And the Best Mom award goes to...

Ross thinks that award belongs to me.

He even got me a trophy while he was in Disneyland to prove it (or perhaps he got it to make up for the fact that he never called me back after the bus accident).

In any case, Josh is out of town and I've been feeling like a failure of a Mom all week (the house is a mess, the laundry is piling up, I haven't cooked a single meal, etc.).

But, I've decided that they don't just give out awards like that for no reason...so I really must be the "Best Mom" regardless of...

The sink full of dirty dishes.

The piles of laundry.

The mess on my desk (yes, that's all paperwork for my online photography classes).

Or the fact that Annie has eaten mandarin oranges and almond butter sandwiches for dinner every night the last three days in a row.

However, when I refused to drive Ross down to Subway to get a sandwich the other night he (temporarily) stripped me of my trophy.

By the way, Ross had a blast in Disneyland (and thankfully no one was seriously hurt in the bus accident).

Comments

[Addie]

I see a future layout with a special appearance by 'the trophy'! And even I think you are the best Mom! You're raising 4 kiddos, taking pictures and documenting the whole experience! Pure bliss! And if you fake an illness, I'm sure your Mom will come over and help with the housework! Or I'll send my Mom over! She likes to clean!:)

[Yoyin]

Hi, Karen. I'm Yoyin from the Philippines. Eversince I saw a link to your blog over at Ali Edwards' blog, I've always started my day by (1) getting a cup of coffee, (2) checking on my 9-month old baby, and (3) hopping over to your blog. I absolutely love looking at pictures of your adorable family (esp. Annie). I totally envy your ability to "capture" the "everyday moments" (even the little ones) - so I decided to purchase my very first DSLR. Hopefully, I can capture my family's moments too. :)

[AllisonK]

Seriously one of the best post ever. I love the trophy photos!!

[Katie]

Thats so awesome Karen!! Ross is such a sweetheart!

[Julie Pilch]

Such a great post, I totally relate. I spent the whole of yesterday afternoon being a shoulder to cry on to a friend and in turn ended up not spending any time with my kids. I think being a mom is a crazy hard job and we do the best we can! Love the pics.

[Katy]

Such great news to read everyone was ok in the bus incident. And I have to say I love how you've taken all of those photos of what is piling up right now at home with your trophy ... such a fun idea. :)

[Jennie T.]

Fantastic acceptance speech!
What a well-deserved award, I'm sure :)

[janel]

And that is why you deserve the award....none of the other stuff is EVER supposed to be finished....nor will it be finished, until the kids are out of the house...and then you will be longing for the days of unfinished laundry, messy faces, falling over Barbie dolls, etc. etc. Pat yourself on the back and do a self-portrait of you accepting that award...and call it perfection! Enjoy these days and moments.

[Kim Bolyard]

this is classic....I love the photos...I need to borrow that trophy...I have piles just like that all over my house and I so need to capture that everyday moment.
peace
Kim

[Dawn]

love these pics! i'm so glad to see that i'm not the only one whose got dishes in the sink, laundry waiting to be done, pile of paperwork on my desk, etc, etc, etc. i love the idea of documenting how life looks right now. =)

happy thursday!

[Anita]

Ha! This has totally made my day! I'm not alone, I'm not alone...I will keep repeating this to myself all day today. You rock!

[Sara]

Karen, you rock! Your posts totally crack me up and brighten my day. You are so honest, I LOVE IT! I totally think you deserve that award, well along with me :)

[Melissa Grogan]

Wait... you aren't supposed to have piles all over the house?! Oh dear... I am definitely in trouble. :) Hang in there.. everyone has weeks like this, or in my case, months..;)

[Colleen]

i love all your posts, but this was extra good! thanks for sharing...it is good to know i am not the only one with piles, or has been stipped of their trophy!

oh, and the stuff for your class looks awesome...so wish i could do it, but i think i will have to wait for round 2 :-(

[Amy]

LMBO! Karen you totally crack me up with pictures of that trophy! I think you are a great mom! sometimes you just can keep up with it all. At least the kids have something to eat!

[Lia Biscoe]

That's not just any trophy - that is a replica of an Academy Award "OSCAR" - that means you are in very good company.

[Ann]

Congratulations on your big win! :)

[Carolyn Hall]

I absolutely love this post!! What a contrast between the trophy and what has gone wrong behind it. A perfect comment on everyday life!! It only matters that your the best mom in their eyes anyway!!!

[stacy]

class class class! can't wait (to try & sign up that is!!). my camera is coming tomorrow.

[Jody Heit]

I recently took pictures of similar things in my house for my Random Album. My page, however is titled: Random crap around the house that drives me crazy!! Love the trophy - It is something that would NEVER occur to my gang to bring home for me - your Ross is something special.

[Jody Heit]

I recently took pictures of similar things in my house for my Random Album. My page, however is titled: Random crap around the house that drives me crazy!! Love the trophy - It is something that would NEVER occur to my gang to bring home for me - your Ross is something special.

[tammy t]

Congrats on your trophy! I think it is seriously other reasons that our kids would say that we are good moms. Mine don't even notice the laundry, the dishes, etc. Thats the stuff that bugs ME! They notice the good stuff, like when we listen, or love on them, or kiss the owies! Glad you are being appreciated!

t

[Sherri]

LOL love the trophy shots!

[Gina]

I love this post and the "traveling trophy" in all of your pictures! Reminds me of Flat Stanley. Coley might enjoy this book. Have a great day and hope everyone is back to being healthy!

[jill p.]

your ross stories are my absolute favorite. i am a single mom with a 3 year old son, sam. i pray everyday that i am doing it right and you are such an inspiration to me. he is the coolest kid and at that age you are soooo lucky! i have several friends with sons that age who are nothing like him. and by the way, i think seeing those piles in your house makes you sooo human, and if its any comfort to you, makes me feel normal! keep it up karen, you rock!

jill p.