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

Lil Ladies Bow Giveaway

Do you have a little girl? Does she like to wear bows in her hair? I know Lauren just adores her hair bows. We are very lucky that T-Lo makes Lauren quite a few. But look at this cute little set. Boutique Stitches is hosting a giveaway for a hair bow and a matching headband. If you would like a chance to win, head over to Boutique Stitches. You just have until tonight. When the contest ends! Good luck!

~Manders

Happybee's Giveaway

Do you like this? I do! Boutique Stitches is hosting a giveaway for this scarf! Yes, you have a chance to win this cute, handmade scarf! Yes, you do! If you are like me, you like little whimsical accessories. I think this would be adorable to add to a simple outfit. Especially now that I am pregnant, I am wanting more accessories. I'm kind of been staying away from shopping for regular clothes. Because I am growing so quickly, accessories just work better!

If you want a chance to win this beautiful scarf, go to Boutique Stitches. And enter. Tonight is the last time to win it! Good luck everyone!

~Manders

Sportie Sweetie Giveaway

Isn't this the cutest little tutu? Do you have a little girl? I do! And she would just adore this! Billy, my husband, is always watching some game on TV. I can just see Lauren wearing one of these little outfits while watching with her daddy. You can order all different sorts of these tutu outfits. They have sports teams, military related, and even breast cancer awareness.

But I am doing this blog to tell you about a giveaway. Go over to Boutique Stitches and enter this contest. You will win a tutu outfit! Very cute! Hurry and run over there. The contest ends tonight!

~Manders

Halloween Decisions

We have been thinking really hard about Halloween. Billy and I want Lauren to pick out her own costume. But she seems a little overwhelmed with all the choices. Lauren and I sat down to write a list of possible costumes. A tough task for a 2 1/2 year old.

But we narrowed it down. To a few choices. The Disney princesses, Dorthy (from the Wizard of Oz), and a puppy. She saw a puppy costume that she really likes. I think it was because it had a tail. We just don't know what we are going to do. With Billy still being gone, Lauren and I had some girl talk over breakfast this morning.

It looks like we are leaning towards Belle. Something to do with T-Lo. She saw a picture of when Lola was Belle for Halloween. I think Lola was 10 years old or something! But her costume was so cute. And Lauren just adores her T-Lo.

But then I am a little torn. I like these tutus. And I want to get her one. I thought maybe she could be a fairy. But Lauren wears tutus and stuff like that for her dancing. She wasn't convinced to be a fairy. But I think I am still going to order her one. Because we are going to be in Las Vegas for Halloween. The guys are working a gig. We were there last year too! And "Daddy Warbucks," our boss, planned a trick-or-treat thing for the small kids. It is very cool. Everyone in the Casino gets involved!

So Lauren will still dress up. But that will just be for the little trick-or-treat thing. I think I could order her a black and orange tutu for her to wear during the day. With this cute shirt I bought her. Or I might let her pick the color. We'll have to wait and see.

For now, I need to start looking for a Belle costume. Or ask Lola and Cole to help me out. They are both so creative. And can sew! Some very useful skills at a time like this!

~Manders

Daddy's Hunting Bambi?

Lauren always has something very thoughtful to say. She makes me laugh at some of things she comes up with. But it was earlier today, that she left me speechless.

You see, she knows that her daddy and her uncles (the guys in the band) went on a short hunting trip. In fact, Billy and her talked about it last weekend before he left. She was excited and told Billy to bring her back some antlers for her house (the pink playhouse.) He laughed and told her that he would try. I don't think he realized what this would mean.

Today we were talking. Reading Bambi and getting ready for nap time. Lauren looked up at me, with those big eyes of hers, and asked me, "Is daddy hunting Bambi?" I didn't know how to explain that one. I told her that he wasn't hunting Bambi. Because Bambi is safe, in his own forest. No one gets to hunt in Bambi's forest. But I really didn't know what to tell her. How do you explain that?

I didn't know what to say. I figure Billy can cover that when he gets home. By the way, they have already gotten 2 elk. Lots of guys, 2 elk, not a bad trip. We are just going to have to explain that to Lauren. For now, I promised her ice cream when she wakes up!

~Manders

Congratulations to Familia Mexicana!!!

I just have to smile. My friends had a doctor's appointment yesterday. I was watching their 2 younger daughters. Selena is due about the same time I am. Lauren and Maribel are just 2 days apart. And it looks as though our due dates are again, within a few days of on another!

We see each other everyday, Monday-Friday. The girls are in dance together. Either I take them, or Selena does. It is a little ways from where we live. Carpooling is ideal of us. And it gives us each a little break.

Selena is always joking with me because I am definitely showing. And started showing pretty early. I am slim. But I was pretty quick to show. Then we found out we were expecting twins. That explained a lot.

David, Selena's husband wants a boy. They have 3 beautiful little girls. Selena was very happy with the 3 girls. But David really wanted a boy. He continued to talk to Selena, and they agreed to try once more. David is praying for a little boy. Not that he doesn't love his girls. Because he is such a great dad. But he really wants a boy. We laughed when we heard Selena tell him she would name the baby if it was a boy. After David. But he has to come up with a girl's name. Because she can't think of another girl's name that starts off Mar...

On Monday, I noticed Selena had a sizable bump. We joked about it. But she said she just woke up on Sunday with a bump. That really does happen. One day, you aren't showing. The next, well you know you are pregnant! She was a little nervous though. I could tell.

Lola, our good friend (aka T-Lo) was scheduled to do their ultrasound on Friday. She happened to run into Selena earlier this week. And made a joke that they were having twins. Selena just laughed it off. But she asked me about it. I really didn't know what to say. I am not an expert. That's Lola's job.

Yesterday, they had their ultrasound. And baby, oh baby, they are expecting twins! Lola happened to hear or see something. And the doctor confirmed it. David was so excited when they came to pick up the girls. He said his chances of having a boy have doubled now! What an excited daddy he is!

I'm very happy for them. I think Selena is slightly in shock. But I know I was when I found out our happy news. Maybe there is something in the water. Either way, our twins are due in March. And we are all over the moon for these special additions!

~Manders

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