As this year comes to a close, I would like to archive some family, work and leisure events.
According to WordPress stats, the most viewed post on KelsieLou.com was Allure of the Seas. I get a lot of international traffic off that post.
My life will never be the same after discovering a brownie recipe posted on My Pretty Brown Blog’s page. I have tried several variations in the last few weeks. I want to make them with sugar cookie mix for the next batch.
Working out holds me accountable for all that chocolate deliciousness. It has been a while since I participated in a race. I couldn’t miss out on giving back for the Iroquois Hill Runners Canned Goods 5k on Dec 20th.
I placed 4th place overall woman with a time of 27:34. I had to run slower after new shoes produced an ankle strain a few days prior. This was my slowest 5k, but the cause outweighed my personal goals.
In between nursing my ankle, I got to spend a lot of time with family from W.Va and Detroit.
My Aunt Janice and Uncle Jerry hosted fabulous gatherings as always. We played Jeopardy and Musical Present. After layers upon layers of gift wrapping, Big Phil was the recipient of the monetary gift rolled inside a straw.
On Christmas Day, we were back to enjoy another lovely dinner.
My brother Phil decided to visit for the weekend. Perfect timing for a 5 generations photo. I present Phillip Lewis Smoot IV. We call him Louie for short. The Lou lives on!
Grandma Lucy, Big Phil, Phil Jr., Trey and Louie
2014 was topped off by being named Educator of the Year during my employer’s performance awards banquet.
In addition to teaching, my peer’s votes earned me a “Too Cool for School” award given to the most fashionable employee.
The educator award topped any race medal, Personal record and travel event for 2014. It was the first time I’ve been acknowledged for anything work related with such kind and genuine words. I can’t even describe how special I felt.
It is with faith, hope and love that I go into 2015.
Good Girls Never Finish Last!
โกKelsieLouโก
Kelsie Lou's Blog 
You have such a gorgeous family. Congrats on your educator awards, “Woot Woot”!
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Thank you so much. I appreciate that!
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WOOOOOHOOOO!! Go girl. Congrats on that honor. You are an amazing and inspiring woman. May your 2015 be even better. Hope to get to spend some time with you throughout it. ((HUGS))
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Thank you Karen. I hope to stay injury free so I can stay consistent and progress. As of now, Mercedes is a go and I haven’t forgotten about Air Force for your bday ๐
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Registration for the full, half and 10K opens on Jan 1!! I am on for Mercedes weekend. My nephew is doing the kids marathon on Saturday. I am also hoping to stay injury free this year. We can do this. This was just a bad year for me and it has totally messed with my confidence. I hate being afraid to race or push myself…but I just can’t handle my foot flairing up again. We need to just get together for a run and a chat…and dinner at a great local place.
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Nylia and I may do the 5k that Saturday. She has been working and doesn’t have a lot of time to train.
I hope I can keep up with you. You’re like elite pacing right now. I pull a fast one every now and then but not as often as you. ๐ I may be just cross training so I can pick up marathon training mid Jan pain free. I need a clean slate!
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Nylia and I may do the 5k that Saturday. She has been working and doesn’t have a lot of time to train.
I hope I can keep up with you. You’re like elite pacing right now. I pull a fast one every now and then but not as often as you. ๐ I may be just cross training so I can pick up marathon training mid Jan pain free. I need a clean slate!
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What an amazing accomplishment!!! I hope to one day get an award like that!
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Thank you kindly. What’s so good about my job is waking up and doing what I absolutely love. There is never a dull moment!
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You are very welcome!! I know the feeling on all accounts :)!!
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So proud of my daughter who exemplify beauty, brains and brawn coupled with a dedication to the education of her students. The world is a better place with you in it.
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AWWW. Thanks Mom! You set the best example for me to follow!
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Congrats!!!! An awesome accomplishment!
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Thank you….I’m still excited!!
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Congratulations on being named Educator of the Year and Too Cool For School (of course you are…look how fab you look in that dress and fur cape.) All the best in 2015. You deserve it.
Fondly,
Elizabeth
PS: I love your grandma’s sweater. Awesome.
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Elizabeth,
Thank you for all your kind words. I am looking forward to what 2015 has to offer and what I can give in return.
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Congratulations on your Educator award! It’s so nice to be recognized for all that hard work. Keep it up and Happy New Year! ๐
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Thank you! Happy New Year to you too!
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Great recap and awesome photos! (OMG those brownies.) I hope you had a great New Year and I hope that 2015 is spectacular in every way for you. ๐
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Betty and Mr.Salt would love the brownies. There are a ton of recipes online….search “Slutty Brownies.”
Here’s to cool finish line photos and no injuries in 2015!!
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Good work. I know you can do better and will get that #1 spot in the 2015 races. Keep us posted!
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Thank you! Good looking out.
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