1. It's the last year before you are officially considered (still hot, of course) but old.

2. You always put me, Lou, Chris, and Dad before yourself.

3. You crack me up every day, all the time.

4. You are hotter than me (my guy friends make it known).

5. You have made me the strong, independent person I am today.

6. You inspired my somewhat hippy, edgy, and classic fashion style.

7. You make it clear I am secretly your favorite child.

8. Okay, you love the boys just as much, but I am definitely your favorite daughter.

9. You make home, home -- no matter the small town or big city.

10. Your strong New York accent brings joy to everyone that hears it.

11. You could make me SnapChat story famous if we really tried.

12. You are the best cook, ever, and make awesome meals every night that I miss regularly (make Dad cook tonight).

13. You know literally everything; nothing gets by you so I'm hoping to gain that trait.

14. You are the strongest person I know.

15. You show me how fortunate and grateful I should be for my family every day.

16. You support me in everything I do.

17. You would do anything for the boys and me and you do everyday.

18. You have unconditional love for your family and friends.

19. You inspire me to become a caring mother and wife like you are some day.

20. You share stories from your college days and it makes me feel like I'm doing it wrong.

21. You constantly want to do things as a family, and although we sometimes complain, we always love and appreciate it.

22. You spoil us, but taught us never to be greedy.

23. You are always honest with me even when I don't want you to be.

24. You truly believe in me even at points when I don't believe in myself.

25. You taught me how to eat in the big, loud Italian way.

26. You gave me my crazy afro-like (sometimes pretty) hair.

27. You always know when something is wrong and will ask about a hundred questions until you get it out of me.

28. You enjoy dancing poorly with me at Cher concerts.

29. You know me better than anyone and you accept me for who I truly am.

30. You are always a shoulder to cry on when boys, school or life just get in the way.

31. You enjoy shopping as much as I do.

32. You are equally as crazy as me, maybe even a little crazier.

33. Your loud voice carries from south Florida all the way to Muncie.

34. You passed down that trait of having a voice that carries across states.

35. You have terrible, yet hilarious, road rage.

36. You are the most patient, yet non-patient, person I know.

37. You live away from your family and friends to support Dad's job.

38. You helped me find the perfect college.

39. You call me about five times a day.

40. You love pizza more than anyone I know (eat lots of it today).

41. And cheese, you love cheese.

42. You are beautiful in every sense of the word (Dad's a lucky guy).

43. You have three kids you love and appreciate you more than you know.

44. You make the thousand miles between us seem close.

45. You are the most selfless, caring person I know.

46. You have put up with me for the last twenty years.

47. You have been there through it all.

48. You are my best friend.

49. You are the best mom in the entire world.

Happy Birthday, Mama. I love you so much.