Mommy, the Referee

The kids have been all over each other the past few days, more so than usual. I'm not sure if it's because of the rainy weather and them not being able to run around outside or if it's just part of the whole "brotherly love" thing, but man, they can't keep their hands (and feet) off one another. Oliver is the bigger bully of both of them, he has really turned into a little brute, pulling Nathan's hair repeatedly and throwing everything within his reach. Instead of fighting back, since that's not in Nathan's nature, he screams and yells and amps Ollie up even more and then they start rolling around on the floor like two little WWF stars. It happens so often during the day, I'm not sure if I should be breaking them up every 5 minutes or just let them go at it... I've even seen Ollie put his fingers in Nathan's mouth and try to pull the side of his mouth open. That little boy fights dirty! The funny thing is that even when I try to break them up and have them play by themselves for a little bit, they refuse to stay apart... Nathan always needs to know where Ollie went and then goes and messes with him and the whole things starts all over again.

On a side note, every morning Ollie wakes up hysterically crying in his crib and this morning was no different. One thing that was different was that he stopped after a couple of minutes even though I hadn't gone in there to get him yet. I sneak a glance from around the corner and I hear Nathan singing the ABC's and Ollie dancing in his crib holding on the bars... (that's his favorite song to dance to) Nathan then tells me, "Look, Mommy, Ollie's happy now!" Ahhhh... what a wonderful thing to wake up to!! Even though they fight all the time now, it just makes me so happy to see them interact like that!

Now if only they could be nice to each other during the other 11 hours and 55 minutes they are awake....

De Ja Vu

It's 1am (again) and I am up (again). It is unbelievably hard for me to go right to sleep after working and dealing with unruly people for 7 hours straight. Make that 14 hours straight because I dealt with my unruly children the entire day before I went in to work. Tonight's bar shift was anything but smooth and I needed to have a couple of beers in order to unwind. I am happy to report that my Netbook is back in action, therefore I don't have to freeze in my attic while I go online.

Today I took the kids to an egg hunt at Paws Farm in Mt. Laurel. It's really cute there and the kids had a blast hunting those little dinky plastic eggs, although Ollie was over it in about 3 seconds flat. As soon as I turned my attention to Nathan, that little linebacker was running full force over to a random playground. I swear his attention span is less than a gnat's... I'm sure I looked ever so graceful as I sprinted across the field in order to capture him, poor Nathan was left in the hay fending for himself and searching for the ever elusive "Big Peep", which held the key to a big chocolate bunny surprise. After the egg hunt was over, we went to visit the animals and I spent most of the time keeping Ollie from poking ducks' eyes, preventing him from putting his fingers in a scary Ostrich's beak, and blocking him from falling into the big open pond where the animals were bathing. Doesn't that sound like a nice, relaxing morning?! And I wonder why my stress level is always at a level twelve...

After my patience wore out at the farm, I took the kids to lunch at my old stomping grounds Hooters for lunch with my friend and her fiance and their 3 boys, ages 7, 6, and 16 months. Let me tell ya, 5 boys in Hooters was a riot... probably the most action these Hooters' girls have seen in a long time. Thankfully we were the only ones in there for a while and they didn't seem at all perturbed that our children were running around and actin a fool... ironically not knowing that their mothers were actually Hooters' girls themselves at one point in their life. Yup, little ol' A cup me was once a Hooter's girl at two different locations... I even waited on some nice Air Force guys that took me skydiving on July 4th, 2002. Yes, I'm Rainman when it comes to dates.

All in all, it was a very nice, though exhausting Saturday. Like I said, tonight's shift did not run smoothly at all, but I had some Stella waiting for me in the fridge at home to take the edge off. I still haven't gotten a chance to write my review of Tortilla Press, but the overall gist of it is.... horrible food, even more horrible service, and WAY overpriced. I definitely do not recommend eating there.... EVER... period. Let's just say I have been striking out recently on my eating out choices.

Must. go. to. bed. Good night!

Tired

It's 1am... do you know where your children are? I do. Mine are asleep and so is my husband. I, on the other hand, am sitting up in the attic freezing cold and wide awake. I can't wait to get my Netbook back, so I can return to my old obsessive ways of being able to check in online at the blink of an eye. Why do I do it to myself? I know I am going to have to wake up early and that I should get a good night's sleep, but I guess I am just a glutton for punishment. I think I was so busy with the kids and work today and tonight that I am just going to enjoy some alone time right now if it kills me.

