Food Complication for November

My first time at Neighborhood Jam. Everything was so good. Love the fancy cream work! 

Hanging with Coty, Haley, Cherrie and kids. Today is Cotys birthday and we came up to spend time with him. 

Celebrating Hattie’s 3rd birthday. She is such a sweet girl. 

Luther always makes a great salad for us. 

Meatloaf, mash potatoes and mixed vegetables is a great comfort dinner.  Am thankful that Mr. C.  makes sure to have us great meals.

Potato soup in a bread bowl is always the best! I could eat potato soup every week. Although Mr. C. Isn’t a huge fan at all. 

One of our all time favorites is Mexican casserole otherwise known as Dorito casserole. We normally make a big pan and share with Brody. 

Our COO ordered us pizza for lunch. We all like pizza! 

Berries and crème crepes at The Artisan in Durant Oklahoma. I haven’t had a crepe in many years. This was so amazing, full of flavor and light. 

Clifford’s birthday cake. 

Some of our Thanksgiving foods. I didn’t take many pictures of our Thanksgiving meal. 

The appetizers and such. Elizabeth always has the food areas decorated nicely.

My overflowing Thanksgiving plate. It was all so good.

Black Friday shopping called for Panda’s food. 

Mexican food at the Elizabeth and Charles. Chicken enchiladas made by Alisha, chicken Mexican casserole, street tacos with beans and rice. They also had rotel cheese dip, vegetable platter, pineapples with tijin seasoning. Mr.C. and I really enjoyed the meal and company. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2025: A Day Filled With Blessings, Family, and Too Much Food

This Thanksgiving looked a little different for us, and honestly, I think that’s what made it so special. Instead of hosting at home, Luther and I made our way to Elizabeth and Charles’s house for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Their home was filled with the warmth of family — Brody and Savannah were there, along with Lane, Landon, and sweet little Sophie. We were also joined by Alisha and Jonathan, which made the day feel complete.

I couldn’t help but feel proud watching Luther spend the holiday surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Moments like these are priceless, and I’m grateful he was able to make new memories with them.

Elizabeth and Charles took on the majority of the cooking (bless them!), and what a feast it was. Brody contributed a ham, a pumpkin roll, and a pumpkin pie, while Alisha brought a tray of deviled eggs. As for us, we arrived with Rotel cheese dip made with sausage, pink fluff, golden Oreo pudding, a vegetable tray, cranberry sauce, and two gallons of sweet tea — plus Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite.

Elizabeth’s spread was something out of a classic Southern holiday dream: turkey, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, corn, green beans, macaroni and cheese, dressing, and rolls. Needless to say… we had enough food to feed a small army. But we were also very aware of how fortunate we are to sit down to a hot meal when so many don’t have that comfort or even a place to lay their heads at night. Gratitude hit a little deeper this year.

Before digging in, we made sure to bless the food, and then we took turns sharing what we’re thankful for. My biggest blessings? My sons and their families — always. And the freedom we’re blessed with each and every day here in the USA.

The whole evening was peaceful and full of good conversation and amazing food. We arrived at Elizabeth and Charles’s around 3:45 PM and didn’t head out until about 7:00 PM. It was the kind of afternoon that fills your heart in a quiet, lasting way. I’m especially grateful for the memories Luther made with his children and grandchildren. These moments matter.

Now I want to hear from you!

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food? I’ve always been a ham and dressing kind of girl — and don’t even get me started on a good green bean casserole. Do you keep the football on TV every Thanksgiving? We always have, for as long as I can remember. And I’d love to know if you have a Thanksgiving tradition that’s a little different from ours. Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

I hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people you love most.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Concert

A Night of Music, Memories & Pure Joy: My Lynyrd Skynyrd Concert Adventure

Today was one of those days where the anticipation alone carried me from morning to night. I could barely focus at work because all I could think about was the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert waiting for me in Durant, Oklahoma. It’s been years since I’ve been to a live show—honestly, I think the last one might’ve been Tim McGraw back in 2009—and my excitement was overflowing.

Jessica, Blake, and Sherry (Jessica’s mom) picked me up right at 4 PM as soon as I got off work from the call center. We loaded up the kids—Brooks, Hattie, and Logan—and headed toward Waurika to meet Brittany so the little ones could stay with her for the night. Once they were settled, we continued on toward the Choctaw Casino, but first made a stop at our hotel, the Brick Street Hotel on Main Street, to freshen up and get ready. A quick Uber ride later, we were on our way to the venue, and my heart was already happy.

Arriving at the Concert

The trip to Durant was simple and smooth, and thankfully I didn’t have to drive in the dark—my eyes just aren’t what they used to be. I visited with Sherry in the back seat and even read a little on my Kindle during the ride. Before long, we were stepping inside Choctaw Casino and riding the escalator up to the concert area.

