Journal Entry ~ 4/30/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 22, 2020 - April 29, 2020

Wed/22 ~ I didn't get a walk in today but still earned 2 Fit Points.  I broke down and bought a new treadmill.  I felt so awkward going to get it even with my mask on.  Doug was tired this evening so he's going to unbox it and put it together for me sometime tomorrow.  NO more excuses!

Thurs/23 ~ Doug put the new treadmill together for us.  Laken ran 2 miles and didn't even have to use her rescue inhaler.  The daily inhaler seems to be the right direction to go.  I posted a video of her acting like a goofball on facebook!  Now, she's embarrassed!  I had to laugh!  hehe

Fri/24 ~ I got up and got right on the treadmill after a good, healthy breakfast.  It felt good to have done and over with early in the day.  I tried another new recipe for supper.  It is called "Virginia's Baked Spaghetti" and was really good.  I'm looking forward to cooking more new recipes in the future.

Sat/25 ~ We watched the "Disney Family Singalong" this evening.  It was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed it.  Earlier in the day I painted the frame for my porch swing.  Getting outside and being productive felt really good.

Sun/26 ~ I cut my own hair!  And it didn't turn out half bad!  lol  I like it ;)  We had home Church and another quiet afternoon.  We started an "FBI" marathon.  We have the whole season on DVR.

Mon/27 ~ Another masked grocery day came and went.  I think everyone is getting somewhat used to wearing a mask now.  It is interesting to see the variety of masks there are.  Kaylee starts work on Wednesday.  The distribution center is finally bringing in new hires.  It is her first job and we're all a little nervous, I think!

Tues/28 ~ Kaylee is so nervous about starting work tomorrow.  We had to figure out what she will be taking her "lunch".  She decided on a peanut butter and fluff sandwich (her daddy's daughter) and some wheat and cheese crackers.  We have to take the Subaru to the garage tomorrow to get new tires.  They are definitely due.

Until next week,

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ 4/29/20

This week went pretty well.  I stayed within my Smart Point limit for the week, having 11 Weekly Smart Points left.  If you aren't familiar with how the food points work with MyWW here's the quick run down:

I get 31 Daily Points that reset every day at 12am.  The goal is to stay within that amount each day.  Pretty simple.  Then there are Weekly Points.  I get 42 Weekly Points.  These can be used any time during the week for "extras".  This resets (for me) Friday morning at 12am.

The "theory" is that if I stay within my Dailies and Weeklies, then I will lose 1-2 pounds a week.

Then there are Fit Points.  They are points that you earn for activity.  You can set your Fit Point goal to whatever amount you'd like to strive for that week.  Right now, I have my Fit Point goal set for 25 Fit Points.  This past week I actually met my Fit Point goal and earned 26 Fit Points!  Whoohoo.

I fully intend to increase my Fit Point goal in the future especially now that I got a NEW treadmill!  It was on a flash sale so that helped me make the decision to take the plunge and buy one.  I'm really enjoying being able to get up in the morning and hop on the treadmill and get lots of steps in no matter the weather. 

My plan is to slowly increase my earned Fit Points until I'm comfortable enough to increase my actual Fit Point Goal.

Having said ALL that, I gained 1 pound this week.  Bah humbug!  I think I know what I'm doing wrong and that would be not tracking my snacks completely honestly.  Gotta work on that.  I'm hurting no one but myself.

Now,

On to the weigh in:

Highest Weight ~ 297.0
(re) Starting Weight ~ 4/8/20 ~ 283.4

Last Week's Weight ~  4/17/20 ~ 278.6 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 4/24/20 ~      279.6 lbs

This Week's Total:    +1.0 lbs

Total:  -3.8 lbs
Grand Total: -17.4 lbs

I'm going to be weighing in on Fridays but will post my results on Wednesday of the following week.

I hope you follow along on my (seemingly never-ending) journey!  If you'd like to join in, let me know :)

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/28/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday evening, it is just starting to get dark outside.  I am LOVING the longer days.  The kids (Laken and Dex) are still outside playing which is awesome!

I am thinking:

I am thinking that whatever movie my husband was watching wasn't worth the time.

I am thankful:

I am thankful that the hubby turned the channel.  So stupid!  I think it was "Undercover Brother"...

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is the feeling I get after exercising.  It feels so good to get it done and over with for the day!

I am creating:

I am creating another granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.  I decided not to use the gray on this one.



I joined the first row and fully intend to join the rows as I complete them.  I don't want to have to spend a whole day tying in ends and joining squares like I did on the last afghan I made.

Here is where I am at right now:

I am wearing:

I actually already changed into my pajamas.  After I get this post ready we're going to relax and binge watch FBI:  Most Wanted.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm reading "Love at Any Cost" by Julie Lessman.  I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time!  Click HERE to read a few lines from the book!

I am hoping:

I am hoping that Kaylee has a good first day at work on Wednesday!  She was hired quite a while ago but they stopped bringing in new people right after that due to the pandemic.  She got the call this evening that they've opened up to new hires and she will be starting work on second shift.  I'm a bit worried about her driving home in the dark so late at night but I have to let her grow up sometime.  I guess...

I am learning:

I am learning to enjoy cooking new recipes.  I've always enjoyed new baking recipes but lately I've been scouring our cookbooks for new supper ideas.

In my kitchen:

In my kitchen, one of the new recipes I tried was Ham and Hash Brown Casserole.  It was really good and will most likely be made again.  I think it would also be good with sausage for breakfast.  Click HERE for the recipe!

Shared Quote:

"Kind words are like hone--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:24 NLT

A moment from my day:

Laken decided that she wanted to dress up for dinner.  She wore a pretty pink dress and I was surprised how well the flowers in her headband matched it.  It was nice to see her out of her PJ's for once!

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 4/27/20

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week.

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

What I read last week:

I actually FINALLY finished a book!  Click HERE for the review!

Blurb:

Taste and see God’s goodness from the heart of your home—the kitchen table.


A simple meal shared around a table. A fresh cup of coffee and God’s Word in the quiet hours of the morning. The joy of laughing with friends and family.


Devotions from the Kitchen Table invites you to slow down and appreciate the gifts that are right in front of you. These ninety devotions will inspire you to sit in God’s presence, nourish your soul, and cherish the people who grace your kitchen table.


Take a seat at the table and reflect on the extraordinary blessings that are wrapped up in the most ordinary moments at home. 

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

What I'm reading now:

I haven't read a Julie Lessman novel in years but have really enjoyed her in the past.  This book is the first in "The Heart of San Francisco" trilogy and I just happen to have the rest of the series also on my TBR shelf!

Blurb:

Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?

With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility, bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in Love at Any Cost.

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

What I'll be reading next:

Blurb:

She’s on a mission to find her missing brother. Only his combat tracking dog knows where to look. . . .

Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland just wants her brother back—dead or alive. The US Marine Corps declared him dead, but Aspen is unwilling to let him die without a fight. Aspen adopts her brother’s combat tracking team dog, Talon, hoping to come closer to finding peace about Austin. But after the brutal attack that separated dog and handler, Talon is afraid of his own shadow.

Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has run from the truth most of his life. Now, it’s the only thing that can save him—and his mission—if he dares to face the past. Talon is the key to achieving his objective…but the only way to Talon is through his new owner. But Dane swore he’d never work a woman.

Teamed up in Djibouti, Dane and Aspen battle the elements and extremists. Survival depends on his skills, her optimism, and the courage of a traumatized combat tracking dog. Can Talon muster the valor for one last mission?

~~~~~~~~~~~

What are you reading?

Colletta

Sunday Blessings ~ 4/26/20

Carol at Slater's Funny Farm hosts a Sunday Blessing link up.  

I thought:  what better way to bless and be blessed than with scripture and prayer.  The following are taken from Serenity for a Woman's Soul 2020 Creative Planner for this week.

"People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much.  But the rich seldom get a good night's sleep."

Ecclesiastes 5:12 NLT

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the serenity that is found in simply putting in a good day's work.

~~~~~~~~~

Blessings,

Colletta

Book Review ~ Devotions from the Kitchen Table by Stacy Edwards

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Title:  Devotions from the Kitchen Table by Stacy Edwards

Series: Devotional 

Pages:  224

Date Published:  April 11, 2017

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

 Blurb:

Taste and see God’s goodness from the heart of your home—the kitchen table.

A simple meal shared around a table. A fresh cup of coffee and God’s Word in the quiet hours of the morning. The joy of laughing with friends and family.

Devotions from the Kitchen Table invites you to slow down and appreciate the gifts that are right in front of you. These ninety devotions will inspire you to sit in God’s presence, nourish your soul, and cherish the people who grace your kitchen table.Take a seat at the table and reflect on the extraordinary blessings that are wrapped up in the most ordinary moments at home.    

My Thoughts:

It has been a really long time since I was actually sad to finish a book.  I mean REALLY sad!

I received this devotional in a Christmas Swap and have been using it as my daily devotional ever since.  It seemed like each day was exactly what I needed to read.

The Kitchen was the theme throughout in the devotional illustrations which I adored.  My swap partner, Patti, knew what she was doing when she sent me this book!

The photography was absolutely AMAZING and made it such a joy to turn the page each new day.  The photos were absolutely breath-taking!  

Thankfully, there are more devotionals in this series.  I've already ordered "Devotions from the Front Porch" and "Devotions from the Garden" from www.christianbooks.com .  I might have to wait a few weeks to receive it due to their distribution center being closed because of COVID 19 but it will be worth the wait!

Colletta

In the Kitchen ~ Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

I tried this new-to-me recipe on Monday and we loved it!  I promised to share the recipe here on the blog if it was a hit, so here it is!

This recipe was so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Kaylee is my cooking daughter (Laken bakes) so she put her apron on to help.  We mixed it all together according to the recipe, adding ham cubes for some meat.  We also used crunched up chips instead of cornflakes because we didn't have any in the cupboard.

And the finished product!  So yummy!

Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

1 package ham cubes (or any kind of ham you have on hand)
1 bag frozen-style hash browns
1 stick margarine/oleo
1/2 c chopped onion
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Crushed cornflakes
1 stick butter, cut into pats

In a cake pan, or casserole dish, place frozen hash browns, be sure to separate clumps.  Melt margarine/oleo.  Dribble 1/2 over potatoes.  Top with onions and remaining margarine.

In a mixing bowl combine ham, sour cream and cream of chicken soup.  Mix thoroughly.  Spread over onion layer.

Sprinkle cheese over this mixture.  Top with crushed cornflakes and then pats of butter.

Bake at 350F for 1 hour.

Super simple and oh-so delicious!

Colletta

First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 4/24/20

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

First Lines

San Francisco, May 1902

Sweet thunderation--deliver me from pretty men!

 Page 56

I promise, Lord, I'll try to do better.

 Q.  Do the star ratings a book receives on Goodreads or retail sites affect whether you buy the book or not? (submitted by Flora @ Flora's Musings...)

 A.  I've never really thought about it but I guess it does.  When I'm out shopping, I don't look up ratings I just go by the blurb.  But when I'm shopping online, I do glance at the star ratings to see if other people found it worth buying/reading.

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Finish Off ~ Shawn's Granny Square Afghan

I picked these colors to work with because I've rarely used such bright colors, especially the blue and yellow and red and lime green!  hehe  I decided not to use any "girly" colors because I had Kaylee's boyfriend, Shawn, in mind to gift it to.  He loves bright colors.

I went with a solid granny square so that I wouldn't constantly be counting 1-2-3, 1,2,3!  It gets quite old after awhile.

I wove in the ends as I went but didn't join as I went and that I don't think I'll do again anytime soon.  It took me over a day of working (not constantly) to get the squares joined.

And here is the finished product:  Shawn's Granny Square Afghan.

I'm really pleased with how this blanket turned out and hope Shawn likes it!

On to the next project!

What are you working on?

Colletta





Journal Entry ~ 4/23/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 15, 2020 - April 21, 2020

Wed/15 ~ Doug and I had to brave Wal-Mart to pick up Laken new inhaler at the pharmacy.  Kaylee wanted to go along but I made her stay home.  Apparently, Governor Wolf made an order that you "must" wear a mask when going into stores.  I have one that my mom made me and I made one for Doug out of a t-shirt sleeve!

Thurs/16 ~ Laken and I started a new puzzle today.  She stayed up late last night to finish the last one.  The new one is 1500 pieces and is called "It's a Ruff Life" with tons of cute puppies.  Hopefully this one takes a while to put together.  Puzzles are hard to find at the store!

Fri/17 ~ Laken and I made Oreo Truffles this evening they were very easy to make so I posted the recipe here on my blog.  I was down 1.4 lbs this morning when I weighed in.  My Weekly Points reset today so I used a few for the Oreo Truffles :)

Sat/18 ~ It warmed up a bit today, at least enough to get a walk in.  This week is supposed to be nice so I'm hoping to get lots of FitPoints in.  Here's hoping!

Sun/19 ~ After two week off Doug is headed back to work.  We had another quiet Sunday with Home Church and an afternoon walk.  Starting tomorrow I need to work on getting into a better routine.

Mon/20 ~ Today's grocery run was our first time wearing masks to do our shopping.  It is now required in PA.  They've also extended our "stay at home" until May 8th!  I'm trying not to watch the news as much as I did "in the beginning".  It was giving me nightmares and lots of anxiety.

Tues/21 ~ We dropped the Nitro off at the local garage to get it inspected.   We still need to get new tires for the Subaru.  That will be next.  I got 5 FitPoints in today!  I have two more days to get in 6 FitPoints to meet my weekly goal of 25 FitPoints.  I also stayed within my daily food Points.  Hopefully, I'll see some results come Friday's weigh in.


Until next week,

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ 4/22/20

Hello and how are you today?  I hope all is well!

I had a pretty good first week back on WW.  I did use some of my weekly points but that is OK especially since we had Easter Dinner and Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing!  I limited myself to 1 cupcake though and tracked it.

I only got in 14/25 Fitpoints so this week I'm going to be working on getting more activity in.  I have a step counter watch that I got off of Amazon for like $22 so that is how I'm tracking my movement.  It has been pretty cold outside so I broke down and did a walking DVD with Leslie Sansone.

I'd really like to get a new treadmill as the one I bought used bit the dust.  We're doing some research and I'm trying to decide if I really NEED one or to just walk outside once it gets a bit warmer which it is supposed to do this week.  There are pros (walking anytime) and cons (expensive) to getting a treadmill.  Let me know if you have one and what kind you would suggest in the comments.

So, the goal is to get those 25 Fitpoints in this week and stay within my Daily and Weekly Food Points.  Hopefully that will give me a loss!


Now,

On to the weigh in:

Highest Weight ~ 297.0
(re) Starting Weight ~ 4/8/20 ~ 283.4

Last Week's Weight ~  4/10/20 ~ 280.0 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 4/17/20 ~      278.6 lbs

This Week's Total:    -1.4 lbs

Total:  -4.8 lbs
Grand Total: -18.4 lbs

I'm going to be weighing in on Fridays but will post my results on Wednesday of the following week.

I hope you follow along on my (seemingly never-ending) journey!  If you'd like to join in, let me know :)

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/21/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, the sun is shining!  This week is supposed to be much warmer than last and I'm loving it :)

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I'm glad to have the grocery shopping done for the week.  Starting yesterday, we now have to wear masks to go into grocery stores, etc.  The hubby and I each had our masks so all was well.

I am thankful:

I am thankful to be back on WW.  I was getting way too out of control with my portions and snacking before rejoining.  I'm still not PERFECTLY on plan, but I'm doing much better especially with my exercise.

One of my favorite things:

Is baking with my daughter Laken.  This week we made Oreo Truffles :)

I am creating:

I'm still working on granny squares with the colors below.  What started as this:

and this:

Is now this:

I actually have all but 1 1/2 rows of the border done!  I'm so close to being finished!

I am wearing:

Today I am wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm still reading "Trinity" by Ronie Kendig about a Military War Dog.  I am loving it so far!

We also caught up on watching the rest of the first season of "Lincoln Rhyme".  At least I hope it was only the first season and that there will be more to come.  It was so good!

I am hoping:

I am hoping to get lots of Fitpoints in this week.  So far I have 12/25 with 4 days left go!

I am learning:

I am learning that we finally found a puzzle that will take us more than a few days to complete.  It is a 1500 piece puzzle called "It's a Ruff Life".  I love how they are putting posters in with puzzles now.

In my kitchen:

We have a few new recipes on the menu for this week.  If they turn out, I'll be sure to share them.  For this past week, we had the Oreo Truffles.

Shared Quote:

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns."

Psalm 139:23 HCSB

A moment from my day:

My dad picked flowers for my mom!  Wasn't that sweet?!? 

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 4/20/20

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week.

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

What I read last week:

I didn't finish any books last week :(

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

What I'm reading now:

I'm still enjoying the first book of the "A Breed Apart" series, "Trinity", by Ronie Kendig.  My husband has been home the past two weeks so it has been hard for me to really sit down and focus on reading.  I'm sure what is happening the the world has something to do with it also.  This book is really good so far so it must be me!

Blurb:

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

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

What I'll be reading next:

Blurb:

She’s on a mission to find her missing brother. Only his combat tracking dog knows where to look. . . .

Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland just wants her brother back—dead or alive. The US Marine Corps declared him dead, but Aspen is unwilling to let him die without a fight. Aspen adopts her brother’s combat tracking team dog, Talon, hoping to come closer to finding peace about Austin. But after the brutal attack that separated dog and handler, Talon is afraid of his own shadow.

Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has run from the truth most of his life. Now, it’s the only thing that can save him—and his mission—if he dares to face the past. Talon is the key to achieving his objective…but the only way to Talon is through his new owner. But Dane swore he’d never work a woman.

Teamed up in Djibouti, Dane and Aspen battle the elements and extremists. Survival depends on his skills, her optimism, and the courage of a traumatized combat tracking dog. Can Talon muster the valor for one last mission?

~~~~~~~~~~~

What are you reading?

Colletta

Sunday Blessings ~ 4/19/20

Carol at Slater's Funny Farm hosts a Sunday Blessing link up.  

I thought:  what better way to bless and be blessed than with scripture and prayer.  The following are taken from Serenity for a Woman's Soul 2020 Creative Planner for this week.

"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity."

Proverbs 21:5 NLT

Bless me, Lord, with discernment and skill so I can bring glory to You all the days of my life.

~~~~~~~~~

Blessings,

Colletta