A fun chat and a BIG giveaway that involves food and chocolate. Today is for the mamas 🙂
Maegan and I would love to chat with you today! It's a little something that has been on our minds and is ready to burst through the ceiling. (Stay tuned; there’s a huge giveaway at the end of this post!)
Amidst busy schedules, sick kids, and blog/cookbook to-do lists that only seemed to grow longer each day, Maegan and I looked at each other and said,
“What are we doing? What’s the point?”
We decided it was time to go back to the start of this business adventure. The day that Maegan and I decided we wanted to join forces and make a difference in the lives of the people we witnessed who needed it most.
THE MOTHERS
When Maegan and I started our freezer meal business together, we did it for the mamas.
At the time I was working as a Nurse Practitioner at a family clinic and would daily witness the astounding grit of a mother.
Who else goes 3 days without rest, nursing a sick child, then shows up at a doctors office, miserably sick herself, only to say, “My child is sick, can you help them?”
Never mind the fact that the woman sitting in front of me was feverish, pale, and exhausted to tears.
At the end of her visit, I would quietly pray for both heavenly and earthly angels to minister to that mother in some way.
I would then go home to my own situation of a 2-year-old daughter and newborn twin boys. To say that was a chaotic stage of life is a grand understatement.
The feeling of being needed every second of the day can feel suffocating. But there I was, 3 kids 2 and under, endless diapers, around-the-clock feedings, nightly interrupted sleep . . . I remember falling asleep at a bank drive-thru and afterward thinking, “No human can sustain this.”
But I did. Somehow, in some miraculous way, I did survive that and am still surviving the highs and lows of the hardest and most rewarding role of motherhood.
Mothers all over the world wake up every day knowing the emotional roller coaster they are going to ride that day and they are there for it!
Some days we rock it out; some days, we act more like a tantrum-throwing 3-year-old.
Maegan and I knew firsthand that the smallest gestures from others during these hard mom days could be monumental in helping us find that grit and keep going.
We wanted to find a way to be “here for the mamas” and since we are lovers of food, that is precisely the direction we decided to go.
We opened our Instant Pot Freezer Meals storefront in Utah with the hopes that one day we’d have the ability to ship them all over the US and bring relief to moms in the form of an easy, nourishing, heart-healing meal at the end of the day.
When our store closed a year later, we were devastated that we didn’t even come close to meeting that goal.
But what followed was miraculous.
We had a flood of messages from our customers asking for all of the recipes. Recipes that had changed their lives for the better and brought joy back to the dinner table.
Maegan got to work putting the recipes into a cookbook and within days had the first draft ready (she’s a mountain movin’ mama, that one 🙂 ).
And then the biggest revelation came next:
With our book and these recipes out in the world, we would finally be able to fill the freezers of mamas all over the world.
Perhaps not in the easy “preassembled frozen meal” way we had planned on, but more in a “here is my method and my recipes, and it’s so easy that YOU CAN TOTALLY DO THIS” way.
And then came the SECOND MOST GLORIOUS REVELATION:
We can teach you how to make the meals plus a few extra, so when God says, “That mama needs a meal,” you are loaded and ready with a freezer meal that will save a mama who is on the brink of despair.
HOW INCREDIBLE IS THAT!
There have been so many evenings that Maegan and I have messaged each other, “Can you believe the healing power of a good dinner?” It heals wounds, soothes broken hearts, fills souls with hope . . . Sounds crazy, but have you not experienced this?! It’s miraculous!
And so, in returning to our mission, this is our greatest hope:
As you fill your own freezer, make a few extra meals for those times God tells you, “That mama needs a meal”.
Such a simple gesture, yet we've all experienced the healing powers of a homemade dinner. It's life changing!
The full-circle feeling of our failed brick-and-mortar business now arming others with a way to help other moms is incredible!
So for this holiday season and beyond, do us a favor!
Be there for a mama. Let’s uplift this world, one mama at a time!
If this sparks a fire in you, grab our Freezer Meal Cookbook HERE.
Let’s get assembling freezer meals for ALL the mamas!
*Grab the gift tags and cooking instructions shown on this bucket HERE.
What if “food” isn’t your love language?
No worries! We still want you on our “Here For the Mamas” team 🙂
MORE WAYS TO HELP A MOM:
- Grab a high chair for a mom who is balancing a diaper bag and a runaway 2-year-old.
- Offer to hold a baby while a mom eats her meal with both of her hands.
