My first post happens to fall on Mother's Day weekend, which is rather appropriate, because I happen to be the biggest momma's girl in the world and could write a novel about her. If I had a dollar for every time I heard "You are just like your mother," I would be able to afford something besides Kroger sushi for dinner.

There was a time in my life where I wasn't all that flattered when I heard this. You think I'm like my mom? She dances in the kitchen when she cooks supper and knows every word to '90s rap music. She's a total dork. However, the older I get, the more I embrace the fact that I am my mom's carbon copy. Here are a few valuable lessons she's taught me over the years:

1. Don't turn down free food

I remember the day I learned this lesson like it was yesterday. We were flying to Dallas to celebrate my 13^th birthday, and a stewardess approached us and asked if we would like any peanuts or pretzels. Before I could get anything past "no thanks" out my mouth, mom said, "We'll take them. Thank you." I swear her head did a 180 turn and flames shot out of her nostrils after the lady walked away. She growled seven words at me that I'll never forget: "Girl, you don't turn down free food." You might get hungry later! Lesson learned.

2. Don't make her call the Wambulance

The Wambulance is a fictional vehicle made up by my grandmother. It is an ambulance for whiny people. You do not want the Wambulance to get called. I was one of those dramatic children who would cry over a bruised knee, and mom's response was to taunt with "I'm calling the waaaaambulance" in a singsong voice. I pictured the Wambulance to be a vehicle entirely composed of tears. I hated the Wambulance, but I find myself threatening to call it when children I babysit are being particularly whiny.

3. Don't make the crazy eyes come out

The crazy eyes are a special kind of scary. There was supposed to be a movie about them, but even the director of "The Exorcist" was too scared to film it. When mom gets mad, her eyes bulge slightly and get a glimmer that can only come from Satan himself. Sometimes I think real fire leaks out. If you make the crazy eye come out, you better start digging your grave, because it's all over.

I find myself quoting "don't turn down free food" and "I'm calling the Wambulance" quite often, and I've been told I have the crazy eyes, too. These are all entertaining parts of my mother that I carry with me, but the most important lesson she taught me was to love God and be nice to others. Being told I am like my mom is one of the best compliments a person could ever give me. I don't know how I got so lucky to get a mother who can handle my smart mouth, but I'm sure glad I did.