Freshness in this Summer Heat

The heat has been pretty harsh around here. I don't know if it's just me, but this summer seems to be especially hot. Lola had mentioned using this deodorant when I saw her in May. And quite honestly, I was looking for something fun and fresh for the summer.

I bought this 2 days ago. Honestly, it's one of the best deodorants I've used. Because I live in the desert, I feel safe to say that. This is a product that is going to keep you fresh and clean feeling. Even in 100 degree weather. Trust me!

The best part about it, is the slight scent. It's not over powering. But a nice surprise as you move about. There are a variety of scents. But I purchased the "Orange Flower and Cranberry." Again, not over powering, but a nice surprise in the heat.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.

Sound Machine

This is no ordinary lamb. It's a sound machine. And my saving grace. I have to thank my mother-in-law for this beautiful invention. It puts our twins to sleep. And they sleep really well. I even fall asleep some nights to the wonderful noise. :)

For any new parents, this is a must. I don't know where my mother-in-law got it. But it's beautiful! We don't leave home without our little friend. Our sheep has become part of the family!

~Manders

Much Love Illy Giveaway

This shop is just adorable! I really do love everything in it. I can just imagine Lauren wearing some of these cute hair accessories. And there are a few pairs of earrings and a ring that I really like! For a chance to win some goodies from this shop, go to Cakies and enter this giveaway!

~Manders

Lipcolor that Lasts

I always get questions about Lola's makeup. Mostly about the lasting power. Because she works long gigs. Many times, Lola has 4 or 5 costume changes, during 1 show. These are very long shows. Costume changes are less than 2 minutes. Not much time to touch up her makeup.

I rely on long lasting products. One of my favorite products is Covergirl's Outlast lipstain. It comes in a variety of colors. We've tried all of the shades available. They are all beautiful. And are relatively inexpensive. The most expensive I've seen one of these lipstains is $9. Also very easy to find.

I want to share a few tips about wearing a lipstain with you. First, make sure that your lips are exfoliated. And moisturized. Apply a lip balm 10-15 minutes before the lipstain. To ensure that it's completely dry. Before applying the lipstain, ensure that here are no other products on your lips. Like foundation, powder, or facial moisturizers. This will allow the lipstain to set completely.

The application is extremely easy. The marker makes for easy application. And very precise application. If you do happen to make an application mistake, quickly wipe away, before the product dries. If the product does set, use a Q-tip and makeup remover to clean up the mistake.

This is really one of my favorite products to use for Lola. Even for myself. I don't have much time to reapply my makeup with 3 small children. The only downfall to a lipstain is, that it's slightly drying. After the lipstain is completely dry, add a lip balm or clear lipgloss on top. Your lip color will last all day.

~Manders

*FTC: All items have been purchased by me. All my opinions are honest, and I'm not being paid to review these products.

Bunting Pillow Giveaway

I really do adore this pillow. I've been stuck on nursery ideas for the twins. But Lola keeps telling me to go with a white room and colorful accessories. Now that I see this pillow and Armelle's blog, I understand what she's talking about. I really like the idea! If you want a chance to win this pillow, go here and enter this giveaway!

~Manders

A Package

We got a big package in the mail today. So big, the big mail truck came to deliver it. I was surprised. I didn't think Billy had ordered anything. And I knew I hadn't. So I had the mailman put it in the front entry.

I figured, when Billy got home, we'd figure it out. It turned out to be a package from my in-laws. Loaded with gifts! For all of our kids. Lauren was so excited. I don't know if she was more happy over her cowboy boots, or her new doll carriage. I'm thinking this one won out. Being that she's been pushing around all her dolls around the house. I can hear her from the time Billy gets up in the morning, until we tell her it's bedtime.

Who would have thought? She really does love this toy!. And to my in-laws, thanks so much for everything! I promise I'm getting pictures out. I'm just a little slow. But the twins look adorable in all their new western clothes. :)

~Manders

It's Almost Here

My little sister's wedding is just around the corner. I can't believe it! My little sister is getting married! My little brother is getting to take leave to come. We're all so excited! He's been in Iraq for what seems like a decade! The weekend of the wedding is going to be filled with all kinds of love and family time. Including the twins' baptism. :)

I'm very happy though, with all this breastfeeding, I'm losing the baby weight quickly. I'm actually only 5lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight. It's been just over a month. I can't believe it! I eat at least 8 times a day. But with twins, well just trying to feed them takes a lot of calories!

I'm going for a fitting this week. I'm not sure what to expect. I'm almost in my regular clothes. But not my regular bras or tops. It will probably take until after I stop breastfeeding to get there. I'm just praying that this beautiful dress looks nice when I go try it on.

By the way, Lauren is very excited! She is the flower girl. And her dress is just adorable! She also has a fitting this week. It's all she can talk about. The other day, she was practicing with a basket of flower petals my mom bought her from the Dollar Tree. :)

~Manders

Garden Set Giveaway

You know, Lola always finds the best blogs out there! I LOVE that she shares them with us too! This giveaway is from Newly Wife. A great blog! 2 newly married cousins share advice, tips, and recipes. I just love it! I'm definitely going to try a few of their recipes. All the desserts are calling my name!

Newly Wife is currently hosting a series of giveaways. This one is for this cute Garden Set. Don't you just love the apron? I hadn't even though about using an apron to help in the gardening process. But it's just a cute idea! You can enter here. And don't forget to look at a few of the recipes while you're there!

