Pefect? No.

I don't try and be the perfect mom to my kids.  I'm unlike every one of my mom friends in that I DO NOT feel badly when they cry in their cribs as babies (assuming I know they are fed, warm, dry, etc.).  I nurture and care for in a very deep way but I also expect a lot from my kids, even at a young age.  I have no idea how this method of parenting will turn out but it's all I know how to do.  So far, so good.  I'm also very fortunate that my only responsibilites in life are my husband, my kids, my house.  Aside from being a crappy cook I think I do a pretty good job at my job.  However, this week I've fumbled quite a bit.  Chris has been gone on a much deserved trip and while gone all 4 of us had fevers, coughs, sore throats, ear infections, and nightmares.  It's been a hoot of a week.  On top of that, we've had construction going on in our hallway and kitchen area.  I haven't felt stressed at all, in fact I've had a great time with the kids every day.  I have, however, forgotten very basic things.  Just one (of the many) examples is that today I dropped the kids off at school and not only did I forget Drew's homework at home but WE DIDN'T EVEN DO IT.  I also forgot William's teddybear - today they were having a picnic with their teddybears.  On top of that we were 5 minutes late which to me is the equivalent of being an hour late.  I know these are all small things but this is my only job in life.  The school director said to me, "That's ok.  It's life.  All the important things are taken care of."  I said, "Yeah, you're right.  They are dressed and fed.  Their teeth are brushed.  And I kissed them both as I left their classrooms."  I'm not beating myself up about it 'cause, yeah, life happens.  And this made me feel better.