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.

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 

Sunday Vibes with Grocery Shopping

Sunday Errands, Sweet Friendship & a Little Easter Weekend Reality Check

There’s something about Easter weekend that just feels full—full of plans, full of people, and apparently… full of grocery stores too. This Sunday, my best friend Cherrie and I set out with a simple goal: get the grocery shopping done before my upcoming trip on April 14th. It felt like the one open window in an otherwise busy schedule, and I was determined to make the most of it.

We pulled out of my driveway a little after 10 a.m., both of us thinking we had this day figured out. In my mind, I had already planned a little bonus fun—maybe a quick stroll through TJ Maxx, Ross, and Burlington before tackling the grocery list. Just a little browsing, nothing too serious. But Easter weekend had other plans for us because, surprise…they were all closed! Honestly though, I wasn’t even mad. Sometimes those little unexpected detours just make the day feel more relaxed.

So we shifted gears and made our first stop at Dollar Tree, right there by the stores we couldn’t get into anyway. And let me tell you, that stop was a win. I found exactly what I needed—travel-sized Monday shampoo and conditioner (perfect for my trip!) and even grabbed some coconut oil. It’s funny how the smallest finds can feel like a victory.

Of course, no good outing starts without coffee. Earlier on our drive to Norman, we made a stop at Scooter’s and picked up two iced coffees that absolutely hit the spot. There’s just something about sipping coffee, chatting, and cruising down the road with your best friend that sets the tone for the whole day.

By then, we were ready for lunch. We first thought about stopping at the Golden Corral, but y’all…when I say it was packed, I mean standing room only with a line out the door. That was our cue to pivot. We ended up at Chili’s in Norman, which seemed like a safe, easy choice at the time.

Now, I’m just going to be honest here—this was probably the low point of the day. The wait for our food was longer than expected, and while I tried to give them a little grace because it was Easter weekend, they honestly weren’t that busy. The food itself was just okay. Not terrible, but definitely not something I’d go out of my way for again. Maybe my tastes are changing, or maybe I’m just more mindful about what I’m eating these days as I work on healthier habits. Either way, it just didn’t quite hit like I hoped it would.

But thankfully, the day picked back up right after that.

We made our way over to Crest Foods (just across the street) and got started on the main mission: groceries. We hit the aisles around 1:45 p.m. and were done by 3:20 p.m., which honestly felt like a win. We worked through the list, stayed focused, and got almost everything I needed for the week and for an upcoming cookout when Luther gets the grill going.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a grocery trip without forgetting a few things. No hot pork rinds (which was disappointing), and I completely forgot the hamburger and hot dog buns. But that’s okay—those are easy pickups later this week.

By the time I got home, unloaded the car, and put everything away, I was more than ready to sit down and relax. And that’s exactly what I did.

Looking back, it really was a good, productive Sunday. Not everything went according to plan, but honestly, that didn’t matter. The best part of the whole day wasn’t the shopping or even checking things off my list—it was the time spent with Sherrie. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house, change your scenery, laugh a little, and enjoy good company.

Those are the moments that stick with you.

Max’s Birthday Party

A Slow Sunday, Sweet Moments & a Windy Birthday Party

Sunday turned out to be one of those slow, easygoing days that you don’t always plan for—but end up appreciating anyway.

I stayed home with Mr. C., and we decided to make a little mid-morning run into Marlow. We stopped by Sonic for something to eat, then swung into Dollar General to grab a gift bag for Max’s birthday. While I was there, I also picked up a few energy drinks for the workweek ahead—just trying to make our errands count while we were already out and about.

Once we made it back home, the rest of the morning and early afternoon was all about relaxing. We finished up the latest season of Virgin River, which I’ll admit—I almost gave up on. I had told Luther last weekend that I was getting a little bored with the same storyline about Doc possibly losing his license. It felt like it just kept circling back. But I’m really glad I stuck with it, because the season ended up being pretty good. Now, I’m still not a big fan of cliffhangers, but I get it—they’ve got to keep us coming back somehow.

Later in the afternoon, we headed over to Brody and Savannah’s to watch the kids for a bit while Savannah ran to the ballpark to pick up Lane’s T-ball outfit. When she got back, she shared something that honestly sounded like a mess. Apparently, there’s some kind of situation involving baseball season passes—money that was supposed to be turned in never made it where it needed to go, and now a police report has been filed.

Savannah was wondering if Marlow Baseball might still honor the passes, even though they never received the funds. And while I understand why everyone would hope for that, I just don’t see how that would be fair or realistic. If the money never made it to them, it seems like the responsibility would fall back on the Rush Springs side of things. It’s an unfortunate situation all around, and I do hope they’re able to recover the money.

By mid-afternoon, it was time for me to head out again—this time to get ready for Max’s birthday party. I made a quick stop at Ross to pick up a few extra things for him. I had already gotten him a big toy truck filled with smaller vehicles, a little Bluey swimming pool, some snacks, and candy. But I couldn’t resist adding a few more things—three summer outfits and a couple of Superman figurines I thought he’d enjoy.

