I am not one of those moms

Who has those perfect children...who get along 24/7 and love each other every second of the day. No, I am the mom who's children one second will be laughing together and the next one is screaming at the other one. They know how to push each other's buttons and they do it quite often.

Who has the perfect relationship with her children. I wish and pray all the time that I will learn to control my temper...but I tend to yell when I get upset with my children. I do my best to let them know (especially Clara since she is old enough to understand) that it is their action or behavior that I am not happy with...not them.

Who has the perfect relationship with her husband. After a day of listening to nothing but screaming, whining, crying, I am tired. And my husband usually gets the worst of it. They say that we hurt the ones we love...I must really love him...but he puts up with a lot from me. I do really love him.

Busch Gardens Christmas town 2013

Who has the perfect house. We have crumbs on the floor, dishes in the sink, toys scattered about, toothpaste on the vanity, laundry piles (whether clean or dirty) lying around. I do my best to spend quality time with my children...after spending that quality time with my children, I am tired. I do my best to keep up. (and seriously what is more important...a spotlessly clean house or making memories with your children that will last a lifetime.)

Who will remember everything. I forget to return phone calls, to send emails, to go to doctor appointments. Yes, I got that bad...I forgot to take Clara to one of her doctor appointments. I do my best to write things down...remembering to write it down, I often forget that part.

Who has the perfect looking children...who's hair is up in the perfect ponytail, who is wearing clothes that match. My girl has her own style these days when it comes to her outfits. But that is what makes Clara Clara, she is a free spirit. And I like that. And she is beautiful, her eyes are brown, her lashes are thick, her cheeks are rosy...and she is imaginative, smart, funny, strong willed...beautiful inside and out.

I am not strong, I am weak. I can't keep my eyes open in the afternoons, I'm tired. I am not one of those moms who enjoys being a stay at home mom. I am doing my best to raise my children to be great children and in the end great adults. I love my children, I really do. That is what is most important...loving them and showing (and telling) them how much I love them. That means...there will be crumbs...there will be piles...but there will be laughing and smiling and hugs and love all around.

Don't feel sorry for me, I am not complaining (well maybe a little), but this is real life. And life ain't perfect...it is okay to admit and make public. We all have flaws.

My kids are the best and the love I feel for them cannot be described or kept bottled up. I really could kiss them and hug them all day. And eat them up!

Joseph 15 months

Clara turns 5!