Kyndall’s 7th Birthday

May 5th, 2026 — Kyndall Turns Seven 💕

Today is Kyndall’s birthday, and my heart is feeling a little heavy knowing I can’t be there in person to celebrate with her. That’s just part of living far away, I suppose—but it doesn’t make it any easier when you love someone as much as I love that sweet girl.

Kyndall is the big 7 today, and she has been so excited counting down to it. A couple of days ago, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and in true Kyndall fashion, she said, “Nana, I don’t care. You always get me good things.” That right there just melted me. There is something so special about a child who feels loved and content like that.

Of course, I still wanted to make sure I got her something she truly wanted, so I checked in with her mama. Melissa told me Kyndall had her heart set on a pottery wheel for kids, and I thought—oh yes, that is perfect. I got online right away and ordered one for her. I can already picture her creating little masterpieces and being so proud of herself.

We also sent her $100 from Grandpa Kendall so she could go pick out something fun for herself—because what seven-year-old doesn’t love a little birthday shopping spree? And honestly, I’m not done yet. In a few days, I’ll probably send her some film for her Insta camera and maybe a little lip gloss or two… just because. That’s one of the perks of being Nana—you get to surprise them for no reason at all.

And of course, I can’t forget baby Liam. I’m already thinking about putting together a little care package for both of them. It just feels right.

Even though I’m not there, it brings me so much comfort knowing how well Kyndall is loved and cared for. Melissa and Trevor do such a wonderful job keeping her busy and involved. Between swimming, gymnastics, and all the activities at the Roughrider Center, she is thriving. Now she’s even talking about learning how to play chess—imagine that! She’s growing into such a bright, curious, and joyful little person.

I have truly loved watching her become who she is. Her laughter, her sweetness, her spirit—it fills my heart in a way that’s hard to even put into words.

So today, from afar, I’m celebrating my beautiful granddaughter. Happy 7th birthday, Kyndall,. Nana loves you more than you could ever know. 

Thursday Ramblings

Thursday Ramblings — Birthday Plans & Tulsa Dreams

Today is Thursday, May 7th, and I turn 59 years old on May 9th! I am honestly so excited about my birthday this year. Sometimes birthdays feel simple, and sometimes they feel extra special, and this one definitely feels special to me.

Mr. C and I are still trying to decide exactly what we’re going to do for my birthday dinner. Right now, I think we may either go eat at Interurban or bring it home and have a cozy dinner there. We’ve also talked about just doing a simple little ice cream date at Dairy Queen in Chickasha. Honestly, either one sounds perfect to me.

Part of the reason we’re keeping it simple is because Mr. C is already treating me and Cherrie to a Tulsa birthday weekend on May 30th, and I am SO excited about that trip. We’ll leave early Saturday morning and come back Sunday evening, and I already have a huge list of things I want to do.

At the very top of my list is the Tulsa Farmers Market. I absolutely love walking around markets, looking at handmade items, fresh flowers, baked goods, and just soaking in the atmosphere. I also really want to visit the Outsiders House Museum. I’ve heard such great things about it, and for only $10, it sounds like a fun little stop.

Another place I hope we get to visit is the Tulsa Botanic Garden. I know the flowers and walking paths will be beautiful this time of year. And of course, I know we’ll spend some time at the Hard Rock Casino Saturday evening. They have several restaurants inside, and honestly, I’m already thinking about all the good food.

I’d also love to spend some time exploring the Tulsa Arts District and taking pictures of some of the murals around downtown. Tulsa has so many colorful and artistic spots, and I definitely want to capture a few photos while we’re there.

A few other Tulsa ideas that are on my “maybe” list are:

• Gathering Place Park

• Route 66 attractions

• Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66

• Mother Road Market

• Cherry Street shopping and coffee spots

• Watching the sunset over the river parks

I already know there’s no way we’ll fit everything into one weekend, but honestly, planning the trip is half the fun for me.

Today after work, I’ve got several errands I need to run. I need to pick up my medicine, and I’d really like to get my nails done if I can work it in. Lane also has baseball practice tonight at 5:00. I may not make it right at the beginning, but that’s okay. It’s only tee-ball practice, and sometimes you just have to do what you can do.

I’ve also been working hard on my budget lately. I’m getting very close to paying off my Jeep, which feels amazing. I also only have one payment plus $40 left on another bill I’ve been paying since 2023. That is going to be such a relief once it’s completely off my monthly budget.

Of course, once one trip is planned, I’m already thinking about the next one. I’m hoping to go to Watford City later this year once I find tickets on sale. I’ll probably only stay about four days because I don’t want to overstay my welcome, but I’m really looking forward to it.

