It's been a long time since we've heard from Britney Spears. Just over a year ago, OK! magazine attempted to sit down with the pop star, but that interview and accompanying photo shoot were scrapped after Spear's erratic behavior (and non-housebroken dog) made it evident things were not going to proceed as planned.

What a difference a year makes! This time around, with her father at her side, a healthier Britney was able to sit down and finally have that talk with OK! magazine.

In the interview, Spears discusses work, describing an upcoming album as having "fresh new energy". The former nightclub fixture says she now spends time every day writing songs on her living room piano. While her ominously titled "Blackout" album contained digs at family members and everyone who ever angered her, Britney says the message in this next album is simple- she's back and "this my best work ever."

Britney also touches on a very recent development in the family, little sister Jamie Lynn giving birth at the age of seventeen. Says the new auntie, "That was special, but it was also strange because she's always been the baby, and now the baby was having a baby. It was mind-boggling." Britney's sons Sean Preston and Jayden will meet their new cousin in a few weeks, when Auntie Jamie Lynn comes to celebrate their September birthdays.

The most interesting part of the interview, however, comes from Britney's father and court-appointed conservator, Jamie Spears. The patriarch of the family professes to still care about Britney's ex, Kevin Federline, but there is a financial limit. "Kevin has a wonderful heart. I don't agree with giving him more money."

The strain of caring for his eldest daughter also seems to be taking a toll: "Right now, everything is okay. I just don't know about what six months from now will bring, or three months. But as it is right now, the conservator is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. This is the way I live, one day at a time."

And while Britney appears to still have her moments ("like all daughters, she is very manipulative and cunning"), Jamie seems to appreciate the good that has come from this trying time.

"I will say this, God has a way of taking something bad and turning it into something good. If this hadn't happened, I would never have been able to get back with my daughter and have this relationship I have with these two little boys. "

The complete interview will be available in the August 15th edition of OK! Magazine.