They're So Special

We spent the better part, of last week, in Las Vegas. The band was performing. We were getting to meet up with a some of our friends people. And these ones too! It was a nice week. I did miss Lauren. Now that she's in school, it's so hard to travel with her. We don't want her to miss school. So she gets to hangout with my parents.

But there was something about being in Las Vegas. And working this event. With all this glitz and glam. That got me thinking. I want my girls to be confident in themselves. To not depend on makeup, hair, jewelry, clothes, men. I want them to know, each of them are so special. So unique. And amazing. Just because they are, who they are.

I guess I'm feeling this way, because they are getting older. Robbie walks around, like his daddy. Super confident. He ALWAYS tells us, he's going to be like daddy. Work on the Ranch. Be a daddy. Have a wife. Now I know, my boy is only 2 years old. But he's got his plan going. I'm sure, he'll probably change his mind. A 100 times, before he gets "there." But he has a clue.

I want Lauren and Abby to have that same confidence. To know, they don't need to be like a model. Or an actress. That they are perfect the way they are. That they can be mommas like me. Or be like T-Lo, and become doctors. That they can do anything.

Everyday, our little girls are hammered with so many ads, magazines, images that are not real. I don't want my daughters to think only of labels, pounds on a scale, boys, and the such. It makes me realize more and more, that I need to set this example for them.

They know that momma doesn't always wear makeup, dress up, or even do her hair. But that I do these things for myself. To feel better. To have fun. That buying all this makeup, is not normal. But my job. I want them to have confidence in themselves.

More importantly, I want them to turn to God. Ask him for guidance. To know that magazines, aren't about "real life." Just fun stuff. That we should weigh more than 100 lbs. That drinking and getting arrested are not the "normal." I want them to know, they don't need all of these things. Because they're already so special! I want my girls to know this. We love them. Just the way they are!!

~Manders

If I Could Knit...

I'd make this Bunny Hat and Booties set. So adorable!! Couldn't you just see a precious baby girl, in this hat. And these booties, are just too cut for words! If I could knit, I'd make this, for a sweet baby girl. That is soon to make her appearance in our family!

~Manders

Bones

I've waited and waited. And waited some more! I've been so patient! And Monday night, didn't disappoint! Not one bit!!



Did anyone else catch Bones? It was so good! And I hope this means, a few more seasons. :) I can't wait to see how Bones, really interacts with Baby Christine.

Funny thing is, I never watched this show. Not until about a year ago. When Lola got me hooked. Then I suddenly had to watch every episode. I've seen them all twice! And now, I'm hooked! What's one of your favorite, must see TV shows?

~Manders

Big Girl Shoes

Recently, I was searching the internet. For a little inspiration. A little fun. Something to add to my wardrobe. And this is what I found...



Oh wow! The perfect shoes! With a CRAZY price tag attached. I'd LOVE this shoes. Maybe in another lifetime. Because I just can't get past that price tag!

Pink, sparkly, red bottoms, high heels...what more could you ask for? If I had a pair of these, I'd be a little worried, that I'd on my way to Baby #4! :) But aren't they gorgeous?!? One can dream....

~Manders

Crochet Along: Week 6

Welcome Back! It's our last week,of this Crochet Along. And I for one, am very excited! How about you? Our goal for the week, is the edging. :) That's it! And we're done with our Bunny Blankets!!!

Lola has been working on 2 separate blankets. And finished 1, over the weekend. Lola will be posting some tips, for the edging today. I'd definitely go over to her blog, to read up. I'm sure it will be helpful, before you start your edging.



This has been a very fun project to work on! And I can't wait, to wrap up my blanket, for a precious new baby! Hopefully, very soon, Lola and I will get another Crochet Along started. If you're interested, come back soon. Please send us your project ideas! We'd love to hear all about them. Now, all that's left, is to finish our blankets. And enjoy them! Thanks for all the fun! :)

~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

If Only I Could Find This Dress...

I'd be such a HAPPY Lady!!! I just LOVE this dress. I found it, somewhere on Pinterest. But there was no source. Now I can't even find that Pinterest source. And I've spent way too many hours, searching for this dress! But I can't help myself! I just adore the color, style, and print of this dress. If only I could find it!

~Manders

Eyelet Love!

I have a little confession to make. I've been searching, for an eyelet dress, for a while now. More than a year, to be honest. It all started when I saw my sister, wearing on. It was last summer. And she paired it, with some roughed up boots, and turquoise jewelry.

