Some Wednesday Whimsy

My little sister is getting married June 12, 2010! Yay! I am so super excited. She is very different from myself. I met Billy in May 2005, we went on our 1st date 2 days later, and exactly a month later we were engaged. By September we were married. I didn't fuss over dresses, flowers, or any of the other details. Not my sister!

Every few days, I get an email from my sister. With tons of wedding ideas. She buys every Bridal magazine, and searches out every thing having to do with weddings. So, today I was excited when I saw these salt and pepper shakers. She wants to use them on the tables. Part practical, part decoration. I just want a set! I am really hoping that she picks them.

If you are getting married. Or just like them, you can find them here. For $3.50 a set. In either pink and brown or black and white. I might just have to buy a set for myself!

~Manders

Pure Ice Nail Polish

Lola wears this white nail polish fairly often during the summer. For the last 2 summers, every few weeks, I see these gorgeous, white nails. I have searched high and low for the perfect white nail polish. Not a pearlized color. Not a white with hints of color, shimmer, or sparkle. Just a pure white color. I have missed it many times, and now have 5 bottles of "white" nail polish. But not one is the right white.

I finally broke down and asked Lola what brand her white nail polish is. To my surprise, it is Pure Ice. I found it at Wal-Mart today for under $2. I bought 5 colors and the clear coat. A girl has to love her a good deal when she finds one!

While it is not OPI, it is still a good nail polish. I put 2 coats on today and a clear coat. The formulation is smooth and dries rather quickly. It does not bubble, separate, peel off, or glop up. The white is nice and opaque. The perfect color for summertime. This is a great drugstore buy for just under $2.

~Manders

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

Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara

Being a MUA, I get tons and tons of products to experiment with. So does Lola. I think part of it is because I am her MUA and she is the entertainment industry. I figured, from time-to-time, I would share my thoughts about these products.

Between Lola and myself, we received 20 samples of Maybelline's Pulse Perfection Mascara. We each kept a tube and shared the others with friends of ours, that are also makeup lovers.

To start off with, the wand of the mascara has a small motor. Which is supposed to last 3 months. Clever if you think about it. You should replace your mascara every 3 months. This is just a friendly reminder from Maybelline. I used this mascara exclusively for 2 weeks. It wasn't the worst, wasn't the best. But an item that I would not purchase if I was wondering through my local drugstore.

To begin with, your entire eyeball vibrates when you are working with the base of your eyelashes. Not the best feeling in the world. But I got over it quickly. The vibrating wand is supposed to mimic the zig-zag motion that you should be using to apply mascara. You know, when you wiggle the wand, or even your head, to get deep into your eyelashes.

I just wasn't feeling this product. I tried it with the motor running, and without it running. I was still not happy. I tried to be. Because almost 2 years ago, I found another vibrating mascara that I LOVE! This one, not at all. Not even a little bit.

I don't think it was the wand, vibrating or not. Because it was decent. Although, I still wouldn't use it on a client. For fear they would freak out and the wand would end up in the person's eye. On the last day of my experiment, I cleaned off the mascara wand and used it with my Cover Girl Lash Blast. It worked better. I think it is the mascara formulation that I don't like. On one day of my experiment, I got stuck in a little drizzle. To only have my mascara crawling down my face. Raccoon eyes. It was a first for me. I had never, ever had that happen.

In the end, it is a good idea. But not something that I would recommend. The actual mascara formulation leaves so much to be desired. I would say to stick with your favorite mascara and learn how to use your mascara wand. Learn the art of the "wiggle" and don't be afraid to try new things. Even if they leave you disappointed.

~Manders

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

I'm on Twitter

I joined Twitter today. Let's see how well I use it. Because I haven't been doing real well with MySpace. I've all but neglected my page for about a year now. Most likely because most of my friends have stopped using it. We now chat in Lola's private chat room thing. That is nice because we make little "chat dates." It's all on live cams and we share lots of personal pictures. All without worrying about them getting into the wrong hands.

After seeing that poor mom, whose baby was placed on Craig's List for adoption, I am pretty certain that I will not post pictures of Lauren and the new baby. I will post pictures of other things, but my kids are too precious to me. I could not even begin to imagine what I would do if that would happen to us. For now, we will stick with twitter. And see if I actually "stick with it."

~Manders

A Beautiful Wedding

We just got home. Billy is putting Lauren to sleep. She is so exhausted! And was happy for nap time today. As we all are! But yesterday was such an amazing day! Once I got to the suite that they had rented, I got organized. That is the key to a successful day! I remember that much from school and my training. I was 30 minutes early, and happy when 6 women showed up early. I got to setting hair in rollers. And by 10:30AM all the hair was done. Except the little girls. We decided it was best to wait until the last possible minute for them.

