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

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