Goodness, there is much to say about Mother’s Day. I have my own complicated relationship with this holiday, as I lost my own mom at age 23 and have been mothering without a mother since. Even with those circumstances, and I know there are many different situations and structures out there, I feel drawn to help women and mothers feel loved on this holiday.
I’ve been working since I was 15 years in a wide range of jobs from flipping burgers at McDonald’s to leading a small nonprofit in our community. In November 2010 when I found out I was pregnant, hands down the most challenging role of my life began – motherhood. As we added a second child to our family, the role and the ‘work’ truly doubled. In addition to working a 30 hour a week job, I also took lead responsibility for our family’s meal planning, cooking, cleaning, stocking the toilet paper and toothpaste, planning family vacations, and the list goes on. As the boys have grown, I added on the coordination of sports and guitar practice, transportation to and from these places, summer camp sign-ups every February and have to be paid for all at once (we’ll save that conversation for another day). And then there’s keeping up with my boys’ social and friend calendar. I am raising two extroverts who want to be involved in all things, at all times. Add on to that, the time I spend thinking about their nutrition, sleep, technology-use, friendships, and on and on. I’m exhausted just typing this list.
In recent years a lot has been written about the ‘invisible load’ of motherhood. It really is a breath of fresh air when someone writes something that really resonates. I think there are many cultural reasons why women tend to take on more of this load than men, but that’s not the purpose of this post. The reality in our household is I have more time and space in my schedule than my husband does, and as amazing as he is, he cannot completely take away the mental load of motherhood.
All that to say, Mother’s Day really does matter.
Mothers truly are superheroes. And, I can assure you, the one thing a mother doesn’t want to do is plan her own Mother’s Day weekend or the celebration for her Mother-in-law.
For anyone wanting to love on a mama this holiday, start by asking her these questions:
- What can I take off of your physical & mental to-do list this Mother’s Day weekend?
- Do you want to spend time alone or have dedicated family time, or a combination of both?
Once you have the answers (don’t forget to jot them down, we know your brains are full, too), commit to making this Mother’s Day weekend one she will remember. You may consider picking up some household chores, arranging childcare, or planning a surprise outing.
Let me help you out and offer some itinerary ideas to make it a sweet Mother’s Day in Western North Carolina (one she didn’t have to plan)! These ideas can work either solo or with the family. Be sure to note these ideas are specifically for Saturday, May 11th & Sunday, May 12th of Mother’s Day Weekend.
For the Outdoorsy & Adventurous Mama
Saturday or Sunday Morning in Brevard
Note: Ideal for families with kids age 4+
9 a.m.: Grab a coffee and a pastry at Cup & Saucer on Main Street (Saturday – closed Sundays) or Brew Cycle Coffee (Saturday or Sunday)
10 a.m.: Kayak or Canoe down the French Broad – Headwater Outfitters is offering free trips for moms (Hanna Ford Self-Guided Paddle Trip – 3 hours) starting anytime from 10 am to 1 p.m. use code: momspaddlefree (offering for May 11 May 12).
1:30 p.m.: Brunch/Lunch at the always amazing Morning Social
For the Artsy Mama
Saturday Morning in Asheville
11 a.m.: Try something new at the pop-up brunch at Citizen Vinyl with Lost Flamingo.
12 p.m.: Hop on the Arts AVL Trolley at Citizen Vinyl for 2nd Saturday Art Event – hopping off and on to peruse galleries Downtown AVL and in the River Arts District.
3 p.m.: Allow mom a moment to herself at the Battery Park Champagne Bar & Book Exchange while you and the kids play pinball at Asheville Pinball Museum.
For the Mama Who Enjoys Simple Pleasures
Saturday Morning in Hendersonville & Flat Rock
9 a.m.: Stroll through the Hendersonville Farmer’s Market on Depot Street and grab a Brezel (the spinach artichoke) from the Underground Baking Co. Bus and a Coffee from Sharewell’s Market Tent
10 a.m.: Head over to the Park at Flat Rock and you watch the kids, while she takes a solo walk around the park. Bring her some airpods or earbuds so she can listen to music or a podcast while you watch the kids for minutes. Or bring her yoga mat so she can join the Free Yoga class that begins at 10:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m: Enjoy brunch at Campfire Grill and I recommend calling to make a reservation ahead of time.
For the Mama Who Needs a Moment to Herself
Sunday Mid-Day in Horse Shoe
11 a.m: Enjoy brunch as a family at the Silo Cookhouse at The Horse Shoe Farm, featuring a special prix fixe brunch menu (in addition to their regular menu).
12 pm to 5 pm: The family leaves and mom spends a day on enjoying a Farm Pass at the Horse Shoe Farm, complete with pool, sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, and more. Note: You must call (828-393-3034) in advance to book the Farm Pass and you may consider adding on a Wellness Massage for the ultimate pampered experience.
Gift Idea
And, of course, I think the Juniper Family Adventure Box (only $49) is an excellent gift, and would take planning activities & adventures off of her plate for the next year. The box includes eight pre-planned family adventure days across eight Western North Carolina towns. The box comes with a mad-lib style card that your kids can use to write a fun note to their mom.
I’m offering free local pick-up in Downtown Hendersonville through Sunday, May 12th and the shipping option will end Monday, May 6th, but I can deliver to Asheville & Brevard through Friday, May 10th for an additional church. Click here to purchase this Mother’s Day gift today.
When I really think about it, one of my ‘whys’ for starting Juniper, was to serve and support women and mamas. We all need a little help relieving our mental load, and I’m happy to take the planning off of your to-do list and put it on mine. 🙂