Mother’s Day Connections 

I was asked to participate in the #HallmarkAtWalgreens campaign, sponsored by Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.

There are so many times as a kid that my mom made things better. She was supportive and inspirational and taught us to be good people. But the most powerful connection I felt with her was when I became a mom. I remember how freaked out and neurotic I was when Ryder was born. I was tracking every single wet and dirty diaper, writing down each and every little whimper and peep. I had his feedings and naps recorded like clockwork and I thought I had to be on schedule exactly like all the books I’d read preached. I was spending more time writing things down and organizing and preparing that I’d completely run myself ragged and Ryder did not respond well to my stress level. It was not my finest hour.

Needless to say, I was at a breaking point. Exhausted and emotional and feeling like a failure because my newborn wasn’t sticking to the rules! He wasn’t following the plan! I tried to act like I was in total control but my mother must have heard a tone in my voice or felt her intuition. Something triggered her mom-instinct and she showed up at my door ready to make things better. She threw away my precious log and told me to ignore the schedule. She mothered me and Ryder and even Jason the way only your mom can—and just like that we all fell into place. Sometimes you just have to ignore your “plan” and bend the “rules” and just go with it. I give this advice to all of my new-mom friends and family members. It is invaluable and changed my life. Thanks mom.

As we approach this Mother’s Day you will probably find me in the greeting card aisle of Walgreens sobbing over a pile of Hallmark Signature cards trying to select the perfect one for my mom. There are so many touching and perfect Hallmark Signature cards to choose from; I almost want to give my Mom one for each day in May leading up to Mother’s Day.

I’m a sucker for emotional moments and ever since becoming a mom I am practically in tears every day but especially every time I think about my own mother and the sacrifices she made for us and the boundless love we totally took for granted growing up. Once you have kids of your own you just get it. From the moment I first became a mom I felt the wonderful weight of love and instantly thought of my mom. Three kids later (just like my mom) the love grows and grows and I feel a deeper connection to my mom than ever before.

I have written about my mom before and that she worked so incredibly hard all the time when we were kids. My grandmother spent a lot of time with us…it was like a village of women came together to keep us safe and loved all the time. My mother spends a lot of time with my kids, too—and it feels like we are growing that village. I look at Siella and Gemma and imagine how I will be a part of their family lives one day.

Mother’s Day is very special to me. I love the sweet cards and gifts my kids give me but even more than that I love my mom and I am so thankful and lucky to have her in my life. I now stress out about how to express this to her but luckily with the Hallmark Signature line there are so many thoughtful and beautiful cards to choose from that hit exactly the right note. The Hallmark Signature line is sold at Walgreens and is my go-to for the perfect card for any occasion but especially for Mother’s Day.
What kind of cards do you look for when you’re shopping for Mother’s Day? Do you like a funny card or are you like me and always go the sentimental route? Stay tuned for Walgreens “Facebook Feels” activation where you will have a chance to share their favorite memory of mom/mom figure for a chance to win prizes. And don’t forget to pick up your Hallmark Signature Mother’s Day cards for your mom or mom friends or your sister at Walgreens! #HallmarkAtWalgreens