Mother’s Day in May – My Double Whammy
Posted by Jon DeHart in May 7th 2009
This month I am again facing my annual dilemma: Mother’s Day and my wife’s birthday in the same month. This year it is made more interesting due to the fact that this year will be a big birthday for my wife (you know, one of those that ends in a zero). So what’s a guy to do?
Gus is fourteen, so we’ve been through all the usual Mother’s Day gifts: Pasted Macaroni pieces of artwork, homemade cards using glue, construction paper and a 64 box of Crayolas with the sharpener on the side, and even hand made pottery from art class or oven fired Sculpey offerings. At this point, a day totally free of teenage angst - you know - peace and quiet, is the only thing I can think of. Of course, the only sure-fire way to accomplish this is to send them each to a neutral corner, which doesn’t make much sense on Mother’s Day.
Thus I am at a loss. Flowers AGAIN!?! Candy? (particularly dangerous given my wife’s current “we’ve gotta start eating healthier” mantra). Forget clothing or gift cards until we’re done “eating healthier” and we know what size to buy (plus, what she and I think looks good on her are frequently polar opposites). Jewelry? (she’s not big on bling). Day Spa, Massage, pampering? (someone giving her a rubdown makes her more tense than the eventual relaxation is worth). Something for the kitchen or the house? (I think I’d get shot). Write her a mushy poem or letter? (If I do this too many more times, she’ll start comparing it to what I wrote previously. I can hear it now, “You used to think I was the most beautiful woman you ever met, now what am I….chopped liver?!?). Yikes.
That’s just the Mother’s Day part. See my dilemma? Then I have to follow it up with the big birthday thing a couple weeks later. I had planned to take her on a nice long vacation this summer to the Grand Canyon & Vegas which she wanted to do until she had misgivings about spending all the money, being out of work, yadda, yadda, yadda, so that idea’s down the drain.
So I ask you - what was you’re favorite Mother’s Day gift or Birthday gift? What suggestions can you give me now that you know my situation? We’d like to do something new or different that really says “We love you, we appreciate everything you do, you’re a great mom and a terrific wife, Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Birthday!”
Gus and I sure would appreciate your advice on this.
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Some spa time and then a nice relaxing dinner out with the family would be a wonderful Mother’s Day gift.
Well, i’m just becoming a new mom, but i think a wonderful day out with the family and then a relaxing night at home with your husband is the “perfect” way to spend mother’s day. Most women are happy with something somewhat simple…take her out with your son during the day to a theatre or some kind of show, or maybe hit up a zoo or amusement park. Then have her sit back and relax when you get home and you and your son make her dinner. Just treat her like a queen for the day. Another idea that seems kinda corny, and i don’t know if you’ve tried it, is to make your own “coupons” for ex. a free backrub from one of you, or a foot rub, a free day to herself where she can just get away for the day. Among other things, be creative. It seems a little corny, but you’d be surprised.
hope i helped, at least a little.
Definitely the massage, but from you not a spa!
Since she is all about eating healthy - how about an array of organic/healthy treats, maybe a book about eating healthy (nothing on weight loss, tehy may not go over well!). There is actually really good organic wine, that is “supposed” to be better for you. I would totally do a themed gift based on her interests/goals. You could add some aroma therapy candles and some bath beads for a nice touch.
Jon,
Ask Mom to describe her favorite day and then make it happen. My husband and I and some friends (kids included) are taking our boat to my MOST favorite spot by Upper Captiva, having a picnic, enjoying adult time and kid time as a group. It would be fun to do this as just the three of us, but we wanted to include some friends who do not have a boat anymore. Just make both of Mom’s days special. Don’t be afraid to ask her what she would like to do, and don’t take “I don’t care” for an answer. Wishing you happy days with your son and wife!
Wow!
Lots of great suggestions.
They’ll sure help Gus & I make this Mother’s Day more special for my wife. And with any ideas left over - we’ve got good direction for her birthday too!
Thanks for bailing me out!
Hope you all have a very happy Mother’s Day.
Jon
My suggestion? A family photo. Or a photo shoot starring her. I don’t know many moms who don’t love photos…and most dads don’t particularly like photo shoots. So she’d probably be soooo happy if you hired a professional photographer (or even enlisted the skills of a talented friend) to take some shots in a great locale.
And there’s always maid service.
Or a personal trainer.