Sunday, August 3, 2025

Simple Joys & Family

                Slow Sundays, Sweet Memories 

Today was one of those slow, easy going Sundays that I really love. Reminding me of the beauty in ordinary moments. Today is a mix of quiet, comfort, and a little adventure. 
The morning started off gently, no alarms, no rushing around. I fixed a simple breakfast of ham and eggs for Mr. C. and I. Now, everyone who knows us knows that I’m not the main cooking the house. Ever since his retirement back in 2015, my sweet husband has taken on most of the cooking and household responsibilities. He does it so effortlessly that sometimes I forget how much he truely spoils and loves me. I can honestly say I don’t take it for granted- I feel blessed to have a partner who takes such joy in caring for our home and making sure we’re well fed.


After breakfast, we teamed up in the kitchen to prepare something for dinner. We put together a pot of baked beans, but not just your ordinary kind. This recipe included ground hamburger and smoked sausage, and it was inspired by a video Mr. C. had come across on YouTube. We’re both fans of hearty one-pot meals-something simple that simmers all afternoon while we go about our day. 
                     

                  An Afternoon in Chickasha

By early afternoon, I was ready for a little outing so I grabbed my camera and headed to Chickasha Oklahoma for a little outing. I’ve always loved exploring with no big agenda-just seeing what catches my eye. 
My first stop was HTeaO where I treated myself to a Chai tea. There’s something about having a favorite drink in hand that makes a little adventure even more enjoyable.  


There is just something about trains that sings to my soul. Growing up we lived next to the railroad and I was very fortunate to be able to have been inside the caboose several times when I was younger. I remember being said when they took away the caboose. 


I definitely had to carry on one of my own traditions: It might sound simple, but it connects me to the past and reminds me of the history beneath our steps. I’ve done it before, and today it felt special to recreate that memory. 


Next I made my way to see the old train,  that’s located near the largest leg lamp. I also seen the antique auto club area, where I noticed they were storing a big Christmas tree the town uses each year. Little details like that always makes me smile-it feels like a peek behind the curtain at how the community comes together for special traditions. The Chickasha Festival of Lights is amazing, people from around the world come to see our lights in the park.


I stopped back by the famous Leg Lamp-yes, just like the one from A Christmas Story. Even though I’ve taken photos of it before, I couldn’t resist it from a new angle. 



I ended my adventures by finding a couple of murals, each one adding a splash of color and creativity to the town

Stopped by Dollar Tree for a few items while in Chickasha Okla.

Brody my bonus son does like his food very spicy.Just had to pick them up for him to try.  He has a high tolerance for extreme spicy foods.  I like a bit of spice but not when it burns my tongue.  

                             Family Time

Later in afternoon, I called in a Pizza Hut order so we could take dinner over to Brody and Savannah’s. Spending time with our grandchildren is always the highlight of my week. There’s nothing like hearing their laughter, watching them play, and just being part of their world for a few hours. Family moments like these are priceless, and I know someday I’ll look back on them with so much gratitude. 

                               Reflections



As the day winds down, I can’t help but reflect on how full my heart feels. A slow morning a shared meal with Mr. C., a little solo adventure with my camera, and an evening spent with family-it’s these simple rhythms that bring me the most joy. 
Life doesn’t have to be grand or complicated to be meaningful. In fact, I think it’s in days like this, when life feels richest.  Here’s to more Sundays filled with good food, small adventures, and the warmth of family. 



Saturday, August 2, 2025

  🩷🌸🩷Congratulations Dylan and Kara🩷🌸🩷

They are adorable together. 


On Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, my sweet niece Kara married her longtime partner Dylan at the beautiful Hanza Heartland venue. 💕 The setting could not have been more perfect—rustic yet modern, with both indoor and outdoor options (and even a little playground to keep the younger kiddos entertained!).


Kara is my brother Lonnie’s middle daughter, and her mama is Stacey. Together, Kara and Dylan already share such a beautiful family with their two precious girls, Laiklyn and Hadlee. Seeing them all together on such a special day just melted my heart. 🥰


The wedding ceremony took place outside, with Megan D.—my cousin’s daughter—officiating. (Her parents are Tammy and Darrell, and I was so glad to catch up with them too. It’s been months since I’ve seen Megan in person, and what a joy to see her play such an important role!)


The decorations were straight out of a fairytale—romantically inspired with lots of gorgeous pink flowers. 🌸 Inside, the reception was cozy, full of laughter, hugs, and plenty of catching up with family and friends. The evening was just beautiful—not too hot, and such a blessing for an outdoor wedding in August!


