Artwork

Here is a few pictures of the boys recent art work. Cody colored and made an origami bird.  Mason made a painting of 'Mason's World'.  Hayden made a grass head out of panty hose, dirt, and grass seeds.  Very proud of my little artists.

Domestic Goddess - Food Edition

I LOVE to cook (I HATE doing dishes! <----sorry, had to throw that in there to make a statement! ).  I am now a HUGE fan of making homemade tortillas. Here are the lovely stack of 16 I made last night.  We had deer sausage wraps with these yummy tortillas and they were a hit with the family.  I could make (and eat) these everyday!

Today, I was in the mood for Fire Crackers Saltines.  My mother-in-law makes the BEST Fire Crackers, but today, I am using a slightly different recipe.  Trying to tone it down for my boys.  I used a whole box of Zest crackers, 1-1/2 cup 100% Pure Olive Oil, Ranch Packet, and 1 teaspoon Crushed red peppers. 

ingredients

mix oil, ranch packet, and crushed red peppers

add whole box of crackers into a zip lock bag and pour liquid over crackers.  Every 20 minutes turn bag over.  The crackers will eventually absorb all the liquid and taste AMAZING! Enjoy.

Date with Cody - Learning how to treat a girl!

Outside the movie

We are HUGE fans of the book series by Jeff Kinney, 'Diary of a Wimpy kid'.  We saw the first movie as a family and laughed out loud throughout the whole movie and couldn't wait to go see 'Diary of a Wimpy kid: Rodrick Rules'.  Cody had asked me to take him since he saw the first commercial for the new movie.  I told him while the other boys were playing outside one day that when it comes out I would let him take me on a date to the movies! 

A week ago I had told him I would let him take me on that date this friday.  Well, of course I had to let him down easy because I had worked at my moms house getting her all moved in and ran out of time to be able to take him.  So, I told him if we had enough time after my all day tournament I would take him then OR take him Sunday after church.  He was ok with that.  Saturday rolled around and we didn't get done until after 8 and I just really wanted to get home because I was tired, dirty and just plain worn out and so I reminded him that FOR SURE we would go after church on Sunday.  This morning I woke up and was very excited.  Called Cody into my room while the other 2 were watching cartoons and told him how excited I was about today!!! 

It was perfectly planned because the movie started at 1:20pm and so we dropped Jacob and the other 2 off at Jacob's batting practice at 1pm.  Before we got to the drive-thru at Wendy's for a quick lunch, I gave Cody (7 years old)  $20 and explained to him that when he does take girls out he would need to pay for their meal and for their movie ticket because that's the respectable thing to do.  After going through the drive-thru the lady told us the total and Cody handed me the $20 and paid for the meal.  Cody got a kid's meal and I got a small salad because we only had 10 minutes before the movie started.  We parked at the movie theatre and ate quickly.  Another respectable thing I wanted to teach Cody about dates was it's COOL to open doors for the girls, so he opened the car door (and shut it) and opened the Movie theatre door for me!  He told the ticketmaster that he wanted 2 tickets to Diary of a Wimpy kid: Rodrick Rules and handed the guy the money from his pocket.  There were 2 older ladies behind us that thought it was the cutest seeing Cody being so sweet to his mommy!  Cody also ordered from the snack bar: "medium popcorn, bottled water and 2 free ice cups please!". 

We laughed through the whole movie and after the movie we went and picked up Jacob and the other boys. All in all, I'd have to say, Cody is going to make one girl very happy!  Lastly, we ended the day with his Aunt Becky taking his 7 year old birthday pictures. Posting pictures when I get them!

This is taken by my cell phone as a sneek peak!

I really love Cody so much and really enjoy our one-on-one time!  I'm going to do it more often because it really is going to strengthen our bond and his ability to be able to treat a girl like they should be treated.

Wine, Greys, PP and MIL

Today, I had a text from my sweet Mother-in-law, Susan, "Wine and Greys?" and of course my response was "YES PLEASE!"  I mean who wouldn't want to be in a quiet house with one of the best people in her life with a glass of wine to relax,  it is the start of my weekend!  (Be jealous, please!)  After some great episodes, half a bag of carrots (forgot to eat dinner before I got there), and a whole BIG bottle of white zinfandel (split between 2), I'd call it a great evening!  I love mother-in-law quality time!!!   

 



Custom made Kitchen sink steps

My husband is so crafty.  He was telling Mason to wash his bowl out after he ate his snack after school but there was one problem, Mason couldn't reach the sink without having to crawl up the counter.  That's when Jacob (hubs) said, "I know what I am going to do, I'm going to make a step for the boys so they will be able to wash their own dishes!".  I told him that was a great idea and withing minutes he brought in this amazing custom made kitchen sink steps and then he painted it.  I am taking orders now!!!  =)

Cusom steps made by my husband, Jacob.



Cody testing it out!



BLUEBONNETS

Yes, we found bluebonnets, in our next door neighbors yard.  I grabbed Hayden and Charlie and we took quick pictures before we got caught. =) I'm hoping to get better pictures of all 3 boys in them but this is what I was able to get! Enjoy!

Dotson picnic dinner

Today was such a beautiful day that as soon as I got home from work I knew I wanted to make dinner early and eat outside on our picnic table my husband so craftly built.  I had already decided I was going to make chicken fettucine alfredo for dinner.  Here are the steps I did to make this delicious dish.

Most of the Ingredients:

Step one:  sautee red bell pepper with Smart Balance light butter

Step two: cut chicken into bite size and cook with a touch of olive oil

 Step three: Add the alfredo sauce and red bell pepper with the cooked chicken

Step four: cook fettucine

Step five: Mix together in a pan, Chicken alfredo and fettucine, top with crushed ranch crutons and bake for a few minutes

Dotson family picnic dinner oustide

Hayden enjoyed his noodles!

 Mason enjoying his noodles! (beautiful eyes)

Cody enjoying his noodles! (slurping)