And beyond that, I’m already dreaming about a bigger trip for next year and hopefully even a trip to North Dakota to spend time with Trevor’s family.  Traveling takes money, planning, and time off work, but I truly enjoy the planning process almost as much as the actual trip itself.

Anyway, I hope y’all have a wonderful Thursday and are making fun plans for your own weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.

Midweek Check in

                                    Midweek Rambling — May 6, 2026 ☀️

It’s 6:40 a.m., and just like most mornings, I’m on my way to work with a little quiet time to myself—and honestly, I’ve come to really treasure this part of my day. There’s something about the drive that helps me slow down mentally before everything speeds up. It’s my time to run through my to-do list, think about what I’m grateful for, and even come up with ideas for my Mora journal (which, let’s be honest, I am a little behind on right now).

Speaking of things to look forward to… my birthday is coming up on May 9th! 🎉 I think Luther and I are going to keep things simple and stay close to home, which sounds just perfect to me. I’ve been thinking maybe ordering some Inner Urban for dinner or even just doing a sweet little ice cream date at Dairy Queen in Chickasha. Nothing fancy—just time together, which is really all I want anyway.

Now, the bigger celebration is coming later this month, and I am SO excited. Mr. C planned a trip for me and my BFF Sherry to Tulsa the weekend of May 30th, and I cannot wait. I already have a little list going: the farmers market, the botanical garden, possibly the Gilcrease Museum, and definitely exploring downtown. I’ve also been seeing videos about the “Center of the Universe,” and I kind of want to test it out for myself—because how fun is that?

Financially, I’m trying to be mindful heading into the trip. Luther is helping out, and I’ll be getting a small bonus from work on the 15th. It may not be huge, but every little bit helps—and if I don’t have to dip into my checking account too much, that’s a win in my book.

On the creative side of things, I got a little “happy mail” envelope yesterday from a journaling group I’m in. It was a $3 junk journal supply swap, and while I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, I did realize I already had a lot of what was sent. That’s kind of the gamble with those, though—you never really know what you’re going to get. Still, I’ll definitely use the items, and it’s always fun to get something in the mail.

Today, I’m sending out a Swap Bot envelope of my own, packed with happy mail. I may have gone a little overboard (okay, definitely over an ounce 😅), but I just really want whoever receives it to feel a little extra joy when they open it.

As for the weekend—birthday celebrations and a whole lot of relaxing at home with Luther. And honestly, that sounds just right.

Tuesday Thoughts

April 28, 2026 — what a Tuesday.

The day started like most workdays do—clocking in at 7:30 a.m., doing my best to work some magic and take care of members. Nothing out of the ordinary there… but honestly, I had my eye on the evening the whole time.

It was supposed to be one of those perfect, slightly chaotic, all-American spring nights—Lane’s T-ball game at 6:00 and Brooks taking the field at 7:00. Those evenings are my favorite. They pull us out of the everyday routine and into something a little more fun, a little more us.

As usual, Luther and I had a plan. After work, I’d head home, grab him, and we’d get to the ball fields early (because if you know, you know—parking is no joke out there, and we try to make it easy on him). We got there ahead of the crowd, settled in, and for a moment, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

Then came the plot twist.

While I walked up to the concession stand, Luther got a call—Lane’s game had been canceled. No notification, no heads up. Turns out several kids were sick, and they didn’t have enough players. Totally understandable… but still disappointing, especially after we’d already made the trip and gotten settled.

We ended up catching up with Brody and Savannah for a bit before they headed out to grab food. Then Luther and I regrouped, moved over to Brooks’s field, and got ready for round two of the evening.

And thankfully—that game happened.

We got to sit back, relax, and watch Brooks play, which made the night feel salvaged. Those moments still matter, even when the plans don’t go exactly how you pictured them.

On the way home, we made a quick grocery stop. I ran in for what I thought would be just a few things—ingredients for chicken salad (easy lunches for Thursday and Friday), something quick for dinner (taquitos sounded perfect), and of course, a Monster for the next workday.

Somehow… $40 later… I walked out wondering how “just a few things” turned into that. Groceries these days really have a way of sneaking up on you.

All in all, it was still a good day. A little disappointing at times, sure—but full of real life, small moments, and time with the people who matter most. And at the end of the day, that’s what counts.

#TuesdayThoughts #BaseballLife #TBallMoments #FamilyTime #RealLifeMoments #SimpleJoys #GroceryRun #WorkingLife #SpringEvenings #MakingMemories

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.”

---

### 🥔 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.

---

### 🍲 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