Honestly, if you think about it, having a mom is one of the coolest things about existence. We are literally made inside of this beautiful and strong woman and get to be best friends with her for the rest of our lives. They'll love us and support us every single day to the end; even when it's a difficult situation. There are so many phrases my mom used when I was growing up and lessons she drilled into my head that I can't wait to use on my little one.
1. 'You Are My Sunshine'.
It's so odd, the memories that stick with us from our childhood. You rarely can remember an entire day from your childhood, but it's often that we can remember little snippets as young toddlers. The moments of time that have been ingrained into my long-term memory are moments that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I remember when I was so, so young my mom would be bathing me and singing over and over the song that goes: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray..." This jingle is something that I already see myself singing to my children while I give them baths and get them ready for bed.
2. "Money doesn't grow on trees."
Since day one, man, have I been a spender. The physical act of buying something – gum or even mints – is something I am here for. You can hand me a twenty and it'll be gone by the end of the day; I don't even have to leave the house to do so. It's a habit that I, unfortunately, have not handled all too well, but I'm just hoping this trait doesn't get passed down for the financial sake of my future family. My mom relentlessly tried to get me to understand the importance of budgeting and spending money when I got my first job, and I'm so thankful she never handed me my own credit card.
3. "Take deep breaths; it's going to work out."
Cliche, yes. But does it work? Yes, every single time. I guarantee you've met that handful of people that have 'just breathe' written in cursive somewhere on their bodies. It's repetitive and pretty corny, but there isn't anything that is as calming as your mom when you need her. In times of panic or distress, I literally revert back to my three-year-old self, and it's truly embarrassing how many times I can repeat to myself "I want my mommy" over in my head. But, it's true. For some reason, your mom just telling you to breathe in and reminding you that all is truly well flips off the panic button in my mind.
4. Homemade food is better than store-bought – always.
You wanted cookies in my house growing up? Make them. That's the only way that sweets were usually enjoyed in my home; from scratch. Cinnamon bread, snicker-doodles, chocolate chip cookies, cakes, holiday treats, and 3-course meals were never to be bought in the store.
5. No, you cannot eat Cosmic Brownies.
Twinkies, Pop-Tarts, Cosmic Brownies, Fruit Roll-Up's, Smucker's Uncrustables – these were the ultimate luxury for me. Going over to a friend's house almost always meant that finally, I could enjoy 'normal kid' food. As much as I thought my mom was holding out the best things in life on me back then, I praise her for it now. Thanks to her, I know what real sweets actually taste like that aren't 99% chemicals.
6. Things mean more when you earn them.
My mom spoiled my two sisters and I growing up – and often at that. The thing is, she balanced the spoiling and the earning aspect of things. She showed me what it was like to work for something, and earn it on my own. Getting handed things all the time only gets you so far.
Ultimately, I look up to my mom, not only for being a woman that has raised me but for all the things she showed me I'm capable of. 'Thankful' is only a minute fraction of how blessed I am for you (oh, you too dad) and I can't wait to return the favor for my future family one day.
