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I told my husband I want our deck to look like a picture from a Home and Garden magazine for Mother’s Day. I just want to sit and drink my coffee or wine and when those little loves call out Mom and I can say ask daddy and not feel guilty.

If I’m being completely honest, I love getting gifts and giving them. I guess that’s my “love language” although, I’m not exactly sure what that means.

I’ve come across some beautiful gifts for Moms this Mother’s Day – so I had to share them with you.

Some I want for myself. Others I’m sending to Moms I love.

I hope they bring you or a Mom you love joy this Mother’s Day!

For the Mom who works in healthcare

Just Love Prints has curated the Christian Medical Worker gift set with those working on the front lines of this pandemic in mind.

Each bundle contains (see photo):
• 1 pack of “Be not afraid” temporary tattoos ($5.99 value)
• 1 pack of “Born to do this” temporary tattoos ($5.99 value)
• 1 “Trust through the storm” vinyl sticker ($4.99 value)
• 1 “I can do all things” vinyl sticker ($4.99 value)
• 1 “Courage, dear heart” vinyl sticker ($4.99 value)

…and it ships for free! (U.S. orders) International shipping is available.

For Moms of all ages

Slippers

Yes, I said slippers. My brother and sisters and I used to make fun of my mom because she always asked for slippers. Now I’m a mom and it’s something I think about every day. I need a new pair of slippers. It’s gotta be a mom thing . . .and since we’re all home a lot lately, it’s a good gift!

For Mom’s needing some extra grace in her life

A Miraculous Medal Necklace

My children continue to pull mine off of my neck and I continue getting new ones because I love the minimalist look and the face that Mama Mary is praying for me!

Here are some of my favorites:

Pink Salt Riot’s layered look : Stone Sword Miraculous Medal Stack

A Miraculous Medal paired with a cross: LaciandGold necklace

Several from Telos Art: Telos Art Miraculous Medals

For the Mom who loves to Garden and absolutely loves flowers

If you have the resources, planting a Mary Garden for the Mom you love would be such a beautiful gift!

You can order a Mary Garden Statue Online and have it shipped! Both Amazon and Etsy have them available!

Get her a statue or shrine and give her some traditional Mary Garden flowers. Roses, marigolds, lily of the valley and bleeding hearts.

Learn more about how to plant a Mary garden here: Real Life At Home

Watch this young family create a Mary Garden in their backyard!

For the mom who has a child that just learned how to ride a two wheeler and asks to go for a bike ride every day

A bike. I would love a beach cruiser :)

For the young, trendy Mom

I love this Pink Salt Riot bracelet and of course, the Joy Box!

For the Mom who loves to wear a comfy sweatshirt

Brick House in the City has a sweatshirt I love! It’s on my wish list

The sweatshirt has a Saint Zelie’ quote, “Carry on Bravely”.

I love Saint Zelie and that quote!

And the sweatshirt I am wearing is very comfortable too. It’s a Prayer Wine Chocolate Sweatshirt!

For the Minimalist Mom

Socks

I was not going to include these, but when I asked my Prayer Wine Chocolate Facebook friends, someone said they ordered socks for her Grandmom because she “asked for no more trinkets”.

And then a memory came back to me. I always remember my own mother having holes in her socks! As I look back now I see why she had them – she was way to busy taking care of everyone else to take the time or the resources to get herself anything – even a pair of socks with no holes in them.

See what other Prayer Wine Chocolate lovers said they wanted for Mother’s Day on the Prayer Wine Chocolate Facebook page:

For the I love my “coffee and Jesus time” Mom

There are a few books I want to recommend.

The Daily Examen Journal: A 30-Day Spiritual Retreat

Well, we can’t really go on an outside of the home retreat right now, but chances are, we all could really use one!

This brand new book was written by the man that made the Be Yourself Journal happen, Jerry Windley-Doust.

The Daily Examen Journal: A 30-Day Spiritual Retreat is for anyone who wants a guided experience of the Ignatian Examen in a beautiful journal format. Features include an introduction to the practice of the Daily Examen; 30 guided journal entries; inspirational prayers from the saints for each day’s entry; and black-and-white hand-drawn art.

