Teaching Taylor

It’s my mom’s birthday today which is a perfect time to share a little bit about our mother and daughter relationship.

I’m going to start by saying and she knows this, that on occasion she can drive me a bit bonkers and I end up rolling my eyes and saying something I shouldn’t, but the best thing about my mom, is that regardless how many times I probably lash out when I shouldn’t, she’s always there for me.

For example, this weekend Devon and I were doing some projects at the house and she showed up to deliver me some rugs. (I love that whenever I need the most random things, my mom always seems to have it. Needed rugs- she had them. Needed batteries- she had threes packs. Needed birthday cards- she had seven options for me to pick from) She took a tour to check things out and left. Shortly after, she sent a text and said she’d be making supper. She could see that we were busy and probably wouldn’t want to cook later on. When we arrived to pick up the food, she had it packed up ready to go and even had made us a homemade dessert. No matter how old you are, you can’t ever go wrong with a homemade meal from mom.

Growing up, my mom and I probably clashed more than we didn’t, but as I grow older, I realize it’s probably because we have some similarities in our personalities. We don’t always act the same or believe the same, but we love the same. Lending a helping hand when we can, making food for others, and just the general kindness and joy we try to bring to others are just a few things I’ve learned from my momma.

My mom loves concerts and her appreciation for adventure and fun is something I admire. Her love for concerts leads me to one of my most favorite shenanigans I have put my mom through.

It was late one night and I was searching the internet trying to find tickets to a Blink-182 concert. I had saved up money, but not enough to use my own debit card. I quietly walked to her room, opened the door, and woke her up “Mom, I have good seats to Blink-182 in my cart online, can I use your card?” To my surprise and without hesitation, she said “Yes, grab my purse!” The next morning I was so ecstatic about this purchase and she was quite confused on why. I had to remind her of our conversation. I don’t think she was too impressed with me, but she did laugh.

The best part about that story is I finagled that same thing again to get tickets to Carrie Underwood. After that she caught on and I couldn’t disrupt her slumber.

Just so you know, both concerts were amazing and well worth waking my mom up for.

Another fun story about my mom connects to my first ever tattoo. We were going grocery shopping and just happened to drive by a tattoo shop. I don’t know what my initial thoughts were or what I expected my mom to say, but I asked her if we could get matching tattoos. She pondered briefly and then gave me a lecture on how they are permanent, but she would allow it. There I was, sitting in a tattoo chair and I couldn’t even drive a car yet. Talk about crazy, right?

One thing I don’t get from my mom is the love of country music that I have- it always brings me great joy to play country music when she is in the car with me. She can’t stand it and I can’t help but giggle inside knowing it’s driving her crazy. She usually turns the music down and tells stories, which I appreciate. Stories about so many different things.

My mom has had a ton of life experiences, from moving all across the state for job opportunities, leading multiple different teams within her profession or just traveling for work or adventure. All of which she does in confidence. A confidence that is needed to kick butt in a management role at work and in life as a mother. Which she does both rather well, I must add.

Having a mom like mine is such a blessing and knowing that she raised me to be strong and confident just like her is an honor. Thanks mom for all that you do—I couldn’t do this life without you, even when we butt heads.

Happy birthday to you— thanks for all you do. I love you.