I also picked up pizzas on the way—two cheese and one pepperoni—per Michelle’s request.

The party was at Douglas Park, and I got there around 4:00. Some folks were already there, and the kids were having a good time on the playground. I’ll be honest—situations like that can still feel a little awkward with everything that’s happened between Aaron and Michelle. But at the end of the day, I remind myself that I’m there for Max and Clifford. They’re my grandsons, and I’m going to show up for them every chance I get.

The party itself went really well. Michelle chose a Bluey theme, which was absolutely perfect, though the Oklahoma wind definitely tried to steal the show. But that’s March for you—if it’s not windy, something’s wrong!

I stayed for about an hour and fifteen minutes and got to watch Max open his presents, which is always my favorite part. I also heard that Clifford is going on a field trip to the science museum in Oklahoma City, so I gave him a little $7 for spending money. It wasn’t much, but I wanted him to have something.

Before I left, I made sure to get hugs from Max and Clifford—and even Angel gave me one. Those moments mean more than anything. I also took a second to talk to Wesley and told him that if he ever has a wrestling tournament, to let his mama know to call me. I’d love to come watch him. Whether that happens or not, at least he knows I’m cheering him on.

On my way home, I stopped by Wendy’s to grab Luther something to eat, and I picked up a little chicken nugget kid’s meal for myself.

All in all, it was a simple day—but a full one in its own way. The kind of day that reminds me that even in the middle of ordinary moments, there’s still plenty to be grateful for.

Simple life in Oklahoma

  

Where Did March Go? Cozy Nights & Big Decisions

Good morning, friends!

Can you believe it’s already March 19th, 2026? I truly don’t know where this month has gone, but it feels like it just flew right past me. March has been a pretty good month overall—minus being sick at the beginning. That little bout of norovirus really took it out of me, and if I’m being honest, I still feel like I’m dealing with some of the aftereffects. It sure does make you appreciate feeling normal again!

Lately, I’ve had vacation plans on my mind quite a bit. We’ve been looking forward to this trip for a while now, but with everything going on—especially those long airport security lines—it’s made things feel a little uncertain. I have a feeling Jessica might decide not to go, and while I would definitely be disappointed, I completely understand. The last thing anyone wants is to end up stuck far from home dealing with travel chaos.

We do have Broadway show tickets that are non-refundable, but at the end of the day, peace of mind matters more. For now, we’re just taking it one day at a time and playing it by ear as the trip gets closer.

On the home front, I’ll admit—I’ve been slacking a bit on my journal for Moira. I haven’t worked on it in what feels like forever, and I am definitely behind. I’ve decided that Saturday is the day I’m going to sit down and really focus, with a goal of getting at least three spreads done. Sometimes you just have to gently push yourself back into those creative habits, right? I really don’t want May to sneak up on me and I’m nowhere near finished!

The good news is, I’ve been staying consistent with my blog, and that feels really good. At least one thing is right on track!

And let me tell you—there’s something extra comforting about knowing dinner is already taken care of. Tonight, Mr. C has a roast with vegetables cooking in the crockpot, and I am so looking forward to it. There’s just nothing like a hearty, home-cooked meal simmering all day to make everything feel a little more cozy and calm.

Before you go, I’d love it if you’d leave a comment and let me know you stopped by. It always means so much to hear from you.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day!

—Karen 💛

Easy Crockpot Beef Roast (Comfort Food Classic)

Ingredients:

• 1 beef chuck roast (3–4 lbs)
• 4–5 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3–4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Set the roast on top of the vegetables.
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus mix over the roast.
4. Add minced garlic, then pour the beef broth around the roast.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or high for 4–5 hours).
6. Once done, shred or slice the roast and serve with the vegetables and juices.

Tip: Serve with warm rolls or cornbread to soak up all that delicious flavor!

Early morning Owls

           

                                          

A Hoot in the Morning

There’s something special about early mornings in the country. This morning, as I stepped outside to get into the car and head off to work, I heard something that made me pause for just a moment — the soft, steady hoot of an owl somewhere out in the east field behind our house. It caught me a little by surprise, and I just stood there for a second listening. There’s something almost magical about that sound, especially when you aren’t expecting it.

Moments like that remind me just how blessed we are to live out in the country. The sights, the sounds, and even the scent of the air are completely different from what you’d experience in town or in a big city. Out here, you notice things more. The quiet feels deeper. The air smells fresher. And little things, like an owl greeting the morning, feel like a small gift to start the day.

I tried to take that moment in before getting into the vehicle and heading to work. Sometimes those simple pauses are exactly what we need before the day begins.

I can hardly believe it’s already March 10th. Time seems to move so quickly, especially after being sick last week. Missing several days of work really throws things off, and now it means I need to buckle down a bit and focus on doing better and making more saves at work. Getting back into the routine always takes a little effort after you’ve been down for a while, but I’m determined to get myself back on track.

