Mother's Day

Typically our family does not celebrate Mother's Day.
In fact, most years I even forget it.  Really, you can ask my mom.  She hasn't received a card in years.  I always call though -- when I remember.
And that's the way I prefer it.
No candy.  No perfume.  No special spa day.  No breakfast in bed.  No flowers. 
Give me a handmade card and a hug (or just a hug), and that's perfect.
Mother's Day has just become so commercialized, too fake.
If you're not celebrating the joy of motherhood or the wonderfulness of your mother throughout the year, then one day certainly isn't going to make up for it.

This year, I did remember.
Only because Ezren's school had a special day for all the mothers to come hang out.
And it was surprisingly fun.

When I arrived, Ezren went to his cubby and gave me a corsage made from coffee filters.
It was scented too.
All the mothers were told to find the portrait on the wall that their child drew of them.

Mine was pretty easy to spot since it was the only one with giant orange springs coming off her head!
I also love that he likes that I play UNO with him.
I love that game!

Then we were split into three different centers. 
The first center we went to was the jewelry box making center.
What a beautiful box Ezren created for me! (and the corsage)

Next we went to the pampering center.
Here my hands were lathered in gold sparkly lotion and my nails were painted the most pastel of pinks.
I asked Ez if he wanted his nails done (some of the other kids were getting them done by their moms, boys included), and he said, "Umm, no Mom, I'm good."  Ha!

Our final center was creating a necklace to put in the jewelry box.
We did this together.
Mostly, I held the strand and he put on the beads.
It's so awesome, I wore it all day Friday.

So, Sunday, actual Mother's Day, I woke up and Olivia and Isaac had presents for me.
One wrapped in a pillowcase (Olivia's), and the other wrapped in a blanket (Isaac's).
Olivia gave me a journal she made by herself.
It says, "A little secret can never be harmed . . . if you're a mom."
I guess moms have secrets too.

Isaac gave me something that only Isaac would give.
Legos. 
A beautiful car done in yellow because it's the closest to orange he has.
And a MOM! sign.

I will treasure these gifts and photos always.
Handmade, from the heart.
That's Mother's Day.

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After writing this, I read this article about the founder of Mother's Day.

Scroll through the timeline; it's pretty interesting.