Compliments to the Chef (and Chauffeur, Referee, Purchasing Agent, Housecleaner...)

My mom got to come up and visit this weekend. The girls love it when grandma comes. I think Mattie might actually have a tie for favorite person- she rarely leaves Grandma's arms even for me! My mom and I took some time to scrapbook, play with the girls, watch a good movie and go out to breakfast for her birthday.
At breakfast, we had a whole conversation with only mini interruptions for someone to take our order, refill our coffee and the occasional check back. It was great! We were put at a table literally in a corner (2 sides of the table were touching the walls). It was quiet and quaint. We left about 90 minutes later after having filled each other in on the happenings of our lives since we last had a good talk and the place had errupted in noise and choas. I was so intent on sharing and listening that I hadn't noticed that every table had filled, the music had gotten louder and the bustle was quite a contrast from when we walked in.
Something I confessed to my mom and something she said to me will stick with me for a long time. I confessed I have a very good poker face. I appear competent and profficient in so many areas of my life but inside I feel like an awkward novice stumbling my way through. I cannot accept a compliment without doubting. I doubt the messenger and I doubt myself. I accept it with my mouth, smile and feel loved or appreciated for the moment, but then I wonder - could I be doing a BETTER job? Sure, on that point you may be right about me but what about the other aspects of my life. It is the thorn in my side. I have had these internal battles of self-worth since I was 5 years-old.
My mom's truth to me was this: she told me that she (and my dad) believes I am doing an amazing job as a mom. It has taken a few days, but I believe her and I accept the compliment wholeheartedly. So I offer this to you, my fellow moms who wear so many hats your heads are heavy - I think you are doing an amazing job! If you are reading this and you have the responsibility of feeding, clothing, caring for someone else I am talking to you. You are leading lives that are meaningful and you are pouring your meaningful soul into other meaningful souls. Your kids may not tell you but they do appreciate all you are doing for them. Thank you for raising children who love, who are learning compassion, who will turn out to be amazing adults because you are their mom.
P.S. Have you gone to flylady.net yet? If you have trouble organizing how to clean your house - check it out!