Staying Intentional with Decluttering

 

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

Going to Body’s For dinner

 

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Hello, everybody!

It is already a beautiful day here in Oklahoma, and I am grateful that we’ve made it to the middle of the week. As always, my goal today is to stay focused while I’m at work, avoid outside distractions, and work toward meeting my daily goal. If things happen to be a little slower between calls, I’m hoping to catch up with Desiree, Kim, and Sam, who sits near me.. Sometimes those little conversations help make the workday go by a little faster.

During the day, I got a message from Luther asking if I wanted to go over to Brody and Savannah’s house around 5:00 for dinner. Savannah is making chicken enchiladas with rice and beans, and my answer was an immediate yes! I’ve never actually tasted her enchiladas before, but I remember when she made them for a teacher luncheon and had Luther help warm them up before taking them to the school. They smelled absolutely amazing, so I’ve been curious ever since. Tonight, I finally get to find out if they taste as good as they smelled.

Of course, another bonus is getting to spend time with Lane, Landon, and little Sophie. Time with the grandbabies is always something I look forward to.

I had planned to stop by Goodwill and drop off the two bags of clothes I’ve been meaning to donate, but once again, I put it off. Hopefully, I’ll finally get that crossed off my list during the upcoming long weekend.

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a fun day as well. Desiree and I have plans to head to Uptown Nails at 12:30 so I can get a fill and a pedicure. The only thing I haven’t decided yet is what color I want. I really need to make up my mind! It sounds like the perfect girls’ afternoon.

On my drive home, I called Luther like I usually do, and he mentioned that Elizabeth and Charles would also be coming over for dinner. I’ll be honest—my first reaction wasn’t exactly excitement. I had been looking forward to a smaller gathering with just Brody, Savannah, the kids, and the two of us.

As soon as I caught myself feeling that way, I started wondering why. Maybe it’s because the plans changed unexpectedly. Maybe it’s because I’m not always someone who believes “the more, the merrier.” My mama certainly did, but I don’t know that I inherited that particular trait from her.

The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized that sometimes you just have to pivot. Family gatherings aren’t always about exactly what we pictured in our heads. They’re about spending time together, enjoying one another’s company, and making memories. Elizabeth and Charles may not be my family by blood, but they are part of Brody’s family, and that matters.

Most importantly, the grandkids get to see all of us together, enjoying each other’s company and getting along. That’s a pretty good example to set.

So tonight, I’m choosing to embrace the change in plans, enjoy some homemade enchiladas, soak up time with family, and be thankful for another ordinary day that is actually pretty special when you stop and think about it.

Enjoying our Sunday

 

 

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Morning

Sunday is usually our easy day, especially if I don’t have any errands to run, and today was no exception. Mr. C and I stayed home and enjoyed a relaxing morning together. We got a few chores done around the house, and he put a roast with potatoes, celery, and onions in the slow cooker for supper. While it cooked, I spent some time working in Moira’s journal, which was a nice way to unwind.

Afternoon Plans

Our plan for the afternoon was to head to Elizabeth and Charles’s house around 3:30 because they were moving to Rush Springs. We were looking forward to seeing Alisha and Jonathan since they were coming down to help with the move. As often happens, though, plans changed a little.

When we arrived, everyone was already in full moving mode. Jonathan, Alisha, Lane, and Landon were in one vehicle, Elizabeth was driving another, Charles had his truck loaded down, and their friends Michael and Tracy were already ahead of them. With so many people helping and everything packed up, it made sense for them to keep moving forward. I think Mr. C may have had his feelings hurt just a little, but realistically there was no way they could have made the trip to Rush Springs and back before our dinner plans.

So, we pivoted.

Picnic and Family Visit

We headed to Braums and picked up supper, and then Mr. C surprised me by taking me to the Rush Springs Park for a picnic. If you know me, you know I’m always asking him to take me on a picnic, so this absolutely made my heart happy. It was such a thoughtful surprise and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.

After our picnic, we drove over to Elizabeth and Charles’s new house. They were still unloading, and their biggest priority was getting their large fish aquarium set up and getting the fish safely back into their home. We got to visit with Alisha and Jonathan for a little while before making our excuses and heading home.

