Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/27/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Prayer Requests

~My Dad is visibly perking up after his aortic valve replacement!  His color is much better and his energy is returning.  He goes back to the cardiologist for a post-op visit this week so praying all is well.

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 3 short weeks.  She is getting nervous about classes and meeting so many new people.  I pray that she and her roommate hit it off and become great friends.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I didn't get up any earlier this week but I did get Bible reading time in while drinking my morning caffeine.  Instead of sitting at the table bemoaning the fact that I wasn't still in bed, I've been reading from the Book of Psalms on my phone's Bible app.  I've also been trying to make some evening Bible study time as well.  Prayers are working!!!

~Prayer of thanks that Kaylee had a safe work trip to Orlando, FL.  She flew out on Monday evening and came back Friday afternoon.  Knowing that my baby was up in the sky flying was a bit anxiety producing but she is now safely home!

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Leanna Crawford.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #2 ~ My First Stall?? ~ 7/25/2025

Well, I knew it would come eventually...My first stall.

If you can call one week of not losing weight a stall.  It was actually a gain but a very SMALL gain of 0.2 lbs for this week.

I have consistently lost weight each of the first 5 weeks I've been on Mounjaro 2.5.  I can feel that the 2.5 hasn't been working as well to curb my hunger and food noise though.  I've been having to fight off cravings and getting hungry before bed and I can definitely tell in the mornings that it is time for breakfast.

I talked to my PCP and she said that as long as I'm feeling good (side effect wise) on the 2.5 that it would be best for me to go up to 5.0.  She sent in my next script as Mounjaro 5.0 and I really, really wanted to start it today.  However, my PCP wanted me to finish out the 2 pens of 2.5 that I have before going to the 5.0.

I guess I'll suck it up and listen to my PCP.  I'll just have to work even harder to see a loss on the scale.

The bad thing is the timing.  I'll be taking my first 5.0 jab the Friday before Laken's college move in day on the following Thursday.  I really don't want to be super icky or feeling sick for that.  I'm hoping that since it will be almost a week on the 5.0 that any side effects will have worn off by then.

So to sum it up:  This is my 7th week on Mounjaro 2.5 and in the first 6 weeks I've lost a total of 14.4 lbs.  That averages out to 2.4 lbs per week.  I have to admit that is a pretty good number even though that gain this morning got me down a bit.

I'm going to try to up my game this week by being more mindful of my eating habits.  I've been consistently under my daily calorie allotment for a calorie deficit but I could definitely be making better choices.

Maybe I've been spoiled by losing 14.4 lbs in 6 weeks and now the real work begins.  What do you think?  Does a gain of 0.2 lbs constitute as a stall or just a ho-hum week?

Let me know what you think and if you're on a journey of your own.  I'd love to know all about it!

Until the next update...

Blessings,

Colletta

Working Woman Wednesday ~ 7/23/2025

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I hope no one is offended by this but I've been feeling like an impostor for the past 2 years.  In fact, this feeling is one of the reasons I haven't been posting much for the past little while.

Let me explain.

For many, many years I was a stay-at-home-wife/mom.  AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

However, about 2 years ago, I started working outside the home for financial reasons, mostly.  Kaylee was married with a home of her own and Laken was well able to care for herself at 16 years old.  The mom-guilt was and is still there to a point but I've tried to make peace with it especially now that Laken is heading off to college in a few short weeks.

I worked full-time and then part-time.  I loved working part-time but it just wasn't feasible for me to continue doing so.  In April I studied for the Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance 

exam and passed!

May 1, 2025 I started my new full-time job working at the front desk of a State Farm Agency.  It is fast paced, challenging and I'm learning something new everyday.

Now, back to the "impostor" comment...

For years and years, I participated in the Happy Homemaker Monday linkup hosted by Sandra at Diary of a SAHM. (Thank you, Sandra, from the bottom of my heart!)  And while I know in my heart that I'm still a homemaker, I depend on the hubby and others in the family for quite a bit more of the homemaking tasks than I used to.