- Say, “Wow, you are seriously rockin’ that hot mom messy bun and sweatpants!”
- Give her chocolate. Preferably top dollar, fancy chocolate, but in a pinch, leftover Halloween candy will suffice.
- Watch a baby while a new mom takes a nap.
- Just listen; no matter the nonsensical, overwhelmed things that come out of her mouth . . . just listen.
- Ask her if she needs anything from the grocery store while you’re there.
- Remind her what a great mom she is, even when her kid's behavior is shockingly awful.
- Go on a walk with her.
- Give a silent gesture of support: high five, thumbs up, wink, hug, fist bump, etc.
- And if you’ve only got a second, send a text that says, “You got this, mama” or “I’ve got your back, mama” or “I’m finding a babysitter; you need a pedi, mama”.
And so many more! If you have ideas on ways others have lifted you up (or ways you wish someone would show up for you), drop it below in the comments!
Let's fill the comment section below with a treasure trove of ideas on how to support the mamas!
THE GIVEAWAY- GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER
Ready for the goodies?!
I’ll pick a winner from the comments below on November 27th! I can’t wait to hear from you! GIVEAWAY OVER
I know I’ve been a lame, spotty food blogger these past couple of years. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you all have stuck it out with me and are still here enjoying the recipes and sharing them with your loved ones.
And I’m so excited to have a group of incredible people to help me be here for other moms and lift those who give their literal “all” day after day after day.
It’s funny to look back and see that this dream started in a doctor’s office for me and has turned into this. Truly if someone had told me the story of my life before it happened, I would think they were crazy.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thank you everyone!
ORDER HERE
Questions or other comments? Feel free to drop those below too! Or, if it is more personal, you can email me at marci@instafreshmeals.com.
Lisa says
We just had our 5th baby last week. We’ve had so many family, friends and neighbors go out of their way to check in and help with my other kids and bring meals. I’m so grateful to be able to know that when I need help I have a support team there that would drop everything to help out.
Vicky says
My daughter had just had her 1st baby, my 1st grandchild. She was very overwhelmed as well as her husband. Aubrey was having serious problems with nursing and had been diagnosed as a failure to thrive baby. It got to the point that the doctor wanted her to try feeding her every 30 mins round the clock and document how much she ate. Needless to say there was no sleep or meals for anyone in that house. I made up 10 different freezer meals for them and stocked their freezer for them. I also would go to their house twice weekly to let mama get a shower and a nap. My daughter thanks me for taking charge and getting her some much needed food and rest. I now will make a meal for anyone in our little town when they have a baby and may not be comfortable asking for help.
Danielle Hines says
This is so great! I left a comment on instagram, but thought of another one I’ll share here. After I had my second baby, a mom in my neighborhood offered to come pick up my 2 1/2 year old to come play with her son for a few hours. She came to my house to pick him up, fed him lunch, and dropped him off when they were done playing. It was a simple act that meant a lot and something I have tried to pay forward to other new mamas. I LOVE your idea of making a few extra freezer meals to have on hand to share with others!
Jamie says
One time someone told me they were bringing me a meal. Didn’t ask if they could just said they were and what time it would be there. They left no room for me to feel bad or argue. Also included paper goods so I had no dishes.
Becca says
I just recently watched my friends kids all day on a Saturday because her family all bailed on her last minute and she and her husband had already made plans to go out of town. I have had many friends who have helped me out so much!
Melissa says
My sweet neighbor intuitively knows whenever we are falling apart or having a rough day. She without fail will bring by something to feed or cheer us up. So grateful for her example that a woman following her intuition to help another, is always a blessing!
Kathy says
I’ve always supported my sisters when they had children and their children now that they are having children of their own. Being the one aunt they can call as port partum is overwhelming them has been my biggest help. Sometimes they need to vent and I’m the sympathetic ear. I also find your ideas great for singles and couples that aren’t parents but need help with dinner when short on time. Keep up the great work.
Kathy says
Another great support that I have done for new mom’s – set up a calendar with an email list for people to volunteer to fix and deliver a meal (breakfast/lunch or dinner). It is important to communicate any allergies or strong food dislikes.
And I have dropped by (announced) and cleaned house for a few hours while Mom and baby relaxed.
Debbie says
I have 3 grandsons – all under the age of 18 mos. I have done many of the things you list – but I also frequently give gift cards to local restaurants with babysitting included… no stress for the parents to ask to for babysitting or financial stress to cover a night out. Thank you for the opportunity to win. 🙂
Cami Talamantes says
When I was pregnant and going through a divorce my neighbor would watch my other children for a few hours every week so that I could get some rest and schedule my appointments. I will never forget that. It was a literal lifeline at the time. I don’t know how I would have made it through that time without her.
