Every Mother's Day we are encouraged to buy gifts for our mothers, from cards to flowers to candy. And though those things are nice, three local mothers we spoke to were perfectly happy with the little things in life that money can't buy.

Here are their answers to our question: "What is the best gift you've ever received from your children?"

Traci Kirkpatrick

Traci is a fulltime working mother, who owns Traci's Diner in Belfast. She is the mother of three children, Sam, 6; Willoe 10; and Tyler, 11.

"We do a lot of things as a family together, but my kids don't get a lot of one-on-one time with me alone. Because of that, they all came up with the idea to spend one day alone with me. My daughter, Willoe, and I just got back from an overnight trip in Portland and that was our thing this year to do. Sometimes I'll take one day off from school to go Christmas shopping together with one of the kids. They all look forward to it; it's important to them. And I hope it's not because of skipping school!"

Angela Austin

Angela is also a fulltime working mother, who owns Angela Austin's Beauty Lounge in Searsport. She is the mother of a three-year-old daughter, Brielle.

"The first thing that comes to mind is her words. She'll say these little things like 'I love you momma' or 'Be careful momma.' Then, next it would be her artwork. She makes something for art every day for me, like this paper plate she put together with triangles and circles and put a little ribbon on it so I could hang it up."

Mary Carver-Stiehler

Mary is an author and on-call volunteer firefighter with the Camden Fire department. She has seven children, whom she home-schooled when they all lived in Cambodia. Now, she only home-schools her eldest son, Joseph, 16. Her 13-year-old, Ian, and nine-year-old, Daniel, go to public school while her eldest children, Pat, 18; MaryKate, 21; Brendan, 24; and Megan, 27, live out of the state.

"My kids are always asking me if I need help or the support. They ask: 'Are you okay, Mom? Do you need help?' So I'd say that is the best gift I've ever gotten from them."

Pen Bay Pilot has come up with a perfect gift for your mother, as well.  In the spirit of Mother’s Day, we’re launching a Mother’s Day Photo Contest. All you have to do is submit a picture of your mother along with a caption or description if you choose. It could be a quiet moment, a silly moment, a thoughtful portrait or a light-hearted candid. It can be anything that shows your mother in a unique light or shows the world exactly how you see her. Others can be in the photo, as well.

The winning photo will be chosen by the public so, submit your best! The winner will receive a gift from each of our advertising partners, Hoboken Gardens, Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery, Bennett’s Gems & Jewelry and Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center.

For more details on how to enter visit: Mother's Day Contest

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com