Mom’s Money

What Do You Want For Mother’s Day?

What do you want for Mother’s Day?  Oh, that’s a tough one.  One day every year we have to stop and think about ourselves for a day.  That doesn’t come natural for many moms.  So, we try to shrug it off and we say, “nothing, really” but that’s not going to work with kids.  They feel compelled to do something for you.  You just have to name it.  That’s where this started – how do you ask for something for yourself?

That’s why I’m going to list just a couple of my favorite things so you can feel free to just copy any of these down on a piece of paper and just hand them out when you’re asked “What do you want for Mother’s Day, Mom?”

Wildflowers in a drinking glass.  Yes, just handpicked wildflowers on my kitchen windowsill.  That’s always a heart-tugger for me.  Dandelions are simply wonderful, as are little bouquets of Paintbrushes, Wild Daisies,  Black-Eyed Susans,  Bluebonnets, Queen Anne’s Lace, and even the simple Yellow Yarrow, can bring a tear to my eye when presented to me in a toddler’s chubby little dirt-covered fist.

A chocolate candy bar.  Again, yes, just one simple candy bar.  A whole big box of chocolates is overkill for me and my diet.  But, more importantly, just the sheer nature of a single candy bar is appealing because the quantity is limited which sets up a great moment.  That look on a child’s face is so precious as they watch the inevitable end to the candy bar come so quickly.  As you start to get closer and closer to devouring the candy bar, your child’s eyes get bigger and bigger, until before you eat the last bite, you make your magnanimous gesture, reach out and ask, “Would you like to finish this?”  Pure joy mixed with a touch of relief on your child’s face will brighten your day beyond words.

A picture of the family drawn by your child.  This is something that is perfect for year after year because you not only watch your child’s art ability grow, but you get a snapshot of the family from your child’s perspective every year.  Certain things really speak volumes, like the dog seems to have a major role, drawn front and center at first, then seems to take a less important spot as the years go by.  As the family grows and changes, the members and objects around them take on interesting roles.  Give your children pieces of drawing paper that you can frame and replace the picture each year, saving the older picture in a scrapbook.

Breakfast in bed.  This is so classic it’s a cliche, but a lovely cliche.  Of course, this one may seem like it’s more work for you than it’s worth, but the memories of your little one hauling in a tray of burnt toast, spilled milk, and soggy cereal may change your mind.  It’s not the food, it’s the rosy cheeks and the faces bursting with pride that will get you every time.  If you get a little wildflower on the tray, all the better!

Dinner in.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to fight the Mother’s Day brunch or dinner crowd.  I like to stay in my pajamas late into the day, receive my gifts, and not have to wash my hair or find clothes to wear.  That’s the kind of Mother’s Day I like; very relaxed.  Since I cook dinner 364 days of the year for the most part, one dinner I can beg off of is Mother’s Day.  Keep in mind you’ll probably be served macaroni and cheese, but it will be the best macaroni and cheese you’ll ever eat.

You’ll notice the price for these items falls within even a toddlers budget, so you should feel comfortable requesting any of these splendid Mother’s Day gifts.  So, Mom, when you’re asked the question you know you’ll be getting soon, go ahead and offer up a few of these suggestions.  I guarantee your day won’t go by without the traditional Mother’s Day tear or two.