Making Memories with Family

There’s just something about a good old Saturday cookout that fills your cup in all the right ways.

We had originally planned to host at our place, but with the weather being unpredictable and a tornado watch looming, we decided to move everything over to Elizabeth and Charles’ house. Honestly, it turned out to be the perfect choice—they’ve got a basement if needed, and thankfully, we didn’t have to use it.

And let me tell you… the food situation was serious.

Luther and I brought the hot links, wieners, smoked sausage, hamburger patties, buns (both kinds!), plus a big potato salad, deviled eggs, chips and dip, fresh sliced tomatoes, and a banana pudding that did not last long. We also picked up a pecan pie because Luther knows Charles loves it—and it was absolutely worth it.

Brody came through with ribeye steaks, and Elizabeth had even more food ready to go—baked beans, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled vegetables. Add in plenty of drinks, and there was more than enough for everyone.

But as good as the food was, the best part was the time together. Visiting, laughing, and watching the boys play made the whole day feel special. Those are the moments that stick with you.

Right in the middle of it all, around 3:00, Jessica texted to let me know Hattie was in the Little Miss Marlo Outlaw pageant that evening. It started at 6:00, and as much as I wanted to be there, I knew there just wasn’t enough time to make it back. I hated missing it—but I already know she looked like an absolute princess. I’ll share more about that in another post, because she deserves her own spotlight. Win or not, she definitely won Nana’s heart.

By the time we got home, we were worn out in the best way—full, happy, and ready to wind down and tidy up for the evening.

Days like this remind me how much I truly enjoy these cookouts with Luther’s family. Good food, good people, and good memories… you really can’t ask for more than that in a weekend.

Friday Is Here!

It is finally Friday—and I don’t think I’ve ever been more relieved to see the end of a workweek. Even though it was technically a short week, the last few days have been tough. I think my mom said it best—I’m still in that “vacation mindset,” and jumping back into real life has been a little bit of a shock to the system. But today, I’m showing up, doing my best, and really trying to make a difference where I can.

As if the week itself wasn’t enough, Oklahoma got hit with tornadoes last night. Enid took a direct hit from what’s being reported as an F4, causing damage to the Air Force Base and surrounding areas. It’s heartbreaking to think about the families who’ve lost homes and belongings. I’m just incredibly thankful that, from what I’ve heard, no lives were lost. That alone feels like a blessing worth holding onto today.

This morning started early—I was already out the door and sitting at the intersection to head south on Highway 81 by 6:40 a.m., which means I’m actually making pretty good time. Not gonna lie, I’m strongly considering a quick stop at Sonic for a drink to help me power through the day. Sometimes it’s the little things.

We have  plans for a cookout this weekend, something I’d really been looking forward to, but the weather has other ideas. Storms and rain are in the forecast. We have went back and forth about postponing the cook out. Then we said nope we are going to do it anyways. 

I’ve been thinking… this might be the weekend I actually cook something good. I don’t cook often, but rainy weekends feel like the perfect excuse to try. I’ve been eyeing my Instant Pot (which, let’s be honest, has been sitting there unused), and I’m thinking a cozy potato soup might be the way to go. Luther probably won’t touch it—he’s not exactly adventurous when it comes to food—but that just means leftovers for me on Monday.

And since I’m already in the mood to try something new, I’m also considering a hearty, comforting casserole with hamburger meat—something familiar enough that it might actually pass the “Luther test.”

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### 🥔 Instant Pot Potato Soup (Small Batch)

Ingredients:

- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced  

- 3 cups chicken broth  

- 1 cup milk  

- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but worth it)  

- ½ small onion, diced  

- 2 cloves garlic, minced  

- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled  

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  

- Salt & pepper to taste  

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.  

2. Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.  

3. Quick release, then mash slightly (leave some chunks for texture).  

4. Stir in milk, cream, cheese, and half the bacon.  

5. Let it sit on “warm” for a few minutes to thicken.  

6. Serve topped with remaining bacon and extra cheese.

Perfect for a rainy weekend and even better as leftovers.

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### 🍲 Easy Hamburger Casserole

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef  

- 1 box pasta (elbow or rotini works great)  

- 1 jar marinara sauce  

- 1 cup sour cream  

- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar  

- ½ onion, diced  

- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste  

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.  

2. Brown ground beef with onion, season well, and drain excess grease.  

3. Mix beef with marinara sauce.  

4. In a baking dish, layer pasta, beef mixture, and sour cream.  

5. Top with cheese.  

6. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Simple, comforting, and familiar enough to win over even picky eaters.

