Gifts for You, Gifts For Me, Gifts All Around! {a weekend recap}

I had been looking forward to this weekend for weeks.  My anticipation had nothing to do with any plans we had made.  In fact, it was just the opposite.  It was the first weekend after my events were all over; the first weekend after busy season for my job.  It was the first weekend with no real plans.  A weekend of relaxation.

How quickly that changed.

Little did I know, The Players Championship was this weekend.  The men in my family, which includes my uncles, Nick, and his family, are all really info golf.  I'll be honest, it's not my thing.  It's slow.  It's boring.  I don't know anything about it or anyone who plays, other than Phil Mickelson.  But I've decided to attempt to take an interest in the sport for Nick's sake.  I'd love to get to a point where I can play 9 holes with him.  I think the reason I'm not a golf fan is because it requires a ridiculous amount of skill and intelligence.  I do not have the patience to take the time to really think about my drive or putt.  Even if I did, I can't get the damn ball to go where I want.  I'm a naturally athletic person.  You throw me into a sports game, and I can play...well.  Except golf.  I cannot hit that damn ball for the life of me.  Put me in a softball game, throw a ball at me fast; add a curve to it; make it a change up.  Doesn't matter, I'll connect with it.  But you put a stationary ball on the ground and you're lucky if I can hit it...in any direction.  And it frustrates the crap out of me!!!  Call me immature, but in all honesty, one of the reasons I don't like golf is because I downright suck at it.  But I'm going to take more of an interest.  We had plans to spend all weekend at TPC Sawgrass for The Players Championship, which is a pretty huge golf tournament.

Thankfully, I woke up Friday knowing I got out of golf for the day because Nick was working that evening.  Actually, Friday started out really, really great!  I woke up and took a shower.  When I stepped out of the shower, I saw this on the counter.

I grabbed it and opened the bathroom door to find my husband awake and smiling at me as I walked out with the gift.  His ninja ass somehow came into the bathroom and set this gift on the counter, without my knowing.  (Of course my paranoid self is now worried that someone could into the bathroom without my knowing, even though it's a glass shower.  So naturally I assume someone will now attack me and I won't see them coming or be prepared.  Because, you know, if I did see the open the door I'd be fully prepared for an ambush.)
For those unaware, Friday was Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  For the past few years, Nick has always gotten me a card and a small gift to say thank you.  I'm lucky in that I have a husband who always shows me his appreciation, but it's always nice to be reminded.  Do I expect anything on this day?  No.  I willingly made the decision to marry a man in the military.  I knew some of what I was getting into but I didn't know just how difficult some things would be.  The main one being away from family.  Nicholas knows how hard this is for me so it's nice that he makes an effort to let me know he recognizes it's difficult, but that he's happy I chose to marry him, knowing it meant the sacrifice of being away from family.
Sadly the day didn't end so well seeing as our brand new 2014 Pathfinder had to be towed to the dealership and I had to leave work early to bring them my key.  We're pretty certain it's an issue with the keys, which should be a simple fix, but it's still frustrating.  {When you shut off the car, the seat moves back and the steering wheels up to allow better exit from the SUV.  When you start the car, the seat and steering wheel will move back into position.  I noticed last week that when I started it, it did not do this and my radio stations were messed up.  I assumed maybe it was confusing my key with Nick's (it adjust so to each of personal settings).  But apparently this was an issue and on Friday, it would start but shut off quickly after.)  Now we're driving a loaner car which is this giant ass gas guzzling Armada.  Needless to say, this beast will be sitting in the driveway all weekend.

Friday night, once Nick got home from work, he was surprised with a little "thank you" gift from me.  It was small but I wanted to do something to let him know just how much I appreciate how supportive he's been with my job.  Then it was lots of cuddles and clearing off of the DVR until we passed out.

Saturday I got to sleep in.  I repeat, I got to sleep in!  And sleep in I did!  Until 11am!!  And it was glorious!!!!!  I woke up still feeling exhausted but it was nice to not have anything to do and to get a full night's rest.  Upon waking, we lounged around for a bit and then headed The Players Championship.

We had to leave the Championship before it was over for the day because I had agreed to help a co-worker out and speak at her event.  We headed there, I got up, winged it as I always do, hung out for a bit, and then headed home for more cuddling and DVR-clearing.

