Category Archives: West Virginia

A Tribute to Lucy L. Smoot

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

I want to share the beautiful obituary written by my aunts and uncles to pay tribute to my paternal grandmother, Lucy L. Smoot:   LUCY LINTHICUM BENNETT SMOOT passed away peacefully at home at the age of 96 on March 3, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, family, mothers, West Virginia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

When the Reward Outweighs the Risk

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Kelsie Lou

I went to visit my Grandma in West Virginia after a long interruption to protect her from possible exposure to Covid-19.  We spoke on the phone and she genuinely wanted to see me.  My Uncle Rodney, who is her primary … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, family, landmarks, Photography, Teachers, Travel, West Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

It’s Fall Good

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

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 →

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Grandma’s 95th Birthday Celebration ðŸŽ‰

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

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

She’s A Goal Digger

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Kelsie Lou

This post has been on my mind through miles of running and was written in my head long before I had the chance to sit down and purge my thoughts.  A lot has happened since the start of the school year, so as … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, family, fitness, Florida, half marathon, running, Travel, West Virginia | 2 Comments

Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Kelsie Lou

Only 5 days remaining in the school year. My summer break is going to be so lit! Summer sixteen is going to fly by, so I needed to get a jump start as the school year comes to an end.  First on my … Continue reading →

Posted in family, running, Travel, West Virginia | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Family, Work, Training Balance

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Kelsie Lou

Last weekend, I made my way back to Madison, West Virgina for the 85th Smoot Family Reunion.  Smoot roots run deep. Our family’s tradition is to have a fish fry and dance on Saturday night.  Normally, it is held at … Continue reading →

Posted in family, fitness, half marathon, Louisville, marathon, running, Travel, West Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments