Mother's Day Wishes

I always struggle this time of year with what to write about Mother's Day.  It is hard because there are so many different situations resulting in so many emotions around the day.  I get it.  Some are waiting and desiring to be moms.  Some are missing a dear sweet mom.  Some are churning through laundry, dishes and disciplining as a mom.  So today I thought I would just talk about me and my mom experience.  I have said here before every woman in the world is nurturing someone.  So I always want to give a big shout out to every woman this time of year.  It takes us all.  I am so blessed by the circle of women God has given to me.

Here are some observations from me about me.....

I have not always been a patient mom.  I can remember wishing certain phases away because they were hard....because I wasn't good at them.

I can remember focusing so much on getting "things" done that I may have missed out on some of the actual fun.

I am 100% sure that I misdirected a lot of energy on details that really didn't matter.

Without question, I made a ton of mistakes and would do some things differently.

But you know what.....I am not going to focus on any of that because here is also what I know

I did the absolutely best I could at the time.

I always thought I was doing what was best for my kids and my family.

I have always been a praying mom and I know that counts for a lot.

I have loved hard and been willing to make the tough calls because that is what real love does.

I have taught my kids that God is our focus and what we do for Him is really all that matters.

So while it becomes more clear every day that I am not perfect,
while the world wants to constantly prove that to me day after day,
while I know in five years I will most likely look back on this exact time frame and see how I could have been better.......

TODAY I will love as best I know how.....
today I will try to remember that God's strength is magnified in my weaknesses.......
today I will pray and trust God to answer because He has proven worthy of my trust....
today I will be content, satisfied and grateful.

I don't know what you are wishing for this year but from me to you - a sincere wish for contentment, satisfaction and a heart that is filled with gratitude.

Keep rockin' it out, ladies!!!!

Have a great weekend.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

A few or twelve ideas for you today to purchase for someone or maybe put on your list for someone to purchase for you:

This is a sweet little bangle

Kate Spade Bangle

This simple little bangle has inscribed on the interior "Heart of Gold".  I bet you know a lady that describes perfectly.

If you know someone who gardens, waters flowers, etc. These rubber Birkenstocks are a winner.  There are two styles the flip flop

Birk Flip Flop

or the

Birk Slide

Both of these are very reasonably priced at $39.95 and come in 7-8 different color options.

This is one of our favorite scents in candles

Capri Mercury Box Candle

I love to find this candle anytime but finding it in this little mercury box is extra special.  You cannot go wrong with this little beauty.

No matter where a person is in her mom journey it is always appropriate to start capturing the memories

Mom Journal

This one provides a quick little prompt for each day.  Imagine after 5 years the fun moments that will be captured.

Here's cute little PJ's

Women's PJ's

There are 10 color options and sizes XS-XXL.

I posted these mason jar mugs on instagram on Saturday.....but in case you missed them

I found these mason jar mugs in the house ware section of Kroger.  I'm telling you - browsing the grocery store is a must.  Only $5.99

And maybe you know someone who fits these two cute totes

The Mom tote or the Daughter tote

Apparently the round straw bag is this season's must have.  I found this one

Minka Straw Tote

It is one of the more reasonably priced ones I could find.  It is a good medium size and also has a shoulder strap.

This peplum tee is on a great sale

Peplum Tee

There are six color options and a large range of sizes.  If you don't need this for a gift......grab a couple for yourself.....you're welcome!

If you haven't tried huggable hangers......trust me they make a super duper gift.  They really do make a difference in your closet.  

Huggable Hangers

The Container Store currently has a case of 40 in this ivory on sale for under $23......that, my friends, is a good buy. I did a whole post on why I love these hangers.  If you care to read it click here.

This last item is pricey but sometimes you need a good splurge item, right?

Boll and Branch Sheets

They are very well made, very comfortable and come in beautiful color choices.  I have one set of these and I am always happy when it is their turn in the rotation.  They come packaged so pretty - so that always adds to the great giftability.

 I hope you found something that interested you.  Make it a great week - one quick reminder before you go

 It is not too late to reconnect with an old friend - Great Things in '18 Challenge

Come back on Wednesday and let's talk abut graduation gifts.

