Involve the kids, if you have them. They love to help make a celebration even more festive. And while chocolate sauce and marshmallows don't make for a very healthy breakfast, do let them help with some of the ideas and preparations.

First, be sure that an adult is in charge in the kitchen. It's never a good idea to allow kids to cook unsupervised. However, if there are older kids or tweens, you can allow them to help get things rolling. They can prepare ingredients, mix and measure. They are also great for suggesting ideas. And they can supervise the younger kids, too.

Allow the younger children to make cards and decorations as their portion of the meal. They can decorate a tray for mom with their drawings and set up her napkin and maybe even a flower in a vase.

The adult on-hand can get the food ready. Plan on serving something relatively easy and not too overly complicated. Mom definitely doesn't want to come downstairs and find her kitchen a floury and sugary mess. So, the less steps involved, the cleaner everything will be.

Opt for mom's favorite breakfast. If she only likes fruit and her coffee, make that. The idea is to make it special for her. You might include a copy of the latest issue of her favorite magazine on her tray as well as a copy of the day's newspaper. The tray you serve on should set the tone for the whole surprise

Squeeze some fresh orange juice, serve her favorite breakfast cereal, or make toast with jam. If you can, make her favorite egg dish or even pancakes. Serve on china or a nice plate. Include a garnish of strawberries or other fresh fruit. You could even serve her Mother's Day cookies! No surprise is too silly.

Once everything is assembled on the tray, bring it up to mom. Surprise her by sitting with her while she eats and recapping great Mother's Days of the past or funny family moments. Be sure to tell her that this is her day and she's not going to be required to do any work whatsoever.

Clear out and leave mom alone to get ready for the day. Then, give her free reign to do what she likes. She may have a full schedule of running errands and chauffeuring everyone around. But one day should be just for her to go to the gym, meet friends, or just relax outside with a cool drink in hand.

The best part of breakfast in bed is that it's a break from the ordinary routine. Be sure that if you are part of the preparation crew that you clean up and get everything back in order. Nothing ruins a mom's restful state faster than a house left in chaos for her to clean up.

Your gesture of giving mom breakfast in bed will be loved and received with much gratitude. Be sure to tell mom just how special she is and she won't soon forget it. A little appreciation goes a long way.

More Mother's Day Ideas:

• Mother's Day Cupcakes
• Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas
• What Mom Really Wants for Mother's Day
• Create a Unique Fingerprint Vase for Mom
• Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.  ~Mildred B. Vermont

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.  ~Rajneesh

A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories.  ~Honoré de Balzac

For even more Mother's Day gift ideas, check out Squidoo for lenses such as Honor Mom on Mother's Day.  And find hundreds of Mother's Day gifts on our website as well.

Supplies:

* 2 sheets of card stock, purple and light blue
* White printer paper
* Acrylic paint: purple, light blue, pink, red, white
* Scissors
* Glue stick
* Printer
* Pencil
* Damp washcloth

Instructions:

* Print poem (below) onto white paper.
* Cut poem out, curving edges around the poem making it look like a cloud.
* On a separate blank sheet of white paper, use pencil to lightly draw a heart and the word "MOM" above it.
* Cut the heart and MOM out, leaving about an inch border.
* Glue the heart drawing and the poem onto the purple card stock.
* Cut around the poem and the heart drawing, leaving a small purple card stock border on each.
* Glue both onto light blue card stock, poem at the bottom.
* Have child write their name and the year on the back of the blue card stock.
* Put small puddles of paint onto a paper plate, one puddle of each color except white. Make a second puddle of pink and add some white to it to make an even lighter pink. You should have 5 puddles of paint (purple, light blue, red, pink, light pink)
* Have child dip fingertips into puddles to decorate the heart and write MOM. Do the Ms in purple and the O in light blue. Use red, pink and light pink to decorate the heart. Use damp washcloth to clean off fingertips in between each paint color.
* Let the paint dry completely.

Fingerprint Poem

My dirty little fingerprints I've left on every wall
And on the drawers and tabletops, I've really marked them all
But here are some that won't rub off, I'm giving them to you
Because I'm thankful to have a mom that's just like you!

