Sunday FundayShopping Adventures

Sunday was truly a Funday! My best friend Cherrie and I decided to take a little day trip to Norman, Oklahoma. We both had a list of things to do — a mix of Christmas shopping and grocery shopping — but more than anything, it was about spending the day together, laughing, catching up, and enjoying each other’s 

We left around 9:30 in the morning, coffee in hand, ready for a full day. Our first stop was Ross, where I picked up a couple of toys for Lane and Landon’s “boo baskets.” It’s hard to believe we’re already in that time of year where we start thinking about Halloween and Christmas at the same time. Ross had some cute finds, and it’s always fun to browse the aisles to see what hidden treasures you can come across.

Next, we stopped by Burlington to see what they had out for the holiday season. I love walking through and seeing all the shelves filled with gift ideas and festive decor — it always gets me in the Christmas spirit. Even though I didn’t buy a lot there, it gave me some ideas for the gifts I still need to find.

From there, we headed to the Warren Theater to pick up a $50 gift card for Lane and Landon for Christmas. I love giving gift cards to places where they can make memories — movies are always a fun experience! Then, we made a stop at Chuck E. Cheese. I got two more $50 gift cards for Lane and Landon and four $25 cards for Michelle’s children — Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max. I’m officially one step closer to finishing my Christmas shopping list!

We also took a little time to wander through HomeGoods, one of my favorite stores for inspiration. Even though I thought their prices were a little higher than other places, I still enjoyed seeing how everything was displayed. The holiday decor there is always beautiful — they make every corner feel like a cozy Christmas dream.

We had lunch at Olive Garden. It was good as always. I picked out my favorite dish Chicken Alfredo with broccoli. Our server was polite and checked in with us many times. 

After all that shopping, it was time to handle the practical side of the day — groceries! We went to Crest, my go-to grocery store. Over the years, I’ve compared prices between Walmart and Crest, and Crest always seems to come out ahead. Their prices fit my budget better, and I feel like I get more for my money. My grocery budget this month was $400, and I spent every dollar of it. I always feel good when I stick to my budget and get everything we need.

By the time we finished shopping, we were both ready for a drink and a snack. On the way home, we stopped at Sonic for our favorite drinks — a Diet Coke with cherry and vanilla. It’s our little road trip tradition! Once we got back to Chickasha, we picked up dinner at McDonald’s before heading home.

It took a while to unload all the groceries once we got back, and by the time Cherrie headed home, it was around 6:00 PM. It was definitely a full day, but such a good one. Spending time with Cherrie always reminds me how important it is to have those special friendships that make even ordinary errands fun. We laughed, talked, and made a day of it.

I feel so blessed to have a friend like Cherrie — someone who makes any day brighter and who’s always up for an adventure. Whether it’s Christmas shopping, grocery runs, or just sharing a Diet Coke on the drive home, time spent with her is always a gift.

~Back to Routine~

 

🌸My sweet great niece RIGGSLEE🌸

The weekend is here! Happy Saturday, friends. I feel like I’m still trying to get back into my home routine after being on vacation. Can’t believe it’s nearly Monday already! Even though I’ve enjoyed a slower pace, I’m ready to see some of my coworkers and get back into my workweek rhythm.

I was determined to sleep in this morning, but my eyes popped open just before 7 a.m. I stumbled around, trying to get my bearings before diving into the day. Would you believe my Keurig decided to quit on me? I was so disappointed—it didn’t even last two years! That meant no coffee to start my morning, which definitely threw me off a bit.

Mr. C and I sat down to work on our monthly grocery list, which always takes us a good chunk of time. We also planned out meal ideas while working through our $400 budget for the month, which includes groceries and household items. I like having a plan—it makes me feel organized and saves us from too many last-minute drive-thru runs.

Here are a few meals we’re planning for this month:

   •   Beef enchiladas

   •   Roast with veggies

   •   Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

   •   Lasagna

   •   Chicken fajitas

   •   Honey BBQ chicken breast

   •   Chicken and dumplings

   •   Orange chicken with fried rice

After finishing our list, I got ready to head out. My first stop was Marlow, Oklahoma, to deposit a check for bills. From there, I went on to Duncan to stop by the Duncan Public Library. I needed to print my August and September blog posts to add to my journal, which goes out on October 10th. It’s coming along nicely but still needs a bit more work before it’s ready.