By the end of his life, St. Ignatius of Loyola could say of himself, “Whenever he wished, at whatever hour, he could find God.”

The Daily Examen Journal is a helpful aid to anyone who wants a more focused, guided experience of the Daily Examen…and, when it is finished, a written record of his or her spiritual journey.

Add this mug! I own it and LOVE it!

Other books I recommend:

For the Mom who loves to get old fashioned mail

There are some really fun Catholic Subscription boxes – and some, like the Joy Box from Pink Salt Riot, can be ordered once for a fun gift.

See this article for a variety of ideas: 7 Incredibly Fun Catholic Subscription Boxes

Like getting ideas for gifts? Subscribe to my newsletter!

Also, there are a ton of ideas over at CatholicsOnline.net!

The post Catholic Mother’s Day Gifts That Are Beautiful, Trendy and Actually Useful appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Dear Beautiful Woman Longing to Be a Mother

I feel compelled to write to you . . . because boy, I remember being there.

I recall thinking about how I “played house” as a child. I wanted more children than my playmates. They wanted a “boy and a girl” . . .I wanted at least five.

I remembered that one year Santa brought me a cradle and a doll and lots of clothes and the baby bottle. It was probably my favorite gift.

Motherhood was something I longed for my whole life.

And there I was . . . finally married and month after month,

devastated and disappointed.

I dedicated my adult life to helping young people. I worked as a summer camp counselor, a coach and I was a teacher.

I prayed that God would make me a mother and asked other people to pray for me too.

Why was He not answering that prayer?  Why was it even a struggle . . . I mean every month I’m reminded that I do “have the parts!!!”

I remember one Sister of Saint Joseph advised me to “shake my fists” at God and let Him know I’m angry!  So, if a nun told me to do it – I’m going to share that advice with you.

It must be okay to “shake your fists” at God if a nun said to do it, right???

Do you have the people who say “just stop trying and it will happen”?

Forgive them, they just have no idea.  Forgive them, but by all means, also walk away from them . . . because ain’t nothing good coming out of that conversation if you stay.

Do you have the people telling you to relax and signing you up for yoga classes with them and gifting you massages and wine to “help you relax”?

I had that . . .  I took the gifts and the classes and enjoyed the time with the friend (actually that was my mom) and didn’t bring up that I knew she had an alterior motive.

And p.s. I can’t relax, it’s not in my DNA.  So yes, we should do things like take time to go to Adoration, pray the Rosary and stop working once in a while – but not only because we want to be moms – but because it’s good for our overall health.  Do we tell sick people to relax though?  No, because it’s rediculous.  Someone needs to tell the person who said “just relax” that you don’t say that to someone with a medical condition – like diabetes or infertility!

To the person who is bold enough to say to you “just relax”.  Kindly say goodbye to them for awhile, because there is no way you can “relax” around someone who says that to you when your pouring your heart out and that is the response you get.

Do you have that pain in your chest that not only hurts but feels like this incredibly heavy burden?

I had that. When all the students left for the day, I closed the classroom door and cried at my desk.  You have got to let it out.  I let it out by crying.  I let it out by writing God a letter.  I told Him all the reasons why I wanted to be a mom.  Whenever I am dealing with something heavy that lingers, I write to God.  It really helps.  I even once wrote about my children I dreamed of having … I wrote about 3 children . . . I now have 3 children (twilight zone music?).

5 Benefits of Prayer Journaling

WHEN DO REAL WOMEN FIND TIME TO PRAYER JOURNAL?

Do you have the friends showing up that truly understand infertility and show you they understand?

Hug these people.  They are amazing.  Women that I lost touch with over the years or who were only just acquaintances flocked to me with love and compassion.  I remember one telling me she was so glad she got a dog when she was going through it.  I had friends from high school who I really had not talked to in years reach out to me with such kindness.  Some said they stopped going to baby showers and told me that was ok.  Personally, I never minded going to baby showers . . .I thought, they’ll all be at mine someday.  But – these women had empathy and with that empathy came some comfort.  Welcome them if you don’t already.  If you already do – spend time with them when you can.

