The perfect mom (who doesn't exist)

I was picking Luke up from VBS this morning when I saw what appeared to be the perfect mom.  Her blonde hair was subtly highlighted and styled in long, beachy waves; she had on white skinny jeans (on skinny legs, of course), and a flowy top and sandals that did not scream "I have little kids."  She did, of course, and she calmly loaded them into her clean, sparkly Audi SUV.  I have no idea who she is, or what her life is like (other than she has a great wardrobe, hair dresser, and vehicle).  But, I bet she has something.  We all have something.  That thing that makes us, and our lives, way less than perfect.

I was in workout clothes (they did match at least), and I had my makeup done.  So, it's not like I was falling apart.  Some might have thought I had it together.  But here's how my morning went.  My kid didn't want to go to VBS. He didn't know anybody, or his teacher, and he just wanted to stay home.  I dragged him there anyway (late), and had to escort him to a section that wasn't his group so he could sit with the one kid he did know.  Next, I took Elizabeth to Whole Foods to get a few things.  That went smoothly, but I was stressing over how much money I've been spending on groceries.  Yes, eating healthy is a big priority for us, but how far do I take it?  My mind starts spinning....

Then I got home and sat down to start on my to do list.  First thing - order school supplies for kindergarten.  I got on the website only to find out that I was a day late.  Now, I would have to get them myself.  Not a huge deal, except I have the kid who will notice if his folder is a slightly different color of red, or has a different kind of pocket.  And the pencils better match everybody else's.  I glance over to see Elizabeth has picked up the spoon that Luke ate peanut butter from this morning (or was it last night), and she is rubbing peanut butter everywhere, including in her mouth (she's never had nuts).  We are batting a thousand over here. 

This doesn't even count the constant, daily struggle of living in a diabetic/autoimmune household.  Low carb meal and snack prep, making sure we have enough baby cokes in stock for sugar crashes, researching new recipes, picking up prescriptions.  It's not super fun.  I don't say that to complain, but it just is what it is.  A struggle that we have.

And the perfect, blonde mommy has them, too.  Maybe more than I do.  I have no idea.  Sometimes, we all just need to be reminded that there is no perfect mom, or perfect anybody.  So, be kind, smile, and keep trying.  There is only one "you", so just be the best version you can - workout clothes and all.