May 1, 2026
This morning, I’m thinking of how to begin my thoughts as I sit outside on this cool morning with my cup of coffee, listening to the sounds of the birds and hearing the flow of traffic on the highway. My mind wanders, asking God to make clear what my next steps are.
Today is Friday, May 1st, 2026—the last weekend we’ll be living in Oklahoma; we’ve been here for three years. I started a home bakery called Battered Dough Gourmet Bakery; we sold at markets and also found a cute little co-op with lots of local vendors called Mouthfull Confections & Friends (and Lokals) in Guthrie, OK. I am great full to be able to have met such wonderful people here.
The kids and I helped out at a ranch, taking care of horses—grooming and stall clean-up. We eventually found some lovely ladies in Guthrie to teach us all about horsemanship, riding lessons, following directions, and confidence-building. We went on trail rides at Liberty Lake on a sweet horse named Shorty; her owner was amazing as well, and we’re glad we were able to become friends. 🙂
During the summer, we did a program with Art of Horsemanship, and she also taught us a lot about art as well as horses—she rescues horses from the kill pen, and trains them allowing them to be apart of her program. The girls took some lessons with her as well. That’s how I got back into one of my many talents; that’s where I found A Broken Vessel Becomes Whole / Mended Vessel, now an ArtPal site where you can find all my paintings of vessels: https://www.artpal.com/diagram_twos3p?r=356303.
They’ve spoken to lots of souls, reminding them of someone special. I am happy to say that a few have been sold. I had painted cowgirl boots with a hat and sent it into a horse auction in Texas, and it sold as well—so happy for the little things! I am also proud of the inner strength and courage I found in myself while handling grooming, picking hooves on a very tall horse, and riding a giant horse—the breed was an American Draft horse. She was so stocky and built thick, but a gentle beauty. I found myself loving myself by learning to gain trust and soften my anxiety—by gaining the inner strength and courage I have found in myself getting on a horse and learning how I can have control over a large, powerful animal. It was so exciting to feel that accomplishment. 🙂 We also spent a day with some other rescue horses out at Dove Creek in Amarillo, Texas. It was a mentorship program where we stood there and allowed the horses to choose us. For some reason, the stubborn one chose me—I wonder why that is. Lol! I needed to be heard, as I have a voice; he was wanting me to use my voice to show him who was in charge. 🙂
We managed to communicate, and I walked him out to the wide-open pasture. Such a beautiful experience, just watching him catch up to the others in the field, surrounded by mountains. Just breathtaking. I am in love with these beauties.
Dad and the boys built a go-kart, and when it was finished, they were able to ride around the neighborhood. The neighborhood here is so nice and peaceful; people are very friendly. The kids had fun chasing a cop at the park on Police Fun Day—they had a race, balloon fight, and food. The kids got to take turns with handcuffing each other and put in the back of the police truck, (better be the only time I see that) lol It was good day.
We participated in a Halloween event; the roads were packed with kiddos running around—everyone went all out.
We liked to go on family walks and enjoyed it when our daughter and the grands would come visit, going to the Zoo, parks, Science Museum. That will be the one thing I will miss the most: having to see our daughters and grands! Remember that we are only a video call away, and we plan to have Family reunions.
Lots of great memories have been made here in great old Oklahoma! Oh, one thing I won’t miss is having to go into the storm shelter during tornadoes, but I do wish that I could have at least seen one from afar and gotten some pictures.
Our oldest son has been learning all about different cuts of meat and making his own seasoning rubs. He loves to go out and grill for the family. He’s our personal chef—perfection! Everything that he’s made has tasted amazing!
The lighthouse over at Lake Hefner at sunset is amazingly beautiful; the skies here are amazing.
One winter, we went over to the lake to take some winter photos, and boy, it was cold, but I was able to take some gorgeous shots.
My son played with the Edmond Soccer Club; he was a great player! We had dance classes the girls enjoyed. Lots of fun and good memories.
Now our new journey begins on May 7th, 2026. We will be on the road to visit our other set of grands in TN, going to spend some time with them, and then off to see hubby’s mom in GA. Then we are off to Florida! Yep! That’s where we are heading. 🙂
We are excited for another big adventure; I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us here. I am excited to see are families and get the Bakery up an running and seeing where will end up. I hope to find another place like Mouthfull Confections & Friends!
I am praying that my fist step will be able to open a small shop to host parties with Dough & Doodle Delights a Bakery with a twist!
Will see what happens. 🙂
Take care and keep in touch!