Dakota's Ear Tags

Here is the update on Dakota's surgery. Last week, she had surgery to remove two ear tags.
This was what they looked like before surgery...

And a week later this is what her ear looks like.

This was at her one week check-up. All smiles! She didn't like wearing the arm braces and the second day, after surgery was the hardest. She actually tore the sleeves off and touched her ear, removing all the glue. Luckily, she didn't do any serious damage.

I'm gonna miss nibbling on her tags.

It Finally Happened...

Cheyenne is six years old and finally lost her first tooth!
It's been loose forever and she finally pulled it. There was a tooth growing right behind it, that's how long she waited to pull it.
She's so excited!

Christmas Eve

This afternoon, Cheyenne and I went to Texas Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker at Bass Performance Hall. Now, we are in the Christmas spirit. We had planned on going to Christmas eve church service, but Chey got nauseous in the car and threw up twice.


To help her tummy feel better we made cookies???? Dakota was really getting into it.

Chey will be alright, once we got home from the ballet she was feeling 90% better.
Okay, goodnight! Gotta go to bed, before Santa gets here!
Is that Chey's naughty face?

Dakota's Many Faces Of Surgery (VIDEOS)

This morning Dakota had surgery to remove her ear tags. I'll post photos later, but I think you will enjoy these videos.

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I enjoy this time of year, especially since I have a few weeks off of work. Dakota is not impressed. Ha.



Let's party!!!!!

Family Portraits at Sundance Square

Photo credit Brant Smith Photography

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party With Texas Ballet Theater

This was our second year to attend the tea party. Last year, it was called Clara's Tea Party, this year it was named Sugar Plum Fairy.

The food, decor and activities were fabulous!

Love Them...

Enjoying the Season

Hi! I hope you all had a good weekend! I'm enjoying the Christmas decor. In the entry way of our home, the girls and I set out the Christmas village. The decor is within Dakota's reach, but she's really not interested in messing with it…thank goodness.

This past weekend, we went to the local Christmas Tree lighting and fireworks show.

I love shopping at Trader Joe's this time of year, they have delicious treats.

Saturday, I met a soon to be nursing graduate at the water gardens. I took her senior portraits. I'm still working on them, but once they are done, I'll post a blog on my website domvideophoto.com

Here's a random picture of Chey. I was working in the office and she said…hurry, take picture of me! Ok, sure.

Monday, I got a new camera -- so I spent a few hours playing with it. I like how I can control it using an iPad or phone.

Long Time Friends

Look who stopped by...
I'm so happy they stayed a while to visit!

Christmas Deocrating

Can you believe it's already Christmas time??? I guess, it's time to start decorating.

Thanksgiving (2014) at Home

How was your Thanksgiving? We spent it at home. Amy, Carlos and their baby joined us.
I was so happy that Trey bought the turkey and ham pre-made from Honey Bee Ham. All I had to do was make the sides and dessert. Thanks, Trey!!!!!

Time at Home

I can't wait to spend time with my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday break! Thursday night, we are going to have a sleepover. I'll either sleep in their room or we'll take over my bed and ask Trey to sleep in the living room. I can't wait to play and giggle with them!

P.S. Dakota didn't want to be pictured. She had a bad case of the grumps.

Progress on the Chevy

Here are some recent photos of Trey's truck, the last one was taken September 25th - you can see the progress.

Cheyenne's 6th Birthday Party

Happy Birthday, Cheyenne!

Not Fair and A Birthday

It's not fair that Trey had lunch with my Mom today, while I was at work.

Well, my day got better when I face chatted with my sister and her babies. They were showing Cheyenne her gifts.

Speaking of gifts....
Cheyenne's birthday is tomorrow. Today, I sent cupcakes to her class.
She loved all the attention.

Art Night at School

My Sister is at Home With Her Baby

Yesterday, I visited my sister at the hospital, before she was released to go home. I called her today to see how he did, last night. He was awake all night. Ahhh, the newborn restless nights, I don't miss those one bit.

I love his face!

