Inspired

I recently got this beautiful e-mail. From Lola. Very inspiring. Thanking many of her friends. She's had a tough battle. I know, personally, that it has meant a lot to her. That her friends have stuck behind her. Honestly, I couldn't imagine, not being here for her. Lola not only has a heart of pure gold. But she is the glue, that holds us all together!

Her words definitely choked me up. In fact, Billy cried as well. It was so touching. It's things like this, that make you realize, just how important friends are. Touching things like this, also let you know, what kind of friends you have.

I have to say this much, we have AMAZING friends. Friends that come together, when times get tough. I've never seen people, rally together, the way our friends do. Plain and simple. God has really blessed us.

Along those lines, Lola included this picture. That just made me think. If you never chase after your dreams, they'll never come true. If you never fight, the fight, you'll always lose the battle. And it got me thinking about her situation.



Life has not been kind. She's fought the battle with cancer. Never wavered. Never given up. Bumps along the way, have happened. In fact, literal road blocks. But she's always pushed forward. Looked for a different way, when something didn't work. What an inspiration!

It means a lot, to be Lola's friend. To watch her fight, the fight. To watch her, be the strong woman, that she is. To continue to grow. And be this loving woman. To all that she meets. It makes me realize, that I have so much room, for personal growth. A place where God can share his grace, with me.

Recently, I've just struggled with life. But I know that I'm lucky. I have an AMAZING husband. 3 beautiful and healthy children. We have a home, food, faith, love, and our health. We are lucky. But I know, that my work with God, is not over. I must pray more. Find more time to reflect. And ask God, to share his grace, with me. I know, that he sent us Lola, to teach us these precious gifts. I know that!

~Manders

Tea and Cookies Party Set Crochet Pattern

This morning, I was searching through Red Heart's website. They have a TON of free patterns. And I was just looking through them. To see if anything would catch my eye. That's when I found this pattern.



Isn't it adorable? I was thinking of making this tea set, for my girls. If it's not too tough, and too time consuming, I might make them each one. Maybe for their birthdays. Which are in a few weeks. Oh, I think this would be fun!

~Manders

For the LOVE of Wisteria

I've ALWAYS liked wisteria. Since I was a little girl. :) Just loved the way it looked. Draped over a fence. Last Spring, I had every intention, of buying 3 bushes. But, at the end of Summer, I realized that I hadn't! :(

Over the Winter, I was talking to my friend Cari about this. And she told me, that this Spring, she'd give me some. Oh, Cari's yard is beautiful! I wish that she'd post some pictures of it, on her blog. She doesn't just have a "green finger," she has an entire "green hand!"



It's ALMOST Spring. And it's starting to warm up around here. I honestly, can't wait! Is it crazy, that I've been counting down the days, until I get my wisteria? I just have such high hopes for it. To grow outside our "reading room." At least that's what my kiddos, call our living room! Or even up the trellis, outside our bedroom. Hurry up Spring! We're all excited for you!

~Manders

Crochet Along: Week 1

Welcome Back! This is Week 1, of Lola and I's Crochet Along. This week, is going to be simple. If you'd like to join, you can still let Lola or I know. You can email me, at MandersinLove (at) yahoo (dot) com. Or Lola at SweetNightingaleSing (at) gmail (dot) com.

Week 1 is going to be simple. Remember, this is just about having fun. And having others to cheer you on! Just print out this pattern. And do a little shopping. For the yarn. The pattern asks for 35 oz. And a size H crochet hook. That's it! You've got a week to get your supplies.



I have had a bit of trouble, trying to figure out who I'm making this blanket for. Do I make it for a Baby Shower that I'm going to? Or do I make it for an Easter throw, for our home? I decided to make it for a baby. And it's going to be yellow. To match a cute little nursery theme. I'm so excited! And I hope that you join in, on all the fun!

~Manders

Quirky and Cute

Lately, I've been really interested in accessories. I came across some really fun pieces, that I want. :)



Have you ever seen such a fun and unusual ring? The House This? Ring is just so quirky! I've surprised myself, with how much I want it.



