Homemade Playdough

Molly loves play doh. I hate play doh because we ALWAYS leave it out too long, and it gets crunchy. What fun is that? Plus it irritates my frugal self to have to buy more each and every time the colors get mixed or the dough gets hard. So, I went on a recipe hunt...

And the winner is...

Colored Playdough

Materials

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• Food coloring
• Saucepan
• 1 cup flour

Directions

1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm.
2. Remove from heat and add flour.
3. Stir, then knead until smooth. The cream of tartar makes this dough last 6 months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you don't have it on hand.
4. Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag.

My Little Friend

My heart is full when I think about the special friendship that is forming between me and Molly. Sure, we have our days where I feel like I am disciplining all day long. But, more and more often, we are having times that feel easy and sweet. I think 3 is going to be a fun year. Here are a few little things I've capture recently. 

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to cook. It's a hobby, and it's a job. I hope to instill that love in Molly. This morning Molly was helping me put together a Sausage Casserole for dinner that night. 

Coffee is a big deal to me. I love it, and never start the day without a cup, usually two. About once a week, I'll let her have a tiny cup of coffee when I drink mine. This is her pink coffee mug. 

Summer strolls down the street.

Graham's Party.

I just realized I never blogged Graham's 1st Birthday Party....

Better late than Never! (especially since he's on his way to 2!)

My friend, Cortney Cannon, made this adorable door hanger. It has definitely added a fun touch to all of our birthdays. 

My sweet and talented friend/new sister-in-law, Lauren. She has made both my kids smash cakes. 

Dalmation Cookies

 These two spent a lot of time together this year in the PDS and Kirby Woods nurseries. 

These Costco brownie bites are my go-to desserts. Ice a detail, and they are super easy, custom treats. 

 

Fire Hydrant Cookies

I feel so blessed that two of my dearest friends had babies right around the time Graham was born 

Riann and Lauren

Group Shot

Lexie Lynn, Miles, BJ, Edie, and Graham

So exciting!

We saw a side of his personality for the first time this night. so funny!

Thanks for coming!!!

Hot Dog Guilt

Okay, I serve my kids hotdogs. Every time I do, I feel a little guilty because I know they are garbage. However, it's easy, and they love them. I have discovered the most delicious alternative (and it's incredibly delicious for adults, too). The company uses all natural chicken with very few added "junk" ingredients. I love the pineapple and bacon and the chicken and apple. I just slice, and brown in a skillet.

Makes for a great appetizer served with cheese and crackers.

Give it a try!

Easter Treats

Pretty sure everyone in our family had a sugar high after Easter.

Oh well.

Egg Hunt

One of my favorite Easter traditions is the egg hunt at McVay Park on Good Friday with my mother-in-law's work friends (and their kids and grandkids). This year Nick took off work so he could join us. We had a great time! (minus the Easter Bunny). Anything that qualifies as a "big puppet" is pure evil in Molly's opinion.

Here are a few pictures taken at the hunt...

Perfect Cheesy/Redneck/Rainy Spring Break

We had a wonderful Spring Break trip just the four of us in Branson, MO. We decided at the last minute to forgo a beach trip and do something a little different. Despite the tornado damage from late February, we packed up the car, and headed north. Not the most glamourous vacation, but to us, it was the perfect mix of kid-friendly restaurants, pretty views, and a cozy condo. It was a perfect get-away spot to relax.

The weather was terrible, so the first night we spent hanging out at Bass Pro and eating Pancake at Bob Evans.

Graham's first attempt to color. He loved it (along with the taste of the crayons).

These two did some serious bonding this weekend.

Our best "group shot".

I can't express my love for this guy.

The BEST Husband and Daddy I could ask for.

We have started picking condo spots based on good pools and playgrounds. Graham approved.

My Cutie Pie, Molly Clare

This picture sums up how we were all feeling driving back into Memphis. We had fun, but there is no place like home. Vacations with little ones are exhausting!