Book Review ~ The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title:  The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Series:  N/A

Pages:  406

Date Published:  August 1, 2011

Publisher:  Revell

 

 Blurb:

 

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died.

 

Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own—some of which have to do with her father's sudden death.

 

Can she ever truly love him?  

My Thoughts:

 

It has been quite a while since I've read a historical romance novel.  I have so many on my TBR (to-be-read) shelves and spent longer than I wanted trying to decide which historical book to read.

 

I picked "The Colonel's Lady" because I absolutely love the cover and the blurb sounded very interesting.  (probably why I got the book to begin with).  I've had this book on my TBR shelf for a few years.  It was published in 2011, so who knows how long really.

 

I found this book to be quite epic and very patriotic!  It put me in mind a bit of the movie "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson.

 

I absolutely adored the characters and the way the author wrote them.  Cass was quite the hero but had many faults as did Roxie.  I loved them anyway!

 

The novel was full of twists and turns and turncoats.  It was also full of drama, suspense and treachery.  All this is what made it such a good read.  I especially like how the author created a battle of Biblical proportions and miracles.

 

With this book, I'll be ending out the year 2019 reading wise.  I finished it just in time to make it my 26th book of the year and complete my (adjusted) Goodreads Challenge 2019.  I wasn't sure I was going to make it, but I did :)

 

I'm excited to read where 2020 will take me!

 

Onto the next book!

  



Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ 12/31/19

I usually post my Weekly Weigh In on Wednesday but decided to post one last weigh in for 2019.

I missed 2 Workshops in a row so I was very nervous about weighing in on Saturday.  I thought for sure I'd have a gain of at least 5 lbs from all the cookies and fudge I'd eaten over the past 3 weeks!

Before I hopped on the scale I told my Guide how bad I thought it would be so when my weight registered she said, "YOU LOST!!!"  She was as excited as I was.  (I love my Guides and my Coach.  They are the best!)

I guess, even though I was eating a lot of sugary sweetness, I was being mindful in other areas.  I must be learning something!

So I'm ending 2019 weighing 270.2 lbs and having lost 20.6 lbs so far on MyWW journey.

My goal for 2020 is to lose an average of 1 lb per week.  That would be a total of 52 lbs in a year.  Of course I'd be thrilled with more but I want to keep my goal achievable and not overwhelming.  (My bonus goal would be to hit Onederland!)

What are your 2020 health and wellness goals?

Now,

On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 12/7/19 ~ 271.6 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 12/28/19 ~ 270.2 lbs

This Week's Total:  -1.4 lbs
 
Grand Total: -20.6 lbs

I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 
 
Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/30/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm putting together a Valentine Swap!  I'd love for you to join in the fun!  Click HERE for more information.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today is the last HHM of 2019!  I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and pray that you will be blessed greatly in 2020!

The weather outside is::::

The weather has been very mild.  Beautiful, really.  We had some snow before Christmas but it has all melted with the temperatures being in the 50F's the last few days.

 

On my breakfast plate:

English Muffin, Eggs, Vanilla Chai Tea

As I look around the house::::

We've rearranged the Bedroom and Family Room over the last week.  It was a lot of work and decluttering but well worth it.  We're letting the Christmas Tree up until after the 1st per Laken's request.  She is one for traditions,

On today's to do list::::

I'll be going for groceries today to avoid the New Year's Eve rush at the grocery store.  We're also planning on going to see the new Star Wars movie at the theater.  The hubby is super excited :)
 

Happening this week::::

 

Devotions:  I finished reading the Book of Luke well before Christmas so I cracked upon my new devotional, "Devotions from the Kitchen Table".  Each day has a key verse so I'm reading the entire chapter of the key verse and then reading the devotional.  I'm loving it so far!

For the "Bad Girls of the Bible" study, we learned more about Delilah this week.  Some take-aways:  1.  The love of a man is to be treasured and not taken for granted.  Prov 31:11 ; 2.  Do not take jabs at his self-worth.  Prov 14:1  ;  3.  Money does not keep you safe and loved.  Prov 22:1 ;  4.  Weaknesses must be turned into strengths.  2 Cor 12:10.