Tips:
* Construction paper can be used instead of card stock but will not be as sturdy.
* Use the print preview option on your printer before actually printing. This will allow you to see what the printout will look like without wasting countless sheets of paper.
* Change the purple and light blue colors we chose to your mom's favorite colors. Simply match up two colors and use them for the card stock and the two paint colors for the word "MOM".

Credit: Amanda Formaro at Kaboose.com

Find even more gifts for Mom at Squidoo on this Fun & Easy Crafts for Kids lens that is filled with craft ideas for Mother's Day....make a flower door stopper, a button bracelet, or whatever strikes your fancy.

What you'll need:

* Empty glass jar
* Enamel paint (purple, pink, yellow)

How to Make it:

1. First, be sure to read the instructions on the back of the enamel paint bottle.
2. Be sure glass jar is clean, dry, and all labels have been completely removed.
3. Have children dip their fingertips into the paint and dot onto the glass to form the petals of the flowers.
4. Repeat this process to dot on the flower centers--alternate the colors (purple flower, yellow center, pink flower, purple center, etc).
5. Let paint dry and cure according to directions on enamel paint bottle. This may require baking in the oven, or a longer alternative is air drying for up to three weeks before using.

Tips:

* Hold jar by the mouth to avoid bumping or grabbing any wet paint.
* Acrylic paints can be used; however they will wash off if jar is washed. To protect it better you can spray entire surface with acrylic sealer, however this can diminish the shiny surface of the glass.

The first breath of life is taken, the first cry is heard.

Their eyes meet, the bonds of love are created,

And from that moment on, she is safe and sound in the arms of love.

As each day passes, the first steps of life are taken,

And the first words are spoken.

Each success and milestone, each trial and error

Her Mother stands beside her; she is safe and sound in the arms of love.

Along the path of life, a mother guides her child.

A teacher of right from wrong, a praiser of the successes,

A shoulder to cry on, a listener and most of all a best friend.

And always she knows that she is safe and sound in the arms of love.

A baby becomes a child, a child becomes a teenager

And in the blink of an eye, the teenager becomes an adult.

The years pass on and it is time to spread her wings and fly

But near or far, she will always be safe and sound in the arms of love.

Bright-eyed, she looks at the world before her

So full of hope and dreams, wonder and awe.

Deep in her heart and soul, her Mother still stands beside her.

She is safe and sound in the arms of love.

It is her secret promise, and one that will not be tainted.

She will make her proud, her dear sweet Mother,

Who took her by the hand and taught her about life and strength.

She is safe and sound in the arms of love.

One blessed day, a baby arrives into the world.

She has now become a Mother and for the first time

She feels the unconditional love that a Mother feels for a child.

Her baby is safe and sound in the arms of love.

She only hopes that she becomes the wise, beautiful and strong Mother

That she was so fortunate to have been blessed with.

She has many dreams for her child,

And she hopes her child will always feel safe and sound in the arms of love.

Nothing endures like a Mother's love.

A Mother's love is never forgotten and is always felt

Through the journey of life and each road taken.

Safe and sound in the arms of love.

Mother's Day is fast approaching and Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets has elegant gift baskets to wish your special mom a wonderful day.  Send her love and hugs with a Mother's Day Gift  that will make a lasting impression.

Happy Mother's Day!

The moment we were brought into this wonderful journey we call life; our Mothers were there for our every waking moment.  It is with much love, inspiration, patience, understanding and so much more that our Mothers, those precious women in our lives, have raised us to be who we are today.

There is no love like a Mother's love, so steadfast and strong.  A Mother's love is very patient and forgiving and a Mother doesn't judge you, even if you are wrong.  A Mother is there for you showing love and hope throughout the smiles and tears, joy and disappointments.  By and by, their trust and pride is forever shining and their selfless acts are shown time and again.

The role of a Mother is one that is priceless and rewarding, and one that is also challenging.  I am sure that some of us probably caused our mom's heartache and a grey hair or two along our road to independence.  I look back and I can still see the joy and pride in my Mother's face but I can also remember the look of worry and heartache my actions caused in certain times.