Do you have a husband that is also bummed, sad or even depressed?

Hugs help.  Taking a weekend trip to do something that interests you both are good to do – even if you wish you were going to a pumpkin patch or Sesame Place with a child instead.  Spend time together and write seperate bucket lists.  Write a list of all the things you will do once you are blessed with your child or children.  That list will have the pumpkin patch, the family walks, the Christmas mornings, etc.  But write a “couples only” bucket list.  Not everything is kid friendly!  Write the movie dates, the wine tasting trips, hiking on the coast of Maine or rock climbing.  Things you’d love to do together, but totally not child appropriate!  And honestly, your husband and yourself have different interests too.  Write a list of what you really want to do, but he has no desire to do it.  Perhaps start crossing off some things on the two bucket lists that don’t involve children while you wait.

(want more ideas of what to do while you wait, check out my list here: Waiting Without Worrying )

Do you often find yourself looking up and asking God, “WHY????????”

I remember talking to God and saying –

ya know, I’m asking for a job not a million dollars!!!  I know it will be work! AND You know I will teach them to love you!  Help me out will ya???

I remember going to Mass and seeing all the families, then having to endure a homily that compared faith to parenting.

Really God??? Thanks

Then we started the adoption process and we would be matched, be happy and then the mom would choose parenting, so then we felt sad again.  Then we might see other people adopt . . . and then we wondered, why not us.

I remember thinking Lord, I will LOVE ANY CHILD YOU GIVE ME!

Do you sometimes hear the voice that says, “maybe your not meant to be a mom”?

Please don’t listen to that voice.  If infertility has exhausted you, and your heart feels like their is a piece missing.  Please consider adoption.  I realize that can be annoying when some people bring up adoption – but we now have children.  I am now a mom.  God gave me infertility so that I would be blessed with three amazing souls.  Before we adopted, I talked to a woman in our parish who adopted.  She told me, “I thank God for infertility everyday!”  She said that because the love she has for her adopted children really can not be put into words.

I didn’t “get it” when she said that the way I “get it” now.

My children needed me to be their mommy.  I’m so grateful my husband was open to it and he agrees, they are an incredible gift.  We truly believe we are the luckiest parents in the world.

Be open to the thought and ask God to “open all the right doors and close all the wrong ones”.  I actually heard Joel Olsteen say that once and made it a personal prayer.  It really helped me.

Infertility: Carrying the Cross with Hope

Do you want to stop reading these letters and just be a mommy?

I understand.  I remember. Please don’t stop praying and consider starting a Rosary group.  Before praying the Rosary, voice this intention.  You know the promises of the Rosary . .

Mary keeps her promises.

Praying for you and sending you a hug,

Amy
Five Reasons to Start a Rosary Group

The post Dear Beautiful Woman Longing to Be a Mother appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

“Don’t know what you’ve got, til it’s gone.”

“The grass is always greener on the other side.”

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. Thomas Fuller

Health in not valued until sickness comes.”  Thomas Fuller

Numerous sources say one in eight couples battle infertility.

I couldn’t tell you how many people I spoke to when we were in the beginning of the battle that shook their heads and said something like,

“so many people are having trouble getting pregnant”.

Some offered reasons why (women get married later was a common one);

some would say, “it’s not fair”;

others would just shake their heads and say that they just don’t get it.

I feel like I get it.

The Lord loves us.  All of us.  The Lord desires us to know Him, Love Him and serve Him. Those of us trying our best to see His will in our trials, see His love – not only for ourselves but for all of humanity.

God put me in this world at this time and in this place on purpose.

It doesn’t take long to see the mixed view of fertility and pregnancy in our culture. Everywhere I look, I see signs that speak of “birth-control”; I hear about pills, devices and shots that will allow a woman to “not worry that much about getting pregnant”.

I don’t have to look much further to hear about another woman who desires pregnancy and is “not having luck”.

Those of us that struggle with infertility – that carry the cross of infertility – know: fertility is a GIFT.  Pregnancy is a miracle.