Today I ran for 40 minutes which is the most I've been able to do so far. That brought me closer to 4 miles, but that still is a long way from 10. There are 5 weeks left until the big run and so far I am feeling pretty confidant that I won't have to cross the finish line with any medical assistance. I think what I really need to do is use the old carrot on a stick thing and instead of a carrot use my old stand-by, a slice of pizza. I'm happy to report that I have significantly decreased my pizza consumption, much to the dismay of my pizza loving Nathan. I swear it's the only substantial thing he eats other than waffles with peanut butter.

This week has been super busy for me. I'm helping to organize an area playgroup and I was all over the place meeting new people in the group. I brought the kids to a very kid-friendly coffee shop (genius!) Tree House Coffee Shop, Please Touch Museum in Philly (extremely stressful watching both of them at the same time w/o Ben), Kid Junction in Mt. Laurel, and finished it off with a Moms Night Out at The Tortilla Press in Collingswood. I will dedicate a whole post to a review on The Tortilla Press, as I was VERY disappointed and will never go back. It is so true that when you have a bad experience you tell many more people than if you had had a good one. I will post more on that tomorrow if I get a chance!!

Right now I need to go to bed.... Ollie boy has been waking up at 5am due to what I can only assume is teething, and I can never fall back asleep right away after he goes back to sleep.

Good night and sweet dreams!

Random Shmandom

trying to enjoy lunch

Ollie taking Daddy for a walk

having fun at the birthday party

Ollie bothering Nathan, as usual

Nathan running around the Pier at Penns Landing

boys pooped from walking around the city

For once, I don't have much to talk about. I mean, I don't have anything overly exciting to write about, and no one has gotten hurt yet today (knock on wood). It's still early, though, so I wouldn't get too excited for me. Yesterday I slept till 11:15pm! I couldn't believe it.... Ben was nice enough to let me sleep in, but I was all out of whack. I pulled the curtains all the way shut on Saturday and it made the room extra dark, and I was a living, breathing example of how those room darkening blinds, do in deed, work wonders. I thought they only worked for kids, but obviously the benefits extend over to parents, as well.

We spent a very nice family day over in the city yesterday. We went to Soho Pizza in Old City and had a couple beers and pizza sitting outside while the kids sat quietly by and let their parents have a conversation. (riiiiiight) I have to say, their pizza is pretty good! We also walked around the pier for a while. Afterwords, I took Nathan to a birthday party at the Little Gym near our house and he had tons of fun with his classmates, who he never really sees outside of school.

Ollie should be waking up from his nap soon, so I'll just post some new pics from my brand spankin new camera, which I love, aside from the shutter speed being a little slow. I can never be completely content with something, it just wouldn't be me!

Happy Monday, I'll try to post something more exciting after I go to the gym and wake up a little... this rain is killing my energy level!

Bad mommy

I'm alive, everyone. I know it's been a few days since I posted last, but this week has been so hectic I'm not even sure what time it is. Speaking of the time.... daylight savings time can kiss my tired arse! I am missing my "free" time when the boys were in bed by 6:30 and I could cozy up with my glass (bottle) of vino and spend some quiet, relaxing, totally worthless time stalking, I mean catching up, on Facebook. Now these little terrors are hittin the hay around 8pm and I'm wondering where the hell my day went. This is causing me to stay up later and they are not, contrary to popular belief, waking up later because they went to bed later. Nope, late to bed, earlier to rise is their motto! Ollie is teething for what seems like the 34th time and he's been up talking to himself and partying in the wee hours of the morning and although he's not crying, I of course get the infamous mommy guilt and can't fall back asleep until I hear him settle down. I then fall back into a restless slumber and get woken up by Nathan telling me he got him and Ollie some breakfast and can I take the cap of the OJ so he can pour himself a nice tall glass. I'm serious. I woke up today to find two bowls of Cheerios nicely laid out and a glass waiting to be filled with orange juice. Thank God I didn't find Ollie sitting at the table already waiting for a spoon, then I would have really lost it. Yup, Ben goes to work and I think I wake up in the morning, but really I fall back asleep while my Nathan watches his shows and gets himself ready like a little man. Cute you may think... but my God, I feel like a bad mom! Seriously.... he got himself breakfast, people!! There have been a plethora of things I have been experiencing this week including:

