The truth is that I'm not the mother I want to be yet.

I'm close to being her, but I'm not quite there yet.

I'm making too many repeated mistakes, and I'm making them quite often.

But here's the thing...

Do you know that saying they have in preschool?

The one that goes something along the lines of

"You get what you get, and you don't pitch a fit."

Yeah, that one.

Your kids understand that.

Maybe not so much when it comes to toys, but when it comes to the mama that God handpicked for them, they get it, they get you, and they want you, just as you are.

Now if your kids can accept you, faults and all, and still want you and pine for you, maybe you shouldn't be so hard on yourself trying to improve; improve so drastically someone who seemingly doesn't need to be a hell of a lot better for the kids who are already and will remain unconditionally enamored with her.

There's the mother I want to be -- a mother who is more

patient,

calm,

empathetic,

affectionate,

interested,

and present.

And then there's the mother I am now -- a mother who is imperfect but loves her kids with the depths of her soul, and do you know what?

The kids think she's pretty awesome, too, so I'm going to agree with them.