New in 2012: Ball Bunting

I'll be the first one to admit it. I adore bunting and garlands. Adore them!! Like our entire home is covered in fresh garland and lights, from mid November to mid January. I spend hours and hours on Pinterest, looking for new buntings and garlands. I look for any excuse to put them up. Like one made out of cupcake liners. :)

Recently, I was on Pinterest. Looking for a new idea. And that lead me to this blog. And this post. Wow! Something about it, called to me. And I knew, I needed to make it. :)

Let's take a side "trip," right here. I adore that Jessica has decorated Harper's nursery, for Christmas. It's just so adorable! But I might be a little more excited then most. Remember Lauren's adventure. Ya, the twins are totally into decorating this year too! We just adore decorating for holidays!

This year, we let our twins pick out Christmas decorations for their room. To be like Lauren. :) Yes, it happened back in October. The people at Hobby Lobby thought we were nuts! But I had to do it. We LOVE the holidays too much.

Our little project, started before we headed to Texas. And headed to Hobby Lobby. Everyone picked their "colors." Lauren went with pink and red. I wouldn't expect anything less. Although, the red shocked me a bit. Maybe Marissa, is now having some influence on Lauren and her "pinkness!" Abby, got lavender and pink. And Mr. Robbie, he went with red and blue. :)

I don't know how this garland was made. But I bought 2 packages, of each color of pom-poms. And a long "doll making" needle. I consulted with my bestie, and my momma. And packed up my supplies. Headed to Texas, for Thanksgiving with Billy's side of the family. :)

I've spent the last 2 nights working on our buntings. After the kids go to bed, and it's just us adults chatting. I pull out this crazy long needle, lots of thread, and bags of pom-poms. I've got 4 done. 2 to go. Fingers crossed, tonight, after the kiddos are asleep....I will finish!

Hopefully, by the time we get home, everything will be done! And my kiddos will have some more "charm" for their rooms. I'm hoping to make a few for my office/studio. Maybe a strand of each of pink, black, and white. How fun!

~Manders

Happy Easter!

Our family wanted to wish all of you, a very Happy Easter! What a blessed day this is! We're looking forward to celebrating our dear Lord. And spending plenty of time, with our family and friends!

I just might have baked a few of these cakes. And have tons of food, for later. The Easter bunny has visited. And we have our Sunday Best ready! Our family from Texas, has been visiting. And we hope to have an amazing day with them! Happy Easter!

~Manders

New in 2012: Bunny Cake

My new thing this week, was making this Bunny Cake. I'm not a "fancy" baker. I make cupcakes, pies, cookies, cakes, etc. But nothing too fancy. Not shaped. Not bunnies. No fancy piping.

But this week, a few friends and I, decided to meet for a "Lunch and Play Date." For us and our kids. And I wanted to make something fun. Interesting. And something "Spring-y."

Lola pointed me to this recipe. Which was amazing! Now I feel like, I should have been doing this years ago! There were a few "challenging" things, but it was overall super easy! How could it not be? You use a box cake, and store bought frosting!



The thing I learned about making this cake was, to be a little patient. :) And to bake it, when my kiddos were napping. That worked perfectly! After I baked the cake, and "shaped it," I stuck it in the freezer. Just like the instructions said. It made frosting, and decorating it, so much easier!

Now that I've tackled one cake, I might try something else! I don't know. Something fun for Mother's Day. But I know one thing, I'll definitely be baking this cake, for Easter. I'm sure my family will enjoy it!

~Manders

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patty's Day! Do you have any special plans? Well, we did. Until Wednesday. When we found out, Lauren had to dance. It was a last minute thing. So it put a wrench in our plans. But that's OK. We all enjoy, watching her. She's seriously, the cutest little dancer, that I've ever seen! :)

We are starting our day with green pancakes. Yum! Billy has actually, just headed down to the kitchen. And our kiddos, are all half asleep. Just climbed into Mommy and Daddy's bed, for Saturday morning cartoons. How else, would you start St. Patty's Day?



After Lauren performs, we're going to my friend's Baby Shower. She expecting her 3rd baby. Her 1st little girl! Talk about an excited lady! :) And we get to see Lola again! She's hosting the shower.

Then the whole "Birthday Party Schedule," sorta fell through. Because of this dance thing. And Spring Break. And my In-Laws can't come. Oh, and the Rodeo next weekend. That means, Sals is going to have her 2 parties next weekend. And I'll have our 2, the following weekend. Gives me a few more days, to finish up my projects!