How about a deer ring? Lauren really likes this one too! She keeps calling it the Bambi ring. It's called the Fawn Never Stops Ring.



And my personal favorite, this deer pin. It just reminds me of days past. Of a more rewarding time. I could just imagine, something similar, in some dusty Antique Store. Mixed in with some old buttons. The Love You Deer-ly Pin is my favorite.

I really want these little trinkets. They're such fun additions to anyone's wardrobe. Something that adds a bit of whimsy. A little interest. What's something, that's catching your eye lately?

~Manders

New in 2012: Sewing Curtains

I know. Another post about sewing. But I'm so excited about this project! Technically, I order this fabric, late last week. But it just came in. Yesterday evening. I was so excited! You see, Billy and Lauren are working on a project. They're repainting her Little Pink Playhouse. :)

It's going to be pink with white trim. But the little shutters and doors, are going to be red! So fun! And I thought, with a new paint job, Lauren's Little Pink Playhouse, could use some new curtains. Maybe a few pillows, and a little blanket. :) So I got started, last night, after the kids went to bed. Just look at this fabric!



Now let me start off with this. I sew. A little. Very little! I've made a few simple blankets for my kids, my nephew, and some of my friend's kids. Nothing fancy. I've worked on some other simple projects. And I've started these projects. Do you remember them?

Well, I started with measurements. I figured it was a great place to start. Then, I sat and stared at my fabric for a long time. It was expensive! And I didn't want to mess up. (On a side note, I want to order some more fabric. It's expensive. But Mwendas has such cute prints!) A few late night calls to Lola, and my mom, got me through the bumps. I didn't want plain curtains. I wanted something with a little style. A little fun. And these 2 ladies had the perfect ideas to add.

A few minutes ago, I pretty much finished the curtains, and I pinned the pillows and blanket. I still need to add a little trim. I'm actually stuck between 2 different trims. I had hoped to have them done, by the time I had to go pick up Lauren from school. But I just couldn't decide on a trim. So I'll wait until I pick her up, and let her decide. This was such a fun and easy project! I'm not so afraid of my sewing machine now. :)

~Manders

A Splash of Summer Color

Do you remember, when I was blogging about my new nail polish? Well, I've slowly been making my way, through all 12 colors. :) And guess what. I have a new favorite! Meet Cherry, Cherry Bang, Bang!



This is definitely, my new favorite nail polish. Partially, because I want it to be warm again. I want to wear my Spring dresses. To see the flowers blooming. And I miss the warm weather.

There is something about Cherry, Cherry Bang, Bang! that just reminds me, of long summer days. Like all my other Sally Hansen nail polishes, the formula is amazing! 2 coats make for a strong and opaque color. That lasts for at least a week!

The color is a nice magenta. With a hint of fuchsia. It's not too bright. Nothing like a neon. Just a fun, summery color. I like this color so much, that I want to find a dress in this color too! What are your favorite colors for Spring and Summer?

~Manders

Fun Cupcakes!!!

Lately, I've really been interested in baking. I'm thinking, that cold weather, has something to do with that. The weather has been uncharacteristically cold. The wind, we're used to. The cold, not so much!

The twins and I, have stayed inside. Bundled up. We only venture out, to take and pick up Lauren from school. That's it! It's so cold! But it has meant lots of cuddling time. We've done a lot of reading, movie watching, and just hanging out.

I've also done a lot more cooking. I cook every day. But I've ventured out of my comfort zone. Just a bit. Started using my slow cooker more. Opened up those cookbooks. The ones we got when Billy and I got married. And I've been baking.

I'm sure, that by now, you know I'm planning 2 birthday parties. I also have a love affair with boxed desserts. And well, I'm becoming a recipe stalker. While searching for a fun recipe, I found these cute cupcakes. :)




So fun! They remind me so much of Lauren! And I'm pretty sure, that she is going to love them. I'm thinking, maybe Lola and Lizzie can help me make them. Whatever the theme of the party is, these will be perfect! Maybe I can do a test run tonight. Because the more I look at this picture, the more I want these cupcakes!

~Manders

A Night for 2!

