I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been put in a difficult situation or one that was too confusing or required a lot of thought and after discussing it with my husband and not feeling 100% about it, I’ve sighed and said “I need to talk to my mom”. She is the person I have gone to for so long for advice. Not just advice but moral support. To either talk me down from making a stupid decision or to hype me up and give me the confidence to go forward and take a risk. We did have a few years when I was a teenager and “rebelled”, talked back and slammed the door in her face [hours after she gave me a door for my room! And then she proceeded to take the hinges off and teach me a lesson. lol] But even then, my mom never was a “tough” mom and let me make my choices and mistakes and it made me respect her more. I tried cigarettes… and when she found out my friends were the ones I tried it with, I told her I hated them and would never smoke. I was never given a curfew… but always made it home by 11pm, no matter what. My mom has strength I can’t even begin to explain and it’s taught me not only so much about how I want to be a mother but how to be a woman.

The other day we were on the phone talking and she said “You know, I’m so happy for you. You’re doing what I’ve always wanted to do and started your own business. And I’m just so proud of you.” I was standing in the middle of Target when she said this and I just wanted to burst into tears. I’ve had my days in this business where I wonder if I’m absolutely crazy doing what I’m doing and if this really is the path that I’m meant to take. And hearing it from everyone else in the world means SO MUCH… but hearing it from my Mom pushed me just a little bit more. Made me even MORE confident and not only that, happy that I was making her proud. I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today if I didn’t have such an incredible woman to look up to in the process. So much of me is made of what I’ve learned from her and our personalities and taste are so alike,it’s so great to have a mom who really is my best friend!

Not only that but I love my mom’s philosophies on life and the way she ENJOYS her life! Like…

Always treat yourself to some dessert, even when on a diet! Enjoy those sweet pleasures.

Travel a lot and always strive to see new places.

Sometimes, it’s nicer to take the scenic route. Something I HATED when I was little and now really do appreciate and find myself doing more.

You’re never too old to try something new! In the past 5 years my mom started up piano, crocheting AND joined a book club!

Every birthday is worth celebrating! We ALWAYS go out and celebrate our birthdays together [my mom, me, my husband and my sister – no matter what!] and we each get to pick where to eat for our own birthday. Best tradition ever.

Always look on the bright side of life. She is THE most positive person I know and that has definitely been carried down to me. I’m always looking on the bright side 🙂

Of course yesterday was Mother’s Day and my mama got not only a lovely card, some pretty accessories and backyard essentials from me – but this lovely blog post for her to read every now and then a day late 🙂 So Mama… read all of this and know you are loved and appreciated. That even your simplest words mean the world to me. Know that everything from the past has made us all stronger and Nicole and I are SO proud of YOU and the woman YOU’VE become and are so thankful all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do for us. I love you so much! Happy Mothers Day! 🙂