Working and Taking Breaks. Enjoying the Weekend

Friday night, I filmed a wedding rehearsal dinner with another videographer. She's from Kentucky and needed a second camera operator. It was a few hours of work and pretty fun. At the end of the night, I handed her the SD card from the camera, that's it...no post production feels strange, but it's also a great feeling. I have enough video to edit, these days.
Since I was working late, I guess Trey didn't feel like cooking, so he took the girls out for dinner.
Saturday, I filmed and took photos of a surprise marriage proposal. The video is on my vimeo page. Check it out. https://vimeo.com/dominiqueanderson

My Nephew, Carlos

My nephew was born at 11/8 at 4:23 am. He weighs 8lbs 4oz and he is 20in. We love him!!! My sister, Amy didn't have any complications during delivery and Carlos is healthy. We are excited to welcome him to our family!!

More Sweets Than We Should Have at One Time

Hi! I don't know about you, but our house has a plethora of candy. The girls went trick or treating for 2 hours and managed to fill 3 buckets. It's because they are so adorable. I know.


While Trey took the girls out on Halloween, I was filming a wedding near Weatherford.

I brought the girls home some party favors. Cavities, anyone???

It's Almost Halloween & A New 70-200mm Lens

Tonight, was wear your Halloween costume to church. Chey is Anna from Frozen. Dakota is going as Elsa, but she didn't go to church -- tonight, so that's why she did not dress up. 

I got a new 70-200mm lens, so I grabbed a few photos of the girls. I think I'm really going to have fun, taking portraits and doing video work with this. I've only taken a few pictures, but I'm already impressed. It's so wonderful that I have beautiful models to take pictures of....I love my girls. 

That Time, Trey Operated a Camera

I usually work by myself at weddings, but Trey helped me with a camera, during the Austin wedding. When I was reviewing footage, I came across this image. He's multi-talented.

I have two more weddings to shoot for the rest of the year. And a whole lot of editing to do.

Skate Night & Dakota's First Time Skating. She's Pretty Good!

The Sleeping Beauty Ballet

I took Cheyenne to watch a ballet - The Sleeping Beauty. It was Texas Ballet Theater's latest production. We loved it! Dee Dee, my old boss was working as a stage hand. She asked the cast to sign a performance book for Cheyenne. That was so nice of her to do that! Cheyenne has a ballet keepsake box, so we'll put it in there.

This year, I decided to subscribe to the Ballet, I have tickets to go to every production at Bass Performance Hall - with the exception of the Nutty Nutcracker. This will be my assigned seat for each show! Orchestra, center. I like it!

Chey and I stepped out to the lobby during every intermission.

We also enjoyed pink Tutu drinks. Mine tasted better than hers :)

Before the show, we went to the Tutus and Tiaras ballerina event. It was a party for young girls to do crafts, take pictures with ballerinas, and play before the performance started.

The performance was 3 hours long and Cheyenne did great! I'm so proud of her. She also enjoyed the show.

My First Guitar was a Flying-V, an Outrageous Costume and a Princess at Work

People recognize Columbus Day? Cheyenne had the day off from school, so we just rocked out all day, you know…
The first electric guitar I had was also a Flying-V. I use to play Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit. Bush - Machine Head and Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm. I wasn't amazing, but I wasn't awful.

Last night, was the Ladies Night Halloween Party. Guess who won best costume?

This past weekend I was consumed with editing, Dakota would check-up on me every now and then. It's like every time she'd visit with me, she was either wearing a new outfit or streaking (no diaper)…she has decided to give potty-training another go…She's doing ok.
Oh, I'm still loving my new office and computer. It really is a great space to work.

Side By Side

These girls love to play with each other. We spent our morning at church and afterwards enjoyed a picnic outside.

Crazy Storm & A Little Work Trip

Thursday, while I was at work, Arlington got hit with a massive storm. The storm lasted for 30 minutes. After it was over, there was a lot of damage, power outages, street lights not working, and so much traffic. It took me 2 hours to get home.

The next day, campus was closed - due to the power still being out. I took Dakota to daycare and Chey went to school. I worked from home on small business stuff. I also had a chance to prep my gear for a wedding.

Saturday, Trey and I drove to Austin. I was so excited that he was able to go with me. His business, has kept him busy, but he made it a priority to join me on this weekend work trip. Saturday night we went out for dinner and then watched Gone Girl.

