Decluttering and refreshing the house.

  Making Our House Feel Like Home Again: A Productive Weekend Full of Progress & Family Time

I cannot believe it is already Monday! Where did the weekend go? I feel like I had such a productive weekend, but at the same time, I made sure I had plenty of time for family and just enjoying being home. Those are the weekends I really love — getting things accomplished but not feeling like I missed out on the important moments.

Today is going to be a good day. Of course, I am headed to work, and then after work I am going to stop by Grandpa Kendall’s for a few minutes. On my way home, I will make a quick grocery store stop for the essentials… which right now are just milk, bread, and taco seasoning. But we all know how that grocery list works — somehow by 5 p.m. it usually grows into a few more things that I “didn’t know we needed.” 😂

This weekend was all about making progress around the house, but also making memories with the people I love.

Saturday, Mr. C and I worked in our bedroom. We took down all the curtains and blackout curtains from our huge bedroom window and replaced with new red curtains. I changed out the bedding and put on our new floral bedding that has black, red, mauve, and pink colors in it. I absolutely love how it changed the feel of the room.

Of course, after putting it all together, I realized I needed more curtains. I had only bought two panels, and that just wasn’t enough for that big window. So, I ordered four more red curtain panels. I told Mr. C that I wasn’t sure they would really show up the very next day, but guess what? They did! They arrived Sunday, and I was pretty impressed.

We cleaned the bedroom really well, and while it is not completely finished, it already looks and feels so much better. It is amazing what a few changes can do.

Sunday was toy room day. Oh goodness… we went through so many toys. We sorted, cleaned, and got rid of toys that were broken, missing pieces, or just not being used anymore. It feels so much lighter in there now.

We do plan on buying some new toys, but we are going to be watching for sales and being more intentional about what comes into the room. We also decided we are going to get a new toy box because the one we currently have has definitely seen better days. It should arrive Thursday.

But before we got too deep into our cleaning, I made sure to take some time for family.

Around 10 o’clock Sunday morning, I left the house and headed over to Redbud Park in Marlow to meet up with Michelle, Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max at the splash pad. I stayed a little over an hour just enjoying seeing the kiddos, watching them play, and soaking up that time together. Those little moments are the ones that make my heart happy.

Sunday evening, Mr. C and I went over to Brody and Savannah’s house to visit for a while and, of course, get some time with Sophie. It was such a nice way to end the weekend — spending time with family and making memories. Lane and Landon were with Grandma Elizabeth, 

We also washed the curtains from the guest bedroom because they were so dusty and needed some attention. I feel like that room is pretty much finished now! I do still need to go back through the closet and clean it out because there are definitely things in there that do not need to stay.

While I was working on things, I also started cleaning out my drawers in our bedroom. I got three drawers completely cleaned out and organized. I still have two more to go, but progress is progress! I also started clearing off the top of my black cabinet where I store things I am not currently using. It looks better already, even though it is not completely done.

This decluttering journey is definitely a process, but I can already tell a difference. The house feels lighter. It feels calmer. And honestly, it just feels good knowing we are getting rid of things we no longer need and making room for the things that matter.

We are going to be ordering a new toy box it will be here Thursday. Alisha has three or four boxes in the toy room that we are going to move out to the garage or shop. They just do not need to be taking up space in that room anymore. We’ve had them for 5 years.

I am also excited because the  twin mattress I ordered comes in Thursday. I also ordered  new bedding for that room, I think everything is really going to come together. So in the toy room we will be completely done once the mattress and bedding and curtains get here.  

Next weekend, we are tackling the sunroom. And oh my goodness… that room is going to be a project! 😂 But we will get there one step at a time.

I am really proud of the progress we are making. Sometimes it is easy to look around and see everything that still needs done, but I am learning to stop and appreciate what we have already accomplished.

This weekend was the perfect mix of cleaning, organizing, relaxing, and spending time with family. Those are the weekends that fill my heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and following along with our little home projects and everyday life. Leave me a comment down below and let me know where you are from or even what time you are reading this. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time… ❤️

Finally Friday

Finally Friday: Toy Rooms, Decluttering, and Getting Ready for Birthday Fun

Happy Friday, friends!

It is finally Friday, June 26th, 2026, and I have to say… I am very excited for this upcoming weekend. There is just something about knowing you have a couple of days ahead to work on projects around the house, spend time together, and make some progress that feels really good.

This weekend, Mr. C  and I are going to tackle the toy room. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “That sounds fun!” 😂 Okay, maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but honestly, I am looking forward to it. We have been working so hard on revamping our house, getting rid of clutter, and making our home feel more peaceful and refreshed. This is just another step in that direction.