That last few days, have been so up and down for me. I'm sure by now, you've read my blog post from the other day. When I was just lost. I've taken the last few days, to just breathe. And get back on the road, to being me. :)

It's funny. The day after I wrote this post, I read this post. And it just got me thinking, I need to get back to me. To being Amanda. I don't know how Sals does it with 5 kiddos. Or how my sister-in-law is handling 5 kiddos, with #6 on the way.

Billy and I decided that we needed a date night. Desperately! I called up my parents. Who were more than excited, to come watch our kiddos. Thanks again mom and dad! We had already bought tickets to the Brad Paisley concert. But we hadn't planned on making it, an entire night out. Initially, we were just going to the concert. But our plans changed. And we decided on a Romantic Night for 2!

That's just what we did. Planned an entire night out. Dinner at our favorite restaurant. Where I didn't care how many calories I ate! We completely indulged. Dessert and all! And off we went. Let me tell you, I COMPLETELY enjoyed the concert! I don't know if I was more excited to see Brad Paisley, or The Band Perry. Both were AMAZING!!!



We'd never seen The Band Perry perform live before. I was hoping it was going to be good. They're one of my favorite bands! And honestly, the reason we were going to this concert. When The Band Perry performed...I LOVED IT! This was the first time, that I've seen them live. And I want to see them again. :) They were that good! I just love Kimberly's hair! It's so fun! And let me tell you, I've had all these emotions going on this week. Well, during The Band Perry's show, I sang, danced, cried, and laughed! It really was a good show!



We've seen Brad Paisley in concert a few times now. I'm positive, that he just gets better with every show! We had a blast! Singing and dancing to our favorite songs. It didn't hurt, that we got to enjoy the concert, with some of our closest friends. :)

Scotty McCreery performed too. He was good. But not the reason we were there. I guess I'm just neutral when I talk about him. Mainly, because I've only heard 1 of his songs, prior to the concert. But I bet he turns into a big star. He's just got the making of one.
Date night, was just what Billy and I needed. We even ended up, staying at our favorite B&B. My parents were so incredibly generous. And stayed with our kiddos late, today. It was the perfect way, for me to start recharging my batteries.

Billy and I, agreed, we need to do this for both of us. And a lot more often. It will make us a happier, and ultimately, more loving couple. And in return, better parents to our kids. Even better role models. It's amazing how a little dressing up, dinner for 2, and a concert, can make you feel like your old self again!

~Manders

Filet Crochet Bunny Blanket Crochet Along

Do you remember when Lola and I hosted a "Crochet-Along" last year? We'd always planned on doing another one. Hoping that we could "get it together," last Fall. But it just didn't happen. Very unfortunate. Never fear, Lola and I are finally planning our 2nd one. :)

Let me tell you, it wasn't easy, finding a pattern. There are so many free patterns available, that we just couldn't decide on one. But guess what? We picked one. Perfect for spring and Easter! The Filet Crochet Bunny Blanket.



Isn't it adorable? We picked this pattern for a few reasons. It's not a difficult pattern. It's absolutely adorable! And it can easily be used for Easter, Spring, or a baby. I don't know about you, but I've been invited to so many Baby Showers lately! I would LOVE to make this blanket, for one of them. :)

Are you interested yet? If you are, please leave a note here, or on Lola's blog. You can also email either one of us. My email is MandersinLove (at) yahoo (dot) com. Lola's is SweetNightingaleSing (at) gmail (dot) com.

This will be a fun project to work on. The way we have it planned out, every week, we'll work on a small section. Every Sunday, Lola and I, will post that week's plan/goal. For example, next week, will be week 1. When we buy our supplies. If everything goes as planned, our blankets should be done, by April 1st!

I hope that some of you are interested. Because it's really a lot of fun. Doesn't it always seem to be more fun, to work on these projects, with other people? Well, if you're interested, I hope to hear from you!

~Manders

New in 2012: Box Play for Kids

Not long ago, my sister-in-law and I were talking. I swear to you, Robbie is obsessed with boxes! For Christmas it's ALL he wanted to play with. Every time we get a package, he just wants the box! My SIL was telling me, that her sons are the same way.