Charity says
Last year I found out a woman in my neighborhood was pregnant and had also received a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease that among other things made it so she could only stand a few minutes at a time. I didn’t know her well but I knew if I were in that situation I’d need help with meals! I was overwhelmed with my two littles so I didn’t feel like I could prepare a large meal to take over, but I had several instafreeze meals in my freezer. So I loaded those up and took them over! I knew they would be so easy for her or her husband to pull out any time they needed. Months later she shared that she had been praying for help and that I was one of many that showed up for her. I hope I’m able to get these recipes so I can have such an easy way to help in the future!
Ari Dubach says
I too once had four littles, four and under. I don’t know how I did it but I know I had angels helping me. One time I was grocery shopping for the week and I had all four with me. The two toddlers were walking along side me. The car seat in the cart and the other sitting in the cart seat. I placed the groceries where they would fit. Around the car seat, underneath the cart. By the time I was done I was exhausted because I had to keep trying to wrangle the two toddlers that liked to wonder. When I finally got to the checkout, I was done and they were done. I went to pay and the lady behind me in line paid for all my groceries!!! I started to cry… that was such a blessing to this tired mom.
Angie says
I have been the recipient of a text, call and meal just at the right moment. I remember one in particular, that it wasn’t obvious that I needed help. My youngest of 4 was almost 5 months, and a couple ladies just showed up with food and said they had been thinking of me and wanted to take something off my to dos for the day. That was 8 years ago and I still vividly remember!
Camille says
After I had my first baby, I had post-partum depression really bad. I had no appetite and couldn’t eat without almost throwing up. I had to force myself to eat for my baby’s sake and it was so hard. My sweet husband and mother cheered me on and held my hand through it all. My mom took care of all meals for the next several weeks and my husband was able to take a month off of work while I recovered and over came my severe depression. I’m so thankful for all the support I received from the many family members that stepped up to help. Now I’m trying to help my younger sisters as they start their own families and pray I can be a great help and relief in their lives as they learn how to be mothers. ❤️
Suzanne says
I was a military wife not living on base for the birth of any of my three kids. The first was born while I was active duty and the other two born right before their father deployed for 6 – 12 months. I was out of state so no family nearby to help. We all survived but I was determined my kids wouldn’t go through that with their kids. I kept the grandkids one weekend day/night each week. By the time the parents picked them up, Grandpa and I were comatose on the sofa for the remainder of the day. But it was soooo worth it! The parents got a break to do whatever they wanted (including sit quietly) and we got to spend amazing time with our grandkids.
Anything helps new moms, a meal, a break, a card – anything to let her know she isn’t alone and someone “sees” her. We can help. Bake a loaf of bread, make a cake, offer to hold the baby (if they are comfortable with that) tell them they are great. It takes so little and will be remembered for such a long time.
Tracey Kirch says
I remember so well the help and love given me as a young Mom! One incident that always stands out was when our second was 4 months old and his older brother not yet 2 . It was a crazy day and I needed a bit of help . I went to a neighbor who has people over and asked if she could watch my baby just for half an hour while I was able to give my other son short together quality time ! She did not hesitate !!! Took the baby …. His older brother and I were able to spend some wonderful time together !! It was such a total blessing and just that short time was a wonderful refreshment !!!
Sue Cole says
My daughter has an eighteen month old and I am always helping her. She thinks it’s a burden but it’s a joy! We love, love, love the Buffalo Chicken and the Mexican shredded chicken. I haven’t ventured out much because we love these so much. I bought some of the buckets and am looking forward to filling them up and giving as a gift. Thanks for all you’ve done!!!
Michelle says
I make freezer meals for all baby shower gifts. Now people ask me to bring them as gifts.
It’s perfect for a new mom to have some healthy, yummy meals at the ready.
Stephanie Palmer says
When I was pregnant with my 5th and last baby, my neighbors felt that I needed some new things and gave me a baby shower. It had been 4 1/2 years since I had had a baby. He was a boy and I was now having a girl. I was so touched by their generosity. As I neared the end of that pregnancy, another neighbor came and mopped my kitchen floor. After the baby came, several more neighbors brought meals for a week. I felt so loved. Now, my kids are all grown, but I have a neighbor that will bring me meals when my husband or I get sick. You are never too old to enjoy a nice meal that you didn’t have to make. It makes all burdens lighter.
