Circle next Sunday, May 13, with a bright circle–it’s Mother’s Day 2012. Mother’s Day is one day of the year when a special celebration might be in order to salute that special woman that does so much. There’s hardly a family around that doesn’t want to something special for Mom. Breakfast in bed is a tradition in many families. Never in ours because that would only mean I’d have a messy kitchen to clean. Or it might mean going out for a special brunch and what Mom can resist a chance to be with her family and not have to cook. Whether it is a special meal, a special card or a special gift it is great to show your Mom that you’ve put a little thought into selecting a gift for her.

How about a treat at the beauty parlor or a gift certificate for a massage. A subscription to a favorite magazine would remind her monthly of your thoughtfulness. How about a good book or a nice new cookbook. Any book that would help your Mom with one of her hobbies-sewing, gardening, decorating golfing, jogging or crafts. Most mothers are always thinking of their families first, so wouldn’t a gift certificate for a new dress, shoes or something personal be nice? I especially like a “pamper” gift. This is a gift That I wouldn’t buy myself – like perfume. And if your mother likes gardening, why not a living gift – a rose bush, a flowering shrub or tree. Gifts of service are always appreciated and are great for younger children to give. A certificate to clean, dust or to do dishes for a week. Or if your Mom is older and you’re really ambitious why not offer to paint a room for her or many other jobs around the house that a older parent finds difficult. Of course, there are many nice and usual suggestions-purses, hosiery, scarfs, gloves, slippers, candy and flowers.

Here is a coffee cake the family can make while Mom is catching a few extra winks or relaxing over the Sunday paper and coffee.

PEACH COFFEE CAKE

1 box of yellow cake mix

1 can peach pie filling or

your choice of another

kind

3 eggs

Mix ingredients together and spread in a greased 9X13 pan.

TOPPING

1 stick margarine

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon almond

extract (optional)

Crumble topping together and put over cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 30 minutes or until it tests done.

“Have a Happy Mother’s Day.”