My SIL made a wonderful discovery last year. Box Play for Kids. Have you heard about them? It's a company, that sells stickers. Not just any stickers. But stickers to put on boxes, egg cartons, milk cartons, and toilet paper rolls. Which turn the boxes into new toys! Yes, they are adorable! And guess what, my SIL sent my kiddos a bunch! This is what we got to try out this week! Just look at what we got. :)



Remember, they were mostly for Robbie. My boy. So this tractor was just perfect! And only $5. It's made for hours, and hours of good playtime!



How about a cow? Around our family, this is the best $8 you could spend! We're all about farm animals!



Let's play doctor. This eye chart is too cute! And just $6. I can hear my twins, for hours, playing with this box. I'm not lying. They even hold a cup over one eye! :)



How about a $5 piano? This is one of Abby's favorites! She sings to herself, and pretends to play. She even tells Billy, that she's practicing to be in the BBs!!!



A $5 camera! This one, all 3 of my kids love! I'm kinda of wanting to order a couple more of these. Because they go around, "snapping pictures," all day long!



How about bowling? This set is only $4! And has given our family, hours of fun. We actually got 3 sets of these. And set it up, in our hallway. Literally, our kids could play for hours!



An $8 pink refrigerator. Where was this, when we were buying stuff for Lauren's Little Pink Playhouse? Could have saved us some serious money!



How about a Bento Box for pretend play? This one is $6. And I see Lauren and Abby "feeding" their babies for hours and hours. So cute!



I'm not going to lie, after my SIL told me about this website, I went to peak around. I bookmarked it. And said I was going to order a few things. That was before the holidays. And just the other day, I was thinking about this website. And I figured that I'd order some stuff, for Easter.

But after we got our gifts, I went back to the website. I'm telling you, my kids are in LOVE with these stickers! And guess what I found? Some free Valentine's! Immediately, I downloaded the file. This was one of the gifts we gave our kids. :) Filled with lots of goodies. I also made some, for our friends' kiddos!

Who in the world, would have thought, my kids would LOVE these so much! I'll never look at a toilet paper roll the same way again. Never! Are there any fun toys or crafts, that you've found. Or think we should take a look at. Please let me know!

~Manders

Remembering Those Days...

Have you ever read Sarah's blog? It's one of my favorites. I've been reading it for a while now. And I've blogged about Sarah before. She is expecting her first baby, baby Jane. Any day, Sarah's sweet girl, will be here. But when I saw this picture, it got me thinking...



I was thinking about that time, right before Lauren was born. I was super excited! I knew that I was having a little girl. And I would dream about her. Dream about all the fun we'd have. The time we'd spend together. All the cuddling we'd do.

At the same time, I was miserable. Everything hurt. I was beyond uncomfortable. I wanted to have my baby. I wanted to feel normal again. To see my feet. I was getting anxious. I started to think, about all the things I didn't know. How in the world, was I going to get through this...

Those last few days, were the hardest. I didn't know what to expect. I was feeling horrible. I was silently, having these meltdowns in my head. I was somewhere between being pregnant, and being a real mommy. I'd felt like a mom, since the day I found out I was pregnant. But I really hadn't experienced everything that the label meant. Not yet.

I've been thinking about Sarah a lot. Praying for her. I don't know her. I've posted a comment here and there. Sent her a handful of emails. But I really don't know her, beyond her blog. But being a mommy, just makes you want to support, the newest members, into our little club.

It's funny. Those last few days, before my baby was born, seemed like forever. But there's something about them, that I'd like to experience again. Something that was so magical. Unknown. And peaceful. I hope that Sarah, can find some of that same peace too!

~Manders

Being Honest with Me

My kiddos, my gifts from God, have been in bed, for less than an hour. My hubby, the sweet man that I love, is hard at work. He's finalizing all these plans, for a work trip. That we're leaving on, this weekend. And I'm sitting here, feeling incredibly lost...

