Sunday errands

A Peaceful Sunday, a Little Shopping, and a Whole Lot of Family ❤️

There is just something about a peaceful Sunday morning at home. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the coffee in your favorite cup, or simply knowing that family is coming home later that day. Whatever it was, this Sunday started out feeling pretty darn good.

Mr. C and I got up and decided to knock out a few of the easy household chores before Trevor, Melissa, Kyndall, and Liam made it back to the house around 7:30 that evening.

We worked together and got the house freshened up. I wiped down the kitchen counters, emptied the trash, and took care of the laundry and laundry room. Mr. C cleaned the bathroom really well, swept and mopped, emptied the bathroom trash, and wiped everything down. We also straightened up the living room. It really didn’t need much—just a little dusting and a quick vacuum.

Once we had the chores out of the way, we headed out to run a few errands. We stopped by the ATM, filled up my Jeep with gas, and then made the most important stop of the morning… Sonic for breakfast!

Lately, I have really been enjoying their Supersonic Burrito. It has eggs, sausage, cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños, and it is filling enough to keep me going for quite a while. Of course, I also had to get myself a peach mango slush. Because breakfast without a little something sweet just doesn’t seem right to me. 😂

After breakfast, I knew I needed to make a little trip to Duncan. I wanted to stop by Dollar Tree for a few more energy drinks. They carry the Bang energy drinks for $1.25, and I have really been enjoying the Strawberry Kiss flavor. For $1.25, I don’t mind grabbing a few when I’m there.

Then it was off to Hibbert Sports because I had another important mission.

I needed to find Lane a pair of football cleats.

I told the young man working there that I needed a size 13C, preferably solid black, although black and white would work too. He brought out two different pairs—one Reebok and one Nike.

Well, you probably already know where this story is going.

I chose the Nike pair.

They were mostly black with the little Nike logo in silver, and I just liked the look of them better. When the young man rang them up, I was expecting to pay around the $65 I had seen online.

Imagine my surprise when my total came to only $38!

Now THAT was a win!

I couldn’t believe it. Grandpa and Nana Karen are buying Lane’s football cleats, so saving that much money made me very happy. And now I can’t wait to see him out there wearing those cleats and playing football.

As a matter of fact, I believe his next three games are going to be right here in Rush Springs—less than two miles from our house!

You better believe Nana and Grandpa will be sitting in those stands cheering him on. ❤️

After we got back home, we realized we needed a few more things for dinner because Trevor and his family would be arriving that evening. We decided to make a Mexican casserole so everyone would have something good and easy to eat when they got here.

Luther ran me up to our local grocery store, Delbert’s, and I picked up the few things we needed for the casserole, along with some snacks and other odds and ends for the house.

When we got home, we started putting everything together.

And this is where our little “romantic cooking class” came into play.

I jokingly told Luther, “Hey, I signed us up for a romantic cooking class!”

His immediate response?

“Nope, you did not.”

😂😂😂

I told him that I thought it might be something fun and new for us to do together. Of course, I already knew he wasn’t going to be signing up for any romantic cooking classes anytime soon, but I had to tease him.

Then I told him, “Well, actually, I feel like we’re having our own little cooking class right here at home.”

And honestly, we kind of were.

We were working together, figuring out the casserole, preparing everything for the family, and just doing what we have done together for so many years—making a life together.

Luther and I are definitely different in a lot of ways.

He is much more comfortable staying in his own little comfort zone. He’s not a big crowd person and isn’t particularly social. I, on the other hand, am usually the one wanting to try something new, go somewhere, meet people, or push myself outside of that comfortable little bubble.

Somehow, though, those differences have worked for us all these years.

Maybe that’s part of what makes a marriage work. You don’t have to be exactly alike. Sometimes you just need to love each other, respect each other’s differences, laugh together, and meet somewhere in the middle.

And when I look at my life, I am incredibly thankful that Luther is by my side.

He really is everything to me.

Around 7:30 that evening, Trevor, Melissa, Kyndall, and Liam finally pulled into the driveway.

And just like that, the house felt a little fuller.

We visited for a good while, the kids got their baths and got ready for bed, everyone got fed, and there was just that wonderful feeling of having family home.

Eventually, I headed off to bed around 9:15.

Of course, my body apparently didn’t get the memo that it was bedtime because it seemed to take forever for me to actually fall asleep. 😂

But even lying there awake, my heart felt peaceful.

There is something comforting about knowing your son is home safe.

