Happy 4th Anniversay Billy!

Today is Billy and I's 4th Wedding Anniversary. It seems like just yesterday that we got married! We met May 4, 2005. I was working and trying to finish up my cosmetology class and license. Billy and the BBs were performing. And I got to do Lola's makeup and hair before they performed. To make a long story short, Lola introduced us. And we went on our first date 2 days later.

On September 10, 2005 we got married. It was a fun wedding. Intimate and with our close friends and family. The BBs even performed! Lola was my Maid of Honor, J was Billy's Best Man. As happy, magical, and loving as that day was, it was just the beginning to Our Love Story.

In our 4 years together, Billy and I have shared in many milestones together. We bought our first home together. We purchased property in the community that I grew up in. We survived the flood last year at the cabin. We had a home built in Texas. And moved to Texas for almost a year. While I was pregnant! We had Lauren, our little angel. Billy and I decided that I would not pursue a career. Instead do work here and there, when I wanted. Mostly, just traveling with the band and being Lola's MUA. We also decided that Billy would continue to work in his family business. Just from here instead of Texas.

We have also hit a few bumps in the road. Trying to decide where to live. How many times to visit our parents. And while we are both calm souls, I tend to be the one that stresses over things that I can't control. Sometimes breaking down. Especially when I would sit and think about Robert. But Billy has been so supportive. Comforting me. Allowing me to cry and feel my emotions. He holds me and let's me know that it will be OK. Even after Lauren was born, I wasn't quit sure I could do it, be a good mommy. But Billy believed in me. And gave me the confidence to be a good mommy to Lauren.

Billy doesn't judge me. He doesn't try to change the woman that I am. Instead, he encourages me. When I need the support he is always there, without me having to ask. He appreciates everything that I do. And sometimes I am taken aback by his little notes he leaves me. Just to say Thank You for loving Lauren. Or for being the one he wakes up next to. Billy is always right here by my side to protect and love me. That is what I always wanted in a husband. And I am very lucky to have found Billy.

Not every single day is easy or like a Fairy Tale, but it is life. Our life together. We have been married for 4 years! I still couldn't believe it this morning. When I woke up, I was just so excited that I found My Prince Charming. In the last week, we have gotten exciting news. We are expecting twins in March! I never would have expected it. To tell you the truth, I was in shock. But having Billy at my side, I know we can make it!

Billy is not just the Love of My Life. But he is my best friend. No matter what it is, I can always talk to him. He is there to hold my hand when I needed. Or to hold me when I need that. He is also the daddy to my wonderful daughter, and our twins. I could not ask for a better man. He is the best daddy that I could ever dream up for our kids! Billy is the love of my life, he is my best friend, my lover, the father of my children, but most of all, he is my heart. Together we are writing our Love Story.

~Manders

Chanel No. 22

Chanel No. 22 is one of those gorgeous fragrances that Lola introduced to me way back when we first met. It is a light scent. Softer than No. 5. More like a little sister to No. 5. But the scent is elegant, immediately reminding me of an elegant lady. It reminds me of a time passed. Of pure perfection.

This perfume was first introduced in 1922. It is made of white flowers. The notes include: orange blossom, peach, citrus, orchid, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vetiver, and vanilla. Lilac, jasmine, and rose can also be smelled. You can only purchase No. 22 at Chanel boutiques. It is a little on the pricey side at $175.00 for 200ml.

Honestly, this is an investment piece to any perfume collection. A bit difficult to find. But one of those fragrances that just has you thinking of elegant ladies. One that is always on my Wish List. Chanel No. 22 is one of those fragrances for special occasions.

~Manders

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

I Want to Shop at MAC

I have been dreaming of the MAC store for a few days now. I want to go shop at the MAC store. The closest one to me is 3 hours away! And I probably won't get to it for another 2 weeks. If not longer! The MAC website leaves a lot to be desired. Since they changed it, I am not happy with it. I try to avoid it as much as possible. There is a MAC counter a little over an hour away. But it is not the same. And the MUA are not very pleasant to deal with. If I'm in a pinch, I go there. But right now, I would like to go to the MAC store. I can't wait until October, when I get to go to the MAC Pro-Store!

~Manders

Our Exciting News!

Now that our families know our news, it is time to tell our friends. On Friday, we found out we are having twins! Yes, TWINS! OK, so the picture maybe a little deceiving, we don't know yet if they are boys, girls, or a boy and a girl. We will find out next week whether they are fraternal or identical. Sometime between 18-20 weeks, we will find out the babies gender.