• I had my back turned, Nathan tried to climb the dresser and the whole damn thing fell down on him.... thank GOD I was in front of it to brace the fall. I do not even want to think about it... all I know is that I need to get furniture brackets to secure everything to the wall. I've been beating myself up all week about this accident.
• Nathan went potty in Kiki's litter box. Unbelievable, but true.
• Oliver fell down a few (carpeted) steps right before my eyes.
• The kids refuse to come inside after taking them to the park or out back... you would think I actually kept them locked in a cage the way they get.
• I ran with both of them in the stroller and made it a mile and half... that's an extra 80 lbs to the workout!! (proud Mommy moment)
• I went food shopping without a list and made it out alive, but spent twice as much.

Honestly, I'm so tired, I can't even remember half of the things I went though this week. Oh, the biggest bummer is the little laptop is broken, so I can't go on the computer whenever I feel like it. That's been the hardest thing because I have to run upstairs to go online, hence Ollie falling down the steps because they've been following me up here.... I have to take it somewhere, it just won't turn on anymore. I'll blame this one on the kids, too, what the hell.

I better go... I believe I heard Ben come home downstairs, but I can't really hear anything up here in the attic. Thank God it's Friday tomorrow!!

30 days to go

I only have a minute. Something's wrong with the Netbook, so I had to sneak upstairs to go online, and the kids are tearing up the attic right along side of me. I was so happy this morning to go on Facebook, and see that there are only 30 days till the end of tax season. Yay!! Plus, the rest of the week is supposed to be really nice weather, so I don't have to be stuck inside with the kids like I was all weekend!!

Since I had said before I was going to post before and after pics of my wonderful struggles with my post children body, here's a picture of me after 3 weeks at the gym. Hopefully by the time the Broad Street Run occurs in May I will feel comfortable wearing something other than a black moo-moo on the beach this summer. Speaking of the summer, I want to rent a big shore house.... anyone in? We can lock the kids in a spare bedroom and do it up Jersey Shore style... as long as I get to be Snookie.

Better go, toys are being launched through the air. Will post more later.

What's wrong with this picture?

The Goldwassers looking tanned and happy

The answer is.... absolutely NOTHING. The only thing wrong is that as of right now we don't have plans to go to Florida this year and I am sad! After our last experience with flying with both kids (something I highly recommend if you want to lose your sanity) we told ourselves we wouldn't subject ourselves to that kind of punishment again. For those that don't know, everything was so hectic at the airport, between the car seats, baggage, trying to keep track of all of Nathan's toys/crap, double stroller, etc. etc. etc. I lost mine and Ben's licenses, and the car rental wouldn't rent to us, so we had to cab it to the hotel and find a shady car rental place that would rent us a van without ripping us off. Thankfully we were able to have a friend mail us our passports so we were able to get home, although I wouldn't have minded being stranded there forever. After the car rental debacle, we checked in and then had to lug our baggage up 3 flights of steps because the elevator had conveniently stopped working right before we got there. It was one thing after another. I swear it took me 3 days before I finally relaxed and then half the vacation was over.

Yes, all of that I remember quite vividly... and now I've changed my mind and would like to subject ourselves to it... for the love of warmer, perfect, weather, sandy beaches, and Mickey Mouse. We've been going every year since 2003, I can't allow the tradition to be broken.

And so the vacation searching begins... maybe we will go for Thanksgiving, Ollie will be 2 and Nathan almost 4... that will give us plenty of time to prepare for the stress of air travel. Will keep ya posted.

Men Will Be Men

Last night I came home from work around midnight and Ben was on the couch drinking Midas Touch and Ollie was crying. He had been a little under the weather during the day, so I didn't think much of it. Ben said he gave him some milk, rocked him, and put him back in the crib, which usually does the trick. He didn't cave in right away, which is unusual, but I didn't want to go in and check on him, because that usually just makes him more upset since he hadn't seen me all night.

