A Busy Day Before Takeoff ✈️

Today has been full from the very start! This morning Mr. C and I headed over to the Memorial Express Lab in Lawton, Oklahoma for his lab work. It was our first time using this lab, and I have to say—it was super easy, quick, and stress-free. Plus, they had the cutest free heart-shaped stress balls. Of course, I snagged one for myself to use at work.

Afterward, we made a stop at one of my all-time favorites—Wayne’s Drive-In. We grabbed cokes (they really do have the best ones) and split an order of biscuits and gravy. A little treat before the day got busy. On the drive home, I was chatting away about my upcoming trip to Watford City, North Dakota. Tomorrow’s the big day! I’ll be flying out of Oklahoma City at 8:00 a.m., which means an early arrival at the airport—around 5:00 a.m. Yikes!

This is a mural that can be seem at the Wayne’s Dive Inn. Very colorful! 

Once home, I jumped right into finishing my packing. Honestly, I may have gone a little overboard. 😅 I’ll probably need to reevaluate my suitcase later and make sure everything matches. Of course, I’m also double-checking that all my devices are charged—including my backpack. Who would have thought years ago that a backpack would need charging? Technology keeps surprising me!

At 11:00, we headed over to Brody’s to see Landon and Sophie—I just had to get some hugs in before leaving. We’re also enjoying lunch with Brody and his crew (except Lane, since he’s in school). We ordered cheeseburgers and fries from Hop Stop here in Rush Springs.

It’s already been a full and productive day off, and I still have more to do. I’m making a list for Walmart in Williston, North Dakota, for when I land. I’ll be cooking at Trevor’s a few times, and I have fun meal ideas planned. We’ll do French bread pizzas one night—Kyndall will love helping with those! And I can’t wait to make cake waffles with her too. Cooking together in the kitchen is always special.

All in all, today has been busy, but my heart is full. Tomorrow the adventure begins!

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