Sunday was Mommy's Day and I woke up to a beautiful flower arrangement and two cards from my pups.  They picked out some pretty fitting cards and even got me gift cards to my favorite places!!!  They must have heard my wish of a day of relaxation and told Nick because he decided to forego The Players Championship and we just lounged around at home.  I did some reading, some blogging, some free lance work, and some puppy snuggling.  It was perfect!

Sadly my FaceTime wouldn't work so I didn't get to see my Mommy but we talked on the phone while she opened her gift..and cried when she did so.  But I wouldn't expect anything less from her. (I revealed her gift yesterday).

And now it's Sunday evening (look at me, blogging in advance and scheduling posts!) and we're watching golf while Nick cooks us a delicious dinner consisting of his homemade fries, per my request :)

 Did you all have a fun a weekend??


I also wanted to give a "Happy Belated Military Spouse Appreciation Day" to all my fellow ladies out there!  Honestly, when I hear about this day, I don't think about my husband showing me appreciation as much as I'm reminded how much I appreciate all the amazing women who've been there for me to offer advice from moving, to house hunting, to learning our new cities, etc.  They're there for ladies nights full of wine and laughs and they make being away from family actually enjoyable!  Some of these woman have become best friends and second family to me and I am so grateful to have them, even if we are all scattered all over the country.  I love you and appreciate you all!!!

My Mother {a Mother's Day 2014 post}

I write a Mother's Day post every year.  Every year I try to explain just how amazing my mom is.  And every year, words fall short.  Very, very short.  So I won't even try this year.  Instead, I'll just copy and paste some of I wrote last year:

"Mother's Day 2013It's really hard for me to be away from my mother on Mother's Day.  She's my world.  My mother is literally my best friend.  I know we have a unique relationship and I am so grateful for it.  When I think back on my childhood, I can't remember a time when we didn't get along.  You always here people talk about how they went through that phase with their moms (early adolescents) but I never did.  I thought maybe I blocked it from my memory but when I asked my mom, she confirmed we never experienced that phase.  I honestly never fought with my mother.  We never didn't get along.  I never disobeyed her.  If I ever did lie to her (like sneaking out to Danny's house with Julie or attending a sleepover where boys were sleeping over too), I would tell her within 24 hours because I felt sooooo guilty lying to her.I've always talked to my mother about anything and everything.  I'm sure she doesn't want to hear 85% of what I tell her (I'm a TMI person lol) but she puts up with me (with lots of eye rolling, numerous gasps followed by "Melanie Ann!!!" and constant "You are so bizarre!" comments.  I really have no idea where I get my weirdness or obnoxiousness from!  She's much the opposite!)

My mother has always supported me in anything I wanted to do.  She's always believed in me.  When I was diagnosed with cancer, my mother stepped forward and exhibited a strength that still amazes me to this day.  She was my rock, my smile, and my strength.  She refused to let me give up when life became too painful for me.  She still remains to be that for me on my weak days.  She let me go when it hurt her too much because she knew it was best for me, and was there for me when I had a rough time with it.When Nick came into my life, she accepted him and loved him as her own.  (Sometimes I think she loves him more than she loves me.)  When we got engaged, she couldn't have been happier for me.  Throughout wedding planning, she helped me more than I could ever thank her.  She offered her opinion but never, ever tried to take control or convince me to do as she wanted or thought best.  She's a huge reason why our wedding turned out so beautiful and so fun.  Because of our incredibly close bond, I chose to forego tradition and had BOTH of my parents walk me down the aisle.  My mother is just as important as my father and I wanted them to both have that great honor.

 

Moving away from home was so incredibly hard.  Saying goodbye to my mother was honestly the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.  And each goodbye since then has been almost as hard.

