Motherhood is tough, no doubt about it.  But for all the challenges there are just as many (if not more) joys, and if you are blessed with a great group of friends in this stage of life you can (hopefully) learn to view life with a little humor and yes, sarcasm. So for all the mamas out there – this one’s for you.  I wrote it last Mother’s Day, but I think it still rings true!  In honor of Mother’s Day, I give you: Amanda’s Do’s and Don’ts of Expert Motherhood 1. Do let your 4 year old make her own breakfast. Then you can sleep a little longer. 2. Don’t EVER, whatever you do, be on time for ANYTHING. Always leave your house with only 5 minutes to spare. Really. It makes the day go so much smoother. 3. Do throw Nemo fruit snacks and M & M’s at your child. All day long. Just to get them to STOP bothering you. 4. Do forget about ever having the time to read a book. 5. Or, just get your magazine reading fix in while your children pummel each other. Every so often you can look up and yell, “Stop that!” or “Seriously??” just to get your point across. 6. Do beware the witching hour(s) between 3 pm and 5:30 pm. These will seem like the longest hours of your life, but I promise, if you have another Mom to drink with, the time will pass by much quicker. 7. Do invest in cute baseball caps. 8. Do leave your Mom “trappings” all over your house. Really. Your husband will LOVE it. That includes but is not limited to: Hoodies, Flip Flops, and your iPhone which you are constantly uploading with new Disney music. 9. Don’t let your stash of emergency junk food get low. Sometimes all it takes to feel more in control is to stand in your pantry and binge on chocolate-covered Peeps. 10. And finally, Do take a deep breath and take it all in – because the days are long but the years are short, as “they” say. Someday you will actually be able to go to the potty in peace – but where’s the fun in that??