So, I've decided to revamp my homemaker post into a Working Woman Wednesday post.  I hope this inspires me (and others) to know that it's OK to work outside the home, be a mom and a wife and still have interests of my own.

 I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic but please be kind.

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Last Weekend:

On Saturday, we went shopping to look for dorm bedding.  The bed is a Twin XL and Laken's color theme is light blue, white and pink.  That made for quite the scavenger hunt!  We ended up finding a set of sheets at Target that are white with blue roses that she liked.  As for the ALL white comforter, we ordered it on Amazon with a delivery date that is way too close to move-in day for my comfort!

Sunday was spent at Church and at home getting some things done around the house.  I desperately needed to get the clean clothes put away in my closet.  I've been making piles in front of the closet and I couldn't stand it anymore!

This Week's Notables:

~Working Monday-Friday 9a-5p

~Laken has an eye appointment Wednesday.

~Call in refills on prescriptions (priority)

~Make the hubby an appointment for his yearly checkup that he missed in March.

In the Kitchen:

~Now that we've discovered that Laken has a gluten intolerance, we have to be a lot more cognizant of our cooking ingredients.  Thankfully, there are a lot of gluten free options at the store.  It also helps that Laken LOVES fruits and veggies (especially broccoli:  whose kid is she anyway????)  So while the grocery bill is a bit higher ( those gluten free items aren't cheap), we're coping and hopefully learning to thrive!

In the Craft Basket:

I've actually picked my crochet hook back up and have been working on a throw pillow for Laken dorm room.  Her theme (for the time being) is pink and blue.  She saw a throw pillow in the background of a show with Granny squares (my specialty!) and asked if I would make her a version of the pillow.  I've almost completed one side of the pillow and have started the squares for the second side.

Currently reading:

I started reading "Line of Fire" by Taylor S. Newport Friday evening during Reading Sprints hosted by Katie at Paperbacks and Ponytails on YouTube.  Katie actually recommended this book to me and I was excited to find that it is on Kindle Unlimited.  I downloaded it immediately after reading the blurb.  I'm hoping to actually take time each day to read at least 1 chapter.

On the TV:

The Amateur (movie on Disney+/Hulu)

Picture(s) from the Camera

This is Ellie.  I can't remember if I introduced you to our newest family member or not!  She's a spit-fire and likes to bite toes!  I have to keep my feet under the covers at night or I get a very rude awakening :)

Weekend Plans:

~Spend the entire Saturday at home (remains to be seen!)

~Housework

~Paint the deck and my porch swing if the weather cooperates

~Declutter the "abyss" (storage closet) if the weather doesn't cooperate

~Finish cleaning off my desk area

~Hymn sing Sunday night at Church

I hope you're having a great week!  Please let me know if you can think of anything else I can add to this, hopefully, weekly post :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/20/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Prayer Requests

~My Dad had his aortic valve replacement this past Wednesday.  They were able to do the replacement using the TAVR procedure and did NOT have to do open-heart surgery!  Praise God!  He came home Thursday afternoon and is doing well.  He is a bit worn out which is to be expected this soon after the surgery.  Your continued prayers for him would be appreciated!

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 4 short weeks.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I'm having a hard time focusing in the evening for my Bible study.  I guess I could try to get up earlier in the morning and have my quiet time with God then.  It is worth considering.  When do you have your study time?

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

Make sure you turn up your volume for this song!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #1 ~ 7/18/2025

On June 13th, I gave myself my very first Mounjaro shot.

I had a check-up with my PCP on June 12th during which I spoke to her regarding my A1C, weight and overall health.  After much consideration and talking about the side-effects vs benefits, I decided to have a prescription for Mounjaro sent in.  My PCP also gave me a sample box of the medication to get started on until my prescription went through.  

Laken had New Student Orientation at WVU on the 13th so I decided to wait until after that to actually start the medication.  That day at the NSO solidified my decision to get my weight and health under control.