I've lived out of state for almost {three} years now, but our bond has only gotten closer through the use of technology.  We finally convinced Mom to get an iPhone so we can FaceTime.  She's also completely mastered texting and Facebook so she's able to keep up-to-date. My mother and I speak every single day.  Yes.  EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.Some days, (before I was working) she would call on her lunch break if she was bored.  And we talk every single night before bed.  Some nights, it might be a one minute conversation that consists of "I'm going to bed."  "Okay, goodnight. I love you."  "I love you, too.  Goodnight."  But most nights, we talk for quite a while.  About our day, any thoughts, venting, etc.  We don't talk because I have a mother who can't let go.  We don't talk out of obligation.  We talk simply because we're best friends and love talking to one another.  There have been some nights where we don't talk (because I'm out with friends) and that's okay.   We aren't distraught over it.  It doesn't hurt us or make us upset.  It just gives us more to talk about the next day!!! 
I am so grateful for the relationship I have with my mother.  It most definitely makes the distance harder, but I wouldn't trade our relationship for anything.  My mother is my world.  She is honestly the most amazing person I've ever met.  I know people say this about so many people, but my mother truly is.  She's beautiful inside and out.  She's the most selfless, caring, funny (without evening trying), clumsy, loving, supportive, emotional, hard working, and dedicated person I have ever met.  My siblings and I are lucky to have her as a mother.  And anyone who has ever met her should consider themselves just as lucky."

Sadly, our phones wouldn't work today so there was no FaceTiming going on.  And I was super sad.  Instead, we all just talked on speaker phone (my sister lives in Alabama but my brother came in from Kansas City to be with her) as she opened her gift.  Of course, she cried; that's we do in this family.  My siblings and I all went in together to get her a gift which was a purse (that she got over a week ago when it arrived at her house) and his beautiful bracelet with our initials on it.  I came across is one day online and instantly knew my mother would like it.  Heck, I want one for myself with "N&M" as the charms!  But I was right, she did love it.  So much so that tears were shed.

If you like this, you can find it at Otis B Jewelry

(This is not a sponsored post.  I am not being paid for this.  I simply stumbled upon this bracelet and purchased it knowing my mother would love it.) 

Mom, I hope you had a great Mother's Day.  I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there with you.  You do have another gift coming, but I might just have to bring it home with me in June because I'm fearful of it breaking if I ship it :)

I hope all you Mommies had a great Mother's Day!!!
How did you celebrate?
Did you get any unique gifts?  And super sentimental gifts?  And really creative gifts?  
If so, I'd love for you to share your wonderful Mother's Day memories and gifts!

Mother's Day 2013

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy friends, the soon-to-be mommies, the moms to fur babies, and to all those wishing to be mommies but having difficulties.
I want to give a special shout to the best Grandma ever, my amazing aunts Anne, Janet, Joann, and Debbie, Nick's second mom (his sponsor mom) Lisa, and of course, my own amazing mother!!!!

I'm not a mother yet, but my sweet pups did get me a Mother's Day card :)

Other than that, I spent my day sad that I couldn't be at home celebrating with my family.  But I did get to FaceTime with everyone when they were all gathered at my Aunt's house.  Thank goodness for technology because it definitely makes days like today soooo much easier.  Major props to you milspouses before we had all this technology!

Grandma wanted to FaceTime with Yadi lol

It's really hard for me to be away from my mother on Mother's Day.  She's my world.  My mother is literally my best friend.  I know we have a unique relationship and I am so grateful for it.  When I think back on my childhood, I can't remember a time when we didn't get along.  You always here people talk about how they went through that phase with their moms (early adolescents) but I never did.  I thought maybe I blocked it from my memory but when I asked my mom, she confirmed we never experienced that phase.  I honestly never fought with my mother.  We never didn't get along.  I never disobeyed her.  If I ever did lie to her (like sneaking out to Danny's house with Julie or attending a sleepover where boys were sleeping over too), I would tell her withint 24 hours because I felt sooooo guilty lying to her.
I've always talked to my mother about anything and everything.  I'm sure she doesn't want to hear 85% of what I tell her (I'm a TMI person lol) but she puts up with me (with lots of eye rolling, numerous gasps followed by "Melanie Ann!!!" and constant "You are so bizarre!" comments.  I really have no idea where I get my weirdness or obnoxiousness from!  She's much the opposite!)

Photo Credit: i Kandi Photography

My mother has always supported me in anything I wanted to do.  She's always believed in me.  When I was diagnosed with cancer, my mother stepped forward and exhibited a strength that still amazes me to this day.  She was my rock, my smile, and my strength.  She refused to let me give up when life became too painful for me.  She still remains to be that for me on my weak days.  She let me go when it hurt her too much because she knew it was best for me, and was there for me when I had a rough time with it.
When Nick came into my life, she accepted him and loved him as her own.  (Sometimes I think she loves him more than she loves me.)  When we got engaged, she couldn't have been happier for me.  Throughout wedding planning, she helped me more than I could ever thank her.  She offered her opinion but never, ever tried to take control or convince me to do as she wanted or thought best.  She's a huge reason why our wedding turned out so beautiful and so fun.  Because of our incredibly close bond, I chose to forego tradition and had BOTH of my parents walk me down the aisle.  My mother is just as important as my father and I wanted them to both have that great honor.

