Happy 4th Anniversay Billy!

Today is Billy and I's 4th Wedding Anniversary. It seems like just yesterday that we got married! We met May 4, 2005. I was working and trying to finish up my cosmetology class and license. Billy and the BBs were performing. And I got to do Lola's makeup and hair before they performed. To make a long story short, Lola introduced us. And we went on our first date 2 days later.

On September 10, 2005 we got married. It was a fun wedding. Intimate and with our close friends and family. The BBs even performed! Lola was my Maid of Honor, J was Billy's Best Man. As happy, magical, and loving as that day was, it was just the beginning to Our Love Story.

In our 4 years together, Billy and I have shared in many milestones together. We bought our first home together. We purchased property in the community that I grew up in. We survived the flood last year at the cabin. We had a home built in Texas. And moved to Texas for almost a year. While I was pregnant! We had Lauren, our little angel. Billy and I decided that I would not pursue a career. Instead do work here and there, when I wanted. Mostly, just traveling with the band and being Lola's MUA. We also decided that Billy would continue to work in his family business. Just from here instead of Texas.

We have also hit a few bumps in the road. Trying to decide where to live. How many times to visit our parents. And while we are both calm souls, I tend to be the one that stresses over things that I can't control. Sometimes breaking down. Especially when I would sit and think about Robert. But Billy has been so supportive. Comforting me. Allowing me to cry and feel my emotions. He holds me and let's me know that it will be OK. Even after Lauren was born, I wasn't quit sure I could do it, be a good mommy. But Billy believed in me. And gave me the confidence to be a good mommy to Lauren.

Billy doesn't judge me. He doesn't try to change the woman that I am. Instead, he encourages me. When I need the support he is always there, without me having to ask. He appreciates everything that I do. And sometimes I am taken aback by his little notes he leaves me. Just to say Thank You for loving Lauren. Or for being the one he wakes up next to. Billy is always right here by my side to protect and love me. That is what I always wanted in a husband. And I am very lucky to have found Billy.

Not every single day is easy or like a Fairy Tale, but it is life. Our life together. We have been married for 4 years! I still couldn't believe it this morning. When I woke up, I was just so excited that I found My Prince Charming. In the last week, we have gotten exciting news. We are expecting twins in March! I never would have expected it. To tell you the truth, I was in shock. But having Billy at my side, I know we can make it!

Billy is not just the Love of My Life. But he is my best friend. No matter what it is, I can always talk to him. He is there to hold my hand when I needed. Or to hold me when I need that. He is also the daddy to my wonderful daughter, and our twins. I could not ask for a better man. He is the best daddy that I could ever dream up for our kids! Billy is the love of my life, he is my best friend, my lover, the father of my children, but most of all, he is my heart. Together we are writing our Love Story.

~Manders

Chanel No. 22

Chanel No. 22 is one of those gorgeous fragrances that Lola introduced to me way back when we first met. It is a light scent. Softer than No. 5. More like a little sister to No. 5. But the scent is elegant, immediately reminding me of an elegant lady. It reminds me of a time passed. Of pure perfection.

This perfume was first introduced in 1922. It is made of white flowers. The notes include: orange blossom, peach, citrus, orchid, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vetiver, and vanilla. Lilac, jasmine, and rose can also be smelled. You can only purchase No. 22 at Chanel boutiques. It is a little on the pricey side at $175.00 for 200ml.

Honestly, this is an investment piece to any perfume collection. A bit difficult to find. But one of those fragrances that just has you thinking of elegant ladies. One that is always on my Wish List. Chanel No. 22 is one of those fragrances for special occasions.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.

I Want to Shop at MAC

I have been dreaming of the MAC store for a few days now. I want to go shop at the MAC store. The closest one to me is 3 hours away! And I probably won't get to it for another 2 weeks. If not longer! The MAC website leaves a lot to be desired. Since they changed it, I am not happy with it. I try to avoid it as much as possible. There is a MAC counter a little over an hour away. But it is not the same. And the MUA are not very pleasant to deal with. If I'm in a pinch, I go there. But right now, I would like to go to the MAC store. I can't wait until October, when I get to go to the MAC Pro-Store!

~Manders

Our Exciting News!

Now that our families know our news, it is time to tell our friends. On Friday, we found out we are having twins! Yes, TWINS! OK, so the picture maybe a little deceiving, we don't know yet if they are boys, girls, or a boy and a girl. We will find out next week whether they are fraternal or identical. Sometime between 18-20 weeks, we will find out the babies gender.

We are so excited! All of our families are excited too! Lola was just too happy on Friday. I know that she has been bursting at the seams to tell everyone. So have we! Lauren is happy to know she is getting 2 babies now. This also answers my question, "Why am I already so big?" My belly popped a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I have been showing. I know I am slim, but this explains a lot! I guess I also have to change my label from Baby to Twin Babies. We are excited to meet out twins. Just 28 weeks to go!

~Manders

What a Wonderful Day to Shop!

Today we are going shopping in the heart of my hometown. A small resort town in the mountains. My in-laws came in from Texas late yesterday afternoon. I have to say, I am very excited! Lauren was just so excited to see all of her grandparents!

We had made these plans a while ago. But we weren't completely sure if it was all going to workout the way we had planned. Luckily it did. Tonight, we are having a nice dinner at our cabin. The good news will finally be shared! Billy and I are so excited. Lauren has been really good about keeping our secret. She understands it, but she understands we have to keep a secret until tonight.