I know Trevor, Melissa, Kyndall, and Liam have truly made North Dakota their home, and I’m grateful that they have a place they love and a life they are building there. But there is still something special about knowing they are home with us, even if it’s only for a visit.

Sunday wasn’t extravagant.

We didn’t do anything earth-shattering.

We cleaned the house, ran errands, found a great deal on football cleats, went grocery shopping, made a casserole, joked about taking a cooking class, and welcomed our family home.

But sometimes those are the days that mean the most.

The ordinary days.

The family days.

The days filled with little moments that you don’t realize are precious until you stop and really appreciate them.

I’m thankful for my husband.

I’m thankful for my children and grandchildren.

I’m thankful for a home that can be filled with laughter, noise, dirty dishes, football cleats, and little ones getting ready for bed.

And most of all, I’m thankful for the blessing of being Nana Karen.

I wouldn’t trade these ordinary, beautiful family moments for anything in the world. ❤️

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below. I would love to see where you’re reading from.

#SundayStories #FamilyTime #NanaKaren

Staying Intentional with Decluttering

 

                                                                                My tea for the morning!

Friday Coffee Chat: Little Changes, Big Progress

Happy Friday, friends!

Can you believe this week is already coming to an end? It honestly feels like it just started. Thankfully, work yesterday was fairly slow, which made the day go by a little easier. I finished with 10 saves. My goal was 12, so I fell a little short, but I’m still grateful for the 10 that I was able to help.

Lately, it seems like my job has become a little more challenging. With the economy, job losses, and families trying to cut every expense they can, I completely understand why people have to make difficult financial decisions. At the same time, I truly believe in the service we offer because I’ve seen how much it has helped people over the years. Sometimes it’s just about planting a seed and hoping it helps someone down the road.

One thing that has brought me so much peace this week has been digital decluttering. I’ve also been working through paperwork, and I can honestly tell a difference in how much calmer my mind feels. It’s amazing how getting rid of little bits of clutter—whether it’s around the house or inside my phone—can make such a big impact.

So far this week I’ve accomplished:

1. Unsubscribed from five email lists.
2. Deleted more unnecessary screenshots from my phone.
3. Wrote two cancellation letters to eliminate monthly expenses.
4. Finished my IRS paperwork and updated my direct deposit information.

Speaking of those cancellation letters…

After work yesterday, I stopped by my chiropractic appointment. I’ve really enjoyed getting adjusted, and it’s definitely helped my back and sciatic nerve. Right now my membership is about $80 a month, which includes four visits. As much as I like it, I’m trying to be intentional with every dollar I spend, so I handed them my cancellation letter while I was there.

The chiropractor mentioned they have some lower-cost plans that we can discuss over my remaining visits. I may end up switching to something that allows me to come once or twice a month instead. I still want to take care of my health while also making smart financial decisions.

I also received confirmation that my Minifig subscription has been canceled, which will save me another $20 each month. Every little bit adds up!

Then came the surprise of the day…

When I got home, I found a letter from the IRS in my mailbox. I immediately thought, “Oh great…what did I do now?” I assumed maybe I owed additional taxes since I had already heard back from the state earlier this year.

Instead, the letter explained that I had forgotten to include my banking information for direct deposit! They simply needed me to log in through ID.me, scan the QR code they provided, and enter my account information so they could send my refund.

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

The refund is only about $249, but I’ll gladly take it! It should arrive within the next couple of weeks, and I’ve already decided exactly where it’s going.

Straight to my Jeep payment.

Between that refund, my regular payments, and the small work bonus I’ll receive in August, I’m getting so close to paying my Jeep completely off. Right now I only owe about $1,290, and my goal is to make two larger payments in July and August, with the remaining balance paid in September—or sooner if I’m able to send in a little extra.

That feels incredibly exciting.

This afternoon after work I’m planning to add more family photos to my digital picture frame and spend some time learning more about my electronic calendar. I want to start using it for my weekly menus, appointments, and daily to-do lists so it becomes a tool I actually use instead of just another gadget sitting on the counter.

Little by little, I’m creating a life that feels less cluttered, less stressful, and much more intentional. It isn’t happening overnight, but every email I unsubscribe from, every drawer I clean out, every debt I pay down, and every small decision I make is moving me closer to the peaceful life I’m working toward.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me today. I always enjoy our coffee chats, and I hope your Friday is filled with a few small victories of your own.

Talk to you later!

Cheers, Karen

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. ❤️

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