Dear mom,

Over the past 21 years of my life, I have grown to realize that you are the most hard working and most caring person on the planet! From my innocent toddler days, to my not so proudest moments of my teenage years, to now living on my own; you have done everything to give me, and the boys, the best life possible! And I know that I don't tell you even nearly as much as I should, so mom here are some of the things I want to thank you for!

1. Thank you for yelling at me

At the time, I never dreamt I would thank you for all the arguments, the yelling and the groundings. But I've come to see that you did it because you care. Because you wanted to teach me right from wrong, to help me to become a better young woman, and to keep me on the straight and narrow! Some kids aren't lucky enough to have parents who watch out for their actions and correct their behavior. Knowing you always had my best interest at heart makes all those weeks with no phone worth it, and for that I will always be grateful!

2. Thank you for your good judgment

You have always been able to spot a bad apple a mile away! Whether it be a bad influence, a bad friend, or a crappy guy, you've got a knack for sussing people out! Mom is always right!

3. Thank you for holding me while I cried

From falling off my bike as a little girl, to heart breaks in my teenage years. Even moving across the globe. You are always the best shoulder to cry on! Somehow when mom is around, everything seems to get a little easier and the pain seems to go away.

4. And then buying some Chinese food and wine to ease the pain

Nothing really beats a good girly movie (a good crier), some fried rice, and a glass of wine!

5. Thank you for giving me a great sense of style

I know it drives you crazy when I borrow your clothes and shoes, but take it as a compliment! You're a cool, stylish mom!

6. Thank you for telling me the truth

Back in my teenage years when you tried to tell me my foundation wasn't the right color, or my fake tan was streaky as hell- well looking back at 15 year old me's selfies, you were telling the truth and I should have listened!

7. Thank you for listening to me complain about "adult life"

When I call complaining about how work sucks, how my bills are piling up, how I hate traffic, how I don't know how to cook anything, how I'm tired of responsibilities; as trivial as they all seem, you still listen to what I have to say! And I will always appreciate you just letting me vent about my daily problems and "adulting" struggles.

8. Thank you for being the best cook on the planet

We've always been the household that friends walk in and say "mmm whatever your mom is cooking smells amazing, I want some!" And they're right! It's always top notch grub! (It's a pity all I can cook is eggs and toast).

9. Thank you for showing me what unconditional love is

Through ups and downs. Through the good and the bad. Never once, in 21 years, have I gone to bed without hearing "I love you." Even after an argument. Or after the most stressful day on the planet. I know that you love me no matter what, and know that I love you, too, mom, to the moon and back!

10. Thank you for being my role model

You are hardworking, motivated, energetic, super smart, and the most caring and kindhearted women out there mom! And I hope, every day, that I can turn out to be even half the woman and mother that you are! Because if I do, I'll be doing pretty damn good!

11. Thank you for being my best friend

Lots of love, your little girl x