This morning I go in to get him from the crib and lo and behold, he has his PJ's on with no damn diaper on. The poor thing had woken up from wetting the bed. I understand that my hubby has been working tons of hours and he's distracted, but forgetting the diaper... really??! I guess I'll let this one slide, because I've definitely had my mommy flighty moments. I still crack up, though, when I think about Ben giving Ollie my weight control oatmeal when he was a baby, thinking that was what I meant when I said to give him oatmeal. Ahhh... men... I guess I can't trust the Midas Touch! (ABV 9%)

Rain, rain go away.

Nothing puts a damper on a perfectly good week like rain. I was so happy to be able to let my little caged in baby animals out of the house all week, so they could run around like free spirits. I've never seen someone so happy running up and down the driveway with their arms waving all around... it was better than Disney for them. When my boys are in a happy mood, I'm in a happy mood. I don't even need any afternoon wine to get there. Ah, I can't wait for full-blown, flower blooming Spring weather.

Today I took Nathan to the doctor for this lingering, nagging cough he has had since last weekend. It's been causing him to cough all night and wake him up at the butt crack of dawn, which is torture for me since I haven't been sleeping well. It turns out he has a double ear infection, which totally surprised the Dr. because I told her he hasn't been complaining about his ears at all. Now that I think about it, he has been calling my name a lot and not responding when I yell "WHAT?!" repeatedly from my bed at the wee hours of the morning, so maybe the poor kids' ears have been clogged and here I just thought he was being annoying. Just another thing to feel mommy guilt about, great!

Speaking of mommy guilt, I think it's impossible to not feel it every single day. I swear, all I have to do is drop Nathan off at school and see these impossibly perfect mothers with their blowouts, cute mommy outfits, and shiny BMW SUVs and feel like the biggest shlump on the block. I think one day I still had my PJ's on under my coat, I just changed my pants to something less conspicuous than flannel boxers. There is this one mother there though, that just really cracks me up. She comes to drop her daughter off with her boobs hanging out every day and looking like she is ready to hit the club. She even keeps her sunglasses on inside the building like she like is Angelina Jolie and avoiding the papparazzi. I am not over-exaggerating. I don't have any problem with fake breasts, but I just think it a tad inappropriate to have them hanging out at noon with 3 year olds and a 70 year old janitor running amuck. Just my opinion. Hmm.. on second thought, maybe me and her need to start hanging out, she's probably more fun than some of the supposedly too perfect moms I've met, but we will save that for a different post.

Gotta run and get ready for work. TGIF!

Hey, sweet cheeks.

I have to blog about this new blush that I got before it becomes yesterday's news (it's actually last week's news, but I haven't had a chance to write about it) I have been very loyal to Clinique's cream blush in a tube the past couple of years, but when I went to Sephora the other day, I had Ollie with me, which means I had all of 5 seconds to find something new before he escaped from the stroller and started "testing out" all the makeup. They make it so hard to even maneuver a stroller in there, so I don't think they would appreciate a little man running around and eating all the delicious looking products. The last time I brought Nathan in there, he let go of his precious balloon and cried so much until a disgruntled employee went and got a ladder and fished it out of the most awkward spot above the cash registers. The Goldwassers bring the fun!

Anyway, it was extremely slow in the store, so the makeup people were forced to come over and chat with the woman with the toddler who was throwing crackers everywhere. I know these women work in a makeup haven, but do all of them need to look like clowns? I was half afraid Ollie was either going to scream and hide under his blanket or ask for a balloon animal. The lighting isn't the friendliest either, which only overemphasized everyone looking like they were ready to hit an Oscar party. I was feeling kind of rushed and probably would have taken the first thing she threw in my hand, but she took the time to explain all the benefits of Tarte Cheek Stain. I can't remember anything of what she actually said, because again, Ollie looked like he was going to take a bite out of crime, but I liked the color and the fact that it was a gel (I used to use a gel prior to a cream), she also said it would last 2 years, so that sold me. There's no way I will develop bright rosy cheeks within 2 years on my own, unless my kids embarrass me, which very well may happen. (think Ollie hugging the cute dad at drop off repeatedly like he doesn't get enough love)

I've been lucky enough to like everything I've purchased in the past month or so. I love this blush! It goes on sticky feeling because it is gel like, but it literally stains your cheeks like someone just pinched them, or you just ran for a few minutes. The sticky feeling goes away after you rub it in and stays on for a long time. The result is natural, flushed, cheeks that makes this tired momma look a little more chipper during the day. Combine that with coffee or sugar free Redbull and I might even pass for a functioning member of society. Holla!

