Mother's Day Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

History of Mother’s Day for Kids

April 20, 2021 by Rhonda Gales

Do you know the history of Mother’s Day. Today, I’m sharing homeschooling tips and kids printables on the History of Mother’s Day for kids. Each year we celebrate mothers; however, very few people know its history. So, I researched the history and I thought I would share it with you.

First, the history of Mother’s Day can be taken back to Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis who was born in Culpeper, Virginia, September 30, 1832. She moved to Philippi, WV with her mother and father. Ann’s father was a Methodist minister who was transferred to the area.

Next, Ann later married the son of a Baptist minister. She became known as Mother Jarvis. Her husband ran a mercantile and she was a Appalachian homemaker who taught Sunday School. Furthermore, she lead a Mother’s Day Work Club who’s mission was to teach mother’s how to eliminate unsanitary living conditions. Additionally, she taught them how to take care of their children safely. After Mother Jarvis’ husband passed away, she moved to Philadelphia with to live with her daughter and to be close to her sons. Sadly, Mother Jarvis passed away in 1905 from heart problems.

Anna Jarvis Founder of Mother’s Day:

Anna Jarvis, Mother Jarvis’ daughter, was the founder of Mother’s Day. She attended the Augusta Female Seminary in Staunton, Virginia. Today it is known as Mary Baldwin College. After Anna completed college, she returned to her mother in West Virginia. She worked in the school system and became involved in church.

History of Mother’s Day:

Several years after Anna’s mother passed away, she held a memorial ceremony to honor her and all mothers at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. The church built a shrine and dedicated it to all mothers in the church on May 10, 1908. Anna did not attend, but she sent 500 white carnations for those who did. From there the idea of honoring mothers annually became a mission for her. Anna Jarvis spent countless hours working to have Mother’s Day recognized as a holiday. During her campaign, the holiday spread throughout the United States and internationally. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday.

Print my History of Mother’s Day Fact Sheet and use as a part of your homeschool or extra educational activities.

Emblem of Mother’s Day

Furthermore, the white carnation is seen as the emblem of Mother’s Day. In Anna Jarvis’ words, “Its whiteness is to symbolize the truth, purity and broad-charity of mother love; its fragrance, her memory, and her prayers. The carnation does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies. So, it symbols mothers hugging their children to their hearts, their mother’s love never dying. “When I selected this flower, I was remembering my mother’s bed of white pinks”. – Anna Jarvis.

Popular Flowers for Mother’s Day:

Tulips – Meaning perfect, love and charity
Roses – meaning love and appreciation
Daffodils – meaning rebirth and new beginnings
Gladiolus – meaning strength of character and integrity
Orchids – meaning love and rare beauty
Lilies – Meaning virtue, prosperity and motherhood

Finally, you have the history of Mother’s Day. And, I wish each mother a Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day. My children will be visiting this week, and my son-in-law will be preparing dinner for all the mothers in the family. This act is a token of his love for me and a reminder of my greatest role, a mother.

Filed Under: Printables Tagged With: history of holidays, homeschool resources, Mother's Day, parenting information

The History of Mother’s Day

May 7, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered how Mother’s Day came about? I’ve wondered, so I decided to do some research. The day originated in my state, West Virginia. I was surprised to discover that fact. A lady by the name of Anna Jarvis of Grafton, WV started Mother’s Day. The history of Mother’s Day tells us that it originally started as a memorial to Anna Jarvis’ mother. She passed away in 1907. Knowledge is power and knowing the history of Mother’s Day is empowering.

She decided to campaign to make it a nationally recognized holiday. In 1914, she succeeded. Furthermore, by 1920, Anna Jarvis had become disappointed with the holiday. She spent the rest of her life campaigning against it. As with everything in this country, it had become too commercialized. Businesses were promoting flowers, greeting cards and boxes of chocolates for Mother’s Day gifts. They were profiting from what was supposed to be a simple day to recognize mothers and all that they had done in their role.