The women definitely had my heart. They were so excited when I pulled out the air-brush. The same way Lola and I had gotten excited when I first got it. The makeup was also very easy to do. Hispanic women have the most amazing skin. There complexions need very little help. And really, we were going for the natural, summery look. Lola worked on little girls while I perfected the bride. We were completely ready and dressed, out the door and in the cars 3 minutes early!

I don't think I have ever known of a wedding to be on-time. But these women were amazing. And everything was so super organized. I credit Lola for that. She never leaves any detail undone. Even the dresses were hung out on these gorgeous racks. The room looked beautiful. How many times can you say that?

They took pictures before and after the wedding. The guys were first. Then they were ushered into the church. The girls took a lot of beautiful pictures too. The ceremony was gorgeous! With mariachis and everything. The groom, a rather large guy, cried the entire time his bride walked down the aisle. It was too sweet! The guys wore mariachi suits instead of tuxedos. It was really pretty. After the ceremony, the large wedding party took pictures for about an hour and a half. They took pictures in a grassy area behind the church. It was filled with hills. And Nico has such imagination. He grouped them in small groups on various hills. Then went out and snapped a bunch of shots. The wider shots had all of these people, but it was so beautiful and simple. I wish I had one to post. It was just a neat idea!

The reception was dream-like. The tables were amazing! Lola had been helping them get everything together. And she has a good eye. Back in February, our Wal-Mart stopped selling fabric. Right before, they put everything on sale. And she had Amelia buy bolts of fabric in the colors of the wedding. She helped them make the table linens out of this fabric. Then they bought a bunch of white candles, all sizes and shapes. And the tables were decorated with candles, a couple of mirrors, and varying heights of glass vases with the flowers. The lightening of the hall was amazing. And with the candlelit, it was magical!

The food was so good too! And baby was cooperating last night. So I got to enjoy every last bite of food. The dessert plate was my favorite. And Lauren's too! The desserts were mini Mexican desserts. Simply love! The cake was gorgeous. It was a replica of the church they got married in. With lights and everything! WOW! And the gift at the end of the night. Prepare yourselves for this. Was a candy bar!!! A table with glass vases of various sizes and heights. Filled with candy in the colors of the wedding. We were each given a heart shaped tin to fill with our favorites.

But the best part of the night was the dance. Lauren danced the night away. She and Little M, M, Little S, Little A, and a bunch of little girls danced together. They were too adorable. Billy and I danced too! It reminded us of our wedding day. We ended up not leaving until the dance ended at 2AM. Then we went with some friends to IHOP for breakfast. It was a day that we never wanted to end.

Billy and I had so much fun! Our wedding and theirs couldn't be more different. We had a small wedding, 3 other couples besides ourselves. They had 20-25? Our wedding was small, intimate, and a country style wedding. Theirs was posh and overflowing with everything. But it was so nice. We have met many new friends that we will have for a lifetime!

All the best wishes for the Newlyweds!

~Manders

A Beautiful Day for a Wedding

Today is Amelia's wedding. I for one, am very excited! Lauren and I each got a new dress. Mine is white and strapless, with kelly green accents. I am going to wear emerald jewelry and some fun sandals. Lauren's dress is pink and green polka dots. She is very proud that she will match the wedding colors. Billy is wearing a nice suit with a tie to kinda match my dress.

I am really excited about the whole gig though. Not for the money. I am fortunate enough to not have to worry about finances. But I am excited about getting back to work. So much so, I couldn't sleep last night. Billy thought it was very cute. All my cases are packed. My brushes are ready to work some magic. Lola packed up all of her things too. She is funny like that. Lola has her own brushes and stuff for me to use just for her. :)

Now, I just have to wait. Billy is making breakfast. And Lauren is sleeping. We rented a room near where the reception is being held. For 2 reasons. There will be a place for Billy and Lauren to rest before the wedding while I am working. And so we don't have to drive the hour drive home at 1AM. It's all set.

I am just anxious. The group of woman are amazing. Everyone is so up beat and excited for the big day. In total, I will be working on 40 ladies, and I think it was 10 girls. I can't really remember now. I call it "pregnancy brain!" But it shouldn't be too tough. I will work on the moms, and grandmas first, then the bride, Lola, then the other women, and finally the girls. Lola has already offered to help me with the girls. And I am so grateful. But we should have plenty of time. We are meeting at 8AM and have to be ready for pictures at 1PM. I will do hair first, then makeup.

