a gift is from the heart

When I moved out my parent's house a few years ago, my mom decided to pack up what was left of my life and put it all in my closet. All of my belongings from 18 and under exist in that closet. My girl scout sash, my diaries, junior high notes passed between friends and picture upon picture from when I was baby through my teen years.

I took a single box from the closet which was filled with some of the pictures and took it to my new home. (It's about time, right?)

Isn't it cute?


My friend Laura made it for a few of her friends before we went off to college. As I was flipping through the photos of my early years, you know, the ones where your mom let you dress yourself because it was "soooo cute," I don't understand why I was allowed to dress myself.

Please notice the bunch of bangle bracelets and socks w/ jelly shoes (No idea why I have a black eye or why I am only wearing one color of the rainbow or why I have bangs from ear to ear.)


I stumbled across a few questionable high school pictures and it reminded me of one of my favorite presents my mom ever bought me.

My Victoria's Secret water bra.

You know you had one, don't be embarrassed. I can't post the picture because I'm actually lifting up my shirt to prove I have a water bra.(As if my friends didn't believe me so apparently I felt the need to show everyone. I'm sure these photos will haunt me one day.)

But I can remember when I requested the bra as my big 18th birthday present. I'm sure my mom was stunned, shook her head and said, "You want what for your 18th birthday?" Not a shopping trip, or a Tiffany's bracelet or a new pair of shoes. Nope, not for me - I needed a water bra.

Seeing as mother's day and my mom's birthday is coming up in a month, maybe I need to return the favor and buy her some off the wall gift.

What should I get my lovely mother for mother's day and her birthday?