Friday Things #462
Well, hello there and happy Friday, friends! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
After nearly eight months, our lives have settled back into somewhat of a bit of a predictable routine and I’m so, so happy to say hi to you on a Friday again! (For more about my hiatus, you can read my initial post about Dominic’s diagnosis here, and then updates one, two, three, four, and five.)
Thank you all for your unending support, prayers, emails, good thoughts, encouraging mail and packages, and everything in between. It has meant the world to our family and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Now, let’s get on with a Friday Things! 😊
1. The kids got to go trick or treating together! We weren’t sure if we would be home or if Dominic would be in New York receiving treatment, but we ended up leaving the next morning. They had so much fun, and I’m so glad they could enjoy this together.
2. A quick Dominic update: he had another round of immunotherapy treatment last week. The infusions went well, though the last one hit him a bit harder than previous ones, and he ran two fevers over the course of the time we were there, which is a side effect of the treatment. All in all, it was a successful trip. We will go back in early December for another round, and then he will have a battery of scans afterward to gauge the progress of the treatment.
3. Tis the season >> How to Practice Gratitude Every Day
4. A year or two ago, we started the tradition of a “thankful tree” where each day the kids wrote on a leaf what they were thankful for that day. Then last year we switched it to the “thankful turkey” and did feathers instead of leaves. I am putting up the turkey today and I love that they are excited to do this!
5. Speaking of, do you have your Thanksgiving menu planned? I am working on ours over the next few days and will share it when it’s finished! What is a must-make for your meal or dessert? I feel like the cheesy creamed corn casserole is the crowd favorite at our Thanksgiving every year.
6. I’ve been doing a lot of reading since the spring, thanks to spending a significant amount of time in waiting rooms, hospitals, in clinic during blood transfusions, etc. The books I’ve finished:
- Unbroken (had started it last year – enjoyed it)
- The Four Winds (really liked it!)
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (I was surprised by how much I loved this one, I was trying to figure out the connection between Evelyn and the reporter the whole time)
- Verity (I read this in less than a week, which is lightning fast for me; it was super suspenseful but I also found it really, really disturbing)
- The Nightingale (started slowly for me, but the last third of the book or so, I flew through, it was fantastic)
I just started It Ends With Us. I also have queued up Code Name Helene, which was picked as part of a book club a friend of mine started, but I needed something in between World War II female spy books 😉
I used to be a voracious reader and it feels great to have that reading urge sparked again! I love getting lost in a great story.
7. The last few years, we have put up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving and I am READY. I want to get the most out of those warm, cozy lights. The kids started asking to listen to Christmas music on the way to school a couple of weeks ago; we are all-in on holidays here!
8. I love this advice >> The Greatest Conversation Advice I Ever Received
9. We have to talk TV, of course! I JUST found out that the new season of The Crown dropped on Wednesday and I can’t wait to watch! I am also counting down the hours to Yellowstone’s season five premiere on Sunday night. My faaaaaaaaavorite 🤩
10. These two are still the ultimate snuggle bugs ❤️
I needed to thank you for this extraordinary data and information, I most certainly cherished every single piece of it. Kindly compose an article about jewelry box supplier this will be help full.
supplications for you all. We are grateful to Him for keeping us all healthy and happy. bitlife
I used to get your blog posts on bloglovin but something happened to it and I lost all of your posts that I saved. Recently I did see a post on Instagram and just went to your website. I signed up for your newsletter and began catching up with your beautiful family. Imagine my surprise when I began reading of Dominic’s cancer trip! It brought me to tears! I’m so thankful that he, hopefully is at the end of that journey and on to the rest of his life. He and your whole family are in my prayers. You sure have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving day and everyday! Love and prayers!
So glad to have you back for Friday Things and even more happy to hear that Dominic is doing well with his treatments and got to enjoy a fun Halloween! Praying for you all!
So fun to see Friday Things in my inbox once again! So happy to hear Dominic’s treatment is working…continued prayers for his full recovery💕
My favorite book this year was by far Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Fabulous book…could not put it down.
Thanksgiving has totally snuck up on me this year! I will totally be looking to your website for ideas!!!
🙏🙏🙏 prayers for you all. Gratitude to Him who keeps us all well and happy.
Michelle, it is great to have you back on Friday Things. I am so glad to hear the great news on Dominic and that the treatments are helping him and he seems to be doing very well! The children’s costume are so cute! I hope everyone in your family enjoys one of the best Thanksgivings ever!
