As everyone pretty much knows, thanks to the millions of radio and TV commercials currently being aired, this Sunday is Mother's Day. I'm really excited for a number of reasons. One of them is because a robin recently built a nest on a window sill in our office and laid 4 eggs. Well, the eggs hatched this week, so this will be the momma's first Mother's Day. YAY! Also, my mom is truly an amazing woman and deserves to be celebrated.

I'm not a big fan or supporter of most "Hallmark" holidays, but I think Mother's Day is different. Following that comment, the last big reason I am excited for Mother's Day is because Hallmark came out with greeting cards that allow consumers to record their own message. I LOVE IT! My mom is going to love the message I record for her. I thought the cards Hallmark came out with that played music were amazing, but the fact that I can record a personal 10 second message for my mom is even better. What's even cooler is that Hallmark is focusing on mothers who are in the military and are deployed overseas. According to the Associated Press (who Dittoe PR works with on a regular basis), "The company plans to travel to five U.S. military bases — the first visit was held Tuesday at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas — and allow the children of military personnel to record greeting cards, which Hallmark will then mail overseas in time for Mother's Day and Father's Day."

Not only is this plan incredibly touching, but it is a really smart idea from the creative minds at Hallmark. IBISWorld, a publisher of business research, reported that Americans will spend $68 million on greeting cards this Mother's Day. I'd have to imagine that more than half of that will go into the pockets of Hallmark.

Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere!