A Few of Her Favorite Things
May 1st, 2009 by Elizabeth Phillips
Dear Family,
I usually write this column with my fellow moms in mind, given that we do most of the cooking and shopping. But this month, I ask the other Memphis Parent readers (Dads or non-cooking partners) to tune in to an open letter from some local moms.
Dear Families,
No doubt you’ve been thinking hard about what to do this Mother’s Day, and you’ve got some great ideas. But just in case you were eyeing another book of meaningful quotations about motherhood or a bouquet of what one friend of mine calls “carnations on crack,” I’d like to present a few alternatives. Over time, some other moms and I have learned to ask for what we want rather than expecting our loved ones to read our minds.
Let’s start the day right.
Kids, don’t go jumping on Mom until she’s had enough sleep. Then you can run in and wish her a happy Mother’s Day. Meanwhile, some ideas for breakfast.
Breakfast in bed is great, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Mom’s not so demanding. Just follow two rules. Rule 1: Don’t mess up the kitchen. Rule 2: Clean up after yourselves. Note: This is not the time for Dad and crew to engage in experimentation. My friend Tiffany Clay advises keeping it simple with “a banana nut muffin, fresh fruit, and juice” or a bowl of cereal. Victoria van Cleef’s menu is even simpler: “Coffee in bed. You could suggest that husband put a crumble of cinnamon stick in the grounds to enhance the flavor and aroma.” Done. (Victoria also would like a mimosa in bed. She’s probably not the only one.)
Of course, we Moms love gifts. It should be no surprise that several of us enjoy fine-quality bonbons now and then. (Amy Ives wants Dinstuhl’s dark chocolates.) According to Jill Klosky, son Nicholas “suggests that he and his dad buy me diamonds for every holiday. (Have yet to see them, by the way!)” No matter, the moms in my unscientific poll almost universally requested photo gifts or items made by their kids. Shannon Dixon thinks a handmade card is “awesome.”
One terrific idea for little ones is art created around their hand and footprints, suggests Tiffany, who says Crayola makes a handy kit. She also has a great green idea. “The kids can make mom a snack basket. Recycle the Easter basket and let them fill it with snacks Mom will enjoy sharing with everyone.”
After feeding Mom breakfast in bed, it’s a great idea to whisk her out of the house lest she mistakenly fall into housework. If the weather is fair, taking one of Tiffany’s baskets out to the park might be the thing. Amy says, “We don’t make picnic plans very often so it would be something special” the kids could participate in planning. “It would be ideal to combine the picnic plans with other families to share the moment with other great moms.” Shannon Dixon also wants a “planned” outdoor activity. Indeed, relief from planning responsibilities seems to be a theme, with one mom (who will go nameless) stipulating that she wants assurance that her husband will “call his mother and give her a gift. I don’t want to coordinate a thing.”
Hear that? None of that “what are we doing today?” sort of thing.
Finally, if you really want to make our day, think ahead just a bit. All this togetherness might wear Mom out. As Tiffany says, (and she deserves a day off just for all the good ideas she gives me) “after spending such a fun-filled day with family, moms with toddlers or newborns” might need “a spa package, or, for those on a tight budget, a nice bubble bath set.”
With all our love and thanks for listening,
Moms
Here’s a recipe the kids can take part in without too much chaos. Be sure you have everything the day before!
Hide and Seek Muffins
Adapted from Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes by Mollie Katzen
(Tricycle Press, Berkeley 1994)
Makes 1 dozen muffins
The night before, Dad or older kids whisk together these dry mix ingredients in a bowl.
• 1 ½ cups flour (up to 1 cup white whole wheat)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sugar
Mother’s Day morning, adult melts butter and preheats oven to 375°. With help, kids can do much of the rest.
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 12 strawberries, trimmed
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar for the berries
1. Line tin with muffin papers. Break eggs into another bowl. Add milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk about 20 times.
2. Pour milk mixture into flour (dry) mixture. Mix with wooden spoon till you can’t see the flour. Fill muffin papers halfway with a ¼ cup measure. Roll each berry in sugar, and push one into the center of each muffin.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean (this is for an adult to do). Remove from pan and cool at least 10 minutes before serving.