Since then, I've been wanting, a similar dress. Well, sort of. I was looking for something a little more, simple. I've always liked eyelet. In fact, my daughters, each have 5 dresses, made of eyelet! So I searched. With not luck. Until, I went shopping at Forever 21! And I found my dress!



The best part, it was on sale for $15. I've found it here, listed for $27.80. I don't think, I've been this excited about clothes, in years! Let's not tell Billy, I bought a few more things too! OK, a lot of stuff. As in 4 bags. :) But honestly, I had just cleaned out our closet. And was left with little clothes for summer. Oh, it was a good trip to Forever 21!

~Manders

Crochet Along: Week 5

Hi Crochet Along Pals! How are your blankets going? Mine is going well. I'm actually +5 rows right now. I got lots of crocheting done, while traveling this weekend. :)

This week is big! We're working on rows 67-87. That's our last "bunny block!" Essentially, the same set of work, that we did Week 3. At the end of this week, we'll be done with the blocks!



I'm very excited. Actually, the baby I'm making this for, is almost here. So I better get working! Life has just been so busy. Literally, the second half of March, is always crazy for us! Our 3 kids have birthdays. We have a lot of traveling. And many of our friends' kids have birthdays too! Hopefully, I get my blanket finished. :)

~Manders

New in 2012: Easter Shapes Bows

Recently, I've been searching on Etsy a lot! Because I had a lot of shopping, for my kiddos' birthdays to do. :) That's when I came across something very fun! And I just had to have them. For my girls! But the shop is on "vacation." And I didn't know of a way to get in touch with the seller....



Just look at this cute bunny hair clip. Perfect for Easter! Perfect for my girls. Heck, I would even wear it. :)



And this chickie. Oh, she is cute! Abby absolutely fell IN LOVE with it! So much, she even told J. :)

Well, I couldn't find the seller. I googled lots of things. That's when I found the blog, to go with the shop! I was so excited! I also found something fun....



A tutorial for this egg clip. :) Oh yes, I did! I've never worked with ribbon. Honestly, I'm one of those people, that get suckered into paying $12-15 a bow. It's crazy!

I once bought a tutorial set, on eBay. For bow making. There were 3 or 4 booklets, full of tutorials. Great tutorials! I bought them, while I was pregnant with Lauren. And I NEVER made one!

I half heartily tried to make one. But I got frustrated. It probably wasn't wise, to make the bows outside. On a pretty breezy day. I'm just saying, it wasn't a good mix. Then, I'd go shopping with my MIL and SIL, and they'd just buy a bunch of bows. Lauren was well stocked. With genuine Texas sized bows!

When we came back, Lauren was just weeks old. I started buying the bows online. And in little shops. I never attempted bow making again. It's sad, but true. Later, when Abby was born, Lauren had plenty to share! And my love of Etsy provided the rest! :)

Well, when I saw this tutorial, I just had to try it. I bought a bunch of ribbon. Way more than I'd need. :) And one of those nifty tools, that Kyla used. And I sort of prayed, that the Funky Polka Dot Giraffe would open. And soon!

But it didn't. So on Tuesday night, after our kiddos were in bed, I started. And it didn't take too long. I'm sure, my 2 bows in 1 hour, is way longer than most. But they were my 1st 2 bows. By the end of the news, I had a bow for each of my daughters. I was so excited!

Billy encouraged me. He told me, "I bet you could make those other 2. They don't look much different from that egg. Ya know what I mean?" I did. Basically, the chick has a head a wings, plus that egg that I already made. And the bunny is just a head with big ears, and that same egg.

Last night, I sat down again. And in 90 minutes, I made 2 bunnies, and 2 chicks. :) I was over the moon, in excitement! Lauren and Abby wore their chicks today. And Lauren asked me, to make one for Maribel. Her BFF! Let's just say, my daughters were so happy! And they now think, I can hang the moon.

This was one fun experience. And I honestly can't wait, to make more creations. :) I even dug out those old tutorials, that I had bought. I have a feeling, that I'll be buying much more ribbon, in my near future. Especially, since my daughters like their bows. I'm really glad, that I took a second chance at bow making!

~Manders

The Train

A while back, Lola was telling me about this AMAZING train! That is just a few hours away. And they specialize, in a "Child's Ride." On this, real train. An old fashioned train! Lola and this guy, went on the "Adult version," of the train ride. Back in October. And they loved it!



