Happy Birthday Hills!

Today is my friend Hills' birthday. We became friends, via Lola. I read her blog. And soon, we became good friends. Hills is such an amazing woman. So strong! She's had a rough few years. But things finally seem to be turning around for her. I've never been so happy for a friend! And today, I just want Hills to know, that we all love her. Happy Birthday!

~Manders

Lalaloopsy Sew Cute! Playhouse...and Abby!!!

J is always calling me. Wanting to steal Abby, for a few hours. He's such a wonderful Godfather to her. Honestly, Abby just lights up, when her Godparents are around!

Usually J and Abby just hangout at the Ranch. She always comes home exhausted! Telling me about all the animals, the swimming pool, and the Big Red Barn! J is just like us. And that's what makes him such a great friend!

I'm not going to lie. J has a habit of spoiling Abby. All our kiddos actually. But Abby has a nice stash of toys, at his house. Even in his office. :) But I was shocked to see this playhouse the other day!



I know that Abby is head over heels in love, with all dolls. Dollhouses are the bees knees to her. We've been thinking of buying her, a playhouse for her birthday. But this is a little over the top! Even for my sweet girl. A $170 toy, for my not yet 2 year old daughter. Given to her, by her Godfather, not us.



Yes, she loves it! And is so good about playing in her playhouse. Billy and I sat there, just watching her play. She was so into it! Had absolutely no clue, that we were there! Talking away to herself. Just playing. Sitting her dolls here and there. Having the time of her life! Really? Yes, she was in love!

J reassured us. It's just a special present. He doesn't regularly buy her these types of toys. It's just something they saw, one day, on a trip to the store. And well, he couldn't resist. Yes, my daughter has her Godfather wrapped around her teeny, tiny, little finger!

I felt better, when we were leaving. And she carefully "put away" her playhouse. And picked up her rag doll. The one that J bought her when she was just days old!

But I still have to laugh, when I think about the scene in J's office! You'd think he was a father of 10! We love you J. But you really don't have to spoil Abby so much. I will say this, we appreciate everything you do, especially the way you love our family! :)

~Manders

Original Sin

I'm not getting all "biblical" on you here. Nope! I'm talking about the movie, Original Sin. Have you ever seen it?

Well, I happened to watch it, last night. I'd honestly, never heard of it before. I'm not a big Angelina Jolie fan. But last night, I was looking for something, to watch on TV. Billy was knee deep in paperwork. And the kiddos, were sound asleep. Not only did I find a new movie channel to watch. I also found this new movie!



It was a good movie. Exciting. Interesting. And the perfect background, to my newest crochet project. I'm learning, that you need a good movie, to get lots of crocheting done. Yes, it was a good night. And Billy did join me, for the last 30 minutes. This is a movie, that I'd recommend. :) What are some of your favorite movies to watch?

~Manders

New in 2012: College Basketball

We're really trying to do new things, as a family, in 2012. I should start off with, I'm not a big sports fan. At all. I've just never gotten into it. But I'll try and watch with Billy. I enjoy a good rodeo. Or a football game...because of my brother. He played football in high school. But that's usually were it stops and starts for me.

We live near a college town. And I can count the number of times, that I've gone to a game. 3 times! And they were all football games. It's probably been 3 years since we've gone. Yes, it's been a while. Although, whenever there is a football game, of any kind on, it's on in our house.

Billy and I were talking the other day. We like to take our kids on adventures. We go to all sorts of places. But honestly, most of our activities, are for our daughters. And we were starting to feel guilty. That's when the idea of going to a game, came to mind.



It took a bit of planning. A trip to the college bookstore. Our kiddos needed some new outfits! And we were on our way. We wanted our kiddos to really enjoy the entire experience. So there were hotdogs, popcorn, nachos, and some sweet treats. We had foam fingers, pom-poms, and some bells that they handed out.

I never thought that we'd have that much fun. But it was a night full of fun! Our kids never complained, or fussed. They cheered for our team. Jumped up and down, every time they scored. Pistol Pete was the bees knees to them! I have to admit it, I had a great time too. Right now, I'm looking at the schedule. Wondering when we can go back again. Ya, it's something that we're going to be doing again. I'm sure Robbie appreciates it! You know, doing some boy stuff.

