The perfect mom

There's food that Hayley threw still sitting, dry & cold on long grey floorboards. Her chair's still angled out from when I yanked her out, all thirty pounds to wipe between each finger with a damp cloth. The pantry's organized & the groceries are put away. There are a few dishes to do sitting all topsy-turvey in the sink. Sadly, there's no coffee remaining in the coffee pot. The clock ticks on. My camera's here full of pictures to download & eventually, hopefully e-mail to glad recipients. Hayley's bed was made this morning by her hands & mine in unison. My bed is still undone with PJs strewn & pillows indented. Last night's rain has passed but the pool toys & deck chairs remain by the back door. I have a shoe rack waiting to be assembled by the front door & shoes all over the front closet floor. I did brush hair & teeth both mine and the little blondie's this morning but there is no make-up to be seen! We're dressed but not fancy, the house it neat but not yet tidy. Meat's thawing, croc-pot's ready but supper's not underway. Lunch should be in the microwave soon. Then more dishes will demand attention. There's a comforter still left to dry in the upstairs hallway, dry & sun-warmed ready for folding. The basement's still been left untouched since when? Move-in day?

 And yet I can say I HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN IT. I've mastered it. I'm good at this: Being a mom, a wife, a lover & a friend.

Today we have crafts to do. Those things I listed before can always always wait, can't they? Yet sometimes I think they are THE priority. And what a shame when I do. What a shame when I don't sit down to help put together a crazy combo of bright, plastic noses & ears so we can giggle together at Mr. Potato head. It's too bad when I'd rather pick up toys & sweep up spills than sit down and make the messes too. We're no slobs- these things still get done. But sometimes, right then, they can wait can't they?


That's the secret to loving being a mom. That's the secret to having time for joy & romance & a life lived to the hilt. Take your time. Don't rush through things. Don't forget what's really important. And things will fall into their right place. Hayley before mopping? Yes please! Hot tea & a book before organizing- actually better for you!

So to those of you waiting for your "Daily Hayley" pictures, just know that I'm enjoying her thoroughly and will share soon. And if I haven't e-mailed or called in a while, just know I'm here and I'm now and you feel free to do the same where you are.

I linked another woman's article on my fb page today reminding moms that they aren't failing even when they don't keep up with the "it" things to do as a mom... she said make a list of things you want to do with your family and try to do one a day... and that's exactly what matters. She's exactly right. In the end Hayley will remember that time we hula-hooped & mom looked outrageous, not that time mom mastered the pinterest up-do! Come on!

Today we are doing our first fall craft & I can't wait :) So check it out on the blog later this week!