Father’s Day

 

A Simple Sunday Full of Love, Laughter, and Family Memories

Sunday was exactly what I needed. After spending the last couple of days working around the house, cleaning walls, stretching, bending, and going up and down more than I probably realized, my legs were definitely reminding me that I had been busy. Nothing major, just that little uncomfortable soreness that tells you, “Hey, maybe slow down a little.”

So today, we decided not to make any plans to work on the house. No projects, no cleaning, no trying to mark things off the list. Just a day to be home and enjoy each other.

Mr. C asked me what I was going to do today, and I told him, “Nothing. I just want to be home.” And honestly, that sounded perfect.

Sometimes I think we get so caught up in what needs to be done that we forget how important it is to just enjoy a quiet day together.

I did have a few little things I wanted to work on. I’m going to write two letters today — one to Melissa and one for Swap-bot. The Swap-bot one is a little note card about my weekend. I’m slowly getting back into doing swaps again, but I’m not overwhelming myself. I think one or two swaps a month is a good balance for me right now.

I also signed up for another pen pal swap, and I’m excited about getting back into writing and connecting with people. I’ve always enjoyed sitting down with a pen, picking out pretty paper, and sharing little pieces of my life with someone.

Around 4 p.m., we headed over to Brody’s house to celebrate Father’s Day. Originally, we thought Elizabeth and Charles might come over too, and Alicia and Jonathan were invited as well, but they had other plans. So it ended up being a smaller gathering, but sometimes those are the best ones.

Brody was grilling, and let me tell you, there was plenty of food! He made deer meat, cheeseburgers, smoked sausage, and hot links. We picked up tea and potato salad to bring along, and Savannah made more of her no-bake cookies that everyone loves.

There was something that really stood out to me. I noticed that she had made sure there was food for Lane and Landon that she knew they would enjoy. She had watermelon cut up, grilled hot dogs, and mac and cheese for the boys. They can be pretty particular about what they eat, but she made sure they had things they liked, and I thought that was so sweet.

Of course, I ate way too much, but everything was so good!

I sat there looking around, watching everyone visit and laugh, and I just felt so thankful. I am so proud of Brody and the young man he has become. Seeing him as a father and watching him create these memories with his family means so much.

And honestly, these moments mean even more because of Mr. C. His health is not the best, and I know that every day we have with him is a blessing. I say that often because I truly mean it. Watching him spend time with the grandchildren, laughing, talking, and being part of these family moments is something I treasure.

At the end of the day, that’s what life is really about. It’s not always the big things. It’s the backyard dinners, the laughter around the table, the kids running around, the stories being shared, and the memories being made.

This whole weekend was filled with love and laughter, and I just feel incredibly blessed.

I’m grateful for the life I’m living. I’m grateful for my family. And I’m especially grateful that Mr. C and I found each other. We are so compatible, and I truly cannot imagine my life without my husband.

Sometimes you just have to stop and realize how lucky you are.

And I know I am.

Savannah’s No-Bake Cookies

This is one of those simple family recipes that disappears quickly because everyone loves them!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 cups quick oats

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder.
2. Bring to a boil and let boil for about 1 minute.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peanut butter until melted and smooth.
4. Add oats and mix well.
5. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
6. Let cool and set before enjoying.

A perfect little treat for family gatherings, and definitely one that brings people back for “just one more.”

#FamilyMemories #BlessedLife #MakingMemories #SimpleJoys

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2025: A Day Filled With Blessings, Family, and Too Much Food

This Thanksgiving looked a little different for us, and honestly, I think that’s what made it so special. Instead of hosting at home, Luther and I made our way to Elizabeth and Charles’s house for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Their home was filled with the warmth of family — Brody and Savannah were there, along with Lane, Landon, and sweet little Sophie. We were also joined by Alisha and Jonathan, which made the day feel complete.

I couldn’t help but feel proud watching Luther spend the holiday surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Moments like these are priceless, and I’m grateful he was able to make new memories with them.

Elizabeth and Charles took on the majority of the cooking (bless them!), and what a feast it was. Brody contributed a ham, a pumpkin roll, and a pumpkin pie, while Alisha brought a tray of deviled eggs. As for us, we arrived with Rotel cheese dip made with sausage, pink fluff, golden Oreo pudding, a vegetable tray, cranberry sauce, and two gallons of sweet tea — plus Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite.

Elizabeth’s spread was something out of a classic Southern holiday dream: turkey, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, corn, green beans, macaroni and cheese, dressing, and rolls. Needless to say… we had enough food to feed a small army. But we were also very aware of how fortunate we are to sit down to a hot meal when so many don’t have that comfort or even a place to lay their heads at night. Gratitude hit a little deeper this year.

Before digging in, we made sure to bless the food, and then we took turns sharing what we’re thankful for. My biggest blessings? My sons and their families — always. And the freedom we’re blessed with each and every day here in the USA.

The whole evening was peaceful and full of good conversation and amazing food. We arrived at Elizabeth and Charles’s around 3:45 PM and didn’t head out until about 7:00 PM. It was the kind of afternoon that fills your heart in a quiet, lasting way. I’m especially grateful for the memories Luther made with his children and grandchildren. These moments matter.

Now I want to hear from you!

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food? I’ve always been a ham and dressing kind of girl — and don’t even get me started on a good green bean casserole. Do you keep the football on TV every Thanksgiving? We always have, for as long as I can remember. And I’d love to know if you have a Thanksgiving tradition that’s a little different from ours. Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

I hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people you love most.