So thrilled to find a Friday things! Happy to hear Dominic is doing well- in my prayers every day- Your kids look amazing in their Halloween costumes! Nice for a sibling picture-
I do a Pumpkin pIe and a French Apple pie similar to your Dutch Apple pie recipe- just no pre-cooking of the apples- small group for the holiday so likely will scale back on the sides and appetizers.
Love so many of the books you’re reading, especially Code name Helene- Code Name Verity also fabulous WWII story- The Lincoln Highway and This Tender Land – both a change up from WWII for a break.😉
Will keep your sweet family in my prayers-
It’s nice to have Friday Things back! Mostly because that means good things for you and your family. Looking forward to holiday posts. Lots of continued well wishes for all of you!
I am so happy to hear that Dominic and the other children are doing well. It is hard on the children that don’t require the extra attention when one of their siblings requires so much. I’m glad you have a village to help you meet all their needs.
I’ve read all of the books that you listed above and loved them all. The Nightengale left me wanting to ask so many questions of the characters, and Four Winds left me with dust in my mouth and needing a shower it was so well written. I just finished The Personal Librarian and really enjoyed that historical fiction book.
Have memorable and loving holidays. So happy to have you back.
A wonderful surprise to see Friday Things. The children are sprouting up and look fantastic. They seem like a close knit group and that must make you proud. I think about your family often and send prayers for you all. Thank you for updating us. Happy thanksgiving.
It was great to check your site today and find a new Friday Things post. I was especially great to see a picture of your three kids…dressed for Halloween. I have missed seeing them. I was shocked at how much Isabelle seems to have grown. Joseph’s mustache is priceless!
So good to hear Dominic is doing well and continuing with his treatments. I pray daily that your strong, brave super hero child will win his battle. He certainly has many, many people pulling for him.
Thanks for taking the time to share . Stay strong!
So happy to hear your family, especially Dominic, are enjoying seasonal activities together. I hope you continue to have positive results for Dominic and that the treatments return him to full health. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays together!
Have missed all of you so much. Praying for sweet Dominic to be healed and cured, and all of your family.
So happy to see your email. Love that you and your kids are getting into Christmas early and I totally agree with making the most of all the decorations, music, etc. Sending all best wishes to all of you.
PLEASE READ THIS!!! LET’S KEEP THE GOOD WISHES COMING!!
*********************************************************************
If you’d like to send cards/gifts to Michelle & family:
Dominic Lettrich. PO Box 597, Wexford, PA 15090
So glad Dominic is responding to treatment and your daily life is returning to normal. You will love Code name Helene. Another you might like is The Winter Guest and Where the Sky Begins. I’m about to start the Berlin Zookeeper. Have Happy Holidays!
So good to see you again on Friday Things. I check it daily. The kiddos are all so very cute! You are still in my daily prayers and a great big thank you for keeping all of your many friends and fans updated. You are an awesome mom :) with an awesome family!
I’m glad things are starting to get somewhat back to normal, Dominic is such a trooper, your family is always in my prayers
Hugs and prayers to Dominic, you and your family! I’m glad your getting some kind of normalcy again Michelle in your trying times! Take care!
I always have to make a pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and chocolate fudge for the desserts. Then I’ll try a few new recipes too.
I’m gradually putting up my Christmas trees and decos as I do every year bc after all that work, I want to enjoy them. Time flies by too fast as it is! Lol
How nice to not only see your awesome post, but especially the good news you shared! This time of year includes so many wonderful traditions, but is especially a time of gratitude. I share that sentiment, so grateful that your little one continues to make progress. Wishing you many Thanksgiving blessings!
Michelle – so wonderful to wake up to your posting this morning. Made me teary eyed. You are so strong and loving – your children are blessed to have you. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. The picture of your children in their costumes was priceless.
A great book is #But God. It is a true story.
I was delighted to see your email this morning. Sending good thoughts and prayers for your entire family.
I am so happy some normalcy is returning to your family’s lives after 8 long months It has been a year beyond belief for Dominic – and yet he seems to have adjusted to the reality of it all SO WELL
My prayers for you – and family – will not cease ; they continue because I believe in the power of prayer – and it surely can’t hurt
Much love and hugs being sent too
I’m so glad you’re back (especially since it means you have the time and energy to do it). I think of your family often and hope you have a calm and joyous holiday season.
Seeing this in my inbox made my Friday! It is so great to have you back, and I am thrilled you have had the time to put this together. Continuing to pray for all of you as you move through your difficult journey. Can’t wait to see your tree and those lights! You have inspired me to put up my tree this weekend!