~Manders

Good Intentions Wedge...It's Love!

For weeks, possibly even a few months, I would visit ModCloth's website daily. Yes daily! Why? Because of the Good Intentions Wedge. It was love at first sight!



The beautiful blue leather, literally was calling my name! I wanted these shoes so bad. But I couldn't get past the price tag. Until a recent, late night search. When there was only 1 pair, in my size! I took the plunge, and bought them.

I've had these beauties for a week now. I've worn them twice. I just can't wait, for the warm weather to come...and stay! Because these shoes, are going to be my new best friends!

~Manders

The Other End of the Line

Billy and I really enjoy watching movies. I will say, our habits have changed, since becoming parents. We don't really go to the movies much. The movies we want to see, usually aren't what our kids want to see. And when we do go to the movies, it's generally to watch the latest Disney movie.

Since we had Lauren, Billy and I have really built up our movie collection. I won't lie, we just LOVE the $5 bin at Wal-Mart and Target! We buy a few movies, each time we go. But with the holidays and such, we just haven't been watching movies. So our "buys" were starting to stack up.

I decided to pack up a few. When we went to Las Vegas. I figured I could watch a movie, while the band worked. Well, Lola and I decided to watch "The Other End of the Line," one day. While we were getting ready for a show.



This was the cutest movie ever! So sweet. The perfect romantic movie. Something, to just get lost in. And I'm glad, that I watched it with my friend. I just don't think Billy would have enjoyed it, as much as we did. With that being said, I want to watch it again. Hmm, how long will the twins' nap last...

~Manders

Once Upon a Time

I've ALWAYS had a soft spot for fairy tales. When I was little, I still remember a trip to an Antique Store. My mom had taken my brother and I. And there was this big book of Fairy tales. Printed in the 1950s. And I wanted it! So badly!!!

But before we had even gone inside, my mom had told us, we each had $5 to spend. That was it. Because she was there to buy a dresser. For our new baby! My dear book, was $10. Because it was gigantic! My brother had found, a big yellow dump truck. He really wanted his toy too!

I think you know by now, that my big brother and I, were super close. He was just so good to me. Always taking care of me. Robert, was seriously, the best big brother you could dream up! Well, he saw me. Pining over my book...

He came up to me, and asked me what was wrong. I told him, that I wanted this book. It had all these stories. All about princesses, and far off places. The pictures were amazing! But I didn't have enough money. He put down his truck. And picked up my book. I remember him studying it. With such intensity. Then he took my hand, and told me that we'd buy it.

I was in shock! 4 years old, and in shock! I didn't want him to miss out on his truck. But Robert insisted, this was much more important. So I helped him hide his truck. I promised myself, that I'd buy it for him. For his birthday. (I did! And I'll have to blog about that, another day.) And we bought our book.

From then on, we would sit and read together. Robert would read me 1 story, every day. Well into the time, he started middle school. Once, when I had gotten my heart broken, my brother had gone to search for our book. It had been a few years since we had read from it. I was a teen already. And Robert read to me, while I cried. I remember this. Because it was so incredibly sweet!

And after Robert past away, I found myself, going to his grave. To read to him. It made me feel close to my big brother. And it always comforted me. I still have this book. It's so special to me! And I read to my kids, out of the book, that my brother bought me. :)

As you can tell, I've always had this soft spot for fairy tales. When I heard about Once Upon a Time, I just had to watch it! I've quickly become a HUGE fan! For about 3 months now, I've never missed an episode!



I'm telling you, you need to watch this show. It's like the adults' version of our most beloved Fairy tales. I LOVE it! It's like the background, to all of our favorite stories. It's funny, every time that I watch this show, I think of my brother. I think of all those nights, when he'd read me a new story. And in some way, I feel close to him again. Like we're watching this together!

~Manders

New in 2012: Crafting with Felt

One of the things that I've always loved, is crafts involving felt. Before I even got pregnant with Lauren, I used to Google felt crafts. And I would just stare, at all the beautiful pictures. Reading tutorials for hours and hours.

When I was pregnant with Lauren, we moved to Texas. To the family Ranch. Near the end of my pregnancy. Right before we left, I bought a bunch of felt, and other craft supplies. I had all these big plans. But I never got to them.

