Meet Joyce, my next door neighbor, and Madison’s “adopted” grandmother. The story of how Joyce and Madison became close is one I have shared before, but will gladly share again. As a military family, we’re almost always away from our family and friends. I personally cannot tell you how many Mother’s Day I’ve missed with my very own mother, and also with my family. I was based at Fort Carson, in Colorado when Madison was born, and my family, except for my husband and kids, were all in another state. Just like most military family, being in a state with no-one close by can be slightly depressing.
Most of us have learned to live with it over the years, and we tend to adopt those that are close to us. Other military families become our families, and we learn to cherish the friendships that we make. Over the years, we have learned that family doesn’t always mean blood relatives. When we purchased our home, we happened to live next door to an old lady who had just lost her husband. Madison, being the friendly child that she is, decided to go next door to introduce herself to Joyce who was in her yard at the time, and a friendship began on that day.
Since then, Madison would go next door every morning to make sure that Joyce was up, sometimes wanting to go as early as 8am, and Joyce, being the kind lady that she is, would welcome her with open arms. Their love bypassed age and race and knows no boundaries, and Madison has adopted her as her “grandmother” and Madison is her adopted “grandchild”. So with Mother’s Day approaching, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I knew exactly where to go!
My local Post Exchange (PX as it’s known in the Army) has everything that I need and I tend to shop there quite often. It also helps that it’s also tax-free. Madison and I decided that we wanted to get Joyce a card for Mother’s Day, after all, she’s like a mother to Madison, and I also wanted to make her something very special, as a way to show my appreciation for being such a sweetheart to Madison.
When we went into the card department, we were amazed at how many cards, there were for Mother’s Day, but American Greetings had an amazing sale of buy 3 cards, save $2 (4/17 – 5/14). With all the card selection there was, it was even more difficult choosing which 3 cards we wanted, but Madison found the perfect one. American Greetings also had gift bags, tissue paper, and even bows. Everything I wanted was right there. All I needed to do was find some items to make my special gift. Madison’s card reads:
Beauty is…
a generous heart,
a kind spirit,
gentle wisdom,
true understanding,
love that makes all the difference.
Beauty is everything you are.
Happy Mother’s Day.
We were so excited. We got our cards, our supplies (gift bag, ribbon and tissue paper) all from American Greetings and other supplies to make our Mother’s Day Jar. We couldn’t wait to get home to put it all together. Joyce was going to have a great Mother’s Day this year. After all, she was “family” and what better way to celebrate family? I decided that I was going to make a Mother’s Day Jar that she would enjoy. Something to pamper and make her feel just like my own mother would on Mother’s Day, HAPPY!
A Mother’s Day Jar
Mothers’s Day Jar Supplies:
Mason Jar
Travel Size Body Lotion
Travel Size Shower Gel
Travel Size Body Lotion
Nail Polishes
Shower Sponge
Tissue Paper
Ribbon
Gift Bag
Instructions:
Step 1:- Add your travel sized items and nail polishes on the inside along the glass of your mason jar.
Step 2:- Add your shower sponge in the middle to fill it out and keep your other supplies intact.
Step 3:- Get a piece of your tissue paper to add a bit of pizzazz on the inside at the top.
Step 4:- Place the cover of your mason jar back on and use the ribbon to give it a little bit of sparkle. Tie it in a knot and let it hang.
Step 6:- Place in your gift bag and add the rest of your tissue paper and don’t forget your Mother’s Day card.
I know that Joyce is going to have an amazing Mother’s Day this year. Madison and I are going to make sure that she does, thanks to American Greetings!
For more inspiring Mother’s day gift ideas, and to take a look at other American Greetings card options, check out this site!
