~ MOTHER'S DAY THEME ~
Arts and Crafts
1 small clay pot for each child,
Sponges,
Acrylic Paint,
Potting Soil,
Flower Seeds
This is really a great inexpensive activity to share with your children.
Give each child a clay pot and a sponge.Have them to dip the sponges into the paint and apply to the pot. If they get to much paint on the pot simply take a dry sponge and wipe off the excess. Allow their pots to dry. Fill with potting soil and sow the seeds. Water and place the plants in a sunny location.
Use margarine containers and/or old lids for paint holders.
Some seeds that sprout easy and fast are:
Morning Glories,
Sunflower Seeds,
Shasta Daises,
Black eyed Susan,
Marigolds
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Cut a flower stem and leaves from the colored construction paper. Glue them onto another sheet of paper. Cut out a heart and glue on top of the stem and paint child's hand with tempera paint and put the print on top of the heart. Attach the following poem:
A piece of me I give to you. *****
Print the poem below and center it on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of plain copier paper. To each side of the poem paint the child's hands and make handprints. Just below the poem place a picture of the child that was taken in the classroom. If the child can write he or she can sign their name and date the paper. I not, then do it for them. Then use the colored construction paper for a background, and place the white sheet on top in a matching color. Then laminate it, roll it up, and tie with a ribbon for each child to present to Mom.
These little hands will never grow, *****
Take paper and cut it into rectangles, then on as many as you want, write things like:
"You get a free hug on this day"
"I will make my bed on this day____"
"Good for one free hug"
"Good for one Room Clean Up"
"Good for breakfast in bed (with help from Dad)"
"Good for one Kiss"
Have the child draw a little picture of each "coupon" and color with markers. Then when you are finished, staple together and you have a sweet little coupon book for Mom.
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2/3 c. flour,
2 tablespoons salt,
1/3 c. water,
6 c. rose petals,
Large bowl and spoon,
Toothpicks,
Needle and thread
Mix the flour, salt, and water. Knead until smooth. Tear the rose petals into tiny pieces. Crumble and crush them as you work to soften them and release their fragrance. Mix the shredded rose petals into the dough, keeping it soft and pliable. Roll bits of dough into beads. Push toothpicks into the beads to make holes for stringing later. Set aside a few days for drying. Then, string the beads with a needle and double-knotted thread. Tie the ends of the thread together and wear as a fragrant, special necklace.
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Its's almost Mother's Day. *****
Glue buttons around outside of small wooden boxes. Make biscuits to go inside.
Or decorate a bar of soap and put inside with something else like maybe
potpourie or bath salts.
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Place two Hershey's kisses back to back in a "bowl" part of a spoon. Cover
with netting and tie a small ribbon on. To the ribbon bow attach the
following poem:
Happy Mother's Day! *****
Have the children color or paint the lightweight paper any way they would
like. Have them (or do it yourself it they are too young) draw a simple
pattern of a bunny on that paper, cut it out, and glue it to the piece of
construction paper. Glue on a cotton ball as the tail. Have them (or you)
write on the paper the following saying:
My love for you will never fail,
*****
1 small clay pot for each child,
Sponges,
Acrylic Paint,
Potting Soil,
Flower Seeds
This is really a great inexpensive activity to share with your children.
Give each child a clay pot and a sponge.
Have them to dip the sponges into the paint and apply to the pot.
If they get to much paint on the pot simply take a dry sponge and wipe off the excess.
Allow their pots to dry.
Fill with potting soil and sow the seeds.
Water and place the plants in a sunny location.
They should sprout just in time for Mother's Day !
(Tip):
Use margarine containers and/or old lids for paint holders.
They can be rinsed and reused later or thrown away.
Some seeds that sprout easy and fast are:
Morning Glories,
Sunflower Seeds,
Shasta Daises,
Black eyed Susan,
Marigolds
***** *****
*****
This coupon good for 1 big hug
Use your imagination and think of what mom would just love to get a special coupon for. ***** *****
"My mommy's special because..." or "I Love Mom because..." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
"Wash and Dry the Dishes" *****
Create your own Mother's Day card by looking in old newspapers and magazines and cutting out words and phrases that can be combined to make a special message to mom. Paste the message on a big heart cut from red construction paper.
Surprise your mom on Mother's Day by tidying up your room, doing your homework, walking the dog, cleaning the bird cage, fish tank, etc. *****
Place your pie tin upside down on the tan felt. Trace the shape with you pencil and cut out the piecrust.
Pour your potpourri into your pie tin. Don’t eat it. It smells better than it tastes.
Fill your pie tin with pom pom "apples".
Put a bead of glue around the edge of the pie tin and cover with the piecrust felt.
Place a sheet of wax paper on top of the crust and place a book on top until the glue dries. Don’t use a really heavy book or you may end up with applesauce.
When your pie is dry, decorate the top by drawing lines with glue and sprinkle with glitter.
Your pie is done! Doesn’t it smell Yummy? Put it anywhere you'd enjoy the delicious aroma of fresh apple pie. ***** *****
Fold the construction paper in half to form a card. Pour enough tempera paint in the pie pan to cover the bottom. Have the child lay the palm of the hand in the paint. Take the hand out of the paint and press the hand on the front of the card, with the small finger along the folded edge. Let dry. Leaving the card folded, cut out the handprint so the card is now in the shape of the handprint. Open the card and write the message. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Roses are red,
I did it in a script-type print so it looked kind of fancy and printed it small enough to fit on the plaque next to the handprint. The kids glued their poem on their plaques when the handprints were dry. I covered the table with LOTS of newspaper and helped each child individually to paint shellac (Mod Podge) on their plaques. These were placed out of reach to dry for a few days and were then wrapped for gift giving. *****
Small clay pot, Acrylic paint, Flowers cut out of fun foam, Glue, Craft sticks, Picture of each child, Moss, Foam brick
Let children paint their flowerpot. Have children glue their flowers on craft sticks. Take the child's picture and cut their face out and glue on one of the flowers. Put piece of foam brick in bottom of pot. Add moss. Then stick 3 or 4 flowers in the pot. *****
Adult can do the cutting part ahead of time, if necessary) Cereal box can be the small individual size, or a larger one depending on what size you want your gift to be. Sit box upright and cut off part of the front leaving enough at the bottom for a flower box (planter, so to speak). Cut little blocks from the back resembling panes in a window. Put a clump of clay on the bottom of the box toward the front. Stick dried flowers into the clay so that they come forward and stick out of the "window". ***** ***** *****
"Here's a happy hug a bunch *****
"You sew the buttons on my clothes" (glue button on this page) *****
A Piece of me
The heart is you
I hope you will save it *****
"Here are some favorites we like to cook ***** ***** ***** The next day, they draw a picture they think their mom will like on the large space in the middle of the apron that was covered by the mat board the day before. I use fabric crayon or fabric pens to draw the picture. In addition, a companion gift goes with the apron. Children draw a picture of their mom with a thin crayola black marker. Then I ask children to tell me what’s special and important about their mom. Then I ask them to tell me what their mom likes to cook and how she cooks it. I type these up, reduce the pictures and copy enough for the whole class. The children make a book cover, usually a printing activity on construction paper. So the book is called, "The Important Book about Moms and What They've Got Cookin" Each book contains everyone's text and drawings. We then make a simple dessert: Oreo cookie crunched on the bottom of little pie tins filled with chocolate pudding mixed with cool whip - kind of a simple chocolate mousse. We have a "Mother's tea" which is a brown bag lunch with dessert served to the mom's by the children who also at this time give their gifts of the aprons and the books. The children also sing songs for the mothers. One of the songs we sing is this: It's a very old song my grandmother taught me but they have it in the library.
M is for the million things she gave me ***** ***** *****
Another idea is to take photos of each child and have them decorate a photo frame with collage materials. I think the nicest thing is to dictate what they love about their mom and let them decorate a card. These are always "keepers". ***** ***** *****
A STICK OF GUM - to remind you to stick with it.
In the bag were all the items mentioned, the candle was a little birthday candle, the confetti was the glitzy stuff you spread on a table, the rose was one of a bunch you can buy at craft stores - very tiny, the smarties are those little candies that come in a roll. " A Care Package To Help You Do ..."Whatever It Takes" ***** *****
Here is another activity for each youngster to create a flowerbox garden of his own. To make a flowerbox, have the child use paint pens to decorate the sides of an empty plastic hand-wipes container (with the lid removed). After the paint dries, have him fill his box with potting soil, then transplant a few flowering plants into the box. Encourage the child to take his flowerbox home to give it to a special person.
*****
Give Mom a helping hand with a bouquet of special things you
can do for her! She can redeem them whenever she needs a little help around the house, yard or just a big bear hug.
Tacky Glue,
Scissors,
Florists picks/straws,
Flower Pot (optional),
Styrofoam or sand,
Colored paper,
Tape
Trace and cut around your child's hand 4-6 times on colored paper. Also make 6 leaves on green paper. Write messages on the hands such as...water the plants, One Big Hug, Clean my room, etc. Tape the hands to the back of the florist picks. Add paper leaves if desired. Fill the pot with Styrofoam or sand. If your pot has a drainage hole be sure to tape over it if you are using sand. Insert the Flowers into the pot and you are done! For a special touch, fill the pot with chocolate candies or jelly beans, YUM!