Over the last, almost 6 years, I've bought so many cute hair bows, hair clips, headbands, and other items made out of felt. And you know what, it just makes me want to craft even more! I was pleasantly surprised Monday, when I found my box of supplies. I was cleaning out the closet in our guest room. And there it was. I put it in my office, and knew, I'd come back to it.

Monday night, after the kids were asleep, I took to Google again. And I found some amazing inspiration. Granted, most of it has something to do with Valentine's Day, I want to try these projects. Take a look...



So stinking cute! These hair clips have to be my favorite project! They're similar to some the Lola made for Abby and Lauren. They look so simple to make. And I can just dream up, so many fun color combos. :)



And this cute headband. Just imagine all the fun headbands, that I could make, for Spring and Summer. I've already begin to buy the kids warmer weather clothes. These would make the perfect addition, to all those new dresses. :)



This heart headband, is just too cute! I was thinking of making one for Lauren, Maribel, and a few of our nieces. I might be getting a little ahead of myself. But it's just too cute!



Valentine's Day garland. What more can you say? Isn't this adorable? I think it would look so cute draped over our kitchen windows. :)



How about some gorgeous Valentine's Day wrapping? So simple. But very cute! Now to think of what's going to go inside...



And finally, a little project for me. A fun necklace. I'm thinking more of a soft pink, light grey, and white scheme.

Do you like all of my inspiration? I actually got down to business on Wednesday night. I whipped up some hair clips for my girls. 2 flower ones, and 2 heart ones. I want to try and tackle some headbands this weekend. These projects are so simple. And fast! Can you think up, any other ideas for me to tackle?

~Manders

Back to the Fuchsia

Recently, I found Sally Hansen nail polish on a good buy. Actually, a GREAT buy! They were $4 a bottle. Plus, a buy one, get one half off deal. :) This makeup junkie was so excited! I picked up 12. I know, I have no self control! My favorite one, so far, is Back to the Fuchsia.



It's the most gorgeous pink color. With blue and purple undertones. It really is amazing on. Different from your normal pink color. The formula is a dream too! 2 coats makes for an opaque finish. This is one of those colors, that just makes me happy! What's your favorite Sally Hansen color?

~Manders

A New Year, A New Workout

My friends always ask me, do I really workout. And the answer is yes! I'm not as dedicated, as I'd like to be. Or as dedicated as Lola. But I try. With my 3 kiddos, I have to sometimes get creative. If not, I have to get up super early, to workout.

Over the last 2 months or so, I kept seeing the infomerical for the Brazil Butt Lift program. Usually, they don't suck me in. But this, looked like a fun workout. And well, I was sorta hoping for a backside, like my friend.



I ordered the Brazil Butt Lift program. Before the holidays. But honestly, I didn't touch it. Until after New Year's. And it's so much fun! I usually workout in the mornings. Before the kids wake up. While Billy is getting ready, and checking his email. It's not a super long workout, so it woks out perfectly!

The other day, I slept in. And I sorta regretted it. When would I workout? Evenings are for family time. And after the kids go to bed, it's time for Billy and me. So I snuck it in at the twins' nap time. Well, Lauren was up. And she decided to "try it out too." More of, trying to keep up. But she was having a good time. And we were laughing, like there was no tomorrow!



This is really a fun workout. I'm not sure if I'll ever have a backside like this. Or like Lola's. But this is a fun way, to mix up my usual workouts. Because honestly, who doesn't like to dance around? What's your favorite workout to do?

~Manders

Flowers That I Couldn't Resist!

Recently, I ran into Walgreen's. I had to pick up a few cards. And only had 5 minutes to spare. It's literally blocks from Lauren's school. So on the way home, my kiddos and I ran in.

My kids are good, about not asking for things. They just know, to not act up. We're lucky. And believe me, I count my lucky stars! But on this trip, I could see Lauren and Abby eyeing these flowers.

After picking some cards, I went in for a closer look. And guess what! They're made out of hair elastics! Actually, they're called "Elasti-Pops." In reality, it's just a piece of cardboard, that 40 hair ties are wrapped around. Which is on a stick. Surrounded with a paper, flower cutout. But the girls were really mesmerized by them.



Being a mom, is a give and take, kind of a deal. My kids were being extra good that day. Lauren didn't even ask for one. But I could tell she wanted one. So I picked up 2. One for each of my girls. And they were all smiles!

