With a name like Patsy....

 In honor of Mother's Day, I've dedicated this post to, well, my mom. Mom's are people that I'm not sure we learn to fully appreciate until we are older. And, like Oprah says, it's the hardest job in the world with little appreciation along the way. Coming from a lady with no kids and MUCH appreciation for her work, I'd say that's pretty insightful. That's probably why she rules the world.

 I've always been thankful for the obvious things that my mom does for me. But I think the first time I really, REALLY appreciated her was when I crossed the state line from Pennsylvania to New York, and realized in that moment that I didn't have my purse, wallet, driver's license or my coveted hand sanitizer. It was the scariest moment of our trip thus far and I had no idea what to do. My first thought, CALL MOM!! She'll know what to do! Or....cry. Or....both. But then I had a realization that while I could call her, she couldn't do anything about it. I would probably just worry her anyway. And what was crying going to solve? So I had to come up with solutions on my own. ON MY OWN!

 That's when I realized how great of a mom I really have. While she always made it easy to go to her, she didn't teach me that, that was the solution. She taught me to be self sufficient. She was 3000 miles away, but it was okay, I was prepared to handle sticky situations like when I move away from home and in the process, leave my wallet and hand sanitizer in Pennsylvania.**

She's taught me so much:

She taught me how to budget, save, and tithe...

How to bake delicious cookies...

How to hold my tongue...sometimes

Wine tasting...she's a pro

Always Always ALWAYS squat in public restrooms...

And use my foot to flush...

She enrolled me young in soccer and gymnastics, so those tasks were never an issue...

She said that I didn't deserve anything less than a man that loved me unconditionally and treated me with respect and compassion...

She took me to church and said no one loves me more than Jesus...

She said go to college......................................or else...

How to dip my fork in the dressing "on the side" rather than smother the beautiful green salad with it. Because 2 Tbl spoons of ranch is like a bazillion calories and vinegarette doesn't have the same appeal, and moderation is key...

She taught me to take care of me. Even though my self control doesn't always mirror her teachings, I at least know when I'm not eating right and not getting enough exercise or sleep and what to do to correct this behavior...

 She's the best. AND she's coming to visit next week and we can't wait! Thank you for being everything you are to me.

**I did get my purse and all it's contents back. Thankyouverymuch.