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This super simple craft can be made with children of any age. Very useful as a "hot pad", plant stand or candle holder. Best of all it will be a reminder of the fun time you had making it with your child for years to come. (We have two of these holding a much used coffee maker, going on about 16 years now)
6" x 6" ceramic tile,
4 marbles,
white glue (elmer's)
optional materials include:
Cover work area with newspaper.
Have your child write their name and date on the back of their tile.
Let your child decorate tile with markers if desired.
Turn tile over and glue one marble on each corner. (may require some pressure to adhere) Let sit until dry.
Tip from Roxanne
The paint is called tempercoat. It comes in small bottles, in many colors, and you can purchase it at craft stores. It cost approx. $3.00 a bottle here. After the kids paint with it, you let it dry for 24 hours then you bake the item in the oven for 30 minutes. When it is done, the paint is dishwasher safe.
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Have the children decorate the pots using various stickers. Mix up a batch of plaster and fill each pot almost full. Let stand for a minute or two or until the silk flowers will stand up in the plaster, insert a fork, handle first. Let harden, place a favorite recipe in the fork. It makes a great recipe holder for your counter. ***** *****
Saturate cotton balls with perfume. Place doilies together, back-to-back and sew with thread leaving a small opening. Insert cotton balls and tie thread to secure. Decorate as desired. Makes a wonderful sachet for mom. ***** *****
Construction paper, Burlap or felt, Plaster of Paris, Polyester or cotton batting (is using fabric), Tag board, Water, Ice Cream Stick or thin dowel, Colored paper drinking cup, Scissors, Glue, Pencil or felt-tip pen, Newspapers, Container for plaster
Have children trace around their hands on tag board with a pencil to make a handprint. Cut out pattern and place on folded construction paper, burlap or felt. Trace around pattern with pencil or pen and carefully cut out pieces. Insert end of stick or dowel between handprint cutouts. Dot dowel with glue to secure. Glue hands together by lining edges with glue. Let dry. Bend middle and ring fingers down and glue to palm, thumb out. Cover work area with newspapers. Mix and quickly pour plaster into cup. Insert flower and secure until set and dry. Paper or felt leaves may be glued to stem of flower. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Sometimes you get discouraged ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Cup Of Tea Poem for Mother's Day- Submitted by Lisa in VA
Here's a card for Mother's Day,
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Spoon- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Fabric Hearts- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Mother’s Day Gifts- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Candy Roses- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Little Wheel Barrows- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Important Book- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Mother’s Day Frame- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Planters- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Flowerpots- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Tissue Flower Card- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Button Boxes- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Bath Salts- Submitted by Lisa in VA *****
Heart Brooch- Submitted by Sherry *****
Stepping Stones- Submitted by Jean
I mixed up cement and poured it into foil pie plates. When it had
set a bit I had the kids put their hand in it to leave
a print. This was tricky and we had to make the print
a couple of times to get it deep enough. The little
guys had problems with this because you had to get the
fingers in exactly the same place. When they had cured
for a couple of days I painted them with oil based
paints, so they were water proof.
I just used the ready mix cement that comes in bags
and that you add water to. I got it at the hardware
store. It took me a couple of tries to get the right
consistency. Then I covered them with plastic wrap to
keep the moisture in and let them set for a few days.
Then I used ds's model paint on them (oil-based
paint). I didn't coat them with anything. I used foil pie plates and I found some
10" ones which were nice and big and worked the best.
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Adaption to Stepping Stones- Submitted by Georgie
I just finished mine. I bought the cement mix at the
craft store so it sets up fast. I helped the kids put
their hand in so we got good impresions. I also bought
the letter/number stamps so they have their names and
2002 on them and some tiles and glass as decorations.
I bought the patio paint to highlight the handprints
and names.
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Mini Bird Bath- Submitted by Carol
3in Clay Pot,
4in Saucer,
Light Pink or Yellow Acrylic Paint,
Jolee's Dragonfly Stickers,
Flower Rub On,
Carribean Blue Sea Glass,
Tea Lite Candle,
Small (fake) Bird,
Sponge Brush,
Hot Glue Gun
Using light pink or yellow acrylic paint and sponge brush, paint the clay pot and saucer. It is not necessary to paint the inside of the clay pot.
Once the clay pot and saucer are dry, glue the saucer to the upside down clay pot using the hot glue gun. (Optional: Use E6000 glue instead of hot glue.)
Place the Jolee'a dragonfly stickers on the front of the clay pot. Add a flower rub on in the center of the dragonflies.Place the tea lite in the center of the bird bath and then fill the remainder of the saucer with the sea glass to appear as water. Finally, hot glue a small bird to the rim of the saucer to complete your bird bath.
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Mothers Day Butterfly and Poem- Submitted by Sherry
3 colors of tempra paint , black tempra paint, white construction paper,
paint brushes
Have the child open his hand and spread his fingers. The body of the
butterfly is painted in black. Start with the tip of the child's middle
finger and paint all the way to the bottom of the palm. Next color the
palm on both sides of the black line the first color. Then paint the thumb
and pinky finger with the second color. Lastly paint the last two
remaining fingers with the third color. Next press the hand onto a piece
of white construction paper. Make sure to keep the middle finger still and
move the other fingers to expand the "wings" of the butterfly. (I make
sure my paper is big enough for two prints - I just print the first one
and then move the hand to another area and print again. (I use the second
handprint as a bulletin board butterfly or sometimes hang from the
ceiling).
When the paint dries you can add an antennae with a marker. Cut out the
butterfly and mount on a contrasting piece of construction paper with the
following poem:
This isn't just a Butterfly
It comes with lots of Love *****
Mothers Day Flower Poem- Submitted by Sherry
Red and Green Construction paper, tempra paint
Cut a flower stem and leaves from colored construction paper. Glue them
onto another sheet of paper. Cut out a heart and glue on top of the stem
and paint child's hand with tempra paint and put the print on top of
heart. Attach the following poem.
A piece of me I give to you.
Rocks,
Red and Black Tempera Paint,
Brushes,
Clear coat spray
Children select rocks.
Wash and dry rocks.
Become scientists and discover how rock lies best.
Paint rock red.
While drying decorate Mothers Day Card.
May use this poem:
Once card is decorated and red paint is dry add black features of ladybug.
Let dry.
Apply spray to preserve.
Give Mom a lifelong garden gift she'll treasure!
Flower Pots for Mother's Day- Submitted by Patrisha
They can be rinsed and reused later or thrown away.
Mother's Day Flower and Poem- Submitted by Patrisha
I painted this flower to say "I Love You".
The heart is you.
The hand is me.
To show we are friends
The best there can be.
I hope you will save it
And look back someday
At the flower we shared,
On your special day.
Mother's Day Gift- Submitted by Patrisha
Poem
These little hands will stay, just so,
When I'm grown and far away,
These little hands with you will stay.
Coupons for Mom- Submitted by Patrisha
Rose Petal Beads- Submitted by Patrisha
Mother's Day Boxes- Submitted by Patrisha
I want to show my mom I love her in a special way.
I'll paint a little box. I'll put in a teddy bear.
It shows how we love to bear hug.
I'll put in a piece of gum.
It shows how we always stick together.
I' put in some nuts.
They show how silly we like to be.
I"ll put in a bandage.
It shows how she always comes to my rescue.
I'll put in a chocolate kiss.
Is show how good it feels to be loved
And, Mom, don't forget....
I'll love you forever!
Box idea #2- Submitted by Patrisha
Mother's Day Kisses- Submitted by Patrisha
A spoonful of love
And a couple of wishes
That you enjoy your
Mother's Day Kisses!
Mother's Day Bunnies- Submitted by Patrisha
As longs as the bunny has his tail.
Flower Pots for Mother's Day- Submitted by Terri
Homemade Gift Wrap for Mother's Day Crafts- Submitted by Sherry
Mix 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 cups cold water in a small bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups boiling water and heat on low until mixture starts to boil, stirring constantly. Cool completely.
Divide into portions and add different colors of food coloring.
Create designs on paper using fingers, fists, or whole hands . Use your special paper to wrap up gifts for mom on Mother's Day.
Mother's Day Gift Bags- Submitted by Sherry
Depending on the size of the gift, decorate either a lunch bag or a grocery bag by coloring with crayons, felt markers, or paint. Add poems or funny sayings. Decorate with stickers.
Put in the gift and stuff with colored tissue paper and tie a ribbon or bow on the top.
Mother's Day Coupons- Submitted by Sherry
Cut cardboard hearts out of heavy construction paper.
Write messages on the hearts to tell mom what she can collect when she hands the coupons in. Some examples might be:
This coupon good for 1 kiss
This coupon good for
This coupon good for doing the dishes
This coupon good for cleaning my room
This coupon good for walking the dog
This coupon good for taking out the garbage
Mother's Day Coupon Bouquets- Submitted by Sherry
Draw hearts out of heavy construction paper. Write your messages on the hearts.
Glue the hearts onto decorated popsicle sticks (attach stickers, color the sticks, wrap them in giftwrap, etc). Place the sticks in a small vase and mom can pick a coupon from her bouquet.