We are so excited! All of our families are excited too! Lola was just too happy on Friday. I know that she has been bursting at the seams to tell everyone. So have we! Lauren is happy to know she is getting 2 babies now. This also answers my question, "Why am I already so big?" My belly popped a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I have been showing. I know I am slim, but this explains a lot! I guess I also have to change my label from Baby to Twin Babies. We are excited to meet out twins. Just 28 weeks to go!

~Manders

What a Wonderful Day to Shop!

Today we are going shopping in the heart of my hometown. A small resort town in the mountains. My in-laws came in from Texas late yesterday afternoon. I have to say, I am very excited! Lauren was just so excited to see all of her grandparents!

We had made these plans a while ago. But we weren't completely sure if it was all going to workout the way we had planned. Luckily it did. Tonight, we are having a nice dinner at our cabin. The good news will finally be shared! Billy and I are so excited. Lauren has been really good about keeping our secret. She understands it, but she understands we have to keep a secret until tonight.

The guys will be working on the property. Billy has been building a work space for himself. And they are going to be working on it today. Although, rain is in the air. I wonder how far they are going to get. The girls, well we are going shopping. First, we are going to the Craft Fair. It should be fun! Then we are headed to all the little shops. Mom has been wanting to buy some new clothes. Honestly, I need some bigger clothes. Yes, I wear regular clothes during my pregnancy. I just buy larger ones. Mom tailors them for me. My mom-in-law is also excited. There is a cooking shop that she likes to shop at. She has been wanting to stock up on some of the fun kitchen accessories that they have!

Today is going to be so much fun! Hopefully the rain holds out until after our shopping spree. If not, a little water never hurt anyone. Lauren is super excited to go to the toy store. She got some money from her grandpas last night. She has been wanting this doll at the toy store. And all it's little accessories. I think the toy store will have to be our first stop!

~Manders

Wonderful News!

We got some pretty great news yesterday. But we are going to wait a bit to tell everyone on here. There are some very important people that need to know first! Lola knows, because she was there when we found out. Sorry about being so cryptic. We just need to talk to some important people in our lives first.

For now, we are headed to visit my parents. It should be a nice weekend. There is rain in the forecast, but not too much. Mom and I already have some plans to go shopping. I just hope the crowds aren't too bad. Because it is a holiday and my hometown is a bit of a resort town, it usually gets flooded with people over a holiday weekend.

In any case, we are excited about heading to the mountains. We only have a few short weeks before the snow begins. And when it starts snowing out this way, our trips become less frequent. Until then, we will make a couple of more trips. And love every single one!

~Manders

Friday Fill-ins

1. I feel anxious and excited.

2. Trips and friends are always fun.

3. Right now, I can hear these things: Billy in the kitchen and the TV.

4. It's September and I'm glad that the hot weather is almost behind us.

5. The last time I went to the doctor was 2 weeks ago.

6. We are going to my hometown this Labor day weekend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a dinner with friends, tomorrow my plans include traveling to the mountains and Sunday, I want to do a little shopping!



What a week we have had! But in a good way. Emmers and Paul are in town. A nice change of pace for everyone! We got the good news that they are moving back. That is really exciting! From what I hear, Vi and Scott will be here, or they might already be here. It is really a good time when all of our friends come to visit. I don't think the 4 of them have ever been here at the same time. We have having a good time though.

Today, we have a doctor's appointment. Just a check up. But I am excited to hear the baby's heartbeat. For me, that solidifies that there is a healthy baby growing in there. Billy is really excited too! We decided to make it a day in town. And Lola had offered to watch Lauren while we are in our appointment. She works at the hospital were my OB/GYN is located. They actually work together. I am just a little anxious this morning. Just ready to hear our baby's healthy heart beating away!

~Manders

Time with Old Friends

We had a nice afternoon today. We met Emmers and Paul for lunch! It has been such a long time since we have seen them. Emails just don't do our friendship justice. Neither do our sporadic phone calls. But today, we got to sit down, for hours catching up.

Turns out, Emmers and Paul are moving back. It has been about 3 years since they moved to Florida. A long 3 years! But they have decided to move back home. Paul is going to work for J. And Lola is helping Emmers get a job. We are all so excited! They are also going to be living in one of J's houses. That means just down the road from us. A couple of miles.

Lunch was amazing. We went to La Posta. One of our favorites around town. Lauren was over the moon excited about the birds. I have to admit, that is one of my favorite things about the restaurant too! She also had such a good time coloring. Emmers and Paul bought Lauren a bag of goodies. Coloring books, crayons, some hair bows, a teddy bear, and a new pony. She was so excited!

