Those Wise Men...

In case you aren't familiar with the Christmas story, Abbie was "thinkin' about it" today and wanted everyone to know that the wise men brought Jesus three very important gifts...

Gold, Suspense, and Myrrh.

And they are all "very very fragile."

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Ingram Can Have It...

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Favorite Thanksgiving Moments

Thanksgiving was such a wonderful day with family! A few of my favorite moments...

• The food was delicious... all three times.


• Aunt K's Pumpkin Pecan pie is ridiculously good. It changed my life.


• My niece said she was thankful for me because I was silly, and for James because he was crazy. The crazy I definitely see, but I'm not sure where she's getting that I'm silly. I'm really all business.


• I got to see my Aunt and Uncle who made the big sacrifice of leaving God's Country (Nebraska) to come see us. They are always good times. To prove it, here's a little snapshot of what happened in New Orleans a few years ago. That's my father, my husband (rockin' the sweet denim shorts), and my uncle B.

• And, then there is this... Lila's reaction to her Dad after a little post-feast walk. I love it!!!!!

Just another fun day Being Billingsley...

Billingsley Girls and The Fat Guy

Well, I thought for sure I would get the much coveted screaming-child-in-Santa's-lap picture this year, but no dice. Believe it or not, we nearly got a picture of Santa screaming.

Abbie, of course, was thrilled to see him, and Lila (a.k.a. The Little Monster) was mostly concerned with making sure her sweet new kicks were photographed...raising them up to be sure they were in frame.

Santa really chatted the girls up. He was very concerned with making sure he got the gifts just right this year. To be honest with you, he should have been concerned with what Lila is capable of doing through her dress and all over his lap. She has a gift for doing this every time we go out.

Once Lila could rest assured her shoes got their due, she turned her attention to making sure her sister didn't forget that she was sitting right there. There is really no need for this guy to get ALL her attention. So, she decided to try to throw herself across Santa and into Abbie's lap.

And, this is the moment when Lila may have screwed up the chances of her entire family getting ANYTHING from Santa this year. Can't you just see the mischief in her eyes?? Note the plotting demeanor...

She reached into Santa's beard, grabbed a hearty handful, and pulled as much as her little arm could! Santa responded with a good ol' fashioned, "Owww, owww, owww," and looked at me with desperation for a rescue. I had to run in and pry her little fingers from the poor guy's trademark white beard.

Poor Abbie realized the penalty for such treatment of Santa.


Just another day of apologizing and Being Billingsley...

Happy Thanksgiving From The Billingsleys!

Hope your day is a special... complete with at least one solid nap and three trips to the dessert table!

Just another incredibly blessed day Being Billingsley...

That's My Girl!

I have forgiven her for the Poison slight. Don't hold that against her.

Just another day appreciating the classics and Being Billingsley...

Happy Four Month Birthday, Lila!

Lila, I can't believe you are already 4 months old.

You are really starting to show us your personality. Turns out, you're a little monster...not that you could tell by this adorable picture. You think you've got everyone fooled, but I'm on to you.

You love to play in your little activity gym but only if someone is sitting right next to you. That way, you can rest assured that someone has noticed your skills. You are really reaching for things and are quite a conversationalist. You really like to get a leg caught in one of the rings and do your best Morgan Hamm imitation.

You've learned to play with your pacifier and have gotten pretty good at finding your mouth with it all by yourself. That is, unless it is nighttime...then you insist on someone else coming in to take care of that. A girl can only be burdened with so much I guess, and when there is a perfectly good set of parents in the next room that can handle it...why exert yourself.

Other things you are in to:

• You officially sleep in your own room, and you sleep from about 9:00 PM - 7:30 AM now.
• You have been working on the roll over, but have decided to keep that arm underneath you so you don't go all the way over. A pretty smart safety measure I think.
• You've decided that a bottle is completely ridiculous and refuse to take one (except Granna was successful with 4 oz. on Wednesday...crossing my fingers that continues)
• You really love chatting with and staring at your big sister. She's pretty cool.
• Your juicy booty is now in a size 2 diaper, and you are wearing 6-12 month clothes!
• You actually rocked your first bow today!! However, it will be 4 more months until you do it again because the 2 hairs that were holding the bow on came off with the bow.