Photo Credit: i Kandi Photography 

Moving away from home was so incredibly hard.  Saying goodbye to my mother was honestly the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.  And each goodbye since then has been almost as hard.

I've lived out of state for almost two years now, but our bond has only gotten closer through the use of technology.  We finally convinced Mom to get an iPhone so we can FaceTime.  She's also completely mastered texting and Facebook so she's able to keep up-to-date.
My mother and I speak every single day.  Yes.  EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.
Some days, (before I was working) she would call on her lunch break if she was bored.  And we talk every single night before bed.  Some nights, it might be a one minute conversation that consists of "I'm going to bed."  "Okay, goodnight. I love you."  "I love you, too.  Goodnight."  But most nights, we talk for quite a while.  About our day, any thoughts, venting, etc.  We don't talk because I have a mother who can't let go.  We don't talk out of obligation.  We talk simply because we're best friends and love talking to one another.  There have been some nights where we don't talk (because I'm out with friends) and that's okay.   We aren't distraught over it.  It doesn't hurt us or make us upset.  It just gives us more to talk about the next day!!!

I am so grateful for the relationship I have with my mother.  It most definitely makes the distance harder, but I wouldn't trade our relationship for anything.  My mother is my world.  She is honestly the most amazing person I've ever met.  I know people say this about so many people, but my mother truly is.  She's beautiful inside and out.  She's the most selfless, caring, funny (without evening trying), clumsy, loving, supportive, emotional, hard working, and dedicated person I have ever met.  My siblings and I are lucky to have her as a mother.  And anyone who has ever met her should consider themselves just as lucky.

I love you, Mom!!!  I'm sorry I couldn't be there today but I hope you enjoyed your gift, card, and our FaceTime session.  You deserve the best day not only today, but every day!!!!  I can't wait for you to be here again in 44 days!!!!  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

My First {Fur} "Mommy's" Day

No, this is not a post where I announce I am pregnant.  Sorry to disappoint but that (hopefully) won't be a post for a few more years.

But I am the "mommy" to two wonderful puppies.

Most mornings I wake up with the dogs.  Usually because Nick is already gone at work but even when he's not, I'm the one up early with them.  Not because Nick is selfish, but because he's a heavy sleeper.  The dogs will wrestle and play in the bedroom once they wake up.  It wakes me up.  Not Nick.  So I get up.  (Yadi also chooses to throw her paws in MY face, not Nick's.)  Nick always says "Wake me up.  I'll get up with them".  HA!  Nick is impossible to get out of bed if there's not the threat of the Navy pink slipping him.
I will wake him and say "You said to wake you today to get up with the dogs."
"Okay......" and continues to lay there as they become more obnoxious.
"Nick are you going to get up?"
"Yes."
......10 minutes later and more obnoxious wrestling from the pups
"Nick?"
"Huh"
"Are you going to get up?"
"Yeah"
....10 minutes later.....
I get up.  By this point, I'm already wide awake so why continue to lay there and nag him.  And when he does get up later, he doesn't ever remember this conversation.

So anyway, that long story was too show I usually get up with them and having Nick get up with them is a chore.

But Sunday was different.  Sunday I woke up at 11am and I was alone in the bedroom.  No wrestling dogs.  No husband.

I walk out into the living room to see them all hanging out.  Nick had set his alarm for 8:00am (the dogs usually get up at 8:30am...right on the dot for breakfast) so that he could get up with them, not wake me, and let me sleep in for Mother's Day.

It was just after talking to him that I turned to walk into the kitchen that I see this GIANT envelope:

I open it up and my wonderful pups got me a card ;)

And they even signed it themselves!!! (Nick says they had no idea what was going on.  They didn't understand why he got their paws wet, made them run around in the sand, and then forced them to stand on this paper lol....as you can see from their "signatures" (aka paw prints) they did not cooperate very well.)

