Kids (and Dads) Take Note

We Moms really don’t need anything, really. But it sure is nice to be appreciated.    How you interpret “appreciation” is another matter.

For most of us, all we’re really looking for is that validation of us doing all those “Mom” things. Remembering sports schedules, science projects, LUNCHES, pick-up times, and everything in between, because really, those things are the most time consuming. All the other (important) stuff, such as listening to their tales of the day, worrying over their well-being, or just being there to set limits and expectations — are the truly unsung (but most gratifying) “Mom” duties. 

The bottom line is, we all try hard to be great Moms, so we deserve to be recognized for all we do each and every day. (Dads, you will get your turn on Father’s Day, so stay tuned.)

Depending upon the age(s) of your kid(s), cards picked out by them really do matter. So Dads, let them do the picking — or better yet, let them make one from scratch. The most treasured cards are from the heart.

Flowers. Before you head off to the local florist or grocery store for roses or spring bouquets, look around your yard. Better yet, let your kids look around the yard. So much is in bloom right now, and how sweet it is to receive a “bouquet” of what’s “growing on” in your beds. Grape hyacinth, daffodils, Forget-Me-Nots, tulips or even dandelions take on a special meaning when the kids have searched and hunted for that special mix of color themselves and presented  them in a juice glass. Kids are ingenious at “seeing the forest through the trees.”

Breakfast in Bed.  Younger kids can “help” with a simple breakfast of eggs, toast, bacon (it’s a holiday, after all) fresh fruit and coffee. Older kids can cook, serve and clean up, and Moms of any age would truly relish that idea. Serve it on the finest china of the house, or not. As long as the clean-up is part of the deal, Mom really won’t care which route you take. She will, however, feel appreciated.

Waffles? Pancakes? Homemade granola with fruit — the possibilities are as endless as the personalities of us Moms. (Did we mention the coffee? That’s key!) Or try the recipe below for a truly delicious but hardly run-of-the-mill fresh omelet.

(Again, Dads, don’t fret.  We’ll turn the column to you and your special day this June!)

Pastels’ Favorite Mother’s Day Omelet

2 TBS butter

2 eggs, beaten with 2 TBS water

1 TBS fresh basil, julienned

3 oz fresh mozzarella

3 slices ripe plum tomato

salt and pepper (to taste)

Melt butter in non-stick fry pan over medium high heat until bubbling. Wisk together eggs, salt, pepper and water. Pour into pan and cook until set, scraping sides to cook all of the mixture. When almost “dry,” add tomato, basil and mozzarella. Cook 1 minute and then fold one side onto the other. Continue to cook on low heat for 1 minute, or until cheese melts.

Serve with coffee, whole grain English muffin and juice. (And the coffee!)

Happy Mother’s Day from Pastels!