And yet, according to prochoice.org, “If current rates continue, it is estimated that 35% of all women of reproductive age in America today will have had an abortion by the time they reach the age of 45.”

God wants us to know the truth.

Pregnancy is not an illness.  Fertility is a gift.  Conception is a miracle.

This truth has been an absolute truth for all of human history.  Somewhere along the way, we as a people, lost knowledge of that truth.

Infertility is a cross that is reminding many of us that fertility is a gift.  Fertility is a sign of health.

Since I was a little girl I dreamed of having children.  I would play house with my friends and we would all share our visions of our grown up families.  I remember they would say, “I have two kids”.  I would say, “I have five!”.

But I not only dreamed of loving a husband and children as a child, I also wanted to love the Lord.  If this cross helps others to see His truth, I will carry it.

At first, carrying the cross of infertility was so difficult and heavy.  In many ways, I was tempted to not carry it much further.  I think about 100 women might have volunteered to be a surrogate for Matt and I.  But in my heart, I heard God say, “that is not My will for you.”

I carried on further.  I found a silver-lining.  NFP and the Creighton-Model of Fertility. This scientific, extremely helpful means of getting to know my cycle revealed to me what my regular OB-Gyn did not – I have PCOS.  I underwent laparoscopic surgery where several other problems were resolved.  For the first time in my life, I began having a regular menstrual cycle.  This model of fertility charting could be one of our country’s best kept secrets.  This charting not only helps 80% of the couples who desire pregnancy to achieve one, but also determines the dangers of miscarriage and post-partum in ways that can prevent and treat the woman pro-actively.  If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend looking into it.

But for me, no pregnancy.

I think if we continued to pursue that avenue, pregnancy might have occurred – but a voice kept getting louder and louder.  I could not longer ignore it.

The voice repeated: Adoption.

Lucky for me, my husband embraced the idea.  Lucky for us, we were chosen to be the parents of the most amazing soul I have ever laid eyes upon.

Still, every month, I hoped.  And every month, I was disappointed.

Then the voice came back: Adopt again.

I still hear this voice.  And the doors that keep opening are incredible.  Doors I never knew existed!

But as I wait, the Lord is not silent.  He is not just opening doors so that Matt and I can have another child.  He is not just opening doors so that our son will have a sibling.  The Lord is opening doors so that I tell the world about what is behind them!

How is a young woman, facing an unplanned pregnancy, going to choose life if she doesn’t know about the resources, help and aid there is out there?  How is a woman or man, who gets a call from a dear friend saying, “I’m pregnant, and I don’t think I’m ready” going to respond with sound advice, if he or she only knows that abortion is an option – but doesn’t know where else their friend can turn for support?

If Our Lord wants me to spread the word about the help that Pro-Life centers offer, the aide that crisis pregnancy centers give and the doors that could offer a better life for each of these women – I will do it!  Had I not been carrying this cross of infertility, I may have never discovered them myself.

The Lord will bring our family another child – in His time.  While I wait, I will share the news – there is help!

Every woman that is considering an abortion right now has two voices playing over an over again in her head.

“The abortion will solve my problem.”

and

“Getting an abortion isn’t right.”

She then looks to others for help.  How much more loving it is to be able to offer other solutions to the “problem”.  

Will you help be one of these voices?

I pray that through my cross, people come to know better the worth of fertility and come to value it a lot more than we presently do as a nation and world.

Dear Beautiful Woman Considering an Abortion

Waiting Without Worrying

Are you considering adoption?  Join our group on Facebook for prayer, support, a safe place to ask questions and to know you are not alone! The Rose Garden (adoption support group)

The post Infertility: Carrying the Cross with Hope appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

There’s a phrase: “Go big or go home”!  When it comes to Mother’s Day, I think that is the perfect motto!

Before I was a mom, my one friend would say, “I only care about two days – my birthday and Mother’s Day.”  I didn’t really get it . . . until I became a mom.

So, if you are lucky enough to still have your mom in your life, or if you wife is the mother of your children, for Mother’s Day – GO BIG!

I write this from my own perspective and experience.  I killed my husband’s 30-year-old cactus.  No really, I did. I wish I could grow a beautiful garden.  I wish I enjoyed digging in dirt to get there.  I don’t. I want no parts of it . . .except the looking at it’s beauty.

If you know someone like me, or any mom, here are some ideas that will not give anyone anxiety about planting or gardening!

Step 1:  Get a BIG Basket!

These can be purchased at Michael’s or A.C.Moore!

Step 2:  Write a Letter

You are probably thinking I am going to say write your mom or wife a letter.  I’m not.  I’m going to strongly suggest you get out a pen and an nice piece of paper and write a letter to Our Lord.  Start just like any letter – Dear Lord, Dear Jesus, Dear God the Father, etc.  However you feel most comfortable.  Then write a letter to Our Creator thanking Him for the woman this gift is for.  Write all the reasons and memories that make your heart feel grateful for this woman.  Then, in your letter, ask God to bless this woman.  Ask Him to give her good health, ask Him to give her what she desires for herself, her children, her family and her friends.  Ask God to give her an amazing Mother’s Day and year.  Add whatever special prayer you have for her.  Then, fold up the letter and put it in the basket. The woman you prayed for will love reading that prayer!  And this cost nothing – added bonus!

Step 3:  Add Wine and Chocolate

Include a bottle of red and a bottle of white.  If your budget only allows for one bottle – red goes great with dark chocolate.  Personally, I recommend Sea Salt Truffles.  Here’s a link if you like to order from Amazon: Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles.  Although almost every mom loves wine, they almost all love some form of caffeine too!  Add in some Coffee and Tea to help with all the days they can’t sleep in!  Mystic Monk Coffee has a gift package made for Mom’s and a cute mug too.  Mugs are the perfect opportunity to add more chocolate!  Try to remember what your lovely lady was eating around Halloween – throw some of that candy in the basket to make her smile and feel nostalgic :).  If you want to add some unique chocolate, check out the delicious candy made by Trappistine nuns!

Step 4:  Provide Gift Cards and Time to Use Them!

We LOVE gift cards!  All women, not just moms!  Mothers want to have time to relax and feel beautiful.  Gift cards for a spa, nail salon, hair salon are total winners!  If you live in or near Philadelphia, I highly recommend a gift card to Salon Blush for a “bombshell makeover”.  My headshot on my “About Me” page was taken there – after they did my hair and make-up.  I felt like a celebrity.  How awesome is a gift that makes you feel like a celebrity!

Gift cards to restaurants are also AMAZING.  A night where a mom does not have to cook or clean up is such a gift!  If your budget is tight, make your own “gift card”.  Take a piece of paper and write, “I will make you dinner – and clean up”.  Or “One free breakfast in bed.”  If you are doing breakfast in bed – do it later in the morning – let her sleep in first.  She will LOVE the gift of sleep!

Step 5:  ADD GIFTS!

Adult coloring books are a big hit now.  DaySpring has a cute one: Whatever is Lovely Coloring Book. Don’t forget to add coloring pencils and put them in this adorable pencil case!  A journal would be a nice think to add in (check out my post 10 Best Journals for Busy Women {And Giveaway!} )    More ideas for gifts include:

• A new pair of pajamas – and a little note attached saying, “Take it easy and have a pj day!  I’ll take care of everything – you relax!”  These pajamas are super cute: wine pajamas!
• Something for Home  Christy makes custom wreaths – check out her Facebook page and consider purchasing from her: Adoorn by Christy
• Jewelry or any beauty/spa product – three companies I recommend are Bella Rose Handmade Jewelry by Michelle, Jewelry by Jen Hartigan and Energizing Lotion by Mary Kay
• Rosaries and Faith Jewelry by SaongJai Rosaries and Jewelry – buy today and use the code MOM30 for 30% off!
• Flowers – plant some for her (remember, she’ll kill them if she’s like me) or the kind you put in a vase.  I recommend you put them in the vase for her, because again, she may kill them. Just keepin’ it real.

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mom’s . . . and all those praying to become a Mom!

Love, Amy

The post Mother’s Day Gifts for Plant Killers appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.