Mother's Day Cards- Submitted by Sherry
Make a Mother's Day Card by having the child draw a picture of their mother on the front of the card. At the top of the card have them write:
Inside the card have them write all the reasons they can think of.
Decorate the card using stickers, glitter, etc.
Mother's Day Card- Submitted by Sherry
Make mom a mother's day card by taking construction paper and folding it in half. Draw an outline of the child's hand on the front of the card and have the child color the hand, or draw pictures in and around the hand. Allow them to be creative. Decorate with stickers. Punch holes in the side of the card and run a red ribbon through the holes.
Mother's Day Card- Submitted by Sherry
Take a large piece of heavy construction paper and fold it in half so it resembles a card.
Cut out photographs of yourself (get permission from an adult before doing this).
Glue the pictures onto heavy construction paper.
Add a cute poem or funny saying to the inside of the card.
Decorate your Mothers day card with glitter, stickers, or ribbons.
Mother's Day Placemats- Submitted by Sherry
Cut out pictures from old mother's day cards or magazines. Make sure they're pictures of thing you think your mom would like. Glue the pictures onto heavy construction paper leaving room in between to draw your own pictures or add in little sayings for special poems for mom.
Write your name and the date at the bottom and mom will have a wonderful keepsake to remember this Mother's Day. Cover the placemat with clear contact paper.
Thumb-body Loves You- Submitted by Sherry
Take construction paper and make a card, then have child put their thumbprints on the front of the card. Make picture out of the thumbprints into flowers and bees, by using the thumbprint as the center of the flower and the body of the bees. You can add clouds in the sky and a tree or use your imagination then write on the inside thumb-body loves you.
Mother's Day Gift Baskets- Submitted by Sherry
Make mom a decorated basket and fill it with stuff that he'd like. Some ideas are:
different types of tiny soups and different bath products; an assortment of different types of candies and chocolates. Use your imagination and try to think of stuff that your mom would enjoy and use them to fill up the basket.
Mother's Day Placemats- Submitted by Sherry
Decorate a heavy piece of 8 1/2" x 11" cardboard with pictures, drawings, poems, etc. Place your masterpiece between 2 sheets of clear contact paper. Use the placemat to serve mom her Mother's Day breakfast in bed.
Home-Made Coupons from the Heart- Submitted by Sherry
Give Mother's Day coupons that mom can cash in whenever she wishes. Either buy a small notebook and write the coupons in there, or cut out little cardboard hearts and write the messages on them (you can keep all the cardboard hearts together by putting them into a small box. You can then decorate the box with pictures, stickers, etc.). Some ideas for the coupons are:
"Set the Table"
"Hugs and Kisses"
"Rake the Leaves"
"Clean my Room"
"Do the laundry"
"One Hour of Quiet Time" for mom to enjoy a relaxing bubble bath"
"One whole family-free afternoon"
"One Free Car Wash"
You get the idea, use your imagination!
Kids... Show Her You Care- Submitted by Sherry
Draw a picture on construction paper. Underneath the picture write a poem for mom to let her know how much you care. Another idea is to write mom a letter. Start with the words "I Love You Because” then write in the reasons why you love your mom.
Mom's Apple Pie- Submitted by Terri
Apple Potpourri, Pie tin (small aluminum), Pom Poms (red), Gold glitter, Tan Felt, Glue,
Scissors, pencil, wax paper
Book of Kisses- Submitted by Terri
The children can make a "Book Of Kisses" to give to their mothers Mother's Day. Make booklets by cutting paper into 4 inch squares and stapling ten sheets together in one booklet for each child. Write "Book of Kisses" on the top page and invite the children to decorate the page that is the cover of the booklet. In small groups, color the children's lips with lipstick and have them kiss each page of the book. Send it home with a note explaining that the mothers can redeem each page for a real kiss
Mother's Day Card- Submitted by Terri
Construction paper, Tempera paint, Pie pan, Scissors, Pencil
I Love Mom - Submitted by Terri
I ask the child to tell me one thing they love about their mom and I write it on a big heart, which we paste into the center of a finger painting the child has done and we display them for everyone to read.
Plant for Mom- Submitted by Terri
For Mother's Day we usually paint a plant pot and then re-pot a petunia into the pot.
Tea Light Candle- Submitted by Terri
Cut tissue paper into small pieces and glue on to baby food jars (use a glue/water mix and you can paint it on with a water color brush). First paint the jar with the mixture and place the tissue paper on. Then, after that has dried, paint over the tissue paper with the same mix. Put a tea light inside and you have a beautiful candle. These can be customized to any season or event, depending on the colors of tissue paper you use.
Mother's Day Hug- Submitted by Terri
Have children trace their hands and cut them out. Attach a verrrrrrry long strip of paper to hands and print on it. Wrap this around yourself and here's a BIG hug from me to you.
Grandma Handprint Gift- Submitted by Terri
Make a hand print plaque to go with this poem:
"I miss you when we're not together
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
Since you saw me last?
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
The years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick
When and where and why?
So look upon this hand print plaque
That's hanging on your wall
And memories will come back me,
When I was very small."
Sand Candles- Submitted by Terri
Fill a baby food jar with colored sand and insert wick. Next, pour melted wax on top. (To make colored sand mix salt and food coloring then microwave for a few seconds)
More Sand Candles- Submitted by Terri
Fill a shallow pan with sand. Make an impression in the sand, add the wick and pour melted wax in the sand. Layer with different colors. After the wax has cooled remove candle. Some of the sand will stick to wax.
Mother's Day Yummy Cup- Submitted by Terri
Take a regular plastic cup (tumbler) bright colors are cute! Let the kids decorate outside w/ marker. Help them write the occasion: Happy Mothers Day! Love you ! etc... We used med. pink cups w/ light purple tissue paper stuffed inside cup. Then let the kids fill w/ goodies for their Mom! We used a baggy of Hershey kisses, some gum, a small note-pad, and various other candies.
Pat on the Back for Mom- Submitted by Terri
T-shirts, Fabric Paint
Have the children make handprints on the back of the T-shirts, then write, "This Mom Deserves A Pat On The Back."
Mother's Day Plaque- Submitted by Terri
I had a wood plaque pre-made for each of the children (each one was maybe 6" x 8" and had a routered edge and a coat of stain on it). I helped each child to put a hand print of any color they chose (press child's hand in tempra paint make handprint on one side of the front of the plaque). I used my computer to print a little poem the kids helped me make up. It went like this:
Violets are blue.
You're my one and only mommy
And I love you!
Flower Pot- Submitted by Terri
Window Knick-knack for Mother's Day- Submitted by Terri
Cereal box for each child, Clay, Dried flowers, Scissors
Mother's Day Present- Submitted by Terri
The children wanted to give mom a lasting impression of their hands so we went & bought good watercolor paper. Then have children pick out acrylic paint in the color of their choice. Then we purchased a frame, glass & mat. I painted children’s hand with the paint using a foam brush then positioned their hands over the paper & pressed..........then I took a gold paint marker & made a bow on the index finger. Then in the upper corner in calligraphy I wrote......." Mom we have you wrapped around our fingers" She truly loved the print & it now hangs in our foyer for a permanent reminder of their little hands. You could also do this on a t-shirt not only for Dad but for Grandma as well!
Mothers Day Snack Bag- Submitted by Terri
The children cut out of a pocketbook shape out of a brown paper bag. Punch holes around the edges and have the children thread together. They can then decorate the bag any which way they like. The children then place two napkins, microwave popcorn, two juice boxes, and place them in the bag. The children can go home and have a nice quiet snack with mom.
A Mother's Day Hug- Submitted by Terri
You need long paper (from a roll). Let the child hug you...then measure the hug with a piece of string. Put the string on the long paper and cut. Trace the child’s hands and attach on either end of the paper. Let them decorate with bingo markers or whatever. Add a small heart in the middle with the poem:
Wrap it around and feel the crunch
May smiles and Kisses come your way
With Lots of Love on Mothers Day (or Fathers Day or Grandparents Day"
Card For Mom- Submitted by Terri
Either use this along with a gift you've made as part of a card or make a book:
"You gave me a hankie for my nose"(Kleenex on this one)
"You make good things for me to eat"(picture from magazine)
"You buy me candy for a treat"(glue piece of candy on)
"You wash my clothes and mend my socks" (picture from magazine and we cut our sock)
Dear Mother, I love you lots and lots!!
Mother’s Day Flower- Submitted by Terri
Do this craft with bright colored const. paper with coordinating colors. You will also need paint. Colors are up to you. On Reg. sized Const. Paper have the child paint his/her hand print on the paper up towards the top...this is going to be a flower. Then, Out of green Const. Paper, cut out a tulip stem and have Child Glue the stem where it goes under the handprint. When Paint of handprint is dry, cut out a heart and glue it to the palm of the child's handprint. Now, you should have a hand print flower with a heart in the middle. Print this Poem, cut it out and place it on the side of the flower...
I give to you.
I painted this flower
To say "I love You."
The hand is me.
To show that we are friends-
The best there can be.
And look back someday
At the flower we shared
On your special day.
