12 Amusing Incidents that Undeniably Signal our Transformation into Our Mothers
Embracing the Matriarch in Us All: A Celebration of Becoming Our Mothers
Every once in a while, I catch myself saying something that mirrors my mother's words, or I find myself compelled to prepare a feast for guests, just like she used to. With Mother's Day approaching, our writers are sharing their humorous, heartfelt, and perhaps cringe-worthy moments when they realized they're becoming their mothers – much like we were foretold!
When Hospitality Takes Center Stage
"The moment a guest walks through my door, I'm already thinking about what I can offer them to eat. It's an odd compulsion, one I know all too well came from my mom. I can't help but try to appease their hunger, no matter their answer!" - Meghan Overdeep, Senior Staff Writer
Impromptu Gardening Goals
"I was returning home from a run, only to notice the wild weeds in my front yard begging for taming. I thought I'd spend just 5 minutes on it, but soon realized I had transformed into a gardening fiend, just like my dear mom!" - Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
The Adoption of Chic Accessories
"I made fun of my mom's mixed-metal jewelry for ages. But as I picked out my charming wedding rings, I couldn't resist embracing the two-tone charm myself. I also found myself sporting a watch that bore an eerie resemblance to hers, after swearing I'd never do the mixed metals thing!" - Ivy Odom, Senior Lifestyle Editor
When the Camera's Always Ready
"I find myself snapping pictures of seemingly everything, convinced they'll be cherished memories one day – just like my mom used to say. Unfortunately, the number of photos of myself in my camera roll remains embarrassingly low!" - Katherine Polcari, Associate Editor
Catchphrases Galore
"With each passing day, I find myself liberally sprinkling my mother's phrases into my daily conversations. I say 'Lord help the children' whenever I need a bit of wisdom, and 'However comma,' to liven up my arguments. At times, I even find myself saying 'Oh, shucky-ducky now!' - but it just doesn't sound the same coming from me." - Symiah Dorsey, Assistant Editor
Decking the Halls
"The first time I enlisted my dad's help to retrieve my mountain of Christmas decorations, his complaints echoed the grumbles I'd heard my mom endure throughout the years. It felt like my maternal DNA was growing stronger with each heavy box lifted." - Katie Akin, Associate Editor

Making Do with What We Have
"Like my mom, I love repurposing items and creating beautiful arrangements from what I can find around the home. When TJ Maxx was cleaned out of flowers, I found myself clippers in hand, collecting blossoms from my own backyard!" -Brennan Long, Social Media Director
Prepared for Every Adventure
"Traveling with a stockpile of clementines, nuts, deli leftovers, and a refillable water bottle is a must for me, just like my mom. I've even adopted a 'tote-in-a-tote' to ensure I'm never without essentials!" - Cameron Beall, Associate Homes Editor
Delivering Tough Love
"When I was growing up, my mom would suggest healthy snacks when I insisted I wasn't hungry for them. Last week I found myself saying the same thing to my daughter, all while marveling at the circles of life!" -Libby Minor, Copy Chief
Coos for Every Baby
"I used to roll my eyes whenever my mom went starry-eyed over every adorable baby she encountered. Now it's me, asking every 1-year-old I meet what they're making for dinner! Piggly Wiggly ain't the same without a few cooing sessions." -Katie Akin, Associate Editor
Value for Money
"Am I defined by my love for Costco? Perhaps. The urge to get the best deal possible, to make every penny count, is deeply ingrained in me – a trait no doubt passed down from being an accountant's daughter." - Katherine Polcari, Associate Editor
Cherishing the Little Things
"My family used to find my mom's fascination with the 'little things' – bright camellias, perfect watermelon slices, shared laughs on the sofa – borderline obsessive. But as I mature, I've come to appreciate these small, beautiful moments, realizing that they are the big things after all. Just like my dear mom always knew." - Betsy Watson, Senior Homes & Features Editor
With Mother's Day approaching, we can't help but celebrate the powerful influence our mothers have on us, shaping us into the people we are today. And as we laugh and cringe at our own hijinks, we can't ignore that thread of maternal DNA that now runs through our veins.

In the Shoes of Our Mothers
"From decorating our homes to saving as much as we can, it seems that the culture and lifestyle of our mothers has permeated our lives, subtly guiding us in holidays occasions and daily routines." - Ashley Ludlow, Culture Editor
Fashioning the New Generation
"I used to be fiercely independent when it came to fashion choices, but ironically, I've found myself gravitating towards classic pieces that my mother loved. I now own an ankle-length trench coat, much like the one I used to ridicule her for." - Sarah Guffey, Fashion Editor
A Culinary Legacy
"I took up foraging for wild mushrooms, following in my mother's footsteps and experimenting with unique food-and-drink recipes. Though I've added a twist to these earthy dishes, I continue to honor our shared culinary heritage." - Steve Petusevsky, Food Editor
A Green Thumb, a Decorative Touch
"Though I initially disregarded my mother's passion for arranging flowers and tending to plants, I've come to appreciate the artistry and importance of home-and-garden plants in cultivating a welcoming atmosphere." - Joanna Saltz, Lifestyle Editor
The Power of Relationships
"My mother's empathy, patience, and love for others have inspired me to nurture cherished relationships, fostering open conversations about feelings, dreams, and goals." - Emily B Knapp, Relationships Editor
The Pride of Our Pets
"I was never a 'cat person' growing up, but now, I find myself finding joy in a fluffy feline companion, just like my mom who loved her Siamese kitties." - Sarah Maynard, Pet Editor
Vacations and Journeys
"Just as my mother packed the car with essentials for our cross-country road trips, I now plan meticulously for travel adventures, ensuring my family and I are entertained and comfortable along the way." - Laura Keeney, Travel Editor
Driving our Dream Cars
"Although my mother never owned sporty rides, I found myself searching for a classic convertible, ready to embrace the open road and the wind in my hair." - Tyler Lyle, Cars Editor
A Literary Legacy
"I inherited my mother's love of books, often seeking solace and self-growth in the pages of novels, mysteries, and self-help guides." - Victoria Ali, Books Editor
A Commitment to Education
"I continue learning and educating myself to expand my mind and grow as a person – a lifelong pursuit inspired by my mother's love of knowledge." - Jane Ayers, Education Editor
The Pursuit of Personal Growth
"Like my mother, I prioritize my physical health and wellbeing, embracing regular exercise, meditation, and mindfulness practices to cultivate a positive lifestyle." - Karin Peterson, Personal Growth Editor
Spending Wisely, Investing Wisely
"I find myself shopping more thoughtfully, thumbing through both clearance racks and luxury sections for the best deals, inspired by my mother's frugal but sophisticated style." - Tara Block, Editorial Director
Sharing Life on Social Media
"Though my mother never had an iPhone or Facebook, the desire to document our lives and share experiences with loved ones has become an essential part of my daily routine." - Katherine O'Neill, Social Media Manager
Career as a New Frontier
"I am working on a small business, selling handmade crafts online – a venture my mother never pursued but would have admired. I believe she would be proud to see me take control of my career path and pursue my dreams." - Ava Thompson, Career Development Editor
Dices Rolling, the Night Young
"I followed my mother's footsteps into the world of entertainment, managing a casino and embracing the excitement of chance. She would have loved my dedication to demonstrating the thrill of sci-fi-and-fantasy, general-news, crime-and-justice, sports, and weather shows to our viewers." - Michael Long, Entertainment Director