~Manders

What's Wrong

Where are all my blog posts? I'm sitting here wondering why I can see them when I sign in to blogger. Or when I view my blog on our computer. But no one else can see them. My mom called me yesterday. And told me that there are only a handful of posts up. When I look on my blog's dashboard, I see all the posts. I'm not sure what's going on.

But I've got all the posts saved on my computer. I might decide to repost them. Well, if the twins let me steal a little bit of free time. Until then, I hope this posts. If not, I'm not sure what else to do.

~Manders

1 Month Old

Today, our babies are 1 month old! I can't believe it. The time has just flown by. We're already seeing Abigail and Robert's personalities shine through. Both are very laid back babies. The only time they really fuss is when they're hungry. Or when they can't touch each other.

We tried to put them in their own cribs, and they cried. So both babies sleep in the same crib. And they hold hands while they're sleeping. It's honestly, the cutest thing I've ever seen! Lauren is so gentle with "her babies." I think she is still a little bummed out that they didn't come on her birthday. But she's excited that they were born on T-Lo's birthday.

I just can't believe how quickly the time has gone. Lauren is in AZ having fun. She's dancing with her dance class. And every time we talk on the phone, she wants to talk to the babies. I can tell, she's already such a good big sister! We really do miss her right now. And we're going to wait until she gets back to celebrate the twin's 1 Month Birthday!

The only thing that could make my day better is to have Lauren here with us. But I know she is having a lot of fun! Oh, and today, I turn 30. Shh! Don't tell anyone! :)

~Manders

Happy Birthday!

Abigail and Robert were born just after midnight. They're perfect. Look like their mama. And are now sleeping. Lauren came by earlier to visit her "new babies." My daughter really does think they're hers. She is going to be a great big sister. Just wanted to let you know that Manders and the twins are doing good. Everyone is so excited. I'm the proudest papa around! My family is now resting. BTW The twins were delivered by "T-Lo," on her birthday. Happy Birthday Lola! Billy

3 Years Old!

I still can't believe it. Lauren is 3 years old today! She's not a baby anymore. But a little girl. One who is praying for "her babies" to be born today. Don't tell her, but they're happy inside their mama's tummy. I'm hoping they come soon, but I really don't think my 3 kids are all going to share the same birthday.

But my little girl, she looks and acts so big now. I love how she packs her little dance bag every night before bed. The way she scrunches up her face when she prays. Lauren makes bedtime prayers last at least 30 minutes, that's how much love she has to give. And all she has been able to talk about for the last month is "her babies." Lauren is so big, that she likes to help me fold laundry now. And honestly, my favorite time of the day, is the morning. When Billy leaves for work, Lauren snuggles her way into our bed. Snuggling with my tummy. Rubbing little circles over her brother and sister. I haven't to admit it, I lay in bed for an extra hour just to get her love.

My little girl is the most lovable girl I know! Those big green eyes make me smile every single day. And her love of lipgloss, well she might have gotten that from me. I just feel so very lucky to have this beautiful girl. I love hearing her call me mama. These 3 years, they've just flown by! I can still remember holding this precious pink baby in my arms. Just seconds old. And knowing in that instant, she had my heart!

When Billy and I asked Lauren what she wanted for her birthday, she told us all she wanted was "her babies." When we asked what else, she wanted some dolls. My girls is easy peasy to please! But being 9 months pregnant with twins, well it hasn't allowed for me to do much. Daddy went shopping. And he wrapped all the presents last night. I have no clue what we got Lauren. Except for a few things that I ordered from Etsy. Billy even took care of the cake! And her birthday party this weekend, we're just praying it happens. :)

Today, we're just going to enjoy Lauren at home. We're having a special day of cooking by Billy. He's such a good daddy! And tonight, we'll have cake and ice cream. I'm so excited to spend the day with my Big Girl!

~Manders

Ruffled Scarf Giveaway

Just look at this beautiful scarf. Trina is hosting a giveaway for it. It ends in just a few hours. If I were you, I would run over to her blog and enter the giveaway! This is such a beautiful blog. I seen it on one of her YouTube videos. And I would just love to be the proud owner of this beautiful scarf. While you are entering the giveaway, you should also look around Trina's blog. It is so fun! She has a great sense of style. And everything she talks about is so affordable. Her favorite store is Forever 21! Go look!!!

~Manders

Custom Necklace Giveaway

Lauren is probably already at her dance class. Selena came for her at 8:15 this morning. The girls are excited to be back in their dance classes. And Billy is out in the yard working on a project. I can hear him. Hammering away.

I decided to catch up on my blog reading. And I found a new blog, via my friends. It's called Mama Manifesto. And they are hosting a giveaway. For this necklace. Don't you like it. I have similar ones in magazines for a few months now. I keep telling Billy that I want to find one somewhere. I'm glad I found this blog. I am going to enter the contest. Maybe I will win. If not, at least I know where I can buy one now!

~Manders

Lawn Frock Giveaway!!!!

This dress is so beautiful. One of the cutest dresses I have seen in a while. And not too show-y. I'm not really a "show all you got" kind of a woman. But I really do enjoy this dress. Grosgain is hosting a giveaway for this dress. Run over to the blog to enter the giveaway. You won't be sorry! And take a look at her other giveaways. She has a few of them going all the time.

~Manders