What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about being a good mother?

Whitney Bricken, Age 3, Charcoal

Children grow up fast. One thing I hear consistently from moms is how quickly they see their kids' features changing. Before you know it, they're teenagers (yikes!)

There is only so much precious time.

There’s stuff that everyone says you “need” to do, but I’m talking about the kind of advice your grandmother gives.

Wisdom that stands the test of time.

So in honor of Mother’s Day, I’ve put together a list of the top 5 wise words of advice to help you be more present with your kids:

“Take care of yourself, embrace any help that is offered and lastly, my Grandmother’s advice to me: “Children are life renewing, slow down and enjoy every moment.”

— Sara Madasu, Memphis, TN

“Stop and enjoy as many moments as you can with them. ”

— Micki Martin, Memphis, TN

“Have fun and don’t be so hard on yourself.”

— Lauren Keras, Memphis, TN

“Try to find joy in every stage and embrace the constant change as best you can.”

— Kristen Hill, Memphis, TN

“When your child grows up, he or she won’t remember if the shelves were dusted. Your child will remember the experiences and feelings that accompany them. Make them good ones. ”

— Deede Sherman, Memphis, TN

Btw, these words and more are in my book, Lessons of Love, which would make the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

So let’s hear it. What’s the best motherhood advice you’ve been given?

Leave a comment below.

Anna Jane

Anna Jane Johnson, Age 4, Oil on canvas

I met precious little Anna Jane last December in Austin. Her mom, Ellyn, had saw my feature story in Memphis Magazine and contacted me about a commission.  

Even though I don't live there any more (proud Texan now) I frequently travel to do commissions. I met Ellyn and Anna Jane when they were coming through Austin on a family trip, and took the pictures at their hotel. 

Anna Jane is 4, and I just loved capturing her at this special time in her life. I remember thinking how delicate her features were, and her personality was friendly but also a little reserved. I think her expression really captures that. 

I usually take the pictures in the family's home, but because we were in a hotel I didn't want much of the background to show. I think it works really well for this portrait, because the focus is all on her. I kept the background loose and with a soft palette that compliments her perfectly.

Ellyn was really nice and easy to work with. I always ask the moms who commission me to share the best piece of advice they'd give to a mom-to-be. Ellyn said,

"Take care of yourself...to find a moment of pleasure in every day, whether it's reading a book, a manicure, a TV show, sipping a cup of hot tea or coffee, a devotion, meditation, exercising, etc. A few quiet minutes a day helps you to focus, be more present, and in turn, be a better mom." 

The Von Trapp Children

William, Age 6, Oil

Jennings, Age 4, Oil 

OK, well they're actually the Frazee children, but can't you just see them hopping around and singing in lederhosen?

Doe, a deer, a female deer...

Seriously, though, when I first met William and Jennings I obviously couldn't wait to paint them, because they're both so beautiful!

I've known their parents, Robert and Courtney, for a while. I actually used to work with Robert at a wealth management company back when I was a 9-to-5er. We've always kept in touch, and I was thrilled when they reached out to me about portraits of their kids. 

When I first sat down with them for a consultation at their house in Memphis, I asked why they wanted portraits now. 

Courtney said she wanted to capture her kids at this age in a really significant way. She wanted something substantial that would last a long time.

She also hasn't been super good about getting their photos taken at each stage. (Lucky for her, I work from photos I take so she got those thrown in with the portraits:)

Besides spending time with the kids I paint, I always ask their parents about their personalities. 

William is a really joyful child, happy child. He was very easy to photograph and he wanted to show me his drawings when we were finished. Jennings is shy and reserved. Her parents call her a "little bird." She's also a very middle child, they say. 

And Laurel, their youngest, is equally adorable. I'll be doing her portrait too in a few years.

I loved getting to know these kids and capturing their sweet personalities at a really special age in their lives.