WW:  I missed two weigh in due to unforeseen circumstances but got back to my Workshop this Saturday.  I was seriously worried that I would have gained 5-10 lbs over the holidays.  Imagine my surprise when I stepped on the scale and had a loss!

Exercise:  It has been so gorgeous outside that I wanted to get out of the house and go for walks.  How long until Spring?

Housework:  I'm caught up on laundry and general housework.  I also cleaned out my closet area and organized.  I think I have just about everything organized now!  So exciting :)

Doug:  The hubby has been on vacation since 12/23 and won't go back to work until this Thursday.  I believe he'll be on 1st shift (7-3) for the two days he'll be working this week.  He's been working swing shift for 18+ years so we're pretty used to his schedule changing each week.

Kaylee:  Kaylee has been relaxing and preparing for the Spring 2020 Semester of college.  We'll be going to purchase her textbooks sometime next week.  Her first day back isn't until 1/15/20.  She's enjoying every minute off!

Laken:  Laken goes back to school on Thursday so we'll be getting back into somewhat of a routine.  We finally convinced her Daddy and I are Santa.  So, that was a pretty big thing this year.  I think she knew but was afraid if she admitted it that she would get less presents!  That girl!

Currently reading::::

 

 

 

 On the TV::::

I caught up on all my Fall shows and we've been watching lots of Disney+.

Movies:

Venom
Aquaman
Hobb's and Shaw

FROZEN 2

Listening to:


On the menu week::::

 

Monday -  Chicken Spaghetti
Tuesday -  Shrimp 

Wednesday -  Pork & Sauerkraut
Thursday  - Leftovers
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday -  Homemade Waffles, Bacon, Eggs
Sunday - Potluck at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

 

I'm working on a Cozy Stripe afghan using up the RH Ombre yarn that I had from my past two project.  I haven't decided who to gift it to yet.

 

Picture From the Camera

 

  

Bible Verse

 

 "For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said, "In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you were not willing."

 

Isaiah 30:15 NASB

 

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/29/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice!  Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you."

2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

Colletta

Work In Progress / Finish Off ~ 12/28/19

 



"Linda's Prayer Blanket" started as this basket of yarn skeins in RH Ombre:  Anemone, Anthracite and Deep Teal. 

 

I didn't think I would get it finished in time for Christmas but I did!  Here is the finished project:

I used Solid Granny Squares joined with Anthracite and then bordered with all three colors.  I finished off with a scalloped edging.

I had Shawn deliver it to his Mom and he reported back that she loved the Blanket.  I'm so glad!

On to the next project!

What are you working on?

Colletta





First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 12/27/19

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

 

First Lines

"Not again."  Flint Rawlings frowned as he clicked up the volume on his cell phone and backed into the barn.

 

 Page 56

 And she had plenty to do, and plenty to be thankful for, without being on the arm of a man.

 

 Q.  What bookish goodies did you get for the holidays? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

 

 A.  I didn't get anything bookish for Christmas from other people, but I did get myself a few Christmas books to read over the holidays :)  Wait!  I did get a book in my Christmas Gift Exchange.  I got "Devotions From the Kitchen Table".  Thanks Patti!

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/26/19

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

 

~Christ!  I read through the Book of Luke during December and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  It definitely helped me to remember the real "reason for the season".  The Messiah was born in a lowly stable to grow up and die for the forgiveness of my sins.  I couldn't be more thankful!  Merry Christmas, everyone!  :)

~Candyland!  Laken decided to make up candy bags for her school friends.  That meant a trip to Candyland.  Do you have a Candyland near you?  If not, it is row upon row of bulk candies of all types.  It was fun to dig my hands into the candy and then watch Laken as she divvied it up into gift bags.  I'm so glad that she has made so many good friends at her new-ish school :)

