10 on the 10th - May 2024 ~ 5/10/2024

I absolutely cannot believe that it is almost the middle of May already!  Where does the time go?  I decided to join in on Marsha in the Middle ' s prompt and write about 5 things I CAN do in May and 5 things I MAY do in May.

I had to think harder about the difference between CAN and MAY than I want to admit.  Here's what I came up with:

5 Things I CAN do in May:

1.  Be more active on Colletta's Kitchen Sink.  I've already put things in motion to make this come to fruition.  I've been working on laying out some posts and getting some new ideas of what and when to share.

2.  Read one book.  This will be a huge accomplishment since I think I've only finished reading one book in the past year!  I'm well on my way, having read 77 pages of "The Clutter Fix" by Shannon Acheson so far.

3.  Take more pictures.  I've gotten really bad at taking pictures to document events in our lives lately.  I used to take pictures of EVERYTHING!

4.  Get up earlier.  I really struggled with figuring out if this is a CAN or a MAY.  Largely because I really struggle with getting out of bed in the morning.  I tell myself that I am going to get up at 5am and have a nice relaxing morning before having to leave for work.  Next, thing I know, I've hit the snooze button 10 times and am rushing to get ready and out the door on time.  I think I can.  I think I can.

5.  Enjoy each day.  Enjoying each day is something I strive to do.  I'm a person that has to have something to look forward to each day.  Each week.  Each month.  I have to have fun goals to look ahead to even if it is something as simple as sitting on my porch swing in the evening.  Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in busyness that I forget to enjoy each day.

Now...

5 Things I MAY do in May:

1.  Get a new camera.  As I thought about taking more pictures, it dawned on me that I took so many more pictures with my camera than I do with my phone.  I took tons.  I mean tons of pictures.  So many that my camera died.  Instead of spending money on a new camera, I thought I would just use my phone.  Not the case.  My phone is so slow and the camera on it is horrible.  I never get good shots so I end up not even bothering with it.  MAYbe a new camera is the way to go!

2.  Go to the movies.  If there is anything at the theater worth watching.  I'll have to see...  Any recommendations for upcoming films?

3.  Adopt a kitten.  We adopted Oliver O'Malley a few weeks ago but Laken and Doug are thinking he needs a little playmate.  We have two older cats that really don't want to be bothered.  In fact, Clover absolutely hated the world after we got him.  She was mad at everybody and everything.  She is finally coming around and will stand to be in the same general area as Oliver.  We're not actively looking but if we come across another kitten that needs a home it MAY happen.

4.  Start exercising.  Again.  I'll leave it at that.

5.  Get the Family Room decluttered.  I'm hoping that reading "The Clutter Fix" will give me the motivation and encouragement I need to accomplish this.  This evening I already started with my desk area but it is only one little corner of the rather large room that is very, very cluttered.  It MAY take a while!  

So tell me, what are some things you CAN or MAY do in May?

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 5/6/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Now that I've settled into my new job, I'd like to get back to posting regularly.

Yesterday, I posted a Prom 2024 photo dump and a Tea Time to get caught up.  Go check them out if you'd like :)

The weather outside is:

When I looked at the forecast earlier today, it was showing rain every day for the next 7 days!  I know we need the rain but did it really have to be nice all day and then start raining on my way home?  I really wanted to sit out on the deck this evening and unfortunately it does not have a roof  :(  The front porch DOES have a roof so maybe I will camp out there this evening for a while :)

On today's to-do list: 

~Work

~Finish Folding Laundry

~Sweep the floor

~Relax

Happening this week:

~Harley is turning 1 year old on Thursday!  She's starting to calm down "a bit" and hasn't been chewing "as much" but we still put her in her bed when we leave to go anywhere.  We don't trust her that much yet! 

 

Currently reading:

Christianbook.com had a great sale last week and I bought "The Clutter Fix" by Shannon Acheson for around $1.  The family room and our bedroom (I'm not evening going to comment on Laken's room) need some serious decluttering.  This book promises to be the "no-fail, stress-free guide to organizing your home".  I hope that proves true!  I'm going to start reading it this evening :)

Listening to:

"Hurricane" by The Castellows is a serious earworm for me.  Once I hear it, it stays in my head FOREVER!  It is a good thing I love the song.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Farmer Wants a Wife

Tracker

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Beef and Broccoli, Rice

In the Craft Basket:

Lots of pretty yarn is in my basket but I haven't touched it hardly at all since starting my new job.

Picture from the Camera

Bible Verse

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 5/5/2024

 

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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~I hopped on the blog after being away for a while so that I could post some prom pictures.  You can check out the full photo dump HERE, but I'll also post one of my favorites of Laken and Nate on this post.

~On my last Tea Time post, I was getting ready to start my new job.  I'm now almost three months in and I have learned a lot!  The people I work with are great and the schedule can't be beat.  So far, so good :)

~We have a new addition to the family!  He is a little orange ball of rotten and his name is Oliver O'Malley.  Yes, that is the hubby's face behind Ollie.  They were snuggling :)

~I actually started book!  It is called "Rest Now" by Kelly Balarie.  I really want to be able to "seize joy" in my life so I picked this book from my TBR shelf.  I got it from christianbook.com during one of their weekend sales.  I'm excited to be reading and making progress on this book.  I'm also excited because I have another shipment of 7 (I think) book on their way to me and I got them all for $19.47!  That includes shipping :)

~The weather here in PA has been crazy.  It went from 90F and sunny to 52F and rainy in the span of a day.  Thankfully, the rain held off until after walk-ins for Prom.  It did rain Saturday for the after-prom at Hershey Park though.  Laken said that she and Nate were not going to let a little rain ruin their time at the park.  She was glad to get some dry socks on when she got home though :)

~I hope to post again soon.  I've been struggling a bit with fitting everything I want to do into the free time that I have.  If you have any tips, I'd love for you to leave a comment!  I appreciate any and all recommendations :)

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Prom 2024 ~ Laken and Nate

I haven't been documenting much lately, but I wanted to make sure to post pictures from Laken and Nate's Jr./Sr. Prom.

This is going to be a good old-fashioned photo dump as I couldn't pick just a few favorites :)

Enjoy!

Special thanks to Natasha, Nate's mom, for the great pictures!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 3/11/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Did everyone remember to SPRING FORWARD this weekend?  You didn't walk into Church an hour late, did you?  Don't worry if you did.  There is always at least one :)

The weather outside is:

As I write this post on Sunday evening, there is snow on the ground!  It was quite blustery this afternoon with white-outs.  Is this March coming in like a lion?

On today's to-do list: 

~Not much other than work and picking Laken up from Track practice.  I do want to stop by Planet Fitness and get a new membership.  I want to start walking for at least 30 minutes a day after work and the weather is just too unpredictable this early in the year.  I enjoy walking outside, but for now I think I'll try the gym.

Happening this week:

~My nephew, Andrew, turns 18 years old on Saturday!  My brother and SIL are having a get-together at a local restaurant at lunchtime.  I'm not sure if they are ordering pizza or what we will have to eat, but I'm definitely ready for some cake :)

Currently reading:

I decided to purchase Susan May Warren's latest release.  I have my Kindle packed in my tote bag to take along with me to read when I have time between work, gym and Track practice ending.  I've loved everything I've ever read by SMW so when I read a really great review of "One Last Shot" I knew I wanted it in my collection.  Now to actually read it!

Listening to:

Watching:

The Vow

Farmer Wants a Wife

Tracker

Elsbeth

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes

In the Craft Basket:

Lots of pretty yarn is in my basket but I haven't touched it hardly at all since starting my new job.

Picture from the Camera

My pretty puppies!

Bible Verse

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;"  2 Timothy 3:16

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Tuesday ~ 3/5/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday...er....Tuesday!

I was so sick yesterday!  Sicker than I've been in years!  I was chilled to the bone with a sore throat and nasty cough.  I was able to get into my PCP and was diagnosed with double ear infection and sinus infection plus some nasty virus to go along with them.  I'm very thankful for modern medicine, especially antibiotics and Dayquil.

The weather outside is:

I'm liking what I'm seeing for the week ahead except for the word "Flurry" on Monday.  I could do without that.  Yesterday was unbelievable beautiful out and I couldn't even enjoy it :(

On today's to-do list: 

~My day was spent recuperating.  When my PCP asked where I work and I told her the hospital, she wanted me to stay home today and I'm so glad she gave me a note because I was as weak as a kitten this morning.  I'm just starting to get my strength back.  I'm hoping with a good night's rest, I'll be good as new tomorrow morning.

Happening this week:

~Laken's Track & Field season started this week.  She has talked Nate into joining the team.  I hope they both have fun and enjoy themselves.

~Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD Saturday night!  I can't wait!

Currently reading:

Another week has gone by with absolutely no reading other than the Bible.  As I mentioned, T&F started so I'll probably be sitting in the car alot waiting for Laken to get done with practice.  Maybe I'll be able to squeeze some reading time in then.

Listening to:

Watching:

Farmer Wants a Wife

Tracker

County Rescue

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Subway - Nate was working this evening and Laken wanted to stop in to say hello.

In the Craft Basket:

Lots of pretty yarn is in my basket but I haven't touched it hardly at all since starting my new job.

Picture from the Camera

Nothing.  I've got nothing.

Bible Verse

"I cry aloud to the LORD I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy."  Psalm 142:1

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/26/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I can't believe this week we turn the calendar to March!  I love that it brings nicer weather, a time change and my birthday.  The older I get (I'll be 46) the more I like to celebrate my birthday (for now anyway) and I can't wait to have long, lighter evenings :)

The weather outside is:

The week ahead is looking lovely.  I love seeing "Springlike" and "Beautiful!" on the forecast!  I'm looking forward to eating my lunches outside.  Right now, I make sure to sit in the natural light and, if possible, in the sunshine.

On today's to-do list: 

~Monday starts my third week at my new job.  I'm feeling pretty good about my learning progress.  My coworkers are great and I'm enjoying my work.  I couldn't ask for more than that.

Happening this week:

~It is a pretty calm week schedule-wise this week.  Laken has a dental appointment Tuesday that the hubby will be taking her to.  It is just a cleaning so hopefully it will be uneventful with no cavities.

~My first payday is Friday!  Which reminds me that we still need to get our taxes completed for 2023.

Currently reading:

I think I need a new book to really grab my attention and make me WANT to read more than watch TV.  I'm thinking a good nonfiction book might be what I need.  Something that isn't just fluff.  Any recommendations for either physical books or for my Kindle?

Listening to:

Watching:

Farmer Wants a Wife

Tracker

Hallmark - Jane Austen inspired movies (loving them!)

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

In the Craft Basket:

I didn't accomplish much crafting this week.  I think I'm still trying to get into a routine of work/hobby balance.  I thought I would get some crochet time this weekend and be able to finish the Sunburst Granny Square tote that I started.  However, I found that I just wanted to relax and didn't even pick up my hook.

I was going to be doing a Vendor Show on March 16th but my nephew's 18th birthday is that day and he is having a party at the same time as the show.  I decided that supporting my family on this important day was more important to me.  I told the organizer that I hope to catch the next show.  This also gives me more time to plan things out and get more items made if I decide to go that route. 

Picture from the Camera

Laken sent me this picture of Kona's nose.  It cracked me up when I opened it!

Bible Verse

"Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You.  So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on Your name"  Psalm 63:3-4 NRSV

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/19/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

My first week back at work went well.  It took a few days to get all my accesses and email set up with IT.  I also had a bunch of training to complete so that took up most of my time.  This week I anticipate getting more into what I will be doing on a daily basis.  Everyone has been very nice and welcoming so that is a plus!  Hopefully it continues to go well...

The weather outside is:

It looks like a fairly decent week ahead with possibly some snow on Friday.  I am so over winter!  Bring on Spring!

On today's to-do list: 

~My work day is 7:30am-4pm which I'm enjoying.  I've been getting up at 5am so that I have plenty of time to wake up, get ready and eat breakfast.  I originally wanted to do my Bible study time in the morning but other than reading a short devotional, I think I'm going to move my main study time to the evening.  I've tried to keep my Monday evenings open so I can ease back into the week.

Happening this week:

~Friday evening is Nate's Eagle Scout Dinner.  I'm really proud of him and look forward to celebrating his accomplishment!

Currently reading:

I still haven't made any progress on "Small Town Shepherd" by Nala Henkel Aislinn.  I'm not giving up on reading yet though.  I'm going to still try to do some reading before bed.  I might switch up books though...

Watching:

Farmer Wants a Wife

Tracker

Hallmark - Jane Austen inspired movies

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes

In the Craft Basket:

I didn't accomplish much crafting this week.  I did manage to crochet for 10-15 minutes each night.  I'm still working on the Sunburst Granny Square tote.  I have 15 squares completed and am getting ready to assemble the tote.  The colors of the sunbursts are so pretty in the "Flamenco".  I had to downsize the tote because I can't find any more of the "Flamenco" yarn in any of the stores.  It will still be a nice size but I will only need the 15 squares that I currently have instead of 27 squares!  Quite the difference.  I'm going to TRY to get it finished this week.

Picture from the Camera

I woke up Tuesday morning to 5 inches of fresh snow on the ground (and roads!).

Bible Verse

"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."  Psalm 119:11

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 2/17/2024

 

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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~It has been a long, busy week!  I started my new job in Care Coordination at the hospital on Monday.  It is going well so far.  I had HR orientation all Monday morning and then my Director and my Manager took me to lunch in the cafeteria which was surprisingly good!  It took a few days to get my email/network accesses so there wasn't a lot I could do other than training such as workplace harassment, etc.  I sat in on a lot of meetings to start getting a feel for the workings and the language of the department.  Everyone was very welcoming and I'm getting settled in.  I have high hopes :)

~Did you watch the Super Bowl?  I watched bits and pieces but didn't really pay a lot of attention other than the commercials.  I was multi-tasking until I gave up and went to bed around 9:30pm.