A Legacy Journal

When we get together as a family almost all conversations begin with "remember when" and it is one of my absolute favorite things.  My uncles and aunts have some stories that had to have happened because even the most active imagination could not have made them up.  I always tell them someone should really write a book.....Because you know what happens? Over time we forget the details.  We sometimes even forget the generalities.  So my goodness, someone needs to write these things down.  As we approach Mother's Day I wanted to share with you not a gift that I gave to my mom but a gift that she gave to me....... A Legacy Journal

Memory Book

It has guided questions starting with things about 

my mom's mom- her favorite things, favorite recipes, her gifts

then things about my mom - her dreams, school days and how she me my dad

then things about me - when I was little, our friendship, my wedding

It is truly a treasure.  Plus my mom added lots of pictures, newspaper clippings and mementos.

I have two of these to start working on as gifts for my girls

Memories from Mom

I think this is a great idea to gift your mom with this year and ask her to make note of special things for you and your kids to always remember.  These are just two examples.  Amazon has several different ones to offer.  You can see the selection by clicking here.  There are special journals from grandparents, dads and even ones for you to write your own story.  We all have a story to tell.

So spark some creative juices in your mom and gift her with something that will become a treasure for generations to come.

Talk to you on Friday!

Fabulous Women and a Giveaway!!!

I wanted to take the opportunity to say how appreciative I am for all the wonderful women in my life.  When I consider the grandmothers, aunts, friends, new moms, moms of multiples, moms sending kids to pre-school, moms sending kids off to college, those who chose not to be moms, single moms, those who are waiting to be moms, those who are moms in their hearts, those who stand alongside and support......listen it takes us all.

Every kid that crosses our path can use a little nurturing, correcting, encouragement, teaching or listening to from each of us.

When my older daughter went to college the adjustment was not easy for her.  But in about the 3rd week she went to a home Bible Study one night and when she got back to the dorm, she called and told me the lady had given her a really warm hug.  In her words "she gave me a mom hug".  I had no idea who this lady was so I nicknamed her "my hero".  Listen, you don't have to be someone's mom to give them a mom hug.  You just have to be genuine, compassionate and let a kid know you think they have some good in them and you have every expectation of seeing it.

Being the nurturers of the world is not an easy thing.  We have to support each other
 - sometimes that young mom in Kroger with the crying kid needs an encouraging smile rather than another judgmental glare
- sometimes that empty nest mom might enjoy an invite to a school function
- sometimes that mom of teens needs to hear your war stories and how you lived to tell them
- sometimes that heart that is waiting to become a mom needs to hear about those times you spent waiting too

We all have a place, things to give, wisdom to impart and when we can't come up with any of those things - we all have a shoulder to help hold someone up.

If you need a good mom movie try one of these but you are going to need some Kleenex.  Remember, I like a good tear inducing movie.






Now if you need something more with a laugh.....





And something in between ( a little emotion and and humor)


Before I go, a big salute to my mom who always says, how can I help, sure I can do that, you want me to take care of that, you stay home and I will go to work for you today.....ok, she doesn't say that last one but honestly I think she would if it were allowed.  She rocks! And I am so thankful for her.

Lastly, because you all join me here to read  and share...... a little give away for you.
To be entered to win, you just have to be a subscriber to this blog.  So if you are already subscribed, you are already entered.  If you want to subscribe, just enter your email on the top right of this page.  You will get an email asking you to confirm your subscription.  Simply follow those instructions and you are in. Your email only goes to me.

I will select the winner on Sunday from all the emails signed up - now is a great time to share the blog with some of your friends, have them sign up for a chance to win too.

Here is what is up for grabs:

This is a great size canvas tote with a zipper closure.  And look at how pretty the inside is

Plus this soft and comfy sleep shirt (size M.....if not your size it is a great item to re-gift.


I will randomly select the winner from all the subscribers on Sunday and email the winner.  Thanks to Nordstrom Rack for sponsoring this giveaway!


Thanks for reading with me and for being the awesome women you are!