For those out there needing inspiration for what to get that mother who you think has “everything”; here is my advice: ASK HER!!!!

This is all mothers at some point and time. For some of us however fatigue is a constant state of being. They usually have a new born baby or a baby that doesn’t sleep all the way through the night. Sometimes the baby or child sleeps through the night but they are up well after everyone has gone to sleep doing laundry, cleaning, finishing projects, getting bags ready for school, or a myriad of other items. It might be the grandmother in your life that is retired but still works to help you raise your child. You might notice that she runs on coffee, tea or some other caffeinated beverage…but who am I kidding a lot of us do. For those caregiver grandmothers types you might notice that at the first opportunity she will “retire” to her bedroom once her “shift” is over. She is always willing to help with a smile on her face but often stifles a sigh.

For this mother there are several options for gifts. A gift card to her favorite coffee shop if she likes baristas is an easy bet. For the self proclaimed barista, the mother who just prefers her own home brew, or is not that into coffee you can supply her with enough of her fuel of choice for 3 months. That should bring a smile to her face. Another option for those who don’t want to devalue the day with monetary items—a day or a few hours sans little ones to take a nap or just sit and rest. I think I can go out on a limb to say this would be appreciated. The caregiver grandmother will NEVER tell you she’s tired. She will NEVER say no to an opportunity to watch her charge. However, spending time with the little one without the need to change a diaper, get juice, fix food, chase after the runner, discipline would be a day in heaven. So, don’t keep the little one away from this mother just pick up all the slack. Let her enjoy the day of spoiling and hugging and smiling. A refreshing moment to be on the “good” side if you will is a gift she willl treasure.

Again this category applies to all mothers as well…however this mother is known for her culinary talents and skills with a skillet. She is not averse to throwing a culinary delight together or making magic out of last nights (or weeks—no judgements) left overs. Signs that this is the mother before you is that she will undoubtedly know the isles of the supermarket by heart or she may be a whiz at Instacart or PeaPod (having her own favorites list). She likely knows a good bargain when she sees it and knows why a watched pot will never boils.

A Paint N Sip night with her friends or solo would be a nice treat and change of pace. She might even go for a gift card to her favorite craft store. Budget friendly options would be looking for items that she would like to repurpose or a trip to a local museum or art gallery if she is into that kind of thing to add additional fuel to her creative fire. A picnic in the park if a local group is playing music would be a funky and artsy good time as well. Handmade crafts make this moms world however so would some time devot to her craft without wondering if the house is going to pot.

This mother for whatever reason is holding things down on her own. Whether is due to deployment, divorce, or what have you; this mother like all mothers is doing her best sometimes without a support system in place. Sometimes it’s hard for this mother as with all mothers to get a moments peace. Bathroom partners are common as well as laundry helpers, kitchen compadres, and just extra sets of hands and feet not matter what the task are always “present” to help make things “easier”. Got to love the helpers that will often hit their teen years and cease wanting to help. It’s hard for this mother to ask for help because she does not want to be seen as unable to handle the load. It’s also hard for this mother to accept help at times again not want to be perceived as unable. She often, as most mothers do, neglects herself and her needs to put those of her children first.

She always appears to have everything together—play dates, the correct number of snacks, wipes, diapers, and toys. She’s the one to ask about upcoming children’s events, festivals, playtimes, etc. While she is the envy of every disorganized mother such as myself, she is not without her own needs and times where her needs get cast aside for the sake of the family. She has her own chaos and confusion however it's just not as visible. This mothers facade is not fake its just the cracks are just harder to see because she is truly holding it all together. Her supporters love her and cherish her. Her family relies on her. She is a planner and a budgeter. She is an oranizer and is very thorough.

The King of Too Many Things By: Laurel Snyder Illustrated by Aurore Damant

Right now this is Jeremey’s favorite one at bedtime. Initially he did not want to sit still as I read it because he was so used to short board books. However, when I started doing the voices he was initially intrigued and then when he actually looked at the pictures which are very colorful he was hooked. Now as we read he points out the characters and we count the kittens and other items in the book.

I found this book quite by accident while I was shopping on Zulily. WHO KNEW THEY SOMETIMES HAD CHILDREN’S BOOKS 🤦🏾‍♀️!

As a parent I love the fact that he is seeing a main character that is of his complexion and hue. I also adore the messages of the story that sometimes more is not better and when you are in a hole the best thing to do is to stop digging 👍🏾.

A Lullaby of Summer Things By: Natalie R. Ziarnik Illustrated by Madeline Valentine


Again this is another find I stumbled across on Zulily. (Don’t sleep on Zulily—it make take a few + weeks for you to get things but if you aren’t in a rush there there is no problem). Jeremy like this story as do I. The rhymes and the cadence appeal to our sing song time. The illustrations are so adorable and detailed. I love pointing at items and having Jeremy tell me what they are. It’s another way I help build up his vocabulary.

Chocolate Me! By Taye Diggs Illustrated by Shane W. Evans


This book about self acceptance was a must for our little family. The message that no matter what others say how you feel about you is key is a message that I want resonating in his mind for all time. The illustrations are vibrant which definitely attracts Jeremy and when we get to the cupcakes…that’s all I hear about for 2 hours…Cupcakes Cupcakes Cupcakes!

Whose Knees Are These By Jabari Asim Illustrated by LeUyen Pham


I love this little board book. Jeremy actually picked it out at the library and it’s such a hit that I’ve ordered it from Barnes and Noble for it be part of our collection. The rhyming lyrics are cute as well as the illustrations. I love the fact that all you see are the knees for most of the book until almost the end.

The World is Awake By: Linsey Davis with Joseph Bottum Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

This book is definitely a wonderful find. I enjoy the different perspective on celebrating creation in all it's wonder.  The illustrations are vibrant and inviting with a level of detail that allows us to go beyond the words and marvel at the pictures.  

I stumbled across this chart from a blogger who titles herself as “The Transformed Wife”.  Just from viewing her FB page and her blog I am sure that she would not approve of me being a single mother—the whole fornication and not being chaste thing 😉.  On her blog she posted a diagram that I assume she wrote attempting to compare/contrast mothers with careers and mothers who “don’t have careers.”   Reading the diagram gave me pause.  Initially I was upset with the depiction of mothers who work outside the home.  Then I became upset at the assumption that being a stay at home mother is not considered a career choice.  As I perused the diagram further the assumptions that were made about both Stay at Home Mothers and Mothers Who Work Outside the Home was infuriating because I was guilty of some of them 😔.

One: Her hair:  When I tell you that her hair is gorgeous and grows with a fierceness I’m not lying and so do her nails.  I swear her hair is on steroids or something!  It’s grows quick and thick.  I don’t know where she got those genes.

​Two: She’s very pretty and photogenic:  Now don’t get me wrong I’m not saying I’m ugly by any stretch of the imagination but her smile is infectious and dazzling.  In addition to that she has this baby fresh youthful face that will serve her well when she’s my age 😊.   I mean look at her!

Three:  The girl is creative as heck!:  She made an activity board for my son to play with from scratch.  She and her husband made a chicken coop from scratch.  Right now I think she and her husband are making a playground for her oldest daughter.  She also makes bath soaps her business is called Texas Reign Artisan Soaps. She can draw, paint, do her own hair!  She is a true Renaissance woman!