~Before the Super Bowl, Laken and Nate made us food.  We had Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Cheesy Bacon Tator Tots, Chips and Dip, Strawberry Shortcake and Cookie Dough Truffles.  Nate does most of the cooking and Laken does most of the procrastinating  :)  Right, Laken?   :)

~Happy Belated Valentine's Day!  The hubby got me a card, a bouquet of flowers and Reese Cups.  I got him a card, Reeses Pieces and a rose.  We had said that we weren't doing presents for Valentine's Day, so I'm glad I didn't listen!  Hubby also got Valentine's and candy for both of our girls.  I think it is super sweet that he still does that even though they both have their own Valentines now.

~My department at work had a Valentine Card Exchange also.  I didn't have time to get anything ready as I just found out about it Tuesday but a very sweet coworker, Sara, decorated a box for me so that I could participate too!  There are around 30 or more people in the department, so my box was full of Valentines, candy and little fluffies (gifts) by the end of the day.  It was really fun and Laken was so jealous of my Valentines box when I brought it home :)

~We went Prom dress shopping today.  I thought it went well but now Laken is having buyer's remorse!  She is second guessing herself and wondering if there would have been a "better" dress at another shop.  Unfortunately, the shop we bought her dress at has a "no return" policy.  Personally, I think her dress is gorgeous and fits her beautifully.  It will need the hem taken up, of course.  Other than that I don't think it will need altered at all!  I just hope Laken will remember how much she loved the dress when she had it on at the shop.  I want her to be happy and feel good about herself when she wears it.  Other than that, I don't know what to do...

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/12/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I'm writing this post on Sunday evening, as I usually do.  If you are reading this on Monday, I'm at WORK!  The day has finally arrived and I'm nervous AND excited!

My new boss, Karen, called me on Friday to let me know what my Monday will look like.  I have orientation all morning starting at 8am.  At noon, Karen and Debbie (my supervisor) will meet me outside the auditorium and take me to lunch.  I thought this a super nice gesture!  The afternoon will be spent getting all my computer access, etc. situated.  Karen also mentioned a training on infectious disease that I will be taking, so my first day or two will be spent getting all that completed so that I can dive into my regular work duties.

I'm not sure what my blogging schedule is going to look like as my routines change.  I hope to still post on Sunday/Monday and at least my Tea Time post.  I'm not sure what day I'll be posting Tea Time.  I'll have to see how my week goes.  Wish me luck!

Let's get on with the post ;)

The weather outside is:

I don't know why the site that I usually get my forecast from is still showing the 7 day forecast from Friday on.  Oh well, you can see that Friday and Saturday were absolutely beautiful days.  Friday we had sunshine and I think we ended up with a high of 63F.  That is crazy for my area in the middle of February!  Monday night we are looking at weather that is a bit more seasonal although they are currently backing off on the amount of snow they think we'll get.  Personally, I'm fine with not getting ANY more snow this winter.  I don't mind the cold, but I hate driving in nasty weather.

On today's to-do list: 

~My main to-do today is waking up to my alarm and getting out the door on time.  I'm seriously worried that I'm going to sleep through my alarm on my first day at my new job.  That is IF I can even sleep!

Happening this week:

~Thankfully, this week is fairly quiet.  I do have Ladies Bible Study and Potluck on Tuesday evening.  It is always the second Tuesday of the month.

~We don't really have plans for Valentine's Day.  I haven't even gotten the hubby a card or gift yet!  Hopefully I'll get a chance to before Wednesday.

~I've been busy prepping for my vendor show in March.  I hope to continue to craft a bit each evening but I'll write more about that in the crafting prompt.

Currently reading:

I haven't made any progress on "Small Town Shepherd" by Nala Henkel Aislinn.  I've created a daily schedule that does include reading time before bed, but I don't know.  Again, I'll have to see how the day/week goes.

Watching:

Farmer Wants a Wife

Hallmark - Jane Austen inspired movies

Super Bowl

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Chili and Corn Bread

In the Craft Basket:

I needed something different to work on, so I took some of my miscellaneous granny squares and made some tote bags.  I also found a free pattern on ravelry.com for a Sunburst Granny Square Tote.  Laken picked out a skein of yarn for me to create it with.  The yarn was in my stash and is Red Heart Super Saver Stripes in "Flamenco".  I have the center of the sunbursts made and started working on the border round in "Aran".  I actually got a picture of my progress but it is very dark.  I hope you don't mind the poor lighting!

Picture from the Camera

Don't mind my papers in the foreground!  I need to do some filing...

Bible Verse

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."  Psalm 18:2

Have a great week!

Colletta