To the tired mom in all of us...

I found this on facebook and loved it so much I had to share. I have been feeling the opposite of these a lot lately and needed this reminder.

For the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don't think we have it in us to read one more story, play one more game of Uno, wash one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has it together. For the days we're sure anyone else would do this job better.

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 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.

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

Running

The first anniversary of the very first 5k I ever ran came at the end of May. The Live Welle race is held locally in Springville to support local students. Since I was in no condition to participate, Robby ran it! I was so proud of him! I also signed Timothy up for the kids fun run!

 Robby did so awesome! (Especially considering he hadn't actually run in 2 months) His time was :32.46.

 The boys getting ready for their fun run!

 Focus on the goal!

 Get Ready! 

GO! And they're off! 

 Timothy was so funny to watch. 

He ran with so much concentration that his tongue stuck out most of the race. 

But then he also spent half his time looking behind him to make sure he was still ahead.

 Even though we didn't officially sign up Spencer to run, his participation didn't take anything away from the race, so we let him have fun and run too!

 "Mom, I won!"

and he did too, 1st place!

 He was too shy to stand on the podium. The announcer called him "a humble winner".

 The boy who got 2nd place was very sportsman like and since Timothy wouldn't stand, he knelt down to be more on the same level.

He got a cool medal and a candy apple.

It was fun to see my boys participate in something that I learned to love and I hope we can continue to be a healthy, active family!

Need to post

So much has been going on and I need to get on the ball and write and actually post... with pictures.

Not today.

Update: 7 weeks to go until baby girl comes! Getting excited!

Robby is gettin' old!

To continue with the birthday theme... Robby had a Birthday too! On May 3rd he turned 29 years old. (30 is creeping ever closer!)

 We needed new birthday decor, so after seeing this cute "pennant banner" idea on a friend's facebook, I decided to make one for us! Robby's birthday was the perfect excuse!

That day the boys and I surprised Robby at work with balloons and lunch! (it hinted to his coworkers too that it was his b-day) We went to a nearby park and ate and played for an hour. Fun!

The kids helped me make a cake for Robby, carrot cake... his favorite! (wanna know a trick? lazy lady's carrot cake = 2 c. shredded carrot added to a spice cake mix. viola!) with cream cheese frosting!

I decided to carry on the pennant  theme.

Robby requested his favorite... KFC... for dinner! It was delicious!

Then cake!

You could feel the heat!

We sang, then ready, set...

BLOW! (of course Timothy helped!)

Robby decided that we should "camp" as a family for his birthday.

 Kind of a trial run for this weekend (the Father's and Sons campout)

Eeek! Only one match left. (that's all he ever needs anyway!)

Our "blue tent" in the backyard!

Spencer helping with the fire.

My Handsome Birthday Boy!

My 3 cute boys!

I was there too...

It wouldn't be camping with out campfire songs.

He is always so good to let the boys help him play!

We eventually got to sleep that night. It took a while for the boys to fall asleep... too exciting. Then Robby and I didn't sleep very well. It was cold, the air mattress was too firm, the boys weren't the most peaceful sleepers, I'm pregnant... but we did it! Now Robby is both more nervous and more excited about this weekend (by himself).

Saturday we went out (our awesome nephew offered to babysit). We went and saw Iron Man 3 at the theater (something we hardly ever do) and even enjoyed a jumbo popcorn! Then while we were at the mall we stopped into JCP and got Robby his Christmas present (new white Sunday shirts)... yes I said Christmas.

It was a wonderful day and I hope Robby felt our love for him.

I love you Robby, SO MUCH! Thanks for being born so we could celebrate you!

I Had a Birthday!

My 27th birthday was on April 11. 

The greatness of it really started the day before because I got to go to Book Club and spend some time with the girls. Meanwhile at home Robby and the boys were whipping up an amazing chocolate cake and making cute birthday cards!

 My first prego shot... 24 weeks on my 27th b-day.

During the day I made chocolate frosting from scratch (a first for me) to put on my cake! And SPRINKLES! yum!

That night I requested that we eat out for dinner. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Applebees. The boys were even really well behaved.

After stuffing ourselves, we came home for the cake! (Notice how part is already eaten... yes, once it was frosted I had to test it out and then share with the boys).

 All 27 candles! (it took 4 matches to light them all)

My wonderful husband and kids sang to me... 

Then, BLOW!

Timothy helped me get the one I missed.

 After cake was presents! Thank You (Robby, boys, mom & dad, and mom & dad Evans)!

 Happy Birthday to me!

Thanks Robby and Timothy and Spencer for making my day so Special!

The fun continued that weekend by making a trip up to Idaho to visit family. Robby's mom was there to help with Kathy's new baby and so we were lucky enough to get to spend time with them. And the Griffin girls and mom made me a cake, too! Yummy Spice cake with browned butter frosting. Thanks!

My one request for my birthday was a DATE! Since our weekend was spent visiting family, Robby took me out the next weekend. (I got to celebrate for a whole week and more!) We went on a long overdue trip to the Temple and enjoyed lunch at a favorite Italian restaurant. Then Robby bought be a cute Sun Hat to protect me from sunburn while I garden this summer! (picture to come later)

It was an awesome birthday and I am so blessed to have such wonderful family!

Timothy's Birthday!

Timothy's 4th Birthday was Mach 24th.

My first born turned 4. I still can't believe that.
Timothy is growing up so fast and just gets smarter and funnier everyday.
He helped with all parts of his cake. He helped mix the cake and lick the beaters and spatula. (we made this before church so it would cool in time to frost it after). Then he helped beat the frosting together... and lick the beaters and spatula. Then he went to town with the sprinkles. Boy, it sure tasted GOOD!

 I made him a birthday crown which he loved!

 I also got him balloons the night before and had them in the living room when he woke up. He was so excited to see them that he came running into our room yelling, "mom, dad, come and see!" Then he sang the birthday song to himself. By the end of the day... even by the time we had dinner that night, those balloons were done.

Things about Timothy at age 4-
Favorite Color: Red (and sometimes orange too)
Favorite Food: Broccoli (most of the time)
Favorite Song: Horsie, Horsie
Loves to: Tell stories, sing songs, make up new games, go to preschool, ride his bike, play computer games.
Doesn't love to: Wear socks and shoes, be told what to do (like going potty... especially if it means leaving his current activity)
Timothy is a big helper (especially vacuuming), good friend to his brother (usually), very independent (except the days when he can't do anything by himself), and smart. He is very good at counting (can go to 30... but he always skips 15) and is getting better at letter recognition. He knows his name and can spot it from anywhere, and is improving on writing it.

We love you Timothy!

Sugar and Spice...

... and Everything Nice! That's what little girls are made of!

And that's what OUR BABY GIRL is made of!
We are SO excited to be having a girl!
Ultrasound picture to come at a later time.