Sunday is Mother's Day - a day to honor the women who have had such a big influence on our lives.

I have learned a lot from my mother, so I decided to use this column space to list some of the more valuable lessons I've learned from Mom.

&t;My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done. "If you kids are going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning the house."

&t;My mother taught me about religion. "You better pray that stain comes out of the carpet."

&t;My mother taught me about time travel. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

&t;My mother taught me about logic. "Because I said so, that's why."

&t;My mother taught me to realize the obvious. "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

&t;My mother taught me about foresight. "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident." (I never really understood this one).

&t;My mother taught me the true meaning of irony.

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about"

&t;My mother taught me about the science of osmosis. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

&t;My mother taught me about being flexible. "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

&t;My mother taught me about stamina. "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

&t;My mother taught me about natural disasters. "Your room looks as if a tornado went through it."

&t;My mother taught me about hypocrisy. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

&t;My mother taught me the about the circle of life. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out." (Come to think of it, actually, I think that was Dad).

&t;My mother taught me about behavior modification. "Stop acting like your father!"

&t;My mother taught me about envy. "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

&t;My mother taught me about anticipation. "Just wait until I get home."

&t;My mother taught me medical science. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, They are going to freeze that way."

&t;My mother taught me  humor. "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

&t;My mother taught me the secret to becoming an adult. "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

&t;My mother taught me about genetics. "You're just like your father."

&t;My mother taught me about my roots. "Shut that door behind you. You weren't born in a barn."

&t;My mother taught me about age and wisdom. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

&t;My mother taught me poetic justice. "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

And, perhaps the best lesson my mother taught me was appreciation. "Every day should be Mother's Day."

She's right.

Mother's Day is one day out of the year. Officially, you appreciate your mother one day out of the year. What about all of the other days?

Maybe this is just the day we choose to honor our own mothers and the mothers of our children, but we should let them know every day how much they mean to us.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mom and my wife, Angela, for all they do and for putting up with me over the years. Hopefully, I haven't been too much trouble for you guys!

Shawn Doyle is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached by calling (740) 532-1445 ext. 19 or by e-mail to shawn. doyle@irontontribune.com.