If I close my eyes, I can see my mom's kitchen windows steaming up from the simmering gravy, hear her banging her wooden spoon on the rim of the gravy pot, and smell the meatballs sizzling in olive oil.

NPR: Savoring Memories of Sunday Dinner

You know, like Mammy, An Island Must be Heaven, Mom They're Making Eyes at Me, My Mother's Eyes.

NPR: The Funny Side of Fatherhood

By then, "Idol's" favorite ex-waitress will have grown from America's sweetheart (see: 2004's "Breakaway") to a slightly goth brooder (2007's "My December") to pop's resident angry grrrl (2009's "All I Ever Wanted") right before the proud eyes of Mom and Dad -- or as we call them, Paula and Simon.

CNN: Review: Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger'