For THOSE Days

It has been one of those weeks for us. The kind where you look through your schedule and think, 'I have NO CLUE how we will make it to the end of this week'. So much going on! We're almost there! Time has a funny way of passing regardless of what you have to say about it.
Anyways, I saw this on FB. I think sometimes we let the stress of life warp our perspective on what's really important. I know I do at least! So here you go:

For those days. You know the ones.

Repeat after me:

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities, or my crafting skills by Pintrest's standards.

2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry, but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.

3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.

4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.

5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers, but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.

6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.

7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.

8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.

9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.

10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these children, especially in front of my daughters.

11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.

12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my un-fine moments.

13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.

14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.

15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.

16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.

17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.

18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan -  this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.

19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.

20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college.

... with love from one tired mother to another.

 Love capturing these sweet moments when they are so peaceful :) 

Little Ell finishing Evie's sandwich for her. This picture is one of those times when you get your house nice and clean for your hubby so he can watch the kids while you have an hour or so of "me" time and you come back to a disaster area. Was it worth it? Oh YEAH.