~Christmas Books!  I've been in a fiction slump for months but decided to get a Love Inspired Suspense Christmas book at Wal-Mart to read.  I think I found my love for fiction again!  The hubby and I stopped at Goodwill to kill some time one day this week and I found 2 more Love Inspired Christmas books for $0.99 each!  I'm enjoying my Christmassy reading time :)

~Christmas Caroling!  Our Church always goes Christmas Caroling the Sunday evening before Christmas.  This year was no different.  I thought it was going to be warmer this year as it was in the 40F's when we left our house.  Nope!  We froze our noses and toes just about off!  We had so much fun walking around the neighborhood near the Church and then going back to the Church to have Hot Chocolate and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.  Oh, and don't forget the cookies!  :)

~Frozen 2!  Everyone had the entire week off for Christmas Vacation.  We decided to take advantage of the Monday Special a our local theater to go see Frozen 2!  I have to say that I think I enjoyed it more than the original movie.  Just a bit.  I may do a review sometime soon :)


What made you smile this week? 

Colletta

Merry Christmas 2019!

Colletta

Book Review ~ Holiday Homecoming Secrets by Lynette Eason

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title:  Holiday Homecoming Secrets by Lynette Eason

Series:  Love Inspired Suspense

Pages:  224

Date Published:  December 1, 2019

Publisher:  Love Inspired Books

 

 Blurb:

 

A man from her past is back—

to help her solve a holiday murder case.

A friend is missing and presumed dead, and detective Jade Hollis is determined to track down the killer. To do that she must team up with private investigator Bryce Kingsley—who doesn’t know he is the father of her child. But she’ll have to put personal secrets aside because the killer will strike again to keep the truth from being exposed.  

My Thoughts:

 

Years ago, I had a subscription to Love Inspired Books but I haven't read one in years!

 

I recently felt the urge to read some Christmassy books so when I was at Wal-Mart I checked out the newest releases for a book that grabbed my attention.  I couldn't believe my luck when there was a book written by Lynette Eason, one of my favorite suspense authors.  So, I snatched up "Holiday Homecoming Secrets".

 

From the "blurb", I knew that there would be many facets to the storyline.  I wasn't wrong!

 

I had an inkling of who the "killer" might have been early on in the story but couldn't quite figure out the why.  It turned out I was completely wrong about the motive but I was very impressed with myself that I didn't flip to the back of the book to see if I was on the right track with my suspicions.  I let the story unfold as the author intended :)

 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Love Inspired Suspense novel and have a few more on my TBR Shelf that are also Christmas books that I picked up at Goodwill of all places!

 

I'm excited about fiction again!

 

Onto the next book!

  



Colletta

2020 Print Only Reading Challenge

I've decided to sign up for the Print Only 2020 Reading Challenge hosted by www.astoldbytina.net .

Below is the info from Tina's website:

~~~~~

The goal of Print Only is to challenge yourself, so I’d love for you to pick a level. You are NOT locked into the goal, you can move up and down as you need. I totally understand that life happens and sometimes you just need to scale back.

1-9 – Rookie Status
10-19 – Semi Pro Status
20-29 – Pro Status
30-39 – Veteran Status
40-49 – Expert Status
50-59 – Master Status
60+ Legend Status
~~~~~~

I've decided to strive for the Pro Status of 20-29 Books this year.  I only read print books so if I hit my goal of reading 26 books this year (at least) I'll fall right into being a PRO!

Here's to a great Reading Year!

Colletta

Valentine Swap ~ Sign Ups ~ Ends 1/18/20

(Image found on google.)

 

If you're like me, when Christmas is over I can get kind of bummed out if I don't have something to look forward to.  I just participated in a Christmas Swap and it was so much fun.  (Thanks Carol and Patti!)

 

So I was thinking...What about a Valentine Swap????

 

I realize Valentine's Day is a while away but I wanted to get this posted and give everyone time to sign up.  I debated waiting until after Christmas to post this sign up but I wanted to have it posted for those with some extra blog reading time over the holidays.

