Dear Mom,

Oh, Terry Flanigan, where do I begin? 
You are so many things. You are my best friend. You are my encourager, while also being my unbiased, advice-giver--thank God for that. You are so, incredibly smart (no higher education needed). You are always filling me with so much wisdom; the best wisdom, at that--wisdom from God. He speaks to you so clearly, not every day is as clear as the next, but when it is, He gives you such unique teachings to share. It's people like you that allow us to feel that much closer to a God we can't see face to face (not yet, at least). And I know the reason why He does that is because you are so faithful to Him; always reading your Bible and singing praises (no matter how good.. or bad, you sound), to Him. 

You make everyone laugh. You have such crazy, good stories--stuff so good, it just can't be made up. I know that many folks have told you this: "You should write a book," and I really hope you do, Momma. It would be a best-seller. Start writing. It'd be an honor for the world to hear your story.

The biggest blessing of all that you've brought to my life is your strength. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this, because I can think on countless crummy/terrible things that have been thrown your way, and when I look at you, such a beautiful soul, you aren't deserving of any of it. But... you persevere. Always. Despite the crap, you are still singing those praises, you are still making us laugh, and you still teach us, love us and lift us up. I love you so much, mom. You've saved my life! 

Not only so beautiful on the inside, but incredibly stunning on the outside. Wow. Time has not dwindled your crazy, energetic spirit (you should see her on the dance floor), nor your looks. I hope I am half the woman you are at age 57.

Love ya, hottie,

- Lexi

The cutest and the goofiest: Mom at my college graduation holding my flowers "pageant" style. 

A trip just the two of us took to see our amazing cousins who reside in San Francisco. Can't wait to go back!

Awaiting pancakes at IHOP, after church a couple weeks back. 

This is a photo of a photo, so it lacks in quality, but is one of my favorites of my mother back in the day. It hangs on my bulletin board in my room. I love that this light in my life is glowing so beautifully in this shot! 

Also hanging on my bulletin board, and of course a photo I love to show off: Mom and Dad with matching outfits (suspenders and all) and basically the same hair-do--now that's love. Oh, and of course the coolest car to match. I love this photo and I love that I come from such unique people. Never a dull moment in the life of a Flanigan.

Happy Mother's day to all the hot momma's out there grindin'. Know that you are always appreciated and very much needed.