We actually stayed in Buda and then Sunday, I filmed a wedding at Chapel Dulcinea.

This is not the chapel I filmed at, I just like the way this chapel looks. I ran past it, Saturday morning before heading to the wedding. I managed to get 6 miles in.

Here's my groom and bride. Ahhh, they are so freakin' cute! I can't wait to edit their film! Check my business blog for more pictures from the wedding. 

Amy's Abilene Baby Shower

This past weekend, we went to Abilene for Amy's baby shower. She's due around mid-November. It's hard to believe that we're finally going to have a boy on my side of the family!


Tasha made Amy a mum.



Mom and Tasha made these.

Ballpark, Coffee Shop, a Breakfast Date & Sleep Walking

Trey scored four free tickets to the Rangers game. I would've joined him, but I had a wedding consultation, that I didn't want to cancel. Plus, after working a 10 hour shift, I just want to veg on the sofa, especially when I'm still getting over this cold…but Trey had a blast having a guys night out.

 I had a low key night. I met with a bride/potential client at a coffee shop, afterwards I picked up the girls from Rosa's, by the time we got home, it was time to get ready for bed.

Today, was bring your Dad to School and Eat Breakfast Day.

Dakota woke up at 9 pm wanting me to carry her. In case you are wondering that dress is her nightgown. She is so stubborn about what she wants to wear and to me some battles are not worth fighting. I let her sleep in her day clothes, if she wants. Right now, she only has a few outfits she wants to wear, this dress is one of them.

Back to Being a Two Car Family

Now, that I'm working more often, on the weekends, we decided it was time for a second vehicle.

This past weekend, while I was filming Trey and the girls were all over the place, riding around. Too bad we can't all ride together, but I know Trey will enjoy having a truck, again. Trey and I plan on driving it around town, on our next date night.

BTW, I'm still sick. It's been over a week. I think I'm finally starting to get better. I miss running, I miss smelling food and I miss being able to taste food!

The Best Dental Patient

Dakota's first dental appointment was a success.

She had a routine check-up. The dentist is happy and she's happy.

I Have Sweet Friends

This past week, Chey was sick, well Wednesday I came down with a head cold, chills, fever and an ear infection. On top of all that Dakota started coughing.

Being sick is tough.

I committed to filming a wedding, so yesterday, I sucked it up and made it through a 13 hour work day.  I woke up that morning with high hopes, since I was feeling somewhat normal, but as the day progressed, my condition got worse. My voice was shot, I had to scream just for people to hear me -- which wasn't really a scream at all - it was more of a whisper. My ears were popping, and my throat felt like it was bleeding and throbbing. I could go on and on and say how horrible it was, but instead I'll turn my focus on the positive stuff, like today how my friends from church bought me goodies, when they heard I was not feeling well.

My friends Dan and Kristin brought me homemade chicken broth and Elderberry Syrup.
Rosa, my friend who watches the girls made Dakota and I cinnamon flavored water. Dakota loves this stuff. Oh, and Krista and Casey took Cheyenne to church today. My friends are the best!

Going back to Saturday ---
During the day, I tried to keep my energy up, by eating some quick snacks.

This was me at the wedding reception. All smiles, trying to smile my pain away. Smiling and being positive did help, some....I'm glad to be home and resting up. Night. Night.

Prescribed Breathing Treatments

Even though she all smiles in this photo, Cheyenne is sick. She has either a viral or bacterial infection. She's been coughing since, yesterday. The doctor is concerned because she is also wheezing. Chey was prescribed 2 medications and breathing treatments, every three hours.

She is so ready to be back at school. This girl was so upset to miss picture day. She felt a little better, when I told her there would be a make-up day for pictures. Dakota doesn't mind that sister is sick, that just means, mommy gets to stay home from work and Chey doesn't go to school...so she's in no hurry for Chey to get better.

A Night Out. Sundance Square. And a Morning at the Trailhead.

A little night on the town, Saturday Night....
Trey and I explored Sundance Square. This was our fist time out there, since the city added the canopies and fountains. We loved it, even though it was a little rainy, windy and cold.
We had dinner at Cowtown Diner. The food was delicious!

