship I see how different we are yet we don't let that get in the way. We understand that we are different and we have a bond and we embrace those differences. We learn so much from each other because of these differences. Being different is good!
Being different is amazing and what I love about Linh and I's relationship is it shows what true friendship is! Caring about someone regardless of their age, race, talents, religion, and the list could go on and on!
Silly girl....your different was your beautiful all along-Atticus
Do you have a friend like Linh that is so different yet you learn new and exciting things about them all the time? If not I challenge you to find someone, make an effort to be in their life and learn about them You might be surprised at how meaningful your relationship can be. You might be surprised at how much you will learn from them!
The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence.
One thing I learned recently about my beautiful friend Linh is she has sick talent when it comes to flowers. Twice now I have called her in a bind for my boys and she has put together the most stunning bouquets! Her style is simple elegance and she is meticulous in her work. I keep telling her she really should do a side business. I am hoping she takes my advice and does and remembers me when she is the most famous florist in town! Ha!
Check out Linh's work below and let me know if you are ever in the market for flowers. I have an amazing hook up for you (wink, wink)! And be looking for Linh's story in the future! It is extremely powerful and one you will not want to miss!
Until next time!
Xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
Need a meaningful gift for a meaningful friend?
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?
Hello, World!
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!
Hello, World!
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
Hello, World!
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!
Hello, World!
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
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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!