We spent a good 3 hours at the restaurant. Then another hour browsing a jewelry store that is connected to the restaurant. There are a few shops that are on your way out. Paul bought Emmers a pretty silver necklace. And Billy bought me and Lauren matching silver bracelets. All the jewelry in that shop was just gorgeous!

The 5 of us made it back to our house. Were we just relaxed, ate some chocolate cake, and eventually played in Lauren's Little Pink Playhouse. She had Billy and Paul in big pink hats and boas. Emmers and I got to play baby dolls with Lauren. It was a nice afternoon. One to remember. We just love spending time with all of our friends!

~Manders

Pregnancy Brain

Yes, I am certain that there is such a thing as "Pregnancy Brain." Because I have been very forgetful since I got pregnant. And very indecisive. To the point that it takes me an hour to figure out what I am going to wear. Or I do Lauren's hair 4 times before I am happy with it. I walk around looking for my keys, and they are in my hand. Billy tells me about a story he read in the paper, then I see it on the news. I don't even remember that my dear husband just told me about it.

Is "Pregnancy Brain" real? Lola said that it is. I trust her. She works in fertility health and prenatal care. It is one of the specialties that she is considering. So I believe it when she says it's true. My doctor also said it's true.

What in the world am I going to do until March? I don't remember having "Pregnancy Brain" the last time I was pregnant. Then again, I also forgot about labor and delivery. Does that just happen? You forget about these things. Because if you remembered, you might not have more kids. I just wonder. It could just be the "Pregnancy Brain."

~Manders

Gardenias

I went by Lola's today. I needed to drop off some stuff, that Billy needed to give her, before their rehearsal tonight. And going up the walkway, Lola has the most beautiful plants. With the sweetest smell. I just had to know what they were. Turns out, they are Gardenias. And she has 5, maybe more.

Now I know why I liked them so much. That is one of my favorite scents. I just never had seen them in plant form. You know, in the dirt. Well, I am in love. And on the search for some of these gorgeous little plants. Between the dark green leaves and the flawless white flowers, they are gems in nature. I also can't get over the sweet smell. It was not overbearing, just present. I really would like a couple of these to plant around our patio!

~Manders

Do You Ever Wonder?

I was thinking about one of my very best friends in the whole world. Yes, Lola! She is so determined in life. And motivated. Honestly, she does put every single person ahead of herself. Lola is one of those very good natured people. The ones that go around doing things for others, without wanting or needing any type of recognition.

Lola is also one of those women that are completely gorgeous inside and out. And don't realize it. The whole situation reminds me of the song, She Don't Know She's Beautiful, by Sammy Kershaw. Since the first time we met, that song crossed my mind. Because she is surrounded by all of these amazing guys. And one by one, she has managed to set them up with the loves of their lives. When in reality, they all had eyes for her.

Now, we all know J is head over heels in love with Lola. He would do anything to get her to feel the same way. But there is a bigger player in town. The boss, Mr. Blue Eyes. The way he looks at her. The fact that he flies out to see the band's rehearsal every week. We all see it! But she doesn't. Lola just goes into practice, sweet as can be, and rehearses. I wonder if she will realize that this man is completely in love with her. I wonder if he will get through to her. I hope for my friend, that she allows his love into her heart.

~Manders

A Loving Weekend

Lauren is fast asleep! The minute my parents left, she fell asleep on the couch. But it was a wonderful weekend!

My parents got in early yesterday morning. Billy made us all a wonderful breakfast. And before we knew it, Billy and Dad were gone. They had decided to do some riding. Mom, Lauren, and I decided to do some shopping. We made it to the last 30 minutes of the Farmers' Market. Mom bought a big bag of apples and 3 bags of Kettle Corn. Lauren got a Princess Wand. My Mom spoils her so much!

We then went to all the fun stores, Hobby Lobby, Target, Dollar Tree, Barnes and Noble, and Claire's. Mom was in complete shopping mode! We eventually made it to lunch at Applebee's. Billy and Dad met us there. And my Dad got a bunch of those dessert shooters. I think he gave Lauren 3 of them!

After lunch, Billy and Dad went to Home Depot and Lowe's. They had a whole list of things they needed to buy. Us girls, we went to Marshall's and Ross. Mom bought so much clothes for Lauren and the new baby. We won't know for months whether this new little one will be a boy or a girl, but mom felt the need to spoil her grandkids!

