My husband’s birthday and Mother’s Day are just one week apart. Over the past few years of celebrating both occasions in such close proximity, I’ve learned that the way in which we like to celebrate our respective days couldn’t be further apart.
My husband likes presents. He even likes presents he didn’t specifically ask for, or even ones that have no practical use. I, on the other hand, am not a big fan of presents. I don’t often have any wants or needs, and having extra stuff around the house drives me nuts! So, rather than receive a traditional gift for Mother’s Day, I’d much rather be gifted with something different.
My wish list started out a little silly, but soon became a list of what experiences and activities I enjoy the most. The fact that they are all free is just icing on my frugal homemade cake!
- I want my daughter to sleep through the night. Is that greedy of me?! She’s almost two. I know she can do it!
- I want my son to share his toys with his sister without a second thought.
- Now, since I’m clearly dreaming, let’s go big! I’d like my three dogs to simultaneously cease shedding for at least 24 hours.
- This might sound strange, but I’d like to be allowed to clean. On my first Mother’s Day my husband wouldn’t let me clean at all, which was a sweet gesture, but it made me restless watching dishes and clutter pile up. Also, guess what had to happen the next day? You guessed it, I had to do most of the cleaning I would have done the day before! I’m more relaxed in a clean space, so I need to be allowed to do my thing, even if it is “my day”.
- I want to go on a family walk. They are one of my favorite family activities.
- I want to go for a solo run. I’ve found running to be valuable alone time, and I have some of my best thinking sessions while out pounding the pavement.
- I’d like to visit all the special mothers in my life, and bring them carnations which are believed to be symbolic of a mother’s love.
- I’d like to take a nap, or alternately have enough energy to not feel like I need one!
- I’d love to tear apart a closet and reorganize it. I take great joy in projects like this, but it’s hard to find the time to actually do them.
- I’d love some sunshine!
[…] eight, who do we appreciate? I’ll have to look at my calendar to answer that. On the tails of Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurse’s Appreciation Day, Administrative Professionals Week, and […]