Mother’s Day is May 8th. To help my family alleviate any stress and sleepless nights they may have lying awake, racking their heads trying to figure out how to make this Mother’s Day simply A-W-E-S-O-M-E, I decided to help by putting together a simple list of things my family can do that would bring me great joy, possibly even tears of joy, this Mother’s Day.

Sleep – Isn’t sleeping the best? I would love quiet, undisturbed, sweet dreams-inducing sleep with no interruptions. Bonus if I wake up when my body clock tells me and not before I hear Pat’s annoying voice from the Minecraft videos creeping from somewhere down the hallway.

Peace – In addition to quiet (see above), I would love Peace with a capital P. No whines, entitled attitudes, shoulder shrugs, slight eye rolls, loud sighs, silent sulks…if that’s not possible, tell Dad. He’s the referee today!

Wine & Dine – In the manner of Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything, I don’t want to make dinner, think about making dinner, buy anything for dinner or shop for anything that may be used for dinner. You know, as far as dinner is concerned, I don’t want to do dinner. Take out or reservations. I’m good with either. Oh, and a glass of wine or two.

Gratitude – There’s a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes. A LOT. It’s nice to feel appreciated and recognized, even if most days I feel like I’m just winging it. A sincere thank you, a hug of gratitude, a smile of appreciation, really any form of gratitude (I’m not picky here) would make my day.

Gifts – The daily grind of staring at, picking up, throwing out and relocation of legos, socks, day old pajamas, Pokemon cards, half-scrawled pieces of paper, candy wrappers and various ‘collections’ of stuff can take a heavy toll on house cleaning, not to mention one’s own mental state. Another ‘gifty’ item, with no real significant purpose, that I have to find a place for in our house, may make me have a full fledged Kon Mari meltdown.

A homemade card, a coupon book filled with cool stuff to do (trip to Clementine’s anyone?), a surprise picnic in the park – these are gifts that keep on giving.

Happy Mother’s Day Mamas! What do you really want this Mother’s Day?