Dads of Fredericksburg, it is time to pull out the red carpet again. The one day a year that moms get honored and feted will be here May 11. For those families with small children too young to do much more than scribble on a card, it falls to Dad to see that the day is special for Mom.

Here is the good news: based upon an informal survey of several moms with young children, all Dad needs to do is to vacate the premises, children in tow and allow mom to enjoy a day to herself. Alternately, they can send out Mom for a guilt-free day of freedom, while dad and the kids stay at home (crucial note: all messes MUST be cleaned up before Mom's return!)

Whichever plan works best, the main point to remember is that most moms, whether they work full time, part time, or as stay-at-home-moms, long for a respite from the many hats they wear, and from the children they love so dearly. As Wendy Lanehart, of Spotsylvania, mother of two boys aged three and five, put it, "My favorite Mother's Day gift has always been the day off; I rarely get the whole day, but any portion of it is appreciated!" Renee Krause, mother of three under age five in Denver, Colorado states, "I'd say my favorite was a spa day; because I really got the whole day off. The second best was getting to sleep in while my husband made breakfast and then I went for a massage in the afternoon." Laura Szadvari, mother to an eighteen month old and resident of Orange County, wrote, "I think I got a card and flowers. Nicky was so young at that point that what I really wanted was sleep and so my husband took over for a few nights."

Dads, a theme is indeed apparent here. A day to oneself (or a few nights!), is what many mothers long for. To make it extra-special, yet easy on the wallet, start the night before by retiring yourself and the infant monitor to the guest bedroom. Allow mom to sleep through baby's early morning squawks and fusses, and spirit the whole crew out of the door before she gets out of bed. After a day to loll about the house (crucial note: moms--do NOT use this day to catch up on housework!), the evening may have its own special moments, afer the kids are in bed that is!

Mary Becelia is a mother of two (five and two years old) living in Stafford, who hopes her husband will read this article!

Mother's Day Jazz at Lake Anna Winery
5/10/2008 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm
Kick things off for Mom a day early. Indulge Mom with a savory buffet of gourmet cuisine. Fee includes live Jazz, souvenir glass, tours, tasting and a rose for Mom....
Mother's Day Jazz
http://www.lawinery.com/
(540) 895-5085

Try the author's Mother's Day Brunch pick!
Fredericksburg Hospitality House & Conference Center
Mother's Day Brunch in the Presidential Ballroom
Sun. May 11, 2008
Seatings at 11 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM
540-736-1005

Ambiance Day Spa and Salon 540-785-5559
https://ambiancespa.com/main.php
In Central Park, F'burg.

Salono Salano 540-373-4311
http://www.salonosalons.com/
two locations:
Salono Salano: 600 Caroline St., Fredericksburg VA.
Salono Bruce: 754 Warrenton Rd., Fredericksbug VA.

Downtown Day Spa 540-371-1222
http://www.downtowndayspa.net/
809 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA. 22401

Skin Appeal Day Spa 540-318-5254
http://www.skinappealdayspa.com/
2 locations:
1169 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, VA 22554
and inside American Family Fitness:
10020 SouthPoint Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22407

C Street Salon and Day Spa 540-899-0070
http://www.cstreetsalon.com/
810 Caroline Street, Second Level, Fredericksburg, VA. 22401

Winning Image Salon and Day Spa 540-659-0926
http://winningimagesalonanddayspa.com/