I always struggle with what to buy for my incredible mother and spectacular mother-in-law, for Mother's day.  They are so much more than just our moms.  They are our trusted counselors, our biggest fans and our best friends.

Luckily my children are at an age that:

A.)  They are stinking cute and photograph exceptionally well.

B.)  They would spend all day crafting, if allowed.

I wanted to create something that would make our mothers' hearts smile each time they looked at it.  I think I did just that.  For a grand total of less then ten dollars, I present to you... our gifts to the special women in our lives.

One miniature easel valued at $3.99, one frame from the dollar section of local craft store, and three (for three children) professional art canvas worth $0.80 each.  Choose your medium - paint, markers, etc...

Find an afternoon free of activities and take children to local library to look through art books for inspiration.  Discuss what's "pretty" in their eyes while flipping through a short history of art.  Remind children of the time you spent a summer at the world renowned Art Institute of Chicago after winning an essay competition.

"You were an artist, Mama?"

"I was, still am, a lot of things besides a Mama."

Frame one picture that makes you giggle because it captures the true essence of your children.  Place in minature easel.  "Dat is me, Mama!  I no like people wooking at me at Disney World."

Insert the artwork when completed and dry (note: a toddler's painting takes about 3 days to dry) in easel.

Viola!  A miniature easel holding three beautiful pieces of real art, with a framed photo on top.  The special woman in your life can rotate it as much as she desires to match her mood.  One day she might feel like looking at rainbows and the next day a complex drawing of circles that are actually "roller coasters."

Because nothing comes close to capturing motherhood like rainbows and roller coasters.  No?