I’ve had my hands full. I’ve had one deadline (check), and have been planning Emma’s birthday party for next weekend. We’re not usually a party-theme family, but she decided she really wanted a pirate party this year. And so it shall be, mateys!
There is much to do. Money is flowing out of my wallet like water, and I will tell you that so far I’ve gone positively loony with the lootbags even though I swore up and down that I would break the trend of overdone lootbag giving. I am, however, making my own cake this year. (Really! Why don’t you believe me?) And we’re making the kids walk the plank over snake-infested waters so they can earn their eyepatches. (More on all of that later.)
And then there’s Mother’s Day. I have to admit that I’ve been looking forward to Mother’s Day for the past six weeks or so. Seriously.
Here’s what I’m hoping will transpire:
1)Â I will get breakfast in bed. I truly love breakfast in bed. It is so utterly decadent and special. My menu never changes: smoked salmon and cream cheese on a fresh bagel, with capers and thinly sliced red onion on the side. And a hot coffee. Balancing all of that along with a newspaper is tricky but it can be done.Â
But what I like best of all is the silly, happy little faces that follow daddy as he brings the breakfast tray. They come bearing …
2) Gifts and cards. I get lots of small bouquets of dandelions and forget-me-nots during the year. And the same goes for artwork. The girls crank it out faster than Pollock on a boozer, but Mother’s Day Art is in a category by itself. I love it. I’m not one for trips to the spa. Or cut flowers … as pretty as they are they also make me feel guilty and a little anxious. Isn’t that silly, but the truth is I’d much rather be given something I can plant in the garden. As for gifts I am secretly hoping for a good pair of swim goggles and a leather-bound diary like the one I am currently using because I’m quickly running out of pages. But they always fare well, and I am always pleasantly surprised.
A sidenote for dads: Actions speak louder than words (even though we do like to get our “I Love Yous”) so consider doing something for dear old mom. Like cleaning out the garage, weeding the garden, or helping finish/hang the frame she started for her found-art project. ;)
3)Â A trip to ArtsPark, followed by a stroll among the tulips at Dow’s Lake. We went to Dow’s Lake earlier this week and my camera battery died. I couldn’t believe it. I must have new photos of tulips every year!
Warning: Mother’s Day is always hectic at Dow’s Lake. All of Ottawa descends upon it at the same time. Wear your steel-toe boots lest you get run over by a stroller… because I guarantee you will!
4)Â Dinner at Mark’s parents. The pool is open. I am ready for some serious lounging. Here’s where it gets tricky because there are TWO moms that need to be taken care of and technically Mark’s dad doesn’t need to lift a finger. So it’s up to Mark to fetch us frozen rum punches and rustle us up a nice dinner. But now that the girls are old enough they can be put to use too. Perhaps they can slice the leeks for the lovely mussel dish I’ve requested?
I love to hear what other moms would like for their special day. Please share! What makes Mother’s Day a great day for you?