Our plan is to go through all the toys and really be honest about what needs to stay and what needs to go. Broken toys, old toys, toys nobody plays with anymore… it is time for them to find a new home. Sometimes things just sit around because we think “someone might use that someday,” but let’s be honest… sometimes someday never comes. 😉

I also have a big tote full of Legos that I need to decide what to do with. I’m thinking about putting them on Marketplace because I just don’t see myself using them anytime soon. But before I do that, I want to check with Jessica and see if Brooks would like some of them. He really enjoys building with Legos, and I would much rather see them being loved and played with than sitting in a tote in my toy room.

I also have a big stack of those cute Christmas gift boxes you usually find at Hobby Lobby. Those are definitely staying because I know I will use them. I just need to find a better storage solution for them so they aren’t taking up space in the toy room. That seems to be the theme around here lately — figuring out where everything belongs! 😂

There are also some bigger toys in there that haven’t been played with in a long time, and I think it is time for those to go too. My goal is to get that room cleaned out, organized, and ready for a fresh start.

I have already ordered a new mattress for the twin-size bed in there along with new bedding. Once everything arrives, I plan to find a couple of curtains to match and really finish the room off. I am excited to see it all come together.

I have to say, it feels really good seeing our house slowly transform. We are clearing out the clutter, making changes, and creating a home that feels calmer and more enjoyable. Sometimes it’s amazing what a little organizing and letting go can do.

We are also getting ready for something much more fun — Sophie’s first birthday party on July 12th! 🎉

Mr. C and I have already picked up a couple of presents for her, and Savannah asked if we would help with some food for the party. We are going to make a meat and cheese tray, along with a dozen ham and cheese sliders and a dozen turkey and cheese sliders.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a little homemade sweetness too. I am going to make chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats and chocolate-covered pretzel rods. I decided to make it a little easier on myself and use the pre-made Rice Krispie treats instead of making them from scratch. Sometimes simple is the way to go!

I already bought my candy melts, so I just need to grab the Rice Krispie treats, more candy melts, and the pretzel rods this week. I am actually looking forward to getting back in the kitchen and making something creative.

Now, Mr C. already says I’m going to make a mess… and he’s probably right. 😂 But honestly, sometimes making a mess while creating something fun is part of the joy. There is something relaxing about being in the kitchen, trying something different, and making something that people can enjoy.

So this weekend will be a mix of decluttering, organizing, and dreaming about birthday celebrations. A little work, a little creativity, and a whole lot of making our home feel like us.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who reads along with my everyday adventures.

Drop a comment below and let me know where you are reading from. I would love to see how far this little blog reaches!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I’ll talk to you later. ❤️

Weekend Recap

 

A Little Self-Care, A Little Decluttering, and A Whole Lot of Making Our House Feel Like Home

This past weekend was one of those weekends that felt productive, relaxing, and honestly just good for my soul. With Father’s Day coming up, I ended up taking a little extra time for myself, and I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I did it.

Thursday I went into work like normal, but I decided to take off at 12:30 so I could have a little bit of an extra-long weekend. After work, I met up with Desiree at Uptown Nails. I got a fill and a pedicure, and it was so nice to just sit, relax, and catch up with her outside of work. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need those conversations until you get a chance to slow down and enjoy them.

After I left the nail salon, I stopped by Beall’s because I was hoping to find a new outfit. I had it in my mind that I wanted something new, but unfortunately, nothing really caught my eye. I was a little disappointed, but honestly, that just means I saved money, right?

Of course, I couldn’t leave town without stopping for an iced coffee from 7 Brew. That has become one of my little treats. Then I dropped off a couple of bags of donations at Goodwill, which always feels good because I am really trying to be more intentional about clearing out things we don’t need anymore.

My last stop before heading home was Buffet King to pick up Chinese food for us. I came home, we ate, and I thought about my afternoon. Nails, coffee, donating, good food, and time with a friend… I would definitely call that a successful little self-care afternoon.

Friday morning, Luther and I decided it was time to tackle our bedroom. When I say deep cleaning, I mean we really cleaned. We dusted, swept down the walls, used Orange Glow on the paneling, vacuumed, and started freshening things up.

I took all of the decorations off the walls because I knew it was time for a change. For years, I have had my western stars and western decor, and while I still love them, I felt like I was ready for something different. I washed everything, took pictures, and put it all in a tote because I was going to put it on my Facebook page to sell.

Well… in just a few minutes after posting, Stacy called me and said Kara wanted the western stars. I told her she could come get them because I was going to try to sell them for $50, but when it came down to it, that’s my niece. So I just gave them to her. And honestly? It felt really good knowing they were going to someone who would enjoy them, and it felt even better having them out of the house.

That was one more thing checked off the list!