As a matter fact, Anna was so upset with their greed that she was actually arrested for disturbing the peace while protesting. She stated that she wished she had never started the holiday. Most importantly, she had become so bitter as a result of the commercialization, she died in poverty. She also died unmarried and without children. What a sad ending to what started as a beautiful tribute to her mother.

I agreed that we are the most commercialized country in the world. We tie a dollar bill to anything and everything. Statistics show people spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers and $1.53 billion on pampering spa treatments, manicures and pedicures for Mother’s Day.

The history of Mother’s Day remains an important part of American History. Although Anna Jarvis became frustrated, I think people should be able to spend their money how they choose. If recipients of the gifts enjoy them, that makes the gift even better. We all have a choice, buy or not buy. I guess if I was in Anna Jarvis’ shoes, my thoughts may be different. The best Mother’s Day gifts are at home dinners with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

As a matter of fact, I believe that we as mothers have a very important role in raising our children and grandchildren. Just as important, mothers shouldn’t just be recognized on the second Sunday of May. After all, we are mothers 356 days a year 24 hours a day for the rest of our life.

So, there we have the history of Mother’s Day. Finally, I hope that you spend the day relaxing and doing what you enjoy, and if you get a chance leave me a comment on yours thoughts of Anna Jarvis and Mother’s Day. You may also like 15 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

Filed Under: Activities, Empowerment, Life-Thoughts Tagged With: American History, history of holidays, Mother's Day

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For Mom

April 27, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

So, everyone will in search of Mother’s Day gift ideas. So, today I’m sharing shopping tips on Mother’s Day gift ideas. It’s so important that we honor our mothers. But, many people get tired of giving and receiving the same gifts for Mother’s Day?

As a result, do you want to do something unique and memorable, but lack innovation? No worries, because I have come up with a few great Mother’s Day gift ideas. These ideas will lead to an unexpected and exciting Mother Day with a little ingenuity. No flowers, chocolates, or dinner at a local restaurant on my list. Just unique ideas that will be sure to please.

Unique Mother’s Day gift ideas:

1. Photo Blanket – First, I loved this idea and it’s great for any occasion. Gather a few of mom’s favorite photos or yours and have them added to a nice warm blanket for mom to snuggle in. Great for chilly evenings and week-ends or just to display. Great conversation piece too. Order two, you may want to keep this one.

2. Wine Club Membership – Next, is mom a wine lover? How about a membership to the Wine of the Month Club or a wine gift basket. Furthermore, two bottles of wine per month will be shipped to your front door or a fine wine gift basket delivered. This would be a perfect gift for me, as I’m a lover of wines especially red wines. You may also want to check your local winery to inquire about a custom basket for mom or membership.

3. Breakfast in Bed – So, how about serving mom breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day? Fortunately, any week-end will do for this Mother’s Day gift idea. Serve her breakfast in bed for a month? For example, serve a bowl of fresh fruit and a croissant. Also, yogurt with her favorite coffee is good or go ahead and whip up a full fledged breakfast starting with fresh squeezed juice. Follow that up with bacon, eggs and toast. Print up a few certificates and place them in a gift box. When mom needs a break, let her turn in one of her coupons for breakfast Saturday or Sunday morning.

4. Afternoon Tea – Next, invite a few of mom’s friends or family member over and serve them tea and biscuits or tea sandwiches. Maybe they would like a sconce or bite size desserts too. Nothing fancy, just a fun and relaxing day with the girls.

5. Latte Machine – About how this, purchase a Latte machine and whip up a few Lattes. Rather than running out for a special treat, she can brew her own in the comfort of home.

6. Massage – Get mom a gift certificate for a massage. I have one every year for my birthday, and I swear by them. The Swedish Massage is my favorite. They rub and roll all my stress away from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Additionally, you may be able to find a masseuse who makes home visits.

7. Dinner for Two – Make her favorite meal at home. One of my best memories of Mother’s Day was a home cooked meal, and I didn’t have to cook it. I’m not sure if it was truly the taste or the thought that made it so delicious.

8. Happy Hour – Invite a few of mom’s friends over for cocktails and be their bartender. Also, add a designated driver for the evening. Offer a buffet of wings or shrimp, cheese and crackers, vegetables with dip and fresh fruit. She will love you for it, and so will her friends. This is a great Mother’s Day gift idea.