 

That being said, I would love to have some folks who would be willing to send a package worth around $10 to another swapper.

 

If you're interested, please send an email to collettaskitchensink@yahoo.com and include the following information:

 

~Name

~Blog (not necessary)

~Hobbies

~Likes/Dislikes

~Address

 

Sign Ups will end on January 18, 2020 and packages MUST be sent out by February 3, 2020.

 

Come join in and have some fun!

 

EDITED TO ADD on 12/30/19:

 

The swap is a go!  I have at least 3 people signed up so far.  We'd love to have some more participants!

 

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/22/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

"A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:34-25 NIV

Colletta

Book Review ~ Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title:  Sabotaged by Dani Pattrey

Series:  Alaskan Courage Book Five

Pages:  325

Date Published:  February 3, 2015

Publisher:  Bethany House

 

 Blurb:

 

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.  

My Thoughts:

 

It had been months since I'd last read a fiction book.  For some reason I was in a fiction slump so I was concentrating on nonfiction books.  With this wintry weather we've been having here in Pennsylvania, I got the urge to pick up a fiction to give it a try.

 

I decided to pick a wintry book off of my TBR shelf.  I could tell be the cover of "Sabotaged" that it would be full of snow and ice.

 

Let me tell you:  Dani Pettrey does NOT disappoint!  I loved this book!

 

I've now read ALL the Alaskan Courage series and loved them all.  Dani Pettrey is currently one of my very favorite authors.

 

It was so much fun to read Reef's and Kirra's story as well as be visited by the other McKenna clan.

 

The story was very fast paced with lots of action, travel, danger and romance.  Not to mention snow and ice :)

 

For the first time in a while, I'm excited to read my next fiction!  It is a good thing too, because I signed up for the Mount TBR Challenge and I have a ton of fictions on my TBR shelf.

 

Onto the next book!

  



Colletta

First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 12/20/19

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

 

First Lines

Willow, Alaska

March 8, 1:36 A.M.

 

Frank woke to a low rumble churning in Diesel's throat.

 

 Page 56

 "The truth."

 

Her heart plummeted.  "How could you?"

 Q.  What is your favorite Christmas themed fiction or nonfiction book? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

 

 A.  I don't really have a favorite but I guess the ones that come to mind are Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women".  I used to read tons of Christmas themed fiction during every December.  This year I haven't read any as I don't have any on my TBR shelf.  Maybe I should remedy that with a trip to the bookstore!

Colletta 

P.S.  I'm hosting a sign up for Pen Pals for 2020.  Click HERE for more information!

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/19/19

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

 

~Organization!  I decided not to wait until January to start getting organized.  So far I've organized my budget for 2020, my paid bills cabinet and cleaned out my desk drawers.  I can't believe how long it had been since cleaning out my desk.  The drawers were so jammed packed that I couldn't even get them all the way open!  I found things that I forget I had.  It is now nicely organized with a proper place for everything :)

~Snickerdoodles!  Kaylee (daughter #1) requested Snickerdoodles this year for Christmas.  First, it took me forever to find Cream of Tartar in the market.  Second, they turned out flatter than a pancake!  They tasted wonderful though :)

~Christmas Gift Exchange!  I participated in a Christmas Gift Exchange hosted by Carol at Slaters' Funny Farm.  I receive a lovely package from Patti at This Beautiful Life.  You can go see what I received on my post from Tuesday :)

~Mount TBR Challenge!   I don't usually participate in many reading challenges because sometimes my reading can be sporadic.  However, I have a whole bookshelf of books TBR (to be read) and thought this would be a simple Challenge to finish.  Here's hoping :)

~Luke!  I finished reading the Book of Luke!  My goal was to read once chapter of Luke a day for the month of December until Christmas Day.  Some days I read more than one chapter and then on Tuesday I finished the 24th chapter.  I definitely think this could become a tradition for December!  What book of the Bible do you think I should read next?   :)

What made you smile this week? 