We had amazing seats—a table slightly raised off the main floor on the left side, with a perfect view of the stage and giant screens. Now, I’m not the biggest Lynyrd Skynyrd superfan, but I’ve always loved their classics: Simple Man, Gimme Three Steps, Sweet Home Alabama—those songs just hit the heart differently when they’re live.

The concert lasted a little over an hour and a half. When the lights went down after what seemed like the final song, I had a moment of panic. They hadn’t played Free Bird! The crowd clearly felt the same because the entire place stood, clapping, cheering, chanting “Free Bird! Free Bird!” The energy was electric.

And then—they came back out.

When those first notes started, my whole soul lit up. Free Bird is nearly ten minutes long, and those ten minutes felt like magic. It truly made the entire night. And to share the experience with Jessica’s mom, along with Blake and Jessica—it just made everything feel even more special. My heart was honestly full.

Casino Fun After the Show

After the concert, we wandered into the casino where me and Sherry both got $10 in free play. I budgeted myself $100 and enjoyed every minute, people-watching and just soaking in a rare night out with no schedule. Eventually, hunger hit, and me and Sherry walked a good distance to the food court—she grabbed pizza, I got chicken. Blake and Jessica met up with us, and before long, an Uber carried us all back to the hotel. I’m not entirely sure what time it was—maybe close to midnight—but I knew it was definitely past this mama’s usual bedtime!

Finding Balance In The Everyday

 

Today is Wednesday, and sometimes I catch myself wondering if my life has fallen into a predictable routine—work, home, time with my husband, and scrolling through YouTube and TikTok. Most afternoons, as soon as I leave work, I call my husband. We usually visit for 10–12 minutes, catching up before I make the rest of my 30-minute drive home. If I have time, I call my best friend, Cherrie—spelled C-H-E-R-R-I-E—and we talk about anything we might have missed during the week.

Once I’m home, Luther almost always has dinner ready. We eat, talk about our day, and then wind down by watching the news. We tend to go to bed early. With Luther’s health, he doesn’t always feel like sitting in the living room late, and that’s okay—quiet evenings together have become part of our rhythm.

Tomorrow, November 20th, my oldest son, Blake, turns 34 years old! I don’t know how the years passed so quickly. I’m incredibly proud of the man he has become. He’s a wonderful father, a strong partner to Jessica, a dedicated worker, and someone who continues to set goals and meet them. I just can’t say enough good things about him.

But as time keeps moving, I find myself thinking more about my own future—how long I’ll be here, what I want the rest of my life to look like. I’m fortunate that my health is mostly good, aside from high blood pressure and being overweight. I’m working on eating better, getting more physical activity, and staying motivated to do the right things for my body and mind.

My job, as blessed as I am to have it, is extremely stressful. The pay is the best in our area, and the benefits couldn’t be better, but talking on the phone all day can be draining. Not every member who calls in is cheerful—many are dealing with real-life struggles like job loss, homelessness, bankruptcy, or accidents. I try to listen with compassion and help them find solutions, but some days the emotional load weighs heavy.

Would I love a less stressful job? Absolutely. Would it pay the same? Probably not. So for now, I’m sitting still, trusting that the right path will reveal itself in time. I’m seriously considering retiring at 63 if I can afford it. I’ve worked my whole life, and the thought of slowing down sounds peaceful. My biggest concern is that I didn’t prepare as well as I should have for retirement.

I’m looking for small ways to improve that now—putting aside more money, adjusting my 401(k), and finding little “tips and tricks” to grow my savings. I’m planning to increase my 401(k) contributions next year by a point or two and start building more cushion for the future.

These mid-week moments make me pause and reflect on where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m headed. Life may be predictable at times, but it’s also full of love, responsibility, and the quiet beauty  of everyday life.

Last Mom Standing Book Review

 

Last Mom Standing by Mary Jane Owen is a surprisingly fun and refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre. While many stories in this space lean heavy into darkness and despair, this one keeps the stakes high but still finds room for humor, snark, and those “I can’t believe that just happened” moments.  

The blend of zombies, danger, and well-timed comedic relief makes it an easy and entertaining read. The pacing moves quickly, and the main character’s voice feels relatable—like someone trying to survive the end of the world while still keeping her sanity intact. The mix of humor and death works well here, softening the intensity without ever taking away from the tension of their world.

If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction but want something that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this book delivers. It feels like the kind of story you can devour in just a few sittings and walk away saying, “That was wild, but in a really fun way. 

Nourish Your November: Simple Self Care Routines for Cozy Days.

 

As November settles in with its crisp mornings and early sunsets, I can’t help but feel the pull to slow down. The rush of summer has faded, and even though the holiday season is right around the corner, this month feels like an invitation to breathe—to cozy up, to rest, and to take care of myself in small, meaningful ways.