Poem for Mother’s Day Cookbook- Submitted by Terri
If you are doing a class cookbook for Mother's Day, here is a verse to go with it:
We tell you how in this little book.
We carefully measured and mixed each dish
And send this to you with a
Happy Mother's Day wish!"
Starters for Mother’s Day Cards- Submitted by Terri
Here are some starters for child dictated cards for Mother or Father's Day:
"To Mother on her special day This is what I want to say:......."
"Thank you Mom, for all you do Today it's my turn to help you! (Make a list)"
"Here are some things I'm going to do For Mommy because I love you! (List)"
Refrigerator Magnets- Submitted by Terri
Clothespins, Magnetic tape, Fun foam
Cut flower shapes from the fun foam and glue at the top of their clothespin. Cut stem, leaves from fun foam and glue beneath the flower. Put the magnetic tape on back. This will be a note holder. I think I will duplicate a "Mother" poem to go with it. Mom can put the poem up with the note holder and replace later if she wants to.
Mother's Day Apron- Submitted by Terri
I buy white cook's bib aprons from a restaurant supply house. You can find one in your yellow pages. I buy 20 and they cost about 2.30 each. If you don't have the funds, parents will be happy to pay for these, as they are really cool. I get two bottles of fabric paint, one lavender and one magenta or pink. I use pie tins for printing pads. I put round pieces of damp felt in the pie tins and pour the fabric paint on and spread it into the felt with a paintbrush. (If somebody is absent, just cover this with saran wrap and use it when they return). I put the apron on the table and cover the center of it with a piece of mat board so they won't print there. I put the pie tin print pads on the mat board. The kid puts their hands back and forth between the print pad and the apron and stamps their handprints all around the border and on the bib.
O means only that she's growing old
T is for the tears she shed to save me
H is for her heart of purest gold
E is for her eyes with love light shining
R means right and right she'll always be
Put them all together they spell Mother,
A word that means the world to me
We also sing, "You are the One Your Mommy Loves"
Pasta Necklace for Mom- Submitted by Terri
Use various pasta shapes Wheels Straight Pasta with holes Hearts Bow Ties (tie on with pretty ribbon) Other shapes w/holes to string Dye pasta w/food color & alcohol. I use a small amount of alcohol (1/2 cup or less). Use about 1/2 bottle of food color in the rubbing alcohol. Add the pasta & drain. I do a small amount of pasta at a time & use a slotted spoon to drain the pasta. I keep using the colored alcohol. The pasta dries quickly. I use all kinds of bright colors. When dry let the children string the pasta on pretty ribbon. Tie on the bow tie shapes. This really is cute & fun for the kids. My mom's were proud to wear these beautiful creations that their child made.
Flower Pot Picture- Submitted by Terri
For a Mother's Day gift cut out flower petals from fun foam, have children paint craft sticks green. When sticks are dry children glue flower petals onto the sticks. On one of the flowers glue a picture of the child in the center of the flower. Get 3" clay pots and let children paint these, add clay or old playdoh to bottom of pot, stick flowers in clay and add moss if you want. Our moms last year really loved these.
Two Cute Ideas for Mother’s Day- Submitted by Terri
One of my sons once made me a plaster handprint that he’d arranged seashells around, so it was somewhat creative.
Tissue Corsage for Mom- Submitted by Terri
One thing we do for our mothers on the Friday before Mother's day is provide them with a tissue corsage to take to work with them. We generally have our 4 and 5 year olds and school kids make the flowers. We buy the colored facial tissue that is 2 ply. Fold the tissues in a fan, tie yarn around the middle and fluff them up. I like to round the edges to make them prettier!!!
Knick Knack Holder- Submitted by Terri
You need a tuna fish can. Take the paper off and make sure it isn't sharp anywhere. You can hammer the inside rim a bit or ask people with that new kind of can opener (the kind that takes the whole top off and it isn't sharp) to do you can saving for you. You want the kids to put elbow shaped macaroni all over the outside of the can. There are big elbow shapes and small ones...either one is ok, or use both. . You can dye the mac before you glue it on, or I've also spray painted it gold and it looks real nice. Depending on the age of the child, and how messy they like to get their fingers, either let them dip the mac into the glue and stick it on, or put glue on a small area at a time, (spread around with your fingers) and let them stick the macaroni on. The craft glue or non-washable kind works best, with much supervision, although I have used regular washable school glue and it's ok. Then cut a piece of felt (child's choice of color) to fit inside bottom of can and it make a darling "thing holder”....for this thing or that thing....coins, jewelry, buttons...whatever.
Mom’s Care Package- Submitted by Terri
I recently went to a class for parents and providers and the speaker gave everyone a little baggie with a slip of paper in it. On it was written:
A CANDLE - to give you light when you feel burned out.
A CHOCOLATE KISS - to remind you that someone cares.
SMARTIES - to help you on days when you don't feel so smart.
LIFESAVER - to remind you that everyone needs help once in a while.
A SNICKER - to remind you to see the funny side -- there is one!
A ROSE - to remind you to take time to smell the flowers.
CONFETTI - to help you celebrate the good times.
A PENNY - with thanks for sharing your thoughts.
A BAG - to help you keep it all together.
Picture Frames- Submitted by Terri
We made craft stick frames, and glued buttons all around them, and the words "cute as a button!" then glued pics of the kids in them, and paper to the back and wrote Happy Mother's (Father's, Grandparent's) Day! the date and the kids name. Then we glued magnets to the back so they could hang on the fridge
Flowerboxes- Submitted by Cindy
Helping Hand Bouquet- Submitted by Cindy
Ceramic Tile Craft- Submitted by Carol
permanent markers in a variety of colors.
Clear Plastic Pencil Holder- Submitted by Terri
This craft has also been done by my daughter, with favorable response. Purchase clear plastic disposable cups (not opaque, clear). The first thing you have to do is make a pattern from construction paper by cutting it until it fits along the inside of a plastic cup. (This may take you a few tries by trial and error. The finished product will look a little bit like a "U" or a semi-circle.) Once you have the pattern created, allow your child to draw, paint, glue pictures, etc. to the pattern. When dried and finished, place the artwork inside a plastic cup, then another cup inside the cup. Use a glue that dries clear to seal the cups together, taking care not to drip the glue inside the cups. My daughter drew pictures of herself and the recipient of the pencil holder, and used stickers as well as those tiny pictures often a part of the portrait packages.
Tin Can Pencil Holder- Submitted by Terri
This is a craft I made years ago, and it is still a cherished memento of my childhood. Begin with a clean, dry empty can of any size. Have your child cover the can with any of the following: cancelled stamps (what mine is made of), tissue paper, stickers, etc. Or you may wish to cut a piece of construction paper to cover the can and allow your child to decorate it as desired.
Picture Frame- Submitted by Terri
For Mothers day my daycare children are making a picture frame made out of Tongue depressors. I make the frame and then they decorate it with jellybeans and then I take a picture of each of the kids and put it in the frame from the back. We are going to make wrapping paper with there hand prints on it and we also made cards for the moms! They love the idea of eating the jellybeans while doing the project!
Brooches- Submitted by Terri
They turned out really nice! You take a pill bottle (the small plastic kind) and put some crayon shavings in it. Put it in the oven and let it melt down. Hot glue a brooch pin to the back. The kids thought it was really cool to watch the bottle shrink and the crayons melt! Moms were very impressed too!
Pin Cushions- Submitted by Terri
Take a small baby food jar. The older children used a nail & made 5 or 6 holes in the lids. Wash the jars & remove the labels & all the glue. The children filled the jars with potpourri & put on the lids. I cut a circle that is about 6 1/2 diameter using fabric with a tiny print. I cut about 10 different types of fabric designs so my kids could pick the fabric that they wanted. I did the same w/the ribbon. I cut my fabric circle using pinking shears. After the jar is filled I let the children pick a fabric circle. They took a small handful of poly-fil & put it in the middle of the fabric circle. The child applies some tacky glue to the outside of the jar lid. I then put the fabric w/the poly-fil over the jar & secure it on the jar w/a rubber band. You want to put the rubber band over the lid or just under it on the rim of the glass. Now you can adjust the fabric. I let my older kids tie on the ribbon over the rubber band. I also let the children put 4 pins into the fabric top. I wrote on the bottom of the jar w/permanent marker name of the child.
Bird Baths- Submitted by Terri
One year we made birdbaths. You take a small clay pot and turn upside down and the saucer is placed on top of the pot with the basin up. Hot glue together. The kids painted the inside of the saucer blue and if you want to get fancy you can buy textured paint to paint the outside with. We then glued a little bird to edge of the bird bath and glued moss and ivy and little flowers inside one edge and around the bottom of bird bath. Turned out real cute.
Potpourri Gel Jars- Submitted by Terri
I think this would work GREAT in smaller baby food jars decorated with lace, flowers and ribbons!
2 cups distilled water, 4 pkgs Knox Gelatin, 50 drops essential oil
Heat one cup water in saucepan. Add gelatin, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat, add remaining 1 cup of liquid and stir until dissolved. Put drops of essential oil into jars then add gelatin mixture. Place in fridge for approximately 2 hours. Remove, cover with plastic wrap or lid if you have one, and store at room temperature. To release the scent simply remove the lid... and when you are finished make sure you recover so all the scent doesn't evaporate. This recipe makes four gel jars..aprox. 4 oz each. To decorate for gifts, tie ribbon or lace around the neck of the jar!
