First Tee Ball Practice

This is Mason's first time to be able to play tee ball. He had his first practice today. He did so good. He had to borrow Cody's glove, but still did good. After Jacob and Mason got done warming up/throwing the ball to each other, it was time to run bases. There were several kids in front of him, so we thought he was paying attention. Well, when it was his time to run to first he jets straight up the middle of the field. It was the cutest thing ever. Then after he ran the bases it was time to hit off the tee. He hit the ball the hardest and I was one proud mom.

Spring Cleaning

Since we have been off these past two days, I decided to start my spring cleaning early. I put Cody to work. He has been wanting to help me, so I let him vacuum our living room. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Hayden's Photo Shoot

While we were in Houston, my cousin's wife, Angie, used her professional grade camera and took some pictures of Hayden. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Thanks Angie!

Aunt Susan's SUPRISE 50th Birthday

Saturday morning, Hayden and I went to my Aunt YaYa's (Shelly) house to carpool with them to Houston at 7:30 a.m. We left Georgetown around 8:00 a.m. We had such a blast on our trip to Houston. My uncle Andy is very knowledgeable and was giving me a lot of in site on what's going on with our politics. Whenever we arrived to my cousin Caleb's house, we ate pizza for lunch and then got busy on putting up decorations for my Aunt Susan's SURPRISE birthday party.

After we put decorations up, we worked on our 'Evolution of Dance' routine that 5 of us ladies put together for my Aunt. Most of us worked on the dance for a few weeks, and some did not (my mom!). Anyway, then my mom and I went to Walmart to pick up the rest of the items that were left off the first trips list. It was funny, because my mom said,'' I hope we don't run into Susan here, that would be a hard explaination''. I laughed so hard!

While everything thing was going on for the day, my baby Hayden had it rough. He has been having loose bowels (diharea) this whole past weekend. So, he was very irritable and a mommy's boy the whole time. But he was a trooper and really enjoyed singing 'Twinkle Little Star' on the microphone, to the guest.

It was time for Susan to drive up and all the guest were outside to wave and sing happy birthday to Aunt Susan when they pulled up to the house. Her face was priceless. She seemed very surprised. We all went into Caleb's backyard and had some good hamburgers and fries, then coke floats. It was chilly and so most of the non family guest went inside. But not us! We all huddled around one table and ate. It was too funny when my mom got up from the table and said I'll be back, it's too cold. Well, whenever she came back she had the grill cover and was using it as a blanket. It was the most funniest thing. This guy that was sitting with us was saying, that he couldn't believe she was using a 'pool cover' as a blanket. My mom said hey, if this is a pool cover and it's fitting snug, that's not funny! But he knew and was just messing with my mom.

It was then time to do our dance. It was great, I laughed the entire 6 minutes and it seemed as though the guest loved it. After that, we did some kareoke, 'We are family'. Then we packed up, said our goodbye's and hit the road back to Austin.

We left around 8:30 p.m. During the trip home, I asked some more questions and Uncle Andy again delivered a wonderful explanation for everything. I was in and out of the conversation, due to going to bed late the night before and then waking up in the middle of the night. At one point, I woke up to flashing police lights. I was totally out of it, I thought I had been in a wreck. (I wasn't driving). Anyway, when I finally woke up and realized that there was no wreck, but there had been a fire and it had crossed the highway and they rerouted us another way. The Police said if we took this particular road that it was 12 miles to 290. So we went and about 30-45 miles later we ended up in Giddings on 77. At that point I was extremely tired and wanted to rest up before traveling home from Georgetown to Jarrell. When Aunt Shelly woke me up she said 'we are here'. When I looked outside we were at my house. She had brought me out to my house because she didn't want me to travel by myself. I have the best family ever.

Cody with the ipod

Monday we went to our niece, Rachael, softball game. While we were watching the boys were getting restless. Cody had found my ipod and wanted to listen to music. So, I helped him put them on.