This morning, my neighbor/wonderful run buddy --  Amy picked me up and we went to the Clearfork Trailhead. Every Saturday, they offer free outdoor exercise classes. We got there an hour early, so we went for a run, right off the Trinity. We ran four miles and then did the boot camp class. It was so much fun and the weather was around 59 degrees!!!!
Here's a photo, from when the girls and I went -- last year.

A Happy Birthday

Last week, we celebrated Angelica's birthday at our house. She is 12 years old. We had her birthday party on a weeknight. So, I went all out and made cupcakes from scratch, you know...

Look how much she's grown. (Christmas 2006)

Season Passes (Because One Season of Fun Was Not Enough)

Last year, we had season passes to Six Flags. Amanda and her family told us they were renewing theirs, so we decided to join them. We got a pretty good deal - our passes are good for this 2014 season through next year. We also got the Hurricane Harbor, combo pass.

My fall wedding calendar is filling up! It's an incredible blessing. Since my first fall wedding is quickly approaching, I'm trying to make the most of family time, now before my weekends are filled with wedding ceremonies, receptions and long editing sessions.

Next weekend we're going to Hurricane Harbor.

A Five Year Old Can Bowl Better Than Me

Unfortunately, Trey had to work Saturday night - but that didn't stop us girls from going out and having fun, instead of it being family time with Trey, it ended up being a girls night out. 
My niece was also with us. Chey played using the kiddie bumpers, I should also mentioned she won both games. I suck so bad at bowling. I won't embarrass myself and mention my score. We all had fun and that's the main thing that counts, right??? Watch this clip, I love the way Cheyenne celebrates.

After bowling, I sent Trey this message: Don't be mad, but I'm letting the girls eat in the car. 
Ok, he doesn't get mad, but he gets pretty annoyed when there are crumbs in the car....I don't blame him. By no means are we perfect or rigid, but we attempt to keep the car "a dinning free area." But you've gotta let loose every now and then....

In case you are wondering, we went to sonic.

My New Favorite - Small Kitchen Appliance

I love the veggetti!

Another Season of Ballet

Chey is participating for at least another semester in ballet. Not sure if I will enroll her in the spring. Lately she says I love ballet!!!! And the next minute she's like, I don't want to go to class. It's back and forth, back and forth.

For now, she's enrolled and we'll see how the fall goes.

Still Loving School

Cheyenne loves school! Her face lights up, when she talks about it. She talks the most about art, recess and lunch time.

After her first day of school, she told me she met a boy and she plans on marrying him. WHAT? She said they talked about scissors and stuff.

Although we will miss hanging out on Monday's with Cheyenne,  Dakota and I loved having some one on one time togerther. Dakota was fine with her big sister going to school. She's such an independent child. She plays and entertains herself.

Dakota's Wild Hair

Dakota really has some wild hair, but before I you scroll down to see those pics, look at my niece Ellie. My sister Tasha was in town, last week. We spent a few evenings with her and her girls.

and now crazy hair...

Cheyenne's First Day of Kindergarten

Last night, Chey had the hardest time going to bed, she was simply too excited to start her first day of school.

Trey and I sent her off to school early this morning. She had butterflies and her tummy. When I told her I might cry, she said she was going to cry too...but she said -- happy tears. Sending her off to school is a huge deal! When I left her classroom, I only went back once to tell her bye, one last time. She'll be fine. I can't believe this our life, now. For those who have been following the blog since her birth, you've watched her grow up too! Remember that little NICU baby? Look at her now...

Home Office Nook

For about 10 months, I've been contemplating getting a new computer. After a number of weddings who have booked this fall and photography bookings...I've decided it's time. I got some input from other wedding videographers who are using iMac's. They all said upgrade everything on the 27 inch and you will be satisfied with the performance. So, that's what I did.

Have you ever lost track of time on Pinterest? Well, do a search for "office closet." That's what I'm doing with my home office.

I've always been in love with small nooks. Trey uses our official office nook for work. The photo below is from several years ago.
We thought about moving Trey's office to the spare bedroom, but he has really gotten comfortable here, so that's where he's staying.

