"You are your mother's daughter."

Mom is here. She's been here since Friday night. She called me not too long ago and let me know that she had this week off and wanted to come and stay with us. It's just been so good having her here.

It's always difficult living so far from her. Granted, its only two and a half hours away, but its not like I can pull into her driveway whenever I want to. I can't have her over for dinner or any of those things. That can be difficult.

I think that it does tend to make our relationship a bit stronger, however. We communicate a lot over the phone and when we are together we never take advantage of any minute we spend.

I've been reflecting a lot on family lately. I've been attempting to understand how families run the way that they do. Brian's family is a lot different from mine. They are going through some turmoil right now, and as much as I want to help fix it, I have to learn how to just be strong and stand by Brian without having an opinion.

In the meantime, I have started to become very aware of how fortunate I am to have the family that I have been blessed with. My Mom truly is an incredible woman. Then there is my Aunt who is also a strong and unique person. My Grandmother is responsible for creating them, and lately I find myself curious to know more about them all.

Since Mom has been here, I have been picking her brain. I want recipes, stories, new ways to do certain things around the house. Stain removing techniques, wrapping tips and tricks, short cuts to the best tomato sauce ever. I want to make sure that I carry on this tradition of strong and talented women.

Since Mom arrived, we have re-upholstered my kitchen chairs with a staple gun. Baked stuffed stromboli breads and made chocolate dipped strawberries for a housewarming party. Cooked brunch for five people, complete with a frittata with fresh mozzarella, garden tomatoes, fresh basil and mushrooms. Fruit salad with berries, peaches, and plums. Home fries with gooey cheese. Mom found platters and serving ware that I didn't even know I had, and before I knew it my apartment was transformed. There was a gorgeous spread of food.

Yesterday, we made a trip to Michaels. We separated in the store. Not once, but twice, we both met in the same aisle for the same item. She simply smiled and said, "You are your mother's daughter."