Colletta

10 Goals for 2020!

Can you believe that a new decade is starting?  Isn't that exciting?!?  I absolutely adore starting a New Year!

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my goals for 2020. What do I want to do?  What do I want to accomplish?  What do I want to achieve?  What are my plans?

So, I put together a list of 10 goals for 2020.  Some are big and some are small.  Some will be super hard and others will be easy.  Some are new and some I already do and want to continue.  Without further ado, here are my goals for 2020 in no particular order:

1.  Read 26 Books.  In the past I always set my reading goal for 52 books.  I don't know the last time I actually hit that goal.  So, I decided to set a more realistic goal of 26 books this coming year.  I'll be reading books from my current TBR (to be read) shelf and participating in the Goodreads Challenge and the Mount TBR Challenge.

2.  Lose 52 lbs.  I feel like losing weight is on my list every year but this year I'm going to be more realistic with this goal also.  If I can just lose an average of 1 lb. a week, by this time next year I'll have lost over 75 lbs total.

3.  Exercise 5 Days Per Week For 30 Minutes.  Setting my goal for 5 days a week may be setting my goal a bit high, but I want to be specific in my goal and create a weekday habit of walking for at least 30 minutes a day.  I'm going to be writing "Exercise" on my daily planner just like any other task I want to accomplish.  I'm hopeful that I can accomplish this goal!

4.  Daily Bible Study Time.  Having a daily Bible Study time is something I currently do and want to continue and be even more consistent with.  My daily goal is to read at least 1-3 chapters of the Bible and also stay current with my Ladies Bible Study lesson for the week.  I'm not going to try to do a "Bible in a Year" in 2020 as I find it very difficult to stay on plan and achieve.  I then feel guilty so I want to set my goal as something I can maintain on a daily basis.  My goal is to be in the Word daily but not feel pressured.

5.  Grow My Hair Out.  I've been growing my hair for about 6-7 months now and it is finally almost chin length.  (I had a pretty short pixie cut.)  I want to continue growing it out to be at least between my chin and my shoulders.  After I get it that long, I can decide if I want to continue growing it out or keep it shoulder length.

6.  Continue MyWW.  I've been on the MyWW (Weight Watchers) program for about 5 months now.  This isn't my first time on WW.  In the past, I've given up.  My goal for 2020 is to continue on the program the entire year.  I want to work the program to the fullest with tracking my SmartPoints and getting my weekly FitPoint goal.  I'm already committed until March because of my sign-on package but I want to stay motivated and committed throughout the entire year.

7.  Be a Consistent Pen Pal.  This goal should be simple but life gets in the way.  My plan is to NOT put a recently received letter aside to write back later but to write back to my Pen Pal right away.  I love all things stationary, so I think having some new, cute stationary will help keep me inspired!

8.  Stay on Budget.  I have our 2020 Budget Binder all set up and ready to go!  Now comes the hard part.  2020 is going to be a year of paying off debt and getting ahead in our savings.

9.  Be Organized.  I've recently been on an organizing kick.  I've been organizing our bills and papers, my desk and will soon be working on getting our bedroom more organized.  My 2020 goal is to keep it that way!

10.  Blog Daily.  This is something I currently try to do and want to continue.  I have a pretty good schedule set up for myself.  I've been blogging for 10 years (with a few breaks here and there) and have considered giving it up but I enjoy it too much.  Blogging is a wonderful outlet for creativity.  I love blogging about books I've read and my crochet creations and things I'm thankful for.  I hope others enjoy stopping by my blog as much as I enjoy writing the posts.

Well, that is it for now.  I'm sure there will be other things I think of and want to do but 10 isgoals more than plenty to start with.

I'd LOVE to know what your goals are for 2020.  Let me know in the comments!

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ 12/18/19

Nothing to report this week.

It was icy Saturday morning and I was hesitant to drive the 35 minutes to my Workshop.

I'm hoping to be able to make it to my Workshop this Saturday and will let you know the results next Wednesday.