If you've noticed, I've blogged more this week, than I usually do. I'm feeling a bit lonely. A bit lost. A bit...well I can't put my finger on it. My life, is everything I've ever wanted. Plus more! I have this incredible man that I love. And whom I know, loves me in return, more than any one person can love. We have 3 amazing, and healthy children. A beautiful home. Food on our table. Health. A good and steady income. Which these days, is not common.

Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful for all these things. But something is missing. And I can't put my finger on it. I just don't know what it is. But it's bothering me. Do you ever feel this way?



I think I've been panicking about things, that I just can't control. We were supposed to go to Texas this Friday, but it just didn't work out. And you know what, it really bothers me. I was looking forward, to spending time with Billy's family. And I was honestly, looking forward to spending some time on the Ranch.

Lizzie and I, just haven't been spending much time together. I know. We're both married now. We live about 90 minutes away, from one other. But I miss my sister. The weather hasn't helped either. It makes the roads bad, and then neither of us, wants to travel. Even when we've planned to.

Speaking of the weather, it's also made me a bit sad. Or restless. Maybe both. The kids and I leave to take Lauren to school. But we only get out of the car to take her inside. And maybe for a quick run to the grocery store. We then stay inside, all day. Until we go pick Lauren up. There are the drives to church, and dance practice. But that's it.

I'm 100% positive, it's bothering the entire family. But it's been so cold. And more windy than normal. The wind is so strong. I know the twins can't handle it. Heck, I have to carry them, when it gets real bad. Because they just can't stand up. My poor babies!

But all these things are wearing on me. I can feel it. I'm so tense. I can't turn my thoughts off. I almost feel like I'm panicking. Somewhere deep down inside. It's so nuts, that I was literally mad at the TV, on Monday night. Because we weren't getting a signal. The weather was that bad. Our kiddos were asleep. The internet connection was weak. Billy was working. I just got frustrated, and went to bed. I wasn't even sleepy!

Today, I called my friend. Lola always has this amazing outlook on life. If you read her blog, or have the pleasure of knowing her, you know what I mean. :) She's positive, during the worst of times. She has had to battle cancer, off and on, for a few years now. And she never once, gets mad. Or asks why. She just smiles, and looks for the good in life.

I knew, in my heart and soul, that I needed to talk to her. I spent the twins' nap time on the phone. Telling her what was going on. How I was feeling. And she just listened. Reassured me, as I cried. And in the end, she had some words, that just hit home.

What did Lola tell me? To just hand over my burdens to God. To pray. To pray hard. With my entire body, mind, spirit, heart, and soul. Just pray. And really mean it. To ask God, to carry some of these burdens, as I work through them. One at a time. And to talk to Billy. I've been bad about that. I've been keeping all this inside. He knows that something is bothering me. But I just refuse to burden him.

I know this is wrong. He's my husband. My partner. The man that has promised, to go through life, by my side, loving me. I know this. But sometimes, I just don't want to bother him. Then Lola reminded me of this guy. And how he has this incredibly crazy schedule. Lives in the spotlight. And that she still turns to him. When things are too tough for her, she leans on him. And he loves more for it. Happily helping her, through some of her toughest problems.

Lastly, she reminded me of my 3 beautiful babies. My entire life revolves around them. I remember as a little girl, praying to God, to let me be a mommy one day. And my dreams came true. I was blessed with 3 beautiful and healthy children. That love me. And have taught me so much. I need to remember that. Remember that they're the reason, I push forward.

Earlier tonight, I talked to Billy. Really let him know what was bothering me. Sure, we were doing the dishes. And the kids were watching a movie. But I just needed to get it out. I even called my mom, as Billy took the kids a bath. It helped so much!

In the end, I realize, that I haven't been taking care of me. I've forgotten about myself. I've neglected myself. Put me, last. And if I'm going to be 100% for my family, I need to take care of me. I need to do things, that are going to make me a whole and happy person.

To be honest, all those things that I really enjoy, I've let go of. I can't even tell you, when I last went shopping for me. I have no clue! I used to go browse through the makeup, clothes, and shoes. These days, I buy makeup when I'm going to be working. I shop for clothes, because I absolutely need them. Nothing is getting done out of pleasure.