If anyone is familiar with WVU, there are many, many steps and stairways.  It was hot and at one point, on a rather long climb, I basically told the hubby and Laken to just leave me behind because I COULD NOT keep up.  I was ashamed, embarrassed and disappointed to be dragging them down.  I feel like I ruined the whole day for everyone.  (BTW, they DID NOT leave me behind and I eventually made it to the top!)

When we got home, I gave myself my first shot.

As of this morning (5 weeks into my journey) I have lost 14.6 lbs.

So far the only side effect I've felt that bothered me was a massive headache on Tuesday, June 17th.  Other than that, I've had the occasional acid re-flux and queasy stomach.  But again, it didn't really bother me too terribly.

I don't know how often I'll be posting updates.  At least monthly but possibly more often if anyone is interested in weekly results.

Let me know what you think and if you're on a journey of your own, I'd love to know all about it!

Blessings,

Colletta

20 (or 10) Books of Summer ~ 2025

Annabel @AnnaBookBel and Emma @Words and Peace are the new hosts of the 20 Books of Summer Reading Challenge!

The Challenge starts Sunday, June 1st and runs through Sunday, August 31st.

I'm really excited to be joining this challenge but also very nervous!  My reading lately has been very sporadic and slumpy.

I'm going to challenge myself to read 10 books this summer and that will be quite the accomplishment if I succeed!

Do you think I can do it????

Here's my list of potentials.  I've even added 2 extra for good measure!

Do you have any recommendations of must-reads?

HAPPY SUMMER!

WHOOOHOO!!!

Colletta

Class of 2025 ~ Laken's High School Graduation!!!

 On May 29th, the day finally came!

Laken made it through high school and graduated with honors!

I wanted to take a moment to commemorate the occasion and share some photos from after graduation.

My graduate!

Laken and Nate

Laken and Nate again!

Appie-Dumplin and Honey (aka Laken and Kaylee)

Mamaw, Laken and Pap

Me, Laken and the Hubby

I am so VERY PROUD of Laken for overcoming so many obstacles throughout her high school career.

Next up:  West Virginia University!!!!

Colletta

Laken's Senior Prom ~ 2025

 Friday, May 2nd was Laken's Senior Prom.  I might be a bit biased but I think she looked beautiful as always!  And Nate was very dapper in his tuxedo!  Enjoy the following photos :)

Here are a few pictures of Daddy and his girl :)

Laken and Nate had a great time at Prom and then at Hershey Part Saturday for the after-Prom.  The rain held off for both so we are thankful!

Colletta 

Happy Homemaker ~ 4/22/2025

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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I hope everyone has a blessed Easter spent remembering our LORD and SAVIOR'S death, burial and resurrection.

I kinda fell off the face of blog-land for a few weeks.  I've been very preoccupied and overwhelmed with a secret "project" that I've been working on but I can now share that:

I PASSED the Pennsylvania Property & Casualty Insurance Licensing Exam!!!

The hubby and I traveled to Harrisburg Monday so that I could take my exam.  I was so nervous!!!!  I studied the material and took practice quizzes for weeks but still was unsure of what the final outcome would be.  I prayed so hard the whole time I took the test.

The wording was different on the exam than was in my online course, so I made many educated "guesses".  I might not have gotten the high score I wanted but I was over the minimum score of 70% and that is all that matters.  It was either PASS or FAIL.  Whew!  Huge sigh of relief!

I start my new job at State Farm on May 1st so I have just over a week to get things situated at home and work on a routine.  I will be working full-time.  In fact, it is an actual 9-5 job.

Now on with the post!

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The weather outside is:

We had a nasty storm Saturday night that knocked the electric out for a lot of people in my area.  Thankfully, we didn't lose our electricity at home.

This next week looks very nice with some great temperatures.  I'm going to enjoy my swing as much as possible.

On the to-do list:

It is 8:17pm when I am typing this post so not much else on the to-do list for today.  I might try to work on writing down what I want my weekly routine to look like so that I can start getting into some good habits.

Happening this week:

~I have to go to our local library to get my fingerprints done for my licensing application tomorrow.

