DIL: To My Fellow Mother's Day Mail Missers

When I got married I discovered a marvelous thing about my dh (and his family).  They are on time nigh unto early when it comes to sending packages and cards in the mail...as a matter of fact, they sent things in the mail.  How extraordinary!  It's been a lot of fun receiving cards and gifts from in-laws of all types (uncles/aunts/grandparents/siblings/parents).  This is entirely new for me.  My family typically has all but a few that get the birthday phone call in ("the few" changes each year).  Cards and gifts are a rarity, but always get an extra smile when they come in.  My mom has to be honorably mentioned as as she does get cards out to each of us throughout the year has a knack for getting that card/package there on the day that it's supposed to be there (somehow that talent didn't get passed on to me).    

Until I got married I rarely went card shopping and very rarely sent mail to people...I would even go so far as to write the letter and put it in an envelope, but it would always get caught up in the put-it-in-the-mail phase.  Contrasting this to the in-laws I described above led to a gradual change in my "mailing" habits.  In the beginning it was common to hear me say "oh, wow!  It got there! That's great!" on the phone, and, yes, that was genuine surprise.  What a marvel the USPS became for me.  Three years later I am glad to say I now mail much more frequently.  Having said that I am still abysmal at getting mailings that have a specific deadline into the mail on time.  Now I'm hoping that the USPS will be able to get a Thursday mailing across the country in two days...possible?  I dunno.

Thus the inspiration for this post.  For those of us who may have missed the big mail day for packages or mother's day cards, I am providing a list of great things you can do for your MIL or mother from a distance that don't require you to find a stamp a few days in advance.

1.  Make a video.  Your kids/husband will be your greatest asset then send it via email.  If you are good at video editing do it!  It will make it all the better.  :Last year my brother and his family filmed all of them coloring in a sign that said happy mother's day and then sped it up and overlayed a song the boys sang for their grandmas.  Just keep in mind that if you aren't good at video editing you should keep your video short (20 seconds) or else it won't send via email.  Also, try to rehearse something before so your not just hmmming and haaaing....you know like a script? 

2.  Write a tribute.  If you have a blog you can do a tribute post to that special mom in your life.  Consider grabbing pictures from when you were young to post (those old pictures of my mom and I still make me get goose-bumpy with gratitude and emotion and I'm sure they do the same for her).   Either that or tell your favorite story (again from when you were younger).  I'm finding that most moms (especially those whose kids have left home already) wonder what stuck and what didn't of all their efforts they made.

3.  A few of her favorite things.  Do something that makes your mom happy.  I know at our church the congregation swells on mother's day with kids that are doing what their mom wants them to do (even if it is just for that Sunday).  Eat her favorite dinner or dessert and take pictures doing it and send them to her via email.

4.  Art, art, art!  She loved it when you were little she'll love it now...poems/drawings scanned into the computer/a song.  Remember...she's mom so she'll love whatever comes her way...that's what moms excel at more than anything (recognizing acts of love in all their forms).

5.  Skype.  Don't typically skype?  Call her up if they have a camera on their computer, or have a friend that lives near them go by so you can talk online.  Already skype a lot?  Find something fun to do on skype...come up with a matching memory game or something interactive that was well thought out.

6.  Email.  Granted...not as good as a letter, but at least it will give you the opportunity to put some (hopefully) tender thoughts into words to pass on to her.  If this is your option take time to be specific.  Again--favorite memories, favorite qualities that she has, lessons she taught you that you haven't forgotten, lessons she taught that you never listened to until recently...you name it she'll love it!

Just get creative...what a wonderful world of technology we have at our fingertips.  A little creativity and technological aptitude can go a long way.  For those of you that live closer to your Mum or MIL I found this great site with tons of fun ideas for mother's day (just remember that crafts aren't always a full day affair): Mother's Day Crafts

Extra plug:  If you're struggling with your MIL spend some extra time on this gift...be genuine and creative and thoughtful and perhaps you can start chipping away at the barriers and misunderstandings.  A good rule of thumb is to look at the gifts she gives (food, service, time, crafts, store-bought) and give her a gift in a similar vein...it's one way to guarantee she'll like it.  Also, don't forget your grandmas on this special day!