~I love my Mom because~

She inspires me
She always wants what is best for me
She knows how to put me in my place
She loves my kids more than anything
She endures
She pushes me
She gives me great advice
She has never scared me
She laughs
She cleans
She makes fun of me
She is thoughtful
She steals my purses
She lets me steal hers too
She is faithful
She still does my laundry
She isn't scared to tell me like it is
She is sincere
She laughs when I have to give blood
She reads
She is my best friend
She gives me the best "Mom" hugs
She teaches
She is kind to people
She taught me so much, and still does
She has put up with me
She teaches Mark how to put up with me
She has dealt with all the curveballs I've thrown at her with grace
She still lets me polish her toenails and cut her hair
She loves her Mother
She loves her Mother-In-Law
She taught me what love is

And the award goes too......

OK, first serious post- Are you all ready? Hang on..it might get bumpy. I'm taking it WAAAAAAAY back to childhood. For those of you who don't know my parents-they are my ROCK. This is probably just the first of many posts about them. They are wonderful humans who deserve a Nobel Peace Prize or an Oscar, or at the very least a Daytime Emmy. Hee Hee.

From the time my Brother and I were small, my parents have instilled some of their AMAZING character traits in us. There are so many great things to choose from, and although humor is WAY up there, the two I value more and more as I get older are tolerance and humility.
As for tolerance, from the time we were small, we were taught we are above NO ONE- despite race, creed, gender, etc. They taught us to respect others, no matter if we agree or not. I learned from an early age we all take different paths and have different life experiences, and instead of judging- to learn about other people. They always taught us to get respect, you must give it. I believe sometimes I walk a fine line between standing up for what I believe in and giving others the room to believe what they choose. Some of my very good friends and I have completely different views on many subjects. They know I am not judgemental, but I'm also not passive, and I will speak up for my beliefs. At the end of the day we show respect to each other. I am trying very hard to teach my kids the same thing.
For humility, my parents taught us to have self-worth, to be proud of our accomplishments; but at the same time not to take ourselves too seriously. They built up our self confidence, but also taught us to not boast. They taught us to strive for the top, but to be humble if we achieved moderately. This is such a hard concept to teach, but my parents did it so effortlessly.
My parents and my brother and I have such a great bond and I pray that in years to come no strife ever comes between my children, Mark and I. I didn't fully understand what great parenting they did, until I was a parent myself. I am blessed to have such a great relationship with my parents. Thanks dearly Mom and Dad!