Part of that effort includes trying to get back to healthier eating habits as well. I packed a simple but sensible lunch today. I brought one of those little individual cups of chicken salad along with about five or six crackers. I also packed a chocolate pudding that has 15 grams of protein in it — a little treat that still helps with protein. For breakfast, I brought a small container of berry yogurt, which honestly sounded pretty good this morning even though I haven’t eaten it yet.

To drink, I have a sugar-free beverage and two 20-ounce bottles of water. I’m really trying to be mindful about not consuming extra calories or snacking on things I don’t actually need. Will I eat everything I packed today? Probably not. But I’d rather have it with me than end up hungry and wishing I had brought a little more.

After work today, I’ll need to stop by Walmart and pick up a few things. Then I’ll go by Brody’s to pick up Mr. C. He’ll be there babysitting Sophie this afternoon so Brody can take Landon to his speech appointment. It’s always nice when family can step in and help each other like that.

Once we get home this evening, we’ll settle into our usual routine — making supper, winding down for the night, and getting everything ready for tomorrow. Nothing fancy, just the comfort of a normal evening at home.

But honestly, I think the highlight of the day may have already happened before the sun even came up — standing quietly in the morning air, listening to an owl call out from the field. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones. 

A Saturday well spent

                          Movies, Bridal Shower, & Shopping 

Some Saturdays feel extra full, and August 30th was  definitely one of those days. Mr. C. and I started our morning slow, which is always a treat on the weekend. We woke up around 6:30 AM and curled up with a couple of movies. First was Culprit, which turned out to a really good movie. Then we watched The Hungting Ground, it was filled with drama and some disturbing scenes.  By the time the credits rolled, it was already time for me to get ready for the day ahead.

The main event for the morning was Kaitlyn’s bridal shower in Elgin at her fiancé mom‘s home. It started at noon so I grabbed the card I had prepared with $25 for her honeymoon fund and headed out. I’ll be bringing a separate gift for Ethan and Kaitlyn‘s wedding itself. 

When I arrived, I was struck by how beautiful everything was decorated. Right at the entryway was a table set up with a cute, welcome, sign, and fun games, guessing the candy in a jar, leaving a date, night ideal, And offering advice for the soon to be newlyweds. My ideal was a creative one-and immersive art experience at mix-tape at Factory Obscura in Oklahoma City. Above the table, balloons spelled out bride, which added such a cheerful touch.

This is where Kaitlyn will be opening her gifts. The stunning balloon, arch, with boots filled with silk flowers in shades of peach, yellow, red and greens. It was clear the theme was “ Flowers of many colors,” and it gave the whole space, a lovely and joyful atmosphere.

And then there was the food-Wow! The buffet was overflowing with delicious options: Two different vegetable tries with dips, fresh fruit (Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and apple slices) with fruit dip, Pasta salad, chicken, salad, sandwiches, ham, and cheese, sliders, crackers, and cheese and chips. 

The desserts were just as tempting; Decorated gourmet cookies, homemade wedding cookies, chocolate-Dipped strawberries, and cupcakes. Sweet tea and lemonade, rounded it all out perfectly.

After the shower wrapped up, I headed home where Whitney met me at 2 PM for our afternoon shopping adventures. Our first Stop was basket market in Oklahoma City. Whitney has a love for Christmas decor, while I was on the hunt for fall items for my porch. She enjoyed browsing the holiday treasures, while I snagged several gift boxes, a Christmas ornament, and a set of assorted pumpkins for my porch decor this year.

From there, we made our way to a couple of thrift stores. I’ve always loved thrifting-It feels like a little treasure hunt. At one store, I found a pretty full arrangement that will work perfectly with the porch set up I’ve been imagining.

Dinner was at Bubba‘s 33, Which has a little bit of everything; Pizzas, pasta, burgers, and more. I went with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which was absolutely delicious. While Whitney ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich-And let me just say it looked and tasted amazing. We both loved it so much that we ended up buying matching Bubba 33 T-shirts before we left!

The loaded cheese fries were very tasty!

Our next stop is Burlington, where I picked up some new shower items. I couldn’t resist the pineapple scented line, and I also grab some cherry, scented items along with two  deodorant’s. 

From there, we treated ourselves to smoothie king, I tried the lemonade- strawberry twist, smoothie, which was so refreshing-perfect for this season since I’ve been really enjoying Strawberry-Lemonade flavors lately.

By the time we pulled back into the driveway, it was 8 PM- a long but fun filled Saturday. Looking back, it amazes me how much we packed into the day. From celebrating Kate at her beautiful shower to shopping, thrifting,eating, and laughing with Whitney, it was the kind of Saturday that left me tired but happy. Sometimes, the best days are the ones where you just keep moving from one joy to the next.

As I think back on it now, I’m grateful-For family milestones, for friends to shop and laugh with, and for simple pleasures like a good sandwich or a perfect fall decoration. Life is busy, but days like this remind me that joy often comes in little pieces scattered throughout the day. All we have to do is notice them.