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Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Sunday’s paper was filled with all sorts of advertisements spotlighting the best Mother’s Day Gifts. For the photography buff, a camera! Music Lover? An iPod! Purses! Perfumes! Digital Photo Frames! Jewelry!
As lovely as all of these gifts are, and they truly are wonderful things, I don’t think that these are what many mothers of young children truly want. The gift that we do want? Hint: It’s completely free!
What we want is a day off, a true day off. Not a day off that has to be prepared for days in advance, complete with schedules and instructions, lists and pre-made casseroles so everyone survives. Not a day that will mean more work later, putting everything back where it belongs and catching up on the dishes and laundry.
A day where someone else is the decision maker, schedule maker, naptime enforcer, bad guy, and the nag.
A day where someone else remembers to buy the wedding gift for an unknown co-worker, the birthday gifts for a two-year-old boy, a four-year-old girl, and five-year-old boy/girl twins, to mail the check, to call about the insurance, to make the kid’s doctors appointments.
This day off should be given without a hint of irritation. It should be given selflessly and without expectation for repayment or thanks.
That’s all I want. Just one day off.
What do YOU want for Mother’s Day?
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Head on over to Blissfully Domestic today for our baby shower! You can win stuff!
I want to hang with you on your day off!
I want the EXACT same thing, but honestly at the end of that day, nothing beats coming back to my 3 beautiful kids and amazing hubby!!
Jen’s last blog post..Oy the Issues
Can I come too?? Also — can someone explain this to my husband? The whole part about a ‘day off’ not meaning that when I ‘return to work’ I have to play ‘catch up?’ That would be awesome!
Mary’s last blog post..Makeup Schmakeup
Sing it sista!
I would like my family to follow my 10 Commandments for Just. One. Day.
Especially the no whining for food. That totally does my head in.
Kelley’s last blog post..Take me drinking with you. I mean, to BlogHer.
I want what you want.
Failing that, I will take a sleep in, followed up by breakfast in bed.
With maybe a good hour alone in a bubble bath or something later on.
Veronica’s last blog post..Little Ray of Sunshine.
for my husband when he is SWEET ENOUGH to feed our daughter and she, as usual, refuses proffered food to CLEAN THAT SHIT UP and not leave it for me.
yeah
I said it.
MizFit’s last blog post..Monday Facetime.
I agree with you. When my 2 were littler, that is all I wanted. One of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts was when my hubby took over the kids (then 4, and 1) and I got to clean and reorganize my bedroom closets! Some people thought that was awful, but I was so grateful for the chunk of time to be able to get something done!
Deb’s last blog post..Which came first, the song or the drink?
I want this too.
A day off without having to “fix” everything when I get back.
Exactly.
Cathy’s last blog post..For GiGi’s Birthday
THAT sounds heavenly. Seriously. Give me a break from wiping bottoms and noses and let me just go have a day wandering aimlessly in Target.
Thank you for the linky love!
I’ll have that too thankyou!
Marylin’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #19
Some sleep! Preferably in blocks longer than 15 minutes.
Alicia P’s last blog post..FO: Moc-A-Socs
Sleep without being woken up because my husband has to use the bathroom and doesn’t know what to do with Mateo.
Janine’s last blog post..The power of the crack.
Where can we post this post so that every husband in the world sees it?
I need to forward it to the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal.
No… I need to forward it to Maxim Magazine.
Got any bikini shots we could add to this post, Jennifer?
Velveteen Mind - Megan’s last blog post..Summer Shoe Choices: I’m a Punk Rock Florida Retiree
I would totally take that day off BUT I’d be totally neurotic worrying about what was going on at home and with my children!
Alison’s last blog post..Short, but Oh So Deliciously Sweet
Mmm, a day off sounds good, but since one is never enough anyway, I’ll settle for an evening if it includes some wine and some really good cheese.
Nell’s last blog post..Reasons why Freya can’t clean up her playroom.
Madness is with YOU Jennifer… Happy Mothers Day… Bring Madness breakfast in bed and then GO AWAY. Yes I love my babies.. Yes I couldnt live without them.. except ONE DAY A YEAR. Just ONE DAY! Ahhh…
Madness’s last blog post..A day at the park..a story in pictures for your viewing pleasure…
One damn, day.
Unlikely as hell to happen, which makes me immensely depressed.
**heavy sigh**
A day off . . . that’s what I want too. That and some cash for good measure.
mep’s last blog post..My son wears man-pris, so what?
