Sit down to watch anything on television for the next week and every. single. commercial. will tell you what moms want for Mothers Day. If you sit there long enough they might even convince you that she absolutely must have a new lawn mower.
Every woman is different. Every mom is different. Each family demonstrates appreciation in a unique way. So, your mom actually might want The Magic Bullet
1.) The Break. From what? You might ask. My answer – everything. It’s just one day. Get up with the kids and look out for them all day. Let me sleep in or take a really long shower. Plan/cook the meals all day and clean up after them. Don’t ditch me and leave me alone – cuddle with me and hang out with me, just don’t make me work. Don’t worry – Fathers Day will be here before you know it.
2.) Appreciation. Do something thoughtful to show your appreciation. I know you might be thinking that you’re showing it by giving me the luxurious break detailed above – and you are – but I just want one more thing. I want you to show me your appreciation. Help the kids make something nice for me – a picture or card, and write down what they say. Have older kids write a letter to me. Hubby – you write one too. I save them. They’re all tucked in a drawer in my room. While you’re at it – write one to your own mom (and mail it so she’ll get it by Saturday not Monday).
Here’s the cool thing: the things your mom/wife really truly wants for Mothers Day DON’T COST ANY MONEY. She isn’t looking for you to spend a bunch of money on the nicest things she is hoping for something true and genuine from your heart (I know, writing doesn’t get much cheesier than this – how else would you say it?). You know how your mom always told you that the only gift she wanted from you was a homemade card? Here’s the funny thing – she actually meant it! Like many other things in life, being thoughtful for Mothers Day doesn’t take much (if any) money but it does take extra effort – which makes all the difference.
When I wake up on Sunday morning I want to be in a good mood and I want to have a good day. The only thing that could rob that from me would be unrealized expectations. Expecting my family to meet needs or desires that I have not expressed to them is setting them up for failure and me for disappointment. While I do like to be surprised (Feel free! Do something AWESOME!) I also recognize the need for good communication in healthy relationships. So I’m not going to keep my wishes for Mothers Day a big, fat secret, holding out hopes for the juiciest surprise. I want to set the day up for success – so here it is, the trick to making me feel like the queen of your world – do the stuff above ( 1.) and 2.) ).
What are your plans for Mothers Day? Are you a mom? Have you told your family what would absolutely bless your apron off?
Why I do what I do ~ I was singing to Chloe in bed a few nights ago. We sang several songs together, as usual, then she stopped me. She said, “Now I will sing and you will play your violin.” We don’t have a violin or even talk about that instrument often at all in our home. I looked at her quizzically, straining to hold back my fantastic amusement. She responded, very seriously, by demonstrating … “hm hm hm hm” … I was supposed to hum while she sang.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Does this mean I have to do more than get a card and flowers? Now I have to cook, clean, give her a break, write letters and other stuff, too?
Sheesh, I better get the Royal Treatment on Father’s Day!
Just kidding, of course.
except that last part.
I BETTER get the Royal Treatment.
@ Blogger Dad – Well, let me put it this way: if you do all that stuff for Mothers Day it will GREATLY increase your odds of getting similar treatment on Fathers Day
Oh, this sounds wonderful. Maybe I should just email this to my husband.
Amanda’s last blog post..Being a Mom is So Worth It: Sharing the Love
When I secretly expect something, and I don’t get it, I have a terrible tendency to then fall into a funk. So unfair. I really am trying to work on communicating what it is that I want. Thanks for this great reminder!
Here’s hoping we both have a great Mother’s Day!!
Courtney’s last blog post..Personal responsibility and free will are out, au pairs are in
@Amanda – Definitely email it to him. What’s the worst thing that could happen? You might end up having an awesome day!
@Courtney – Me too! That’s why I wrote this. It’s like a reminder to myself
I read #1 & 2 to my Hub. We have also agreed that we will be going as a family to the zoo or museum. I am very excited to have a low key day with my boys.
Liz’s last blog post..A list anyone?
@ Liz – Great idea to have a family outing!
Been lurking for a while, but this post reminded me of this FTD commercial I’ve been seeing. The flower delivery guy is going up to seemingly random women and thrusting flowers into their ever-so-grateful hands.
Then they get to one mom who has a phone to her ear, a huge bag dangling off her arm, and a baby on her hip. She’s obviously in a hurry to get somewhere, but the FTD man stops her and shoves a bouquet into her already full hands. She looks grateful because she’s paid to, but all I can think is how she needs a hand, not a stupid bunch of flowers she can’t even carry.
Nice blog.
@Sherri – LOL! True insight!
Wish I had read this before Mother’s Day!!!
PlanningQueen’s last blog post..10 Tips For Coping With A New Baby