Happy birthday, prissnboots!
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that you were addressing 'non-quilters.' Can't really expect them to understand all the love, blood, sweat, and tears you (and all of us) put into our quilts. You can either try to educate them as to 'the real story' or just consider the source and move on, knowing there are many here who do understand, and come here to commiserate! Many, many good listeners here! Glad your mom appreciates your hard work, since that's who it is for!