kidding around

Comment by Amanda

May 10, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

I’m sure you are a wonderful and special Mom. I hope next year you’ll feel confident and know that.

Adorable gift. Really, so so cute, I would love to get this!

Comment by Kim

May 10, 2008 @ 9:31 pm

If you’re That good of a daughter (and at sewing), I AM Sure you are a damn good Mother as well. Naturally though we have high expectations for ourselves… and our children when older if not now will certainly thank us that we do won’t they?!

Happy Mother’s Day!(That gift is SEW CUTE!)

Comment by carolynswafford

May 11, 2008 @ 1:42 am

Carol, I struggle with this, too. People will remark to me what great kids I have and I still dwell on if the way I am parenting is going to affect them in a negative way later on life (or the bad times, like when we are running late and I lose my temper and start bellowing). Unfortunately, with kids, there’s no clear cut way to measure it…so you have to rely on those around you to help you evaluate. What I can see on your blog are 3 kids who look happy and relaxed. You do such special things for them that I know they feel very much loved and self-confident. Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Comment by Tine

May 11, 2008 @ 6:54 am

I struggle so much with that very same issue! But I guess we have to just do our very best every day. And that will benefit them I am sure. It’s horrible to feel like you don’t do enough for your children…. I hope you will win your battles

Comment by Tine

May 11, 2008 @ 6:55 am

Oh!!!! I totally forgot. What an awesome present! Your mother must be thrilled!

Comment by erin

May 11, 2008 @ 8:59 am

great gift, carol! i’d steal it, too.
happy mother’s day! i hope you have a great one.

Comment by megan cooley

May 12, 2008 @ 12:40 am

I love your blog, Carol, and visit often but I’ve never posted any comments before. A) There’s lots of evidence that you’re a fabulous mom. I know the “strikes and gutters” feeling, though. Some days I feel like I could juggle 10 children like a pro, but most of the time I can’t believe what I’ve just said or done and I wonder how my kids will be impacted. Hang in there.
B) Couldn’t help but notice the apple/pear fabric you used for one of your adorable napkins. I just sewed a dress for my daughter with it (you can see it here: http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2008/05/homemade-love.html). I love the fabric, but one woman saw her in the dress and made some comment about how she used to torture her children with similar fabric styles in the ’70s. I was like, “Hey, my kid picked it out and I like it!”

Comment by Paula

May 12, 2008 @ 12:45 pm

Oh, Carol, you’re a fabulous mother! Happy Mother’s Day!

Comment by Shannon

May 12, 2008 @ 1:16 pm

Carol, why are we moms so good at beating ourselves up? I think it comes with the territory. I am quite sure that your kids would disagree with your assessment but goodness knows that there is always room for improvement. I am a work in progress too. Please give your sweet kiddos a big, juicy hug and then give one to yourself!

Great gift! What a lucky mama you have!

Comment by Dave Sidebotham

May 12, 2008 @ 4:54 pm

Carol:

I do love my Mother’s Day gift…..you know how much I like cloth napkins….the caddy will be so handy for the deck! Most of all, I love you! It is a joy to see our daughters being mothers to their children….we are thankful and proud of our girls. Much love, Mom
P.S. I love the fact that all three of our girls gave me flowers in different shades of purple!

Comment by leslie

May 13, 2008 @ 5:12 pm

parenting is the hardest thing i have ever done, i feel awful at it most of the time myself, i think it is just the stress and fatigue of it all. maybe its just the discipline and whining all the time, but i think kids really need to be “parented” and not just be “buddies” with you. i wish i could hang out with my kids more and not be so naggy all the time… hmmmm…. lots to think about. we are all in this together carol, hang in there!

happy mothers day!

Comment by Jennifer

May 13, 2008 @ 5:29 pm

I go through the same thing. It’s all ups and downs. Some things I’m great at and in some ways I am simply lame. Your kids a beautiful and obviously happy and well loved. I hope when my girls grow up they make me napkins and buy me purple flowers! Keep up the good work!

Comment by Em

May 22, 2008 @ 9:22 pm

So cool – The napkins and the caddy are such a great gift. I know what you mean about not making things for yourself! I have the same problem!