One day while we were grocery shopping we had someone's great grandfather came over to chat with you. He said he could tell by looking at you that you would one day be President of the United States but only after you were Governor of the great state of Texas. You are so amazing, I think you could be anything you wanted!

Lila, I love you!!

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Mommy Likes To Rock

Normally the scene in my mommy-mobile includes 2 carefully installed car seats, a double stroller clanging in the back, baby blankets draped on every available seat, the absolute stench of Purell wafting in the air, and countless children's books stuffed in pockets all around. It also boasts the greatest collection of princess music you've ever heard.

But, occasionally, Mommy will insist on getting to listen to a little radio. When that happens, I am sometimes rewarded with an exceptional tune like a sweet Ratt single or sometimes a rad Poison ditty. Today was no exception!

When I switched Snow White off, Europe's The Final Countdown was the first jam to hit the airwaves. I turned it up as loud as it would go and screamed those lyrics. I threw in a few crucial dance moves with my singing. I kinda remember the faint voice of my 4-year-old saying something about Mommy being scary.

You may be wondering, what is my favorite part of that song to sing? It's the same thing I like to sing with all of my 80's faves... the instrumental solo. Europe is rich with some synthesized keyboard solos.

Once I recovered from my European vacation, another jam came on, and it was Abbie's turn because it was the King of Pop... Billy Jean. That girl likes her some Michael Jackson... except for the fact that he "looks like a girl."

She really made me proud with her commitment to sing every lyric whether she actually knew the words or not, and her ability to boogie despite the five-point-harness is unlike anything you've ever seen.

Listen ladies, do yourself a favor, and don't let those kids in the back prevent you from enjoying those 80's hits as they are supposed to be enjoyed... loud and with lots of hair slinging. Who knows, maybe somebody back there will learn to appreciate the classics.

(Pssst, my gift to you... Click here and enjoy!)

Just another day rockin' it and Being Billingsley...

Lila's Personal Best!

Look who slept from 9:30 last night to 9:15 this morning!

Wouldn't we all have that same smile on our faces if only we could sleep like that!

You are an absolute dream-come-true, Lila! Just stop having colossal blow-outs when we go out with friends...it's getting a little embarrassing. Especially since yesterday's was so bad you ended up having to be naked the whole time we were on our play date.

Just another day, Being Billingsley...

Warning: Adorable Baby Laughing

Apparently James has the funniest fake laugh ever...

Just another hilarious day Being Billingsley...

Shake and Bake Mondays

Mondays are a special day at Chez Billingsley. That is the day we go out with Abbie's best friend S.B., her brother, and her Mommy to "Shake and Bake."

Shake and Bake Mondays have taken us to a number of fun places... Pizza and some park time, playing at the house, or the girls' favorite location...Luby's, of course. (Did you realize there was plenty of room for a "dance festival" in the foyer of your neighborhood Luby's.)

This week we took the girls to a bar, obviously.

Their favorite bar refreshments??? Kit Kats and Skittles.

Don't worry. S.B.'s Mommy and I kept it to Diet D.P. and Iced Tea, so we did the driving.

Just another day keepin' it responsible and Being Billingsley...

Lila Has Hair!!

Lila always gets fussy when we do Abbie's hair in the mornings.

I'm convinced it is because she is jealous of the fact that her big sister actually has hair that requires brushing. I always tell Abbie, "Geez... Your poor sister wishes she had a ponytail."

Well, I didn't realize the impact Lila being bald was having on Abbie. She felt so sorry for Lila, she decided to roll up her sleeves and solve the problem. Gotta love a problem solver.

Imagine my surprise when I spotted these luxurious locks where only shine used to be.

Looking good, girlfriend!!! And, so natural looking.

Just another day innovating Barbie hair applications and Being Billingsley...

Mmmm...Bread Is Good!

Every week my mother-in-law, T, keeps Lila for me so that Abbie and I can go to our weekly Bible study. Not only is she a great Granna, she was also my Cooking Coach this week.

Yesterday, she taught me how to make her homemade dinner rolls!

That's right folks...I made this delicious basket of HOMEMADE DINNER ROLLS!

Coach stuck with me the whole way, teaching me how to get the dough to just the right consistency. She even fielded a panicked phone call from me during what we in the bread making business call the "rising phase."

