mom.

I did not deliver on Mother's Day this year. I bought a card weeks ago, my mom was here and I failed to give it to her, and then I didn't get it in the mail early enough for it to arrive in advance of today. There is no amazing package coming right behind it with a fabulous gift included either. I popped into plenty of boutiques and found all kinds of cute crap. I could have spent the money and sent it on it's way, but it wouldn't really mean anything because it was random stuff to put on a shelf. So, instead of coming up with something better, I just failed. Rather than getting something that might not be perfect, I got nothing. I failed. 

Can you tell where Noah gets his eyes?

This is not sitting well with me. My mom is absolutely the best. She is an incredible role model, friend, and person. I truly feel like the luckiest daughter in the world to have her as my mom. 

What is wrong with my head? I am really glad that sorted itself out.

She has been an incredible mom to me, teaching me to believe in myself, strive to be my best, seek happiness, challenging me when I need to be challenged, supporting me when I needed a shoulder to cry on, understanding me, loving me unconditionally. This list is a very small representation of all that she has given me. But if there is one thing about her that I truly admire, maybe above everything else, it is her commitment to others. There is nothing that she displays truer than that. Whether it is me and my dad, or a distant relative in a different state, she is always exemplifying what it means to be there. She cares deeply, celebrates enthusiastically, and focuses her attention where it needs to be. She can make an ordinary day extraordinary with the care and love she puts in. Plus, she can make an incredible bow for any occasion ;-). 

We should travel together more. This trip was unforgettable.

If you have ever had the pleasure of spending a day with my mom, you know what a wonderful woman she is. If you have ever spent an Oscar night with her, you know she can create the most phenomenal theme party. If you have ever received a gift from her, you know how much thought and energy she puts into it. If you have ever been at our home on a Thursday night, you know that she makes family her #1 priority always. She listens and encourages, and takes all the flack my dad and I throw at her for her less than uplifting work stories (which, yes, make us incredibly grateful for our life!).

My mom taught (and continues to teach me) how to be a mom and the values I want to instill in my own family. I cherish every night we spent around the dinner table as a family with a home cooked meal. I love that she was there for every.single.moment that she should have been growing up (there are some serious only child perks). I love that she will hop on a plane and fly out to help me while Scott is out of town. I love how much she loves my little boy. I love how much she loves me.

This post barely scratches the surface of all that my mom is and has given to me. If you know her, consider yourself lucky, if you don't, trust me that she is a true testament to what a mother should be.

Mom, you are kinder than you have to be. Each and every day. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.