So great to see your Friday things in my inbox. I’m happy things are settling down a bit for you and that brave little Dominic is home. Continued prayers and love for your family.
I’m currently in holiday mode too. Thanks Hallmark Christmas movie countdown! Anyway, my dad said it was to early for Christmas to go up, so downstairs I have pumpkins and sunflowers and upstairs……Christmas! My room, hall and bathroom are done. It’s nice though to have both holidays up. After thanksgiving I will deck the halls in the rest of the house.
I’m so happy you and Friday Things are back! You have been so missed.
Continued prayers for your beautiful family. God’s blessings are abundant.
Friday Things was the first thing I did on a Friday morning with a cup of coffee before work. I was so surprised and HAPPy when I saw the email this morning. We all missed you ! So happy that Dominic and the kids had a fun Halloween. More fun days ahead ! Continuous prayers and blessings for you and your family.
Great to see your Friday Things in my email this morning! My heart goes out to brave little Dominic and your family. I LOVED Nightingale – so much I turned back to page 1 and read it again! I am now in love with Kristen Hannah and have read nearly everything she writes. In my usual fashion a few of her books more than once. Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!
So happy to hear your sweet Dominic is doing well. I pray for him and your family. Have you watched The Chosen series yet? Seasons 1&2 are out and Season 3 starts soon. It’s streaming on most platforms and free. It’s uplifting. Joyous. Heartwarming. I think you’ll love it. It’s a good dose of the medicine we all need in life. God Bless you all. ❤️
Thanks for making my day! So happy when I saw Friday things, and your kids in their Halloween costumes!
I pray for Dominic every day and glad to see some normalcy back in your lives!
Happy Holidays!
So glad to see a Friday update! Happiest of holidays to you and the family! Sending you all the most positive thoughts :)
So happy to see Friday Things this morning! Loved it! Continued prayers for everyone.
When I saw a Friday post, I got excited! I’m so happy for your family.
Michelle, what a plesant surprise to see a Friday post!! So loved seeing the kids together all dressed in their Halloween costumes❤️ So glad they got to enjoy that and glad whole family did too.
Thinking of each of you and always sending love and prayers. Wishing each a wonderful holiday season.
Be Blessed and Happy
Jean Spangenberg
Delighted to see you back. Wishing you the very best. Enjoy the holidays.
Fun photo of your kiddos in their Halloween costumes.
I also recommend Lessons in Chemistry.
The picture is adorable! So glad they got to go out together! Thanks so much for sharing & the recipe & most importantly, the update on Dominic! Will continue prayers!
So happy to see Friday things is back! I always look forward to it. Glad to hear you are settled into a more familiar routine and I continue to send prayers for your sweet family. I want to recommend two books to you. My very favorites from this year. Lessons in Chemistry and Horse. Both are excellent, imo! Happy Thanksgiving! Love your family traditions!
I was so eager to tell you about Malibi Rising that I didn’t say glad you are back and praising God that things are going well with Dominic’s treatment! All of your children are so adorable in their costumes, and I’m definitely going to make the corn casserole for Thanksgiving. Whew!
If you liked Evelyn Hugo, then you must read “Malibu Rising” by the same author! It’s fantastic and has a tiny overlap with Evelyn Hugo.
The children look so happy! Continued prayers for Dominic and for your family. I’ve loved your website for many years and wish you and the family health, happiness and love.
So good to see this in my feed this morning! We have much to be thankful for. Continued prayers to you and your whole family.
Welcome back!
So happy to see Friday Things! It’s good that prayers have been answered for Dominic and your family, we will continue to pray for you all. So happy to see those pups again! Oh how we missed them too! So thankful for your posts, Michelle! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lovely to wake up to this:) Blessings to you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I’ve always enjoyed Friday Things! So great to see you are back and that Dominic is doing so good. Your kids are all getting so big and I love that Turkey idea. Also, if you like suspense try Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewel. I’ve read all their books and they are wonderful.
Can’t express how nice it is to have you back ❤️ you have been sorely missed Michelle😉
Your children are growing up so fast, happy you were able to have them all trick or treating together this year. Thankyou for making time for us all😊
Beautiful to see your children all together and also to read that a sense of normality is returning to all your lives. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Continued well. Wing and good health.
So good to “see” you and the family on the Friday things post! Continuing the well wishes and prayers for your family. Thanks for the book recommendations! :). And – yay- Yellowstone!