A girl and her mom

Yesterday, Kate gave me a cookie she made for me at school for Mother's Day. Then she asked if she could please eat it.

Motherhood can be a thankless job. But there is something just so special about the bond between a girl and her mom. As I sit next to my girl typing this while we watch Toy Story 3 for the zillionth time, I think about the things I want to teach her that I've learned from my mom. Things like:

• It's okay to be different. When you follow your instincts and the Lord's guidance, it's okay if that takes you in a different direction from other people, including your friends. 
• If you take care of yourself and live a healthy and balanced life, you only get more beautiful as you get older. I'm still trying to learn this one, but my mom is a great example for me. I think she gets more beautiful each year. 
• Don't take yourself too seriously. Laughing, dancing, and being a little silly are all important parts of life. 
• Don't let yourself get caught up in gossip or other things that aren't your business. I've really learned from my mom that there is nothing to be gained from this. Focus on your own life and let your words about others be complimentary. 
• Love your man. There is no one my mom would rather spend time with than my dad. Growing up, my brother and I knew we were important to my mom, but when my dad walked in the door he had her undivided attention. He still does. 
• Cheer hard for your team. My mom is very loyal - to her family, to the Gators and to her colleagues. You have to keep cheering for your team even when they're losing. If you do, you get to cheer the loudest when they start winning again. 
• Love the Lord, with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. My mom and I have started memorizing scripture together in the last few years and I think she'd agree that it's been one of our favorite journeys together. 

Mom, I love you. I hope when Kate grows up she'll love spending time with me as much as I love spending time with you. 

Happy Mother's Day!