As shelter-in-place orders continue, at least for Illinoisans, prepping for Mother’s Day, or any time of celebration has been an adjustment.  Dads and kids are going to have to get a little creative this year with honoring moms; and boy do they need it this year.  Remote Learning… need I say more?!  My favorite joke floating around Facebook is “FYI dads…your kids will NOT be bringing home the macaroni frames, construction paper cards, or homemade jewelry for Mother’s Day gifts from school this year!”

So, what are we going to do for Mother’s Day? Not just mothers, but grandmothers, too.  Especially those in nursing homes who are not allowed visitors.  It is important to still make them feel loved.

Some ideas on how to celebrate:

1. Video chatting – Phone calls are one thing, but moms and grandmas will want to see their families, especially after all this time apart.  Using Zoom or Facetime is a great way to get the closest thing to being together through the phone.
2. Window visits – If you really want to see her, try a window visit.  Call over the phone while on opposite sides of the window so you can actually ‘see’ each other. This has been especially popular at nursing homes where visitors are not allowed.  Want to add a little fun?  Use window chalk to play a game of tic-tac-toe or draw together.
3. Parade – This has been a popular alternative to celebrate lots of special times: birthday, graduation, anniversary, even a baby shower!  Driving by with signs and waves is a fun way to make her feel special.  Just make sure to stay in the car 😉

Sometimes, making the trip just isn’t possible but delivery is still possible to brighten their day!  And like we said, teachers aren’t there to help out with the gifts so here’s some ideas.

Some ideas on what to give:

1. Cards or Flowers – Sending a card and/or flowers is a great way to brighten up the home she is stuck in.  There’s even been a rise in pop-up cards and paper bouquets to give them a fun surprise!  Lovepop & Paper Pop Cards are just two companies offering these unique cards.
2. Quick Homemade Gifts:
   - Painted Tea Towel   (tea towel & fabric paint)
   - Painted Coaster   (blank cardboard or corkboard coasters & acrylic or fabric paint)
   - Wood Projects   (you can pick up raw wood items like a catch-all tray, monogram letter, jewelry box, or picture frame & then you can personalize with stencils, paint, or cut-out vinyl)
   - Handprints   (the key here is WASHABLE paint plus some paper and a 'I love you' message and mom will be in tears)
   - Garden Stones   (you can pick up a kit at a local store or whip up a diy recipe – this is a great project for handprints/footprints for baby or let older kids decorate with paint or colored glass pieces)
3. Chocolate!! (or maybe coffee) - You can never go wrong with some sweets. And here’s a cute way for your kids to present the goodies to mom! All it takes is cupcake liners and popsicle sticks.

Most importantly, you should pray for her.  We are all facing difficult times.  And it is likely Mom has taken on more responsibilities than she is used to.  Pray over her that she continues to stay healthy and safe.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Proverbs 31:31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."