Berry Breakfast Parfait...and Monet!

There are times in our lives when we are caught 
between moments that we wish would never end,

and moments that we wish had never begun.

When our hearts are most unguarded,

and we least expect it,

it comes...

a tender touch...

a glimpse of hope and a reminder of all that's good and true in our world.

It sneaks on up, reaches right in and

awakens something deep within us.

When I first heard some three years ago that a scrapbook was being compiled 

to be filled with sentiments and recipes from bloggers across the blogosphere

that was intended to spread a little sunshine

to someone very dear to my heart,

I was overjoyed at the chance to participate.

Monet from "Anecdotes and Applecores"

has won over the hearts of everyone who has crossed her path

in the most memorable way, through her thoughts and

contemplations, her stories, her photography, and her delightful recipes.

It was a privilege to pray her family through 
an especially difficult season of their lives...

a season that had been eclipsed with numerous tragedies and heartache;

And the hope was

that the small token of love

from those who adore her

would be a healing salve during that time...

So often I have felt her heart and hands wrapping around my soul. 

I have imagined sitting at her table,

breathing in the aromas of her freshly baked delicacies,

and sharing our worlds over a cup of tea. 

Stop by her blog and experience it for yourself.

Thank you Monet, for spending your morning with us.

Mornings have become special times for me. I wake up next to my daughter, next to my husband, and I take in ten deep breaths of thankfulness.

As some of you know, my family experienced a season of great loss. In 2010, my father-in-law committed suicide. A few months later, my youngest nephew drowned. Then, unbelievably, in the spring of 2011, my oldest sister and her family were in a fatal rollover car accident. We lost my nephew, and sister in the days following the accident…my brother-in-law six months later.

To say I felt scared is an understatement. I felt terrified. Confused. Angry. Lost. And yet in those darkest of dark days, I was offered cords of hope. The love and support of friends and family near and far pulled me through this season of loss into a season of healing light.

And our dear Bella was one of the kindest. Her words and compassionate presence reminded me to hold onto my faith. She doesn’t know how much she means to so many people…she doesn’t know how much she means to me. 

I could have lost myself in a sea of grief and depression…but thanks to the love of many, I got to the other side. 

On June 25^th, 2013, I gave birth to my first daughter. We named her Lucille, which means “Bringer of Light” and indeed….what light she’s brought into our world! For the past year, I’ve learned what it means to be mother. I’ve learned to let go of control and to celebrate each day for what it is: an opportunity to love and to be loved.

I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. The second the doctor lifted her to my stomach, my body swelled with such a potent mixture of love and thankfulness and pride. Tears fell freely as I thanked God again and again. Not only for the miracle of birth but for his continued presence during the quiet and easy days of my life and his faithfulness through the dark and frightening moments of the past few years.

So my dear friends, for those of you who are hurting, please know that there is so much love in this world. Let us surround and support you. Let us help you get to the other side. I’m so thankful for the people who stood beside me…and now I pray that I can do the same for those brought into my life.

This morning parfait is a simple recipe but it’s one I love. I hope you enjoy it too.

Berry Breakfast Parfait
One 6 oz container of full-fat Greek Yogurt (2% is fine too)
Fresh berries (Organic, if possible)
1/2 to 1 cup granola

Place above ingredients in a big, beautiful bowl and enjoy! (Talk about mom-friendly!)

Have a most glorious week

and as always

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!!

P.S. Congrats to Rach Vendetti, she won a copy of "Beautiful Outlaw"