I’m leaning into the slower pace, the rainy vibes, and maybe even a little time in the kitchen for this weekend.

Thursday Feelings

 Thursday vibes ✨

Woke up this morning like, alright… let’s lock in and finish this week strong. Yesterday? Yeah, not my best. The saves just weren’t there, and I could feel it—it was 100% my mindset. But today, we’re correcting that. I know what I’m capable of, and it’s time to get back to doing it well. No more overthinking, just executing.

Also, can we talk about post-trip chaos for a second? 😅 Normally my suitcase will sit there judging me for a solid week (or two), but NOT today. After work, I’m unpacking everything—suitcase, backpack, all of it. Why drag it out when I could just… be done? Growth. We love to see it.

I grabbed some little keychains for my coworkers on the trip, so I’m bringing those in today too—checking things off the list early feels elite, not gonna lie.

Dinner plan? Keeping it easy. I’m swinging by Wendy’s because Luther is fully in his “I don’t feel like cooking” era lately. I don’t know if it’s lack of inspiration or just burnout, but honestly… I get it. We all hit that wall sometimes.

BUT for when we do get back in the groove, here’s a super easy Instant Pot chicken recipe that’s been saving my life:

🍗 Instant Pot Garlic Butter Chicken

- 2–3 chicken breasts  

- 1 cup chicken broth  

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)  

- 2 tbsp butter  

- 1 tsp paprika  

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning  

- Salt & pepper to taste  

Throw everything into the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, natural release for 5. Shred it up or serve whole. It’s juicy, flavorful, and pairs with literally anything—rice, veggies, pasta… whatever you’ve got.

Simple. No stress. Exactly the vibe we’re going for.

Alright, let’s go make today spectacular 

Back to Work After NYC Vacation

 Title: Back to Reality (But Not So Bad After All)

Wednesday was my first day back to work after what felt like a truly fantastic vacation—and honestly, it wasn’t nearly as rough as I’d braced myself for.

I got in early (which always helps me ease back into things), and right away I noticed something new—while I was gone, they’d updated the system and added a whole new program. Of course, first day back wouldn’t be complete without a little learning curve, but thankfully Shelby came to the rescue and walked me through how to access everything I’d need. Crisis averted.

It was also Sherry’s first day back from vacation, so we had that shared “back to reality” moment. Unfortunately, her return came with some really heavy news—her father-in-law passed away unexpectedly. That definitely cast a shadow over things, and my heart goes out to her. Life has a way of mixing joy and sorrow all at once.

On a lighter note, it really did feel good to be back and see everyone again. I got to share a few highlights from my trip, which made the transition a little easier. I did, however, completely forget to bring the keychains I bought for everyone in my department… not once, but twice now. 😅 Third time’s the charm—I’m bringing them Thursday, no excuses.

Work itself wasn’t too bad. Not overly busy, which I appreciated. I didn’t hit my goal of 10 saves for the day, but I’m not stressing about it. I could tell I wasn’t the only one a little out of sync. We’ll all find our rhythm again.

If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s this: I do better with structure. As much as the idea of not working sometimes sounds appealing, the reality is—I value the stability. Having income, health insurance, life insurance… those things matter, especially the older I get. It’s a trade-off, but one I’m grateful for.

All in all, the day went by pretty quickly, which is always a win in my book. And I’m reminded that having a job that allows me the time (and pay!) to take vacations in the first place is something to appreciate.

Back to the routine—but bringing a little bit of that vacation mindset with me. 🌴

New York City Was Great!

Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover our last day in New York City.

We took our time getting up that morning, knowing we had to be out of the hotel by 11 a.m. After dropping our luggage downstairs, we squeezed in a little more exploring—because how do you not soak up every last second in the city? We walked about six blocks to the subway and went on a mission to replace the souvenirs I’d accidentally left behind at a restaurant earlier in the trip (still hurts a little 😅). Thankfully, I found the perfect replacements—postcards, keychains, and even a t-shirt—so all was right again.

We wandered a bit more before heading back to Johny’s  for breakfast one last time (because when you find a good spot, you stick with it). Then it was time to make our way toward the airport. We hopped on the subway and caught the Q70 free bus to LaGuardia, arriving nice and early—Jessica was not taking any chances with TSA lines, and honestly, fair enough.

After getting through security, we found our gate and settled in. Blake and Jessica grabbed lunch, while I went for a protein bowl—simple, but it hit the spot. Later, Blake and I found some loungers, and I finally gave my feet a break. I spent most of that time reading on my Kindle and just resting… which was very much needed after walking over 53,000 steps and climbing 34 flights of stairs during this trip. I’m still impressed with myself for that one!