My days of leisurely reading...I don't know what happened to them. I have a pile of magazines, that I haven't even touched! I have 4 books that I started, and still haven't made it past the 3rd chapter. I just don't do things for me.

Billy and I have talked about this. And we've made a deal. Granted that Lizzie feels the same way. At least once a month, he's going to play Mr. Mom. Just for the day, all day! So I can go see my sister. Nothing too crazy. Just lunch and talking. Billy will stay home with the twins, and get Lauren to school. And dance practice.

I think part of my anxiety is, I've been thinking a lot about my brothers. Robert has really been on my mind. I don't know what it is. Maybe the fact that Robbie acts and looks, just like my brother. Maybe I feel guilty. You know, because I have this amazing life. One that he never got to experience. And I stress about my little brother. When will he return to the USA? He's in the Marines. And is still at war. I worry about him all the time!

I've had a lot on my mind. I don't want to burden my friends. Or my family. But I'm realizing, I can't do this on my own. I know that Sals has her hands full. But I definitely know, she gets this mommy stress. I need to not be afraid, to talk to her. I need to make more time, to talk with Lola. She always keeps my head on straight.

Bless you, if you've made it this far. I rarely, if ever, blog like this. I find blogging to be fun. It's something I do, to make myself feel better. I want to add positive thoughts to the world. I want to share things with my readers and friends. Not burden them!

I miss blogging about silly things...like makeup, shopping, and other hobbies of mine. I need to get back to that. Carve out a little space for me. And my interests. I don't want to lose myself. I want to show my kids, that it's important to stay true to yourself. To add things to the world.

Every morning, I start my day, with reading the bible. But I want to add, some more meaningful thoughts. I go to bible study, once a week. And I want to incorporate some of that, into my morning reading. I've also bought a journal. A place to get all those buried feelings and thoughts out. A little more private than my blog. A place, where I can be honest with myself.

I hope I don't scare anyone away. But I just needed to get this out. Sometimes, mommy-hood can get a little overwhelming. A little stressful. And a little lonely. The important thing to remember is, we're not alone. There are so many mommas out there. That are going through the same thing. And we all have God. He's our biggest supporter.

I'm off now. To soak in the tub. With lots of bubbles. And my favorite magazine. Something I haven't done, in so very long! Billy and I, just might get a little crazy, and break out the ice cream too. The best late night snack.

I hope that this post can help someone else. To show you, that we all struggle along the way. That we're not alone. I'm learning, that I can't plan everything. I can't control everything. I'm discovering who I am. And what I really want. What's most important in life. And I know now, that I deserve it. And I need it.

~Manders

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! We have some rather simple plans for today. Billy is making us all breakfast in bed. In fact, I'm supposed to be sleeping still. :) But I could smell the pancakes, and I couldn't will myself back to sleep. I do believe, our kiddos are still snug in their beds.



Lauren has school today. And her goodies are ready to go. We're giving our kids a small treat, and new outfit this morning. And tonight, we've planned an indoor picnic. Spaghetti is on the menu. With these cakes. Which I need to bake! And Lady and the Tramp.

Years ago, we'd plan something crazy. Just my hubby and me. We'd get all dolled up. And hit the town. These days, these simple plans, feel so much more rewarding! Besides, it's all about the people you spend your time with. And I could spend an eternity, snuggling with my hubby and kiddos. Yes, that sounds like heaven to me!

~Manders

My Funny Valentines

This will be the 7th Valentine's Day, that Billy and I celebrate together. :) And I can say this much, I'm more in love with him, with each passing day. I honestly, couldn't imagine what life would be like, without my hubby!

With our itty bitties, it's a little tough for us to get away. Honestly, I don't think either of us wants to leave them. Not even on Valentine's Day! So we've planned some at home fun. Just for our little family!

Billy and I picked up Lady and the Tramp. A movie that our kiddos have been wanting to see. I'm planning a yummy spaghetti dinner. With these cute cakes for dessert. A big bowl of popcorn, with Valentine's M&Ms. And lots of snuggling.