Stacy says
When my youngest was a couple days old, my mom into the hospital and stayed there until she passed just two weeks later. Over the course of those few weeks, many meals were brought here for my family which eased my sad and broken and tired heart and body. Even now, 11 years later, I still am filled with such gratitude for all who stepped in to help at a difficult time for me. 💛
Jolene says
Good nourishing food is my love language. During the beginning of COVID, I would drop off a ziplock bag of homemade frozen soup and a loaf of bread on their doorstep and text them to let them know that I had dropped it off and they could heat it up and eat it or put it in the freezer for when they felt like eating.
I give homemade freezer meals to my daughters and daughter-in-law when they are pregnant. My motto is, “When you are making the mess, make the mess worthwhile!” When I’m making meals, I might as well make a few for the freezer.
Stephanie says
I’ve had many blessings from different people when it was really needed and appreciated. One that stood out to me, when I had my third child, a friend brought over an amazing meal and some breakfast foods. Having quick, easy breakfasts for my other two kiddos was a HUGE blessing.
Chelsea says
Meatloaf from a neighbor when my 3rd baby was born. It tasted like heaven!
Billie says
When my son & his wife we’re expecting their first (originally we’re triplets but lost one), I tried to pick items every time I went shopping for them. I was still working so when twins were born, her Mom came up during the week to stay & help with boys. I went after work on Fridays & brought boys to our house for the weekends. Her Mom came back Sunday afternoons. We did this for a number of months til my daughter in law was feeling stronger. Both parents were able to get rest on Friday & Saturday nights. We got special bonding time with the twins as well.
I’m retired now but I still remember what it’s like to work & keep up with everyday family needs. I will often cook extra & drop off at their house for dinner.
I have an instant pot so am anxious to do even more to help.
Aubrey says
I was taking a slow walk around the block as part of my c-section recovery. A neighbor noticed—she didn’t know yet that the baby had arrived—and she insisted on bringing dinner over. They were simple salsa verde enchiladas, but let me tell you, they were the most delicious thing, and honestly the first time I had felt full and satisfied since having the baby. It was like magic!
I’m not so great at putting together a meal last minute, so having freezer meals ready to go is probably the way I could best help others. I just need to get a bigger freezer first!
Danica Francom says
One day when my kids were little we were trying to leave on vacation. I went downstairs and my feet hit a squishy wet carpet. Our basement was flooded. I stood there with a baby on my hip and my phone in my hand wondering who to call for help. When the phone rang. It was my neighbor down the street, Lisa. She said she felt like she needed to call me and see how I was doing. Without her calling and watching my little kids that morning for a couple hours while my husband and I took care of the basement, I don’t think we could have made it off on our vacation. She was a life saver that day and many other times.
Barbara says
When my daughter was born, my sister-in-love drove up to see the newest family member. She brought several homemade gifts with her. But, my favorite was a medical glove she turned into a balloon and wrote “Extra Hand” on the glove. She then hung it so it dangled above the changing table and every time I saw it, I remembered her love and felt encouraged (even though she lived 200 miles away).
Tiffany says
I would take my nephew for a couple nights when he was a baby so my sister would get a break. I still have him over for a night or two on non school days/nights so his parents can have date nights.
Melissa says
1 week after my first son was born, my sister-in-law passed away. My parents had left our home earlier that morning, and my husband needed to go home to help his dad. My amazing friends stepped in to support me for the week my husband was gone. I don’t know how I would have made it without them.
Beth says
I have a friend who had a baby and then had gall bladder issues so severe it had to be removed. While waiting for her surgery, she had to be really careful to eat low fat meals that wouldn’t cause issues for her gall bladder. I was able to give her several of your meals – so healthy, and they taste so good! They were easy enough for her husband to prep so she could get some rest and time with her newborn. Thanks for helping me help her!
cindy says
My best friend Kelly, lost two sons at birth. I recently lost two grown sons within months of each other. She and i have a bond like no bond i’ve ever experienced. I introduced her to the Instant Pot and recently left a Beef Stroganoff meal in her refrigerator while she and her husband were on vacation. She also suffers from a host of medical problems. We have each others backs and are looking forward to making a lot of freezer meals together. Your recipes are certainly going to make that chore into many memories for both of us. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for all the mamas young and not so young!