I stayed to watch them make their grand departure, and my heart was so full. I couldn’t be more excited to see Kara and Dylan continue their journey together, growing their love as husband and wife, and as parents to their two sweet girls.


Made them a gift basket of assorted items.


Love how the decorations turned out. So romantic


The memorial table brought a few tears. 



By the time I got to the food table there wasnt much left. But managed to make a meal that reminded me of my younger years. It was very good. 

Kirsten and Bryson 

Kara and Dylan. 

Kara and me

My niece’s Kayetlynn and Kara along with Bryson and Dylan.

Kirsten  and me. Another sweet niece, she is my brother Lonnie’s youngest daughter. 

My oldest son Blake with his bride Jessica. She was a bridesmaid for Kara. 

Here I am with Kirsten and Kayetlynn.

Blake and Brooks enjoying the evening.

Brooks loves his nerf guns. Once his cousins were available they spent a lot of time playing in the playground area.
Kayetlynn, Kara, Grannie Karen, and me. Love that I got this picture of us.

 

Friday, August 1, 2025

Hello August,

 


Can you believe that this is already August? I am not sure what August has in store for me, but am ready to see how this month turns out.  I do know that I have a niece getting married this month. Am very excited to see her grow with the love she has for Dylan. .  

Haven’t discussed Sunday Funday’s with Cherrie so not sure what we will be doing.  I would like for us to do a picnic near water as one of our days.  I also want to go shopping and buy a complete line of bath products at either Bealls, Tjmaxx, or Burlington’s.  I have my coconut bath items  also vanilla scented items.  I want to get maybe a floral scent or watermelon scent.  I have been watching Tic Tok and see so many various products and that made me think that I need more bath products! 

At work this month I need at least 12 saves a day to meet my monthly goal. Oh crap sometimes that’s nearly impossible for me to achieve.  I really like my job and co-workers so I had better buckle down and get my numbers. My job is very stressful but worth it when payday rolls around.  

I also need to make my optometrist appointment to get my eyes checked. I already know I need a new improved prescription. Can tell my eyes are getting worse.  So I guess I will call soon and make that appointment toward end of month.  

Am proud of myself I have made a tentative plans on my next several blog posts most will be about summer fun.  I really am going to embrace being out of my comfort zone this summer.  As I am getting older I really need to make each and every day count.  


Started a new composition notebook journal swap over at Swap-Bot.  It’s going to be a two month journal. I have already started the journal, as I don’t want to get behind. I ordered a junk journal kit from Etsy in the color of yellow. Oh my goodness it has 50 cute and random supplies that I plan on using in my journal.  Go check out DandACards, they will hook you up with some fun journal supplies. I am going to be placing another order soon. Am leaning toward a green pack as well as a purple pack.  I also will go thru my stickers and pull corresponding stickers that match the color kit I purchased. What’s on your agenda for August?  


Thursday, July 31, 2025

Food Compilation of July food

Mr. C. Made us a hotdog and fries for a fast and easy dinner. It was so good. I will always say if I don’t cook it it is always great.

Loaded baked potato for work lunch. 

Dinner was baked chicken, dressing, and green beans. 

For our dinner I made fried rice and coconut shrimp. Was very surprised that Mr. C. actually enjoyed this meal.

We celebrated Fourth of July at Blake and Jessica’s on July 5th. Everything was so very good. The BBQ was really good. Everyone wiped out the food in rapid succession. 



 

The meat was the main star of the meal.  Love the fact that Jessica enjoys hosting events. 

 

Summertime salads are always the best.  

At the Old Plantation at Medicine Park, I got the loaded baked potato and beef tips. Oh my it was very good. I will be going back to try other dishes! 

Mr. C. Made us hot links with chili. 


Cheesy Bread was good. Any food that has cheese is better! This was the best part of our lunch from Victoria’s Pasta shop in Norman Oklahoma. 

The Primavera pasta had a great presentation but fell flat with taste. I was very disappointed with my food. I had seen the reviews online but wanted to make my own opinion. This is one time I should have passed on this restaurant. 

Mr. C. Google an enchilada recipe and made it for us. I was really impressed with this dish he served us. Had all the right flavors. He normally cooks his “normal” foods.  He really went outside his comfort zone today.


Spaghetti for the win. 

Breakfast was sausage, fried eggs, hash browns is perfect on a Sunday mid morning. 


We made a banana pudding with golden Oreos. Took it over to The Seaton’s for the swimmin BBQ party. 

Here’s my plate from the swim party.  Charles always does a great job on the grill.  
When I put this monthly post about foods we have ate for the month and think dang I didn’t take as many pictures as I thought.  But am glad of the pictures I did manage to take.