Our Mother's Day Wishes

We've been watching lots of TV, with my son in the hospital for the last few weeks, so he's gotten pretty well versed in the facts of life according to commercials. Accordingly, he has learned that what all moms want for Mother's Day are flowers...or edible arrangements (because they're not just pretty but you can eat them too).

He had me convinced, but just to make sure, I asked the other folks at Mommy Poppins what their Mother's Day wishes were. Not one person mentioned Edible Arrangements, which is weird (Maybe that's just cause they haven't seen the commercial yet). In fact, every single person has a different wish or plan for their day. Read on to find out what this crew is doing...or dreams of doing (or getting) for Mother's Day this year.

Mother's Day in my house is a bigger holiday than any other. Forget my birthday? fine Valentines? ok too, let Mothers Day pass you buy? and fear the wrath of Mommy. Being a mom is the thing that I am most proud of in this world and my kids know this. I refuse to take a purchased present for any holiday so my oldest daughter will make me presents. This year for my birthday I received the "birthday worm" which was some fabric concoction she had made from scratch. Mothers Day is no exception to the rule of home made gift giving in my house. I can't wait to see what my husband and daughter will dream up and make for me. I usually only get spit from the baby but we will get her on board soon. What would I like to do for Mothers Day is simple,enjoy my family, but if I get brunch and a mommy worm out of the deal I wouldn't say no. — Leni

On one hand I prefer not to be being fêted, so we don’t officially celebrate Mother's Day as a holiday. On the other hand, being both pragmatic and cheap, I “heart” Mother’s Day because of the freebies for moms: complimentary desserts (which I share with the kiddos, natch) and waived entrance fees offered at all sorts of cool kid-friendly events when mom comes along.  Last year we all snagged free admission to The Affordable Art Fair and had a blast seeing the show and making crafts.  I’m still scoping out our plans for this year but for us, Mother’s Day in NYC always means an awesome afternoon of fun and treats “on the house.” —Marcy

Breakfast in bed. It's a family tradition. Even if it's just a bowl of cereal and cup of coffee (with toast for the kids). The whole family gathers. Toast crumbs get in the covers, and I don't care one bit. It's such a great way to wake up and start the day.— Katia

Mothers Day 2010 will be my son’s fifth Mothers Day. I write “my son’s” and not “my” because every year I treat the day as a celebration of him - he who turned me into a mother. And, on his birthday I feel that the celebration should be mine -in honor of the day I became a mother. I know I am weird and the only one who thinks this way. No matter what I say on the subject everyone still celebrates me on Mothers Day and him on his birthday. So, I guess I can expect something for Mothers Day this year and what I would really like is a clean apartment. Our housekeeper moved to Maine two years ago and it really hasn’t had a thorough cleaning since, plus, we have recently emptied the contents of my husband’s boyhood home and our storage unit into our apartment. I want a clean and organized apartment: top to bottom and inside the cabinets, drawers and closets clean. I don’t expect that I will get it, but a girl can always dream. So, I will settle for a great brunch at the Water Club with my husband and of course, my son. Since it’s really all about him now, isn’t it? —Stephanie

The first thing I am going to do on Mother's Day is present my wife with a gift for her first Mother's Day. It's extra important this year since it's actually her second Mother's Day and I am very late with a gift. After that, we are either heading to Westchester to my parents or they are coming in to see us in Brooklyn. I am hoping for Brooklyn, so my parents can take their grandson to the Propsect Park Zoo. And I will hopefully make some kind of dinner, since Mother's Day Brunch at restaurants is the worst deal since Valentine's Day Dinner. I still think of Mother's Day and Father's Day as days for my parents (and my mother-in-law) even though my wife and I are now parents in our own right. Henry is only one so pretty much every day is Mother's Day for him, from when he first sees her in the morning to when he jumps into her arms when she gets home. —Adam

This Mother's Day, I wish that my husband and I, who are going through a tough divorce, can see past our differences long enough to gather with our three young children and let them feel the security and comfort of our once close-knit family--no arguments, no nasty asides, no insinuations...just kindness and tolerance.— Teresa

My Mothers Day plan is pretty simple, which is why it sounds so perfect to me!  I'm up pretty early, but that's OK because I'm off to the Mothers Day Run in Central Park, a new annual tradition for me. After, my son takes a long nap so I can enjoy breakfast with my husband and a book. Skype with my mom and mother in law then out with my family to do our favorite thing in NYC - wander the park and people watch.  Later its off to our evening church service where the music and message are always moving. Chat with friends, then home again to enjoy a glass of wine while my husband does the bedtime routine before joining me! — Allison

I may be the only child-less writer at MommyPoppins, but I've still celebrated 24 Mother's Days with my own mom. My lovely mother hasn't been feeling so wonderful as of late, so I'm hoping she feels better for Mother's Day. And when she is well, I'll be taking her to the farm I volunteer on, Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, so she can see early summer with the animals, the pastures, and the fields. — Charlotte

For me there are just three elements to a perfect Mother’s Day: (1) a beautiful outing with the family, (2) good food, and (3) not having to do any dishes. With that in mind, this year I’d love to spend Mother’s Day at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.  I’ve heard rave reviews about the indoor gardens so if the weather is good and we can stroll outdoors, it’s a bonus.  Also, no need to worry about bored children.  There are a variety of children’s gardens and fountains and the website has a large number of kids printouts and activities  to take along.  Finally, the Mother's Day Brunch at Longwood Garden sounds delicious.  Their fine dining at “1906” includes a $7 kids menu and a four course brunch for adults. “Blintzes of organic vodka cured lox”… that in itself is enough to make Mommy happy! —Desiree

Shari Simpson would very much like the day to begin with her children, 4-year old Miguel and 5-year old Rosie letting her SLEEP IN, since they usually have her up by 6am every. single. day. of. the. year. Then a little breakfast in bed would be nice (nothing burnt or runny, please, although I will still eat it if it is), and off to church. After church it would be really really really nice if I was sent off to a spa for a massage and pedicure, and then upon my return, be taken out to dinner and given hand-made cards that say how much they love and appreciate me. That's not asking too much, is it? —Shari

As for me, I could say I'd like my son to be home from the hospital, but that's not going to happen so I'd settle for someone figuring out a way to wash his hair so that when i lean in for my Mother's Day kiss he doesn't smell like two week old socks. Is that lame? Hey, I'd take an Edible Arrangement too. Those chocolate covered strawberries are delicious.—Anna