All of the bridal party is getting pretty much the same hairdo. Amelia picked out a nice summery up-do. The toughest one, will probably be Lola. She has such long hair. And Little S. Not for the hair, but for the scarf. But I am excited!

~Manders

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Iced tea is my favorite summertime drink.

2. My favorite John Hughes movies is Sixteen Candles.

3. Lauren's hair is something I love to touch.

4. The full moon is beautiful when you get to see it.

5. It's really quiet right now.

6. When daylight fades it begins to cool down around here.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to , tomorrow my plans include the wedding and Sunday, I want to soak in a warm bath!

OK, I think Lola is going to pop out any second! I got the idea for a blog from her. I went looking for a layout at the same place she got hers. Now, I "stold" the Friday Fill-Ins from her. I am such a copycat some times. hehe Billy is already off. He and Joe had to go do some things over at J's house. Since J is on the road again. Lauren is still sleeping. And I am bright eyed. That is what happens when you wake-up at 3AM to make your husband breakfast. But it was worth it. We had a nice breakfast together. :)

I should start getting my stuff together. I told Lola I would be at her house around 9:30AM. I need to shower and eventually get Lauren up. Get her ready, and off to Anna Marie. She is being super nice. Taking Lauren and her friend M to dance rehearsal this morning. Then bringing them to Lola's house. Little M is also in the wedding. But those 2 ballerinas have to go to practice this morning. They are very dedicated to their dancing!

Last night was also a treat. To see Lola again was just what we all needed! Lauren got a new ami from T-Lo. I don't even know how many that makes. But Lauren just loves them! Of course Billy and Lola talked business. About a big gig in North Carolina. And when they need to start rehearsing. But the best part of the night was Lola and I playing with makeup. I ended up painting her nails a nice summery pink color to match the flowers in the bouquets. I think I will use that on all the ladies. Unless, they want to stick with the French tips. We will see. But I have the makeup plan in place for Saturday.

~Manders

Excited for T-Lo

Lauren is so excited today! Her T-Lo is coming to visit. T-Lo is mine and Billy's friend, Lola. We don't get to see her much. She works as an intern at the hospital, and she travels a lot. But we are very proud of her. That makes a day like today even more special.

I do some freelance work from time-to-time. Not too much though. But when Lola asked me about doing the hair and makeup for one of her friend's wedding, I couldn't say no. I am really excited about it. It has been such a long time since I have done an event like this. It's a 2 day event. A bridal manicure and pedicure day, and the wedding day.

Billy, Lauren, and I will also be going to the wedding. Amelia was so nice to invite us. Tomorrow Lola is hosting the party for Amelia and her bridal party. I am going to do manicures and pedicures for all the ladies. Even the little flower girls. To be a very nice friend, Lola is coming over later tonight, so that I can do hers. Get a little head start.

Miss Lauren is so happy to see her T-Lo. She made her a necklace and a card yesterday. This morning she helped me frost some cookies that I baked. And right now, she is dancing around in her tutu that T-Lo made her. It is a very exciting day in our house. Even Billy is excited to see Lola!

~Manders

Quiet Time

Billy took Lauren to ride her pony. She was all decked out in her pink Wranglers, "Cowgirl Up" shirt, pink boots, and hat. Just like her daddy. She is a cowgirl at heart. That is what first attracted me to Billy when I met him. Those Wranglers, his green eyes, and that Texas twang. Miss Lauren is just like her daddy. But also a princess in every way imaginable. I watched them leave. Hand in hand. Or I should say, Miss Lauren's hand wrapped tightly around Daddy's pinkie finger. Almost too much for her little hand to hold on to. But with all the love in her heart.

I am such a lucky woman. And I thank God every single day for my family. I have a husband that loves me for being exactly who I am. And we have a daughter that is truly the center of our world. I used to think I would never find this kind of love. Or a man like Billy. Was I ever wrong. I used to be scared that I would not be a good mom. But it just seems natural. And when I first found out I was pregnant again, I was scared I wouldn't have enough love for both of my babies. But I know now, that our love only multiplies.

For everything that I ever thought I was lacking in, God made up for it 1000X's over with my family. Things may have happened quickly, but we are a family. And our love just runs over our cup. We are so very blessed. And I thank God every single day for my blessings.

~Manders

The Little Things

I'm convinced that it is the little things in life that make life worth living.