Cody is going through a major growth spurt. Before the game we ate at Schlotsky's and he ate an entire pizza and cookie by himself. Whenever he had his ipod on he asked 'loudly' if he could get some money and get some chips at the concession. I gave him $1 in change and let him know that, he had his ipod on and said 'huh' loudly. Then, while still having the ipod on, he gave the lady the money and she asked him what he wanted. Once again, loudly, he says 'huh?'. It was too funny, because if he would have just took the ear piece out he would have heard. And him being so loud and not knowing was hilarious.

Valentine Dinner

We really enjoyed spending Valentine's at home this year! We had decided that we wouldn't do gifts because we know Valentine's Day is a "money making" holiday. Well, Jacob surprised me, by going to one of my favorite store's 'Compass Trading' and buying me a purse. He picked it out himself. He is so thoughtful. I had picked up stuff from the store to have a romantic dinner at home. It was funny because the whole time we were cooking we flirted and laughed like it was just us two in the house, but we did have our 3 boys. When the dinner was ready to be served, I set the table like it would have been set up at a restaraunt for a party for 2, but then reality set in and went ahead and set the boys up also. After dinner and desserts, we put the boys down for bed and cozyed up on the couch with candles lit everywhere and watched a movie. We really were happy that we chose to stay in. We hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Cody's Valentine party

Yesterday was Cody's valentine party for his class. I was able to attend 10 minutes of it, then I had to relieve another teacher so they could go to there child's party. When I got there Cody was in the middle of making a cute bear that holds a sucker. Then after he finished that project he went and did Valentine Bingo. It was very cute to watch him play. They had bingo cards and they used heart candy as doppers. After the fun game, he went to the table where they were making hats with heart. That was my cue to leave... A friend who has a son in the same class took some pictures...

Coach Dotson's.....

Yep, that's right. We received a call today asking if we could co-coach Cody's tee ball team. We are very excited, and hope that Cody will be ok with the! Anyway, I guess we are going to just jump right into this parent volunteering.... Wish us luck! We will have 13, 5 year olds!

The Sacred Romance

I am very excited. A friend of mine, recommended for me to read "The Sacred Heart", and do the workbook. I am so happy because yesterday day I purchased the book at this amazing store,"Mardel's". I have several friend who are on board and are going through this adventure with me. We are ready to open our hearts for what God has in store for us.

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Product Description:http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Romance-Drawing-Closer-Heart/dp/0785273425

The God who saves is also a God who woos His own to a relationship primarily of the heart. As we draw closer to Him, we must choose to let go of other less-wild lovers, such as perfectionistic driveness and self-indulgence. Eldredge and Curtis identify the lies offered by false loves and instruct us on the journey back to the Lover of our souls.In carefully crafted words and images, the authors entice the reader to his or her own journey of the heart, promising, It is possible to recover the lost life of our heart and with it the intimacy, beauty, and adventure of life with God.

T-ball and Laundry

I am happy to say that we signed Cody and Mason both up for T-ball in the Jarrell league. I think Mason was more excited then Cody... Although, while we were signing them up, Little Dribblers was going on and Cody had found a basketball and did really good at dribbling. I think he will be a good basketball player!

Today, I wanted to finally get the boys involved in cleaning and helping out. I set them out on an adventure to find all the blue jeans and to put them in a pile, then all the towels in a pile. It's great because we are going over different colors for the different piles and different textures. This has been a learning experience for them and a help for me.

Twinkle little star

Since we have been off, the boys and I have done a lot of singing. So, while we were driving to meet some friends this evening I got Jacob's blackberry that can capture video of the boys singing twinkle little star. It's about the most adorable thing to see your baby singing!!!

Pluckers and Bowling!