9. Cleaning Service – Another idea, I have cleaning service once a month and it is heavenly. My house is cleaned from top to bottom, and I lightly maintain it during the rest of the month. Best gift ever.

10. Magazine Subscription – I love being able to sit in my favorite chair on Saturday mornings and flip through my favorite magazines, Bird and Blooms and People, while sipping a cup of coffee and watching the news. Birds and Blooms not mom’s thing, just subscribe to mom’s favorite magazine. Be sure the first copy is available in time for Mother’s Day.

11. Coffee Club Membership – Another Mother’s Day gift idea is a membership to a coffee club. I had membership a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Most of all, a different flavor of coffee is shipped each month.

12. Manicure/Pedicure – Get mom a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure at a local nail salon. Not only is it relaxing, but summer is around the corner. She will want to have her tootsies ready for sandals.

13. Salon Gift Certificate – Another good idea is a gift certificate. Moms often sacrifice to ensure everyone else has what they need. So, why not get her a gift certificate to a local salon for a hair cut or color. I guarantee, it will be welcome.

14. River Boat Cruise – Another Mother’s Day gift idea at the top of my list is a day cruise. So, if you live near a riverboat took a dinner cruise. Also, let mom play the slots for a few hours or just enjoy the cruise and dinner.

15. Gift Card – Last, a gift card for a small shopping trip or on-line excursion is always welcome. Fortunately, gift cards can be used by mom to purchase that item she’s been eyeing for a while. It give her freedom to use it on what she wants when she wants.

Finally, I hope you have been inspired by my Mother’s Day gift ideas. Most importantly, select an idea or two for your mom or yourself. In conclusion, I highly recommend them. Especially, since I have indulged in the majority of the ideas. What’s your favorite idea on the list? Please leave a comment.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: gift ideas, Mother's Day, mother's day gift ideas

18 Mother’s Day Crafts

April 25, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

18 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas For Kids

It is hard to believe that Mother’s Day is around the corner. First, I’ve been searching for a few kid’s Mothers Day crafts to make with my grandchildren. I think kid’s Mother’s Day crafts are the perfect gift for their mother and their other grandmother. Fortunately, I found quite a few adorable Mother’s Day crafts that would be perfect gifts for this special occasion.

I always try to find a variety of craft ideas to offer the kids. I never know what will inspire them. One day they love markers and crayons, the next day it could be finger paints. So, I look for projects that require materials that I have on hand or that I can purchase from the Dollar store. You how much I love that store.

Anyway, I wanted to share my roundup of kid’s Mother’s Day crafts with you. I hope that you will be inspired to make a few gifts with your children or grandchildren:

1. Picture Flower Pot – The Daily Craziness. So creative! First, who would think to add pictures to a flower pot. I love the thought of creating the flower pot as shown, and than placing a pot of tulips inside of it. Also, the pot of tulips can be planted in the yard on or after Mother’s Day. Furthermore, the pot can be used in the summer for herbs. Mom and/or grandma can place it in the kitchen window.

2. Button Bouquet – Pinterest. Sorry, but I was unable to locate the craft on the site referenced. It seems pretty simple to make, so bring out that jar of buttons, make a pretty bow and a few stem. Finally, start gluing. I think the kids will have fun placing the buttons to make the bouquet.

3. Heart House – Crafty Morning Great way to show mom how much you appreciate the home she has made for you. A few craft sticks, buttons, cut out heart, some glue and you’re good to go.

4. Hand Print Flower – Nifty Mom. Simple enough to make with a toddler, finger paints and some card stock.

5. Teacup – Mr. Printables. It’s actually an invitation for to a tea party. But it was so adorable I thought it could be adapted as a Mother’s Day gift. What’s better than a tea party invitation from your son or daughter.

6. Hand Print Vase – Love Bugs and Post Cards. Also, this could be a fun project. Coming up with reasons why the kids love mom or grandma and tracing little hands can be a great way to start a Saturday.

