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.

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. 

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.

Concert at Riverwind with UncleCracker

 

A Night of Music, Friendship, and a Lesson About Oklahoma Heat

Saturday, June 13, was a night I had been looking forward to for quite a while. My friend Brenda and I headed to Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma, for an outdoor concert featuring Uncle Kracker and the Gin Blossoms. It was a special night because it was my first time attending one of their outdoor concerts, and it was also Brenda’s very first concert experience at Riverwind.

I’ve always enjoyed Uncle Kracker’s music. Originally, the concert lineup included Cheap Trick and the Gin Blossoms, but unfortunately Cheap Trick had to cancel all of their June performances due to circumstances beyond their control. Even so, for a $10 ticket, this concert was absolutely worth every penny.

The concert itself was a lot of fun. Brenda and I were definitely stepping outside our comfort zones, but that’s part of what made the evening memorable. Brenda even walked around and ended up getting a free hat and having her picture taken, which made her day. I think she mostly came along to keep me company, but I’m so glad she did because we genuinely had a wonderful time together.

One thing I wasn’t prepared for, though, was the Oklahoma heat. Since the concert was outdoors, the temperatures were pretty intense, and unfortunately my medications and extreme heat do not make a good combination.

At one point, I got up to grab something to eat from the barbecue truck. While I was standing in line, I suddenly started feeling very sick. My vision began to darken, I was seeing dark spots, and honestly, I thought I might pass out right there. One lady noticed and came over asking if I was okay. I told her, “No, but I will be,” because at that moment I really wasn’t sure what else to say.

Looking back, I probably should have abandoned the food line and gone straight back to my seat. At the time, I remember thinking, “I don’t need that food that badly,” but I really wanted my cold drink. Somehow, I made it back to my chair, and after sitting down for about twenty minutes, I slowly started feeling better.

Thankfully, the rest of the evening went smoothly, and I was able to enjoy the music and the company. It was definitely a reminder that I need to listen to my body and be extra careful in the heat. As much as I enjoyed the concert, I’ve decided that outdoor summer concerts probably aren’t for me anymore. Riverwind has three more concerts scheduled between now and September, but I think I’ll be sitting those out.

Even with that scary moment, I don’t regret going. Brenda had a great time, I got to hear some music I love, and we shared a new experience together. Plus, Brenda drove her own vehicle, which made the evening even easier.

All in all, it was a fun night filled with music, friendship, laughter, and a good reminder that sometimes our bodies let us know when it’s time to slow down. Lesson learned: Karen and Oklahoma summer heat simply do not mix!

#RiverwindCasino #UncleKracker #GinBlossoms #GirlsNightOut #ConcertMemories #OklahomaLife #Friendship #WeekendAdventures

Thursday To Do List

 

To-Do List Thursday

Thursday, June 11th

This week has absolutely flown by! Before I knew it, Thursday had arrived, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty good about where I stand with my errands and responsibilities.

Today, I don’t have any errands to run after work, which feels like a little victory. I may stop and pick up dinner on the way home, but otherwise, I think I’ve managed to get everything taken care of for the week. Well… almost everything. I still need to get my nails filled. I’m not sure yet whether I’ll do that Friday evening after work or Saturday morning before we head to Norman, Oklahoma, for the Cheap Trick concert Saturday night. Either way, it needs to happen soon!

This morning started a little differently than usual. Mr. C wasn’t feeling very well when he woke up. As many of you know, his health isn’t always the best, and it always worries me when he’s feeling more down than normal. He looked at me this morning and asked, “Can I ask you a big favor? Will you pack your lunch today?” Of course, that wasn’t a problem at all. We already knew what I was taking, so all I had to do was gather everything together.

If you happen to think about it today, I’d appreciate any good thoughts, prayers, or positive vibes you could send his way. I’m hoping he’ll start feeling better soon.

Since I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my time lately, I’ve created a new to-do list for the next few days.

First, I want to order a new capri outfit for summer. However, I’ve made a deal with myself: I can’t place the order until I’ve gone through my closet and donated at least 20 items. I already have a couple of outfits picked out, so choosing isn’t the hard part. Letting go of clothes I no longer need is the challenge! Hopefully, that little reward system will motivate me to tackle the closet sooner rather than later.

Second, I need to finish Moira’s journal. I’m hoping to carve out enough time this weekend to complete it and get it mailed. I’ve already received hers, and it was absolutely fantastic. When I compare mine to hers, I sometimes feel like mine is lacking. But she has always seemed to enjoy my journals, so I’m trying not to be too hard on myself.