Tile Trivets- Submitted by Terri
One of the nicest gifts we've ever made was a tile trivet. Go to your local tile store and buy some 12x12 ceramic tiles. Then you will need to go to a craft store and purchase paints that you will then use on the tiles AND bake in the oven to set. That is the key...mine are somewhere in that mess I call a playroom...you have to have the kind that bake in the oven to set the paint. Anyway, handprints or footprints on these are darling (you can add a cute little border and personalize with the child's name and the date) or just let the kids free-paint or sponge. Then, you will bake in the oven. After they are cooled, add little feet or some felt to the bottom of the tile and you have a really nice trivet/hot pad FOREVER. Now...the easier way > - if you have Michael's or MJDesigns around you - see if they have a bisque dept. You can set up a time to take your kids in, purchase their trivets (from .99 - $5.00) and they supply everything else at no additional cost (paint, brushes, sponges, aprons, CLEAN-UP...everything!). The price of the bisque includes everything including the firing in the kiln. I can't tell you how nice these turn out (homemade or from MJD) - we have them for all the seasons of the year and it's a nice way to look back and remember.
Bookmark For A Special Mom- submitted by Terri
Let your children take a nature walk to collect such things as pretty leaves, flowers, blossoms, unusual weeds, etc. Be sure everything collected can be flattened. Provide pieces of poster board or card stock for the children to glue their finds onto. When dry, cover each side with clear contact paper or laminate. Trim and punch a hole on one end of each bookmark. Tie on ribbon to make a tassel.
Picture Magnet- Submitted by Terri
Take a picture of each child and cut it to the size of a frozen juice lid. Glue the picture on the lid and decorate around it to make it a pretty lid. Put a magnet on the back and give it as a gift.
Mother's Day Recipe Card Holder- Submitted by Terri
Small plastic plant pots, Silk flowers, Plastic forks, Plaster of Paris, Stickers
Soap Gifts- Submitted by Terri
Per every 2 students:
1 bar of Dove soap cut into 10 small squares, 1 tablespoon lemon peel, 1 tablespoon orange peel
After you have pre cut the soap bars the children can grind them up in a small cheese shredder, and use a regular cheese grater to do the lemon and orange peels. Add ingredients for two children to a bowl and heat in a microwave for 30 seconds. It will look like a big puff. Let cool for a few seconds, divide the puff for two children and the children can then form them into a shape. Let stand overnight.
Mother's Day Sachet- Submitted by Terri
Glue, Cotton Balls, Perfume, Lace Doilies, Thread, Plastic Sewing Needles
Dirty Little Fingerprints- Submitted by Terri
Have the children put their handprint on thick paper and print this poem beside it.
I've left on every wall.
And on the drawers and table tops.
I've really marked them all.
But here is one that won't rub off.
I'm giving it to you.
Because I'm thankful,
For a mother just like you!
Sign Language Flower- Submitted by Terri
Here is a unique flower for children to make and give to their moms on Mother's Day. The hand forms a sign language symbol for "I love you."
Love Box- Submitted by Terri
You use a small box like a jewelry box or make one out of box board or cut a small piece of wood. Have each child wrap it in paper or fabric Tie a ribbon with a bow around it. And attach this poem:
This is a very special gift
That you can never see.
The reason its so special is
Its just for you from me
You can never unwrap it,
Please leave the ribbon tied.
Just hold the box close to your heart,
Its filled with love inside.
child’s name and the date
Hug for Mom- Submitted by Sherry
Trace child's hands and attach with a long piece of yarn (measure child's arms)....put into an envelope with a note that says, "MOM, ( or Grandma..etc) I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH...
Mother’s Day Pin- Submitted by Sherry
One year we had the wooden circles. We painted them white and had the
children put their thumb or fingerprints on in black ink. We added
flowers with the black ink and wrote Happy Mother's Day! Glue gun pins
to the back. We sprayed them with a clear lacquer for the children.
Angel Pins- Submitted by Sherry
This is my first year as a dc provider, but when my kids were in daycare they
took individual pictures of my kids. The then made an "angel" using a spring
clothespin and pasted a white cardboard angel shape onto it. They then pasted
my kid's "face" on the angel head and added gold cardboard for a halo (really
should have been little red horns, but LOL) I still have them - they are
one of my most favorite "kid" ornaments. Oh - they also put the date on the
back. I think any kind of handprint or other kid made ornament is the best
kind of gift for mom/dad - even grandmas and grandpas.
Cup of Tea- Submitted by Sherry
Have the children watercolor a piece of construction paper. The cut out teacup shapes from old wallpaper books. Choose pretty patterns that compliment the watercolors. Have the children put glue around the rim of the precut teacup shape, but
NOT on the top rim. Glue the shape to the water colored construction
paper. The teacup should now be like a pocket -glued onto the paper on
three sides. Place a real teabag into the teacup pocket and write on
the paper "MOM, You Are Just My Cup Of Tea."
Hand Shaped Flowers- Submitted by Sherry
Have each child trace their hand onto a piece of paper. Then have the
child cut it out. Obtain a picture of the child to place in the middle
with glue. Have the child paint a popsicle stick green. When the stick is
dry, glue or tape the hand shape on the stick to make hand shaped flowers.
Variation:
Supply each child with a cup to decorate. Place a little bit of playdoh in
the bottom of the cup and stick the flower in the cup.
Fun Frames- Submitted by Sherry
You will need six popsicle sticks, glue, decorations, two small magnets,
construction paper and a picture of the child. Then you make a frame with
four popsicle sticks. Lay two stick parallel to one another (stick 1 and
2) then complete the from with sticks 3 and 4. Then to make the picture
stay in you will need to add stick 5 and 6 on the top and bottom of the
frame. So you have sticks 3 and 4 (the sides) with a stick on the top in
front, top in back, bottom in front and bottom in back. Follow? Connect
these sticks with glue. When dry have the children decorate these sticks
with paint, glue and glitter, macaroni, string, lace, puzzle pieces...
whatever Let that dry. Cut a piece of paper to fit the back of the frame.
Glue that on. Cut the picture to fit in the frame, and insert the picture.
Then glue the magnets at the top and bottom of the back of the frame.
Viola.. an awesome mothers day gift.
Hand Prints- Submitted by Sherry
Paint the child's hands, or feet with a paintbrush and tempera (or non
toxic) paint. Press onto a piece of paper. Write a cute poem or saying at
the bottom. Like this one:
because I am so small
and always leave my finger prints
on furniture and walls
But every day I'm growing
I'll be grown someday
and all those tiny hand prints
will surely fade away
So here's a little hand print
just so you can recall
exactly how my fingers looked
when I was very small
Bath Salts- Submitted by Sherry
Last year my son's class collected baby food jars and filled it with bath
salts and they decorated the lids with plastic flowers and ribbon.
Magazine Collage- Submitted by Sherry
Have the children cut out pictures of families in parents magazines. Have
the children name the people in the picture, and label them.
A real family tree- Submitted by Sherry
Have the children make a family tree with branches and glue. For the
purpose of this try to get branches with y's and let the children pick the
branch to write the names of their family members.
A Delightful Flower Basket for Mom- Submitted by Patrisha
To make this craft project you will need a paper or plastic cup, colored tissue paper, construction paper, a pipe cleaner, scissors, crayons, glue, and tape. To begin take your paper or plastic cup and wrap the outside in colored tissue paper. Next cut out some very simple construction paper letters to spell MOM using your imagination or the picture as a guide. You could also spell out your mom's name if you want. Cut the letters out of whatever color paper you would like your basket handle to be.
Next attach the letters to a pipe cleaner by either threading the pipe cleaner through the letters or taping the pipe cleaner to the back of the letters to secure them in place. Now attach each end of the pipe cleaner to either side of the cup you decorated earlier. Tape or glue it in place so the handle looks like nice and spells a name. Let it dry and decorate the cup or the letters further if you wish. Add a sweet message to the cup. Fill the cup with fresh or paper flowers and give to someone special or keep it for yourself.
Fabulous Floral Bookmark- Submitted by Patrisha
To make this craft project you will need colored construction paper, colorful pipe cleaners, scissors, crayons, and other materials to decorate your Fabulous Floral bookmark. To begin cut out a several flower shapes from colored construction paper using the picture as a guide or using your imagination. Also be sure to cut out several leaves to accompnay your flowers. Next take another piece of colored construction paper and cut out a tall rectangular bookmark. The color you choose will be the dominant color of your bookmark. You could also use a heavier weight piece of paper if you wish to make a more sturdy bookmark. Next take several pipe cleaners and cut them to different lengths. They will become the stems of your colorful flowers. Next attach each of the colorful flowers you cut out with a colorful pipe cleaner stem. Just poke the pipe cleaner through the flower and secure it in place. Next thread the stems of each one of these flowers through the basic bookmark shape you created. Arrange the flowers on the bookmark to create an interesting pattern and presentation. Next add the leaves to your floral bookmark to add a little more color and balance. Now decorate your Floral bookmark. Add more colors, a touch of glitter, a thoughtful quote- whatever you wish! Now use your Floral bookmark to hold your place as you read or give it to someone special.