It's not all bad news. Just a few complcations. But nothing, that we can't deal with. I'd rather postpone, and have my In-Laws here. It wouldn't be the same, without them. And this way, I can help Sals.

My girls and I, are sporting our green nails. And we've all, picked out something green to wear. Billy and Robbie have big plans today. To go help J, with a project. I'm not exactly sure of the details. But it's "Guy Time." That I'm sure, they're all excited about!

I better get going. I have lots of cuddling to do! With my 3 kiddos. Before breakfast is ready. And our day really begins. Happy St. Patty's Day, from our house, to yours!

~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

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

A Christmas Creed

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ,
and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town;
and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world,
in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room,
and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored,
and the proud could never understand;
whose life was among common people,
whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms,
whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth,
who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them,
who by love brought sinners back to purity,
and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God:
The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed,
the need of new life for empty souls,
the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.
I believe in Jesus,
the son of the living God,
born in Bethlehem this night,
for me and for the world.

Recently, I found this Christmas Creed. I printed it out, and placed it in a beautiful frame. On our mantel. I wanted to share it with you. In hopes, that it might speak to your soul too.

~Manders

Happy St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patty's Day! Is it funny that I'm so excited about this holiday? I find now that I'm a mommy, I really enjoy every holiday. It's just so fun to get "into the holidays" with kids. I know, I'm probably a little crazy. But I'm excited about making my kids green pancakes today. And dressing up in green. It's just fun! I hope everyone gets some time to enjoy today. The twins and I are going to join Lauren at her Dance Class party. I'm thinking, this is going to be fun. :)

~Manders

Nautical Dishcloths

I saw these dishcloths, and immediately thought of the 4th of July! Aren't they just fun? I need to find some cotton to crochet with. Because I'm absolutely making myself some! How fun would that be? If you like these, go to Free Patterns today for the pattern!

~Manders

Egg Animals

How adorable are these little guys? Can you tell? They're Easter eggs! Yes, little animals crocheted around Easter eggs. Lauren has requested 2 of each one set for her. And one for Maribel. I guess I should get started on them. Let's hope I can figure them out before Easter. If you'd like this pattern. Go to Free Crochet today, it's the free pattern of the day.

~Manders

Bunny Baskets

I was so excited to see these little baskets today! These Bunny Baskets are the free pattern today at Free Crochet. Just adorable! I've got to read the pattern. But I'd like to make one for each of my kids. I just can't help but smile when I look at them. :)

~Manders

Happy Valentine's Day!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day! Around here, plans are simple. I have the best, 4 Valentines that anyone could ask for. Our day is going to be perfect! Now I'm off to go make heart-shaped pancakes. For the loves of my life. Happy Valentine's Day!

~Manders

Abby's Baby

Since I told you about Lauren and Robbie's favorite Christmas presents, I wanted to show you Abby's. Funny how she is just "Over the Moon" about this little dolly! I just love "baby's" hair. :)



Abby got this doll from her Godmother (Nana) for Christmas. This cuddle-y dolly is just Abby's favorite thing ever! She has to have her baby with her at all times. To sleep, to go in the car, to go everywhere and anywhere that we go!

My little girl is a very simple gal. I'm thinking that she is already so much like her Nana. Easy going, loving, and just 100% incredible! My favorite, is to watch Abby with her baby. She gives her lots and lots of loves. Plenty of sloppy, "baby kisses." And just tons and tons of big 'ol hugs!

It's funny how different, yet similar our kiddos are. I really enjoy spending this time with them. Watching them grow and love. And just seeing them play. They love each other. And they are all so independent of one another. It's really amazing! Thanks Lola for Abby's present. I'm sure that Abby's baby will be with us for a very, very long time!

~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

Children's Nativity Scene

With Christmas just around the corner, our house is completely decked out! Those are Billy's words, not mine! But we have everything up. It looks beautiful. :)



And the newest addition to our decorations, this cute Nativity Scene that my parents bought the kids. It's "Child Friendly." And just perfect. In fact, my parents read to the kids tonight. From their "Children's Bible." And all 3 of our kids held tight to a few pieces. I can see this set getting used plenty while they are growing up! Definitely an addition to our holiday traditions.

~Manders

She Dreams of Pink Christmas Trees

If you're looking for my giveaway, it's right here. Also stop by my friend Lola's giveaway and Mrs. S's giveaway.

Now on to today's blog post...

We're home. Be it for just a few days. But we are home! Hooray! And earlier when my kiddos were napping, I was doing a bit of online browsing. and trying to get some holiday shopping done. We're not going to talk about the fact that my kids don't have an presents yet. Or why we just bought a Christmas tree. No, we're not going to talk about it...

Billy was trying to get our Christmas tree into the stand and upright. It smelled so beautiful! I love fresh cut trees. And Miss Lauren sleepily walked into the family room. I was on the sofa. Like I said, trying to get some holiday stuff done. And I have to admit it, I was looking for some Christmas decoration inspiration. :)

Well, Lauren spotted this Christmas tree. I tried to post a picture, but I couldn't. So I posted the link. I do have to admit it, it's beautiful. And magical. But I don't think Billy would be too excited about a pink Christmas tree. I'm also positive that our fresh tree wouldn't glow in the same way either.

But Miss Lauren was so enchanted with the idea of a pink Christmas tree. And after a google search, I could see her little eyes twinkling. My little girl wanted a pink Christmas tree. This picture, it just took her over the top. I think the small size had her the most excited!



The next thing I knew, she was running across the room to her Daddy. Telling him all about the pink Christmas trees. And how she wanted one. Billy got this defeated look on his face. Probably because he had wrestled with our Christmas tree for over 2 hours. This HUGE tree that will probably take 2 days to decorate.

Before I knew it, the two of them were coming up with a "deal." Yes, Billy was on his laptop searching for pink Christmas trees. One thing to note, we live in a small town. Not too many big stores around. Beyond Target, Wal-Mart, and Hobby Lobby we don't have a big selection of Christmas decorations. But don't fret. They found one at Wal-Mart.

Billy got on the phone. And he managed to get one put on hold. Yes, we went to Wal-Mart. For the most precious 3 or 4 foot pink Christmas tree. Lauren picked out a few ornaments. Then we headed to Target. We found some really cute ornaments there too. Our last stop was at Hobby Lobby. For some pink twinkle lights. and a tree skirt.

By the time we got home, because we had to eat dinner before going shopping, we were all tired. Lauren and the twins fell asleep, in the car, on the drive home. And as we got the kids ready for bed, Lauren asked to have all her bags in her room. She nicely stacked everything. Billy managed to take out the lights and plug them in. As I type, my little princess is sleeping soundly. Her pink twinkle lights are wrapped around her princess vanity.

It really is the sweetest thing. We don't spoil our kids. Honestly we don't. But with all of this traveling, and our failure to actually decorate, and get ready for the holiday, we felt like Lauren deserved a little tree. It honestly didn't cost too much. I'm pretty sure that the tree was $15, the lights were $10 (we bought 5 strands), and all the ornaments were under $20.

But to see her so happy, that was worth it. And this is a treat that she can have for years! Lauren is one of those little girls, that just loves to decorate her room for all the holidays. And for Billy, I'm pretty sure that had Lauren really wanted a big pink Christmas tree, he would have figured it out. Probably spray painted our Christmas tree or something.

Those were our adventures. That all came after a morning filled with traveling. We're home. For a few days. But we're home. Tomorrow Lauren has her dance class. That will give me some time to go shopping. And I'm sure our afternoon and evening will be filled with decorating our house. I'm really excited!

But I should get going. I'm falling asleep. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, and Lola's, and Mrs. S's. I actually bought one of Mrs. S's scarves for myself. It's a pink scarf, all different colors of pink. It's really a beautiful scarf, and so soft. They're silk! So I'll be entering her giveaway to try and win another one too. :)

~Manders

Gingerbread House

If I could just crochet. You know, really crochet. I'd make this. I think it would be fun to put in our house for the holidays. What do you think? Well, this is the free pattern of the day at Free Patterns. Hurry and download it! It just makes me so happy to look at. You know, I guess I'm dreaming of Christmas. :)

~Manders

Smashbox Burlesque Set

I've had a few friends ask me about the holiday collections that are coming out. One that I would not pass up, would be the Smashbox "Burlesque Set."



Especially if you've never tried Smashbox Cosmetics. This is a GREAT buy! And you get a little of everything. I personally have this case. And I'm a fan. It's a great buy, and you get to play with so much makeup! I'd say, add it to your "Santa Wish List."

~Manders