Next stop: Dollar Tree! I picked up Halloween buckets and some candy for Lane and Landon’s treat bags. Then I popped over to Walmart—conveniently in the same area—to grab my prescriptions and a few groceries, even though I plan to make a bigger trip to Crest tomorrow.

By the time I was done, I was more than ready for lunch. I swung by Braum’s for crinkle fries and a cherry limeade. Their fries are always crispy and delicious, though I’ll admit their burgers tend to be a bit soggy for my liking.

Once I got home, we unpacked the groceries and ate lunch before I gave in to a little afternoon nap—from 2 to 3 p.m. After running errands all morning, that nap felt amazing!

This evening, we’re headed to Brody’s around 5 p.m. We’re taking ingredients for tacos and burritos so we can have dinner together and visit with the family. I can’t wait to see the smalls, and I’m sure baby Sophie has already grown since the last time I saw her.

It’s been a full day, but a good one. I’m grateful for my life, my family, and the everyday moments that make it all so special. I truly feel blessed to live my best life, one Saturday at time. 

Settling back into our normal routine

 After all my traveling yesterday, I decided to give myself some extra rest this morning. I slept in until about 7:30 a.m., which for me feels like a little luxury. Once I was up and moving, Mr. C and I had a few errands to take care of. The biggest one on our list was a drive over to Lawton, Oklahoma, to pick up medicine for Luther. His doctor is starting him on Glipizide 10 mg, and it feels good to know we’re getting him the care he needs.

Since we were already in town, we treated ourselves to lunch at Esperanza Mexican Restaurant. Oh, it was such a good choice! I ordered a plate with a hard taco, a cheese enchilada topped with guacamole, rice, and beans. Every bite was just as good as I hoped it would be. Mr. C tried something new — a chicken, cheese, bacon, and mushroom quesadilla. Let me just say, I had a bite of his, and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. We were both more than satisfied and agreed we’d have to go back again soon.

Back home, the rest of the day was about catching up and trying to get back into the swing of things. I had a little list of things I wanted to get done: calling for an eye doctor appointment, changing the sheets, unpacking from my trip, folding and putting away laundry from the dryer, and filling out paperwork for my upcoming colonoscopy. But when I looked at the clock and saw it was already 1:20 p.m., I realized I hadn’t crossed a single thing off that list yet. Sometimes, days just slip away like that, especially after being gone.

In the afternoon, we had some sweet company. Brody and Savannah, along with Lane and Landon, stopped by to visit. I always enjoy having the family around—it just makes the house feel brighter and more alive. Their laughter and chatter filled the room, and for a while, my to-do list didn’t matter at all.

As the evening crept in, I found myself staring at the kitchen, trying to figure out what to make for dinner. I wasn’t in the mood for anything complicated, so I knew it would have to be something quick and easy. Some days you want to be creative in the kitchen, and other days, you just want to keep it simple.

Being home again feels so good, though I’d be lying if I said I’m ready to return to work on Monday. It’s been nice having time away from setting goals, chasing deadlines, and waking up at 5 a.m. every weekday. I’ve enjoyed the slower pace, the little freedoms, and just being present at home with Mr. C and the rest of the family.

As I wind down this day, I can’t help but feel grateful. Life isn’t perfect, but I truly feel blessed with the life I have. I may not have gotten much done today, but I spent it with the people I love, and that matters more than a checklist. Here’s to living my best life, one day at a time.

Returning home from vacation

My last day of vacation started early. I got up and began repacking my bags, making sure everything was organized for the long trip home. Around 6:30 a.m., Mellissa got Kyndall up for school. It was picture day, and I just love how Mellissa and Trevor always make sure their kids are well-groomed and dressed nicely for special occasions. Watching their little morning routine warmed my heart, and it reminded me once again how quickly children grow.

