Friday Things #503
1. Dominic hit a huge milestone last Friday – he took his last dose of a medication called Bactrim. He’s been on it since his first day of chemo in April 2022; it helps to prevent a certain type of fungal pneumonia that you are more susceptible to while getting chemo, and he had to take it for 6 months after his last chemo treatment. I asked him how he wanted to celebrate, and he said by having gingerbread men cookies 😄
2. Dominic and Isabelle have mostly recovered from last week’s flu, though we did end up finding out on Friday afternoon that Isabelle ALSO had strep; Dominic has a lingering cough and his energy is not quite back yet, but everyone is much better than last week!
3. Santa cominig around on the fire truck was such a big thing when I was a kid, and I’m so glad that some places still do it! The kids were THRILLED when they saw it on the street a couple of weeks ago.
4. What holiday cookies or treats are you most excited to make? Do you have any long-standing traditions?
5. Of all the ideas I’ve shared since November in my gift guides, these have been the most popular items purchased, in case you’re looking for some last-minute ideas:
- Large Silicone Dough Rolling Mat
- Mini Whisks (Set of 2)
- LCD Writing Tablet for Kids
- Kate Spade Stud Earrings
- Simple 3-Button Stopwatch
- Baking Mug
6. I absolutely adore this “big sandwich night” tradition!
7. Love this from the latest James Clear newsletter:
“The way to live a full life is to act quickly.
Particularly as you grow older, it’s alarmingly easy to let a year or two (or five) slip by without doing the big things you always felt like doing. You get into a rhythm—not necessarily one you love, but one you become comfortable repeating—and the grooves of your daily routine become deeper and more established.
Speed is perpetually undervalued. That doesn’t mean you should feel frantic or rushed. In fact, it’s likely you should eliminate some of the things that make you feel so busy to make space for things you always wanted to do. But it definitely means you should stop letting the days drift by waiting for the moment to be right.
Stop acting like there is infinite time. This—the way you are living right now—is your one life.”
8. I finished Reminders of Him a couple of days ago and thought it was a good read! Would give it 4 stars… if you’ve read it, what did you think? Next up for me is Before We Were Yours; has anyone read it?
9. We finally began the last season of The Crown and it totally captivates me, but also leaves me feeling a bit sad for everyone involved.
10. TGIF! These two are the coziest!
Read “Before We Were Yours” about a year ago, loved it. Hope you do as well.
Oh my gosh! Before We Were Yours is SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I read it many years ago, but it’s still one of my favorites. It’s amazing! Go Dominic!
Yay!! Dominic you celebrate with those gingerbread cookies!
God bless you & keep you healthy!❤️
I agree about The Crown. I’m on the last episode now. Of course we don’t know how much in the series is fact or fiction but it’s interesting to watch.
I haven’t read either book you mentioned but the second one sounds intriguing.
The quotes from James Clear are so true. I’m 70 and was just thinking yesterday How quickly time goes by. Seems like just yesterday it was summer, now it’s almost Christmas and it goes on. And he’s right about the routines.
So glad the kids are feeling better and Dominic is finished his treatment..woohoo!
I am so glad that Dominic finished the last of his Bactrim! And the gingerbread cookies look yummy! I hope everyone is feeling all better for Christmas. I made rainbow cookies that I am keeping in the freezer for now. Today I will be being butter cookies and snowball cookies. Busy time of year but I enjoy it. Merry Christmas!
Way to go Dominic! Continued good health to the entire family. Enjoy the holidays in the company of family and friends.
I stumbled upon this list a few years ago and every single book has been SO good! https://brookeromney.com/100-clean-books-still-worth-read/
Thank you so much for this list!!
CONFRATULATIONS, DOMINIC!!!
You are truly a super kid and should be so proud of yourself.
I think gingerbread cookies were a great way to celebrate and I bet your mom. makes the very best ones.
On another topic…Isabelle’s hair!!!!!
Lucky girl to have such crown of glory and a new tooth coming in as well.
I read “Before We Were Yours.” I would give it five stars. I learned so much about a part of US history I’d never heard before.
Congrats to Dominic, he’s such a brave little guy. I love the idea of big sandwich night too, thanks for sharing it. I read that book and enjoyed it. I’m watching The Crown and really feel sad as well. I read Harry’s memoir (Spare). I know it’s controversial to some people, but I found it interesting and also very sad (for the entire family.)
Hi Michelle!