After a few failed attempts at getting a picture with them, individually, Nick took my phone and took a picture of the three of us and my giant card (please excuse this "I've been awake for 5 minutes" look, complete with obnoxious air-dried over night hair)

We just lounged around all early afternoon, enjoying a lazy Sunday.  I talked to my Grandmother for about an hour and then webcammed with my own Mother and my siblings for about an hour or so.

Later that afternoon we headed to a barbecue with Nick's classmates.

The rest of the evening was spent enjoying some couch cuddle time with my husband until he needed to begin studying.  Then I curled up in bed with some junk food and watched Gilmore Girls until I fell asleep.
Doesn't get much better than that!!

It was a perfect First {Fur} Mommy's Day!!!  Big thanks to my husband for being so cute and getting the dogs to get me a card and "celebrate" and for letting me sleep in.  I can't remember the last time I slept all morning without being woken up!

Happy Mother's Day 2012

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, which also includes you soon-to-be Moms!!!

I hate not being home on this day.  My mother is most definitely the most amazing person I've ever met.  She is not only my mother but my best friend.
My mother has always been nothing but accepting, loving, and supportive.
She's kept me smiling when I just wanted to cry, kept me going when I wanted to give up, was my strength when I lost it all.  I think she's gone above and beyond her role as a mother.  No mother should have had to deal with what she did (or still does.)  Please read this old post to learn a little bit more about what I'm talking about if you don't already know or watch THIS video.

Aside from that, my mother is just truly amazing in all aspects.
She is not one to judge others.  She might have had her own views on things, but she never, ever forced her opinion or views on us children.  She always let us make up our own minds about things.  I think she is the reason we all grew to be very accepting and open-minded adults.
She never speaks negatively about anyone.  You have to do a LOT for my mother to not like you.  And I honestly cannot think of a single person my mother dislikes, (even though I can think of many she SHOULD lol.  I wish she would stand up to some people and tell them the things they need to hear!!!!)
Mom is always willing to give even when she has no more to give.
She has the biggest heart of anyone I know.
She never told us 'no'.  She thought name brand shoes were silly but because we all insisted on brand new Nike's every school year, she bought them.  She'd buy us Lisa Frank school supplies even though they were 5x the cost of regular old plain red notebooks and folders.
She's made our lunches every night, always giving us what we wanted, not necessarily what we needed.  (Which some might see as a bad thing but I sure appreciated it!)
She woke me up every single morning with a cup of coffee.
She would spend her weekends cooking for us, cleaning up after us, etc.  She rarely asked for help.  And never complained.
She gave us chores to do, not to be mean, but to play the foundation for responsible, self-sufficient, independent, and well-mannered children,
She came to every single softball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball game.  Rain or shine.  Sleet and snow.  Hot as balls to frigid Artic temperatures, she was there.
She didn't force me to get a job in high school because she respected my passion for playing soccer 24/7.
She shelled out lots of money for me to play on competitive soccer teams and indoor teams.

She taught me about life and love.  Mom never judged our decisions.  She understood the importance of letting children make their own mistakes and learning from them.  She'd offer up her advice, but only when we asked it of her, and then stepped back to let us handle it how we saw fit.  And she was there with open arms and Kleenexes when it ended poorly.

She helped me plan my wedding which was just a ridiculously stressful task.  She didn't get (too) annoyed with me when I'd slack because I had just given up on the small details.  She helped and took charge.  She attended all appointments and meetings with me.  Helped with email and phone correspondence with vendors.  She was my saving grace in this wedding planning ordeal.  I am thankful she did not try to take control.  She never ONCE told me what to do.  She only offered her opinion if I asked.  Even then, she was hesitant to offer her opinion for fear of me doing what SHE wanted, not what I wanted.  After talking to other brides with controlling or opinionated moms, I cannot thank my mother enough for this.  She saved me a lot of stress and anxiety.

My mother and I have a unique bond.  Most go through some phases where they don't get along with their mothers.  I can happily say I never went through that.  My mother and I have ALWAYS gotten along.  We never fought.  I never lied to her.  I can think of two times I "lied" to her.  And immediately after both, I had to confess because the guilt was just too much for me to bear.  We always talked about everything and anything.  I don't think I've ever had a true screaming match or fight with my mother.  Maybe she can remember one but I know I can't.
Our bond only grew closer as I grew older.  She became even more of my best friend as the years passed. Our conversations were more deeply rooted in personal matters.  I talked to her about boys, sex, friends, my fears, my dreams, etc.
We'd lay on the couch together as she scratched my back or played with my hair.
She let me go back to Mizzou during chemo even though it killed her and my father to have me so far.  To have me not under their close eye and care.  But she knew it's what I wanted...what I needed. And she let me go.  But she was always there when I'd call crying about hard it was to walk to and from classes, to go to work and teach and play with the kids, to studying all night long, etc.  She never said "I told you so."  The time I got sick, she hopped in a car and drove to Columbia.  Again, never said "This is why you should be home."  Always supportive of whatever we wanted.

