Happy Homemaker on Christmas! ~ 12/25/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I know it is Wednesday and not Monday (the regular day for posting Happy Homemaker) but I'm just now getting some quiet time to sit down and focus.  It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks!  I didn't want Christmas to go by without wishing you all the merriest :)

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Not the most Christmassy :(  I was hoping for at least a flurry yesterday or today but it just misted a bit.

On today's to-do list:

We got up a bit later than we used to wake up on Christmas Day.  Things have changed so much since the girls were little and chomping at the bit to see if Santa came.  Around 9am Kaylee and Shawn came over and we opened presents.  Everyone was pleased with their gifts.  I had one package that didn't arrive in time but I'll still wrap it up and give it to Laken as a late Christmas gift.

After Kaylee and Shawn left, I took a little nap.  It was glorious!  Christmas Dinner was at 4pm and then the hubby, Laken and I went for a ride to get hot chocolate and look at Christmas lights.  We just got back a bit ago and now it is time to look at the rest of the week ahead.

Happening this week:

I'm usually off on Thursday but I had the option to work in order to make up for being off Christmas Day.  So I'll be working Thursday and Friday.

Someone tried to hack my debit card yesterday but the bank flagged it and let me know.  Now I have to find time to go to the bank and get a new debit card.  Maybe Thursday before work, I'll swing by.  Hopefully, I'll have enough time.

The hubby and Laken are both off school/work the rest of the week.  In fact, Laken doesn't go back to school until January 2nd and the hubby doesn't go back to work until January 6th.  I have to get that to-do list ready for them :)

Currently reading:

"Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters is the book I'd like to read if I actually get motivated to read.  I'd like to finish it before New Year's Day which is very doable if I set the time aside to actually pick up my Kindle.

Listening to:

I heard this song on the radio a few days ago and it really hit me.  Let me know what you think.

Watching:

We've been watching Christmas movies like White Christmas, The Santa Clause, National Lampoons, Frost and Rudolph.  Some very classic Christmas movies.

Today I watched a bit of the Steelers VS Chiefs game on Netflix.  I don't remember ever watching football on Christmas Day before.

In the Kitchen:

For Christmas Dinner we had ham, roast, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, green beans, corn, baked apples, and rolls.  My mom and I were going to make apple dumplings for dessert but decided to just make the baked apples since we have so many goodies in the house right now.

We might go ahead and make the apple dumplings for New Year's.  I'll let you know.

In the Craft Basket:

I've started working on my Stashghan 2025 even though it is still 2024.  I have 5 Granny squares made.  I'd share a picture but my crochet bag is downstairs and I don't feel like going down to take a picture.  I decided to nix the purple and just go with the turquoise, apricot and yellow.  Unless I change my mind again.  Who knows...

Picture(s) from the Camera

Christmas Light show in a little town not far from us.  They put on a huge display every year.  They were even in a national Christmas light competition one year!

Prayer Requests

~Laken.

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.  (continued)

~Winter traveling safety.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 NASB

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/16/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I've missed posting a HHM for a few weeks and didn't want to miss another so I'm getting this post ready while I have the time.

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow!

I'm typing this on Sunday evening and it is NASTY outside here in Southern PA.  I'm really worried about the hubby driving to work tonight.  Hopefully the snow/ice stop and the roads have been cleared by the time I have to leave for work in the morning around 9am.

On today's to-do list:

Again, I'm writing this on Sunday, so not much on the to-do list.  I try not to plan too much for Sunday other than Church.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm.  

On Tuesday I want to try to get my Christmas shopping done.  Laken still has a few gifts to purchase so we'll probably head to our little mall.  There aren't a lot of stores left in our mall, but there is a store called "Touch of Home' that has a ton of decorative items.  So many pretty things!

Thursday is fudge day!  The hubby wants to take fudge in for his co-workers for all three shifts.  We have THE best fudge recipe and I hate to say it but I'm getting pretty good at making it.  It probably won't turn out now that I've written that!

Saturday is cookie day and present wrapping day.  I'd really like to get all Christmas prepping done before next week so that I can just relax and enjoy :)

Currently reading:

I've once again been reading the book of Luke in December.  I know I read it last year during the Christmas season but I can't remember about 2022.  I feel like I did but can't remember for sure.

I haven't been reading much the last month or two as I've been busy market prepping.  Now that the Christmas vendor show is over, I plan on finally getting around to reading the Good for the Soul Book Club selection from November.  "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters takes place at Christmas-time so it isn't too late to read it as far as I'm concerned.

Listening to:

Have you Decked the Halls at your house yet?  Enjoy :)

Watching:

Right now I'm watching the Steelers VS the Eagles football game.  Quite a day for Pennsylvania.

In the Kitchen:

Nothing much lately.  I made a batch of the above-mentioned fudge for my Christmas work party.  We had SO much food and it was delicious.  I could have just parked myself at the dessert table and been happy :)

In the Craft Basket:

Other than market prepping, which I'll get to in a minute, I made a White Elephant for a White Elephant/Dirty Santa game that we played at our party.  It turned out so cute but I could kick myself for forgetting to take a picture before I took it to the party!  Argh!

As for the Christmas vendor show...it was pretty much a flop :(  It was fun to prep for and we had a good time while there but I only sold 3 items the whole time!  So disappointing.  I sold a kitten, a sea turtle and an octopus.  It is a good thing they had a DJ playing Christmas music or I would've been really sad.

As it is, I don't know if I'm going to try to make any more shows.  I'm thinking I might just work on the Stashghan 2025 and leave it at that.  These are the colors I pulled from my stash.  What do you think of them together?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Silly Kona!  She sleeps in the craziest ways :)

Prayer Requests

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.

