This article is a special one for me to write. I don't usually give my mother the credit and the gratitude that she deserves, but I want her to know how important she is to me and how much I value her presence in my life. There are an abundance of things that she has done for me that I want to thank her for, but for all you busy people, I will make my list based off some of my favorite things that she does (which is still a lot, sorry not sorry.) Thank you, Mom for:

1. Doing My Laundry

I still to this day am not too familiar with the laundry-doing world. Partly because you cried when I asked you to teach me, and partly because you volunteered. I really appreciate that you do this for me because, based off of your frustrations and everyone at college who groans about it (including Aaron), laundry must not be too fun. I am thankful for every time that you come in my room telling me that I need to "empty my pockets next time" because you care about me (and my pants).

2. Ironing My Clothes

While I do know how to iron (this is included for all you people who are probably still judging me from number 1), you still do it for me every time I come home. You always tell me I'm a "slow ironer" and that you can "do it better," which is true, but still. Thank you, Mom, for never letting me leave the house a "wrinkled mess." Thank you for teaching me to have pride in my looks but not in my heart.

3. Cooking for Me

You hate to cook. I can make the occasional toast. Even so, you always make me something really tasty on Sunday (which is very much appreciated because cafeteria food is sorta gross, sorta inedible.) Thank you, Mom, for giving it your dangdest (Southern vernacular right there), and thank you Pinterest for her inspiration.

4. Letting Me Take All Your New Makeup

Every time you buy something new from Ulta, you let me try it, and usually, I like it. Thank you for always letting me "borrow" your makeup with no return date. I cannot help, however, that we are the same skin tone (team ivory, pale girls rock), and that I happen to like every single eyeshadow palette that you buy. But I digress, Mom, you're the best.

5. Taking Care of My Cats

This one is a shout out to Dad too. While I give them the "loving and the nurturing that they need," you feed and take care of all my fur babies' needs. So thanks, Mom, for all the poop you scoop for the sake of me having two little devils (that I love oh so much.)

6. Always Wanting the Best for Me

What can I say, "Mother is always right." I painfully admit this, but it has been true in nearly every single case. I know that everything you do is for the sake of my safety and well-being. I also know that, at times, I don't always understand this. But thank you anyway for putting me first in your life and for taking care of my every need. I am very fortunate to have a mother like you in times like these. Thank you for always pushing me to do my absolute best and nothing less. That's what you do every single day, and I admire you so greatly.

7. Giving the Best Advice

I know that when I have a problem, I can come to you because you always, ALWAYS have the right answer. And when you don't, you know where to find it. You have gotten me out of many a bind, and I'm forever grateful. You are very wise (beyond your years, I might add), and I know that whatever you tell me is the best route to go because you always pick the moral, biblical choice. Thank you, Mom, for helping me solve all of life's problems.

8. Being My Number 1 Fan

For years, you and Dad would sit in the bleachers for my basketball games and track meets. Begrudgingly, you would be on the sidelines for my cross country meets (thanks for the support, whoop whoop!) Then, a couple years later, you would sit in the crowd during all of my piano recitals and competitions. You have always supported me in everything I have done. You witnessed first and last place finishes, every made and missed shot, and every right and wrong note. I have never looked into the crowd and not seen your face (and Dad's shiny head). Thank you, Mom for being my number 1 fan and Dad for being a close second.

9. Making Me Into a Fashionista

You know the latest trends (thankfully, because I don't.) You have this incredible ability to make an entire outfit after simply looking at one shirt. You force me to shop at T.J. Maxx, and we can never leave the mall (or Target) without getting me something (which isn't always a bad thing, but still.) Thank you for always ensuring that I don't look like a "ragamuffin" and for always keeping me classy.

10. Raising Me Right

This is the most important one on my list (I saved the best for last, of course.) You have raised me to be modest and moral in an increasingly immoral world. You have raised me to have manners and to not speak unkindly. You have taught me very important life lessons that I will forever be grateful for. I am who I am today because of you. Thank you, Mom, for being an excellent role model for me and for raising me right.

Mom, you have been an amazing mother. You give it your all every single day. I apologize for any time that you felt like I was not appreciative of you because I know how important that is to you. You have pushed me to be my best my entire life, and you have never given up on me. You even sit through and occasionally laugh at, Dad and I's dumb jokes. That in itself deserves an award. You have been a mother and a friend. I would never want to go through this life without you, and I wouldn't trade you for anyone in the world, because you are MY mom and you're the best dang one out there. So thank you, Mom, for being you.