I can't get no satisfaction.

I have to start off by wishing Ben a very Happy 29th Birthday today!! Poor guy has to work all day and night and then come home "early" around 8:30 to do our own taxes which I've been pestering him about. I suppose I could do them myself online, but he is an accountant, so I'll let him do his job. :)

Well, our weekend didn't turn out quite the way I had anticipated, but what can ya do? We ended up going to Fogo de Chau in Center City and it was jammin at 9:30 at night. That would've been great if I was with a group of people, but it was definitely not the scene I desired for a romantic evening with my long lost hubby. We were sat right away, but they put us in the most trafficated, busy table right in the middle of the restaurant with hurried waitstaff rushing all around us. I swear I felt like I was in pinball video game. I felt tense immediately because I imagined myself at work like that, busy, rushed, stressed... not how I wanted to feel on my first Saturday night off in months. I asked to be moved to a quieter table (yes, I was that person) and they found one for us in the front of the restaurant, away from all the people running around like chickens with their heads cut off (who made up that expression, anyway?)

The salad bar was fantastic, it had all kinds of meats, cheeses, veggies, and salad (obviously), but I tried not to load up on that beforehand. This was definitely a different dining experience, we had these little circle cards with red on one side and green on the other, and when we were ready, we just flipped the card to green, and the 'gauchos' would rush right over and slice all these different kinds of meat for you. It was amazing! We tried Filet Mignon, sirloin, chicken, prime rib, and so many others I can't even remember. I think there were 15 options to try in all. It was served with three side dishes, mashed potatoes, polenta, and fried banana. There was also some kind of delicious bread that had cheese baked into it. The waiters were all very attentive and friendly, if it wasn't for the noise level and commotion I would have been very happy, but I just couldn't get over how loud it was there... maybe I'm just turning into a little old lady that likes everything quiet (my TV is always on the lowest level at all times lol) but I just was really hoping for something more intimate and romantic. I should have just stuck with my original plan, but I thought Ben would really like the food here (he did). It was also expensive. $50 a person (all you can eat) and with 4 martinis, it added another $45 for alcohol, yikes! But, it was a special occasion... Ben better have something good up his sleeve for my birthday! ;)

Nathan had a high fever overnight on Saturday, so I wanted to go up early to get him on Sunday, so we didn't get to hang out alone on Sunday at all. I did get to run a couple child and hubby free errands, which is always a plus. I got the mommy van washed because after taking out the carseats for my aunt I noticed the 6 months worth of crumbs and gook all over the seats. The boy that works behind the counter everytime I go tried to flirt with me by telling me to come in on Tuesdays for senior citizen day. I knew that age defying moisturizer was working. I then went to Wegman's and to my delight discovered that shopping at 9am on Sundays might actually be enjoyable since it was the calmest I had ever seen there. I didn't have to battle anyone at all for a spot and the shoppers were (gasp!) friendly and relaxed. I can't tell you how many times I have left that store aggravated due to the jerks who park in the 'cars with children' parking spots or cranky shoppers that try to run me over with their carts just to get to the best produce. Why is everyone in this area so cranky and in a hurry? I think we need to move down south.

On a random note, I am finally getting a new camera! I've been taking all my pics with my cell phone, since one of the boys beat up my other one. I did some research and ended up getting the Samsung SL620. I'm going to pick it up from Best Buy sometime today... I'm excited! Now I don't have to bring out my giant mommy camera that doesn't fit in anything except the huge shoulder camera bag that just screams "Tourist!" I'll post some new pics after I get it all set up and running.

I'm baaaack.