Collage or Placemat for Mother- Submitted by Patrisha
Give Mom her breakfast or dinner served on her own special placemat! Make Mom a special collage to show her how much you care.
Lightweight cardboard or tag board (a large cereal box can be a good source), Construction paper or wrapping paper, Pictures - old magazines, photos, printed clip art, coloring pages, Photos of her children, optional, Small 3-D decorations (only for wall hanging), optional, Paper, Crayons, markers, paint, etc., Scissors, Glue, Clear Con-Tact paper (only for placemats)
First, think about your Mom and gather your materials. What are her favorite things - does she love to cook, program, sew, bike, hike, paint or swim? Does she love mountains, butterflies, kittens, or flowers? What are her interests? Cut out, print out, or draw pictures of the things she likes. You can also include pictures of you and your family (but ask for pictures to use!)
Decide if you are making a placemat or a wall picture for your Mom. If you are making a placemat, all the things you use must be flat. If you are making a picture to hang on the wall, you can include some items that are not as flat, like small fake flowers, buttons, sequins, etc.
Cut the cardboard or tagboard to be the size you want to make your picture. Cover it with construction or wrapping paper.
Choose a special picture for the center of the collage.
Arrange the items you have gathered on the board, moving them around until you get thing just the way you like them. Make sure to put your name and the date somewhere on the picture.
Carefully glue them down one at a time.
If you are making a placemat, let everything dry, and then cover the placemat front and back with clear Con-Tact paper - an adult might need to do this step.
Mother's Day Buckets- Submitted by Cindy
1 aluminum bucket - can be bought at any craft store, Metal paints - these are specific paints for metal surfaces, Paintbrushes, Newspaper- to protect your work surface,
Party grass- to put in finished bucket, Gifts for mom- placed in the bucket along with the party grass, Empty egg carton or paper plate to put paints in.
Make sure the bucket is clean, remove any stickers, glue etc... Paint the entire bucket white with the metal paints. It may require 2 coats of paint. You might want to paint the inside of the bucket too. Let dry. Using a pencil lightly draw your picture or design onto the bucket (or for little ones do their handprints).
If you plan on making handprints decide on the color of metal paint to use for the prints. Place some paint onto a paper plate and lightly put hand into the plate. Then place hand onto bucket surface- repeat the pattern.
After the white paint is completely dried and you have your design/picture on the bucket begin to paint. When you are done painting let the bucket dry completely.
Add the party grass and the gifts you have for mom. These can even be her favorite homemade cookies
Mother's Day Gift Bags- Submitted by Cindy
Depending on the size of the gift, decorate either a lunch bag or a grocery bag by coloring with crayons, felt markers, or paint. Add poems or funny sayings. Decorate with stickers.
Put in the gift and stuff with colored tissue paper and tie a ribbon or bow on the top.
Mother's Day Coupon Bouquets- Submitted by Cindy
Draw hearts out of heavy construction paper.
Write your messages on the hearts.
Glue the hearts onto decorated popsicle sticks (attach stickers, color the sticks, wrap them in giftwrap, etc).
Place the sticks in a small vase and mom can pick a coupon from her bouquet.
Handprint Aprons- Submitted by Cindy
I bought canvas aprons and had the kids put their handprints on them and used flower sponges to sponge paint around them. I can't remember exactly what we wrote on them, but something like "Mom's Helping Hands" or something similar. The kids also each made a pizza for mom and brownies so she would have dinner already made that day.
Handprint Mugs- Submitted by Cindy
I bought plain white mugs at the store and painted the kids hands, had them put their hands around the mug and then added their name and date. I used glass paints and then added a glaze on top. We filled the mugs with cookies that the kids made.
Garden Stepping Stone- Submitted by Cindy
Bag of cement (buy at hardware or home store, about $3.00 for a big bag),
small, durable mementos to place in cement (we used rubber frogs and bugs on one, a pacifier and a rattle in one, and hot wheels cars in one), round 9" disposable cake pans
This project is MUCH easier than it sounds :) Do it outside, because it gets messy! Mix cement with water according to directions on bag. Pour in tins. Let it sit until it is firm enough to hold a print. Place child's foot in center of tin and smoosh :) Try to not go all the way to the bottom! Place small knick knacks around foot print like a toy, etc as listed above. Cement is hard to write in, but we were able to do initials and the date. Let set. Cover with water to cure according to package directions. Let these set for a few days before removing from the tins. These can be buried in the garden as stepping stones, left out on the deck, or anywhere outside. Once hard, they are quite durable!
Garden in a Jar- Submitted by Cindy
Encourage your little ones to "plant" these everlasting gardens to give to their moms on Mother's Day. In advance, collect a small plastic jar with a lid for each child. Help the child roll out a thick layer of green play dough. Then have her use the jar lid to cut out a circle of the play dough. Have her poke a few small artificial flowers into the dough to create a unique miniature garden. Allow the dough to harden completely before gluing it to the inside of the jar lid. Screw the jar over the flowers; then attach a pretty ribbon.
Mother’s Day Tea- Submitted by Lisa in VA
We are going to make decorated sugar cookies to serve our mothers along
with tea. Our gift to mom is to make fancy soaps. You mix Ivory Snow, water and food coloring to make the soap tinted. You must let the soap dry for
several days. We will then make some fancy gift bags for mom.
This is the poem we use....
I try to be my best each day.
But if you get upset with me,
Relax and have a cup of tea!
Trace a cup shape out of wall paper. Have the children cut it out
and paste (just around the edges) onto a fancy paper doily. Insert a tea
bag with the string hanging out and write "Mom, You're Just My Cup of Tea!"
Then have children dip the bowl of a plastic spoon in melted white or milk
chocolate. Hold over pan till most of the dripping stops. Dip spoon into
sprinkles or other tiny cookie decoration. When cool and solid, cover with
saran wrap and tie with a pretty ribbon. It can be used as stir stick to
make Mother's Day Tea special.
Tie strips of cloth around metal hanger wire, or electricians wire and shape it into a heart shape.
Frame children’s artwork, especially if the subject has something to do with family or mother.
Have children decorate sheets of paper and tie with a ribbon for cute homemade stationary.
I take 2 Hershey kisses and put the flat sides together. Then I place rose colored saran wrap over the kisses. I use a flower stem that I purchase from Michaels or some craft shop. I place that under the saran wrap, Then I take green floral tape and wrap it around the stem about half way down. Then I twist 2 apple jolly ranchers around the
stem. I use the floral tape to attach them to the stem. It looks like leaves.
It's not that difficult and it's really pretty. This way the student not only
gives a flower to his/her Mother..but she can also eat the candy. I have made
these with my students. The easy way to do it is one on one. They can do it
with your assistance.
powdered laundry detergent scoop, 2 milk jug lids, potting soil, zinnia or marigold seeds, small ribbon, hot glue gun, Your favorite Mother's day poems printed small enough to fit on the front of the scoop
Plant the seeds (we plant about 5 or 6) in the scoop hot glue the lids to each side to look like wheels tie the ribbon around the handle hot glue the poem on the front of the scoop The handle just has a bow around it for decoration. The lids are the wheels and you plant flower seeds inside the scoop. They usually don't stand straight up. They are kind of titled
This is very easy to do. You need to do it about 3 weeks ahead of Mother's Day.
Our first step is to make the cover....we paint mom's face and hair with
multicultural paint. Let dry, then draw in the features with colored
permanent markers (eyes, nose, eyebrows, etc.). We cut this out, glue on a
piece of construction paper, then write the title and laminate. We also
laminate the back cover (the kids write "I love you" on the inside of the
back cover).
Our second step is to read the story, The Important book (can't think of the
author). Then we brainstorm the important things about mom.
Our last step takes a few days. We have the kids finish the sentences with
phonetic spelling/sight words, and their dictionaries.
1) Cover page
2) The important thing about mom is......
3) She loves.........
4) I love it when.......
5) But the important thing about mom is (repeat pg. 2)
We use a heavy duty stapler to staple it all together...it takes a while but
it is worth it - the mom's love it!!!!!
Have the children think of why they love their mother. I take their
sentences and type them up in my word processing program, using a pretty
color and font. Below is last year's poem the kids created. (Of course, you
decide the format you want for the poem.) I print out the poems and then
trim them down so that they are about 6" X 8" in width and height. The
poems are centered glued onto a colored sheet of construction paper (child's
choice). Last year, the kids punched out hearts of various colors and then
glued them along the frame border created by the colored piece of
construction paper. Some children created a patterned border and others
just randomly glued the colored hearts. In either case, it was beautiful.
The last thing we did was invite the mother's in for a Mother's Day Tea
Party and we read our poem to the group. The mothers were very touched.
The children gave their poems to their moms afterwards.
use Pogs(those cardboard circles that kids were collecting a few years ago) as
a backing--- the children glue on either puzzle pieces(my favorite) or
buttons(their favorite) They usually make two layers---after this dries, we
glue a pin back on. These gifts have been real hits with the Moms!!
