Mom,

As I grow older, I can't help but see your personality shine through mine. This summer we have been saying that I say and do the same things you do. You are a huge reason I am who I am today and I owe everything to you. With that being said, I often don't thank you the way I should. Not only for the things you give me, but the things you do for me without even realizing it. So this is me formally saying thank you for everything you do for me.

First of all, thank you for putting up with me. I know I can be a lot to handle sometimes. I can be upset, sassy, ungrateful and sometimes way too funny for our own good (I get that from you). I'm sure it wasn't easy raising me several years after Emily and Bradley. Or raising me in general.

Thank you for never judging me. Yes, as a kid I went through my fair share of costumes, imaginary friends and stuffed animals. Having dance parties dressed like Hannah Montana couldn't have been easy to watch without laughing your booty off. But thank you for letting me do it.

Thank you for always being such a good role model. You have the biggest heart and more faith than anyone I know. Some people know me as Alli, the girl with the cool mom. You're kind of like Wonder Woman and I hope I can be half as cool as you when I grow up.

Thank you for being fun. I love how you're not big on buying things, but experiences. Because of that, you have taken our family on some pretty cool vacations, games and other little adventures. Your 4-year-old students think you're fun and so does your 20-year-old daughter.

Thank you for always loving me. I've done some pretty stupid things in my lifetime. Like the one time I lied about getting toothpaste on the mirror (and lied about everything else too). Or that one time I hid all my bad grades from fourth grade in the back pouch of my book bag. Even through my not-so-bright points in life, you have always taught me how to improve and still loved me no matter what.

Thank you for giving me the best. Thanks to you I was able to go one of the best high schools in the area, play sports, go to one of the best colleges in the Midwest and be a part of a sorority. You always gave me what I needed and a little extra, and I can't thank you enough for that. Even if I don't say thank you, it doesn't go unnoticed and I am thankful.

As I head into my junior year of college, I know that my character is up to me, but you've played a huge role in who I have become. Thank you for everything you do - especially buying me McDonald's drinks and making amazing food for dinner.

I love you more...