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 💙🩷




AMAZING news about Dominic. Continued blessings to you and your entire family:)
That is awesome news about Dominic!!
Still praying for him and for all of your family.
Happy birthday to Joseph also!
Keep up the great job you are doing, especially with making all of your children feel loved and special. That can be a difficult thing to do when one has a serious illness.
Glad Dominic’s scans and biopsy came back clear! Best wishes for continued remission.
So very happy to hear Dominic’s great news. Thanks be to God!! Happy Birthday Joseph!! Cherry pie is my favorite too! Wishing you and your beautiful family all the very best!!💖
Am so happy for Dominic having that thing removed! Also for you not having to deal with it! Great news!
Wonderful news about Dominic! I hope and pray that he continues with being healthy! Omg, I grew up watching the Pens games with my dad and my sister. We watched Jagr and Lemieux (my parents were born/bred in the Pittsburgh area but I grew up on the opposite side of the state, in Flyer territory lol). I looked forward to TGIF all week when I was a kid :)
It’s wonderful to hear the good news about Dominic’s health. Wishing you all, but especially Dominic, a happy healthy future.
Great news! Happy birthday Joseph! Love those pups.
That is the most incredible blessed news about dominic. I’ve been following you and making your recipes before you had children. So happy for Dominic and your whole family.
Great news for your family about Dominic. Prayers answered and I do believe in the power of prayer. Hope you continue to have a healthy new year. God Bless you all. ❤️
So very happy for your great family news! I have followed you since before you had kids so you feel like extended family.
As far as special treats, my
Mom used to have the left over edges of pie crust sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and in the oven as we got off the bus! That was almost 50 years ago and I remember them like it was yesterday! So good!
Oh my gosh what a special memory!!
That is wonderful news . May God Bless you and your family.
Sharing in your gladness as Dominic bounces forward! Happy 9th Joseph! Blessings! Anne 🎶
What wonderful news about Dominic! Tears of joy came to my eyes when I read this! God is so good! God bless you all!
Oh Michelle, all of this wonderful news about Dominic brought tears to my eyes! My prayers are with Dominic, you and your entire family. Love those doggies! (I had 2 goldens of my own at one time.)
The kids are growing up so fast!! I’ve been following your blog since before you got married!!! Lovely family! And I am thrilled to hear that Dominic is cancer-free and is continuing to grow up healthy and strong. These kids are such warriors! Blessings to you and yours!
The kids are growing up so fast!! I’ve been following your blog since before you got married!!! Lovely family! And I am thrilled to hear that Dominic is cancer-free and is continuing to grow up healthy and strong. These kids are such warriors! Blessings to you and yours!
Cheering for Dominic’s happy news! And happiest birthday to Joseph :). Seeing him at the table reminds me – can you please share where you got your hammered copper table? I have been looking for a similar one with no luck.
I am so, so pleased with the wonderful news about Dominic. Have prayed for his full and permanent recovery. And it’s great to see you all enjoying family life – just as it should be xx
So happy to read about Dominic’s clear scans! He is a special boy. Your father in law’s meat sauce is my go-to recipe; any chance he would share his recipe for cherry pie?
Michelle, the news of Dominic’s clear biopsy & removal of his tube is wonderful! This will mean so much more freedom for him. And fewer trips to NY for you. I bet you’ve accumulated so many airline miles the past almost two years & you’re looking forward to a normal life again. Maybe you & your hubs can get away by yourselves for a little R&R. You deserve it – you’re a SUPER MOM!
So happy for Dominic and all of you!! 💙💕
Yay for Dominic ! That’s great news for him and your family. He’s such a brave little guy. Joseph does look so much older … it’s amazing how fast the years go by. You’ll love The Women, it’s a great book. I really enjoy her writing. I love baking chocolate chip cookies. When my kids were younger, they loved cinnamon bread or cinnamon rolls. They also loved when I made donuts … I baked them because I don’t like frying. Have a great weekend.
Dominic’s news is the best news ever!! Definitely answered prayers 🙏🏻. I am so happy for you and your family ❤️
Way to go Dominic, such great news! A very happy birthday to Joseph!
Such wonderful news! Happy Birthday Joseph.
Prayers to you and your family. May God bless you.
Thank you, God, for the wonderful news for Dominic!!
What joy for your whole family!! ❤️🙏🏻
Such wonderful news for Dominic. It has been such a long haul for all you guys. He has been so brave during all of this. Have a great summer.
I love the Built Bars too. We just discovered them recently at Costco. I was looking for a protein bar without artificial sugar and too many ingredients. Of course amazon.com has more flavors than the Costco box, which has brownie and coconut. I am interested to try all of them in the mixed package. Love the marshmallow texture that tasts like a candy bar. Not your usual protein bar, but has good ingredients. Why not enjoy it!!