We've made treats for the kids, and decorated the house. Lauren's Valentines for school, are ready. And love is definitely in the air! I can't wait for tomorrow to come. To celebrate this day of love, with my funny Valentines. :)




And this song, ALWAYS reminds me of my amazing hubby. This man that God sent me. To love me. To live this life with. To grow our family together. It's just #7 for us. I can see us celebrating well into our 90s!

~Manders

Fun Dessert!

Do you remember me blogging about Shay? She has this amazing cooking blog! Yum! Well, I was catching up on my blog reading, and I came across this picture.



Conversation Cakes! What a great idea. Now I know, what special surprise, I'm making for my kiddos. On Valentine's Day. I know, they just love them! Now I need to decide, what color to dye them. :)

~Manders

Quick and Easy!

Do you remember when I blogged about Whoopie Pies? Yes, they are a favorite of my family! But I've never made them. Never attempted them. Because, when my mother-in-law makes them, it looks so complicated!

Until now. My sister came to visit us. Actually, she made the trip, to pick up some Valentine's Day presents. Since it was her day off, I convinced her to stay over. You know, we needed some sister time. :)

Lizzie came, with bags of stuff. Bags! She was putting together her hubby's present. My kiddos were so excited! I know that my sister only lives 90 minutes away, but we don't get to see each other, as often as we'd like. Bummer!

Monday was definitely a nice surprise! My kids got some early Valentine's Day presents. There was lots of yummy food, good movies, and lots of laughs. Did I mention that Lizzie is hilarious? 'Cause she is! But guess what else...she brought this with her!




Yes, we made them almost immediately! They were super easy and quick. When did Pillsbury start making these kits? Because they are lifesavers! We tweeked it a bit. Because we felt like strawberry frosting. And Lauren wanted to try some other sprinkles.

I keep thinking about these. The kit made 12 whoopie pies. They were gone by the end of the night. And I want to make more! Um, Lizzie what are you doing this week? This should become a monthly thing, that we do. :)

~Manders

New in 2012: Sew Baby

I had a few things, that I tried out this week. Interesting things. One that I will blog about tomorrow. One that I plan on repeating, very soon! Just thinking about it, makes me hungry!

But this week, the one big thing that I did was...ordering from Sew Baby. I've wanted to get my sewing machine out. And actually make something, for my kids. With their birthdays and Easter, just around the corner, I thought I could attempt one project, for each of them. :) I might be a little over my head. But I could always save them for Christmas 2012.

What did I get? Well, first of all...run to Sew Baby! They have the cutest patterns. Things that I've never seen before. So I ordered 1 pattern, for each of my kids. These are the ones I got...



Abby is so into her dolls right now. Dollhouses are like gold to her! I've been looking for a cute one, for her birthday. Nothing has really caught my eye. Until now. I ordered Little Red's House for Abby.



My boy really enjoys his animals. Walks around telling us what sounds they make. He runs out with Billy, just to say Hi! to our animals. It's so cute! When I found Animals of Hollyhock Farm, I knew it was perfect for Robbie! But it seems a little complicated for me. Maybe I'm just afraid of small things...



And my big girl, she is so in love with dress up, and pretend play. Lauren always has her eyes open. Looking for cute things, to add to her Little Pink Playhouse. I thought Sweets for My Sweet would be perfect!

Sewing still intimidates me. My mom is amazing at it! Lola just makes up her own patterns. And Lizzie's creations are AMAZING! Me? Well, I try. I can hem, do simple mending, and well that's about it. So this is a pretty big deal for me. I'm hoping, to at least have these 3 projects done, by the summer. At the latest! It's all about the little steps. :)

~Manders

Little Polka Dot Tea Set

It's almost been a year, since Maribel got her tea set, from her Nana. AKA T-Lo. It was her birthday present. And immediately, Lauren was in love with it! LOVE! It looked just like this one. By the way, isn't this the cutest?!?!?! (A potential birthday idea.)



Well, we've searched everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE for this tea set! With absolutely no luck. A $5 toy from Wal-Mart. And it's causing so much stress! Lauren doesn't ask for much. Honestly. But this little set, she's been eyeing it for so long! Lola, Sals, Anna Marie, Emmers, Gabi, Crafty Mom, and Lizzie have all looked. With no luck. :(

It's almost Lauren's birthday. And I'd LOVE to give her this tea set. I've searched online, in stores, and at yard sales. With no luck! So I'm turning to you. My dear readers. Have you seen this tea set? I'd be willing to pay you for it. Please, if you can help, please leave me a comment. Thank you all!

~Manders

Smash

Have you happened to catch Smash? It's a new show! On NBC. I'm a HUGE fan of Glee. So when I heard about Smash, I just knew that I needed to watch it. :)



Last night when we watched it, I let our kiddos stay up a little later than usual. They enjoy Glee too! So I thought, this would be something, they'd like. One thing about our family, shows that our kids enjoy, we TiVo. And usually watch the next day, as a family.

This worked at really well. All 3 of our kids, were singing away. Our daughters were dancing too! We're just a very musical family. And enjoy spending time, enjoying music, and shows that celebrate the arts.

I would definitely recommend this show to anyone, who likes Glee. Or even Dancing with the Stars. It left me in such a great mood! And I can't wait until next week's episode. I think Katharine McPhee, finally found a project that really fits her. Perfectly!

~Manders

Planning 2 Birthday Parties

I spent 3 hours, last night, on this website. Trying to get some ideas. My kiddos' birthdays are in a few weeks. About 6 weeks to be honest! And I have absolutely no idea, what kind of party, we're going to have.



I do know, that we'll throw Lauren her own party. And the following weekend, the twins will have theirs. But that's all I know. Last year, Lauren wanted a Cowgirl and Pony party. That just what she got. :) It was really a lot of fun! And we had a cute Barn Animal party for the twins. This year, I'm all out of ideas!

Sals is planning a Sesame Street themed party, for her twins. Such a great idea. Because they LOVE Sesame Street. Me? I have no ideas. AT ALL!!! Lauren has no specific ideas either. Last year, she knew months ahead of time. This year, she just wants a strawberry cake with whipped cream. :)

Do you have any ideas? We'd welcome any suggestions! Any! To be 100% honest, I'm leaning towards a ballerina or dress up party for Lauren. She's big into both of those areas. And I think that she'd enjoy it. For the twins...I have no idea. What kind of party can I throw my sweet babies?

~Manders

New in 2012: Wicked

Week 5 of our project was so fun! Billy and I appreciate live shows. Of all different types. But we hadn't yet been to a musical. And I really wanted to see one. For a long time, I've been searching for the right show to go see.

It was like all the stars lined up. And we were asked to go to opening of Wicked this week! We went with a group of our friends. And we had a blast! The evening started out with a private dinner. Oh it was yummy! Then it was off to the theater!



I've always been a fan, of the Wizard of Oz. ALWAYS! But Wicked is such a fun spin on things! We were all so mesmerized! Yes, even the guys were into it. Which sorta shocked me. Who would have thought? But it was a great show! And was such a grand evening.

One day, I'd love to take our kids, to see a musical. I know that Lauren would enjoy it so much! The costumes are so beautiful. The music is amazing! And the entire experience, was much more than I'd ever thought it could be.

If you ever have the chance, I'd recommend that you go see Wicked. Or any musical for that matter. I'm already dreaming up the next musical that we can go to!

~Manders

Yum!

When I first met Billy, he always talked about Whoopie Pies. I honestly didn't know, what in the world they were. My entire life changed, in more ways than one, when I met Billy's family. I always remember meeting my mother-in-law. She came, with a HUGE tray of whoopie pies. And a HUGE hug! And these little desserts, they were delicious!

Every time we see Billy's mom, she greets us with a different variety. All yummy! But for some reason, I've never tried making them. Maybe I worry, that mine won't be as good as hers. And to be honest, I've never wanted to learn how to make them. Until now. When I read this recipe.



Don't these whoopie pies look so yummy? I think so. And I want to try them out this weekend. I'm thinking, if they turn out well, this would be perfect for Valentine's Day! More specifically, for Lauren's class. I think she'd enjoy talking these to school. With her little cards. By the way, if you haven't read Shay's blog, you are missing out! There are so many great recipes there!

~Manders