love.

my brother is here from california. 

today we took the girls to mars cafe and the science center. we had a lot of fun.

by the time we got home, the girls were wild and cranky and we were all sleepy.

i was trying to keep them entertained and behaved while switching loads of laundry and whipping up a quick dinner before mr.a came home from work. in other words--it was chaotic.

i got the girls fed and scurried them downstairs for a little "play away" time. 

after they were out of sight (obviously not out of mind) i took a deep breath. 

or maybe seven.

all the while, my brother was in the room, doing some work on his laptop and i was aware of the fact that we were likely a huge distraction.

i went into the other room to put the laundry away when my brother called in,

"hey beth...?

(he's the only one who calls me beth. you're not allowed to.)

you're a good mom."

and that was the best thing that happened to me today.