Crafty Anna Crochet Patterns

I've found my favorite Etsy shop ever! Crafty Anna! She has so many cute crochet patterns. All about $5. These toys are just adorable! I want to buy all the patterns. What do you think Billy would say?

Let's take a look at some of my favorites...

The "Play" Stuff:















The "Food" Stuff:















I really do want to buy every pattern that Anna has. I wonder if she would sell them at a deal? You know, if I bought them all at once. I think my kids would have such a great time playing with all these goodies!

Oh, and Anna also has a wonderful blog. Full of beautiful images. She posts various sales, free patterns, and just fun stuff!

~Manders

Special Gift

When Lauren was born, my mom got me this amazing stained glass window hanging. Of a baby girl. Pink bonnet and all! I cherish it. And it is hung, in the window, of my makeup room. Well, my mom had been telling me, that she had a present for me. But she couldn't find it. I'd forgotten about it. Until today...



My mom not only found my present, but mailed it to me. 2 more babies for my window! These cuties are being hung in our kitchen nook window. I just love that my mom thinks of such wonderful and meaningful gifts. Thank you momma!

~Manders

Crafting

Lauren really enjoys her "Craft Time." She's always talking about what she wants to make next. And always making and giving things out to our family and friends. Recently, Lauren got a present in the mail. For this cute kit. Auntie Lizzie sent it special for Miss Lauren.

And little Miss has been so antsy to get busy. Today, we're going to craft. And this kit, it's on our list! I just can't wait to see what my little girl creates. She is so artsy. And I enjoy this so much! What kinds of things do your kids do for "Craft time?"

~Manders

Red Heart Giveaway

Have you heard? Red Heart is giving away yarn! Go sign up now. Hurry, you don't want to miss this. The grand prize just has me drooling. What a way to celebrate 75 years!

~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

Hearts in Hearts Baby Afghan & Bib

When I get better at crocheting, this is definitely going to be on the top of my list. I mean, this is just too cute! I want to make one for Lauren and one for Abby. Just the blanket. So adorable! If you like it too, download it from Free Crochet today. It's the free pattern of the 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

Bear & Blanket

It's been cold around here. And that is giving me lots of cuddle time on the couch. The kids and I crawl up on the couch and watch cartoons. I've also been crocheting more and more. It really is relaxing!

Today's free pattern from Free Crochet is just too cute! That teddy bear is just darling. And something my kids could cuddle up to. I wonder how long it will take me to make 3...

~Manders

Friendly Critter Afghan

If I was more skilled, I'd have already gone out and bought the yarn! Look at this cute pattern from Free Crochet. Another one of their amazing free patterns. I just love looking at their site everyday for the free pattern of the day! But honestly, this would be great for Robbie! I might have to ask for some help, but I want to make this for him. If I start now, maybe by the time he starts kindergarten I'll have it done! :)

~Manders

Fleur-de-Lis Baby Afghan

This blanket just melts my heart. Partially, because it's so tough to find crochet patterns for boys. I'd love to make this for Robbie. Something that's beautiful, yet "Boyish." If you like it too, head over to Free Crochet and download it today! It's a "Free Pattern of the Day."

~Manders

Child's Pinwheel Squares Afghan

What a fun blanket! I really love the free crochet patterns from Free Crochet. This is such a cute and colorful blanket. I want one for myself. No lie! But I think it would be nice to make my kids each a blanket like this. Well, in different colors. Something to throw on the grass, when they're playing outside. Now to just get started...

~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

Boys and Their Cars

This is a picture of Robbie's present from Santa. He is in love with this thing! No lie. The minute he sees his little cars, he is all smiles. I never realized how happy he'd be. I never realized how most of the toys in our house, are "girl" toys. But that should be expected. Our first child is a girl!

But it's nice to be able to give our son some "boy" toys. Things that are just for him. That he loves. I've watched Lauren play with him. Just a little while. She's not really into the "boy toys." But she tries to have fun with her brother.

Either way, my little guy is so happy! He has toys. Toys that are for him. Not just "hand-me-downs" from his big sister. I need to remember this. Because he does need fun boy stuff too. And to be honest, this is one of those times when I really stop and pay attention, to the difference between my daughters and my son. He just needs a little bit more boy stuff around.

~Manders

Boy Wrapper

I just had to stop and look at this beauty. You know, before I downloaded it. Another beautiful "Free Pattern of the Day!" This is one blanket that I feel confident about. Like I can make it. Oh, and I'm sure it will come in handy for my little man.

~Manders

3 Kids, 3 Days, 2 Birthdays, 1 Worried Momma

Since we have 3 kids, we should be prepared for 3 birthday parties. I'm not! Lauren will be 4 this year. 3 days later, our twins are turning 1. I'm starting to stress. And it's only January. I have 2 months. 2 months to plan 2 parties...

We've decided to have 2 birthday parties. We want for Lauren to still feel special. Like a "big girl." And we don't want her to feel like she "has to" share her birthday. She already shares so much with her brother and sister. With that, we've let her decide what kind of party she wants. We've given her 2 weeks to put her input in.

But for the twins, we've decided to plan it all out. And we need to remember, it's going to be a little complicated. We don't have twin boys or twin girls. We have a boy and a girl. So we can't have a princess party, or one with cars. Instead, we decided on a "Farm Animal" party. :)



I did a quick search online. And I found this pack from Oriental Trading. I've gotten a lot of ideas. I don't think we'll buy everything. But there are some cute things to buy. I'm starting here. And I've got about 2 months to get it all together. Wish me luck! I've got 2 parties to plan. And they're going to be just a week apart.

~Manders