Wow, I didn't post for two days. My apologies for keeping you in such suspense, but I was held captive in the bathroom for most of the day on Thursday due to a lovely stomach bug, and then on Friday, I was just plain held captive by my children. They were so bad yesterday that I actually took them food shopping, which is usually more torture than anything, but I just had to get out of the house. I was obtaining all the usual items to keep them entertained such as; an obnoxiously large balloon that makes it hard to see to steer the Mini Cooper of a cart, a quarter pound of cheese for Nathan to snack on, Dum Dum lollipops, and a Ni Hao Kai-Lan book, when I noticed my little Ollie was beginning to snore right before my very eyes. Let me tell you, my boy has never fallen asleep like that! I see moms all the time dropping their pre-schoolers off with peacefully sleeping babies slung over their shoulders, and I always thought there is no way my baby would stay asleep like that. He proved me wrong yesterday! Yes, he was so tired from running ramped all morning, he feel asleep sitting up in the most uncomfortable position. He didn't wake up until I placed him in his car seat. He actually looked like me the night before when I feel asleep on the couch watching TV, which I never do. (fall asleep sitting up, that is) That horrible virus took such a toll on me that I slept for almost 12 hours that night. I wouldn't wish that bug on my worst enemy! Well, except for that tool of a bar customer I had last night, but that's another story.

Ollie checking out the selection of cheeses... or not.

I'm so excited, I am busting at the seams. I'm dropping the kids off at my aunt's house at 3pm for 24 hours of pure, unadulterated, child-free F U .... FUN (minds out of the gutters people!) Since I change my mind as often as I change diapers, I decided I want to take Ben to Chima Brazilian Steakhouse for his birthday. A customer recommended it to me last night, they offer all these different cuts of meat on skewers and have this phenomenal salad bar, and Ben is a meat loving man, so I think he is going to LOVE it. A review to follow!

Speaking of bar customers, here's a new one. A couple walks into a bar and sits down simultaneously as another man walks in and sits down. The bartender asks the single man what he wants to drink, being that he is alone, and the couple can exchange a few words while waiting their turn patiently. The man of the couple then proceeds to whine to his wife (very loudly so I can hear), "We were here first, what the HELL?!" The bartender then looks at the man like a small child and says, "I'm sorry for making you wait 2 seconds, I wasn't sure who was here first. What do you need??" I felt like putting that putz right on the naughty chair... his wife looked embarrassed to say the least, but hell, I wanted to put her on it, too, for letting her husband act like a baffoon. I understand it's Friday, and you're stressed from a long week of work, and you probably haven't gotten laid in 6 months, but I just got to work, and I don't need your piss poor attitude bringing me down at the very beginning of my shift. My goodness, are people that impatient that they can't wait ONE minute to get their beloved Miller Lite? Take it easy, buddy! Thank God the rest of my customers came in to have a fun time and enjoy themselves, unlike this man and a prior man who almost rolled his eyes right out of his head and huffed at me that we didn't have Peroni beer in bottles as opposed to draft. Men and their beer, I tell ya... it's like women and their Sephora make-up. (more on that later)

OK, I better go, Ollie is getting into the water cooler again and Nathan has escaped to the confines of his tent. Happy Saturday everyone!

No Turning Back

I figured it was due time for me to do something a little off kilter and random, so I registered for the Broad Street Run on May 2nd. It's a 10 mile long race and I figure it will take me about a month to cross the finish line, and that's with me running the whole time. I know, I know... I haven't run anywhere in the past 10 years except to the bathroom after a few too many beers or to save my kids from tumbling off the jungle gym, but I'm hoping this is the kick start to getting my ass in gear for good. I want to make a lifestyle change to become more active and a better eater, so that I can be the healthiest I can possibly be for my children. The more I think about it, the more emotional I become when I imagine what life would be like for my kids if I wasn't around. It's honestly my biggest fear right now. It's depressing to even fathom but it's real life to me. I lost both of my parents at a young age, and I never really considered the effects of that until I became a parent myself. I always just thought I was fine or a strong person for being able to overcome such tragedy, and I am... but now I just want to do everything I possibly can to be there for my kids in any way, shape, or form. They better appreciate all this when they get older! ;)

So, I feel like I am very blessed to have an opportunity to join this run, which is raising money for The American Cancer Society. How many of us have been affected by cancer? My dad fell victim to brain cancer, my Aunt is currently finishing up Chemo treatment for blood cancer, and my Uncle's brother just passed away a couple days ago from lung cancer. Those are reasons enough for wanting to participate, along with getting myself into shape and having a fitness goal. I feel very nervous about preparing for this event, like I'm unsure of even where to start. I've been back at the gym now for a week and I already feel stronger after 7 workouts, but I am hardly an avid cardio person. I googled training for a 10 mile race and found this training schedule which I am going to start on Monday. Ahhh... wish me luck!

