Mother's Day is Sunday, and I want to take some time to honor my momma by sharing a few of the many things that make her so special. I stole this idea from my co-worker Kimberly Madison (hey, girl, hey)--you can read her OG article here. I wanted my list to be a top ten, but after a few minutes of brainstorming I realized I'd never be able to narrow it down to just ten things.

My Mom, my sisters, and me at Christmas 1988 (Meg Summers/TSM)
My Mom, my sisters, and me at Christmas 1988 (Meg Summers/TSM)
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My mother is beautiful.

My mother is smart.

She's strong.

She's creative.

She's clever.

My mom is kind.

My mother raised four children.

Mom and Her Kids--we took this picture at my baby sister's wedding in 2014 (Meg Summers/TSM)
Mom and Her Kids--we took this picture at my baby sister's wedding in 2014 (Meg Summers/TSM)
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My mom is an Exceptional Education teacher at Appalachian High School in Blount County.

Mom helped found Appalachian's Drama Club--in December, she was awarded a special grant from Birmingham CBS affiliate WIAT's "One Classroom at a Time." Check out the video below to see Momma in action.

Mom is an amazing teacher. She cares for each and every one of her students.

She decorates her classroom in a way that inspires her students.

One of the many ways my mom makes her classroom special for her students (Meg Summers.TSM)
One of the many ways my mom makes her classroom special for her students (Meg Summers.TSM)
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Mom is a District Director for the Alabama Educator's Association.

She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in--and she taught me to do the same.

Here's Mom at an AEA protest last year (Nancy Dowdy)
Here's Mom at an AEA protest last year (Nancy Dowdy)
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Mom has also represented Alabama at the National Educator's Association--she's traveled to Washington DC, Orlando, Houston, and Denver for to rep our state.

Mom hasn't always been a teacher--She started college 19 years after she graduated high school.

My parents separated when Mom was in college. She worked two jobs to put herself through school--all while supporting three children.

Mom never stopped. She worked her you-know-what off until she graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2005.

Here's Mom and Big Red on the campus of WKU (Kayla Dowdy)
Here's Mom and Big Red on the campus of WKU (Kayla Dowdy)
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Mom currently has a Master's Degree in Exceptional Education.

She never gave up--no matter how hard things got.

Mom has always put her children first.

I remember times in my childhood where we were just flat out BROKE, but Mom still found a way to keep our tummies full and smiles on our faces.

Mom can sew--she made a lot of the clothes my sister and I wore.

My mom made these Easter dresses! (Meg Summers/TSM)
My mom made these Easter dresses! (Meg Summers/TSM)
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She's so patient. I don't know how she put up with FOUR kids. Just thinking about having four kids gives me a migraine.

She values education and went to great lengths to ensure that my sisters, brother, and I grew up with a love of learning.

Mom taught me how to read when I was three.

A Day at the Park (Meg Summers/TSM)
A Day at the Park (Meg Summers/TSM)
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Mom made sure we always had fun--she had so many creative ideas for arts and crafts that kept us busy. We made play dough, planted gardens, went to the library, had backyard camp-outs--my childhood is filled with so many magical memories because Mom took the time to ensure each day was special.

She taught us how to make these awesome muffin tin crayons--I use this 'recipe' all the time for my daughter.

My mom, by the way, is an awesome grandmother. Dolly calls her "Nan-Nan."

Mom and Dolly at Christmas in 2014 (Meg Summers/TSM)
Mom and Dolly at Christmas in 2014 (Meg Summers/TSM)
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Mom loves adventure, and she's almost always on the road.

Mom was born in Tokyo, Japan.

She's traveled all over the USA--and she even climbed a mountain!

Here's a pic of Mom at the summit of Mt. Evans in Colorado (Nancy Dowdy)
Here's a pic of Mom at the summit of Mt. Evans in Colorado (Nancy Dowdy)
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No matter how busy she is, she makes time for her family. She visits her parents in Arab at least once a week.

Did I mention how beautiful she is?

My Mom is the most beautiful woman in the world. (Nancy Dowdy)
My Mom is the most beautiful woman in the world. (Nancy Dowdy)
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Mom supports me.

Mom is there for me when I need her.

When I call her in full-on NEUROTIC FREAKOUT mode when Dolly is sick, she calms me down and gives me great advice.

Mom takes care of me when I need help. I've had more than my fair share of surgeries, and Mom has always taken time out of her crazy schedule to come stay with me.

Mom is THE BEST cook.

We have so much fun when we're together.

(David A. Smith/DSmithImages)
(David A. Smith/DSmithImages)
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My mom is wise.

She's wonderful.

She's a really thoughtful gift giver.

She has the best laugh.

My mom is the greatest.

I love her so much, and I know she loves me, too.

I hope that I can be half the woman she is, and if I can be just 25% as good of a mother as she is, then I'll consider myself a success.

Image via Nancy Dowdy
Image via Nancy Dowdy
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Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!

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