my mom is one of my closest friends. it’s interesting how our relationship has changed now that i’m an adult, married and living about an hour away. we usually talk every day, and it was funny because the other day she told me how much she cherishes my friendship. i tell my mom most everything, and i don’t know what i would do without her. she’s a great sounding board, and she’s given me a lot of good advice over the years.

i’ve seen a lot of contests in magazines and other such places that i’ve considered entering, but i really think i might enter the mother’s day contest 1-800-flowers is hosting. it’s a “celebrate mom for who she is” contest. to enter, you select one of five categories — green thumb mom, red carpet mom, mr. mom (although i really don’t know how that works for *mother’s* day), planet friendly mom and gourmet mom — and write about what kind of mom your mother is and upload either a picture or video of her. the finalists will be chosen on april 21st and then the internet world gets to vote. the winners will be announced on may 9. and, there are $3,000 in prizes the moms will win.

i really want to do something neat for my mom this year. i was actually thinking about sending her some flowers, which i’ve never done before, but i think i might enter her in this contest. even if she doesn’t win (although, how could she not? after all, she *is* my mom!), i think she’d be really touched by the thought and what i have to say. don’t all moms love things like that anyway? my mom always loves things we make for her, and she’s impossible to shop for because when i ask what she wants i get a “i’ll like anything you get me.” do your moms say that too? i think one of the best gifts we’ve given her for mother’s day was the spa package my brothers and i got her last year. we went in together and got her a massage, a manicure and a pedicure. it was her first for all three, and she absolutely loved it. what are some neat gifts you’ve given for mother’s day?