Friday Things #512

1. You may remember that Dominic had routine scans done in New York a few weeks ago, which came back clean. He was also scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy, but he tested positive for Covid while we were there, so he was unable to be sedated, and it had to be rescheduled. We went back to NY for a day last week to have it done, and Dominic’s oncologist called us this week to let us know that the biopsy came back completely clear and that Dominic’s central line can now be removed. He (well, all of us!) has been waiting for this news for so long… Dominic does not have a port that sits under the skin; he has a central line that comes out of his chest, with two tubes extending from it. It has a sterile dressing that must be changed weekly (and cannot get wet), and the lines must be flushed a few times a week. Finding out that he can have this removed and have the freedom to swim, shower, play sports, etc. was THE BEST news.
2. The kids had a long weekend last weekend, and we packed a lot of fun into it! On Saturday, we took the kids to watch the Penguins practice, which was really just as much for me and my husband because we got to see a previous player (Jaromir Jagr) skate with the team because he was having his jersey retired over the weekend.

3. On Sunday, we finally celebrated Joseph’s birthday with our extended family (hooray for everyone finally being healthy!). How did this kid get so grown-up looking?! (He requested my father-in-law’s cherry pie instead of cake; he has good taste!)

4. And on Monday, we took the kids to the auto show at the convention center. I think they love sitting inside the cars more than we do! I promptly fell asleep on the couch Monday night as soon as the kids went to bed 😂
Save This Recipe

5. I think I’ve tried every single protein bar over the last couple of years because I was looking for something I could throw in my purse or bag and have for appointments, at the hospital, traveling, etc. I finally discovered Built Bars and I LOVE them. I especially love the “puff” versions, which have a marshmallow-y consistency. They are packed with protein but not very much fat or sugar; my favorite flavor is cookie dough chunk puff.
6. I saw someone on Instagram mention how they always bake a special treat on Fridays to enjoy after the kids get home from school. I love this idea! I may need to start with a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies. Do you do this? What are your favorite things to make?
7. So many great nuggets in here >> The Joys of Getting Organized
8. I’m still reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow… I’m hoping I’ll finish it over the weekend so I can start The Women (Kristin Hannah’s newest book)!
9. I loved this article; it really encompasses everything I loved about watching TGIF as a kid >> The Wholesome Era of 90’s TGIF Sitcoms
10. TGIF! Love these two snuggle bugs 💙🩷




So wonderful about sweet Dominic. Happy, thankful tears for all of you this morning reading this🙏
I’m so happy to hear the good news about Dominic!🙏💙
Wonderful news about Dominic. Blessings to you all.
Yay, Dominic!!!! So happy for you and your family! That was just awesome news to read this morning! Sending even more prayers of gratitude your way! Have a wonderful weekend!
Absolutely love this blog!
Wonderful news, all around! Made me smile! Best!
Cheers for Dominic!! I’ve been following your posts for a long time, the ups and downs in your lives, and your delicious recipes. I hope you will all be able to do something special to celebrate this monumental occasion. Wishing you all the best!
So glad to hear your happy news today. ❤️
So very happy for all of you that Dominic has such wonderful news on scans & bone marrow and that they can remove his chest line.
All 3 kids look wonderful and I can’t get over how much they have all grown.
What a merry start to Spring!
Love to each
The Spangenbergs
Praise the Lord what wonderful news and before spring summer activities. So proud of him, it is a difficult journey.
Friday treats a great idea I am retired and alone but often do that for myself. Lately it has been crumb topped coffee cake
I’m so happy that Dominic’s line could be removed and hopefully he is on the way to a full and permanent recovery. I am not a dog person but the pictures of your sweet dogs are so enjoyable. They really are a part of your family. I bake something special for the weekend every week as a special treat for our Sabbath and many of the
recipes come from your website. As the world in general has become a crazy place, it is heartening to see your normal family doing wholesome family stuff. Best of luck with everything. I just made your No Bake Cookies last night and they are amazing. They kind of taste like a fudge recipe and also similar to the Texas Sheet Cake frosting recipe. Didn’t seem like the batter would solidify on the cookie sheet but I was able to scoop them perfectly and they set up pretty quickly. I used a small scoop and it made about 70 mini bite sized cookies. Have a great weekend!
You will love The Women. That is my era and my husband was in the army. Many friend’s suffering today because of what they endured.
Great news about your son!! I keep him in my prayers daily. It looks like you guys are enjoying the world. The kids look so happy.
I also just purchased Kristin Hannah’s new book. I can’t wait to start it. I have loved her other books and am ready to start the newest one.
I am so very happy for Dominic and your family. Such wonderful news. You have a beautiful family. Thank you so much for the protein bar info. I am excited to try it.
I am so happy for Dominic and your family! Wonderful news to start off 2024.
So glad to hear the wonderful news about Dominic!! And on a different note, I so appreciate your protein bar recommendation as I too have been searching for one (unsuccessfully thus far). Going to try these out. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Such good news about Dominic! What a trouper.
And Joseph is so grown up – hard to beleive I’ve been following you all these years.
I am so happy to read this wonderful news about Dominic! He (and you and your family!) has been through so much, but he has been such a champ! And Joseph and Isabelle are just as precious. Very happy for you all!
Dominic’s news is the best news ever! Thanks be to God. Love watching your beautiful family grow.
So happy for Dominic!! May God continue to keep him well.
Hi Michelle,
I am so happy to hear the wonderful news about Dominic, God has answered all of our prayers!!
It looks like the kids had such a fun weekend, how nice!
I hope your weekend is extra special. I think Dominic is deserving of a special celebration :).
God is good🌝 Happy for you and the family . Way to go Dominic😁. Kathy from Virginia.
Hallelujah for Dominic!!! Thank you dear Lord for answered prayers. You all look great and Joseph is looking so grown up. The cherry pie looks so good too. When my two kids were young we would have doghnut day every Friday morning. There was a doghnut shop just up the street. A yummy end to the week.
Such wonderful news about Dominic! God has certainly guided him to good health. May he continue to grow and thrive! God bless Mommy and Daddy too for all you’ve been through during the whole ordeal. Your children are just precious and I feel the closeness and warmth of your little family just by reading about your family life. God bless you all and keep you safe ❤️
I’m so happy that Dominic is getting his port removed! That’s definitely an answered prayer! He is growing so fast. Your family is so beautiful.
Great news about Dominic! That pie looks amazing.
My 10 year old grandson is with me after school. Last week he requested no bakes. I can’t tell you how many he ate! Great news for Dominic. ❤️
Absolutely wonderful news about Dominic and the whole family. Happy Birthday wishes for Joseph-
Thank you and your beautiful children for sharing these wonderful pictures. Happy weekend to all!
Thank you for sharing the great news.
Happy birthday Joseph
Amazing news on Dominic! Yay!!!
Absolutely wonderful news about Dominic. I’ve noticed Joseph looking so mature. And Isabella and her snaggletooth smiles…perfect! Keep the good news coming. We will keep you all in our prayers.