I'm proud to say that unlike my coaches in high school, she did not have to hit me once with the clipboard or blow her whistle at me. She also did not ask me to leave the gym.

Thanks Coach T!!!

Just another day rockin' the kitchen and Being Billingsley...

Bye Bye October...

I have started the sad, sad task of putting away the October decor.

In addition to Halloween, October is the month we celebrate the old man's (James') birthday. My favorite of all the decorations I put out this time of year is a picture his youngest cousin drew for him many years ago. She was 7-years-old at the time. She is now a very impressive, completely gorgeous, and hilarious 19-year-old college student. My how time has flown by!!

It is hard to see because of my wretched photography skills and the glass on the frame, but notice she had every member of our family at the time depicted and labeled...even our canine daughters. She was a very thoughtful artist.

Bet you can't figure out which one is me.

Just another day, looking like a clown and Being Billingsley...

The Many Faces of the Billingsley Girls

My beautiful girls...

My silly girl...

My terrified girl...

My sweet girl...

Hmmm...I don't know what to say about this one.

Just another beautiful Autumn day Being Billingsley...

Halloween 2009

We had a great Halloween, and I hope you all did too! What a wonderful holiday!

Here is Abbie and her friend S.B. as they prepare to embark on their business of candy gathering. Can't you just sense the focus...
Here is Lila, our precious little flower, as she prepared for her evening of trick-or-treating.

Abbie went to each door with the following script: "Hello. Trick-or-treat. I am Abigail Billingsley. I am dressed like Aurora. She also wears a blue dress in the movie, but pink is the only one available for purchase. I'm fine with that."

Once the candy was given to her, the Princess graciously said, "Thank you." James said she got left in the dust as all the other kids got their candy and moved on. Of course my kid used the concept of trick-or-treating to get to know if the neighbors were "good people." That girl loves a good chat.

Once the candy was collected, Abbie and the other kids all sat down together to get as much of it in their mouths at once as they possibly could. Here she is with S.B. enjoying some Dots.

The treat for Lila was that she got to be outside and bundled up in her blanket. The trick, of course, was that she got no candy. She thought it was rude. You just wait till next year, Lila. Abbie will show you how it's done!

Probably my favorite thing about Halloween since having children is the day after. I like to call it the "Halloween Hangover."

Abbie trying to sober up on the couch this morning with some Disney Channel programing.

Lila crashed in our bed after a night of solid partying.
All-in-all, it was another successful Halloween. Tons of candy, hanging out with great friends, a buffet of food that was seemingly endless, and all our kids having the times of their lives. It was wonderful.

How did Lila feel when we told her Halloween was over...

I feel the same way, girlfriend....the same way.

Just anther day Being Billingsley...

Halloween Party!!

Today was a big day. It was the Halloween party at school for Abbie.

My little Princess Aurora got to wear lip gloss and it completely changed the way she smiled.

Aurora has clearly had some face paralyzing botox treatments...

Look at my girl put away some cupcakes and other Halloween treats.

All of the other kids ate the frosting off one cupcake and gave the rest of the treats to their Moms. Not my kid.

She crammed a haunted house sandwich, chocolate cupcake, pumpkin cupcake, cup of Halloween Chex mix, bag of Skittles, peanut butter spider, and 3 glasses of Pineapple juice into her mouth. All of which came after her normal lunch.

Check out the collateral damage on her plate!!

My girl also proudly rocked the sweetest set of vampire teeth you have ever seen.

Now this is a costume!

And finally, a group picture.

These are the adorable kids in Ab's class. Note the bride in the back row who was clearly tired of the relentless paparazzi. Can't those parasites leave a girl alone on her special day!

Just another day of successful parties Being Billingsley...

Lila's First Photo Shoot

We recently had pictures taken by my favorite photographer. Her work is unlike anything you've ever seen! Do yourself a favor and check out her website. She truly has a God given talent.

Take a look at some of her work...

Wow! These kids must have one VERY good looking set of parents.

Wow, this 3-month-old is gorgeous and obviously well mannered...probably a reflection of her mother's superior parenting skills.

This picture is precious. It's my favorite. A Pops with his granddaughters.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Who Could Blame Him...