Was it practical? Not really. The elastics are too large for my girls. At this point. But it was something cute. And they were on sale, for $2 a piece. I simply couldn't resist! Right now, they are cutely displayed on their dressers.

And in case you were wondering, Robbie was not forgotten! He spotted a truck next to the register. The best $1 I've spent in a LONG time! It hasn't left his little hand in days!

~Manders

Petits Details

For a few years, I've been reading Petits Details. A beautiful blog! I've been meaning to share it with all of you. But I just kept putting it off.

I originally found this blog, because of Google. I was searching for some inspiration. And one of Shannon's pictures, just drew me in. Look at this gorgeous piece, that Shannon made!




Whenever I need some inspiration, or I'm having a tough day, I go to Petits Details. All of Shannon's pictures are beautiful! Her crafts, and style inspire me. I hope you enjoy Petits Details, as much as I do!

~Manders

Oh Mrs. Paula!!!

One of the things, that I really wanted for Christmas, was Paula Deen's new cookbook. The Southern Cooking Bible. I'm not from the South. I'm from the Southwest. But my husband, he's from the South. And he enjoys his Southern Cooking!

Over the last 6 1/2 years, I've picked up on some of his favorite recipes. I ALWAYS convince my mother-in-law, to show me something new. Because, I want to make my man happy! ;) But I've been looking for a good cookbook. One that I'd use often. And would really enjoy. That's when I heard about Mrs. Paula's new book!



I'm not lying when I say this. It's the only thing I asked Billy for. And he thought I was nuts! I know he did. He happened to tell my MIL about it. And she thought it was a cute idea. But it wasn't until my dear sister-in-law heard, that someone finally took me serious.

I was so pleasantly surprised, when I opened my Christmas present, from my BIL and SIL. It was my cookbook! And let me tell you, Mrs. Paula didn't disappoint! This is such a great cookbook. It makes me want to run out, and buy a copy for each of my friends, and my sister. :)

This is one of those cookbooks, that I'm going to get a lot of use out of! I've already tried 5 or 6 recipes. My favorite thus far, being the Banana Cream Pie! Yum! I just made it right before we went to Las Vegas, and I already want to make it again. :) Let me tell you, this is a must have!

~Manders

New in 2012: Downton Abbey

I want to try something new on my blog. I want to document one of my goals for 2012. Trying new things. Every Friday, I'm going to tell you about something new, that I've tried. Something new, that I did, that week.

We're starting this week off, slowly. Mostly because my family and I, have been traveling. But there is something, that I've wanted to do, for a while now. Watch Downton Abbey.



Lola had been telling me about it. And it sounded like an amazing show! Weeks ago, I finally ordered the series. And I made sure, to pack it in my suitcase. While the BBs were doing their thing, I was snuggled into the dressing room. With my laptop, and Downton Abbey. I'm not lying!

I did watch some of the BBs shows. But not all of them. This is totally normal for me. But instead of reading magazines, or watching YouTube videos, I watched this show. And it's AMAZING! Billy was laughing at me. Because I'm sure, I'm addicted now. :)

I'm planning on finishing up Season 1, while my kids nap. I should have it done by next week. And I'm definitely all over Season 2. It starts Sunday night! So I have to TiVo it. Because I won't yet be done with Season 1.

In my new project, I'm looking for some ideas. I already have a little list. Sitting right here on my desk. And I want to know, and hear from you, about some ideas. What are some ideas or things, that I should try? Please leave me some suggestions. Let's see what 2012 has in store for me...

~Manders

Soda Fountain Dress

Do you ever get an idea in your head, and you can't get it out? I've been hunting for a cute dress. Something with a classic shape. But a fun color.

I thought I found that dress, at JC Penney. But it turned out, to be a disaster for me. That gorgeous magenta sheath dress, was just not meant to be. I couldn't find it in my size. There was one a size too big, and plenty that were a size too small. And let me tell you, I searched everywhere! I really wish that I could find that dress!

Right before Christmas, Lizzie emailed me. A link to this cute dress! But it was before Christmas. And I didn't want to spend any money on myself. 2 days ago, Lola performed in this color. And I just fell in love with it! After the show, I was telling her, that she needs to buy that dress. It was just perfect on her. The right color, style, and fit.