So I did some research. The train runs from the late Spring, well into Fall. And it sounds like a great idea! The regular ride, is an all day adventure. But the "Kid Version," is just an afternoon. After talking with Billy, we made reservations. I'm positive, that the kids are going to love it!

Between, we're going to stay in a cute, mountain town. For a couple of days. And our friends, Sals and David, are also going on the train! I'm not sure, when they booked their trip. But I sorta hope, that we're all going, at the same time. I think it would be so much fun! 8 kids, and 4 adults. On an open car train. In the mountains. I'm already so excited!

And honestly, I can't wait to see Robbie, on the train. I feel like, so much of the time, he gets stuck doing "Girl Things." Because he has 2 big sisters. And much of the time, we're doing things, that Lauren enjoys. This is definitely, a much more "Boy Oriented" activity. But something, that I'm positive, all of us will enjoy! We've already started counting down...we go in June!

~Manders

They're 2!

Dear Abby and Robbie,

Happy 2nd Birthday! We can't believe how quickly, you are growing up. 2 years ago, we welcomed you both, into our family. The perfect fit! The 2 of you, made our family whole, and complete.

We can't get over, how big you are getting. How quickly time is passing. And how much fun we're having! Sometimes, we just want to press "Pause." Because we know, that soon you will be too big for cuddles and butterfly kisses.

2 years ago, we were anxious to meet you. Lauren talked to you both, every day. Telling you, about all the fun, you'd have. And you know what, she was right. What a fun big sister, you guys have. She helps you 2, get into a lot of fun!

Just a year ago, you were both wobbling around. Really trying to master your walking. Today, you both are running full speed! Riding ponies. And showing me, how real cowgirls and cowboys dance!

These 2 years, have flown by! We've made so many memories. And we look forward, to all the memories, that we still have to make! Most of all, we look forward to, watching you 2 grow. And become amazing people.

We know that we're lucky! To be your Mommy and Daddy. That God sent us, 2 of the most perfect souls. And trusted us, to raise you. And shape you. Into beautiful souls. An amazing woman, and man. Your Mommy and Daddy, are trying their best. But most of all, we want you to know, that we'll ALWAYS love you both! Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

~Love, Mommy and Daddy

Oreo Heaven!

I know that I've talked about Shay's blog before. But people, you need to try this recipe! It's so delicious!



You see, almost 2 weeks ago, I was talking to this gal. And we were talking about trifles. Because of Lola. Who just happens to make the best one, that I've ever eaten! Yum!

But Hills was telling me about this Oreo Chocolate Trifle, that Shay posted. Because this guy, happens to really love Oreos!

How did I miss this? I don't know! But I made it yesterday. While Billy made dinner. And oh my goodness, it was so good! I'll admit it, we polished it off tonight. After the kids went to bed! :) I'm telling you, you NEED to try this recipe!

~Manders

Bedroom Ideas

With our "Big Girl," turning 5 yesterday, we've been wanting to do something. Something special! Lauren has pretty much, had the same room, for 5 years. It's beautiful! Lola designed it for us. Sewed everything! Cari painted beautiful murals.

But Lauren is 5 years old. And we think, it's about time, that she got a "Big Girl" room. Something more special. More Lauren. So we talked to Joe. A good friend of ours. Who is also a very talented carpenter! And Lola. A very talented designer, and organizer! We've decided, to give Lauren, a new bedroom.

So I've done a little research. A little digging around. With Lauren a bit. And a bit on my own. And this, is what we've come up with, so far.



Maybe something "Fairy Tale" inspired! Believe it or not, Billy and Joe found this. Lauren LOVES it! And from what Joe told us, this is very doable!



How about a Cinderella carriage? Maybe a little over the top for us! But this definitely reminded me of Sarita!



How about this? Much more Lauren's style! But honestly, would my daughter, ever get rest? Would she sleep? Or would she want to play all night?



This is the same idea, but I think is a little more "sleep friendly." A place that Lauren, could actually sleep! But still have some fun in. :)



Or should we go with something more "Grown Up?" Something that Lauren can "grow into." That say, in 5 or 10 years, she can still use.

So many decisions! But our Big Girl deserves it! We might not know, what the details are. What "theme" we will go with. But Lauren did tell me, it's definitely going to be pink! Oh sweet girl! I wouldn't have thought differently. This from the girl, who dreamt of pink Christmas trees!

What do you think? Are we crazy? Do you have any ideas? I do know, it's not going to be as detailed, as Miss Emma's Snow White room. But it will be something special. Just for Lauren!