7. Watering Can Mother’s Day Card – Crafty Morning. This project is at the top of my list. I will be changing the blue hearts with water drops. This blogger has several other Mother’s Day projects on her site, so be sure to check them out.

8. Mother’s Day Coupons – Penny Pinching Mom. I love this idea. You print the coupons, color them, and than give them to mom. The coupons are for 1 breakfast in bed and 2 loads of folded laundry. How cute is that.

9. Mom Deserves A Hand – Happy Home Fairy The card is a free printable. Head to Bath & Body and let the kids pick out their favorite scent for mom. Clever idea.

10. Bottle Cap Flower – Crafty Morning This is an easy craft to make in little time. You will need to collect beer bottle caps, stock card, glue and a Sharpie. I saw this card on another site with a twist, the word MOM had been added to the top 3 caps for a personal touch.

11. Love You Bunches – Crafty Morning Next, this craft is perfect for toddlers. It requires finger paints, stock card, and the joy of sticking your thumb in the paint. I would suggest making dots on the stock card and using the dots as a guide for the shape.

12. Folding Craft Stick Flowers – Danielle’s Place I loved the idea of the gift folding and being wrapped with a simple ribbon. My initial thought was to put a magnet on the back and stick it on the refrigerator after grandma or mom opens it or hang it with a pretty ribbon. Be creative.

13. Fingerprint Flowers – Crafty Morning Fortunately, we found a few crafts for adorable for little fingers, And you don’t need a lot of materials to complete the project. If you don’t have scrapbook paper, stock card or construction paper should work.

14. Picture Monogram – BHG Mother’s Day crafts allow us to get creative. So, creativity will help make this a great gift. You can use either M for mom, G for Grandma or Gigi, or N for Nana.

15. Lion Card – Crafty Morning This little card will be easy to make with a fork, marker, a piece of stock card. And you can get the eyes from your local craft store. I actually found a bag of eyes at the Dollar Tree for a buck.

16. Love You To Pieces – Clip Zine. If you’re like me, there’s always a puzzle laying around with missing pieces? Recycle it and make this adorable gift for mom or grandma.

17. Hand Print Towel – This Simple Home. Cute! This is a great idea for Mother’s Day, Christmas or a birthday present.

18. Hand Print Bouquet – Simply Sweet Teaching Last, but not least. I love the idea of using hand and foot prints in children’s art. Also, hand and foot prints can be framed. Furthermore, the prints can created on a background other than black. I do love adding the year to the print though.

Finally, we hope that you will think our kid’s Mother’s Day crafts will make great gifts too. They’re actually quite inspirational. Pick out one or two and start crafting with the kids. Please leave me a comment and let me know your favorites.

Filed Under: Crafts, Spring Tagged With: kid's activities, kids crafts, Mother's Day

$50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

April 6, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

How often do you get to treat yourself? As mothers we sacrifice for our children, our homes and our husbands or significant others. Mother 2 Mother is giving one lucky winner a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate just for you.

We’re going to wrap it with a pretty bow, ship it to your home and allow you to savor the moment of opening a gift just for you. No guilt, no sacrifices and no sharing. Purchase a book that you’ve been wanting to read, a DVD that you missed at the theater, or a few items to pamper yourself. Come over and enter, you can’t win if you don’t enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: blog giveaways, cash giveaways, giveaways, Uncategorized Tagged With: Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day: A Feast For Queens

May 11, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

I had the best Mother’s Day ever! How was yours? We actually celebrated Saturday instead of today. My daughter was home, so we decided to celebrate a day earlier since she has a 5 hour drive home today.

The weather was perfect and so was our time together. We actually had 4 generations present, my mother was there to celebrate as well. In this photo we have 3 generations, my granddaughter, my daughter and me. Not my most flattering picture, the photographer didn’t say cheese, but how wonderful is that. This was the first time that my daughter and I have spent Mother’s Day together in 6 years. Since we have quite a distance between us and Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, she usually spends it at home with her family.

