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.

Lesson Ideas for Online Physical Education

Posted on May 13, 2020

Taking a break from travel and running posts to give an update on what distance learning looks like for the 200 Smootents in my middle school physical education classes.   JCPS KY Non-Traditional Instruction:  It was a challenge to grasp how … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, fitness, health, Teachers | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

The Little Rock Half Marathon & 5K Recap

Posted on March 3, 2020

The Little Rock, Arkansas race series have been on my radar for quite some time.  They are known for their huge, over-the-top medals and unique race themes. The 2020 theme was “Totally Awesome” as a tribute to the 80s. Training … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Education, fitness, half marathon, health, landmarks, running, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 32 Comments

Grand Turk Island

Posted on January 3, 2020

If you blink, you will miss it. The island of Grand Turk is only 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The only way to visit Turks and Caicos via cruise ship is through the Grand Turk cruise port. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Beaches, landmarks, Travel, Turks and Caicos | Tagged , , , ,

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Tour

Posted on January 1, 2020

Amber Cove Cruise Port The Amber Cove terminal was built by Carnival Cruise lines in the Bay of Maimon. Puerto Plata Tour We skipped the Carnival excursions and poolside activities to book with Iguana Mama Adventure Tours. The independent contractors … Continue reading →

Posted in Dominican Republic, landmarks, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Carnival Elation Cruise Ship Review

Posted on December 29, 2019

Oh Ship! It’s a Mother Daughter Trip! My Mom exposed me to cruising as a teenager when we took our first Carnival cruise to the Bahamas. Over the years, we have sailed to Bermuda, Cuba, and all over the Caribbean … Continue reading →

Posted in family, fashion, Florida, food, Travel | Tagged ,

Santa’s 🎅 Run for our Kids 5K

Posted on December 28, 2019

I was on the first thing smokin’ outta Louisville for Winter Break. My Mom and I were on a mission to compete in another 5K. The Christmas themed race is organized by the Winter Haven Optimist Club. I had the … Continue reading →

Posted in fitness, Florida, health, mothers, running | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Thankful for Miles

Posted on December 1, 2019

My Mom had a 48 hour notice about the Lake Wales YMCA Turkey Trot. I gave her the option to participate based on how she felt on Thanksgiving morning. She said if it was too hot, she was not doing … Continue reading →

Posted in family, fitness, Florida, running, Travel | Tagged , ,

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 | 26 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 , , , , | 18 Comments