"Mom of the Year"

My friend, Kristin, at The Way It Is gave me these two sweet awards:And along with them, a few mom-related questions. Here we go!

1) Admit that ONE thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. Get it off your shoulders. Once you've written it down, you are NO LONGER allowed to feel bad. It's over with, it's in the past. Remember, you're a good mom!

I guess probably yelling. I hate yelling, but it seems like when things start getting hectic and I get overwhelmed--I'll start yelling. Then I always feel really guilty afterwards. It's a vicious circle and I hate it!! Hmmmm...I wrote it down--but I still feel bad!

2)To remind yourself that you ARE a good mom, list SEVEN things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. These are the things to remind yourself of EVERY DAY that you rock!

--My kids are all "good" kids--they are kind and respectful--they never talk back or give me a hard time.

--They all have a great sense of humor! They have me laughing all the time. Tonight at dinner we were talking about super heroes and what the dumbest super hero power to have might be. One of the hilarious ones they came sup with is a guy that could chew through things. We decided he would be called "The Gnawer" and could grow big yellow rabbit teeth if he needed to chew his way out of some predicament.

--I feel like I'm good at choosing my battles. I let certain things go-- but the kids know that if I'm serious about something--they'd better listen!

--I love cooking with and for the kids. I'm lucky because they are very adventurous eaters and are always so enthusiastic and complimentary about what I make for them.

--I love the way all the boys take such great care of Pickle. They spoil her rotten and she loves every minute of it! I really appreciate that if I need help while I'm making dinner or something, they'll happily play with her and never complain.

--I love that the kids are so musical. The older boys play 2-3 instruments each and I know Gooser and Pickle will follow in their footsteps. They are good about practicing their instruments and going to their lessons.

--They are all fun to be around and I hope they feel the same way about me!

OK--I feel better now!

Thank, you Kristin, for those awards. I am supposed to give them out to five great moms--but I think you're all great--so whoever would like this award and questions--they're yours!

And a quick update on Pickle and the Play-Doh--I took her to the doctor and (with much difficulty) he checked her nose, but didn't see anything. He seemed to thing everything would be okay, so we are just leaving things alone.