Fleur-de-Lis Baby Afghan

This blanket just melts my heart. Partially, because it's so tough to find crochet patterns for boys. I'd love to make this for Robbie. Something that's beautiful, yet "Boyish." If you like it too, head over to Free Crochet and download it today! It's a "Free Pattern of the Day."

~Manders

Child's Pinwheel Squares Afghan

What a fun blanket! I really love the free crochet patterns from Free Crochet. This is such a cute and colorful blanket. I want one for myself. No lie! But I think it would be nice to make my kids each a blanket like this. Well, in different colors. Something to throw on the grass, when they're playing outside. Now to just get started...

~Manders

Lauren's Doll House

All Lauren talked about for months, was a doll house. She has one, at my parents' house. She has one at my in-laws house. But not at home. For months, leading up to Christmas, it's all that was on her mind. It was the only thing she wanted from Santa. The ONLY thing on her list!



This is what Santa brought Lauren for Christmas. And she was so EXCITED! It's like the "Doll House of a Little Girl's Dreams!" No lie. My little one is just in love! The little doll house has already provided hours and hours of playtime for Lauren.

She has already had a few play dates with Maribel. And they have enjoyed this beautiful doll house. Can you tell that I enjoy it too? Would it be horrible if I played with it, when Lauren is sleeping? I never had such an amazing toy.

We didn't spoil our kids for Christmas. We did buy them gifts. But we didn't go "overboard." But Billy and I tried to buy all 3 of our kids something that they'd love. A bigger present than we'd usually buy. But something special.

I know without a doubt, Lauren is super excited over her present. And I'm really glad. I feel like she's given up a lot since we've had the twins. Especially time. But also in what we give her. So it's really nice to give Lauren something that she really wanted. And yes, she has 2 doll houses. But those were given to her by her grandparents/Godparents. And they're at their homes. So this was a perfect gift for my little girl!

~Manders

Boys and Their Cars

This is a picture of Robbie's present from Santa. He is in love with this thing! No lie. The minute he sees his little cars, he is all smiles. I never realized how happy he'd be. I never realized how most of the toys in our house, are "girl" toys. But that should be expected. Our first child is a girl!

But it's nice to be able to give our son some "boy" toys. Things that are just for him. That he loves. I've watched Lauren play with him. Just a little while. She's not really into the "boy toys." But she tries to have fun with her brother.

Either way, my little guy is so happy! He has toys. Toys that are for him. Not just "hand-me-downs" from his big sister. I need to remember this. Because he does need fun boy stuff too. And to be honest, this is one of those times when I really stop and pay attention, to the difference between my daughters and my son. He just needs a little bit more boy stuff around.

~Manders

Boy Wrapper

I just had to stop and look at this beauty. You know, before I downloaded it. Another beautiful "Free Pattern of the Day!" This is one blanket that I feel confident about. Like I can make it. Oh, and I'm sure it will come in handy for my little man.

~Manders

3 Kids, 3 Days, 2 Birthdays, 1 Worried Momma

Since we have 3 kids, we should be prepared for 3 birthday parties. I'm not! Lauren will be 4 this year. 3 days later, our twins are turning 1. I'm starting to stress. And it's only January. I have 2 months. 2 months to plan 2 parties...

We've decided to have 2 birthday parties. We want for Lauren to still feel special. Like a "big girl." And we don't want her to feel like she "has to" share her birthday. She already shares so much with her brother and sister. With that, we've let her decide what kind of party she wants. We've given her 2 weeks to put her input in.

But for the twins, we've decided to plan it all out. And we need to remember, it's going to be a little complicated. We don't have twin boys or twin girls. We have a boy and a girl. So we can't have a princess party, or one with cars. Instead, we decided on a "Farm Animal" party. :)



I did a quick search online. And I found this pack from Oriental Trading. I've gotten a lot of ideas. I don't think we'll buy everything. But there are some cute things to buy. I'm starting here. And I've got about 2 months to get it all together. Wish me luck! I've got 2 parties to plan. And they're going to be just a week apart.

~Manders