Mother's Day.

I think I have the best mom in the world, but I know a lot of people think that. Our mothers gave birth to us, they raised us, they were there to hold us, kiss our boo-boos, be that shoulder to cry on, tell our secrets to, gossip with us, be our biggest cheerleader and our therapists when we needed them to be.

Mom and I in Disney World this past March

My mom is my best friend. She sacrificed everything for my brother and I. She was 33 when she had me, and 37 when she had my brother, but that didn't stop her from rolling on the floor with us, and running around with us. She gave up her job to stay home with us, she gave up her body to birth us, she gave up her money to feed us and keep us happy. She rarely buys anything for herself. She doesn't go out, or on vacation. I don't think she's ever said she needed "me time." She wants us to be happy, and would do anything for us.

Disney again.

Her kids are her life, she's always wanted to be a mom, and that's where I get it from. The older I get, the more I realize how brilliant she is, and how kind and thoughtful she is. She's gentle, caring, faithful, honest, sweet and a beautiful person, inside and out.

Mom and Dad - Christmas 2008, I think?

Also the older I get, I realize how much she gave up for us, and how much I'm like her. I have her thunder thighs, her dimpled elbows, her sweet tooth, her maternal instincts. I catch myself sitting like her, saying words like her, washing dishes like her, moving the same way she does and cleaning like her. I make faces like her. I love it.

Christmas '08.

I am so grateful to have this woman in my life. This woman is the one that I can look up to, the one that will always be there for me. My personal cheerleader, my best friend. She'll keep my secrets, know exactly what to say at the perfect time. She knows when something's wrong, even if no one else does. I know she's so proud of me, but I owe everything I am to her.

Disney World June 2007.

She taught me everything I know. She taught me how to be trusting, and faithful, how to turn to God in good times and in bad times. She taught me to be strong and independent, how to be a woman, how to love your family and friends. I learned so much from her. She's amazing. I love you Mom!

Why do you think your mom is the best?

Do my mom and I look alike?