~The hubby has a dentist appointment and Laken has an eye appointment on Thursday.

~Laundry, groceries and cleaning on Friday

~A few of the ladies from Church and I are going to a Ladies Spring Luncheon on Saturday at a Church about 2 hours from here.  I volunteered to drive even though I've never been there before.  I really don't mind driving new places as long as I have my Google Maps!

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to listen to "Fragile Designs" by Colleen Coble.  It is the April selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I'm a little late to the party but hopefully I can get it finished before the Zoom Book Club Meeting.

Listening to:

Right now I'm listening to the hubby watch an action movie in the Family Room.  I usually have music playing in the background but didn't even turn it on yet tonight.

Watching:

The only show I've really been watching is Farmer Wants a Wife Season 3.  Anybody else watching it?  If so, what are your thoughts?  I've been making the hubby watch it with me so I have someone to talk to about it :)

In the Kitchen:

We've been experimenting with Gluten Free foods.  I'm surprised at the variety of Gluten Free options there are at the market but also a bit shocked at the prices!  I'd love any input from fellow Gluten Free eaters/cookers/bakers.

In the Craft Basket:

Nothing.  A big, fat nothing.  I've been so busy, overwhelmed and preoccupied with my studies that I haven't even picked up anything that looks crafty.  

Picture(s) from the Camera

No new pictures recently.

Prayer Requests

~Laken's health and school.  She has a little over a month left of her senior year.  I pray that she can finish strong!

~My Dad has to have a heart valve replacement.  I would appreciate your prayers that they can replace the valve using the minimally invasive procedure and that they won't have to do open heart surgery. (continued)

~My new job and routine.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."

Matthew 28:6a

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker ~ 3/9/2025

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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I'm so excited that it is almost 7:30pm and it's just now getting dark!  I'm beyond ready for the long evenings of Spring/Summer :)

I just got back from evening Church services where we're studying Luke 11 and the Model Prayer.  It has me thinking a lot about my prayer life.  Does anyone reading this write your prayers?  I'm debating starting a prayer journal to help me be more intentional with my prayers.  Let me know your thoughts.

Now on with the post!

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The weather outside is:

Just look at these temperatures!  I got my Spring/Summer dresses out to start wearing to work :)

On the to-do list:

Other than Church, I didn't really do much.  I took a Sunday Afternoon Nap (yes, it should be capitalized!) .  They are one of my absolute favorite things to do!  This evening the hubby and I went for a little drive before evening Church and now I'm back home and writing this post.

Happening this week:

Monday (3/10) ~ I work 10am-5pm.  Weigh-in for my Weekly Weigh In post.  I'm not really excited about it this week as I'm pretty certain I'll have a gain :(

Tuesday (3/11) ~ I'm off work and will be making phone calls, working on market prep items, reading and a secret project that I can't share yet.  It will be the second Tuesday of the month, so we have Harvesters Class at Church in the evening for a potluck, Bible lesson and monthly meeting.  

Wednesday (3/12) ~ I work 10am-5pm.  Prayer Meeting and Bible Study is at 6:30pm so I have just enough time to get home, eat and head out again.

Thursday (3/13) ~ I'm off work on Thursday but I have a PCP appointment at 10am for my regular medication check.  It is also pay-day and I'll have all the "accounting" do to with the family finances (a necessary evil!).

Friday (3/14) ~ I work 10am-5pm.  I'll try to get started on the laundry so I don't have to do it all on Saturday.

Saturday (3/15) ~ Possible day for grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning around the house.

Currently reading:

I'm listening to "Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham, the March selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  March 27th at 8pm EST is our Zoom Chat about the book.

I haven't listened/read all week.  As well as having the audiobook of "Beyond Ivy Walls" I also downloaded the ebook.  I'm hoping to dig in some more this week.  I think I'm on Chapter 6 so just getting into the book.

Listening to:

I'm currently listening to KLOVE as I'm writing this post.  I usually share a specific song but can't remember what I've already shared.  Did I share "A Lil Church" by  TobyMac yet?  I guess I could look back but I just don't have the umption in my gumption right now...