AMEN!!!
You should enter this in the 5 Min for Mom contest!
Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You’s last blog post..Another Birthday bites the dust
you are so right! I hope to have a day off….if I can work my A$$ of on Saturday to get ready. Then work it again on Monday to pick up the pieces from the day before.
ellinghouse’s last blog post..Beana Baby Sling - review
“this is exactly why I just wish my husband would learn HOW to do things MY way, which is the right way”
Thank you.
tulipmom’s last blog post..I Should Be Sleeping
I think I would like to go out on an actual date again. We don’t do that. We don’t live near family, and babysitters are so expensive. My husband helps out a lot with Little Elvis, so I don’t necessarily need a day off, just an evening to dress up and feel special.
I’d LOVE a real day off. And not one where I come back to hell tunred over in my house.
Marti’s last blog post..Oh jeez I think I am rubbing off on him…
That is my plan totally. To send DH and the kid to the ILs for the day. MIL would consider it a gift to have her son and grandson spend the day with her (she is one of those mom’s that if she could she would have all her kids (and grand kids) living in her house right now if we would just agree to it (she has even spoke of building onto her house so we could have room to live there!!!
Anyway, that is my plan. DH always goes to Mc Ds for breakfast because he doesn’t want to cook or clean…and doesn’t want ME to do it and we aren’t fighting the crowds to go out…so he brings me Mc Ds (or Burger King) as my breakfast in bed (fine with me!! LOL)…then I will send them on their way and have a nice, quiet day to myself.
Sandy’s last blog post..Show Her You Care (Mother’s Day)
Amen!!!!
Danielle’s last blog post..Grant’s Art Debut
You said it. No scheduling, no planning forty -seven weeks in advance. Nothing. Just one darned day of nothing.
Teri’s last blog post..New Knits for Monday
A - freaking - men !!
I just had five days off when I was in rehab but it took me a week to get ready for, making sure that everyone (MIL, BIL & DH) all knew what to do and when and then three days to clean up from and get everything back where it belonged. Plus the kids…oh the kids. They had been running amuck for five days so I am trying to get them back to semi-behaving themselves.
That said, it was a wonderful five days and I am rejuvenated! For Mother’s Day I have asked for a grilled Ribeye from the meat market (no grocery store meat for me) and a Top Shelf Margarita or four.
Connie’s last blog post..Vacation or Rehab?
Well said. Printing this off and slipping it ever so secretly into the husband’s bag.
andi’s last blog post..Warm fuzzies and a hint of assvice
I hear you honey! One complete day off would be a dream come true. I’d have to include being able to go to the bathroom by myself with no interruptions and to be able to take a shower without someone needing to ask me a burning question that just can’t wait as soon as I lather up my hair!!
By the way, I found your blog through DadGoneMad. I’ve posted a complete list of everyone who left their blog link in a post called Blog Rolling With My Homies over on my blog, so if you want to see it come on over and sit a spell. I don’t bite..…that hard anyway!
DeeDee’s last blog post..It’s On Like Donkey Kong!
That’s exactly what I told my husband I wanted when he was asking my son what they should get me. I said, “How about the two of you go do something for the day and just leave me home by myself for the whole day?” I have a feeling that’s not what I’m going to get. Bummer.
Mommy Daisy’s last blog post..Still here
Every year I ask for the same gift, peace and quiet, children who behave and the ability to go to the bathroom without somebody bothering me. And for 22 years I have been waiting and hoping, maybe this will be the year. I have been disappointwed every year. This year I will be spending my day with my in-laws, so another screwy mother’s day!
justmylife’s last blog post..Thank the Lord it’s Monday!
I want a day alone in my house. *sigh*
It’s not going to happen.
Domestic Spaz’s last blog post..Selfish Desires
I can’t even tell my husband what I want I’m so clueless!!
I’m getting to go out on Friday to a Tastefully SImple party. I have a TOTALLY free night on Saturday where I don’t even ahve to wonder what terror is happening at home. I’ll be going out w/ a friend.
I am giving hubby a $150 limit…but I can’t tell him anything I want…except a new lens for my purty camera…but that’s more than 150!
A new computer would be nice…again…much, much more than the $150.
Hm. Maybe just the gift of sleeping in without worrying who’s diaper is leaking or having to instruct hubby on where the clothes are. THAT would be nice.
Sadie’s last blog post..Myself Belt WINNER!!
a TRUE day off would be HEAVEN.