As the years pass and being a mom to two young toddlers, I more and more appreciate and value what my own Mother experienced as she raised me.   The sacrifices she made for me, the selfless generosity she bestowed on me, and on and on I could go.  If I can be half the Mother my mom is to me!

How can we thank them for all that they have done for us? Will there ever be a word, gesture or Mother's Day gift that will fully express our appreciation and love?  I sincerely doubt that there will ever be anything that will express the true emotions and appreciation that we have for our Mothers.

However, we can certainly try!  Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets has a wonderful selection of holiday gift baskets that will pamper the wonderful Mother you have.  And she deserves all the pampering she can get!  Why not treat her to a wonderful gourmet gift basket full of yummy treats and delicious gourmet fare?  Indulge her this Mother's Day!

When Mother's Day arrives, make sure that you tell the wonderful Mom in your life how much you appreciate her!  A beautiful gift basket can let your Mom know how wonderful she is and how much she is adored.  Near or far, let your love shine through by sending a gift basket to say "I appreciate you."

Mothers are forever and each day remember how special she is and tell her you love her!

- Garden Plant. The Mother's Day holiday falls in the spring just when plants are starting to grow and bloom in the garden. So if Mom is a gardening expert or just a want-to-be green thumb, a garden plant such as a hydrangea or blooming azalea would be an excellent gift choice. Shopping and checking with your local nursery will help insure that the plant you choose will be hardy in your area. Perennials are a great option because they will come back year after year. To make your gift extra special, include a lovely card and offer to plant it for her.

- Mother's Day Cookie or Candy Bouquet. Send Mom something that is as sweet as she is this Mother's Day. Visit a local gift shop or shop online at one of the many bakery and gift stores that will now ship directly to her door. The most popular Mother's Day cookie bouquets incorporate iced sugar cookies in various flower, heart and butterfly shapes. If Mom has a sweet tooth for candy, a chocolate gift basket would be an excellent choice.

- Housework or Home Improvement Coupons. Mother's Day doesn't have to be expensive and some of the best gifts are the giving of your time and elbow grease. Like most of us, Mom is probably always on the go so a little help with Spring cleaning tasks, painting a room or cleaning out the garage would be greatly appreciated. Just use your computer to make up ‘coupons' for the tasks that you want to assist with. Of course if you are short on time too, you could give gift certificates to a housecleaning service like Merry Maids or a window washing service.

- Mother's Day Gift Basket. Gift baskets are a great place to incorporate Mom's hobbies. Whether she is a bookworm, a gardener or a food junkie, you can make or buy a Mother's Day gift basket to suit her tastes. For instance if she loves gardening, how about getting a watering can and filling it with gardening essentials such as gloves, tools, seed packets and perhaps some ice tea to cool her off after a long day in the garden. If you decide to make your own, just wrap your gift basket in a big gift bag or cellophane and top it off with a big bow and card for a stunning presentation.

- An escorted shopping spree. This is a great dual purpose gift - Mom gets to spend time with you and she gets some new fashionable clothes or gadgets out of the deal. Picking out clothes together can be a great way to bond with Mom and give her some advice on the latest fashion trends. She'll proudly wear her gift the next time she is out with friends or family.

According to the US Census Bureau, there are an estimated 82.5 million Mothers in the United States. The average Mother has 2 children and on average has her first child around age 25. One interesting tidbit on this front is that Mothers in Alaska and Utah average 3 children in their lifetimes. These days only 10% of women give birth to 4 or more children. Interestingly, birth rates for developed countries around the world range from just 1.25 children per woman in Italy all the way up to 7 births per woman in the country of Yemen.

In the U.S., the chances Mom will give birth to twins is 1 in 32 while the odds that she'll have multiples of 3 or more babies is only 1 in 540.

In America, the month with the most births is August followed closely by July.

Nearly 10 million Moms are single Mothers raising children under 18 on their own. There were nearly 5.4 million stay at home Moms in 2003 while 55% of Mothers held down a job as well.