Soooo, this is my space. I was already using it for work, but now I'm really maximizing the real estate. Trey is going to extend the desktop surface, so it's a deeper work area. Y'all, I love it already!!!! It also doubles as a standing workstation. What do you think?

This is how I was using the space before...I love how I can close the door and tuck everything away, when I don't want to even think about editing. :)

Summer Portraits

"Can I Fix Your Hair?"

When it's a Billion Degrees Outside, Find a Shaded Park

Yesterday, I took the girls to the park. We're crazy, right? Maybe not, we found a shaded park.

Even though it was burning up, it was a gorgeous sight.

Chey rode her bike, while Dakota and I played in the shade. By the way, Chey dressed herself and Dakota. Somebody is ready for football.

Later, we went home to clean. Dakota was like…."NO, I'll watch."
Now, the girls are in Abilene for the rest of the week, visiting with family. Earlier, they went shopping with Nana.

Ft. Worth people, I tried a new pizza place called Patrons Pizza. It's near Ridgmar Mall. It's soooo good!!! Our whole family ate there for under 21 dollars. It's a buffet and the pizza is extra thin and super crunchy! Trey didn't like it because the sauce had onions in it. What does he know??? I loved it!!!

Growing Before Our Eyes

This weekend the girls and I went school shopping.

Doesn't Chey look so grown-up in her school uniform???We bought the majority of her outfits at Old Navy. We found a super cute jumper from The Children's Place.

Since, Trey was tied up with work, we decided to go out to eat at Yucatan Tacos. I've been wanting to try it for a few years, now. Trey's has never cared about trying it. I liked the chicken lime salad. Cheyenne didn't eat a thing, she didn't care for it. Dakota was like, whatever, it's food, I'm eating it.



Between the down time, running and family time --- it was a good weekend!

I Found My New Crew Member

Saturday, I went for an 18 mile long run. 10 miles around my neighborhood and the rest on the Trinity Trail. It took me a few hours to complete.

Amy (my run buddy) wants to meet tomorrow to run before she goes on vacation, I hope she doesn't want to go fast. I'm not sure I'll have it in me.

Someone could use a new GPS watch.
If you have any model recommendations let me know or if you'd like to donate one to me, that's cool too. I think this week, I'm going to start researching. I love my Nike TOM TOM, but lately it's been flaky. Sometimes, it stops tracking my miles, mid-run…It's like it gets stuck and thinks I'm standing still, when I'm still running. It doesn't happen every time, but it's happen enough times, for me to get annoyed.

Often when I talk with other endurance athletes we talk about how we fuel for long workouts. This has been my go-to meal before a long run:
1 cup of oatmeal, with almond milk, 1 cup of blueberries (or whatever fruit I have), and lots of cinnamon.
Some runners like to consume GU's during long runs, I do that too, but I prefer real food.
When I pack real food to eat during a LR, sometimes I pack the following:
plantain chips, nuts, almond butter wraps, or fruit.
Yesterday, I made my own sunflower - chocolate chip - dried berry - trail mix. YUM!! I didn't eat all of it and accidentally left the bag outside on the driveway. When I went to get it around 10 am, the chocolate was melted. I still ate it.

I may have found my new crew member.
This morning, Chey went for a bike ride around the neighborhood. I ran beside her for 1.75 miles. EXCITING! She wanted to keep going, but I told her that was enough for one day.

It's crazy to think that not too long ago, I was pushing her around the neighborhood in a baby stroller, now she's riding a bike.

September 27, 2010

Whatever, I Do What I Want & My 2 Favorite Hair Accessories

I love a pretty up-do and I found a hair twist comb that holds my heavy hair up. The styles in the photo look outdated and kind of "overdone,"but I promise it's all about the technique. I like it!

Another hair product, I'm loving is one that I bought for Cheyenne. The ballet school she attends requires her to wear her hair back in a bun. I bought her a light beige bun sponge. I started using it too. The only problem is, is that I have brown hair. I have to make sure to conceal the beige color sponge!

March 1st, 2015 - This is Happening!

Who wants to crew me for the last 10 miles?
Seriously…
No, really!!!
I'm not even kidding, y'all! Don't let me down. You have months to train. MONTHS!