(although i wouldn’t say no to a new camera….)
Day off! Please! Instead my husband forgot that it was Mothers’ Day and is out of town for the entire freaking day. Thanks dear.
Julia’s last blog post..Baby in Motion
I’m pretty lucky…I’m getting a whole week off soon while my husband is out of town working–he’s taking munchkin with him so his parents can see her–so days off are coming. What I would like is for my freaking old house to sell already!! Okay, and also a few days with mah peeps in Chicago–spas, shopping, etc. And a maid service.
Molly’s Mom’s last blog post..Husband for sale
A day off sounds fab!!! What I asked for was for dh to send me out to dinner with my 3 best gf’s, for him to pay for it all, take care of the kids while I’m gone and not complain. I’m going Wed.
Devan’s last blog post..I am! I’m not! I could be!
Everytime I see that picture in your sidebar, I say WOW! You are totally more smashing than Katie Holmes! anyway…
Last year, mother’s day…I was tired, depressed, worn out. My one year old ran me ragged, and I had a 2 month old to care for too, and I babysat during the day and it was just exhausting…I longed for my husband to even consider doing something like that for me. I ended up the biggest crab that day because it never occured to him or my teenage daughter that I would LOVE a little break - for mother’s day. Instead, the day went as usual, I did everything at home and cooked my own mother’s day meal. I really LOVE this post, because it is so simple and so true. I have learned a lot in the last year…like how to communicate a bit better (the louder you yell, the more likely they are to hear you) hee. I am actually not as tired this year as I was then, so diamonds will be fine. But, I think wishing someone would think of us once in a while…ain’t gonna cut it. I want to remind everyone, make your needs known…or you will be disappointed when they aren’t met. Just my advice, because I learned the hard way. Happy Mother’s day-in advance!
mandy’s last blog post..Please take note…
My point is, I’d like a day minus those responsiblities.
And I agree, we do need to make our desires known. I already know that I’m not getting this for Mother’s Day, Tate will be out of town for part of the day, so I know it will be just like any other day.
Wow, I have SUCH a great attitude.
sleep.
Mama DB’s last blog post..For Mother’s Day this year? I’m expecting a lump of coal.
What a great idea!! I actually asked for the Cricut cutting system…I think my odds are better for that
Becki’s last blog post..Haven’t Won Yet?
Tell Tate to pick up two of those “day off” thingies while he’s at the store. If there are any left on the shelf, that is…I think these may just be the gift of the year!
Sarah @ Ordinary Days’s last blog post..Hittin’ Up The ATL
You got it. 100%.
I am pretty sure what I will actually get is bath balls and an extra half hour of sleep while a very loud breakfast is made.
Beth’s last blog post..100 things about me
I don’t think this is possible. Is it?
Mchelle’s last blog post..I’ll take abnormal
I want a trip to corn country
Queen of Shake Shake’s last blog post..My Toilet is Germ-Free. Everything Is Right In the World.
It sounds do good becuase we know it wont.ever.happen. Even if we gestate for 10 months with quadruplates, have them all vaginally with no medication…we would come home to chaos, messes and husband and children needing something. I’ll settle for an 8:30 wake-up time, waffles and an Ipod.
I’ve heard of days off for a mom! I think National Geographic did a special on that.
We’ll be taking my mom out for Mother’s Day and then most likely enjoying a calm, restful Sunday where the kids play and blog and Mom, well…. Mom works.
Enjoy,
Barbara
Barbara Ling’s last blog post..3 Surefire Ways of Making Money on Mother’s Day
Since you won’t get the day off for Mother’s Day, I will cross my fingers that nap time is extra long and peaceful! Sometimes you have to take it where you can get it…
Maggie’s last blog post..Summary Saturday: Project 365, Week 18
Stumbled onto your blog and HAD to respond. A-MEN to every word you said. My friends and I were just contemplating whether it made us bad moms that we would prefer to spend Mother’s Day without our kids! No chocolate, no flowers…just. time. without. work. Thanks for this post! Chris
Chris’s last blog post..Norman Rockwell
I would like a full night of uninterrupted sleep followed by a day off as you described.
I know this will never happen. With 5 kids, it’s going to be awhile before we have quiet ever again.
So, what I really want more than anything, is some sincere appreciation. From Hubby. From the kids.
