3 steps to the Perfect Mothers Day

Mother's Day is coming up and I am very excited....as I always am. I have in my head the perfect day.  And as I can expect, it will be slightly different from what I envision.  However, there are a few things that I have learned when it comes to these special occasions - prepare, guide, and appreciate.

• Prepare (or hint to the preparer) of things you would like. 
• Guide your little ones with how to show appreciation. 
• Appreciate by showing my thankfulness both in receipt of what I was provided and with the demonstration of appreciation of the mothers and grandmothers in my life.

Step 1. Prepare
For my husband, I remind him that my comments of not needing flowers when I was first dating has long since gone. And now I that we have been married for over 10 years, I appreciate any and all flowers...preferably those that are NOT from the sidewalk.  (The sidewalk flowers are only appreciated when from the kids.)

For the kids, I offer them a few options. This year, I am thinking of considering the following options:

Coloring pages from Activity Village are an excellent way for younger children to
see first hand the nice things they can do to show appreciation when they
are older and given more responsibility. My favorite is this breakfast in bed picture.

This beautiful circular painted flower card from Enchanted Learning
is a great way to upcycle some scrap paper but also allow the kids
to show their painting, cutting and connecting skills
for their Grandma and Grammie.

My favorite thing as a kid was making coupon books for my family.
We always made these from scratch, but  All kids Network has
a really nice option where the kids can print them and
 just hand them out as they see fit for their gift.

Step 2. Guide

 I usually have a terrific husband that has them make me a card while they let me sleep in...which is the best gift I could ever ask for. For the kids, I usually guide them through making cards for their grandmothers. I guide them to make a card with all the components that I would like to see. A pretty picture, a simple message and signed Love, and their name.   Sometimes, we go to the store to buy them flowers, but maybe this year we will try something new:

Jo-Ann is offering to help kids make Mother's Day gifts for their mothers
by hosting a free Make It-Take It event in every store across the country
on Saturday, May 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. 

Step 3. Appreciate

No matter what they give me, I am happy they remember. And I am happy and feel blessed to have kids that show love and appreciation.