The guys will be working on the property. Billy has been building a work space for himself. And they are going to be working on it today. Although, rain is in the air. I wonder how far they are going to get. The girls, well we are going shopping. First, we are going to the Craft Fair. It should be fun! Then we are headed to all the little shops. Mom has been wanting to buy some new clothes. Honestly, I need some bigger clothes. Yes, I wear regular clothes during my pregnancy. I just buy larger ones. Mom tailors them for me. My mom-in-law is also excited. There is a cooking shop that she likes to shop at. She has been wanting to stock up on some of the fun kitchen accessories that they have!

Today is going to be so much fun! Hopefully the rain holds out until after our shopping spree. If not, a little water never hurt anyone. Lauren is super excited to go to the toy store. She got some money from her grandpas last night. She has been wanting this doll at the toy store. And all it's little accessories. I think the toy store will have to be our first stop!

~Manders

Wonderful News!

We got some pretty great news yesterday. But we are going to wait a bit to tell everyone on here. There are some very important people that need to know first! Lola knows, because she was there when we found out. Sorry about being so cryptic. We just need to talk to some important people in our lives first.

For now, we are headed to visit my parents. It should be a nice weekend. There is rain in the forecast, but not too much. Mom and I already have some plans to go shopping. I just hope the crowds aren't too bad. Because it is a holiday and my hometown is a bit of a resort town, it usually gets flooded with people over a holiday weekend.

In any case, we are excited about heading to the mountains. We only have a few short weeks before the snow begins. And when it starts snowing out this way, our trips become less frequent. Until then, we will make a couple of more trips. And love every single one!

~Manders

Friday Fill-ins

1. I feel anxious and excited.

2. Trips and friends are always fun.

3. Right now, I can hear these things: Billy in the kitchen and the TV.

4. It's September and I'm glad that the hot weather is almost behind us.

5. The last time I went to the doctor was 2 weeks ago.

6. We are going to my hometown this Labor day weekend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a dinner with friends, tomorrow my plans include traveling to the mountains and Sunday, I want to do a little shopping!



What a week we have had! But in a good way. Emmers and Paul are in town. A nice change of pace for everyone! We got the good news that they are moving back. That is really exciting! From what I hear, Vi and Scott will be here, or they might already be here. It is really a good time when all of our friends come to visit. I don't think the 4 of them have ever been here at the same time. We have having a good time though.

Today, we have a doctor's appointment. Just a check up. But I am excited to hear the baby's heartbeat. For me, that solidifies that there is a healthy baby growing in there. Billy is really excited too! We decided to make it a day in town. And Lola had offered to watch Lauren while we are in our appointment. She works at the hospital were my OB/GYN is located. They actually work together. I am just a little anxious this morning. Just ready to hear our baby's healthy heart beating away!

~Manders

Time with Old Friends

We had a nice afternoon today. We met Emmers and Paul for lunch! It has been such a long time since we have seen them. Emails just don't do our friendship justice. Neither do our sporadic phone calls. But today, we got to sit down, for hours catching up.

Turns out, Emmers and Paul are moving back. It has been about 3 years since they moved to Florida. A long 3 years! But they have decided to move back home. Paul is going to work for J. And Lola is helping Emmers get a job. We are all so excited! They are also going to be living in one of J's houses. That means just down the road from us. A couple of miles.

Lunch was amazing. We went to La Posta. One of our favorites around town. Lauren was over the moon excited about the birds. I have to admit, that is one of my favorite things about the restaurant too! She also had such a good time coloring. Emmers and Paul bought Lauren a bag of goodies. Coloring books, crayons, some hair bows, a teddy bear, and a new pony. She was so excited!

We spent a good 3 hours at the restaurant. Then another hour browsing a jewelry store that is connected to the restaurant. There are a few shops that are on your way out. Paul bought Emmers a pretty silver necklace. And Billy bought me and Lauren matching silver bracelets. All the jewelry in that shop was just gorgeous!

The 5 of us made it back to our house. Were we just relaxed, ate some chocolate cake, and eventually played in Lauren's Little Pink Playhouse. She had Billy and Paul in big pink hats and boas. Emmers and I got to play baby dolls with Lauren. It was a nice afternoon. One to remember. We just love spending time with all of our friends!

~Manders

Pregnancy Brain

Yes, I am certain that there is such a thing as "Pregnancy Brain." Because I have been very forgetful since I got pregnant. And very indecisive. To the point that it takes me an hour to figure out what I am going to wear. Or I do Lauren's hair 4 times before I am happy with it. I walk around looking for my keys, and they are in my hand. Billy tells me about a story he read in the paper, then I see it on the news. I don't even remember that my dear husband just told me about it.

Is "Pregnancy Brain" real? Lola said that it is. I trust her. She works in fertility health and prenatal care. It is one of the specialties that she is considering. So I believe it when she says it's true. My doctor also said it's true.

What in the world am I going to do until March? I don't remember having "Pregnancy Brain" the last time I was pregnant. Then again, I also forgot about labor and delivery. Does that just happen? You forget about these things. Because if you remembered, you might not have more kids. I just wonder. It could just be the "Pregnancy Brain."

~Manders

Gardenias

I went by Lola's today. I needed to drop off some stuff, that Billy needed to give her, before their rehearsal tonight. And going up the walkway, Lola has the most beautiful plants. With the sweetest smell. I just had to know what they were. Turns out, they are Gardenias. And she has 5, maybe more.

Now I know why I liked them so much. That is one of my favorite scents. I just never had seen them in plant form. You know, in the dirt. Well, I am in love. And on the search for some of these gorgeous little plants. Between the dark green leaves and the flawless white flowers, they are gems in nature. I also can't get over the sweet smell. It was not overbearing, just present. I really would like a couple of these to plant around our patio!

~Manders