One of my favorite things about Family Guy (besides the goofy pop culture references, “the time I…” flashbacks, and whatever zany thing Bruce is going to say next) is the family matriarch, Lois. I know most people have a soft spot for Stewie—and yes, the tot’s got a lot to be admired—and Brian is also pretty awesome, but there’s just something about a woman who can put up with a family as dysfunctional as hers and still manage to pull it all together (most of the time).

Oh, wait. That’s all mothers, isn’t it?

Still, Lois is one awesome mom, and here are 10 reasons to love her.

10. Everybody thinks she’s a MILF. From Quagmire to Brian, most men in Quahog have the hots for Lois Griffin—and although she pretty much knows it, she still remains faithful to her doofus husband, Peter (well, except for that time with Bill Clinton).

9. She adores her C.H.U.D. child. While Stewie may be hilarious and quick-witted, he’s definitely a little beast when it comes to wanting his own mother dead. Still, Lois takes it all in stride, putting his death rays and other gizmos away with the nonchalance of a U.N. peacekeeper.

8. She did KISS. Well, Gene Simmons, anyway. And while he’s not about to win any beauty pageants (with or without the makeup) he’s still, well, Gene Simmons.

7. Lois knows the score. You think anyone mad enough to marry Peter Griffin would be quite a bimbo, but Lois is pretty sharp. She’s taught sex ed, been the voice of reason through many episodes, and lets us know that she knows exactly what she puts up with—like she did in “Ocean’s Three and a Half,” leaving a divorce as a pending threat at the end of the episode.

6. She’s a redhead. As a fellow redhead, I can vouch for our awesomeness.

5. Lois has positive body image. Well, in most episodes she does, anyway, and while many women work to lose weight, Lois has worked hard to gain weight. She’s also gone without makeup.

4. She can sleep with Peter. Anyone who can pull that off has to be talented.

3. Lois is a feminist. She makes a great speech about how it’s her choice to stay home and care for her family, and that she isn’t a stereotype.

2. She’s been mayor. Even mayor of Quahog is a pretty nifty role, no matter how many days the gig lasted.

1. What it all comes down to is that Lois is just like any other mom. She has her gigantic meltdowns at the most odd moments like any mom does. Mine might be over a stray cheerio found after a thorough housecleaning; Lois had one after seemingly running out of paper towels.