The Essential and Eternal Role of Motherhood ... Mother's Day 2014

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, and I can't help but reflect on what that means to me, at this point in my life. 17 months ago, today, my sweet Ava Noelle was born. While looking back now, it was the greatest day of my entire life, but the days leading up to it were full of many emotions and uncertainty. We waited almost 5 years to become parents - and there were reasons for that. We needed time to grow as a married couple and to learn about ourselves. We were never fully prepared for being parents, but is anyone, really?

I was super scared to have a baby. The process of labor, yes, but scared to bring another human into our life. I'd finally felt like we'd figured out  started to maybe get the hang of marriage. And I was scared to change that. I'd seen it happen to other couples over and over. You have a baby and your marriage changes. Your husband is no longer your #1 priority - it's your kids. Your husband no longer gets attention - it's your kids. Your husband no longer feels "close" to you - it's your kids. I was scared of putting a wedge between my husband and me - yep - a baby wedge. I was so happy to become a mom - I've always only ever wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Even in college and working - it all felt like it was just me getting through the time until I became a mom. But when it was suddenly happening - I was scared about change.

One best friend told me that doesn't have to happen - that your love only grows. It's impossible to understand that idea until you are going through it. I couldn't understand how adding more responsibility, stress and someone else to our life would only bring us closer and make us love each other more. Don't get me wrong - I was super happy to be pregnant - enjoyed every moment of it - had a super easy pregnancy and delivery {think 4 hours from hospital check in and 3 pushes later}. We were super excited and happy - I was just scared about the unknown and didn't want my marriage to change.

I was super right.

Wednesday Roundup ... 10 Mother's Day Free Printables + Gift Ideas

Today's Wednesday Roundup is just in time for Mother's Day - which is on Sunday - in case you forgot! ;) Shower mom with LOVE this weekend ... or grandma ... or an aunt ... or a bestie ... there are mothers all around us we can uplift and show we care. I have 10 ideas for gifts that include free printables, which makes them simple & easy! You don't need to spend a fortune -- sometimes a simple, hand written note is all it takes to tug on someone's heart strings. I hope these ideas inspire you to share some motherly love this Sunday. Take care!

{be sure to visit the blogs to get all the details on how to complete the gift idea!}

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags for Easter + Free Printable Bunny Stencil

Happy Friday! I've been thinking ALL DAY today was Saturday, because my husband gets work off for Good Friday, so it feels like a Saturday. It's been throwing me off in a major way. I even started typing the beginning of this post with a "Happy Saturday! Yes - I'm posting on Saturday..." message, but then, thankfully, realized I was talking loco and checked myself before I wrecked myself.

Easter is in two days, people!!!!! Easter has always been one of my most favorite holidays as a kid. We would (sometimes) get a new Easter dress to wear to church. We always had an indoor Easter egg hunt and an outdoor one. The indoor hunt consisted of my parents going downstairs and closing the door at the top of the stairs. They would hide all the candy (with some of the floor for the littles) and us kids would wait excitedly at the top of the stairs for my parents to push little jellybeans under the door - you always wanted to be the first to grab that candy! Those little beans coming under the door is a memory I will cherish forever. :)

I've got a fun Easter DIY tutorial for you that I shared last week on Creative Ramblings. These mini burlap treat bags are a great last minute idea, if you need something for your kids on Sunday or to take to church or a party! Read on to see how easily you can make these this weekend.

Supplies

St. Patrick's Day Chocolate Cupcake Toppers

A couple weeks ago, I guest posted a holiday treat at My Paper Craze. Since St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, I get to share this fun DIY with you! I made some super simple St. Patrick's Day chocolate cupcake toppers that would be a perfect addition to your holiday party, family dinner or treats to take to work!

Supplies

candy melts, green

shortening

wilton squeeze bottle

printed "stencil" paper

parchment or wax paper

{cupcakes, frosted & sprinkled}

Instructions

Melt candy melts according to package directions. Add about a tablespoon of shortening before melting. This helps make the chocolate creamy {otherwise, you risk getting lumps}.

Spoon melted chocolate into squeeze bottle. Prep stencil by placing a piece of parchment/wax paper over your stencil paper. {remember - your chocolate goes on the parchment/wax paper - not the printed paper}

Following the lines on the stencil, squeeze the chocolate onto the parchment/wax paper.

Click HERE to download my stencil

NOTE: THIS TIP IS SUPER SUPER SUPER SUPER IMPORTANT!!