Weekends usually consist of purchasing movies and having movie night. Well, tonight we were able to go out with some friends of ours to eat at our favorite wing place, Pluckers. It was a lot of fun. They have a son that is Cody's age. After we ate dinner we went to the nearest bowling alley to watch a set of 5 year olds and a 3 year old play bowl. It was actually a lot of fun, and really funny to watch. Cody did really good, and Mason was too funny. We had to direct him numerous times to bowl on our lane, because he kept trying to bowl down the other peoples lane on both sides of us. Can't wait to do it again Prinz family!!!

Learning to dance

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.The movement doesn't flow with the music,And everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, Both bodies begin to flow with the music.One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back Or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.The dance takes surrender, willingness,And attentiveness from one personAnd gentle guidance and skill from the other.My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "U" and "I". "God, "U" and "I" dance."God, you, and I dance.As I lowered my head, I became willing to trustThat I would get guidance about my life.Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

Puppy Update!

After his first night, he can now fetch his toy and go potty on his pads... We are very pleased with the way he is adjusting to the family...

Ready for my Season to end...

Lately I have really been longing for the relationship that I had with my Heavenly Father several years ago. Where I would be completely focused on him in my daily life. Since after birthing my second child I have been in this season of in and out with God. I would visit him on occasion but not chat long. Kind of that awkward haven't seen you in awhile scene. I'm ready to to start my journey with Him. I have been surrounding my day with worship. That truly does help me with my walk. A lot more prayers, and just focusing on Him. A friend suggested a book, The Sacred Romance, which come with a workbook that helps rekindle that relationship. I am going to ask my sister-in-law Danielle, who also attends the same church as I, to join me in this adventure. We are suppose to start this bible study this Thursday, but I might try and get her to do this instead.... Anyway, please keep me in your prayers as I get back on track for Christ!!!

Our New Family Member

It's official! The Dotsons own there first family dog, Jaxon. He's a mixed designer breed between, Shih Tzu, Pekanese and Poodle. (Shihkapoo). He will be 9 weeks old this saturday. The boys have fallen head over heels in love with this puupy, even Jacob. To see them playing Jaxon is priceless.... So, please welcome.................JAXON DOTSON!

One Act of Random Kindness at a time...

So, yesterday I really needed to get some things accomplished so I got my "nanny" to come in for 5 hours.... It was so nice to be able to get those things accomplished without having to parent at the same time. Especially with 3 BOYS!!!!

I went and gave blood. Something I have been meaning to do but couldn't because I had the kids 24/7 and didn't want to take the boys there because that's just not a place where you take your kids. It's was lovely. I love to give something that will help many people. I have the universal blood O negative with an antibody that helps preemies.

Next stop, I visited a friend who was in the hospital. I was able to bring lunch (and tulips with her favorite candy!) to her without having the boys with me. Plus, the hospital is no place for those boys!!! I was able to sit and chit chat for an hour or so.

After the hospital, I ran to walmart to pick up a small Kennnel for our new family member. I tried calling the lady all day to pick Jaxon up, but she hasn't got back to me. Jaxon is a Shih-a-poo, which is a Shih tzu and poodle mix. They are called designer dogs because of how cute and little they are. Needless to say, we still don't have our precious puppy.... The boys were very upset that I was empty handed when I came home. Even Jacob was asking for the ladies number to call. We have already formed a bond with this puppy and we haven't even seen him.

That was all yesterday, and today we are going to the park to have a picnic with several of our friends. I am very excited.... And for those of you who don't know, I am off all week due to Lisd meetings.

Happy New Year!!!

What a wonderful way to celebrate New Years then to do it at home with just your husband and kids. We went and ate dinner at one of our favorite Mexican food restaraunts and then came home and watched the Ryan Secrest New Years show. We even danced around, all of us.... After putting the boys in bed, I ended up having to wake Jacob up for the ball drop. We kissed and prayed and then headed to bed. It was fun and safe.... Happy New Year!!!

Christmas at our house!

