Tuesday Vibes

                    

                       Dinosaurs, Fresh Starts, and Cowboy Cornbread

There’s something about having a few fun plans on the calendar that just lifts the spirit. Last night Michelle sent me a message asking if I would like to go with them to the Oklahoma City Zoo this Saturday. They have a brand-new dinosaur exhibit and some rides that sound amazing, and I have to say—I’m pretty excited about it!

It has probably been three or four years since I last visited the zoo, so getting to see the new exhibits will definitely be a treat. Even better, I’ll get to spend time with Wesley, Angel, Clifford, and Max, which is always special to me. Time with people you care about really matters.

I told Michelle that I’d probably drive myself because they’re planning on staying until about 4 p.m., and after being sick last week I know I probably won’t have the stamina to stay that long. I’m feeling much better, but I’m still easing my way back into normal life. Having the flexibility to leave when I need to just feels like the smartest plan.

Speaking of recovering, today is Tuesday and I made it through my first full day back at work yesterday. I’ll be honest—I was probably only feeling about 75% of my normal self. Still, I managed to get seven saves, which made me feel pretty good about the day.

If you know anything about working in a call center, you know that adherence is a big deal. While I was sick last week, I kept worrying that I might not have a job to come back to. I’m not someone who calls in unless I truly have to. I take my job seriously and try my best to show up and do my part.

When I got to work yesterday, my manager Sherry reassured me that everything was fine. I might get a verbal warning for the time I missed, but honestly, I can live with that. Even a written note in the file would be okay. Sometimes you just get sick, and there’s no way to plan ahead for that. The important thing is that I’m back and ready to work toward my monthly goals again.

Today I’m hoping that if there’s a little quiet time between calls, I can work on a journal page. I recently received some new materials in the mail from New Jersey because we’re planning to visit there in April when we travel to New York City. I probably won’t get to explore a lot of New Jersey, but I definitely want to say I’ve been there so I can mark it off my bucket list.

One of my long-time goals has been to visit all 50 states. At this stage of my life I’m not sure I’ll get to all of them, but every state I can check off is a win in my book. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to explore different parts of the United States over the years. We really do live in a beautiful country.

Later this evening I also need to sit down and make a few credit card payments. Life admin never seems to go away, does it? My plan is to do that after dinner and my usual evening routine so I can focus and get everything taken care of.

Speaking of dinner, tonight I’m thinking about making one of our favorites—Cowboy Cornbread Stew. It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for leftovers. It also makes a great lunch to take to work the next day.

Cowboy Cornbread Stew Recipe

Ingredients

For the stew:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 packet taco seasoning or chili seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the cornbread topping:

• 1 box cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, canned corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 5–7 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
5. In a bowl, mix the cornbread mix, egg, and milk according to the package directions.
6. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.

It’s warm, filling, and one of those meals that just tastes like comfort.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. I always appreciate you taking a moment out of your day to read along with me.

Before you go, I’d love it if you’d say a quick hello down in the comments. Tell me what state you’re from—I really enjoy seeing where everyone is checking in from.         

Ideals for March With Grandchildren

 

March Magic in Oklahoma: Grandparent Adventures & Cozy Kitchen Fun

March is one of my favorite months here in Oklahoma. Winter begins loosening its grip, little hints of spring start popping up, and it feels like the perfect time to make simple memories with the grandkids. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, visiting a fun attraction, or baking something delicious together, March gives us so many little opportunities to slow down and enjoy time as a family.

If you’re a grandparent looking for a few fun ideas, here are four simple Oklahoma adventures and two easy recipes that make March extra special.

🌷 

1. Visit the Zoo for a Springtime Animal Adventure

One of the best ways to spend a day with the grandkids is visiting the zoo. Animals are usually more active when the weather starts warming up, and kids absolutely love seeing them up close.

A wonderful place to explore is the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. In March, the temperatures are usually perfect for walking around and seeing everything from elephants and giraffes to playful otters.

Grandparent Tip:

Bring a small notebook and let the grandchildren draw their favorite animals during snack breaks. It turns the visit into a mini adventure journal!

🌼 

2. Go on a Spring Wildflower Walk

March is when the first signs of Oklahoma wildflowers start to appear. A gentle walk through nature is a peaceful and meaningful activity to share with grandchildren.

One lovely place for a stroll is the Oxley Nature Center. The trails are easy to follow and full of birds, plants, and little surprises along the way.

Grandparent Tip:

Turn the walk into a “nature scavenger hunt.” Ask the kids to look for things like a yellow flower, a bird feather, or an interesting rock.

🎨 

3. Explore a Museum with Curious Minds

A museum visit can spark imagination and curiosity in both kids and adults.

The Science Museum Oklahoma is full of hands-on exhibits that make learning feel like play. Grandchildren can experiment, explore, and ask a million questions while grandparents enjoy watching their excitement.

Grandparent Tip:

Let each child choose one exhibit they want to show you. It gives them a sense of pride and makes the day feel special.

🌳 

4. Have a Picnic at a State Park

March weather is often perfect for packing a simple lunch and heading outdoors.

A beautiful destination is Keystone State Park. With wide open spaces, lake views, and plenty of room to run around, it’s an ideal spot for grandparents and grandkids alike.

Grandparent Tip:

Bring a kite! March winds in Oklahoma make for excellent kite-flying days.

🍓 Recipe Time: Cooking with the Grandkids

One of my favorite ways to spend time with grandchildren is right in the kitchen. Little hands love helping measure, stir, and taste.

🍓 

Strawberry Shortcake Cups

These are simple, sweet, and perfect for spring.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package shortcake cups or pound cake
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

1. Slice the strawberries and place them in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle the sugar over them and let them sit for about 10 minutes to make a sweet syrup.
3. Place a shortcake cup in a bowl.
4. Spoon strawberries over the top.
5. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Grandkid Job: Let them spoon the strawberries and whipped cream. It may get messy—but that’s half the fun!

🥣 

Grandma’s Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

A warm bowl of soup is perfect for those cooler March evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1½ cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Stir in noodles and cook about 8 minutes.
4. Add shredded chicken and simmer a few more minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Grandkid Job: Older grandchildren can help measure noodles and stir the soup.

💛 Final Thoughts

The sweetest memories often come from the simplest moments—watching animals at the zoo, walking along a quiet trail, sharing stories at a picnic table, or baking something delicious together.

March is a beautiful reminder that new seasons bring new adventures, especially when we share them with the ones we love most.

So grab those grandkids, step outside, and make a few wonderful memories.