Happy Day to my MOM.

I think, like pretty much every single puberty ridden teen out there, my mom and I waged battle after battle with each other throughout my high school years, and probably my middle school years as well. About things like whether or not I was going out tonight (oh. yes. I. was. mother.), and whether or not I would be having a date to the dance, and whether or not I would be wearing that to school today.

But, there is no doubt in my mind, that no matter how strict and seemingly crazy she was, every rule enforced, every question asked, every punishment bestowed, has made me into the person I am today. I may have been quite the handful, and I may have broken more than a few rules. I may have caused her to age prematurely, but she has made it well known that my children will only be worse. (I don't doubt that for a second.) But seriously. I owe everything to my mom. I wouldn't have gone to Africa without her. Not only did she financially support me; but she was the one who forced me, the 16-year-old drama queen, to go to Mexico for a week, build a house, and sleep in a tent. Oh, and not shower. She may have had to force me then, but I owe it to her for turning my heart into one of stone and anger towards anything not handed to me on a silver platter, to one of gratitude and humility.

I am so thankful that I am able to have such a good relationship with my mom. I am so thankful that we were given a second chance as a family, and as a mother and daughter. I am so thankful for the past five years. For the relationship my mom and I have built. For the friendship that has been made.

Twenty first birthday, tulips, check.

I like my mom a lot.

I also like my mother-in-law a lot. I have been so blessed with such amazing women to guide me in this life.


So, thanks mom, for putting up with me, I know I was not the easiest child to raise. I love you. I love our fireside talks, our lunches, our shopping trips, our party planning, our home decorating, our sewing, our walks, everything. I love you.