Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/1/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Happy New Years Day to you as well!

The weather outside is:

Once Christmas is over, I'm ready for Spring, but apparently I'm going to have to suffer through some winter weather this week with colder temperatures than we've had lately and some snow showers.  I really don't mind a bit of snow if we can all stay home and don't have to be traveling in the bad weather.

On today's to-do list: 

~Relax for one more day before trying to get back onto a schedule.

~Start my 2024 Bible Reading Plan to read the Bible through in a year.

Happening this week:

~I'm still trying to decide whether to continue as a stay-at-home-mom or try to look for another job.  In the meantime, I've opened my ETSY shop back up to keep me busy and my hands occupied while Laken is doing schoolwork.  So far I have some dishcloths, shawls and baby blankets listed.

~Laken is starting Cyber School on Tuesday.  She got so far behind on her work due to her surgery/recovery and everything that came afterward (strep throat, the "sickness", etc).  We had a meeting with her principal and guidance counselor and we all decided that switching to online school was the best option for her.  If she gets 50% done with the curriculum by the beginning of the 4th quarter then we can decide if she is going back to in person school to finish out the school year.

Currently reading:

I haven't been reading much.  I downloaded a few Christmas themed books in early December and didn't read even a word.  I did get the following two books with an Amazon gift card I received and they have the cutest patterns and stories to go along with the characters.  I can't wait to try my hand at one.

~I've set a reading "goal" this year to read at least 15 minutes a day.  I really should pick out a book (other than the Bible) to start the year off.  Any suggestions?  

Watching:

We've been watching a decent amount of TV lately.  Of course, I had to keep my annual tradition alive and watch "White Christmas" (which we did NOT have).  We also watched the newest "Indiana Jones" movie and also "23 Blast" which was really good.  I've also been watching a ton of amigurumi tutorials and vlogs about crocheting toys on Youtube.

Listening to:

On the menu today:

Pork Roast, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Banana Cake

In the Craft Basket:

My current works in progress that I'd like to get finished within the next few days are a Think Pink Prayer Shawl and a set of pastel variegated dishcloths.  I've also been dabbling in amigurumi and have made a little sea turtle, a little chicken and a little octopus.  I wanted to get some practice in the crochet techniques used in amigurumi before I start attempting any projects from the above books I received.  I can't wait!!!

Picture from the Camera

My very first attempt at crocheting a plushie/stuffed animal :)

Bible Verse

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  Genesis 1:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Fred the Sea Turtle by CJ Design ~ My First Amigurumi Project!

 I mentioned in my last post that I've reopened my Etsy Shop and that I want to learn how to crochet plushies and amigurumi.  My very first attempt was Fred the Sea Turtle by CJ Designs.

The pattern is free on CJ Designs website but can also be purchased in PDF form in their etsy shop.

Look at that wee little tail!!!

The pattern was well written and easy to follow.  The pattern calls for a chunky yarn but I'm trying to use only yarn that I already have, so I used a Medium (4) yarn and hooks in sizes 3.75mm and 4.25mm.

I don't have any safety eyes, so I embroidered the eyes on with black yarn.  (In a way, I like it better this way as I was always fearful of those safety eyes falling off when my girls were littles.)

My very first foray into the amigurumi world is complete and I think he is super cute!

What do think?  After some more practice, should I add him to my Etsy shop?  (be gentle...lol)

Colletta

Etsy Shop ~ Re-Opening!!!!

 

I'm so excited!!!!

After much deliberation, I've decided to re-open my Etsy shop!!!!

I was going to wait until January 1st, but I just couldn't help myself from listing a few items that I've already made.

Some of my listed items so far are dishcloths, prayer shawls and baby blankets.

I definitely want to get some better pictures for the listings and also add new listings.

I'd love to learn how to crochet plushies and amigurumi.

Is there anything else you think I should add to my shop?  I'd love to hear from you!

BTW, I've created a coupon for my blogland audience.  You can use the following coupon code for 10% off your entire order:  BLOG10  

Please go check out Colletta's Kitchen Sink shop at https://collettaskitchensink.etsy.com and let me know what you think, what ideas you have and what you think I should add.

Thanks so much :)

Colletta

Tuesday Tunes ~ Christmas Hits Different by TobyMac and Tasha Layton ~ 12/12/2023

 

Make sure to cherish each and every person around you this year.  We never know when it will hit different.

Enjoy!

What tune(s) are you listening to today?

Colletta

Book Review ~ Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin ~ 12/11/2023

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Title:   Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

Series:  N/A

Pages:  163

Date Published: July 31, 2014

Publisher:  Crossway

 Blurb:

Many Christian women find great encouragement and joy in and through women's Bible studies. However, popular Bible teacher Jen Wilkin is concerned that sometimes we let our emotions rule our study of Scripture and forget that the Bible is primarily about God, not us. Challenging hungry women to go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will help you refocus your efforts on feeding your mind first and foremost. Whether you're young or old, married or single, this accessible volume will energize and equip you for Bible study aimed at transforming both the heart and mind.

My Thoughts:

Wow, it has been FOREVER since I finished reading a book or written a book review!  January 2023 as a matter of fact.

I purchased this book off Amazon after watching Jen Wilkin on "How to Faith a Life"'s podcast.  (I'll share it below.)  I was thoroughly impressed with Jen's knowledge and passion for women to really study the Word of God.

I enjoyed reading this book as I am attempting to read my Bible through in a year in 2024.  I've read the Bible through many times but this time I want to really study and apply what I'm reading.

Jen does a great job of teaching the Five P's of studying.

1.  Study with Purpose

2.  Study with Perspective

3.  Study with Patience

4.  Study with Process

5.  Study with Prayer

She then pulls it all together with an example study of the book of James.

I had set myself a goal of reading one chapter a day but found that I always wanted more at the end of one chapter.  When I found that I wanted to keep reading, I was so excited!  I ended up finishing the book within a few days.

I definitely recommend "Women of the Word" and look forward to reading more books by Jen Wilkin in the future.

As promised above, here is Faith's podcast with Jen:

Onto the next book :)

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/11/2023

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

We're pretty much on the mend from "the sickness" except for Laken who tends to have viruses settle in her lungs due to having asthma.  The on-call provider called her in a steroid to bolster her lungs on Saturday but I'm still going to call her regular provider today.  I just would feel better if she's seen by the provider and has a listen to her lungs.  Just to be safe.  I worry about that girl!

The weather outside is:

For some reason, the 7 day forecast for  my area still has the weekend weather.  It must not have updated yet for the week ahead.  There was a drastic drop in temperature today and now it is spitting snow along with the rain.  It has rained ALL day long.  The week ahead doesn't look bad though!

On today's to-do list: 

~Call Laken's healthcare provider to try to have her seen today.

~Pick up my contacts that I ordered weeks ago from my eye doctor.  I just haven't taken the time to stop by and get them.

~Write Christmas Cards

~Clean house

Happening this week:

~Tuesday evening is our Ladies Class Christmas Dinner and Gift Exchange.  Laken and I still need to wrap the present for the gift exchange.  I pray that she is feeling better by then.  She will be heartbroken if she can't go.

~I have a check-up with my healthcare provider on Wednesday.  She's going to want to recheck my A1C as it was borderline pre-diabetic last time I had my routine blood work done.  I have been terrible about trying to make any changes to my diet though.

~Continue reading a chapter a day of the Gospel According to Luke.  I've been doing fairly well with staying on track!

Currently reading:

I took a break from reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.  I'm undecided if I'll finish it or not.  I guess time will tell.  I've been digging into "Women of the Word" by Jen Wilkin.  I'm well over halfway through it and I just started it a day or two ago.

Watching:

The hubby watched the new Transformers movie Saturday evening.  I had no interest in watching it so I caught up on some youtubers that I follow.  "How to Faith a Life" had a live chat and Q&A going on so I cleaned my desk area while watching/listening.

Listening to:

On the menu today:

Creamed Chip Beef on Toast

In the Craft Basket:

Here is the No Name/No Recipient Blanket that I finished a few weeks ago.  I wanted to show you a picture as promised last week.

Picture from the Camera

Bible Verse

 ^{"While they were still talking about his, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you'."  Luke 24:36}

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Saturday 9 ~ Wildest Dreams ~ 12/9/2023

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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Wildest Dreams (2014)

1) In this song, a tall, handsome man asks Taylor Swift to drive away with him to escape the crowds. Where were you headed when you most recently got behind the wheel?

I was actually headed home from the auto repair shop with my vehicle after it was repaired from hitting a deer while taking Laken to school.

2) She sings about memories of a romance that just "follow you around." Is anyone special on your mind this morning? (It doesn't have to be a romantic partner.)

My SIL is having some health issues and has been on my mind a lot lately.

3) The lyrics reference sunset. Now that it gets dark earlier, do you find yourself watching the sun set more often?

No, no really.  It is usually dark before I even realize it!

4) The video for this song takes place on a movie set. Swift said it was inspired by tales of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton embarking on a love affair while co-starring in Cleopatra. Elizabeth and Richard fell in love in Rome, while this video was filmed outside of Gaborone, Botswana. In your wildest dreams, which of these exotic locales would you rather visit: Rome or Gaborone?

 

Rome, by a long shot!

5) In homage to Elizabeth Taylor, Swift went from blonde to brunette for the video. Do you have an appointment with a stylist between now and year end?

I do not have an appointment with my stylist set up but I do need to call and schedule one as I'm due for a trim.

6) Both Taylors (Swift and Elizabeth) often wore the color purple. What color dominates your wardrobe?

Black and gray are the colors that most dominate my wardrobe although I have a lot of floral print blouses.

 

7) In the video, Taylor Swift's leading man is Scott Eastwood, son of Clint. Though not as famous as his dad, Scott works steadily and has more than 30 TV and movie credits. Can you think of another second-generation performer who followed his or her parent into show business?

Nobody is coming to mind at the moment, but I would definitely like to see more of Scott Eastwood.  I saw him in "The Longest Ride" and loved it!

8) In 2014, when "Wildest Dreams" topped the charts, Paul McCartney had to reschedule tour dates so he could recover from a bout with the flu. How are you feeling this morning? Any coughs, sneezes, sniffles?