After Lauren's nap today, she brought me a book. Her favorite one. T-Lo gave it to her when I was still pregnant with her. The Farm Animal book. She climbed onto the couch and sat on my lap. Her head lay on my heart.

I won't lie here. I hadn't been feeling well. I had actually been having my worse day of morning sickness. S had taken the girls to dance practice and had fed Lauren lunch before bringing her home. And as soon as she got home, she wanted to nap. I was half relieved, half grateful to God. And I lay on the couch, eyes closed, with GH on. Praying that Billy would get home early from my parents' house. He had left to help my dad remove some dead trees. And he figured he wouldn't be home until late.

And all at once, my daughter brightened my day. We read about her animals. And she told me that she loved me. And liked to hear my heartbeat. Then with no real thought behind it. She kissed my head and told me I would feel better soon. I almost started to cry.

Then the thing I would pay a million dollars if Billy could have seen. Lauren bent over and kissed my stomach. And started talking to her "new baby." "I love you. I want to play wit you. An kiss you. Be good girl for mommy. I love you." She kissed my stomach again, then rubbed it softly as she lay her head back on me.

By this time, the tears were slowly coming out. I know that my daughter understands that we are having a baby. She understands the love I have for her. And she loves her new baby, even if she has never met the baby. Even if my stomach is not yet a belly. She knows.

~Manders

15 Years Later

Today marks the 15th Anniversary of Robert's death. Robert was my oldest brother. He died very suddenly when I was 14. He was on his way home from football practice. My brother was only 17 and getting ready to start his senior year of high school. A drunk driver took his life. And in one moment, my family's life was changed forever.

My brother was my sibling that I felt closest to growing up. He and I spent a lot of time together. We always had a special bond. Rob was always looking out for me. Spoiling me with little treats. Like chocolate bars from his work. And the only one that could get away with teasing me.

The morning that he was killed, we fought over the last piece of bacon. Which was very typical of us. And in the end he let me have it. Because that was Rob. We spent the morning talking about high school and all of our plans for the school year. I was going to be a freshman. He gave me all the wisdom of a senior. Told me about the different groups at school. He gave me the scoop on the fun teachers and the really tough ones. How to get a good top locker. We talked about football games and school dances.

Before he left for practice, I made us lunch. We were the only ones home. Our parents were at work. And our younger brother and sister were gone to summer camp. Something we had to do when we were younger. He joked with me that my cooking skills needing to improve before I could find a husband. And he had me laughing hysterically at some jokes.

Before Rob left that day, he grabbed the camera and we snapped some pictures together. He wanted to make sure to have a picture of the 2 of us, to stick in his locker when school started. He wanted to let his friends know that I was off limits. He hugged me tight like he always did and kissed me on the top of my head.

The last words he said to me were, "Love ya Manders! See ya for dinner!" He got in his truck and left our house for the last time. Throwing his football pads in the bed of the truck. I watched his truck drive down the driveway. Dust kicking up as he slowly made his way down the driveway.

Mom and I were the ones that were home when the officers came to tell us about the accident. My dad was picking up my brother and sister on his way home from work. Mom and I were busy making dinner. Rob had wanted to have a BBQ. And that afternoon I had made potato salad, dips, fruit salad, etc. Mom and I were now making hamburger patties and getting the hot dogs ready for the grill.

I will never forget the moment the officer came to our door. He was a State Trooper. The son of one of our neighbors. He asked if he could come inside, then asked us to sit down. My mom grabbed my hand, bracing herself for the news we knew was coming. The moment he said Rob had been in an accident, I knew that he wasn't coming back home. Mom immediately began crying, and I sat there in shock. Dad, my sister, and my brother got home some time after that. I had never seen my dad cry until that day. The day that a truck crossed the double line and hit my brother head on.

After all these years, it is still hard to believe that Rob is gone. He was my big brother. And until that day, he was my #1 buddy. We would do everything together. Camp at grandma and grandpa's together. Play in our tree house. We had a lot of the same friends. We liked the same music. He was my best friend. The guy that taught me to ride my bike in the driveway. The guy who taught me how to ski. The guy who taught me to give, rather than to receive.

I still have wonderful memories of Rob. And those amazing pictures that we took before he went to practice. Pictures that I cherish today. When big things happen in my life, I still find the need to have to tell him. Recently, I went to his grave to let him know that Billy and I are having another baby. Those are the things that I wish we could have shared together.

I look at today as being the anniversary of Rob's life. Not the tragic way in which he died. My brother accomplished so much in his 17 years. He did so much good and improved the lives of so many people around him. My brother was a good man. A man that would give you the last dollar in his pocket, that would take in stray dogs, or help the neighbors take out the trash. I will always remember his big smile. And those big bear hugs!