Now I’m ready to start going through my dresser drawers and my closet. There is so much stuff in there that I haven’t used, don’t need, or probably won’t ever use again. It’s time to let some things go.

After we got the bedroom cleaned out, we sat down and ordered new curtains and a new comforter set. I am leaning toward reds and pinks with peonies and florals. It is going to be completely different than what we’ve had for years, and I am so excited. Sometimes changing a room around makes the whole house feel new again.

Saturday we moved on to another project — the guest bedroom, which we lovingly call “Kyndall’s room.”

This room has always been special because anytime Kendall has come to stay with Nana, this has been our room. We have watched TV in there, played with dolls, used tablets and laptops, built forts, and just let her imagination run wild. Those are some of my favorite memories.

So, of course, this room needed some attention too.

Luther and I cleaned the walls, dusted, vacuumed, and went through the dresser. While going through it, I remembered I need to start picking up some new treasures for Kyndall’s treasure drawer and some things for Liam too.

The treasure drawer is one of my favorite Nana things. When Kendall comes to Nana’s house, one of the first things she does is check to see what treasures are waiting for her. I keep a medium-sized box in the dresser with things like hair barrettes, little pocket toys, a new toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe some nail polish, or whatever little fun things I find.

It’s such a simple thing, but she loves it.

I also want to pick up a couple of outfits for both kids so they have some clothes here when they come visit. I love having things ready for them.

While cleaning, we also found the older crib we had kept since Lane was born. We had been using it to store things, so we emptied it out, got rid of things we didn’t need, threw away some junk, and rearranged the room.

Once we opened up the new bedding we already had — the comforter, sheets, and pillowcases — the room felt completely different. It felt cozy again.

This weekend wasn’t about anything big or fancy. It was about making our home feel better, clearing out things that no longer serve us, and creating spaces that hold the memories we love.

Sometimes the best weekends are the ones spent at home, cleaning, organizing, laughing, and making little changes that make a big difference.

Living Life One Day At A Time

 

Intentional Steps Forward on a Warm Oklahoma Day

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

It is going to be another warm day here in Oklahoma, but honestly, that’s just part of summer. Whether we’re ready for it or not, the heat is headed our way!

My agenda for today is pretty simple. After work, I need to drop off some donations that I forgot to take yesterday. Other than that, I don’t have any major plans, which is perfectly fine with me. Sometimes the best evenings are the quiet ones.

When I get home, I want to continue working on my decluttering journey. My goal is to tackle just one dresser drawer. Last night, I made some great progress by donating about twenty pieces of clothing and two pairs of shoes. I may not be moving at lightning speed, but I am making steady headway, and that’s what matters. Little by little, the clutter is disappearing.

I’ve also decided it’s time to get serious about my eating habits again. This morning, I stepped on the scale and realized I’ve gained back ten pounds. It didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t come off overnight either, but it’s definitely a wake-up call.

My biggest challenge lately has been my sweet tooth. It seems stronger than ever, and saying no to sugary treats hasn’t been easy. I know I don’t need the extra calories, the sugar, or my favorite Mocha Java Monster drinks, even though I absolutely love them. I recently bought a case of sugar-free Monsters, but let’s be honest—they just aren’t quite the same!

Today, I’m trying to make better choices. For breakfast, I had a protein shake. For lunch, I packed half a roll of spicy crab sushi along with celery and peanut butter. I’m also taking a sugar-free Pepsi and a large glass of ice water. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making better choices one meal at a time.

Work continues to be a challenge. I’m still not meeting my retention goals, but I have been very intentional about eliminating distractions from my desk. Instead of letting outside things pull my attention away, I’m focusing fully on each call as it comes in.

The reality is that many of the members I speak with are making difficult financial decisions. With grocery prices, gas prices, and everyday expenses continuing to rise, people are cutting back wherever they can. The services we offer are valuable, but for many families they’re not considered essential. Honestly, I understand completely because Mr. C and I have felt the squeeze ourselves.

We’re doing fine, but we’re still paying off several unexpected household expenses from earlier this year. We have about five payments left on our hot water tank and our water well repairs. Those extra bills definitely make a difference in the monthly budget. It’s a good reminder that many families are simply doing their best to make ends meet.

On a happier note, I’d like to spend a little time today looking for a couple of easy swaps on Swap-bot. I meant to do it over the weekend but never got around to it. I always enjoy sending happy mail, and there’s something special about finding a fun envelope waiting in the mailbox. It’s a small joy, but sometimes the smallest joys brighten a day the most.

As I move through today, I’m reminding myself that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic. Whether it’s cleaning out one drawer, making a healthier food choice, focusing on one call at a time, or sending a little happy mail, every small step counts.

And today, that is enough.