Decluttering Progress

Earlier in the day, I had told Mr. C that I wanted to go through my clothes and pull out at least 20 items to donate to Goodwill. Once I got started, I found even more things I no longer needed. By the time I finished, I had filled a large black trash bag with donations that I’ll be dropping off after work tomorrow. It may not have made a huge dent in the overall clutter, but it definitely made me feel better. I also had a large sack or trash. My goal is to continue decluttering throughout the rest of the month.

Evening

Later in the evening, I talked with my son Aaron and checked in with Blake to see how their trip was going. Blake and Jessica, along with the kids, Grandma Berdine, and several cousins, spent five days at Padre Island. It’s a little over an 11-hour drive, but when you’re traveling with a 3-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a teenager, you know it takes a bit longer with all the snack, restroom, and stretch breaks along the way. From the photos they shared, it looks like they had an absolutely wonderful time. Seeing the kids make memories with their cousins and Grandma Berdine made me smile.

Reflections

All in all, it turned out to be a simple but very full Sunday—good food, a surprise picnic, family visits, and a little progress on my decluttering journey. It was also a good reminder that not every day unfolds the way we expect it to, and sometimes the best moments come from being willing to adjust our plans and embrace what the day brings. Even though our original visit didn’t happen quite the way we imagined, we still got to spend time with family, celebrate a new chapter for Elizabeth and Charles, and enjoy some unexpected time together. Days like this leave me feeling grateful for the people in my life, the flexibility to make the most of changing circumstances, and the simple blessings that often end up meaning the most.

Living Life

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Happy Midweek!

I cannot believe we are already wrapping up another Wednesday. Sometimes it feels like this year is moving at lightning speed, and other times I feel like I am just trying to keep up with my own thoughts and projects. Lately, I have really been procrastinating on getting my blog updated. I honestly do not know why I do this every single time. Maybe I get overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, or maybe my creativity simply shifts into other things like journaling, letter writing, or planning little adventures. I tend to get stuck in my own head sometimes, and before I know it, the blog gets pushed to the back burner again.

Even so, today I am focusing on doing my best at work and helping my members however I can. We have new girls coming out of training, and apparently I must be doing something right because management keeps having coworkers sit in and listen to my calls. I still do not know if that is a blessing or a curse! It definitely adds a little stress to the day because I do not exactly see myself as a teacher, but I will absolutely do my best to help encourage and support them.

After work, I need to make a quick Walmart run for the essentials: milk, snacks, and of course a few Monster drinks to survive the rest of this week and probably part of next week too. I already know how this trip will go. I will walk in needing five things and somehow walk out with twenty. Walmart has a way of convincing you that you suddenly need items you never even considered before entering the store!

I also need to pick up a few snacks for Mr. C since this weekend I will be heading to Tulsa with Cherrie for our birthday weekend getaway. I am honestly so excited about this trip. We are trying to keep things budget-friendly, which works out perfectly because Tulsa is celebrating the Route 66 Centennial this weekend. There are going to be so many free and low-cost events happening all over the city.

One thing I am especially excited about is visiting the fire department museum. They are offering free admission along with hot dogs, hamburgers, and root beer floats. If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, then you already know firefighters absolutely have my heart and always will. There is just something about first responders — firefighters, police officers, military personnel — that I deeply admire and respect. But firefighters in particular? I cannot even fully explain it. They have always held a special place in my heart.

On the way home tonight, I am planning to grab supper from Braum’s. I am getting their grilled chicken strawberry salad, and I am being smart about it by dividing it into two meals. Half for supper tonight and the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I even remembered to ask for an extra dressing this time, which honestly feels like a personal victory. I will probably throw in a few crackers along with some pepper jack and cheddar cheese, and lunch tomorrow will be easy, filling, and pretty healthy too.

Health-wise, my sciatica nerve does seem to be calming down a little bit, thankfully. Nights are still the hardest part, and I am really hoping I can sleep in our bedroom all night without having to move around trying to get comfortable. Fingers crossed for a decent night of sleep because that makes such a huge difference in everything else.

For now, though, I am simply taking this week one day at a time, trying to focus on the good moments, looking forward to Tulsa, and reminding myself that not everything has to be perfect to still be meaningful.

#MidweekRamblings #TulsaBound #Route66Centennial #BirthdayWeekend #FirefighterHeart #WalmartRuns #BraumsDinner #SciaticaStruggles #EverydayLife #OklahomaLiving #JournalingLife #SimpleMoments