~Manders

She's 5!

Dear Lauren,

Happy 5th Birthday! Sweet girl, where has time gone! I still remember you, being in my belly. Kicking and fluttering about. Kicking, when your Daddy asked nicely. And here you are. All grown up. 5 years old, and in school!

The day you were born, was so special. The time, that the 3 of us spent together, was some of the sweetest time. When you took your Mommy and Daddy's hearts. And you've had them, ever since. :)

Lauren, you've taught us so much. About love. And family. You've shown us the world, in a different light. You've softened your Daddy. And taught your Mommy. You Sweet Girl, made us a family. Something, that we will cherish, all our lives!

All those months, when you were growing inside me, I wanted to meet you. We both did. We imagined, what life would be like. But we could never have imagined, just how amazing, our lives would become! How you alone, would change our lives, so very much!

Today you are 5 years old! So big. And special. The most cuddly, soft spoken, loving little girl. Smart as a whistle! With the biggest heart. We are blessed! All of us! You have taught your Mommy and Daddy, how to be a Mommy and Daddy. To love, in such a different, and amazing ways. And no one, is a better big sister!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! We hope that God continues to bless you. To continue, to grow in your heart, and soul. To show you, the good in life. And to help you, to achieve all of your dreams. We LOVE you, more than words can say! Happy 5th Birthday Lauren!!!

~Love, Mommy and Daddy

Crochet Along: Week 4

Hi Crochet Friends! How are you doing? Our blankets are halfway done! I'm so excited! Even my husband commented on my blanket. Saying that I should make one, for our house. :)

This week, our goal is to work on rows 46-66. We'll have 3 "bunny blocks" by next Sunday! What makes me more excited is, I don't have to carry around the pattern. Because this week, is just like Week 1!



On a personal note, it's been a little tough, to stay motivated. I know, that if I'd been working on this alone, I'd have put it down a few times. Between working, party planning, and just life, it's been a little difficult to make time to crochet. Yesterday alone, my daughter had a dance performance. And we had a Baby Shower to go to.

That's why I like the idea, of the "Crochet Along." It keeps you motivated. And moving in the right direction. Have I mentioned all your e-mails? They keep me motivated too! So many great notes. That you all, are enjoying this too!

Well, today, my baby turns 5! And we have a day of fun ahead of us. So I'm almost positive, that my crocheting, is going to wait until tomorrow. Then I'm going to try and jam as much into Monday and Tuesday nights. Because my twins turn 2, on Wednesday. And this week is Spring Break. Oh, so much to do! But I'm determined, to work on my blanket! :)

~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

New in 2012: Our Kids and Opera

The Phantom of the Opera came out Sunday night. The 25th Anniversary of, The Phantom of the Opera. But we were gone working. Before we left, I set our DVR, and recorded it. Knowing that when we got back, I'd watch it over a few nights. After the kids were asleep.

What surprised me was, Billy wanted to watch it. And so did our kids! It happened on Tuesday. I was looking, for a show for the twins. We were getting Lauren ready. And it showed up on the list. Lauren asked about it. And seemed really interested in it. So we agreed, Wednesday, we'd watch it. Together.

I was a little skeptical of our plans. I can't lie. At worst, I thought, I'd watch it later that night. On Wednesday, as the twins napped, I prepared. I got out the new things I'd bought. To entertain my kids. New coloring books, crayons, small games, that kind of thing. Between, I just went to the Dollar Tree, for all of that!

Then I baked some cookies, made sure dinner was coming along in the slow cooker, and looked for snacks. I set up our den, to be "movie ready." But I was still not sure.

By the time I picked up Lauren, and Billy got home, I highly doubted, my kids would sit through this show. And boy was I shocked!



Not only did they sit through it, but they were mesmerized! Didn't make too much noise. Didn't touch all the toys. Just sat there and watched. Honestly, the 5 of us, cuddled on the couch. Almost the entire time. Eyes wide open. Taking in the entire show!

I was shocked. I didn't think my kids, would really be into this show. I didn't think, that almost 2 year olds, would find it interesting. But there was something, for everyone.

I'm positive, that Robbie enjoyed all the "special effects." Which definitely added to the show. Lauren and Abby, were both, really interested in the dancing. Especially, in the beginning. Billy was really into the music. I thoroughly enjoyed the makeup and costumes!

I really thought, that the content, would be a bit much. But the "death scenes," happened quickly. And you didn't really notice, if you weren't really paying attention. Which, my kids were not watching, that closely. When we knew someone would die, we'd distract them. And it was over in a few seconds.