Our flight ended up being delayed about 45 minutes due to a storm, and then we sat on the tarmac for another hour waiting our turn. At one point, the pilot said there were 12 planes ahead of us—and just as many behind us. It was a whole situation.

By the time we made it back to Dallas-Fort Worth and got home, it was around 4 a.m. I was beyond exhausted… but also incredibly grateful.

This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The kind you carry with you long after it’s over. And honestly? I don’t think I’ve seen the last of New York City. There’s just too much left to see and do. 

Headed To NYC City!

From 2:45 a.m. to the Big Apple — Travel Day Adventures 🍎✈️

New York City, here we come!

Let me just start by saying… today started early. Like, 2:45 a.m. early. I wanted to beat that 3:00 a.m. alarm, so I was up, dressed, and ready before it even had a chance to go off. That alone deserves a medal if you ask me.

We were near DFW Airport, parked off-site, and caught the shuttle around 3:45 a.m., getting to the airport just before 4. Yes, that early. Surprisingly, it all went smoothly, and before long, we were sitting down for breakfast at Sunny’s Buy-in Smokehouse in Terminal E. I ordered a full platter—scrambled eggs, bacon, diced potatoes, plus a biscuit with gravy—and I have to say, it was pretty darn good (and reasonably priced too, which is always a win).

Our flight took off at 7:00 a.m., and not long after, the turbulence started making itself known. By 7:36, the seatbelt sign was still on, and let me tell you… it stayed that way quite a bit. I tried to distract myself with Wicked (great choice), then switched over to Below Deck Mediterranean—Captain Sandy always keeps things interesting.

Somewhere along the way:

- 8:30 a.m.: Ginger ale, Sun Chips, and a much-needed coffee with sugar ☕  

- 9:00 a.m.: Passing near Charlotte  

- 10:18 a.m.: The bumpiest ride I’ve ever experienced  

Now, I wasn’t scared—but I was praying we’d land safely. The plane was rocking and rolling like nothing I’ve felt before. Still, I kept thinking: “As long as we make it to New York City, I’ll take it!”

And we did. 🙌

Once we landed, we made our way to baggage claim and then hopped on the free Q70 bus to Roosevelt Station. From there, we figured out the subway (which felt like a big adventure all on its own!) and made it within a few blocks of our hotel—the Holiday Inn Manhattan Chelsea.

Of course, we were too early to check in, so… off we went exploring!

First stop: lunch at 7th Street Burger in Chelsea. I grabbed a cheeseburger and water for about $10—not bad at all. Then we had to try Crumbl Cookies (because priorities), and I got a sugar cookie with pink icing. So good.

And because you absolutely cannot have a cookie without coffee… we headed to Blank Street Coffee, where I ordered a cherry glazed iced coffee. Let me just say—spectacular.

We wandered a bit more, soaking in the city vibes, before heading back to the hotel. We were able to check in just before 3:00 p.m., which felt like perfect timing. I freshened up, put on a little makeup, and rested my feet for a bit. Blake snuck in a nap, I did too, and Jessica and Logan explored some thrift shops across the street (which looked really fun, but my feet were voting “no ma’am” at that point).

Coming from rural Oklahoma, figuring out buses and subways and walking everywhere feels like a whole new world—and honestly, what a treat it has been.

If I had to rate today?  

Absolutely phenomenal! 

One Acre at a Time

📚 Book Thoughts: One Acre at a Time

Hey friends! Let’s chat about my latest read, One Acre at a Time by Colton Lively..

So… this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

Going into it, I was expecting something that would really pull me in emotionally, maybe with a strong connection to the characters or a storyline that felt grounded and meaningful. And while it did deliver on intensity, it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally.

There’s definitely a lot going on in this book—plenty of conflict, tension, and moments that keep the story moving. But for me, it leaned a little too heavily into the fighting and drama side of things. I found myself wishing for more depth in the relationships or quieter moments to balance everything out. Instead, it sometimes felt like one intense moment rolled right into the next without giving me a chance to really connect.

That said, I can absolutely see why someone else might really enjoy this one. If you’re the kind of reader who loves action-packed stories, high stakes, and a steady dose of drama, this book could totally be your vibe. It’s fast-paced and definitely not boring—that’s for sure.

Overall, it just wasn’t a favorite for me, but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad book—just not the right fit for what I was hoping for at the time. And honestly, isn’t that how reading goes sometimes?

If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts—did it work for you more than it did for me? 💭