We're on Instagram!

I'm a late bloomer but I've finally created an Instagram account!

I know...I must be the last person in the world to get Instagram.

I was inspired to get an account when my 12-year-old, Laken, was taking pictures of her baking creations to post on her page.  I thought to myself, "Why don't I have Instagram?"  There was no good reason, so here I am!

You can click on the picture of me and the hubby go to my page.  It is a work in progress.

You can click on the picture of Laken to go to her page.  She posts her baking creations and some drawings.

You can click on the picture of Kaylee and her boyfriend, Shawn, to go to her page.  She posts mainly her artwork.

So, there you have it!  We're on Instagram!

I hope you'll come check out our pages and maybe even give us a follow.  (I'll be sure to follow back!)

If you have Instagram, leave your link in the comments and I'll come check it out: )

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 2/28/19

~Safe Travels!  My Mom, Dad, brother and SIL went on a bus trip to Kentucky (from PA) to see the Creation Museum and the Ark.  On the way home, they got behind an accident that was caused by the extremely high winds.  They were 3 hours late, but finally they made it safely home :)

~Electricity!  Again, extremely high winds came through Sunday.  We prepared for power outages but thankfully our electric stayed on.  We were lucky because people just a few miles away were without power for over a day.  Yay, for electricity :)

~Spring Training!  THE Pittsburgh Pirates are officially in Spring Training!  I'm so excited to be able to watch them play.  Unfortunately, not all the Grapefruit League games are televised so I'll have to wait until the end of March.  Spring is coming!!!!  :)

~Applebee's!  We had a family night out on Saturday and ate at Applebee's.  It was so good and I didn't have to cook.  Win-win :)

~How To Train Your Dragon 3!  After Applebee's we headed to the theater to see How To Train Your Dragon 3.  It is the final movie in the series and it was really cute.  I didn't see all of the second movie so I didn't know if I would know what was happening.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it for families; or anyone who likes to watch animated movies :)

 
What are you thankful for today?

 
Colletta

Wednesday Medley ~ Strawberries ~ 2/27/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY – February 27

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY

We continue with February’s heart-shaped and red theme by observing National Strawberry Day on February 27. These juicy, sweet berries can brighten up any dish and are delicious all on their own.

There are a few different stories behind the origin of the name. The more widely accepted version is that the berries would drop off the leaves and become “strewn” about the plant. Overtime “strewn-berries” became “strawberries”. There was a time (and some gardeners still do this today) when strawberry beds were mulched with straw, insulating the plants over the winter, keeping weeds at bay during the growing season and making them easier to harvest. Another sweet story tells of English children stringing the berries on grass straws and selling the “straw berries” in their neighborhoods.

Not only are they delicious, but they are also fragrant. One of the more aromatic fruits, they belong to the rose family.

Strawberries are grown in nearly every corner of the Earth (if the Earth had corners) except for her most frozen southern and northern reaches. Along with all these possible locations, there are over 600 varieties of strawberries as well.

An excellent source of Vitamin C, strawberries are also a good source of folic acid, potassium and fiber. At 55 calories and zero fat in 1 cup, these sweet things hit the spot when a snack time is calling!

HOW TO OBSERVE

While the best season for strawberries is from late April to August, now might be a good time to scout out strawberry festivals and pick-your-own farms or plan to plant your own strawberry patch. Imagine sitting in your very own patch eating sun-warmed, sweet berries you picked or even grew yourself under clear blue skies.

BERRY PICKING TIPS:

• Pick fully ripe berries. Strawberries don’t continue to ripen if picked too early like bananas or pears.
• Don’t overfill your container. Berries are tender and can bruise easily.
• Don’t wash the fruit until you are ready to eat. Strawberries are susceptible to mold and washing will speed up spoilage.
• The best time to pick strawberries is on cool, cloudy days, but if they will be eaten right away, any time is perfect!
• If you pick more than you can eat before they spoil, strawberries freeze very well. Pluck off the green caps and toss into a freezer bag. Use for smoothies, ice cream or cake toppings.

You may want to have a fresh bowl of strawberries now, or maybe give one of the following recipes a try:

Strawberry Pretzel SaladStrawberry Spinach SaladEasy Strawberry Banana SmoothiesEasy Fresh Strawberry PieStrawberries and Cream Bread Pudding

Use #NationalStrawberryDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Strawberry Day.  It is listed as an American Food Holiday.

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1.  Given all that information on this 🍓National Strawberry Day🍓, do you have a favorite recipe for strawberries?  Would you share it with us?

