10 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner as a Mom
and a mother's day gift every mom will love
10 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner as a Mom
Motherhood is equal parts magic and mayhem—filled with everyday moments that leave a lasting mark. So many of the things my mom and grandmothers used to tell me—things I nodded along to but didn’t fully understand—are now the very truths I’m learning for myself.
If I could go back and share a few words with my younger self (and maybe whisper a quiet “you were right” to the mothers who came before me), here’s what I’d say:
1. It’s okay to slow down.
The to-do list will always be there—but their childhood won’t. Soak in the little things. One day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.
2. You won’t remember how clean the house was—but you’ll remember the belly laughs in your messy kitchen.
Let go of perfection. The mess means memories are being made. That’s where the magic lives.
3. The days feel long, but the years move fast.
One day you’ll miss the chaos you thought you’d never survive. You won’t believe it now, but you’ll miss the sticky fingers and endless snack requests. Don’t rush it.
4. You don’t have to do it all.
Being present matters so much more than being perfect.
5. Take the picture—even if you’re in sweats with messy hair.
Your kids won’t care what you looked like. They’ll just be glad you were in the frame. These are the moments that matter—your kids want to remember you, not a version of you that was filtered or flawless.
6. Pray out loud for your kids. Let them hear you talk to God about them.
Those prayers echo in ways you can’t always see.
7. Give yourself grace.
You’ve never done this before—and neither has your child. You’re both learning as you go. Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. There’s so much grace for the growing.
8. Make memories on purpose.
Say yes to pancakes for dinner. Jump in the pool. Turn the music up and dance in the kitchen. These are the stories they’ll tell one day and the memories that will last a lifetime.
9. You are the exact mom your child needs.
Not because you’re perfect, but because you were chosen—by God—for this role. He doesn’t make mistakes.
10. Capture the ordinary.
Not just the birthdays and big events. Snap the breakfast bedhead, the after-school smiles, the quiet moments on the couch. One day, you’ll want to remember how they looked at you when they were little. Snap the picture. Frame the moment. (And yes—Aura makes that easy.)
These are the reminders passed on to me from my own mom that I now keep close to my heart—especially on the hard days, the quiet days, and the days that feel like a blur.
Happy Mother’s Day, mamas. 🤍 You’re doing amazing.
P.S. if you’re like me, so many precious motherhood memories tend to live on your phone—or in your mind—until you find a way to hold them a little closer. That’s why this year, I’m giving Aura Frames to the moms in my life (including myself!).
With Aura, you can upload photos straight from your phone, share images with family from afar, and relive the little moments every time you walk by. Whether it’s your baby’s first steps, a silly sibling snapshot, or a perfectly imperfect Mother’s Day breakfast in bed—those are the memories worth keeping visible.
Because the best gift we can give (and receive) is the reminder that the love we’ve poured out all these years is still right there—framed in joy, laughter, and connection.
This Mother’s Day, I’m celebrating the tiny, magical, fleeting moments that make up a lifetime of memories. And I’m finding new ways to hold onto them—like gifting an Aura frame that keeps those sweet snapshots close, no matter the distance.
Mother’s Day Memories & The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Aura Frames
Mother’s Day has a way of bringing back the sweetest memories—sticky toddler kisses, crayon-colored cards, and those blurry-but-perfect snapshots of life in the middle of it all. Whether you’re celebrating your first Mother’s Day or your fortieth, it’s a day that reminds us of the beautiful, chaotic, love-filled journey of motherhood.
This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to celebrate the moms in my life—the ones who’ve cheered me on, prayed for me, and loved me in every season. And while flowers fade and brunch ends too soon, photos… photos stay with us. That’s why I’m gifting Aura frames this year—to myself and to all the special moms I love.
Why Aura?
Because it’s more than just a frame—it’s a window into the moments that matter. From silly selfies to milestone memories, Aura makes it easy to stay connected, no matter the distance.
Use coupon code BEYONDFITMOM for $40 off my favorite Carver Mat frame. . .
It's a better offer than they have on their website right now!
Setting it up is easy:
Step 1: Download the Aura app
Start personalizing your gift right away! For long-distance gifting, you can preload the frame through the app before it even arrives. For in-person gifting, simply scan the QR code on the back of the box to begin setup.
Step 2: Use the app to personalize
Upload photos, videos, and even a special greeting for your recipient. Aura frames have unlimited storage, so you don’t have to narrow it down to just a few favorites—go ahead and add all those precious moments.
Step 3: Make it personal
Create a heartfelt video message or photo greeting right in the app. When Mom opens her frame and connects to WiFi, she’ll see your message and all the memories you’ve chosen to share. It’s like giving a hug that lasts.
Step 4: Keep the connection going
The best part? You can continue adding photos to her frame anytime—so can other loved ones! Whether it’s a new baby picture, a family vacation, or a random Tuesday moment, it all adds up to feeling a little closer.
A gift for every kind of mom
Whether you’re celebrating your mom, your mother-in-law, your sister, a best friend, or even yourself—Aura frames are the perfect way to say “thank you,” “I love you,” and “I’m thinking of you,” all in one.
This Mother’s Day, I’m not just giving a gift—I’m giving connection, love, and a daily reminder of what matters most.
Give the gift of connection. Give Aura.
This post was created in partnership with Aura Frames, a brand I genuinely love.
I only share products I truly love and think you will too!
So much of this resonates with me right now! The days are long but the years do move fast. I certainly could use some slowing down.