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s often found in the little rituals that help us feel grounded. A soft blanket fresh from the dryer. A steaming cup of tea in my favorite mug. The sound of rain against the window while I journal or read before bed. These quiet moments may seem simple, but they do wonders for my spirit.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned about self-care is that it changes with the seasons. In the warmth of summer, I crave adventure. But in November, I crave comfort. I’ve started lighting candles that smell like pumpkin spice or apple pie, filling the house with those cozy fall scents. I’ll put on a pair of fuzzy socks, wrap myself in a blanket, and just be. No phone, no distractions—just stillness.

Another favorite routine this time of year is my morning check-in. Before the world wakes up, I sit down with my journal and jot down three things I’m grateful for. Some days it’s as simple as “the sound of leaves crunching under my shoes” or “a hot shower on a cold morning.” Other days, it’s deeper—like feeling thankful for family, friendships, or good health. That little practice of gratitude helps me start the day with a peaceful heart.

Taking care of my body has also become part of my November rhythm. With the cooler weather, my skin gets dry, so I treat myself to a warm bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender oil. Afterward, I use a thick lotion and my favorite cozy robe—it’s a small act of kindness toward myself. I’ve also started going for short evening walks after dinner. The air feels fresh and calm, and watching the sun set earlier each night reminds me to embrace the slower pace of the season.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we recharge our hearts so we can keep giving our best to the people we love. November is the perfect time to pause and nurture our souls before the hustle of the holidays begins. Whether that’s through journaling, sipping cocoa by the fire, or simply saying “no” when we need to—each act of self-care is a way of honoring ourselves.

So this month, I’m giving myself permission to rest more, worry less, and soak in every cozy, quiet moment that November offers. I hope you’ll do the same. Light the candle, brew the tea, and let this be the season where you remember that you, too, deserve warmth and care.

A Wednesday State Of Mind

 

                                     Wednesday Ramblings

Today, I got up around 4:45 a.m. to get my day started. I got ready and watched some news on TV this morning. My biggest thought was about the government shutdown—how are families and single parents going to feed their children and themselves without food stamps? I feel very fortunate that we do not rely on food stamps, nor would we qualify for them, but I’m grateful they exist for those who truly need them. I’m not sure how much longer this shutdown will last, but it’s beginning to feel like a hostage situation—nobody wants to give in, and the people who depend on help are the ones who suffer.

On another note, I’m a bit frustrated because I’ve lost my debit card. I’ve backtracked and searched every nook and cranny, but it’s nowhere to be found. I know exactly where I used it last, but it’s disappeared. As soon as the banks open this morning, I’ll be calling to cancel that card and order a replacement. Not having it pretty much affects everything I do since I rarely keep cash on hand.

This weekend, I plan to do our monthly grocery shopping at Crest in Norman, Oklahoma. I’ll probably just withdraw cash for that trip. Thankfully, I do have another debit card with a different bank that I use for “fun day Sunday” or dining out. I don’t keep much money on that one, but at least it’s something I can use in the meantime. Of course, losing my main card makes my husband nervous—he’s always worried someone will find it and use it. To make matters worse, I can’t log in to the website to check recent purchases, so that’s another thing to deal with.

Something else on my mind lately is getting my bills under better control. I want to get to a place where I’m one or two months ahead on everything, but that takes careful planning and discipline. With the holidays coming up, I’m not sure I’m ready to take that on just yet—maybe I’ll start fresh at the beginning of the year.

I do feel good about my progress with Christmas shopping. I’ve been buying for one family at a time, which makes things much easier. Luther already has gifts for Brody, Savannah, Lane, Landon, Sophie, Jacob, Alisha, and Jonathan—I just need to get them wrapped. Michelle’s kids’ presents are already bought and wrapped, too. Now I’m focusing on Blake and Jessica’s family. Most of their gifts are done, but I want to add an experience gift, so I’m planning to get Brooks and Hattie $25 gift cards each to Chuck E. Cheese.

For Jessica, I’ll probably go with something kitchen-related or a Bath & Body Works set—she always loves those. For Blake, I’m thinking a pair of Hey Dudes and a gift certificate to Harbor Freight, which is his favorite store.

As for me, I honestly don’t know what I want this year. I really don’t need anything. Maybe I’ll ask for a new printer since mine only works when it feels like it. I use it often, so that would be a practical gift. I just need to research which brand would be the best fit for me.

Last but not least, there are a couple of new job opportunities at work, and one of them—Business Solutions—has caught my attention. It would be ideal since I wouldn’t be on the phones with members all day. Most of the communication is just between supervisors and team members. My hesitation is leaving my current supervisor—she really looks out for her team and always has our backs as long as we do our part. It’s always a tough decision when you love your job but wonder what the next step could bring.