My favorite part of the show, was the encore. At the end. When the older cast, performed. Quite emotional. I will say this, I'm glad that I had recorded it. Because the local channel, was using this, to "collect pledges." It was nice to skip all of that!

This was an interesting experiment. This morning, Lauren asked me, when we could watch another show like that. Interesting. Maybe we can find a "Children's Opera," to take them to. I think that would be a lot of fun.

In case you are interested in seeing the Phantom of the Opera, I'd check PBS. Here's a little clip of the show. And you can definitely check your local listings. Maybe you can catch it this weekend.. It's worth the few hours.

~Manders

Oh So Innocent!

Early this week, Lauren and I, ran into Walgreen's. Billy was home with the twins. And he called me, to ask me, to pick up a few things. Right after Lauren's dance practice, we stopped. The lines were crazy! And these are the times, when I'm grateful for my kids. My easy going, don't throw tantrum kids. :)

Eventually, they opened the register, in the Beauty section. And we headed that way. Lauren had been a doll! Carrying a card we picked up, some cough drops, and a pack of chapstick. The girl, didn't even ask for anything!

This Mommy, was feeling oh so guilty! You see, I was carry milk, bandaids, some chocolate for Billy, and 4 magazines. Of that stuff, only the first 3 were on our list. So I told Lauren, to pick something out. We had 2 people in front of us. So I wasn't worried.

What I hadn't noticed was, Lauren was eyeing the nail polish stash. All the gorgeous colors, lined up. Immediately, she went for this green nail polish.



Her reasoning, it was perfect for St. Patty's Day! Because she has to dance that day. And won't be wearing green the whole time. I think Lauren's worried about getting pinched. So we bought the nail polish. Mommy might have also picked up a new lipstick. :)

What I will say is, my girls LOVE nail polish. We actually have weekly "nail painting" nights! This week, we all went for "Innocent" nails.

2 things about this nail polish. I LOVE the color. It's not a crazy neon. But a nice, bright green. I also love the consistency of the polish. It's really easy to work with. Even with 2 little girls. 2 coats later, we were ready for St. Patty's Day! Between, that was 3 days ago. And there is no signs of chips! Best $2 nail polish, that I know of!

On a quick note, Happy Birthday Cari! We can't wait to celebrate with you. How exciting this day is. The beginning of you, becoming a real "woman." Happy 13th!

~Manders

Working in Las Vegas

For the last few days, we've been in Las Vegas. Mostly for work. The band was performing. And more importantly, we got to spend some time with Lola, Hills, this guy, and this guy. Friends that we don't get to see often.

Working in Las Vegas is always a lot of fun! There are so many fun things to do. With shows every night. Unfortunately, we had to leave Lauren, with my parents. Because she's in school now. But we're lucky. That my parents are able to stay with her. And of course take care of her. Thank you Mom and Dad!

I'm not going to lie, we missed our little girl. But I know she had a great time! With my parents. I have a feeling, that many afternoons, were filled with ice cream and dolls. :)



We did get to take our twins with us. During the day, we enjoyed lots of the sights. The twins are at that age, when they just soak everything up! Our favorite place, was definitely The M&M's World! The bright colors, were an instant hit! And they were mesmerized with the Fountains!

I was lucky too! Anna Marie, watched the twins at night. When I had to go to work. Let me tell you, that was HUGE! Can you just imagine me, trying to do Lola's hair and makeup, with 2 tired kids?

There was a time, when the band worked all the time! Traveled a lot more. But in the last 5 years or so, lots of things have changed. Many of us are now married, with kids. Lola has moved. And well, I think we're all in a new phase of life.

So when we get gigs like this, we all enjoy them. I know, as a group, we could book more gigs. We're asked all the time! But as a group, we find it better, to limit the jobs we work. Right now, our personal lives, mean much more to us. And honestly, I like it that way. Besides, we're all close friends. And see each other weekly, if not daily!

Yes, it's been a busy time around here. But I'm happy to be home. With my kiddos. Doing the "ordinary" things. Like cuddling in bed, watching cartoons. As Billy gets ready for the day. And doing laundry, while making snacks, for my twins. These are the things, that life is made of.

When we're old and gray, I'm sure we'll remember, lots of our gigs. I might even remember the amazing shoes, that I wore Sunday night. To that important party. Right after our show. But it's these "everyday memories," that I'm going to cherish much more!

~Manders