My son-in-law decided that he would bring us together this year and all we would be required to do is sip Moscato, chat, play with the children and just relax. He would prepare a feast for the queens that we were. The other men were suppose to assist him, but he ended up doing it all. My heart is still full. My favorite food is seafood. There were 3 different salads, Caesar, Pasta and Seafood. He prepared to 2 different dishes of Salmon and in addition we had crab cakes and shrimp. We worked from morning to evening preparing everything and it was delicious. He set the table, which was beautiful and my 6 year old grandson blessed the food. We believe in establishing faith early.

We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every morsel. The men allowed us to eat first and once we were about to explode, they took their places. It was first class treatment all the way headed up by the best son in law in the world.

This is a picture of my sister and mom who where also present. The dinner was actually a tribute to the women in my daughter’s life who made her who she is today. It was a wonderful experience, especially since my mom is getting up in years.

It was also to let me know that she hadn’t forgotten my struggles as a single mother and that she understood that it takes a village to raise a child. My sister played a major role in my daughter’s upbringing. She made sure she was taken to school each day and kept her on some week-ends when I needed a break. My mother stood by me during my struggle to empower, educate and rise above my situation as a single mother. They made sure that my status as a single mother was simply that, it did not define who I was. I can said that I had assistance, but my daughter was raised by me not other people. Because you work outside the home, that doesn’t mean that other people are raising your children. It’s as simple as setting up a schedule, getting organized and doing what you need to do as a mother.

My daughter gave me a beautiful poem that basically stated not until she became a mother did she truly understand me and my determination to survive and give her a life better than mine. In truth, my life wasn’t that bad. She understands that I want her to do better than me, and the key to success is education and making sound decisions. There is no room for excuses or blame for what happens in a person’s life after a certain age. Being an adult means you take responsibility for your life and those in it. She understands that we must work for everything in life, and when it is achieved it empowers. I knew this week-end she understood my teachings and examples, and she would continue to stand on the foundation that I laid. This was one of the best Mother’s Days ever, I am truly blessed.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Life-Thoughts, Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day

May 9, 2010 by Rhonda Gales

Happy Mother’s Day. I’ve been missing in action, but I wanted to take the time to wish all of my readers who are mothers or mother to be a Blessed and Happy Day.
Ever wonder how Mother’s Day came about? As the curious person that I am, I decided to research. I was quite surprised to find that the day originated in my state, West Virginia. Anna Jarvis of Grafton, WV started Mother’s Day. It originally started as a memorial to her mother after she passed away in 1907.
She decided to campaign to make it a nationally recognized holiday. In 1914, she succeeded. By 1920, Anna Jarvis had become disappointed with the holiday she spent the rest of her life campaigning against it. As with everything in this country, it had become too commercialized. Businesses were promoting flowers, greeting cards and boxes of chocolates for Mother’s Day gifts. They were profiting from what was supposed to be a simple day to recognize mothers and all that they had done in their role. Anna was so upset with their greed that she was actually arrested for disturbing the peace while protesting one day. She stated that she wished she had never started the holiday. It is said that she became so bitter as a result of the commercialization, she died in poverty, unmarried, and without children. What a sad ending to what started as a beautiful tribute to her mother.

I agreed that we are the most commercialized country in the world. We tie a dollar bill to anything and everything in this country. Statistics show people will spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers and $1.53 billion on pampering spa treatments, manicures and pedicures for Mother’s Day. I am being treated to a spa day today, and I will be taking my family up on their kind gesture. I will also be wearing this fabulous perfume by Beyonce, Heat, that was given to me. I think people should be able to spend their money how they choose, and the recipients of the gifts should enjoy the gifts if they choose. We all have a choice. I guess if I was in Anna Jarvis’ shoes, my thoughts may be different.
I’m grateful that Anna Jarvis started the holiday. I believe that we as mothers have a very important role in raising our children and grandchildren. On the other hand I believe that we shouldn’t just be recognized on the second Sunday of May, but we should be recognized every day. After all we are mothers every day for the rest of our life.
I hope that you spend the day relaxing and doing what you enjoy, and if you get a chance leave me a comment on yours thoughts of Anna Jarvis and Mother’s Day.