The Tired Mother's Creed

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid’s summer activities or my crafting skills

    by Pinterest’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 three children – out loud, especially in front

      of my daughter.

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 “unfine” 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.