My mother and I are a lot a like.  We both have huge hearts and would do anything for anyone.  We have the same views and opinions on most things.  We're both open-minded and accepting.  We both love our sweets late at night and I got my love of wine from her.
But we do have one main difference.  My mother is pretty shy and introverted.  She's a pretty classy lady and very reserved.
If you've met me, you know I could not be more opposite (I tone it down a LOT for this blog).  I am vulgar, perverted, loud, obnoxious, and unbelievably inappropriate.  I make the most obscene comments or jokes.  I don't mind sharing TMI stories or information (even if my family begs me not to keep going lol).  On a daily basis I hear:
" *gasp* MELANIE ANN!!!!!"
"What on earth is wrong with you?!?!"
"You are so bizarre"
...and other related things.  Sometimes even my brother, yes BEN, cannot believe some of the things that come out of my mouth.
You'd think my mother would be used to me by now and she wouldn't still have to make these comments but she does.  Although she does know there's nothing I can say now that will surprise her.
But she puts up with me.  She still takes me in public.  She still loves me.
(I will admit, my immediate family sees the worst of it.  I'm my TRUE self around them...probably because my brother is identical to me and he brings it out in me.  Yep, my poor mother has to deal with it from both of us.  Thankfully my sister isn't AS bad as us, but she does have her fair share of inappropriateness.)
I'm happy she still proudly claims me as her own.  Even though she pretends to hate it, I think she secretly likes how I am.  I keep things fun and interesting.  You just never know what will come out of my mouth (God bless my husband, future children and grandchildren when I age....I cannot imagine what I will be like as a filterless elderly woman.  And I thought my Grandmother was bad!)

But today I am sad.  It's my first Mother's Day away from "home."  I knew this was going to happen...and will continue to happen for many, many years to come.  But knowing it doesn't make it any easier. I still miss her.  She means the world to me.

I've now lived away from home for 10.5 months.  I pulled out of my driveway on July 1, 2011.  It's been a rough 10.5 months being away from home.  I miss laying in the living room just talking and laughing with my mother.  Sharing a glass of wine, debating which of the three houses we'd choose on House Hunters or judging the dresses on Say Yes to the Dress.  I miss every single thing about home.  I'm happy I lived at home the last three years before I got married.  I'm happy I didn't follow Nick before we were married.  I have the rest of my life with him.  I'm so happy I have these wonderful memories of my time at home.

Being gone for 10.5 months has not hindered my relationship with my mother.
We talk every day.  Yes.  EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.
She calls me every single night before she goes to bed.  Some nights it's just a quick one minute conversation where she says "I'm going to bed.  Goodnight.  I love you."
Most nights we do have a real conversation.  It lasts anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
And sometimes she calls me on her lunch break and we talk as she's walking on the treadmill or eating.
And sometimes we talk after she gets home from work.
Yep, we're obsessed.  Okay, no, not really.  I don't HAVE to talk to her every day.  I'd be just fine if I didn't.
But we WANT to talk every day.  There's a distinct difference is wanting and needing.  One is unhealthy and the other is not.  We WANT to talk every day.  It helps curb my homesickness.  It makes me feel closer to her.  We feel as much a part of each other's lives as we can with being 12 hours apart.  She is my best friend and that will never, ever change.

I love my mother and I am proud of our relationship.  It makes me excited to have a little girl one day.  There is NOTHING like the bond between a mother and her daughter.  (I just hope my little girl loves me and gets along with me like my mother and I do!  I'll die if I can't have this with my own daughter.)

I love you, Mom! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! I'm sorry I wasn't able to be home with you today but you know I love you, miss you, and am always thinking about you.  Words cannot describe what you mean to me.  I would be nothing without you.  I hope the rest of the family made your day special!  Thank you for webcaming with us this afternoon!

Can't wait to have you down here with us in 36(ish) days!!!