Now,

On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 12/7/19 ~ 271.6 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 12/14/19 ~ ? lbs

This Week's Total:  ?  lbs

 
Grand Total: -19.2 lbs


I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

P.S.  I'm putting together Pen Pals for 2020.  If you are interested, please check out THIS post :)

Christmas Gift Exchange Reveal! 2019

I participated in a Christmas Gift Exchange hosted by Carol at Slater's Funny Farm.

 

Saturday the mail lady delivered a box from Patti at This Beautiful Life and I was so excited!!!

 

Here is what I received:

 

 

I slowly opened each package and savored every moment :)

 



 

"Devotions from the Kitchen Table"

 

A beautiful cup filled with a selection of teas.

 

I love my gifts so much, Patti!!  I can't wait to dig into the devotional and drink some tea :)

 

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/16/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm putting together a Pen Pal sign up for 2020.  I'd love for you to join in the fun!  Click HERE for more information.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The weather outside is::::

We've had a very wet past few days.  The temperature has hovered just above freezing.  I can't imagine if all the rain we got would have been snow!  Yikes!



 

On my breakfast plate:

English Muffin, Eggs, Vanilla Chai Tea

As I look around the house::::

A cleaned out and organized desk!
Organized bills!
Laundry to be put away :(

On today's to do list::::

My usual Monday of menu planning and grocery list making.  I also plan on finishing Linda's Prayer Blanket.
 

Happening this week::::

 

Devotions:  I'm still reading in Luke.  I'm a few days ahead of the challenge to read 1 chapter of Luke a each day of December.  For "Bad Girls of the Bible" study, we learned more about The Woman At The Well this week.  Some take aways:  Don't be afraid to ask questions and Jesus knows everything about us.

WW:  It was icy on Saturday morning so I was afraid to make the 30 minute drive to my Workshop.  I have no idea if I gained or lost last week.  I'm trying to stay on track without feeling like I'm depriving myself of the Holiday festivities (cookies, fudge etc.)  I guess I'll find out this Saturday how I'm doing.

Exercise:  My Sciatica pain has eased up!  I'm so thankful!  I gave it a week to "heal" now my plan is to get back on the treadmill starting today.

Housework:  I've been on an organizing/decluttering frenzy lately.  We did the Family Room, the Bill Cabinets, my desk drawers and next on my list is the closet!  They might have to wait until after Christmas as that is where all the Christmas Presents are "hidden".

Doug:  The hubby had a nice week off to hunt and relax on the couch.  He also helped me with a few projects.  Now this week he is back to work on third shift for 5/6 days and then he'll be off until after the New Year!

Kaylee:  Kaylee has taken the past week to decompress from the Fall Semester.

Laken:  This is Laken's last week of school for the year.  She's excited for break to get here!  Thursday evening was her Christmas Band Concert.  It is amazing how much 1 year can make a difference in their musical abilities. 

Currently reading::::

 

 

 

 On the TV::::

We've been exploring Disney+ and all it has to offer.  We've watched so many movies and the hubby has started watching Mandalorian.  So far I think it is well worth the money for the subscription.

Listening to:
 

Another of my favorite Christmas Songs!

On the menu last week::::

 

Monday -  Steak, Cheesy Potatoes
Tuesday -  Out 

Wednesday -  Fish, Fries
Thursday  - YOYO
Friday -  Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Saturday -  Sausage, Pancakes, Eggs
Sunday - Potluck at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

 

My Winter 2020 Project #1, "Linda's Prayer Blanket" is almost finished.  I just have 4 more rounds on the border to complete.  I should have it done in plenty of time for Christmas :)

 

Picture From the Camera

 

 

I participated in a Christmas Gift Exchange hosted by Carol at Slater's Funny Farm.  These are the gifts I received from Patti at This Beautiful Life.  I'll show you what I got one day this week :)

 

Devotion

 

 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

 

John 4:24 NASB

 

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/15/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

 

Romans 12:18 NIV

Colletta

P.S.  I'm hosting a sign up for Pen Pals for 2020.  Click HERE for more information!