There are some great desserts that use strawberries, but my families favorite way to eat them is to simply cut them and pour on the sugar!  They like 'em sweet :)

2.  Some people think the smaller, northern varieties are sweeter than the larger berries that grow in the south and in California.  What are your thoughts on that?

Hmmm...?  I really don't know.  I've never taken notice.

3.  There is a Strawberry Festival right here in Plant City, Florida (next town over from Lakeland) and it is a huge event that lasts 11 days with headliner acts each day.  Have you ever been to a Strawberry Festival?

Wow, that is a huge festival!  Our town has a Strawberry Festival on Memorial Day but I've never been to it.

4.  Strawberries are grown in every US state.  Have you ever grown them in your garden?

The hubby has planted strawberries in his garden several times but it seems like the bunnies always get to them first!

5.  Strawberry is the only fruit that has seeds on the outside, and technically it is not a berry but rather a fruit, and would you be surprised to learn that strawberries belong to the rose family?  Do you have any strawberry trivia to share with us?

I don't have any trivia, but I was very surprised to find out that they belong to the rose family!  Who knew?!?

6.  Tell us something random about your week!!

Completely off the topic of strawberries...I got my routine yearly mammogram yesterday.  Prayers would be appreciated that everything comes back normal :)

Colletta

Tuesday Talk ~ 2/26/19

Things I'm thinking about lately:

~Kitchen Blunders!  Have you ever made a blunder in the kitchen and just can't figure out how it could possibly have happened?  That was me!  I was making a "from scratch" Oatmeal Cake.  Everything was going fine and I popped it in the oven.  The timer on the oven went off and the cake still didn't look done!  I started looking back over the recipe (one I've made countless times) to see what I did wrong.  Well, I figured it out.  I forgot to add the flour!  The very last step and I forgot it!  So I scraped the "pudding" back into a bowl, added the flour and baked it some more...  Instead of cake, I had Oatmeal Bars!  The taste was just a tiny bit off but still edible.  Sigh.  This is what it was supposed to look like.  Click the picture for the "Easy" Oatmeal Cake recipe.

~Taxes :(  We haven't done our taxes yet.  We're trying to decide whether to try to do them ourselves or go to a tax preparer like we have done the past few years.  I hate to pay out the money for someone to prepare our taxes if I can do them.  But...  I really don't know what I'm doing!  lol  I think I'd rather pay and know that it is done correctly.  My brother uses TurboTax and says it is really easy.  I just don't know what to do...  Do you do your own taxes or go somewhere to have them done?  Any advice?

~Bible Reading Plans.  I am so behind on my One Year Chronological Bible reading.  I'm getting bogged down in Leviticus.  I hate reading when I feel like I "have" to instead of reading because it is something I want to do.  Especially when it comes to the Bible.  I'm debating switching up my Bible reading plan.  I'm trying to decide whether to just stick it out with my current plan, find a New Testament Plan, or start a Bible Study of some sort.  Any suggestions?

What have you been thinking about lately???

Colletta



Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/25/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

Windy!  We've even prepared for a power outage!
 



On my breakfast plate:

Slim Fast

As I look around the house::::

I need to work on surface clutter very soon!

On today's to do list::::

Watch Damon
Read Thru the Word
Menu/Grocery List
Supper
Blog

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... Babysit Damon, menu/grocery list, RTW
Tuesday...  Mammogram, groceries, exercise, Schedule, crochet, RTW,
Wednesday... Babysit Damon, Dentist, Prayer Meeting, RTW
Thursday... Exercise, crochet, RTW, laundry, bedding, floors
Friday...  Babysit Damon, RTW, Family Dinner
Saturday...  Exercise, Laundry, crochet, RTW, Family Night
Sunday...  Church, RTW

Currently reading::::

This week I'm still reading "The Captain's Daughter" by Jennifer Delamere.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater which is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

An injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.  

 On the TV::::

Masked Singer (love/hate)
Lip Sync Battle
Magnum PI


"How to Train Your Dragon 3" at the theater


Listening to:



This week I featured "Born Again" by Austin French

On the menu this week::::

Monday -  Baked Chicken, Fried Potatoes
Tuesday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread
Wednesday -  Chinese, Rice
Thursday - Ham, Shells N Cheese
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Breakfast, Dinner Out
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

This is Block #5 of the BAWCAL with Julie Yeager.  It is called "Clarissa" and is designed by Helen Shrimpton of Crystals and Crochet.

Helen's patterns are always a delight to work on!

Picture From the Camera

 

Damon in all his cuteness!

Devotion/Inspiration

Colletta 

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 2/24/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 NIV

Colletta

Song I'm Loving ~ Born Again by Austin French

Have you been born again?

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 2/22/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

Rosalyn crouched as low as her sturdy walking gown would allow, hiding behind the hedgerow.

 

 Page 56

 
At the moment, Bristol felt as distant as a far country.   But somehow she would find a way to get there.
 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 2/21/19

~Valentine's Day goodies from the hubby!  The hubby and I had our Valentine's Date the Saturday before Valentine's Day but first thing Valentine's Day morning he gave me a card and Reese Cups :)  He knows the way to my heart :)

~Cupcakes and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!  Laken has been baking up a storm lately.  On Valentine's Day, after she got home from school, she baked Strawberry Cupcakes and decorated them for us.  Monday evening, she baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.  She wants to make cupcakes again Friday evening.  In case you haven't guessed she wants to own a bakery when she grows up.  Either that or be a meteorologist :)

~My Gym Buddy!  Never in a million years would I have dreamed that my gym buddy would be my very own DAUGHTER!  How can I be old enough to have a daughter who is almost 18 years old?  I was just 18 years old yesterday, wasn't I?  Anyway, Kaylee and I have been hitting the gym (Planet Fitness) 3 times a week on our days "off".  She is kicking my butt :)


~The hubby's new haircut!  The hubby has the thickest head of hair I've ever seen on a man.  I was "long" overdue for a buzz but we just didn't have the opportunity or take the time.  Finally, after I told it was starting to look like Darth Vader's helmet, he made it a point to get the buzzers out for me and put the chair in the bathroom.  I buzzed it with a No.2 guard and then took the guard off to trim the nape.  He forgot the guard was off and tried to clean up a few stray hairs!  Needless to say, his whole head had to be gone over without a guard.  It is SUPER short!  P.S. Don't tell him I posted a picture of him napping with his blankie :)

~Snow days and Thundersnow!  Thursday school was cancelled due to the weather.  Not only did it snow and sleet, we had Thundersnow!  It was a bit startling!  The kids had fun hanging out in the Family Room ripping and running :)

What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



A Pen Pal Project

Back in 2017 I hosted a Pen Pal match-up.  It was so much fun to host and to also participate!


I just discovered that Marie at A Satisfied Spirit is hosting a Pen Pal Project and I already signed up.

If you'd like to join in, email Marie at asatisfiedspirit@mail.com the following information:

Your name
Your address
Your blog address (Not a requirement to participate!)
Your hobbies
Would you like an International pen pal (International letters cost $1.15)

Who knows?  Maybe you'll be my Pen Pal :)

Colletta

Wednesday Medley ~ Love Your Pet ~ 2/20/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY

On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day.  This holiday is a day set aside to give extra attention to and pamper your pets.  This is a good day to focus on the special relationship that you have with your pets.

Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet?  While there are more cats than dogs in the United States, more households have dogs than cats, but not by much. Pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories.  There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish or rats.  Whoever your pet companion is, we are sure you will enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day and reap the benefits, as well such as stress relief and lower blood pressure.  So on February 20 (and every day) show your appreciation to your pets!

HOW TO OBSERVE

Bring your pet a special treat, take an extra long walk or give them more attention on National Love Your Pet Day.  Whatever you decide to do, spoil and appreciate your pets!  Use #NationalLoveYourPetDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Love Your Pet Day.

1.  Have you ever had a special pet in your life?  Will you tell us about it?

My very first puppy that we named Pepsi :)  I was only about 3 year old when we got her.  I'll have to ask my mom who idea it was to name her after Pepsi.

2.  Did you grow up with pets in your home?  What did it teach you?

We've always had pets.  Growing up, most of my pets were outside pets.  Shortly before I got married I got my first inside puppy named Abby.  My mom kept Abby when I got married and moved out but the hubby had a Basset Hound named Daisy.  Having pets while growing up taught me about loving and caring for others.

3.  Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking?

Sometimes.

4.  Sometimes a pet gets out and doesn't return for a few days. What do you think happens to them when they go on a walkabout?

They have an adventure!

5.  With cats and dogs being the most popular pets, what is the most exotic pet you have personal experience with (didn't have to be yours)?

My cousin had a snake but I steered very clear of it when I visited!

6.  Please tell us something random about your week so far...

I thought I would share a bit about our current puppies.


Delilah is an 11 year old black lab mix.  We got her as a puppy from our local shelter.  She is the gentlest, most loving dog that there is.  She is getting up in age and enjoys laying on the bed most of the day.


Kona is a 1 year old chocolate/silver lab.  We got her as a puppy from a friend of ours who owns her father.  She has had her moments like every puppy has but the one that stands out the most is her chewing a giant whole in our king size mattress.  We've learned that Kona gets a bit anxious when there are no people around.


Won't you tell me a bit about your pets?


Colletta