Mr & Mrs Wheeler!

A Stormy Start, A Beautiful Wedding: Kayetlynn & Ethan’s Big Day

Saturday, September 20th was a day to remember—my niece Kayetlynn married Ethan at Blessed Oak Farm at 5 p.m. I arrived a little after 4 p.m., and the sky already looked a little uncertain. Lightning flashed, dark clouds gathered, and with the wedding planned outdoors, we all hoped the weather would hold off.

As I walked toward the reception area, I spotted family members, shared hugs, and caught up. We soon made our way down the hill toward the pasture where the ceremony was supposed to take place. That’s when the weather had other plans—strong winds picked up, big raindrops began to fall, and lightning lit up the sky. Before long, we were rushing back toward the reception building, making it inside just in time for the downpour.

But even with the sudden change of plans, Kayetlynn and Ethan’s wedding was nothing short of beautiful. They gracefully pivoted, moving the ceremony into the reception space, and it turned out absolutely perfect. The room had already been decorated with a western flair—turquoise, browns, reds, and yellows filled the flower arrangements, and tables were topped with turquoise plates, vases, and glowing floating candles. It felt warm, rustic, and full of love.

The food was equally special—walkin tacos, guacamole, and salsa lovingly made by Kayetlynn’s stepmom, Dana (my sister-in-law). Everything was delicious and added such a personal touch to the evening.

More than anything, the day was about family, celebration, and love. I was so happy to reunite with loved ones and to watch these two young people begin their life together. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, it couldn’t dampen the joy in the room. Everyone came together, laughed, and cheered as Kayetlynn and Ethan said “I do.”

Grannie Karen and Jett. Jett is Thomas and Dana’s son. 

Candice (Kayetlynn’s mom) was her Maid of Honor. 

Thomas and her granddad Ted escorted the bride

RIGGSLEE daughter of Kirsten and Bryson

My two precious nieces along with my great niece.  I am so proud of these young ladies.  My heart is full of love for them.  Am excited to watch them achieve all their dreams.

Thomas and Dana. Dad and stepmom to Kayetlynn 

Kara and Dylan

Maisey and Grannie Karen

Maisey and I.  Kayetlynn’s sister

Laiken and Hadlee Kara and Dylan’s daughters.  My heart is full of love for my great nieces and nephews.  

A storm may have blown in, but it only made the day more memorable. The love between Caitlin and Ethan shined brighter than the lightning outside. 💕

 

 

September Comfort Foods

September Comfort Foods: Casseroles, Soups & Slow Cooker Favorites

September just feels like comfort food season, doesn’t it? The evenings are a little cooler, the days are a little shorter, and nothing hits the spot like a hearty casserole, a bowl of soup, or something bubbling away in the slow cooker. These are the meals that make the whole house smell amazing and bring everybody to the table.

Here are some of my favorite go-to comfort foods (plus a couple of fun fall drinks) that are perfect for this month:

🌮 Taco Soup

This is the easiest weeknight dinner ever—and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can corn (drained)
• 1 can black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can Rotel (for a little kick)
• 3 cups beef broth

How to: Brown the meat, toss in the rest, and let it simmer. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Done!

🥔 Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

This one is so creamy and cheesy, it’s always the first thing gone at potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen hash browns (thawed)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup melted butter
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to: Mix everything together, spread in a 9x13 dish, and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.

🧀 Dorito Casserole

If you’ve never had Doritos baked into a casserole, you’re missing out. Crunchy, cheesy, and kid-approved!

Ingredients:

   •   1 lb ground beef

   •   1 packet taco seasoning

   •   1 can Rotel

   •   1 can cream of chicken soup

   •   1 cup sour cream

   •   2 cups shredded cheese

   •   1 large bag Nacho Cheese Doritos

How to: Crush half the Doritos into the bottom of a dish. Layer meat mixture + cheese. Repeat, topping with more crushed Doritos. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

🍗 Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice

Throw it in before work, and dinner is ready when you walk in the door.

