Celebration!

HAPPY NATIONAL COFFEE DAY!

From our cup to yours!

 

( I so wish this picture turned out better.)

 

Can't be beat!

This past weekend our town held a Chili Cook-off complete with craft vendors, farmer's market, 13 different chilis to sample, and a pumpkin decorating contest.  Years ago, at this same event, we had entered a pumpkin and won second place in the family division.  But then, sadly, the chili cook-off lost a lot of it's volunteers and the once highly anticipated event was no more. 

 

Until this year!

 

When I heard this festive event was back on, I knew it was time for the Dominique's to pick some pumpkins, bust out the paints, put our heads together, and conquer the pumpkin decorating contest.

 

And that we did:

 

 

Jacob created the batman pumpkin, the girly pink one is Bree's, and we worked together as a family on the other two.  All our hard worked paid off as we collected a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies.  However, we do not know which pumpkin won what as we were not there for judging and everything was just grouped together when it was time to pick them up.  But that's okay. 

 

We're all winners in this house! 

How do you know?

How do you know its Fall in the Dominique household?

When we work really hard at picking 9 milk crates of apples:

to have pressed into 17 gallons of thee most delicious apple cider:

 

 

Then you know its Fall.

 

You can read about our past cider making experience here. 

Party with a Purpose - A baby shower

This past summer I stumbled upon a blog post

Shower for an Unknown Baby.

 

I clicked on the link expecting it to be about abortions or something along those lines and was only planning on skimming the article. 

 

However, I was delightfully mistaken.

 

It was nothing negative.  Instead, it was inspiring and motivating!

 

You can make a difference and help others from the comfort of your own home via a party with friends?

 

How cool is that!?!  Sign me up!

 

With the help of a like-minded friend, we took a cue from these ministry ladies and hosted our first Party with a Purpose by throwing a baby shower for the CPC.

 

There was food:

 

 

 

There were drinks:

 

 

We prayed and fellowshipped: 

 

We listened to a guest speaker from the CPC tell us about their ministry work, what donations are always needed, and how we can physically be involved in changing people's lives through the CPC.

 

Then we spent the rest of the evening grouping diapers into bundles and attaching hand written Bible verses to offer encouragement and praise to the mother who receives them. 

 

 

 

It was a great evening of friends, food, drinks, and learning about a wonderful service right here in my own community.  If you weren't able to attend or if you're reading this from across the country, I hope this event inspires you to host your own Party with a Purpose.  Pick a charity, a cause, an organization that is near and dear to your heart and invite your friends over with purpose to talk about it.  Its a simple way to raise awareness and you'll have fun while doing it.   

Another First Day

First day of 4/5 year old preschool

September 1, 2015

 

 

 

2015-2016 School Year

 

Jacob - 5 years old

loves play-doh, ninja turtles, and riding his bike

 

Most desired item: someone to share his room with. (HA!)

 

Favorite color: orange or green

 

 

Thoughts on school: Walked right in, found his buddies, and said "See ya, Mom!"

 

But he willingly came back and took a picture with me. 

 

 

I think its going to be a great school year.

Constant Battle

There is a constant battle in my life.

I'm so hungry....

But, man, I'm tired....

I recall sneaking a few bites off my kid's plate.  I probably should eat something more nutritious.....

Oh... but those few precious extra minutes of sleep will do my good.....

What to do?  What to do?  

 

I guess I'm not alone in this constant battle.

Holly apparently needing a few more Z's while eating her afternoon snack.  

Unlimited

Remember that banana thief I told you about?

 

Well.... Its not just limited to bananas.

 

That little hoodlum will steal anything.

 

Broccoli,

 

 handfuls of lettuce,

 

even my cup of ice cream is not safe when my back is turned.

 

 

 

Moral of the story?

 

When this chick is around, keep your eyes on your food. 

 

Dear Old Friend

Its a reoccurring theme in life.  

Chores need done.  

Laundry.  Dishes.  Lawn.  Vacuuming.  Dusting.  Cleaning. 

Children need tended to.  

Baths.  Homework.  Sports.  Friends.  Personal time.

Personal down is warranted.  

Alone time with the spouse is needed.  

The house needs maintenance of any and all type.  

Family commitments must be met.

Emails need to be returned.

Forms need to be filled out.

And at the end of the day, you my dear friend, are the furthest thing from my mind because my mind and my body just want to rest.  I'm sure you understand that.  Right?

Now a new school year has begun.  Life will hopefully slow down and a routine will take form.  I just hope that after all this time apart you don't hate me for neglecting you.  

And more so I pray that I don't hate you at the end of this workout.  

                                            Sincerely,   

                                     Your long lost workout buddy

Growing Up

 FIRST DAY OF 2ND GRADE

AUGUST 19, 2015

 

2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

 

GABRIELLE ELIZABETH

 

 

 

 

How do they grow up so fast? 

Birthday to Remember - Part 2

On the second day of my birthday weekend, my true loves gave to me...

 

...a trip to a friend's farm to see the most gorgeous wildflowers growing and row after row of sunflowers.

 

 

We even made a few wee friends while we were there too. 

 

Then it was off to the Butterfly House to see beauty at its finest. 

 

Holly was very concerned that I had a butterfly on my pants. 

 

 

After that, we were off to Oak Openings for a lovely stroll. 

 

Of course, all that walking will make one hungry so naturally we had to stop at Panera Bread for some birthday bagels. 

 

And at long last, we made it to the final destination - The Toledo Mudhens where......

 

...we caught a foul ball!!!

 

 

It was a super great birthday weekend full of surprises, yummy treats, special treatment, and lots of birthday love. 

 

And guess what? 

 

That's not even all of it!