Watching:

We started watching "Extracted" (or is it Extraction), which look promising.  "Farmer Wants a Wife" will be coming back on for Season 3 on March 20th so I'll be tuning in to that.  So much better than The Bachelor in my opinion.

In the Kitchen:

Nothing too spectacular this week...

In the Craft Basket:

I took the week off from crafting to try to get my  cro-jo back.  I'm toying with the idea of making a "Book Blanket" which is where I would crochet a Granny square to match the cover of the books I read for the year.  I haven't quite decided yet if I'm going to.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Clover sunning her belly in the beautiful afternoon sunshine :)

Prayer Requests

~My Dad has to have a heart valve replacement.  I would appreciate your prayers that they can replace the valve using the minimally invasive procedure and that they won't have to do open heart surgery. (continued)

~My weight loss journey.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

James 5:16

Have a great week!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 3/6/2025

All things bookish!

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What I Finished:

Click HERE to read my REVIEW!

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What I'm Reading/Listening:

"Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham is the March selection for the Good for the Soul Women's Bookclub.

Blurb:

Beauty and the Beast meets A Light Between Oceans in historic small-town America where a wealthy reclusive bachelor and an unlikely ally join forces to solve a family secret and inadvertently find belonging along the way.

Early 1900s. When an accident leaves Sadie West's family in dire financial need, she nervously leaves the land she loves to work in the Hoag duster factory. But sending all her money home means that she has nowhere to board, and she's forced to take up residence in an abandoned building--a choice that throws her in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Recently returned from exile, and determined to keep his arrival a secret, Otis Taylor makes the impulsive decision to hire the woman he finds hiding on his family's property with the strict instructions she tell no one he has returned. The dark halls of his boyhood flood him with memories he's long tried to forget. The only bright light is the woman he has hired. Can the optimistic Sadie teach the wounded Otis to trust again? To love? Can the pair unravel the family secrets that have long cast a shadow over the mansion and those who reside within?

With the same heart as Rachel Fordham's fan-loved previous historical novels, Beyond Ivy Walls takes readers on an emotional journey full of character development, historical nuance, and a deeply satisfying happily ever after.

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What I'll (Probably) Read/Listen Next:

I started listening to "When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer a few weeks ago and would like to get back to it next.  I saw the cover reveal for the author's next release and it looks amazing.  I have some catching up to do with this series!

Blurb:

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

OR

Blurb:

It’s been eight years since hairstylist Lacy Brown drove into town in her ancient pink Cadillac and set the town on the map. Now, she’s hired a new stylist, Izzy Cranberry, who is happy to be in the town that’s made history with its everlasting “Wives Wanted Campaign” that is still running even now. But she’s not looking, she’s just intrigued by her two sweet grandmothers who’ve followed the story of Mule Hollow from the beginning until they took their last breaths and left her to fulfill their dream of moving to the tiny town for them… Unable to disappoint them, she’s here—but not for long. Just to let her grams watch from above as she joins Lacy Brown Matlock in Heavenly Inspirations fixing hair—not being a match made by the Matchmakers of Mule Hollow.

Styling is all she’s here for…and maybe a laugh or two from the legendary matchmakers who sit in her styling chair and think they have her on their target board.

Horse trainer Luc Asher has taken a job in the town he’s heard a lot about but has no plan to be one of the “matches”. He’s a loner, with good reason, and as far from looking for love as a man can get.

Making him the perfect target…at least that’s what Esther Mae, Norma Sue, and Adela, the town matchmakers, believe the moment he strides into Sam’s Diner looking as handsome and alone as a man shouldn’t be.

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Book Haul:

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  What fantasy or Sci-fi should be part of the literary canon? (submitted by Snapdragon @ Snapdragon Alcove)

A.  This may be an unpopular opinion but I don't like/read fantasy or Sci-fi.  Therefore, I really can't answer this question.

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon , Mailbox Monday