Hospital Visit at Cook's & A Friend Asked Me to Try THRIVE

So, Amanda's baby, Mack was admitted to Cook's Children Hospital. He's been having breathing problems. He's been at the hospital for five days.

We made a trip to the hospital on Saturday and again, on Monday to visit him. I am praying for Mack and hoping he gets to go home, soon. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My 3 Day Thrive Experience

My nurse practitioner friend started using and selling THRIVE. I don't know a ton about the company, but from what I've looked at online, I can see it's mostly used as a weight management supplement. I know 3 acquaintances who use it.

So, my friend sent me a 3 day sample. I told her it was unlikely I would buy it, but if she wanted me to try it, I would. So, here's what happened.

Saturday.
I had a surge of energy from 8 am - noon. After that, I felt like my normal self.

Sunday
I couldn't tell that much of a difference. Business as usual.

Monday
I woke at 4:30 am to get ready for a 5 am run date with Amy, my neighbor.
Shortly after waking, I took 2 thrive capsules (that's the recommended dose).
Amy and I usually run 4 miles together and then sometimes, I'll run 2 more by myself. Well, I felt really good and ran 4 extra miles. What???

Am I interested in Thrive? Not really. It was cool, to try it though. I just can't justify the expense and I haven't done enough research on it. Since my friend recommended it and she's an NP, I trusted her opinion enough to give it a try. Trey is pretty interested in trying the men's formula. If he does, I'll let you know about his experience.

My Happy Girl

There are days when Dakota can be a grump, but then she redeems herself by doing cute stuff like this...

Party of 3

Last night, Trey didn't get home until midnight. He was at a Rangers Game. When he was ready to crawl into bed for the night, he was surprised to see that we didn't leave him any room. Sorry!!! Usually, Trey and I don't let the girls sleep in bed with us (or at least we don't have them start their night in our bed) but I really wanted to be near them. PS. I still sleep with my Dallas cowboys snuggie and huddler, every night, even in the summer. 

Looking Forward to The 2015 InFocus Conference in Charleston

Next year, I'll be heading to Charleston for a work conference. This will be my first work conference representing my business.

UTA has sent me to the NABShow, but from what I can tell, InFocus is much different. IF will be smaller, more intimate, and focus on wedding cinematagraphy. I can't wait!!!

And in Charleston, SC…I mean, C'MON!

This Might Make You Smile. A Surprise Marriage Proposal.

Several months ago, Jon told me he was going to surprise Shayla and ask her to marry him. He asked me if I would hide-out and take photos of it. YES!!!
I told him, I would also record it! So, they have it on video too!

I set my gear up at the Ft. Worth Water Gardens.

Afterwards, I took a few photos of them around the gardens.

It was so cool to witness this special moment.

Seven Hours of Running is kind of Crazy

I hope you had a good weekend. Mine was excellent. I edited a wedding ceremony, spent time with the family and went for a LONG run. It was really long (the run).
Sunday, I set out for a 20 miler. 3.5 hours later, I was done! The last time my weekly mileage was this high, was back in February! That's over 7 hours of running for one week. Whew!

Other than running, I've been occupied.….
This evening, I tried to be discreet while I hid behind a tree to record, as well as photograph a surprise marriage proposal. Jon (Chris's younger brother), proposed to his girlfriend. She said, yes!!!

30 minutes before, Jon and Shayla arrived at the Ft. Worth Water Gardens, I sent this message and image to Trey ----  I'm ready!!! There were a lot of women around the water gardens, with their hair covered. I was hoping I'd blend in and Shayla wouldn't recognize me. I guess it worked. She didn't notice my 3 cameras! She was too focused on Jon. Good. After he proposed, I took a handful of photos of them around the gardens. I'm so happy for them!

Chey and Dakota want to say hi! Okay, have a great night!

The Ever Moving Treadmill

My treadmill has been in every single room in my house except for the girls room AND it's been moved, again! This time, it's in the same room, but it's been shifted to face the TV. I love this new view. I also like how I can, look to my right and see what's going on, outside.
I've ran, what feels like a million miles on this Treadmill. I'd be curious to know, exactly how many miles I've ran on it. I wonder how much longer it will last me….