Two years ago I made a planter using our little milk cartons that the kids drink during snack at school. I cut the top part off so it was just like a box at the bottom. Then I cut and folded paper to fit around the bottom and cover all of the words. The children
colored the paper with whatever kinds of designs they wanted. Then we glued
the paper to the milk container. Finally, they each put a plant inside (I
bought a flat of plants. I just had to cut each one a little bit in order for
it to fit in the box.). They were cute!
Last year, I got each child a terra cotta flower pot (small) and they sponge
painted it using craft paint. I sprayed them with a sealer. When they were dry
each child put a flower (plant) inside it (I once again bought a flat of
plants.). This was expensive for me. I think I spent around 50 cents per pot
and about 50 cents per plant. So, it was basically a $20 project where I paid.
I also had the children make a card. They chose a whatever color of tissue
paper they wanted, and then I cut circles out of it on the Ellison machine (or
you could hand cut them). I gave each child about 10 circles, I'd say. I
stapled the circles together and glued the bottom circle to a piece of
construction paper folded in half (for the card). Once the glue dried, they
carefully took each layer of tissue paper and scrunched it so that it made a
flower. They added a construction paper stem and leaf and wrote a message
inside.
We are using cardboard boxes that are shaped
like hearts. Glue buttons on top with ribbon around the edge. Then you
spray paint any color you want - my new favorite color for this is gold, but
the example I say was red. You could also put a picture of the child on the
top of the box. It makes a sort of keepsake box.
I use Epsom salts, perfume and food coloring. Everyone mixes up their own. We send it home in a zip-lock bag with a poem attached with a ribbon:
A teaspoon in your bath each day,
Will make you feel pretty in May.
1 cup flour,
1 cup warm water,
1/4 cup salt,
2 teaspoons cream of tartar,
1 teaspoon oil,
food coloring
Mix together the flour, water, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and food coloring.
Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth.
Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time.
To make brooch(es), shape into hearts. Before totally dry, press pins into backs of hearts (buy the pins at a craft store). When the hearts are totally dry, paint them with your favorite colors.
As you can plainly see.
I made it with my hand
Which is a part of me.
Especially to say
I hope you have a very
Happy Mother's Day.
I painted this flower to say "I love you."
The heart is you.
The hand is me.
To show we are friends-
The best there can be.
I hope you will save it
And look back someday
At the flower we shared
On your special day.
Mother's Day Garden Rock- Submitted by Cindy
A ladybug
I've made with love
to set among your flowers
To let you know I love you
and appreciate your hours.
******
RECIPES AND COOKING
Cut waffles into heart shapes using cookie cutters. Decorate with fresh strawberries, sliced from top to bottom so they resemble small hearts. Top the waffles off with whipping cream and add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Make pancakes by placing a large heart-shaped cookie cutter on the griddle and pouring in the pancake batter. When pancakes are ready to flip, remove the cookie cutter. If you feel really creative, drizzle the pancake batter onto the griddle so it forms an "I" and a "U". When you serve this to mom, place it on the plate so it reads: "I (Heart) U"
Make mom a few fried eggs by placing them inside a large cookie cutter, when the eggs harden remove the cookie cutters. Don't forget to cut heart shapes out of the toast to go along with the eggs.
Serve mom your special meal on a tray, place a single flower in a vase along with coffee, tea, milk (whichever she prefers) and place your Mother's Day card along the side of the tray along with a cloth napkin. Ask mom if she'd like to read the paper, watch TV, read a book, etc while she's eating.
*****
Mother's Day Graham Cracker Cards- Submitted by Sherry and Cindy
Place 4, 6, 8, (as many as you'd like) graham crackers together on a platter and frost them so they're glued together. Decorate the mothers day card anyway you'd like, for example:
Press Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Hugs, Red Hots, etc., down into the frosting.
Pipe "Happy Mother's Day" or "Love Ya Mom" onto the Crackers
Drizzle on different colors of food coloring to make designs or messages
Use your imagination and have fun.
*****
Recipe Ideas for Desserts for Mother's Day- Submitted by Sherry
Prepare a favorite recipe for cookies and cut out shapes using different cookie cutters: Hearts, "X"s and "O"s, etc. Top cookies with red or white icing, red hots, candy hearts, Hershey kisses, etc.
Make a heart-shaped cake for Mother's Day by baking a two-layer cake using your favorite cake recipe (one layer goes in an 8" round pan, and one goes in a 8" square pan). When cake has completely cooled, cut the round cake in half. Place the square cake in a diamond shape and place each semi-circle against the top sides of the triangle to resemble a heart. Cover the entire cake with red, white, or pink frosting. Put on the finishing touches by either using candy hearts, Hershey kisses, cake decorations, or writing messages such as "I love you mom", a cute saying or a short poem honoring mom. (the cake will be oversized, so make a platter by covering a large piece of cardboard with tinfoil)
*****
Mother's Day Heart Cake- Submitted by Sherry and Cindy
Make a heart-shaped cake for mothers day by baking a two-layer cake (bake one layer in an 8" round pan, and one layer in a 8" square pan (since this cake will be larger than a normal cake, make a platter by covering a large piece of cardboard with tinfoil). When cakes are cooled thoroughly, cut the round cake in half.
Place the square cake in a diamond shape and place each semi-circle against the top sides of the triangle to resemble a heart. Cover the entire cake with frosting. Put on the finishing touches by either using candy hearts, Hershey kisses, cake decorations, etc.
*****
A Berry Tart For Mom- Submitted by Terri
PREPARED with a ready-made crust and whole strawberries, this foolproof fruit tart meets two important requirements for any Mother's Day dessert: It is both elegant and edible.
SHELL
1 9-inch frozen piecrust
FILLING
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
TOPPING
3 cups whole strawberries, washed and hulled
GLAZE
3 tbsp. apricot jam
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Bake the piecrust according to the package directions and then set it aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon the filling into the cooled piecrust, spreading it evenly in the shell. Arrange the strawberries, bottoms up, on top of the filling.
Next, heat the apricot jam, sugar and vanilla extract together in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to boil. Remove the pan from the stove and use a pastry brush to paint each berry with the glaze (a fun job for kids). Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Serves 6.
*****
Dinner For Mom- Submitted by Cindy
One year the kids made baked ziti (a tray each) for mom and also dessert. Then we went to the store and bought a bag of salad for each mom and went to the French bakery nearby and got them each a loaf of bread. They decorated big white bags for their moms and put the dinner in the bag along with a handmade card. The mom's loved this gift!
*****
Yogurt Supreme & Heart Shaped Toast- Submitted by Sherry
clear glass (like a wine goblet), small plate, strawberry banana yogurt, strawberries, bananas, graham crackers, plastic baggie, bread, butter, juice
Place a few graham crackers in a plastic baggie - close up tight! Use your hands to crunch up the crackers into crumbs. Pour 3/4 of the crumbs into the glass - save the remaining 1/4 for later. Have an adult help you to slice up the banana and a few strawberries. Place a few slices of banana and strawberries into the glass. Spoon the yogurt on top. Add a few more slices of fruit to the top and sprinkle with the remaining graham cracker crumbs. Have an adult cut a slit down the center of one strawberry - then slip it onto the rim of the glass for decoration!
Next, toast 2 slices of bread with an adult's help. After the bread is
toasted, use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make the toast into heart
shapes. Spread a little butter (or jam)onto the toast, and place on a
plate. Put the remaining strawberries and banana slices onto the side of
the plate with the toast! Pour a nice tall glass of juice or milk and
place on the tray. To finish it off, tie a pretty ribbon on a spoon and
place on the tray - add a pretty napkin and a handmade card or poem, and
you are all set!
*****
Muffins for Mom- Submitted by Nan
Moms will be delighted by this token of appreciation for Mother's Day. In advance, have each child create a card of appreciation for his Mother or a female friend. Then send home a note inviting each Mother or female friend to come to school for "Muffins For Mom." On that day, serve muffins and doughnuts to the Moms, and then encourage each child to present his card to his Mother or friend.
******
SONGS AND FINGERPLAYS
Five flower baskets sitting on the floor.
One will go to....................'s mom,
Then there will be four.
Four flower baskets, pretty as can be.
One will go to ...................'s mom,
Then there will be three.
Three flower baskets with flowers red and blue.
One will go to....................'s mom,
Then there will be two.
Two flower baskets, bright as the sun.
One will go to....................'s mom,
Then there will be one.
One flower basket, oh, it's sure to go.
To your very own mother, who is the Nicest one you know.
Talk with the children about what mother's do and what their mother does for them.
*****
We Love Mothers- Submitted by Terri
(Tune to: Frere Jacques )
We love mothers.
We love mothers.
Yes we do
Yes we do.
Mothers are for hugging (hug self)
Mothers are for kissing (blow kiss)
WE love you
Yes, we do.
*****
Thank you, Mothers- Submitted by Terri
Thank you, mothers.
For your love,
For your love.
Mothers are for hugging, (hug self)
Mothers are for kissing (blow kiss)
We love you;
yes, we do.
I'll pick some flowers for my Mom.
To make a nice bouquet (pick flowers)
I'll give her a smile (smile)
And say, Happy Mother's Day.