I really wish they’d just think to say “thanks” once in awhile. Thanks for wiping my butt. Thanks for remembering I have a concert and need my blue polo washed before that night. Thanks for making sure my clothes are clean. Thanks for making sure I eat 3 squares a day and that I get plenty of sleep. Thanks for reminding me to brush my teeth so they don’t rot out of my head. Thanks for fixing my broken toy. Thanks for letting me buy something even though you said we were too broke to have anything. Thanks for being there. Thanks for the unconditional love and support.
Thank you for being my Mom/Wife and everything you do for us.
The best gift of all would be to hear it when it’s not a “special” day. We are mothers every day. Not just once a year.
Robin’s last blog post..Extreme Makeover, Hubby Edition
And no, it doesn’t make us bad mother’s, it makes us normal.
oh wouldn’t a day like that be divine??
my husband - a pilot, ugh - is out of town that day…and HIS family decided it would be a perfect day to celebrate ALL the may birthdays. ON MOTHERS DAY. what?? and, of course, it was my baby’s birthday on the third. so…lucky lucky me…i get to spend mother’s day with my in-laws.
you’ve got to be kidding me.
this sucks.
(ooo, maybe one of the kids will puke and i’ll get a get out of jail free card. now that would improve my mother’s day…sad, isn’t it?)
jen’s last blog post..1 year old…
I am taking a day off, sort of. I am not cooking, cleaning or doing anything I don’t want to do and fair warning has already been given. I also asked for jewelry (unlikely) and Wii Fit, which comes out soon.
d’s last blog post..What are you thankful for?
I made a VERY detailed list for my husband and then posted it on my blog complete with links and explicit details. Let’s see if he can pick something good.
It doesn’t look good so far, as I listed an expensive purse, and he called to ask if I was interested in a knock off that a guy from his office sells. NO! I want the real deal for once in my cheap @ss mommy life.
the Mom’s last blog post..He Ate My Wedding RIng
Mother’s Day is also my daughter’s second birthday.
I am so screwed. LOL
AndreAnna’s last blog post..Failing
I’m thinking a spa day with all my favorite bloggers. So we can chat and drink wine and get well deserved massages.
Miss’s last blog post..Rehab
I hear you on this one, although at this stage of pregnancy, chocolate comes a very close second! Have a good day!
Sarah’s last blog post..I am a control freak
Massage.
Like that’s going to happen EVER.
moosh in indy.’s last blog post..8.5 Tablespoons of love.
I used to want the very same thing. And NEVER got it (though I did come close…just had to plan for it then clean up after it like you mentioned). I get that in spades now that my kids are pretty much independent.
Devilish Southern Belle’s last blog post..The things that need to be replaced around here
well….I would definitely agree to the time off thing…but I also want shtuff! I’m greedy like that!
rachel b.’s last blog post..Siqueiros, Orozco, Tamayo and Anthony
You hit the nail on the head — A True Day Off would be the BEST Mothers Day gift ever!
No kitchen duty, no laundry, no cleaning, not even finding someone’s lost shoe, but a day totally free to enjoy my family without the health and hygiene responsibilities.
So wait a minute. Do I really want a day off, or do I want a fulltime cook, maid, chauffeur and nanny?
Wabi Sabi Me’s last blog post..Life of Leisure
OE just went out of town for 2 weeks this morning, so I guess I do get a quiet, no expectations day… Oh wait, Charity’s still here. Damn, there went that idea. OE’s bday also happens to be mothers day this year, so I guess it’s just as well he’ll be working out of town, I don’t have to do any of the bday stuff. Although, I will say I get a whole week off, kind of, as of the 17th. Starting my masters and have to go to Connecticut for a week for a seminar, so even though I’ll be “working” that week, I get a WHOLE week in a hotel, by myself, with only me to take care of. I’m so looking forward to it!!! I won’t know what to do with myself, although I know that when the time actually comes, a whole week away will seem too much.
I WANT WHAT YOU WANT. Also: a pizza and a half-gallon of ice cream. TWO half-gallons.
Swistle’s last blog post..Questions Answered, and Teacher Appreciation Week
Yes! Dear God, please, YES!!
McMama’s last blog post..Blogging for a Living
[…] Howdy Doofus Time Jump to Comments I was reading Jennifer’s post yesterday about Mother’s Day presents, thinking to myself, “At least this year, […]
bloody oath!
(that means I agree in Australian)
dani’s last blog post..Ooohh it burns (in a good way)
[…] this week, Jennifer explained what she’d like for Mother’s Day. It was simple, sweet, and definitely do-able. My list is…well, not so much. My list is […]