I know I am a good mommy because...

Lots of hugs and kisses all day, every day. They are happy to see me when I've been away--even just during their naps.  They are clean. They are well fed with wholesome, colorful options every day. And sometimes sweets.  Piglet knows his abc's & their accompanying sounds, and his 123's. We read together every day. They see me reading by myself often. We sing together, all sorts of songs, any old time. Early bedtime with rare exception or resistance. Nanuk gets plenty of nap time every day. They are energetic and healthy. Piglet has good manners: please, thank you very much, you're welcome, no thank you, I'm so happy to see you, I'm so glad you came, Mommy may I please __________. Piglet and Nanuk show adoration for each other. Which tells me they see love in their home. They are often naughty and stubborn, which tells me I'm not raising door-mats, and generally very good about apologies, "Mommy, I'm very very sorry _________."  We laugh together every day. Piglet says his prayers. Their clothes are oft laundered, their home oft cleaned.  We play together: cars, puzzles, stories, animals, tumbling, football, hokey pokey, memory. candyland, and so forth. Buckled up in car seats at all times. We do art projects together. Even the messy kind. And I know that sometimes the best remedy for a bad day full of scolding is a root beer. Piglet knows how to clean up after himself: toys, clothes, bathroom, etc. I give them all the love I know how to give. And still I goof. And still I am entitled to believe that I am a good mom that doesn't have all the answers. It's not about being perfect, right?

Filling my own bucket, as it were. A little self-validation never hurt anyone.