The other day, I bought my first digital magazine subscription. Take a wild guess which one??? 6 miles flew by, when I was reading.

I'm in Love With Love

Here is the first wedding I've produced for Mulberry Lane Studio. This was a party! I don't think I've ever been to a wedding, where the couple was literally dancing to every song. They even danced during the ceremony.

I love my job. Enjoy!
Sammie & Rey's Wedding (Highlight Video) from Dominique Anderson on Vimeo.

Little Date & Lake View

These two love birds went on a date.
They went shopping at the Disney Store, had dinner at Chuy's Mexican Resturant and then watched a movie.



And this is how I spent 3 hours of my weekend. Another long run. I ran to the lake. I stopped a few times, and admired the view.

I would love to live near the water. How about you?

A Cool Opportunity For Me

So, I keep forgetting to blog the good news that I was going share with you (I think I briefly mentioned it a few weeks ago)….

I am now a freelance wedding cinematographer for Mulberry Lane Studio! I'll take wedding gigs from them as needed, if I'm not already booked. A few weeks ago we worked our first wedding together at YWCA, downtown Ft. Worth. We have another wedding coming up this fall at Ashton Gardens.
I'm pretty excited about teaming up with them. They are a photography business, but they are expanding their services to include wedding cinema….that's me! I'm so honored to be working with them. It's a wonderful opportunity for me.

Speaking of weddings, I guess word is getting out about my business. It's been a wonderful wedding year. Yesterday, I met with a bride (who was referred to me, by a previous client), a few hours later she booked me for her 2015 wedding near Tyler, Texas. Here's to the 2015 wedding season too!

I just wanted to share the good news with all of you! Thanks so much for your encouragement and supportive words. AND thanks for watching my videos! I put my heart into every wedding.

Here is the Mulberry Lane Studio site if you want to check it out.
http://www.mulberrylanestudio.com

Girly Stuff

The girls and I have a few things in common. One of those being window shopping. We love Neiman Marcus! Other than the kid area, Chey and I love to browse the purse section. She wants us to get matching purses. I'm on board with that idea.

We also walked around Build a Bear. We borrowed the store pets, while we were browsing. 

Amazing Patience & Growth Chart

I'm amazed at how much patience my 5 year old has with my 2 year old. They are suppose to be asleep, right now and I can hear Chey telling Dakota sweet words of comfort. 

Don't open that door. Don't cry. I don't like it when you cry. 

You will see mommy in the morning. 

Take a deep breathe…in and out…just like that.

Dakota listened to her!! Within a few minutes she was sound asleep.
It's nice to have a caring sister around.

Because sometimes this happens…

The other day, Dakota threw a fit because she didn't want to nap. The result was her sleeping by the door. That was her idea.

In case you were wondering, we are still keeping up with the closet growth chart.

Marathon Training and I'm not Even Running a Marathon

This morning I met my neighbor, Amy for a run. The great thing about having a running partner live a block away, is that you can wait until 5:16 am to get dressed for a 5:30 am run date. We ran 4 miles together and then I ran 1 mile solo. We ran at about a 9:30 pace.

LONG RUN 

Lately, I've been having some great runs. Jeri is training for a marathon. She had 16 miles for her weekend long run. I figured I'd join her (in spirit, she lives in South Dakota). So, Saturday I headed out for a 16 mile run. I ran a 4 mile loop around my neighborhood, once the sun rose, I headed to the trail and ended up running the rest of my miles and then I ended up on a busy city street. Luckily, the city street was runner friendly.
I didn't kill myself, trying to hit 9 minute miles, (although I did run a few at that pace). Overall, I ran a 10:31 pace.

I can't tell you how rewarding it felt to run 16 miles! I miss training for long races. I don't have much on my race calendar. I think I'm just going to continue to run long. Here are a few races that are on my radar.

CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING RACES
1. Cedar Ridge 18KM
This race is this month and it's sold out. I'm on the waiting list.
I ran the 36 KM, last year and loved it! It was so challenging, but so worth it.