It only got me thinking, about this dress again. The color, is so saturated. And I think it looks amazing, against dark hair! Lola and I got to talking about this dress. And I'm 100% positive that this man found out about it. He just adores his precious girlfriend. And this morning, a box arrived. With 2 of these dresses. One in each of our sizes!



I was so shocked! I definitely didn't expect it. And I'm positive that Lola didn't either. But let me tell you, this is one of my favorite dresses! I can't wait to wear it. Maybe Billy and I should plan a date! :)

~Manders

New Project

One of my goals for this year, is to get crafty. To actually, put some of my craft supplies and gear, to use. Good use hopefully! :)

I especially, want to start creating things for my kids. Things that they want. Things they can use. Heck, I have entire files, on our computer, with saved pictures and projects. And I need to actually start working on them. The first that I'm about to attempt, is this cute hair clip.



For the world of me, I can't remember where I saw this picture. I even Googled, "Karma Box." I got nothing! But I know that this project looked pretty easy at the time. My daughters are in love, with all things Hello Kitty. And have I told you, they won't leave the house, without some type of ribbon, bow, or hair clip.

I have my felt, some clips, and embroidery thread. I'm ready. I've never attempted something like this, but I'm very excited! Lauren has already asked me, if I can make Hello Kitty clips, in different colors. Because she'd like to wear them to school! :) I guess, I should get started! What other projects would you suggest for me?

~Manders

It's 2012...Great News!

Where do I begin? 2012, is already off to a GREAT start! I'm pretty sure, that it's safe to tell you all. Megan and Robbie, our good friends, got engaged. Shortly after midnight, on New Year's! :) It was super sweet. They've dated for a long time. A super long time! But then again, Billy and I only dated for 4 months, before we got married. :)

Robbie had everything planned out. He bought the ring, and then asked all of us ladies, what we thought about it. Honestly, it was perfect. Just what Megan likes. The BBs were performing. And right before midnight, all of us "significant others," joined the band on stage. We counted down until midnight. And before you knew it, Robbie was down on one knee! It was so perfect. And beautiful!



In other great news, my little brother who's in the Marines, is coming home! He has been stationed overseas, for almost his entire career! Let me tell you, it completely stresses me out. I pray for him, multiple times a day. But I know, that he's doing exactly what he wants to do. We had a serious talk one day, and he told me, this was his calling. This is what he's supposed to be doing with his life. I respect that. And I'm so proud of my brother. But let me tell you, when he told us, that he was coming back to the USA in September, I just about died of happiness!

Like I said, I know that he enjoys his job. To him, it's his calling. But it will be nice, to have my brother a little closer to home. In a much safer environment. At least for a little while. I know that our entire family, is looking forward to this.

And the last of our big and happy news, Billy's brother and his wife, are expecting baby #6! We're so happy for them. I think that this is going to be their last little one. So it's a little bittersweet. Do you know what I mean? We felt the same way, with our twins. We were excited about our twins. But we were sad, knowing that we wouldn't have anymore babies.

Yes, 2012 is already looking up. So many great things to look forward too. 2 days in, is your 2012 looking good? I hope so. With the state of the world, and our country, we all need something to hold onto. Something to give us some hope.

~Manders

Happy New Year's!

Happy 2012! I just can't believe that we're starting another year. Why is time moving so quickly? Wasn't it just 2006? And I was still a newlywed...



I hope that everyone had a safe and fun celebration. My hubby and I were working. But we can't complain. Our job is fun! Not many people get paid to do what we do. We work with our friends. Who are very much our family. Doing what we enjoy. I get the chance to do Lola's hair and makeup. Billy gets to sing and perform.

It was an amazing evening. After the BBs performed, we got to hang around. And were VIPs to our bosses' VIP party. Afterwards, a little breakfast with our friends was in order. Then to our room. We haven't had much sleep. But we're going to spend the day with our kiddos. :)

I couldn't think of a better way to start 2012. Ringing in the New Year with friends. And spending the day with our kids. We have another show tonight. But we still have hours of fun, with the most amazing 3 kiddos I know! From our family to yours, we hope that 2012 brings you much happiness, health, and good fortunes.

~Manders