~Manders

A Sign?

After dance practice this morning, I took the 2 little ballerinas for ice cream. It was close enough to lunch time. :) And while we were at the Plaza, I decided to buy them each a gift at the toy store. Their teacher said they had been doing really well. Listening to her, and learning all of their dances. With my 2 "Lerinas," as they call themselves, we walked across the Plaza to the small toy store.

Lauren was set on a pony the minute she seen it. It is pink. Of course! What else would you expect from my daughter? Little M picked out a monkey. Which was too cute! It had those long draping kind of arms and legs. She was in love! This toy store is very hands on. The girls were able to play with the toys. And the shop owner even gave them each a big lollipop. The kind that is round and swirled with a bunch of colors. They could be bigger than the girls themselves! Something like this...

While the girls had fun, I wanted to look at some baby things. I know in my head that it is early to be buying things. But I can't help myself! The toy store is in the Plaza. Every building in the Plaza used to be a home. So there are a lot of little rooms in there. Each one is themed. As I was looking at some little picture frames and baby books, Lauren came up to me with a pink teddy bear in one hand and a baby doll in the other. "For my new baby." She said it so proudly. And she really, really, really wanted to buy them. I couldn't say no.

Do you think Lauren knows something we don't? I kinda wonder that. Billy was thinking the same thing when I told him the story after dinner. And after Lauren showed him what she bought her new baby. They are on the bed in the guest room. The room that will soon be a nursery.

Do kids just know? S is completely sold on the idea. Her oldest daughter has told them each time she has been pregnant that she was getting a new baby sister. And well, they have 3 girls. I wouldn't mind another girl. And I think Billy is sold on another daughter. I guess we will just have to wait to see if Miss Lauren is right.

~Manders

A New Baby

Yes, we are having a new baby!!!

Billy and I hadn't really started telling people. Just a select few. Like our parents, Lauren, J, Lola, the G Family, and my sister. Then I realized that I may have let it slip out. Well, kinda. On the blog yesterday. Then when I was talking to Anna Marie, I said something about morning sickness. And then when I talked to Cole this morning, I mentioned I needed maternity clothes. Oops! So much for waiting until after our anniversary! :P

We figure that we should just put it out there. We are pregnant with baby #2! My due date is March 25th. How exciting is that? Lauren keeps holding her baby doll saying, "New baby mommy." I think she might be a little confused. When Billy and I told her we were having a new baby, something tells me she thinks she is getting a new baby doll. It's a good thing we still have 7 months to explain it to her.

I am also very lucky to be pregnant while 2 of my close friends are expecting. Anna Marie looks too cute! She is due in November. They are having a little girl. That's 2 daughters for Joe. He is over the moon. Have you ever met a man that only wants daughters? And S is having baby #4 in March. We are pregnant together again. Due dates are days apart again! D is praying for a boy. But something tells me they will have another little girl! :)

I have been having some pretty strong morning sickness. Somehow, I forgot about that when I was thinking about my pregnancy with Lauren. I haven't been eating much, other than toast for breakfast. Around 2PM I get hungry and can keep food down. To date, I have lost 6lbs, and gone up 3 bra sizes. The doctor told me that is completely normal and not to worry. The memories are all just beginning to come back to me. hehe

This pregnancy should be a little less stressful than our first. The first time, we were moving between Texas and here. Getting adjusted to Billy's work. And traveling with the band. Since then, we have gotten settled here. We still go to Texas, but not as often. Or for as long. And the band has slowed down on their gigs. The only gigs that they have scheduled are 1 in each month, between Oct-Dec. Now I just need to figure out how to be pregnant and how to chase after Lauren!

~Manders

I Got a Blog

For years I have been reading Lola's blog. Then she got real fancy on us and started vlog-ing too! And for years, I have debated about starting a blog of my very own. When I was pregnant the first time, I thought I should start one. Especially when Billy and I moved to Texas for all those months. But I never did. Then Miss Lauren came along, and time just seemed to escape me.

Until today. As Lauren was talking to her T-Lo on the phone, I decided to start a blog. Just a place to write about our lives. I am still journal-ing, so this won't replace that. It will just be a place for people to read about my family. A place to share some of my thoughts. Maybe talk some makeup here. I still haven't decided if I will post pictures of us here. But we will see. And after Lola walking me step-by-step, over the phone, I have a blog! Yay!

~Manders