Ingredients:

   •   2–3 chicken breasts

   •   1 cup uncooked rice

   •   1 can cream of mushroom soup

   •   1 can cream of chicken soup

   •   2 cups chicken broth

   •   1 cup mixed veggies

   •   Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

How to: Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low 6–7 hours. Shred chicken before serving.

🥣 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This one feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 4–5 large russet potatoes (peeled & diced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 slices bacon (cooked & crumbled)
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

How to: Boil potatoes in broth until tender. Mash a little for creaminess, stir in milk, cheese, and sour cream. Top with bacon

☕🍎 Cozy Non-Alcoholic Fall Drinks

Because you can’t have comfort food without something warm to sip on!

🍏 Hot Caramel Apple Cider

So simple and so good.

• Warm up apple cider in a saucepan with 1–2 cinnamon sticks.
• Stir in a drizzle of caramel syrup.
• Top with whipped cream and more caramel if you’re feeling fancy.

🍫 Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

A fall twist on classic hot cocoa.

• Make your favorite hot chocolate.
• Stir in 2 tbsp pumpkin purée + ½ tsp pumpkin spice.
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

✨ These recipes are hearty, filling, and guaranteed to warm you up as the season changes. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, crunchy, slow-cooked, or sweet, September is the month for comfort food favorites

Starting Retirement Planning at 58

                                                                   

                            Starting Where I Am: My Retirement Journey at 58

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. I’m 58 years old, and here’s the truth: I don’t have much saved for retirement. My 401(k) is sitting at less than $10,000, and while I do contribute a little each month, it’s not exactly the picture-perfect retirement fund you read about in financial magazines.

For a while, that thought really weighed me down. I’d catch myself thinking, “What’s the point? It’s too late.” But then I reminded myself—it’s never too late to do something. And honestly, something is always better than nothing.

So here’s where I’m at: I plan to work until at least 65, maybe longer if I feel good and enjoy it. In the meantime, I’m looking for little ways to set myself up better. For example, I’m trying to save just a little more each paycheck, even if it’s $50 or $100. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up.

I’m also being more mindful about spending. Those little extras—like streaming services I barely use, or takeout when I have food at home—add up faster than I realized. Cutting back gives me more room to save, and honestly, it feels kind of good to be intentional with money.

Another thing I’m exploring is earning a little extra on the side. Whether that’s selling things I don’t use anymore, picking up a small side hustle, or even freelancing, it feels good to think about money coming in that can go straight toward my future self.

And of course, I’m thinking about Social Security and how to get the most out of it. Waiting until full retirement age could make a difference in the monthly check, so I’m learning all I can.

Most importantly, I’m taking care of my health. Because what good is retirement if I don’t feel good enough to enjoy it? Walking more, eating better, and keeping up with doctor visits is part of my “retirement planning” too.

I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s okay. I’m starting where I am, and maybe that’s exactly what someone else needs to hear. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

Company, picnic and Amish auction adventures

 This past Saturday was packed with fun, food, and plenty of memories. Our company picnic was held at Cornerstone Kids Ranch in Ada, Oklahoma from 10 AM to 2 PM. The ranch had so many activities for everyone to enjoy— Face painting, bouncy, houses, hay rod, petting zoo, zip lining, and even rock climbing. Inside we played bingo with lots of surprises up for grabs, and outside at the pavilion a lovely band kept the energy going all afternoon.

Sheila and I!

Mindy and I.

Brandy and I.

The highlight, of course, was the food trucks! We had five to choose from Smashed OK, Okie, Jack’s, KJ BBQ, Nacho Biznec, and Carnival Eats & Treats. I decided on a chopped brisket sandwich with real-cut french  fries from Smashed OK, and it was absolutely delicious explanation point! I also tasted the strawberry funnel cake from the Carnival Eat & Treats truck. Before leaving, I’ll grab some street tacos from Nacho Biznec To take home, and now I know that if I see any of these trucks at another event, I’ll definitely be a Repeat customer. 