Let me back up to the night before Christmas. We put out pumpkin bread and milk for Santa and Cody wrote Santa a letter. It was too cute. When the boys went down for bed, Jacob went outside and put Sled tracks in our yard (which is still their today!) Then "Santa" put their toys in the toy room all nice, wrote the boys back and ate the goodies. It was a lot of fun. Jacob and I wrapped up gifts and got everything ready up until 1:30am, then it was time for bed. The boys woke us up and we went and opened presents. After they opened the presents from us we read the letter that Santa wrote back to them, which mentioned that he left some gifts for them in the toy room. I seriously think Jacob and I were more excited to see their reaction then anyone. They opened the door and freaked out. They loved it. Cody even mentioned that Santa did a good job cleaning the play room!!! It was nice, then we had pancakes for breakfast.

After we all got dressed we went over to Jacob's parents house and did Christmas all day with them. It was amazing. I just love spending time with family.....

Christmas at the Viceniks

December 24, 2008. We had a great evening at my mom's house. We went over and had yummy desserts that were made by the lady who lives with them. Then we sat down and Johnnie read about the story from the bible about Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. It was great watching the boys being interested in the story. Then John handed out his gifts first. He gave Jacob and I the movie "Short Circuit" which was a favorite of mine back in my younger years about a robot names Johnnie #5. Then he gave Hayden a "Power Rangers" movie, which was also a favorite of both Jacob and mine (in our younger years). The other boys got each their very own "Thomas the tank engine" movie. It was very nice of him. Then we gave our gifts and then mom and them gave theirs. We had a great visit and hope we are able to visit with them more in 2009.

Decorating our Christmas Tree

The boys have really enjoyed participating in decorating the tree this year. It was fun having most of the tree decorated by their own hands from school projects. Each one of them had the opportunity to put on the tree what they made. They really got into the Christmas spirit and we were able to use it as a learning experience and was able to share with them the true meaning of Christmas (Jesus' birth).

Jacob's Christmas Party for Work

December 19, 2008. We went to the Marriott in Round Rock for some Surf n' Turf dinner and fun Gambling (not with our own money). I had a great time chit chattin' with the wives and of course playing Black Jack. Jacob and I probably played Black Jack the whole time. Jacob got a Safety award (Nice flash light set) this year. He also won a door prize (which was some type of tool kit).

Cody's Christmas Program

Our Cody is such the entertainer. I just know God blessed him with a singing ability and he has definetly used it for sharing about God. What a wonderful, talented little man he is. He was an angel in the His Kids Christmas program. This will be his last year at His Kids because next year he will be attending Kindergarten at Jarrell Elementary.

Cody's Christmas Party at School

I had a wonderful time visiting Cody's classroom Christmas party. I was able to watch him participate in several fun activities such as: Make an ornament, make a yummy Christmas Tree out of a icecream cone, and play M&M bingo. It was great to be able to take time away from teaching and from the other boys and just be able to focuse on Cody. I know since the other boys were born Cody hasn't had as much attention as before, but he knows we love him. They also sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and got to blow out their own candle on top their cupcake.

Sandi's 25th Birthday

November 22, 2008. Yes, that's right I am a quarter of a century old. I am at a great point in my life. I have my husband who I have been married to 5 1/2 years, with 3 kids and a house we have turned into our home. What else could a girl ask for???

Thanksgiving Feast

I have been away awhile I see..... So, Cody had his Thanksgiving feast at His Kids which including a Thanksgiving Meal and entertainment by the kids. Cody had his own table for his family which included, Jacob, Susan (Jacob's Mom), Sheryl (my mom), Johnnie (my Step-Dad), Mamaw (my grandma) and Papaw (my grandpa). I was not able to attend, so I have to go by pictures and a video clip my mother in law took. From what I saw and heard, Cody did a great job singing and performing, (and the food was good also!).

Still here...

Just wanted to let you know that I am still here. I haven't been able to get on the computer because I have been slammed between being a mom and being a teacher. With us starting back on Monday, it will probably be a little time before I can update. But since I am on now, I will work on it by downloading some pictures.... Maybe....