Saturday night, we all went to Cattleman's for dinner. This was a treat. Dad just LOVES the food. Lauren likes going there too! It reminds her of Texas. And her grandparents. On the ride back home, Lauren fell asleep. Poor baby had missed her nap! The rest of us spent the evening on the back porch enjoying the warm summer evening. Dad talked about the upcoming winter. He tells us that we are going to have a lot of snow. I'm excited about that!

This morning was like any typical Sunday for us. We all got up for church. I rushed around trying to get ready on time. But this week, Dad took us to brunch at Peppers after church. They have the most amazing brunch around here. I ate, and ate, and ate some more. To the point, that I really did feel like I would explode! Lauren was fascinated with the plants in the restaurant. This happens every time we go there. Billy was just into his food. My husband really likes to eat!

After brunch we walked around the shops for a while. Mom bought different things. Some stuff for Lauren. A book to send my brother. Matching bracelets for Mom, my sister, and myself. She shopped and shopped. Until Lauren spotted our guys. We found Billy and Dad eating ice cream. Apparently, they hadn't had enough at brunch! :)

We went back to our house early in the afternoon. Lauren had Billy and Dad playing house with her. She managed to get necklaces and hats on them! Mom and I worked on some Fall wreaths. Do you remember I bought some ribbons and decorations? My Mom is really the creative one. She helped me make 2 large wreaths for our front doors. We have double doors. And she made one to take home. We also made centerpieces. It was so much fun. And it reminded me of my childhood. Mom would buy all these supplies, and one day she would sit us all down to make decorations for the house. Our house was always filled with love and handmade decorations.

The weekend was wonderful! I would not have done anything differently if I could. Except make the weekend longer. Mom and Dad left late in the afternoon. They wanted to make it home before dark, so they skipped dinner. I packed them a small meal to eat on the road. And we saw them off! It was nice to spend time with my parents at home. I know that Billy enjoyed sharing so much with my Dad while they were here. Lauren just LOVED having them here. Even if it was just to have grandpa watch her ride her horse, or grandma help her get dressed. It was a weekend filled with loving memories.

~Manders

Purple Pumps

Lately, I have been getting a little wordy on here. A little too emotional. And my posts have been long. So I have decided to lighten the mood and share with you some shoes that I like. I have a little time to blog before my parents get here for the weekend.

I saw these peep toes on the Payless commercial about a week ago. And I was immediately drawn to them! It didn't help that Lola recently bought them for work. And I seen her on Tuesday. All dressed up, with these shoes on. They are really cute. Yesterday, I finally decided to look at them online.

They come in both black and purple. But the purple ones just grab my attention. I think it is because I have so many pairs of black shoes. And I don't think I have a single pair of purple ones. These shoes have gorgeous ruffle detailing at the front and have a 3.75" heel. They are $25. But right now at Payless, they are having a BOGO. The 2nd pair is 1/2 off. You can buy these shoes for $25 or $12.50, just depending on the other pair of shoes you buy.

I am going to have to go to Payless soon. I know my mom would enjoy the shopping trip. And some new shoes. These purple peep toes will definitely add some fun to any outfit!

~Manders

Friday Fill-ins

1. He was a great man in my life.

2. Fall is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is Billy.

4. I'm scared to death of parenting 2 kids and still being a good mom, to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be deceiving, you just need to go on instincts.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was my love, Billy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to time with Lauren, tomorrow my plans include spending time with my parents and Sunday, I want to have a good family day!



This has been quite a week! I have been thinking so much about Robert. I think it has something to do with my pregnancy. But I am grateful to still feel his love. My parents are coming tomorrow to spend some time with us. I am very excited! Lauren keeps going to our Guest Room to see if her grandma and grandpa are there yet. I keep telling her that they will be here tomorrow. But she wants them here now!

Lauren has spent so much time playing in her Little Pink Playhouse! This is probably the best investment we ever made. I LOVE her so much! And I am so glad we could make her this happy! Billy has been spending a lot of time with the guys this week. But it is a good break for him. He works so hard. All of the time. So this little bit of time that he spends with the guys, is so well earned.

I am just looking forward to the weekend. And some time with my family. My mom has so much planned for us to do. Lauren is so excited to show her grandparents her Little Pink Playhouse. Billy is excited that he and dad will get to ride horses out here. It is just going to be a good weekend. I know it!

~Manders

A Day with My Girl

Lauren's dance studio is closed today and tomorrow. They are putting in new floors. So I thought we would have a special day together. Billy is working with the guys on some kind of project at J's. Honestly, I think they are just enjoying some Guy Time. Because they are all finally in the same place at the same time.