Well, it's a big day here at Chez Billingsley. My oldest daughter received her first marriage proposal!

When I picked her up from school, she did what any good daughter does...she gave me all the juicy details of her exciting day.

A boy, whose name escaped her, asked her to marry him at recess. He was "a blonde boy with brown eyes and smooth skin." He wore shorts that were unsavory because they looked like "a picnic blanket."

Her best friend at school, Cassandra, quickly jumped in and told Abbie she had better say no because married people have to "kiss on the lips." Disgusted at the thought, Abbie told the disappointed young man she was unable to accept his offer.

Just another day of breakin' hearts and Being Billingsley...

Happy Three Month Birthday, Lila!

That's right! This gorgeous girl is three months old!


Lila, you are such a joy! Here are just a few new things you are up to from the last month:

• At your last doc appointment you were 11lb 5oz and 22 5/8" long. Putting you in the 50th percentile.
  
• You still sleep all night long. Your bedtime is around 9:30. When you wake up in the morning, you are CHATTY!!
  
• You often put yourself to sleep. You don't always require me or your Dad to rock you to sleep.
  
• You LOVE to be with your Daddy. He has to sneak in the house after work so that he'll have enough time to change his clothes before you start asking to be picked up by him. You are usually in his arms all evening.
  
• You officially can hold your GIANT head up all by yourself. You are very proud of that ability and take the opportunity to show off whenever possible.
  
• You think your Granna and your Pops are pretty funny! They have gotten the greatest belly laughs from you. You also think it is hilarious when other people laugh. You will join right in.
  
• Your nickname is James Jr. because you look identical to your father!
  
• You've found your hands and like to grab your dress, blankets, and your pacifier. It is really cute.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Cousins and Cupcakes

My favorite four-year-old niece came over to make some delicious Halloween cupcakes. She's adorable, and she makes one mean cupcake!

According to her, all frosting needed to be "tested" before it was applied to the cupcake. Additionally, if a candy decoration fell off the cupcake, it needed to be eaten immediately. She's my kind of girl!

Abbie is a firm believer that cream cheese frosting need not be spread on the cupcake. It simply needs to be dropped on by huge spoonfulls. I love it!

Here the little pastry chefs are showing off their creations. They were lovely.

Just another Halloween sprinkles ALL OVER THE FLOOR day Being Billingsley...

Halloween Pictures

Look how well our first attempt at getting cute Halloween pics went with my two girls...

Lila seems happy.

Super neck support here.

I think we'll just have to try again....in 30 years.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

First Girlfriends' Lunch

Look who got all kinds of dressed up to see a friend for lunch...

Lila couldn't wait to meet Anna, one of her Mom's favorite people. So, she rocked her best tutu. Afterall, she's pretty sure that's what they mean when they say "dress to impress."

Just another adorable day Being Billingsley...

School Pictures 2009

I just love official school year pictures.

There is just something about posing a gorgeous child on the corner of a stool...sitting at an angle, of course. Then, the "photographer" asks the adorable child to flash the fakest of all smiles possible. Sometimes the kid will have a stunning plastic sunflower prop to hold, but you can always bet on fake ivy in the background. The photo always, always, always boasts a cloud scene or sunset style backdrop.

Somehow that "photographer" manages to make all the kids look like they just woke up from a 47 hour nap.

Since I first took Abs to preschool, I have lived for those hilarious pictures. They have never disappointed.

Taken in 2007, it does the best job of explaining the "47 hour nap" reference, and wow how did they get that photo in front of such a beautiful sunset...

Taken in 2008, notice the angled approach and the ivy in the background...

As for 2009, the school hired a new photographer. Click here to see her work. Abs is in that #6 group.

I'm so disappointed. Those rocks...they're real. Those flowers and plants...they're real. The smiles...they're real, too. Those kids are REALLY outside, and there isn't a single nap interrupted.

Seriously, Cutie Pie Photography is phenomenal!! They specialize in child photography and the women are dedicated to spending time with each of their little customers to make sure they get to know them before snapping away. They really try to capture YOUR child and not get a bizarre expression in the photo that you don't even recognize as your kid. Check them out for any photography you may have planned in your future. You won't be disappointed....unless you are a fan of the fake sunflower.

Just another day Being Billingsley...