Mother’s Day is quickly approaching on the calendar. Granted, a card company bonanza day, next to Valentine’s Day, yet as a mother and now grandmother, it is nice to be remembered by your children. Cards are just one way. Homemade cards can be the best! When the child is young, having a tracing of the hand on the cover with their “script scribbled handwriting” is such a beautiful thing to behold. When the child is older, like mine, a letter or an original poem is lovely (hint, hint, kids! Ahem). *For those whose mom has passed, like mine, having a moment to think, reflect and enjoy the pictures and pass on the stories. Family stories are what keep loved ones alive to the next generation.

Depending upon the ages of the children, dad might need to intervene to help, yet there are ways to celebrate Mom on a budget that will be fun and all can enjoy together. Here are a few ideas, (If grandma lives in the area, make it a multi-generational event:

1. Breakfast in bed, an old staple, which NEVER gets old. Trust me!
2. A nice picnic in a favorite park.
3. The Cleveland Zoo, plus Stan Hewit Hall and Garden in Akron are FREE for mothers on Mother’s Day!
4. Hike or bike on your favorite trail.
5. Make a planter with herbs, or flowers.
6. Pull out the photo albums or on the computer and reminisce when the children were born.
7. Play mom’s favorite board game together.
8. Go to Lake Erie shoreline, and walk the beach, have a picnic, and watch the sunset.
9. Have a cook out in the backyard, mom does not cook, but waited on.
10. Have a fire ring in the back yard? Make foil dinners, tell stories, sing and make Smores.
11. The Cleveland Museum of Art is always free; there is a fee to park.
12. Tour your favorite garden spot.

These are just a few examples of fun things to do as a family, granted, some have admission fees, where mom only gets in free. The most important part of Mother’s Day, it is NOT the gifts, the cards, the activities you plan to do. It is just being together with your mom. Have fun planning a great day!

Kathy Baird

About me: For most of my married life, I chose to be a homemaker raising our six children, which three are now independent adults. Living on one income has taught me valuable lessons on how to be frugal, be creative, have fun, and pull off family events on a tight budget, and yet still have a fun time doing it. I would like to offer some tips, ideas if you will, that you can implement as well.