We may not think gifts are necessary, but don't our kiddos want to give us the best mother's day gift?! Mother's Day is my favorite day of the entire year. Maybe it's because of the gifts, or the fresh spring weather, but more likely, it's the title. It's one day I feel extra special because I am somebody's mother, and I do not take that job lightly.Recently I was asked by Waldo Photos what my ideal Mother's Day gift would be. You can read that here. But I'll give you the gist of it. It's thoughtfulness.I don't have high expectations. I thoroughly enjoy the home-made cards with misspelled words. If it has wet glue, too much glitter, and colored tissue papers pieced in 3-D flower shapes, even better. But this year, I thought I would help the family out with another idea.

Inspiration:

I've been inspired by my photography friends over in the Instagram community to get in the frame with my kiddos. While I'm always shooting images of my kiddos and their daily shenanigans, I've come to believe it's important for both them and me, to have images of us together. Capturing the connections of motherhood is important because, as the saying goes, it happens all too fast.

Here's the Plan:

So yesterday, after a day of painting exterior trim, and working in the yard, I threw on a new dress, put up my unwashed hair, and had the kids meet me out in the yard. We were pulling an impromptu photo shoot and I recommend you do the same. Don't feel like you need an hour to put yourself together. Be who you are. That's who your kids know. You can either use a tripod & remote or wait 'til your hubby gets home to help (that's what I did - way easier).Just keepin' it real. Things don't always go as planned but it's real and authentic and worthy of capturing.I had the opportunity to teach my kiddos that they don't have to spend a lot to do something thoughtful. There may have been a few squabbles, but we captured them anyway. After all these images weren't about perfection. They were more about capturing the connection.I encourage you to try it. And hubby's, it's free, and you know she'll love it! Think about it. While it may take a bit of effort, you can't go wrong! It'll be the best mother's day gift ever!(Also, it helps if some of the not-so-glamorous mom duties get passed to someone other than her, but not a deal breaker.)SaveSaveSaveSave