By Sharon Williams

Contributing columnist

If you have been a mom for at least 10 minutes, then I can promise you that you will recognize this next statement as truth. There are many times that we fail as moms. and feel guilty about not doing something exactly right. But for every one of those times that we fail, there are a dozen more times that we succeed. The key is just taking the time to notice.

When my kids were small if I had to go to the grocery store when they were hungry, I would occasionally pick up a banana out of the produce section and let them eat it. I always made sure to keep the banana peeling so I could pay for it when I got to the checkout. But guess what I saw this past week? Kroger offers free fruit to young children. I love that Kroger understands that Moms sometimes need something to help the kids get through the shopping trip.

When I was going through some pictures the other day I found a picture of me and the kids. I remember that I had a lot of papers that need to be shredded. Instead of sending the kids to their room or putting them down for a movie, on that particular day I turned my work into fun. As we shredded the papers, I pulled the pieces out of the shredder and tossed them in the air. We had an epic snow fight using all of those shredded pieces of papers. Yes, it was a mess to clean up but it was such a “mom win” moment!

When my first baby was born, I remember my mom giving me the best piece of advice that I have ever received as a mom. She told me that motherhood is an amazing journey, but is one often filled with guilt. Most of the time the guilt is self-inflicted and not real. She wanted me to understand that I would probably never feel like a perfect mom, or do everything right in my journey, but that in doing my very best, I would do an amazing job.

I have to admit that I have not quite learned that lesson yet. There are some days that I feel like I am on top of the world, and I’m getting it right. But there are other days when I just wish I could live up to the role of the pinterest moms that are always giving the illusion of perfection.

But on those days when you share the special moments with your children, you know that motherhood is not about the times you fail. It’s about the special experiences that bring you together and make you stronger.

I remember asking my 97-year-old grandma when do you grow out of the worry that you’re not going to be a good mom. Her answer was epic. You always worry about your children even when they’re 70. You always pray for them, wonder where they are, worry if they’re safe, and ask them to call you when they get home – you’re never quite sure you’ve done enough. That’s just part of being a mom.

There are going to be many moments when you win at being a MOM! I am trying to learn to embrace those winning moments and even capture some of the Mom-Wins on camera. But there are also going to be moments when we feel like we fail. The good thing is that we are not on a pass or fail grading system. We just do the best we can and pray that our children understand the journey we are on as a mom.

What are some of the things you have done that you can celebrate as a mom? I’d love to hear some of your winning moments!

For more ideas on hobbies and life, check out Hobbies on a Budget (www.hobbiesonabudget.com).