The following post is not money-related.  It is, however, Mom-related.  And since I’m first and foremost a Mom (and the recipient of the gift in question) and since almost all of my expenses are either directly or indirectly for my children’s benefit, I feel, with just small stretch of the imagination, justified in posting this info.

Mother’s Day was a chaotic day that centered around The Husband’s 73rd birthday — not celebrating my motherhood.  That was just fine with me since I’m not big on these Hallmark holidays anyway.  Every day is Mother’s Day, as far as I’m concerned.  But when the adult children and their children left and the dust settled just a bit, The Daughter presented me with an envelope and wished me a Happy Mother’s Day.

Inside was a $15 iTunes gift card which I was thrilled to receive.  But more important than even the largest of gift cards, also inside the envelope was a hand-written note.  A real keeper.  In fact, I intend to frame this letter.  Here’s what it said:

Mom –

You make my lunches.  You tuck me in at night.  You drive me (almost) everywhere.  You put up with my moods.  You tell me you love me.  You homeschooled me for 8 years.  You stuck to your values (whether I liked them or not).

You buy me everything I need, and almost all of the things I want.  You taught me to be a good person and always say “please” and “thank you.”  You showed me how to wash dishes, clean the bathroom, wash my clothes, drive a manual [transmission], and procrastinate.

You’re my mom.

And I love you.  Even when you say “dude.”  Even when you say I can’t do something.  Even when I do something naughty.  Even when you let me down.  Even, can you believe it, when you embarrass the hell out of me.

Happy Mother’s Day to the world’s best mother!

Love, The Daughter

And that, my friends, is why I love being a mom.  That one letter makes all of these years of work and frustration worth it — in spades.  Happy belated Mother’s Day to all of you moms out there.  Or, if you’re like me and aren’t that big on Hallmark holidays, then simply Happy Mother’s Day — today and every day.

Baseball Coach — $67.00
This check covers two baseball-related activities.  First is The Son’s share of a tournament fee.  I can’t remember exactly what the date of the tournament is but it should be a little more fun than the last one because they don’t allow any “ringer” tournament-only teams to come in a make themselves look good by playing against teams of a much lower skill level.

The second part of the check covers two tickets to go see a big league game next month.  The Son’s team will get to join lots of other local Little League teams in a parade around the diamond before the game starts.  I volunteered to carpool some of the team since it’s a mid-week afternoon game and likely that several parents will not be able to attend.

Daughter’s School — $25.00
A donation to the school’s drama department.  The Son and I went to watch the Senior Class play in which The Daughter (a Junior) had a small supporting role.  They did an excellent job.  There was no admission fee but there was a collections hat afterward in which I placed my $25 check.

~ o o o O o o o ~

The check to the school will be classified as a “recreation: entertainment” expense.  I’m so glad I decided to add that category to my budget as part of my New Year’s resolutions.  If all goes well, I’ll have another expense in that category to report tomorrow — a concert I’m really excited at the prospect of being able to attend.  Stay tuned….

I don’t usually bother sharing the multitude of deals and offers I receive every day in my inbox, but here’s one I want to pass on.

Dover Publishing is offering free shipping on any order over $25 (that’s 1/2 of the usual $50 minimum order required for free shipping).  Use coupon code FHP25.  The offer expires 5/19/08.