Barbara says
My retired 70+ year old friends have had to take on the duties of their now one year old grand daughter. Their daughter is single has no car no job and was just in an accident which has been debilitating physically, and emotionally. I am their go-to person and happily help babysit for the child. Buy groceries for them go on walks with them and field calls from our community about how they’re surviving. Having good meals on hand is a big timesaver for them. I help with that too. We don’t know when and if their daughter will be able to take care of her child again. A very sad situation!
Robin says
When my youngest was a toddler, we went through a period where she was having seizures. I had two other kids and my husband and I were both going to school. My sweet neighbor, who had a teenage daughter with epilepsy, went out of her way to be there for me. She knew what I was going through and listened and helped guide me through that difficult time. She also made sure we had some dinners brought in which made it possible for me to focus more on my family while adjusting to this new challenge.
Sheila Castellini says
My mother in law watched my girls when I worked as a nurse. I always came home to a wonderful meal that she had cooked too.
Suzanne says
While standing in line at a grocery store. (At a store where you bag your own groceries because, after all, that’s the least expensive place to buy groceries.) I saw a young mom with a crying baby and a “helpful” toddler. This sweet mama had the frazzled look of “why can’t this be over already?” Knowing how it feels to be in that situation. I asked her which would be most helpful, holding her baby or loading and bagging the groceries. The look of relief and gratitude on her face melted my heart and left a lasting impression of the joy that comes through serving others, even in small ways. Two moms helping each other out (whether you know each other or not) is a priceless gift for both.
Tammy says
Just having a meal all ready to go is such a blessing to a mom. All moms deserve some help since they work so hard for their families.
Melissa Whigham Stinson says
Before we had children my husband and I kept my friend’s two small boys (4 and 2) while she was in labor with her daughter. It was an eye opening experience since I had never been around children very much, but I loved it. When I had both of my boys, my same friend was there with me in the hospital.
Stormy says
I think the best way to help a mama is to come home baby or watch the kids so she can get things done in her home. This can lift such a burden.
Sandy says
Although it has been almost 50 years ago, I’ll never forget my angel babysitter. After a sleepless night with a colicky baby but going to work anyway I would stop at the babysitter to pick up my baby. Somedays she would have a pan of cornbread for me or a bowl of freshly picked and washed lettuce from her tiny garden.
I wish she knew how much that meant to mr.
Amanda says
A younger couple in our life has had real difficulties since their daughter was born – mama takes medicine that keeps her from hearing baby at night. When dad’s family member died, mom and 3 month old baby stayed a long weekend with us and I did all the overnight feedings etc. I feel like she is my practice grand baby because she stays with me often!
Karen says
I remember the time my friend’s 2-year-old needed cleft palate surgery and didn’t know what to do with her other three children, one was a nursing newborn. I took her three babies into my home with my own 4 children (at the time). With her permission, I nursed her newborn with my own baby and cared for all 7 children for 2 days so she and her husband could be with their toddler. Later, she and I prepared many meals together and stocked our freezers to ease the tough days when we didn’t know which end was up–but knew we had a hot meal for our babies. Now she is the grandma to one, and I who ended up with 5 children, have 15 grandbabies–and we are still good friends to this day.
Susan says
Honestly, sometimes it’s just giving or receiving affirmation that you are doing it right.
Look at that tired and stressed mama and tell her “I just talked/spent time with/observed something your child did. You did good mama”.
It made me feel like it was all going to be ok and that I hadn’t screwed everything up. I was proud of them and also proud of myself.
I try to pass the feeling on.
Tammy says
Just having a meal all ready to go is such a blessing to a mom. All moms deserve some help since they work so hard for their families.
Sharon says
Yes, to giving these as gifts! You made me look like MIL of the year as I gifted your meals to a newborn mama. I had to follow the example of my amazing MIL- who didn’t cook, but did send her cleaners to my home! It might have been mortifying to have her scrub my ‘3 little boy filthy floor’, but her cleaning crew got after it for 2 hours! A little spoiling is just what this mama needed and I’ve never forgotten it. It’s my turn to pay it forward- thanks for making it easier to do. 🤎
Julie A says
I don’t have a lot of contact with new moms, but I do work in my church nursery, where (if they haven’t already started dropping their kids off during service) I offer to watch their sleeping baby so the loud music doesn’t wake them up, I clean the toys with boiling soapy water so maybe they’ll decide to trust their child with us and have an hour of uninterrupted worship, I offer to change dirty diapers, and I thank them for sharing their child with us.
Heather Clayton says
I remember receiving some of these meals in a time a need. So I now give them as well.