2. Fort Worth Marathon
I kind of have my eyes on the 20 miler.
3. Dallas Marathon (the half marathon)
BIG MAYBE

4. Cowtown 50K
Duh, I love this race! This is on my must run list!

2 Year Old Wellness Check-Up

Monday, I took Dakota to the doctors office for her 2 year old wellness check-up. She weighs 30 lbs.

There were two things I wanted to talk to the doctor about.
1. Several people have asked me, "Have you talked to her doctor about the way she walks?" I'll admit it, Dakota is bowlegged, but it's never been a concern to me. I went ahead and mentioned it to the doctor because like I said people have asked me about her walking like I should be concerned…. and I didn't want to feel like I was being dismissive, even though I felt like her walking/legs are totally fine. The doctor examined her and said, she should grow out it as she gets older, but no nothing is wrong with her legs/bones.
2. The second thing I mentioned to the doctor was about her eczema. When she has a bad breakout, she becomes so irritable and I can tell she's in pain and I can see she's in pain! The doctor prescribe some medicine and also recommended Cetaphil as an everyday moisturizer.

Dakota, my 2 year old.
TV Favorites:  My Little Pony and Dora
Favorite Movie: Frozen
Favorite Snack: Fruit Snacks (gummies)
Favorite thing to wear : Frozen PJs

Hey so this is random, but if you pulse cauliflower in a food processor, you get a rice like texture. I love this so much!!! You should try it. Sprinkle some seasoning, lime juice and cilantro --- mmmm, so good!

Wedding at Classic Oaks Ranch

Hey! I finished this wedding highlight a few days ago. Enjoy!

Julianne & Matt's Wedding (Highlight Video) from Dominique Anderson on Vimeo.

Happy 4th of July!

Today, I woke up around 6 am and went for a 6 mile run. The neighborhood where I live, is kind of hilly, so I was moving slower than usually. I guess, it felt harder because here lately, the majority of my runs have been on a track or treadmill. However, I have to say - running slower is kind of nice.

Trey had the day off, today and we wanted to do something fun, as a family, so we decided to go to Splash Kingdom Waterpark in Hudson Oaks. The park is relatively small, it's not like a Hurricane Harbor or anything. This was my first time to go and it was really family friendly. It was also really clean! There wasn't a ton of people either, if we wanted to go down the slides, we only had to wait maybe a minute - if that! We had a great time playing in the sun. We were thankful we didn't have to pay for admission, thanks to Trey's friend/customer.

Now, it's 8 pm and we are all exhausted. We weren't planning on going out to watch fireworks, but if we had planned on doing that, I doubt we'd be able to. I'm about to call it a night. Happy Fourth! I hope you had a nice relaxing day with your family too!

Here's a screenshot pic from Splash Kindgom's site.

P.S. The other day, when I was out in the garden, minding my own business, picking tomatoes. I remember being so happy because this is the first season that I have ever successfully grown tomatoes. Next thing I know, I realize that I just got stung by a wasp. I remember I read that lavender oil helps diminish the pain insect bites. Sure enough, I applied it to my neck and it immediately help reduce the stinging sensation.

Half a Day at the Studio

Yesterday, the girls and I went to Mulberry Lane Studio.
A few months ago, Trey introduced me to the owner of MLS, her name is Amanda. Trey knows her husband and Trey does service work at a resturant he manages. Amanda is a local photographer, she specializes in wedding and newborn photography. We have some news to share and she asked me to go to her studio to have some head shots taken. She had hair and make up people there. Pretty exciting for this mommy! As far as the news, I'll talk more about that later, in another post. Or if you follow me on Facebook, I'll share more about it there too.

I asked the hair stylist to give me Lana Del Rey hair (since I'm obsessed with her look). I didn't want my hair bump to be too big, so I told her to make it subtle.

The photographer, stylist and other girls (there were other photographers having their head shots taken) were not in a hurry, so I ended up spending 6 hours at the studio. It was a ton of fun, but I had my girls with me. They were beyond good, considering how long it took - but they were exhausted. After we left the studio, we went home, I cooked dinner,  video chatted with Trey (he was working out of town), put the girls to bed and edited for 2 hours. Whew! Now, I don't want to wash my hair….