The Unexpected Love

A friend asked the other day what kind of gift you give to a couple that wasn't exactly...expecting another child. My heart went out for her expecting friend. As a Catholic, it can be difficult to trust in God fully when you realize that His plans and yours don't seem to be matching up. I suggested a gift of reminder, to help them realize the gift God must see them as to offer them as parents to such a precious little soul. Do you know anyone who could use this poem? Feel free to frame it as a gift, share it on your newsfeed, or even read it to yourself to remember why God has given such a gift to such a beautiful person. 

Little Love Waiting

The day my Father chose me

I giggled with delight!

"Your family will be loving,

They'll be warm and filled with light."

I smiled and I laughed.

I wondered how I'd feel

Cuddled right next to your heart,

Oh to know your love was real!

Then my Father came in closer

Whispered softly in my ear,

"One more thing though, it's a secret

They don't know yet you'll be here."

"Why not tell them that I'm coming?"

I asked gently with concern. 

Then He answered like a teacher,

"There is something they will learn.

Learn to trust Me, learn of faith,

That I am still in control,

And that I'll be with them and with you.

That always is My goal."

So I'm growing now and waiting

For a chance to see your face

As the parents God chose for me

In His ever present grace. 

Mother's Day Craft 2014

You know those mothers who are creative and artistic and raise children that make no messes ever? You know, the ones that invent the pins on Pinterest everyone else tries to imitate (to no avail)?

Yeah. That's not me. 

I'm the mother who works a full time job, but still has the audacity to have a "Catholic-sized" family. So, with three beautiful daughters under three years old, I have spent all my precious mental energy coming up with quick, easy crafts for holiday gifts!

This one is for Mother's Day. 

Here's the thing. I refuse to use paint because I don't have the time or energy to bathe my three daughters, the dog, the dining room table, and the carpet for the next six hours. BUT I love handprints! Such a precious way to remember the size of our little blessings, right? Below is my Mother's Day Craft for 2014:

Needed:

-crayons

-construction paper

-scissors

-pencil

Step 1--Handprints

Stencil your child(ren)'s handprint on a piece of construction paper with pencil. Use scissors to cut out handprint. Take care to keep the stencil in tact for the rest of the craft. 

*Note: If you have an infant, wait until they are sleeping to stencil their hand. It will be relaxed and there will be much less squirming. 

Step 2--Stem/Leaf

Draw and cut out stem/leaf on piece of construction paper. 

Step 3--Flower!

Place stem/leaf stencil on background paper. Use green crayon to scribble design onto paper. 

Then place handprint stencil over background paper. Scribble the colored crayon of your choice over stencil to full in "flower". 

Step 4--Sign card!

Use black crayon to write name along the stem and "Happy Mother's Day" with the year at the top. 

Easy peasy! Less clean up, still framable, and a keepsake to ooh and ahh over for generations!