Can I be a good Mom?

I was reading a great post from The Mother Load...and officially wonder what is wrong with me. Or rather, what has been wrong in the past. I am not sure if I got this from my parents or whom but I have a problem. Instead of assuming the best about my kids and making the call to punish after, I punish first, then ask questions later. "Oh, johnboy was the one that pushed you first, you were simply defending yourself and that is why you held up your arms?" "You really were talking nicely to her, she was not upset with you, what was she upset about? Oh, she tripped and fell?" What is wrong with me? I need to remember what amazing children I have. Tonight for example: The twins have been giving me a run for my money and clothing and all of our worldly possessions and even some of the neighbors...(yes, it is that bad) going to bed...so I was frustrated already with them...when older two children call me into their room (someday they won't share anymore...*SIGH*) and I hear myself say "WHAT?" in my best 'I'm a lot irritated you are still awake voice' and go in there...only to hear the most precious sound come out of their mouths..."mommy, could we say our prayers with you?". OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! So needless to say I left thinking about the blog I had just read and the thoughts I had been having. I have another thing to work on. I am going to make a point to make sure my babies know how special I believe them to be. God, Husband, Children...I am so blessed...wake up Tam, smell the sweet baby smell...smell it, love it...raise it...with a heart for God...seriously.