We started the day in bed. Lauren got up around 7AM. Because I had slept in, she found me still in bed. We lay in bed together. I enjoy cuddling with her like that. We talked about fairy tales, dolls, and dancing. Then we got up and started getting ready. Billy had left at 4AM. They were going to break some horses. Then the guys were delivery some cattle. And he is supposed to be gone until 10PM. It was just me and Miss Lauren for the day.

Lauren sat in a chair next to me as I did my hair and makeup. Waiting for her lipgloss and the bow in her hair. She really likes to put makeup on. Billy might want to start worrying since now. We got dressed up. Lauren had her favorite sundress on, and I had my new dress on. We went to IHOP for breakfast. We shared nutella crepes. One of our favorites! Lauren was over the moon because she got to eat chocolate for breakfast.

After breakfast we went to the museum. It is nothing to get overly excited about. It is in the mall. Next to JCPennys. And it is the size of a WetSeal store. But Lauren was excited to see the dinos. We took lots of pictures to show daddy. We made dino tracks in the sand. And bought some dinos to take home. Even Mr. Duck enjoyed the dinos.

Then we went shopping. We can't go to the mall and not go to Claire's. Since I was little, I have always gone to Claire's when I was at the mall. I still can't believe I spent $80 on hair ties and plastic jewelry for Lauren. But I did. She came out of the store very proud of her new purse. The little chapsticks inside. She was also draped in 3 new necklaces.

Barnes and Noble is right across from Claire's. So we went. I bought the new George Strait CD and a new book. And Lauren got some new books. We sat in one of the chairs reading 3 books. Lauren gets so excited to read. And to tell you the truth, we were in need of some new bedtime books. We bought 10! And we bought 2 big chocolate chip cookies for later.

Before leaving the mall, we went to Trade Secret. It is one of my favorite stores. I wanted to look at some OPI nail polish. And some Burt's Bees products. Lauren was excited to help me pick out some nail polish. We bought a few. Lauren picked out 2 pink and 2 purple. And we bought her some new bubble bath. The cashier even gave her some bright hair elastics.

We left the mall and went to Hobby Lobby. I let Lauren pick out some fabric. Lola said she would make Lauren curtains for her Playhouse. After thoroughly looking through all of the fabric, Lauren was debating between 2. She decided on some pink check material, that has Raggedy Ann and Andy on it. I got more than enough. Because Lola is also making her an apron, oven mitts, and a table cloth!

While looking around, we found the clearance section. And there was a little pink table and chair set. It is a miniature bistro set. Just Lauren's size. For $25! She sat in one chair and put Mr. Duck in the other. I couldn't resist. Lauren got the set. I also bought some ribbon and small barrettes. Lola is going to show me how to make those cute hair ribbons for Lauren. Lauren also got a doll kit to make her own rag doll. Everything was in there, and it was only $8.

I asked Lauren where she wanted to have lunch. All she had to say, was that she wanted to eat at the park. We bought some toasted subs from Dion's and headed to the park. We found the perfect tree to sit under and had a picnic. We ate and watched the birds. Lauren and I ran up and down the small hills. Eventually, she clonked out on our blanket. And I sat and read some of my book. I didn't want to wake her. And I couldn't resist Miss Lauren sleeping on top of me, holding Mr. Duck.

When she woke up, it was starting to get hot. I decided to go to Target before we headed home. We needed some things like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. At Target, we bought some coloring books and crayons. And 2 My Little Ponies. Lauren was just too excited. I don't regularly spend this kind of money on her. We are able to, but I don't want her to be spoiled. Today was just a special day.

At home, we spent time coloring. Lauren made her daddy a card. And we colored pictures to send to T-Lo. Late in the afternoon, we sat and I painted Lauren's nails with our new nail polish. And we read 2 of her new books. Lauren and I also made dinner. I put her apron on her, and she helped me. We made chicken, mac-n-cheese, and a salad. Lauren helped to wash the veggies and put them in the bowl. She also put the napkins on the table.

After dinner, Lauren and I went outside to play. It was finally cooling down. Lauren and I played in her Little Pink Playhouse. We put up her new table and chairs outside the house. Next to her new flowers. She is so excited to play outside. She made me dinner, washed clothes, and cleaned her house. As the sun was setting, Lauren came and sat in my lap. We shared our chocolate chip cookies. And watched the sun go down.

Lauren looked up at me and told me she loved me. She gave me a big kiss and hugged me as tight as she could. Today was about more than the things that I bought her. It was about the time we spent together. About laughing and having fun. I am glad that I get to spend good quality time with her. It's little things like sharing a chocolate chip cookie and some kisses that make our days so very special.

~Manders