My mother taught me...

Photo taken July 4, 2009

(among other things)

...that anything made from scratch tastes better, especially pancakes.

...that pumpkin pie includes all the ingredients for a healthy breakfast.

...that "when in doubt, do without."

...that if you like a shirt in one color, you should buy at least two more of the same shirt in other colors.

...that you don't really need to wear shoes outside, even if you're gardening.

...to love all animals, even bees.

...to take a nap when you're tired, no matter how old you are.

...that it is a waste to take a sick day from work if you are really sick, you should save those days off for when you feel like doing something fun.

...that family is the most important thing in life.

But most of all, my mother has taught me that a woman CAN survive an Oroville summer when she is pregnant and due at the end of August. And this is the lesson I need most of all right now.

Thank you Mom, I love you.