Friday Things
1. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the devastating flooding in Houston. I connected with Bridget, who luckily had a house and neighborhood that stayed above the water) and arranged to donate diapers and money for food. I so desperately wanted to help in some way; I hope everyone can rebuild and get back on their feet as soon as possible.
2. Next week is going to be a big one at our house – Joseph is starting a little preschool program! It’s two days a week for two hours each at a local church preschool, and he will be in a class specifically for 2.5 year olds. We loved the staff and facility, the fact that they focus on play, go outside, and do learning through experience. Joseph doesn’t have any cousins and we don’t have any local friends with children his age, so he doesn’t have much of an opportunity to interact with kids his own age. The music and swim classes that we do are mostly focused on mom-and-child interactions (which I love and we’re continuing to do!), but we thought some time to play with kids his own age would be great for him. Fingers crossed that we both handle it okay 😉
3. Dominic, meanwhile, is growing like a little weed! He learned how to throw his arms in the air for “touchdown!” so he’s ready for football season, ha! I ordered his birthday invitations and birthday shirt this week; I cannot believe he’s going to be turning ONE in just over a month!
5. What are your Labor Day plans? Tell me what you’re cooking and baking! I can’t believe it’s already time to bid summer farewell, time is FLYING!
6. Whole Foods just got WAY cheaper!
7. Are you watching any of the U.S. Open? It’s been a crazy first week with tons of upsets; I’m continuing to cheer on Roger Federer, my fav!
8. Let’s talk TV! Did you watch the Game of Thrones finale? This has been my favorite season in quite a few, and now I can’t believe I have to wait a year to see the final season! We also finished the first season of Happy Valley, and my goodness was it good! We’re on to the second season, and are still loving it.
9. Duke is going to be getting some play time of his own! He’s going to start going to doggy day care for half days once a week or every other week. He’s been seeming a little mopey and we think he could use some extended play time and socialization with other dogs. It’s at a facility where we used to take him and Einstein for training lessons, and it’s a fabulous facility.
10. TGIF! I hope you have a great long weekend!
It’s just so nice to see your two boys grow up – but it happens soo faast!! I continue to look forward to your Friday things every week (and of course your daily posts on FB etc.) 🙂 keep up your great work! And as a swiss girl I must totally agree with you – HOPP ROGER FEDERER!
You’ll be amazed what preschool will do for him. There are so many wonderful programs near us. We used one on Rt. 8, 5 min away and those teachers have become close friends now. My son is 5 and in half day kindergarten (PM), but he loves all kids, especially younger, and plays well with them, if you ever want to meet up at a park.
Joseph will have a great time at pre-school…guaranteed.
I taught kindergarten for many years and could instantly pick out the students who had pre-school experience. They understood how to function cooperatively in a group setting and how to positively interact with peers and new adults. They had all small but important social  skills that can only be learned in a group setting with peers. I know it is hard to let him go off on a new solo adventure but he will be fine and you will be as well!
I think a couple of days a week for a few hours  day will have a big impact in  the most positive of ways.
That said, I bet Duke will love his “peer group” time as well. I am guessing another puppy to keep him company is not in near future plans!Â
Buttermilk Pie is on my list for this weekend. With crust or without- will be trying lots of different recipes.
They grow up way too fast…take it from a mom that knows! (my 2 are 41 and 47) Your boys are so sweet and enjoy seeing the pics and the “stories!” Joseph will have such fun at the preschool! (and bet Duke will too at his doggie day care!) Your such a good doggie mom. Children and grandsons are heading Wi. DELLS for a long weekend. I’ve been baking up a storm (no bake cookies, banana bread toffee chocolate chip cookies, 2 meat loafs, and bringing corn on the cob, watermelon, and fresh tomatoes. Hope every one has a safe and happy labor day weekend! Prayers going out for those affected by hurricane Harvey.
I love summer so I am focusing on the remaining 3 weeks rather than the impending fall 😉.  This will be my first North American fall for 30 years (after living in Oz) so am hanging on to all the warmth I can get!  After 2 1/2 months waiting for my house to be finished, I can’t wait to start cooking and baking again.  First dish is going to be Creamy Peanut Chicken, a Thai dish.  Thanks for your recommendation for Happy Valley, I love English crime shows and now that I am getting Netflix, I am looking forward to indulging in more.  I also love the Inspector Lynley series and Midsomer Murders.  Can’t believe your little guy is approaching 1!  Love the doggie photos!
I live in Southern California and will stay in doors with the air conditioner over Labor Day. Is Joseph helping you in the kitchen? I look forward to your Friday Things. Can’t believe how the kids are growing. I always love hearing you about the family and the things you are doing. Keep blogging.
Hi Gina, He is! He loves when I bake bread and helps to scoop the flour 🙂
Sometimes in pictures of a child you can get a glimpse of what they’ll look like when they’re grown. I can see Joseph as an adult in this latest pix – he’s going to be such a handsome man. I’ve got my fingers crossed that he’ll enjoy the daycare.
Aww so sweet of you to say, Martha!
Joseph will have a great time – and you will, too, watching him learn new things! Same for Duke – I bet he will enjoy a change of scenery with other kids that look like him!
I still love Dominic’s hair! People put lots of product in their hair for that look!
We love GoT, too! I’ve read all the books – which are NOTHING like anything after Season 2, and on your suggestion, started Happy Valley. We love it, too! You should try Doc Martin if you haven’t already – it’s really, really good. He’s kinda like House, but totally clueless about social interaction. Great scenery and really good storyline.
My hubby’s 61st birthday is today, so we’ve cooked out and enjoyed the day! I hope your family has a great weekend!
Happy Birthday to your husband! I haven’t tried Doc Martin yet, but my mother-in-law really likes it!