My entire household is recovering from a nasty "virus".

9) Random question: How many different zip codes have you lived in throughout your life?

3

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Colletta 

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 12/8/2023

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I haven't finished a book in a LONG time.  I have been reading my daily devotional which will be completed on December 31st.  I've also been reading one chapter of Luke each day during December as a count-up to Christmas.

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:
- Make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
- Overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
- Design your environment to make success easier;
- Get back on track when you fall off course;
...and much more.

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits--whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.

First Lines:

On the final day of my sophomore year of high school, I was hit in the face with a baseball bat.

56%/Page 56

If you have ever wondered, "Why don't I do what I say I'm going to do?

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

Many Christian women find great encouragement and joy in and through women's Bible studies. However, popular Bible teacher Jen Wilkin is concerned that sometimes we let our emotions rule our study of Scripture and forget that the Bible is primarily about God, not us. Challenging hungry women to go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will help you refocus your efforts on feeding your mind first and foremost. Whether you're young or old, married or single, this accessible volume will energize and equip you for Bible study aimed at transforming both the heart and mind.

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Book Haul:

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  Where do you like to read the most? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. I usually either read on/in my bed or at my desk.  In the summer months, I also like to read while sitting on my porch swing.  Reading beside the lake is also a favorite spot.

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Tea Time ~ 12/7/2023

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~Before the "sickness" hit the household, we went to a Christmas tree farm to get our Christmas tree. It was so strange picking out our tree in unseasonably warm weather.  Laken's boyfriend, Nate, came along for the experience with us.  We haven't put the tree up and decorated it yet but at least we have it for when we feel up to decorating :)

~I don't think I've posted about Nate, the boyfriend, here on the blog yet.  He and Laken have been together for well over 8 months now and we adore him!  He treats Laken like a queen.  He plays soccer and is an actual honest-to-goodness Eagle Scout!  Here are some pictures:)

~Kaylee and Shawn are doing well.  This is a picture of them from our summer trip to Black Water Falls in West Virginia.  They've been married for over two years now and are the absolute cutest :)

~I have gotten very little (almost no) Christmas shopping done at this point :(  To be honest, we're giving gift cards to a lot of people this year.  I don't really like doing that but I'd rather give a gift that is going to be liked and used than something that is just going to sit and not be used.  We weren't very creative this year.  I do plan on getting some Christmas cards sent out before the weekend though :)

~So much has happened since I've last shared a Tea Time post that there is no way to catch up on it all.  I basically wanted to give a little update on the family.  My mom and dad are doing well even though under the weather a bit right now.  Hopefully, I'll be posting more often and staying up-to-date better with the happening as I do enjoy looking back at our adventures and misadventures.

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker WEDNESDAY??? ~ 12/6/2023

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Wednesday!

Once again, I feel from the face of blogland.... BUT, I'm back and what better way to come back then to be a Happy Homemaker?

The entire household is down with a sickness "that shall remain nameless".  We're all in varying stages but I think for the most part we're seeing the light of day and coming out the other side.  While I'm feeling fairly well, I'll get to posting ;)

The weather outside is:

Snowy today but the rest of the week ahead doesn't look bad.  At least the rain is backing off from Saturday onto Sunday.  The Christmas parade in our little town is Saturday evening and our Church is having a float in the parade to sing Christmas Carols and hand out candy.  

On today's to-do list: 

Well, much of the day is over so this will be a bit of a re-cap.  I didn't do a whole lot as I've been feeling like my sinuses are about to explode but I did manage to straighten up the Family Room and sweep up the mess that our puppy Harley made of the hubby's slipper!

Happening this week:

Recuperation, I hope and pray, before the weekend!

Currently reading:

I'm currently reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.  I've been trying to read a bit each day and am slowly making progress through the book.  I'm finding it interesting so far.

Watching:

Christmas Movies, of course.  My new favorite streaming channel is FRNDLY!  We're still watching Hallmark too but I'm loving FRNDLY :)

Listening to:

I just heard this song and thought it was too good not to share.  I love the group "Cain" and hope that this song brings you as much peace to your heart as it did mine.

On the menu today:

Nice and easy:  Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

In the Craft Basket:

I finished a crocheted blanket a few weeks ago and for once, I have no intended recipient.  I'm thinking of gifting it to someone for Christmas but I'm still unsure as to who I want to give it to.  I haven't even taken pictures of it yet!

I started on a new granny square blanket using turquoise, purple and white.  I haven't made much progress on it lately though.  And again, no pictures!  Hopefully next week I'll be able to show you...

Picture from the Camera

I don't think I've properly introduced our new puppy, Harley Grace.  She's a cocker spaniel-corgi mix and isn't very "grace"ful at all, hence the middle name.  She was such a good pup for the first 3-4 months after we got her.  Now she's a chewing maniac!  The picture above is her personality in a nutshell!

But, I must say, what Harley doesn't have in the intelligence department, she makes up for in love.  She is the most loving dog and does EVERYTHING with enthusiasm!

Bible Verse

 ^{"If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand."  Psalm 37:23-24}

Have a great Wednesday!

Colletta