Fountain of Youth

I don't think I can pull off the whole "It's my 21st Birthday!" thing again this year, like I have been doing every year since 2003. I have come to embrace my age (um, 24, duh) and know that the best thing I can do for my face is to take preventative measures. That being said, I decided to switch face moisturizers and try Oil of Olay Total Effects UV Moisturizer plus SPF 15, which claims to have 7 anti-aging therapies in 1 formula. I am always leery of products that claim to do anything besides make my face fell less dry, but I decided to give it a go because I think every grandmother today stands behind Oil of Olay products, so they have to be good. Well, survey says...

It works! The bottle is small (1.7oz), but has a little pump, which I always like because I feel like I can ration it out because it is by no means cheap at $18.99 a bottle. It goes on so smoothly and it feels like it dissolves almost instantly into your skin. My face looks brighter, but not oily. It leaves no greasy feeling behind and the one I use is fragrance free and has SPF 15, which is uber important if your skin attracts the sun like mine. The fine lines I have around my mouth from smiling like the Cheshire Cat are less noticeable as well as the lines on my forehead. My skin stays soft the whole day long. I am by no means saying that I look like a grandmother, but you know there are times when you stare at yourself in the mirror and pick apart every little wrinkle or age spot that may or may not be there, let's be honest! It's all about preventing these things from happening. There was a time in my distant past where I was a sun worshipper and put SPF negative 5 on so I could get nice and dark, but those days are long gone! Tell the truth ladies, y'all know that you have been on some girl's Facebook page that you used to know back in the day and think "OMG, She looks old!" Well chances are she either tans, smokes, or smokes while she tans. I used to do both, and I hope to God I am not on the receiving end of a statement like that. I have 2 young ones that drive me nuts and make me feel older every day, the last thing I want to do is look it, so if I have to have a face routine every day for the rest of my life, so be it. Rant be over, I HIGHLY recommend this face moisturizer, I have been using it in conjunction with St. Ives Apricot Scrub and was told by a bar customer the other day that I "looked like I was 12." Normally I would find that strangely offensive, but I'll take it as a compliment now, baby!

After one week of use, cheesin as usual

Monday Funday

I am a lucky duck right now, Ollie is taking a nap and Nathan is (reluctantly) watching Cars for the 608th time in his bedroom, giving me a nice little break to putz around on the computer. This morning we went and visited my friend, Cherise, who has twin girls who are almost 3 and a baby boy who is 14 months. She's also expecting baby number 4 in June! Whew, that was a handful just to type! If anyone can do it she can! I even find myself getting calmed down by her stern, yet calming Mommy discipline voice, lol. I was almost ready to put myself in time out again! Anyway, the boys had a great time playing with their friends and Ollie conked right out on the 5 minute ride home!

Yesterday was a very nice family Sunday. After having a talk (OK, argument) with Ben about how stressed out I have been recently about taking care of everything, he volunteered to take Nathan and go food shopping yesterday, which was WONDERFUL. It did take him a couple hours to finish, but I was so happy that he took the initiative and he even came back with a very pretty bouquet of flowers that Nathan had picked out for me. Flowers always perk a girl up instantly! It was my also Aunt's birthday, so we packed up the clan and headed over to Carrabbas for an early dinner with Ben's grandparents and brother, as well. The boys were really on their best behavior and we made it through dinner in one piece again! Maybe there is hope for eating out with the kids after all. Red Sangria always helps, too! =)

I am very excited for Saturday, I made reservations to a restaurant I have been wanting to eat at for years, Upstares at Sotto Varalli for Ben's 29th birthday. It's supposed to have a gorgeous view of Broad Street with floor to ceiling windows and be very romantic. We haven't been out on a Saturday night in months, and the boys are going to stay overnight with my Aunt and Uncle, so we even get to sleep in the next day, woo hoo! This is a great beginning to the week! I'm also looking forward to going to the Body Works class at the gym today at 4:30 to work off all the sangria and pasta I consumed last night. Even the weather is nice and sunny today! I just hope we don't get snow like they are calling for this week, blah.