It really was a nothing of a day. There were ups and downs, and at least one temper tantrum to be sure. But what sits with me tonight as the boys are both in bed is that today I felt like a pretty good mom. Not a great one by any means and not even the nicest (at one point Anderson did declare that I am a "horrible, horrible mommy! The worst, really!"), but north enough of crappy that I can sit down and not question every decision of the day, rolling over in my mind the "should haves" and the "if only"s.
I stood my ground at the aquarium when I told the boys they could have nothing from the gift shop (hence the aforementioned horrible mommy comment) despite the loud protests, sass and tears from my kids and the side-eyes from everyone else. I had a car talk with Anderson about being grateful for what he has and saving his own money for the things he wants. I heard at least 4 spontaneous "I love you"s from the boys. TO EACHOTHER!!! And, even more shocking, I somehow made it through Costco with the two of them without threats, bribes, or both. Heck, I even got them both to pick up after themselves.
On my best day I'm a mediocre parent at best. I yell, I lose my patience, I make empty threats, and I say things I shouldn't. But today somehow, although I'm sure I did all of the above at some point, I allowed myself to just take it all in stride. And it was a good day.