I loved the photos and your messages. I have been keeping your family in prayer during Dominic’s recovery.
Just want to mention a quick tip on strep: I use to teach middle and high school. After 18 years in the classroom and a family that was “always out with strep”, it was discovered that their dog was spreading the love and the strep. Once their pet got treated, the family was much better. Their pet was the missing link.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Before We Were Yours is a great fictional version of the story, but Lisa Wingate and Judy Christy then wrote a nonfiction book (Before and After) based on true accounts and interviews from some of those affected (which I recommend reading after Before We Were Yours). Glad your kiddos are feeling better. Hopefully they’ll have gotten their illnesses over before the holidays. My traditional Christmas baking always has to include Neiman Marcus Choc chip cookies, and fudge raspberry brownies and sachertorte cookies and a variety of other cookies that vary from year to year
Hi Michele so glad to hear the children are on the mend. Dominique looks really good. Still continue to uphold him in prayer bless him. I am from England and one of our Christmas traditions is to pull a cracker at dinner with someone at the table.Inside is a silly hat we put on and there also is a little quote and a trinket. . I make sausage rolls mince pies and English. Trifle.Wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas😊😊
Hi, Michelle! I have read “Before We Were Yours.” It is a fantastic book!
I looked forward you recipe and talked about your beautiful family. God is good🌝. You and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your newsletters. Such good news for Christmas. Enjoy your family.
Michelle, & family.
Wishing all of you a very merry & blessed Christmas. You are such an inspirational gift to me & I keep Prayers going for all of you. Dominic? You are a blessing to me. God has something so special for you. Have a fun Christmas with all who will surround you.
love,
Betsy
Love your Friday blog! Yes, I read “Before We Were Yours” (in 2018). I read lots since I retired and that I still clearly remember this stand alone book is a testament to what an excellent read it was. Great writing on a difficult topic with some sadness and much goodness. I have considered a re-read of it, but not yet as my TBR list never ends.
May you and your family have a fabulous holiday season and a wonderful, happy, healthy 2024.
Congrats to your little man on finishing up his med! Every little milestone is worth celebrating on that journey 🥳🥳🥳
Yes, I’ve read Before we were Yours, I enjoy the author.
My favorite cookie to make is called, cream wafers, they are requested by all of my sons.
Blessings to your family this Christmas and wonderful news on Dominic.
Enjoy the season
Sue
I’ve read Before We Were Yours, and it’s really good (most people love that book), but my issue was I had never heard of the events in the book before I started reading it, and I needed a non-fictional account before I read the fiction. Some of what was going on is alarming! I got so distracted with all the questions running through my head that it took a little away from the story. All my own fault, but I needed more! :)
I binged the last half-season of The Crown, and it was just so sad! I knew what was coming and I felt dred through everything happening on the screen. I need the next half to feel a little better.
I have read Lisa Wingste – before we were yours. An excellent read
Good morning Michelle!
Your children are so adorable. Dominic’s little face just lit up my morning, that little guy has been through so much and to know he celebrated with gingerbread cookies really made my day. I am so happy for him and for your whole family.
You are a wonderful Mom!
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I’m glad to read that everyone is on the mend. Dealing with sick kids is no joke.
You are going to love Before We Were Yours.
Merry Christmas and keep on baking.
Your children are a gift from God. When I saw CHEMO my tears rolled down my face. I started to tell God to please send the team of His Angels to your house!! These precious children will be healed of the Lord. Amen
Have a blessed Christmas 🎄 with your family!
Love Dominic’s big smile and Gingerbread Men cookies sounds like the perfect celebration treat to me.
I believe Christmas Break may be “Continued Recovery Time” for your family 😊
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes and great ideas, and of course, the sweet puppy pics, too.
I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy New Year!
Before We Were Yours is a great book that packs a hard gut punch. Yes, I’d read it again. I really enjoy Lisa Wingate’s writing, but the story is hard.
Great news for Dominic! He is such a trooper and so so sweet. Continued prayers for all of you and hope you all feel better soon. I, too, am savoring the final season of the Crown. I do have to remind myself that it is not all absolute fact. My favorite Christmas treat is Microwave Peanut Brittle. I could probably eat a whole batch in one sitting :)
My Christmas tradition is to bake BrownEyedBaker’s Soft and Chewy Sugar cookies for my nephew, who recently turned 20; I’ve been baking those for him since he was a kid
Congratulations Dominic!! Prayers will continue for you and the family.