Once we were all moving, Mellissa and I got ourselves ready for the day. She had kindly offered to drive me from Watford City to Williston, North Dakota, for my flight. We left around 11:30 a.m. to give ourselves plenty of time. Earlier that morning, Mr. C had called me at 9 a.m. to warn that flights might be delayed—or even canceled—because of the government shutdown. That had me a bit on edge, but I reassured myself that no matter what, I would make it home eventually.

Sure enough, at 10:30 a.m. my phone started blowing up with notifications. My original 2:55 p.m. flight was pushed back to 4:15 p.m. A later departure meant a longer travel day, but I decided to keep to my original schedule and head to the airport anyway—better safe than sorry when it comes to flying.

At the gate, I was relieved to learn that the plane was larger than the usual smaller ones that fly out of Williston. That meant I didn’t need to green-tag my carry-on. But that created a new problem—my heavy bag had to go in the overhead bin, and with my shoulders, lifting it was nearly impossible. Thankfully, a kind young man in a red hoodie came to my rescue. Not only did he lift my bag into the bin, but he also retrieved it for me when we landed in Denver. Small acts of kindness mean so much when you’re traveling alone.

To help pass the time, I had downloaded episodes of Sugar Rush onto my tablet. Watching those episodes helped the flight go by quickly and made the delay a little easier to handle.

When we landed in Denver, I had a three-hour layover before my connecting flight to Oklahoma City. Am I the only one who gets off the plane and immediately hunts down the connecting gate? Once I located it, I backtracked to find a restroom and grab a bite to eat. My arrival gate was in the B concourse, but my connecting flight departed out of A, which meant hopping on the airport train—a lifesaver for travelers like me with heavy bags and long layovers.

When it was finally time to board, I found my seat—ironically the very last one on the plane. But I didn’t mind at all because it was right next to the restroom, which turned out to be convenient. For this leg of the trip, I decided to gate-check my bag, which took away the stress of dealing with overhead bins.

The flight to Oklahoma City was a short one, just a little over an hour, and I enjoyed a wonderful conversation with my seatmate, Keisha. She was such a kind lady, and our conversation flowed easily, making the flight feel even shorter.

When we landed, it took about 15 minutes before we could finally pull into position and deplane. I felt such relief to be back in Oklahoma. By the time I got home, it was after 1 a.m., and I was completely exhausted. But all the weariness of the day melted when I found a sweet note waiting for me from my husband, welcoming me back home. He still makes my heart melt with his thoughtfulness and love.

The trip was a success from start to finish, and I’m so glad I went to visit my youngest son Trevor and his family. Travel days can be long, but they’re always worth it when they bring you back to the people you love.

 

🍁Welcoming October with Open Arms🍁

There’s something magical about flipping the calendar to October. The air feels crisper, the mornings greet you with a soft golden light, and there’s a calmness that settles in after the rush of summer. I always find myself looking forward to this month — a time of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and fall festivities that make life feel extra special.

The first thing I do when October rolls around is switch my home into “autumn mode.” Out come the pumpkin-scented candles, plaid throws, and a wreath of fall leaves for the door. It’s amazing how a few simple touches can instantly make your space feel warm and inviting. My favorite evenings are the ones where I curl up with a blanket, a cup of apple cider, and a good movie while the breeze rattles the leaves outside.

October also brings the joy of fall events — pumpkin patches, farmers markets, and maybe a local fall festival or two. There’s something about walking through rows of pumpkins, hearing laughter, and smelling kettle corn that brings out the kid in me. And of course, there’s Halloween waiting at the end of the month — a night of fun costumes, candy, and nostalgia.

Beyond the decorations and outings, October always reminds me to slow down. The year has flown by, and this season encourages me to pause and reflect. I love to take a quiet walk in the park, watch the leaves change, and just breathe in the beauty of nature. Fall teaches us that change can be beautiful — even necessary.

So here’s to October — a month full of color, comfort, and simple joys. Whether it’s baking something sweet, taking a Sunday drive, or just lighting a candle and enjoying the moment, may we all find little ways to savor the season. 

Food complication for September