What to do for Mother's Day

So mother's day is quickly approaching and I always find myself feeling a little panic attack coming on at this time each year. Not sure why. It's JUST Mother's Day, right?

Being the woman of the household, and if I left it up to my husband he would send something like he sends ALL of his gifts for extended family members: WEEKS (or months) late. So, it's up to ME to determine what gifts we shall grace our mothers. Not only that, I always get asked the question "What do YOU want for Mother's Day". So let's start with the mothers.

My mom is very focused on the tradition and specialness of the day. Her birthday, Christmas, anniversaries, and mother's day. These are all days she really looks forward to. To forget it or not acknowledge their existence in some way is cause for dismissal. I know this because I had the audacity to glaze over her birthday ONE TIME and I never heard the end of it. Of course, I will never make that same mistake...again.

By contrast, the MIL is very laid back. She is more focused on doing for her family and gets a little unhappy if you spend any money on her. She reminds me of my father in this respect as he's the same way. Have I told you about how I was nearly cussed out by my father once because I dared spend more than $20 on him for his birthday (I was a single mom and he was just worried about me). She is not his extreme (at least I've not seen it yet) but she does get pretty preachy when we spend it on her. "Use it for the kids" they both say. Siiiighh... right.

So what to do?

Usually for my mother, I send her flowers and chocolates - typical "mom" fare. She LOVES this certain brand of Turtles candy - the pecan, chocolate and pecan cluster candies (won't even share them. Again, I've tried and if I want to start wearing a prosthetic arm, I'd better keep away. My father even knows better than to ask). She is also very much into gold and diamond jewelry but seeing as how she HAS a man, I figure HE can take care of that. LOL And he does so faithfully every year, so I know she'll be good in that department. She also likes clothing. She hates shopping - prefers to spend her money on the grandkids and (ahem!) casinos  (there goes MY inheritance). She doesn't really keep up with all the trends but LIKES to look good. So I have also taken for birthdays buying her an outfit (pants, top, necklace) which she loves. It's funny watching her parade around like a peacock in her own little fashion show for the family. Do you think I'm kidding? My mother is a nut. :)

My MIL is, like I said, laid back and doesn't really want you to consider her much at all. Her likes? She and my FIL are self professed "foodies" so we usually try to find anything that has to do with food - utensils she may not have, her favorite expensive olive oil, bacon of the month clubs (you laugh, but we did this one year and they loved it!), etc. She is both simple and hard to get for at the same time. Simple, because all she wants is something that is food related - or an interesting find (she also likes antiquing). Hard, because whatever she really wants or NEEDS she just goes out and buys for herself. I know this, because I live with her son who is her carbon copy. Can I TELL you how HARD it is to find a gift for that man!? ;)

So I am struggling right now with what to get her. And I'm not even 100% on what I will get my mom. Any suggestions?

As for me, am I the ONLY mother on Earth that enjoys spending Mother's Day alone?

I LOVE my family, my kids and my time with them, but I spend time with them ALL THE TIME. Whenever this time of the year comes around, J knows what I'm going to say: Breakfast in bed and then take the kids and be gone for a few hours so I can enjoy sleeping into the afternoon. I don't even care about a gift, just give me the gift of sleep (and no responsibility for a day).

I always feel guilty when I admit that I like to spend Mother's Day in my own head, in my own bed, doing what I want to do and not what the kids want to do. It's a sacrifice as a mom that you have to live with every day once you have a child, but still, doesn't make it any more fun to give up what you want. The only alone time I ever really get (outside of working from home by myself) is going to the rest room. And even then I get constantly interrupted. It's hard being a referee, peace keeper, nurse, kitchen manager and on laundry duty while attending business on the 'throne'. And WHY does everything happen as soon as I get on a call or go to the bathroom?? These kids have some 'splainin' to do.

In my house it's Kid's Day EVERY DAY. I know me. If the kids are around, I will focus on them. So that's why for the majority of Mother's Day - this ONE DAY of the year - I'd really kind of (just maybe) like to not feel guilty for having it be all about me for once. Just for a few hours and then we can get back to Mommy duties. Is that so wrong?