Moms Talk: Quest for the Perfect Mother's Day

What’s the secret to a perfect Mother’s Day?

Savor the moment and treasure the kids. They are the best gift of all. And no matter how hectic life gets, you are building some wonderful memories.

If you sense a surprise brewing, just smile. You may hear whispers and giggles and have to pretend to not see gifts being smuggled in. The cards and gifts may be funny, fun or useful. But be assured, they come from the heart. You are major in your family’s world.

My funniest Mother’s Day card came from my youngest when he was in second grade. The teacher asked the class to draw Mom with her favorite food. My son’s card featured a wide-eyed Mom waving a huge coffee cup. He capped it with, “My mom’s favorite food is coffee.” He was right, of course. I could have opened my own Starbucks! Later, he confessed that he knew coffee was not a food but that he could not resist.

Mother’s Day suggestion: Consider what your family loves most or does best—games, movies, sports, brunch, the beach or barbecue—and add their favorite foods.

The best celebrations that we had were the ones involving the whole family. We were big on family feasts, and my kids liked to push the blender buttons, roll out the pie dough or mix up the pudding. Thanksgiving was the best, but we had some great Mother’s Day dinners too.

Will there also be grandmas as guests, or visits to grandmas? Then you may be thinking flowers, cake and lots of pictures. Or maybe a brunch, lunch or dinner out.

Final suggestion: Do a little something just for you. Jackie Pillsbury’s recent contribution to Moms Talk is a great idea:

", located above the shopping center, has been my haven away from the kids, house, husband, errands, cleaning, etc. I have 90 minutes purely to myself, to focus on me, how to improve me and be a better wife, mother, sister, friend. Or a place to just relax and go through the 26 asanas (postures) peacefully without an interruption. Hope this helps!"

That 90 minutes at yoga, or regular session in the library, bookstore, spa or community class, could be a breakthrough for you and your family. It will pay you back, as you return with a smile and renewed focus.

Let us know how you keep your balance, or what you will be doing on Mother’s Day, in the comments section below.

When my energy level is down around my ankles, how do I personally reboot (especially when soloing with a little one)?

Recently on a cross-country flight, I found myself next to a pert young mom with a beaming 6-month-old. He started bouncing and grabbing for things immediately.

But his mom was up for it. She had a bag full of toys, energy bars and snacks. Clearly she was determined not to inflict a screaming infant on the mass of humanity around her. And she did not.

He napped briefly, ate and drank constantly and vibrated through the trip—mostly on her lap, with intermittent aisle excursions. She never lost patience or tensed up.

I ran into her after the flight and told her what a great job she did. She grinned and admitted she was exhausted! He, of course, was sacked out in his stroller.

I thought about the immense energy, sheer muscle and careful planning such a trip demands. If you have been there and have your own tricks for flying or taking long car trips, tell us, and we'll share them in Laguna Beach Moms Talk.

Or maybe you're contemplating just such a trip and shaking in your UGGs. Stay in touch and let us know what the best moms are doing. Or tell us what you'd like to talk about.