⚡Shelby, Mindy, and Sheila rode with me, and our first top of the day was 7Brew in Duncan Oklahoma. They just opened up, and with the purchase of a large drink you got a free T-shirt. I ordered a chai tea with sweet cream and picked out a soft purple shirt that says Bahama Mama such a fun little stop before our drive! 

After the picnic, we headed 30 minutes down the road to Clarita Oklahoma for the annual Amish school auction. It had been at least six years since I last went, so I was excited to finally be back. The quilt exhibit was stunning— One quilt sold for $4000 and later another went for $6000. Amish quilts are truly worth of art, and I would love to own one someday.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without picking up some Amish goodies! I treated myself to pink lemonade, homemade ice cream, noodles, chicken base, apple bread, and an Apple fried pie and two brownies. amish baked goods never disappoint. We browsed the vendor booths, but since it was pretty hot outside, we didn’t stay as long as we might have liked. 

By the time we made it back to Duncan around 5 PM we were tired, but full of laughs and memories. It was a perfect Saturday filled with good company, great food, and a little adventure.

My Everything Shower Routine

These are the products I chose for my shower routine tonight. I am enjoying using summer scented products.  Finding the products at Tjmaxx,Bealls and Burlington’s at a steep discount price makes me SO happy. 
 

I’ve realized lately that my showers have turned into more than just a quick in-and-out. I’m spending more time in there, and honestly, I don’t mind one bit. What I’ve started doing is what I like to call an “everything shower”-basically, it’s when I take care of all the things at once. 

It’s not just a rinse and go. This is the kind of shower where I pull out the hair mask, do a good  exfoliation, shave, and throw in a little extra skincare. It feels less like a chore and more like a mini self-care session right in my own bathroom. 

There are a few reasons I love doing this: 

* Self-care. Taking the extra time makes me feel calm and relaxed, like I’m giving myself a reset button. Add in a nice-smelling body wash or scrub, and suddenly it feels like a spa day. 

* Hydration. My skin and hair feel so much better after. Exfoliating, moisturizing, conditioning-it all makes a difference when I do it throughly instead of rushing. 

* Mental well-being. There’s something about the whole routine that just clears my head. The steam, the scents, the little rituals—they always leave me in a better mood. 

By the time I’m done, I feel squeaky clean, super refreshed, and honesty a little pampered. I’ll wrap up in a fluffy towel, slather on body oil along with lotion, and it’s like the cherry on top.

A September day in my life

There’s something about September that feels like a gentle reset. The mornings are cooler, the days a little shorter, and I find myself slipping into routine routines that feel both familiar and comforting. Today, I thought I’d share what a typical day looks like in my mind~the SimpleJoys, everyday moments that bring me joy. 

I usually start my mornings early. With a warm cup of tea in hand, I take a few minutes to check emails and catch up on the news. There’s something cozy about being wrapped in a sweater while the sun slowly makes its way up Mr. C and I share breakfast together. ~ nothing fancy, but always filling and made with love.

The heart of my day often revolves around small projects. This weekend I’m working on rotating out my clothes.~from summer to fall season. I also will go through and donate clothes. I’m no longer wearing..

I will also continue to work on my journal for Swap~Bot. This always helps me embrace my creativity. Taking pen of paper, Phils grounding, especially when paired with the rhythm of fall slowly settling in around me. 

Afternoons are a mix of chores and rest. Some days is kitchen, cleanup, or tackling a corner of the house; other days i’ll sit down and write letters to my penpals. I love staying connected that way putting thoughts on paper feel so much more personal than a quick message.

Evenings are slow and cozy, often a favorite show on TV and something warm for dinner. September nights carry their own kind of magic.~ The air crisp, the sky darker a little earlier, and the reminder that fall is truly here.

It may not be a glamorous day, but it’s mine~filled with little rituals, gratitude and the quiet beauty of September.