Breakfast in a Box

Anyone like me with a mom or mother-in-law who has everything? And you could really use a gift idea where it's the thought that counts? I found this idea a few weeks ago while browsing the latest Martha Stewart magazine at the library. It sounded fabulous and I knew it was something that my mother-in-law would find sweet and clever (at least I hope she does :)

I didn't go all out and make granola. In fact, Tony doesn't even think his mom eats much cereal, so I hoped that a variety pack of flavored oatmeal would suffice and I am pretty sure that she loves Earl Gray tea.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture before I started bubble wrapping everything. So a written description will have to do until I can get my father-in-law to snap a photo for me. I found a pretty stoneware bowl and matching cup at Wal-mart, both with a painted fruit border along the rim. I wrapped five packets of oatmeal with sheer sage green ribbon (so pretty!) and placed it inside the bowl. I wrapped all twenty bags of the tea in packs of five with the same ribbon (going up instead of around) and placed one pack inside the cup. I found the most adorable bamboo serving tray probably 9x12 at Dollar Tree. The bowl and cup fit on it perfectly with little room to spare.

So there you go, if you live a ways from your mother or mother-in-law and aren't able to be with them on their special day, you can still treat her to breakfast...in a box!

Child Interview

Reading Michelle's post the other day about interviewing her kids reminded me of some books that my girls made in Sunday School one year for me. The book is called "Mother's Day Surprise". I (teacher at the time) had certain questions that I asked each student. Then I printed their answers on the computer along with clipart similar to their answers for them to color. Janae was 4.5 years and Britnee would have been almost 7. Every once in a while, we enjoy getting this out and reading it, chuckling at the answers and getting a bit nostalgic remembering how they said it and with what kind of speech and voice inflection.

If I could give you any present in the world, I would give you...
J: glasses
B: a kitchen table

I like it when we...together
J: watch videos
B: play the piano

I feel...when you hug me and tell me you love me.
J: fine
B: very good

I like it when you take me to...
J: the "Peter Rabbit Mall" (Castleton) and Mc Donald's
B: the store

My favorite food that you make for me is...
J: corn on the cob
B: spaghetti

...makes you the best mom in the world!
J: letting me play the computer by myself
B: rubbing my back

When I think of you, I think of your...
J: baby (Kerrigan)
B: smile

I would like you to teach me to...
J: not hit
B: play piano

Mother's Day and Babies

I have no photos to post and no stories to tell. Many people thought I would have a rough weekend due to the recent loss of my mom. I think the day itself didn't seem unusual because I haven't spent the last several Mother's Days with her. In reality, the preparation for the day and then the day after was worse than the actual holiday. I had a meltdown in the store when choosing a card for Tony's mom earlier in the week. Then yesterday, several times throughout the morning, I kept feeling like I'd forgotten to do something important and that it was too late to correct it. That feeling was send my mother a card or call her the day before to wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

On a happier note, we did find out over the weekend that my niece, Heather, is expecting her first child; EDD, December 13. That will make three babies in 2007 for the Fritz family! Zoe Violet (named after my mom, who knew this before she passed away and was thrilled beyond words!) is due to make her appearance just about any day. And I know her mama is hoping it's soon. Also, my niece, Lindsey, is due November 8. And then Heather in December. My camera will definitely be getting a workout :)

RE: Friends and Mother's Day

A friend gave me a REALLY, REALLY nice card today. My favorite one yet.

Front:
“As You Honor Your Mother”

Inside:
You’ll never forget
your mother’s face, the sound of her voice, the gentleness of her touch…they let you know you were loved.

You’ll never forget
the traditions she handed down, the things she stood for…they are her gift and your legacy.

You’ll never forget,
and you’ll always know that you honor her every day in how you live and who you are.

With Deepest Sympathy

She included a note stating that she was sure this weekend would be a difficult one for me, and that she was praying for me, etc. It was so nice. She felt really bad Sunday because she hadn’t had a chance to get a card in the mail but this one was worth the wait.