Third, I’d like to hop on Swap-bot and find a few quick-turnaround swaps. I’m thinking maybe a letter-writing swap, a postcard swap, and a happy mail swap. For those unfamiliar with happy mail, it’s basically a collection of fun little goodies like memo sheets, stickers, scrapbook paper, to-do lists, and other crafty bits and pieces that can be used in junk journals and creative projects. They’re always fun to put together and even more fun to receive.

Fourth, when I get home this evening, I plan to spend a little time in my craft room. Last night I bought another storage tote, and my goal is to gather all of my stickers into one place. Right now, they’re scattered through various drawers and containers. Having them all together will save me a lot of time searching when I need them.

Fifth, I need to sit down and make a meal plan. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked a full meal at home, and I think it’s time. Right now, I’m leaning toward a chicken pasta dish that’s similar to one from Olive Garden. I’ve made it before, and we both really enjoyed it. The best part is that it works well in the slow cooker. I’m even considering putting a little Southwestern spin on it by adding a few extra ingredients and some spice. We both enjoy flavorful food, so that sounds pretty tempting.

Overall, I’m just trying to stay productive and intentional with my time. I’ve realized that I spend more hours than I’d like scrolling social media or reading on my Kindle. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with relaxing, I’ve also learned something recently after dealing with my sciatica flare-up: when I feel good, I need to take advantage of those days. When I don’t feel good, I don’t feel like doing much of anything. So while I’m feeling well, I want to make progress on the things that matter to me.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet today. I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Before you go, leave me a comment and tell me where you’re reading from. I’d love to see how far this little personal blog reaches.

Cheers,

Karen

Brody’s Birthday Celebration

It is going to be a beautiful Thursday, and I have been so excited all day because tonight we are celebrating Brody’s 33rd birthday at our house. There is just something special about having everybody together in one place, visiting, laughing, eating way too much food, and making memories.

This year, Brody wanted a pizza party, and honestly, it turned out perfect. We ordered six different three-topping pizzas from Pizza Hut along with two orders of boneless wings and cheese sticks. We definitely did not let anybody go hungry! We also had two big ice chests completely filled with drinks. We had wine, beer, tea, water, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Diet Pepsi, root beer, orange Crush, and even Kool-Aid Bursts for the kiddos.

Elizabeth brought the biggest salad along with several different salad dressings, including ranch — because if you know Brody, you know he eats almost everything with ranch! She also brought strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, and cupcakes, so dessert was absolutely covered.

Brody started opening his smaller gifts first. Luther and I gave him five Monster energy drinks, which he got a kick out of. Elizabeth and Charles gave him a hard-shell two-gun case and a t-shirt, and Alisha and Jonathan brought gifts as well. He seemed really happy and appreciative of everything, which made me smile because little did he know, the BIG surprise was still waiting behind the garage door.

I wanted to make sure the kiddos had plenty to do, so after work I stopped by Walmart and picked up five water guns, some sidewalk chalk, and a basketball. We also brought out a few outside toys and the little workbench that Landon loves to play with. The kids had the absolute best time running, chasing each other, laughing, and playing outside.

We had such a wonderful group show up for the party. Of course there was me and Mr. C, Brody, Savannah, Lane, Landon, Sophie, Alicia and Jonathan, Elizabeth and Charles, Sabrina and her two children Avery and Aviana, plus Larry and Julie. Larry and Julie also brought their granddaughter Holly, whose nickname is “Hoppy,” and she was just the cutest thing ever. She told us she loves bunny rabbits and she fit right in with everybody immediately. She was so talkative and sweet, and honestly kept us all entertained.

As the evening started winding down, we began casually moving tables and rearranging things in the garage so we could finally reveal Brody’s big surprise. We told him we needed him to open the garage door so we could grab something out, and the second that door lifted up, there sat his massive new 36-gun safe.

Y’all… the look on his face was priceless.

That safe is HEAVY, but seeing how excited and surprised he was made every bit of planning worth it. I think at that moment he realized why the earlier gifts had seemed a little smaller than usual. We definitely managed to keep him guessing.

Around 8 o’clock people slowly started heading home. By then my back was hurting pretty badly, so I went inside to sit down and rest while Luther, Brody, and Elizabeth handled a lot of the cleanup for me, which I appreciated so much.

Overall, the party was a huge success. There was lots of laughter, good food, sweet moments with family and friends, and memories I know we will all hold onto for a very long time. Those are truly the best kinds of evenings.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Please leave a note where you’re reading this blog from. And if you have any blogs that you might want me to read, drop them down below as well. Have a great rest of your week!