Author Archives: Kelsie Lou

About Kelsie Lou

Therapeutic Foster Parent, Teacher, and Runner who believes that life is what you make it. Envision, Empower, and Educate.

It’s Fall Good

Posted on November 9, 2019

Over the last few months my focus has been setting the tone for a successful school year, keeping a foster care routine, and getting settled into my new home. It is important to set high expectations and to remind my … Continue reading →

Posted in family, running, West Virginia | Tagged , , , ,

Grandma’s 95th Birthday Celebration 🎉

Posted on July 29, 2019

My family will be gathering for the 90th annual Smoot Family Reunion in Madison, WV soon. While the fellowship amongst family since 1929 is a rich tradition, the milestone of my Grandma, Lucy L. Smoot, turning 95 is also worthy … Continue reading →

Posted in family, mothers, West Virginia | Tagged | 17 Comments

Niagara Falls

Posted on July 15, 2019

From Toronto, to Montreal, to Niagara Falls The Hornblower Experiencing the falls up close was my main priority for a day in Niagara Falls on the Canada side. I read reviews about getting there early to avoid long lines. Thankfully, … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, landmarks, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Barbie Expo Montreal, Canada

Posted on July 13, 2019

Downtown Montreal’s Les Cours Mont Royal is home to the world’s largest exhibit of 1,000 Barbie dolls. Here are some of my favorites from the Barbie Expo: Kelsie Lou

Posted in Art, Montreal | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Montreal Memories

Posted on July 12, 2019

My Canadian adventures continued from Toronto to Montreal. The drive was very scenic and more metropolitan compared to the rural landscape between Windsor and Toronto. I did all of my research about “Things to do in Montreal” and “Best area … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, food, landmarks, Montreal, Photography, restaurants, Travel | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Toronto Street Art: Graffiti Alley

Posted on July 11, 2019

Kelsie Lou

Posted in Art, Canada, Culture, Photography, Toronto, Travel | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

How to Spend 2 Days in Toronto

Posted on July 10, 2019

This vacation to Canada was inspired by one of my Smootents, Skylar who went to Niagra Falls for Memorial Day Weekend with her Girl Scouts Troop. An important decision for my trip to Toronto was deciding where to stay. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Culture, landmarks, Toronto, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Long Time, No Sea

Posted on June 30, 2019

Summer Break in Full Effect I just returned from a two-week visit with my parents in the Sunshine State.  It was a chilled-out vacation with a visit from our family who lives in Morgantown, WV.  We were game ready for … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Florida, landmarks, Photography, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Kentucky Derby – The Fitness Way

Posted on April 28, 2019

My History with the Kentucky Derby Festival Full & Mini Marathons The 2019 Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon was my fifth time on this course. Since 2013, I have completed four half marathons, and Boston Qualified on the full. During … Continue reading →

Posted in fitness, half marathon, health, Louisville, running | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Spotlight on Imane

Posted on April 19, 2019

Imane is one of my former Smootents (Ms. Smoot + Students) from Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center.  Her family moved from Chad to Louisville, KY in 2007. We met shortly after when Imane was scheduled to my Reading class. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Education, family, mothers, Teachers | Tagged , , | 6 Comments