*****
I Love Family- Submitted by Terri
(tune: Frere Jacques)
I love Mommy,
I love Mommy.
Yes I do
yes I do
And my mommy loves me
Yes, my mommy loves me
Loves me too
loves me too.
*****
Mother’s Day- Submitted by Terri
(Sung to tune of "This Old Man" )
Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Is a very special day.
Here's a great big hug
And lots of kisses too.
Each one says that I love you!
*****
I Love My Mommy- Submitted by Terri
(Sing to tune of "Up on the Housetop" )
I love my mommy, Yessiree!
She is very good to me!
She makes me cookies and yummy treats,
That's my mom and she's real neat!
Oh, oh, oh, who wouldn't know,
Oh, oh, oh, who wouldn't know,
I love my mommy and she loves me,
That's the way it's supposed to be!
*****
Five Pretty Mommies- Submitted by Terri
(Sing to tune of "Five Little Ducks" )
Five pretty mommies I once knew
Fat ones, skinny ones, tall ones, too,
But the one in the middle that belongs to me...
I love her and she loves me!
Down to the grocery we did go,
Wibble - wobble, wibble - wobble, to and fro,
But the one in the middle that belongs to me,
I love her and she loves me!
*****
Mother's Day Song- Submitted by Terri
(Melody: You are my sunshine)
I love you mommy
My dearest mommy
You make me happy
When I am sad
I want to tell you
I really love you!
When I'm with you I am so glad!
*****
Mother’s Day Poem - Submitted by Terri
I laugh I dance I nap and play at Miss ( your name)'s
but home is where I love to be
With Mommy right there next to me.
To hold and hug and kiss and say
"I love you mom,
Happy Mother's Day "
*****
Mother My Dear- Submitted by Lisa in VA
tune: "Rock-A-Bye Baby"
Mother my darling
Mother my dear
I love you, I love you
Each day of the year
You are so sweet
And you are so kind
And I am so gla-ad
That you-u are mine
*****
Mommy- Submitted by Lisa in VA
tune:" Bingo"
I love her and she loves me,
And Mommy is her name-o,
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
And Mommy is her name-O
*****
On Mother's Day- Submitted by Lisa in VA
tune: "O' Christmas Tree"
On Mother's Day
On Mother's Day
Oh how I love you, Mom...
On Mother's Day
On Mother's Day
Oh, how I love you Mom...
You give me joy and happiness
I give you love - a hug and kiss
On Mother's Day
On Mother's Day
Oh how I love you Mom
*****
Mother's Work Song- Submitted by Lisa in VA
tune: "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain"
Oh, a mother's work is never ever done.
And she doesn't have much time for play or fun.
It's a struggle to get through it,
Only mothers seem to do it.
Yes, a mother's work is never ever done.
So we thank you, Mom, for all you say and do.
And we thank you for your love; we love you, too. . .
It's not often that we show it,
But we want you, Mom to know it:
Mom, we thank you for your love; we love you, too!
*****
My Mommy Helps Me- Submitted by Lisa in VA
tune: "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean"
My mommy helps me when I'm sick.
My mommy helps me when I'm blue.
My mommy helps me when I'm sad.
Thanks, Mom, for all that you do!
You help, you help,
You help me feel so much better.
You help, you help,
You help me feel so much better.
*****
My Special Friend- Submitted by Lisa in VA
tune: "Bingo"
I have a very special friend
And Mommy is her name-o.
M-O-M-M-Y,
M-O-M-M-Y,
M-O-M-M-Y,
And Mommy is her name-o
*******
GAMES, MATH, & SCIENCE
Talk about animal families.. what do we call a baby chicken, baby dog and so on.
*****
Big/Small- Submitted by Sherry
Create large and small animal shapes have the children sort or tell you
which is bigger.
*****
Mommy Says- Submitted by Sherry
Played like simon says.
Replace mommy with other family members.
*****
Mother May I- Submitted by Sherry
The old game, mother may I take three little steps forward?
Replace mother with other family members.
*****
Are you my Mother?- Submitted by Sherry
You can make or buy a game like Memory: mommies and babies. You can play
like intended or just take five or so matched out an d give each child a
baby and place the mommies on a table face down. Each time a child guesses
which is the mommy to their card they say "Are you my Mother" and if the
card is not the mother the child and other children can say "you are not
my mother"
*****
Are you my Mother? Game II- Submitted by Sherry
Play this like doggie doggie where's your bone! Except you choose one
child to be the baby bird in the middle and the child with a block or toy
is the mommy. The Bird point to a child and asks "Are you my Mother?" the
child answers "Yes" if they have the block or "No I am a ___" fill in the
___ with cat, dog, boat.. etc On the third guess if the child guess
incorrectly the child should respond "I am a Snort" and everyone can point
to the "Mother"
******
CIRCLE TIME
Are you My Mother by P E Eastman
Love You Forever by R. Munsch
Group Time- Submitted by Sherry
Talk about members in a family, father, mother, sister, brother,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more.
*****
Mothers Are The Gardeners- Submitted by Cindy
Mothers are the gardeners
Of wind-blown wild flowers.
They water them with happy tears,
Happy with them many years,
Even as the hours
Ring with sweet, sad melodies
Sighing through their bowers
*****
My Mom- Submitted by Cindy
My mom is very special,
My mom is very kind,
My mom always tells me I'm special,
She's always on my mind.
My mom watches me grow,
My mom watches me cry,
Of course she'll always know,
She'll never have to tell me goodbye.
My mom will always hug and kiss,
My mom will always care.
My days she will never miss,
Cuz I'm her little teddy bear.
My mom is very special,
My mom is very kind,
My mom always tells me I'm special,
She's always on my mind.
Mommy I Love You
Mommy, I love you
For all that you do.
I'll kiss you and hug you
'Cause you love me, too.
You feed me and need me
To teach you to play,
So smile 'cause I love you
On this Mother's Day.
*****
The Reading Mother- Submitted by Lisa in VA
You may have tangible wealth untold,
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be;
I had a mother who read to me.
******
MISC
Have the children bathe the dolls in the water table with soap and water.
*****
Family Portraits- Submitted by Sherry
Have parents bring in pictures of themselves. Ask the children to find the
picture of their Mother, Father and other family members.
Or..
Ask parents to bring in pictures of their families, or take pictures of
the families at the center. You can place these on the walls at the
children's eye level by covering them with contact paper. The children
will really enjoy seeing their picture and pictures of others on the walls.
*****
A Love Cake For Mother- Submitted by Lisa in VA
1 can of "Obedience"
several lbs. of "Affection"
1 pint of "Neatness"
some holiday,birthday and everyday "Surprises"
1 can of pure "Thoughtfullness"
1 can of "Running Errands" ( the willing kind)
1 box of powered "Get Up When I Should"
Mix well and bake in aheated, hearty, warm oven and serve to "Mother"
everyday.
"She should have it in big slices!!!"
*****
Before I was a Mom- Submitted by Sherry
Author Unknown
Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.
Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted.
I never worried about how late I got to bed.
I soaked for as long as I wanted in my bubble bath.
Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on
Pooped on
Spit on
Chewed on
Peed on
Before I was a Mom
I had complete control of My thoughts
My body
And my mind.
Before I was a Mom
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop the hurt.
Before I was a Mom
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I had never known the warmth
The joy
The love
The wonderment
The heartache
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
*****
A Different Kind of Gift- Submitted by Sherry
On Mother's Day, give this memorable and lasting gift to your children. Children love thier mother's (or father's) voices - whether they are 2 or 12! Get a blank cassette tape and record a special message for your child. You can record a child's poem, record a favorite book on tape, or sing some lullabies. Make sure to begin the tape with a dedication to your child and some postive words about them. Your child will cherish this gift for years to come! Wrap the cassette in a special handwrapped package and tie with a ribbon. This can't replace reading to your child each night - but I am sure that they will want you to play their "mommy" tape often to ensure sweet dreams!
Kids-- make a tape for your parents of you singing songs, reciting poems or just sharing special memories! Your parents will love replaying this tape over and over!
*****
Hats Off To Mother!- Submitted by Lisa in VA
Mom, your job is never done,
I've often heard you say.
You're, always there to help me
In each and every way.
You have so many hats to wear,
I'd like to name a few.
This card's a special tribute-
With love from me to you.
My mother is a nurse,
She even cures the blues.
She fixes cuts and bruises
And helps me through the flu.
My mother is a chauffeur
Who drives me here and there.
She takes me where I need to go
in weather that's stormy or fair
My mom's the greatest chef
She cooks the world's best food.
I know sometimes she's tired
And not really in the mood.
My mom's a super detective
And no one does it greater
She finds my missing things
And gets the truth sooner or later.
My mother is the best
She cooks and cleans and sews.
She's always very busy
And always on the go.
My mother is an angel,
I know there is no other
I want to show my thanks to you
By saying, "I love you, Mother!"
-Chris Christensen
*****
"Happy Mother's Day" Means More- Submitted by Lisa in VA
"Happy Mother's Day" means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
We never get to say.
It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you.
But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
Your happiness on this, your day,
With pleasure and with love.
*****
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