~Winter traveling safety.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

Luke 1: 30-33

30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/25/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I want to take a moment to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving (here in the U.S.A.)!  It is going to be a short, but busy, week for me and I wanted to let everyone of you know how thankful I am that you've taken a moment out of your day to stop by and visit :) 

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

We had our first snow on Thursday/Friday of last week!  It didn't stay long but it made it's presence known.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for the cold/snow/ice..I better get ready, I guess :)  The 7 Day Forecast is starting the week off with weather that doesn't look too bad but by the end of the week, we're going to feel the COLD!

On today's to-do list:

I don't work at my part-time job today so I'm planning on being a homebody.  I have bills to send, laundry to fold and Christmas market prepping to do.

Happening this week:

I only work Tuesdsay (CPR Training) and Wednesday this week.  My job seems to be going well and I'm getting settled in and more familiar with my daily tasks.  I want to shout-out to my wonderful co-workers:  Janice, Julie, Bridget, Sydney and Kay!  I truly believe that the people you work with make the job either pleasant or unpleasant and so far it has been great.  I'm a bit nervous about the CPR training on Tuesday, but I guess I'll be alright...  Hopefully!

THANKSGIVING!  We're having dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's house as we've done the past several years.  Kelly (my SIL) has been working crazy hours so I hope she can enjoy the time off of work.  

BLACK FRIDAY!  Laken is really looking forward to going to Altoona shopping on Black Friday and braving the crowds.  I doubt we'll go at the crack of dawn but probably head out around 8am.  Hopefully we'll still get some deals.  

Currently reading:

***I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!***

Thankfully, the book club meeting has been moved to November 27th, as I didn't get the book read yet.  I'm still going to do my best to read it and join in with the discussion.

Listening to:

While market prepping, I listened to this video on how to Bible journal.  Enjoy!

Watching:

The hubby, Laken, Nate and I actually went to the movie theater Saturday night!  We saw Gladiator II.  It was a good movie but I'm not sure if it beats out the original Gladiator with Russell Crowe.  We went to Chik-Fil-A afterward.  We had a good time.  Next we want to see Moana 2.  It comes out on Wednesdsay, but I don't know if we'll make it back to the theater so soon to see it this coming weekend.

In the Kitchen:

I've been very mediocre in the kitchen lately.  I've not created anything out of the ordinary to share.  The hubby did pick up a 1/2 bushel of apples for $5 at the farmers market, so we're planning on making apple dumplings sometime soon.

In the Craft Basket:

As mentioned, I've been working on items for the Christmas vendor show coming up on December 14th.  I've made about 25 ornaments and have been making some crocheted toys as well.  Some of the items I've made are kittens, octopuses, snowmen/women, turtles, frogs, and granny square chickens.  I'll add a picture if I get the chance. 

Picture(s) from the Camera

A painting Kaylee created to sell at the vendor show.

Prayer Requests

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.  LORD, Your faithful love endures forever; do no abandon the work of Your hands."  Psalm 138:8

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/11/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I missed last week's HHM post.  Time just got away from me!  It is Saturday night as I'm sitting down to start typing this post.  I figured while I have time and have it on my mind, I better get it underway.

I want to wish a HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY to all those who served in the Armed Forces including my Dad!  Thank you all so much for your service :)

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

It was unseasonably warm a few days this past week.  As is typical in PA, I had to put my car's heater on in the morning and A/C on in the afternoon.

This coming week looks more November-ish.  Look at that 27F on Tuesday night.  I'm going to have to start going out to my car early to defrost the windows!  I'm definitely not ready or looking forward to that...

On today's to-do list:

On Monday's to-do list is Laken's room.  She's off school and I'm off work for Veteran's Day, so I told her I'd help her clean.  Of course, that will be AFTER we sleep in :)

Happening this week:

I've started my regular work schedule of M-W-F from 10am until 5pm.  So far, I'm loving it!  I'm learning my new job and my co-workers are wonderful!  That is always an important aspect to any job.  And being that I'm only working part-time, I feel like I still have time to get my homemaking accomplished even though I'm still working on getting into a routine.

I signed up for a Christmas Vendor/Craft Show with Kaylee as my sidekick.  I'll be working in my "spare" time to get things made and ready by December 14th. 

Also, Thursday is my Mom's birthday so we'll be celebrating!

Currently reading:

I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!

Listening to:

His goodness and mercy will follow us all of our days.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Not really anything this week except for the election on Tuesday evening into the wee hours of the morning.

In the Kitchen:

We had a Veteran's Dinner Saturday at Church for the Veterans of our community.  We had a great turn out!  Food and desserts were prepared by the ladies.

Other than that, I made a few quick suppers this week.  I really want to be more intentional about my time in the kitchen this week.  I might make an Oatmeal Cake on Monday.  Yummmm....

In the Craft Basket:

I'm currently working on crocheting Christmas Ornaments.  Kaylee is going to paint a few paintings to add to the mix if she gets time.  Here are a few pictures of our last show :

It was a very small area to try to lay out all the items but we managed :)  If you think of any items that you think I should add to my table, please let me know in the comments.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Laken has been quite sick this past week.  She is perking up now but she missed the whole week of school.  I'd appreciate your prayers that she is well and good to go back to school on Tuesday.

~Thanks that Kaylee and Shawn traveled to Wisconsin for a wedding and that they made it safely home Saturday.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever."  Psalm 23:6 (NASB)

Have a great week!

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

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

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