Mom stuff

this will just be a list of a few things i have learned while on this this "Mom" journey. Since i am not considered "a working Mother" i have been fortunate enough to spend 24/7 with my boys, allowing me to call myself a "SAHM" (stay at home mom). This has allowed me a close up view into the beautiful lives of my children. Alot of the time i think what makes this come so natural to me is that, i truly see things from their eyes. i am equal to them in play, but of course when it comes down to all the 'rituals' (meals, bath & bedtime) i am 'in charge Mommy.' It is alot of trial and error when it comes to parenting in my opinion. you try something, it doesn't work, you try something else and so on. it requires alot of patience but you do it with a full heart. a quote that i love.... "Being a parent is the hardest job you will ever love." i always knew my calling was to be a Mom, and it was one of those strong burning feelings. but i could have had no idea what would come along with it until it happened for me. i knew of the joy and the love because that was obvious, but you seem to dismiss the "not so easy" parts as you dream about finally becoming a mom. i don't like to call being a mom a 'job' so i will refer to it as a 'role.' this particular role is literally the most demanding, toughest, most challenging, exhausting, and rewarding roles i have ever had the pleasure of playing. it truly NEVER breaks. even while i am sleeping, i am still being a mom (frequently waking to check on my babies). even while i am able to go on a date with myself ALONE to target, i am still a mom (calling to check on them while filling 90% of the shopping cart up with things THEY need). a night out with a girlfriend? sure, it happens maybe once a month and when it does, i have to concentrate very hard about not talking about mom/baby stuff the whole time while very eager to just get home to them and make sure they are sleeping soundly. i cannot remember the last time i truly had "bathroom time" to myself. weather its actually going to the bathroom, taking a bath/shower, or trying to do my hair/makeup. someone is always accompanying me wile making a huge mess for me to clean up and add to "my already longer than life list of things to do on a daily basis." all in all, every single task requires multitasking and determination! you have to be able to concentrate on a billion things at once (hence my love for making lists). unfortunately i have been one of the moms to fall victim to "mommy brain" and it kills me. i know I'm smart and sharp, or used to be. its like they suck every single brain cell Ive got left an i have no idea where they put the darn things, or if i will ever get any of them back!
here's a list of some things i am able to get the boys to eat (specifically Nolan):
-any sort of bite sized pasta with butter and parmesan cheese (sometimes i will throw in some carrot slices while the pasta is boiling  and add a vegetable bullion cube for flavor). when i have fresh spinach (and time) i will use my baby bullet to puree some steamed spinach to add to the pasta.
-fruit of any kind is a huge favorite
-frozen peas or home made frozen yogurt bites (for Mason)
-pb+j's or pb+ nutella or pb+banana sandwiches cut into small bites
-grilled cheese (with a slice of hidden ham/turkey in the middle) cut into small bites
- of course, french fries/tator tots always work
-corn on the cob is a favorite
-any kind of cereal such as apple jax, fruit loops or chex for a snack
-pretzel rods (i don't leave the house without them)
-bite sized fig newtons are a big hit along with nutragrain bars
-mozzarella string cheese
-frozen leftover pizza crust (for Mason)
-Pillsbury butter biscuits (Mason)
-what kid doesn't love goldfish?
-chicken fries or nuggets
-veggie fries/chips
-cheese ravioli ("pasta pick ups"- they have a spinach, carrot, chicken kinds)
-home made ice (teething pops) for Mason made with real oj and water
-max and cheese mixed with small bites of turkey sausage (johnsonville)
-butter beans/pinto beans rinsed, right out of the can
-ovaltine for chocolate milk
-bite sized meatballs with gravy and parm cheese

just a bunch of what works for me but the list is ever changing as they grow and learn! i have found that "distraction" is key for us. if you can master that, then you win! it's not always to easy, but it's entertaining and fun. what would life be like with out kids? i cant even remember my life before them and i have no urge to even try.
that's it for now, that's all time allowed :)