Attitude of Gratitude ~ 9/4/2026

 

Focusing on the good things in life.

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~Beautiful Flowers!  My mom has the entire front porch, and the side porch as well, filled with flowers!  The somewhat cooler temperatures here in Pennsylvania have brought out the vibrant colors of all the flowers but most of these petunias.  It had been a while since I had stopped and really focused on the beauty of the Lord's creation.

My sweet coworker, Anne, brought me these flowers that she had gotten from a roadside stand.  It was such a thoughtful gesture and one that I truly appreciated :)

~I'm very blessed with both of my parents!  Dad turned 79 in July and Mom will be 79 in November!  Time surely does fly by.  

~The cooler September temperatures remind us that the heating season is just around the corner.  We're all so very thankful for family and neighbors who helped us get a new-to-us furnace down in our furnace room.  Many thanks to Dad, the hubby, Uncle Charlie, Shawn and Jeff for giving their time and muscles so that we can all be warm this winter!

~Even though they sometimes wear on my nerves, I'm thankful for our fur family.  This is Oliver O'Mally cat all grown up and as handsome as ever!  He's becoming my bestie and is quick to come for his daily pets.

~My little buddy, Laken, on her first day of Kindergarten!   

And my beautiful, grown up buddy, on her first day of Sophomore year of University.  I'm so glad she spent the time taking a "first day photo" at my request.

~I can't remember if I wrote about Mike and Vickie on my blog before but they are the sweetest couple.  Mike is our preacher and Vickie is our magnificent piano player.  They are also wonderful friends.  I am so grateful that they have come into our lives.  This is a picture of them at our Annual Church Picnic that we had this past Sunday afternoon.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Blessings,

Colletta

Cooper's Rock State Forest and Overlook ~ 8/27/2026

Hello, dear friends!

I bet you thought I dropped off the face of the earth.  I didn't but it HAS been 1 week shy of me not posting here in this space for an entire year!  At one point in my life that would have seemed entirely impossible.  Yet here I am.

So much has happened in the past year.  Some very good.  And some very bad, sad and generally upsetting.  I want to keep this post light-hearted though so I'll have to get into all of that later on.

As for now, I wanted to jump back into blogging and get my feet wet once again.  So I'm going to tell you about our trip to Cooper's Rock State Forest and the Overlook.

Cooper's Rock State Forest is located in West Virginia about 1.5 hours from our home.  I had driven on the interstate and seen the signs for the Scenic Overlook many times but we had never taken the time to stop.

After dropping Laken off for her Sophomore year of University and getting her settled into her FIRST EVER apartment, we decided to find the overlook.  It was breathtaking!

Now, I don't mind heights, but I'm not going to go leaning on those rails either!  There was a young man that actually stood on top the railing with his arms out to the side for a photo op.  Not I...  Was he brave or just naive?  Maybe.  But at any rate, I breathed a sigh of relief when he hopped back down onto "solid" ground.

The day was perfectly beautiful.  The sky and clouds declared the glory of God and reminded me what a wonderful world He has created for us to enjoy.

As I look around at the Overlook structures, I couldn't help but think and wonder how long it had been there and about the brave souls who built it.  Every bit of it was beautiful, even the uneven rock path we had to traverse to get there.  (Next time I'll wear better shoes, right Laken???)

The "Three Wooden Crosses" picture is one that I took the day before we explored Cooper's Rock but it is in the same area.  I don't know what the story is behind those crosses exactly but I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I remember the original "Three Wooden Crosses" and especially the "Man on the Middle Cross".

If you're still here after all this time of me being away from Blogland and after my jabbering in this post, I thank you!  I appreciate you!  I hope you'll continue to stick around.

Drop me a comment and let me know where you're visiting from and I'll return the favor.  Or just comment that you're still here.  Either way :

Blessings,

Colletta

Working Woman Wednesday ~ Changes ~ 8/20/2025

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Life changes are happening around here!  Again!

We moved Laken into her University dorm room last Thursday and I'm still adjusting to that BIG change.  

Also, life in the insurance world just wasn't for me.  I prayed about making a change and after much consideration, I applied for a Teacher Assistant job with our local Head Start Program.  I prayed and prayed for the LORD to open the door if it is where He wants me.  The day after I interviewed, I was offered one of the open positions!

I went in today to fill out paperwork and take my drug test.  Now I'm just awaiting my orientation to be scheduled and then I can get started in the classroom.  I'm very excited about this position and am praying that it helps give me focus and purpose now that my girls are out of the "nest".

~~~~~

Last Weekend:

So I'll start with last Thursday since it was a BIG day:  As mentioned above, Laken moved into her dorm at the University.  We got to bed late Wednesday night after a full day of packing and got up at 5am Thursday morning to load up the car and make the trip for move-in.  Her move-in slot was scheduled for 8:30am-10:30am.  The drive is a little less than 2 hours but we weren't certain how traffic would be.

We picked Nate up at his apartment which is only about 10 minutes from Laken's dorm and then drove to the drop-off line.  I was impressed by how smoothly everything went.  We had just about everything unpacked and situated within the allotted time.  We had some shopping to do at Target, Wal-Mart and HomeGoods and topped it off with a stop by the good old Dollar Tree :)

We grabbed a late lunch and then dropped everything, including Laken, back off at the dorm.  It was time to say our good-bye and I love you.  I held it together for the most part until after we dropped Nate back at his apartment.  On the way home, I cried and bemoaned the fact that my purpose in life had just shifted in a major way.  

It was also Kaylee and Shawn's 4th Wedding Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary!

Friday:  more crying and wondering what my purpose and existence was now.  I decided to give myself one day to feel all the feelings and then it would be time to move on with life.

Saturday:  We ended up making a trip back to Laken's dorm to drop off a few items that she forgot and also two packages that had a late delivery.  We took Laken and Nate to lunch and headed home.

Sunday:  After Church, I took a long nap.  It had been an exhausting few days.

This Week's Notables:

~New hire paperwork with Head Start Program

~The Steelers have a preseason game on Thursday night

~My cousin's little boy, Damon, has his first tackle football scrimmage Saturday morning that I'd like to go to watch.

~Sunday afternoon is a Church Picnic.

In the Kitchen:

~I was asked to bring a dessert to the annual Angel Program Picnic.  I decided to go with something quick and easy so I made Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies.  Delicious!

~This evening when I made dinner I got a bit nostalgic for the days when my girls were little and I would make their favorite meals.  I think I'm going to have moments like this for a while...

In the Craft Basket:

I finished the throw pillow for Laken dorm bed in plenty of time.

Now I'm working on crocheting myself a tote bag.  I'll try to add some pictures next time.

Currently reading:

I decided to give up Kindle Unlimited and instead get a library card.  I put myself on the wait-list for "Tea With Elephants" by Robin Jones Gunn and my turn came up!  I've loved everything I've read by Robin but especially her "Sisterchicks" series.  This series is the "Suitcase Sisters" and I have VERY high hopes for it.  I'm 100 pages in and am LOVING it so far.  I dare say that I might even be able to post a Book Review sometime soon.  They've been few and far between this year.

On the TV:

I watched the Providence Falls series on Hallmark over the past 3 weeks.  Also, some Steeler preseason games :)

Picture(s) from the Camera

Weekend Plans:

~Damon's football scrimmage

~Clean

~Laundry

~Church Picnic

I hope you're having a great week!

Blessings,

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!

~~~~~

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 Monday~ 1/27/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

And just like that we're on the last Monday of January 2025.

February is going to be bitter-sweet for me.  Yes, we've (almost) made it through January, but on Sunday, February 2nd my little Groundhog Baby turns 18 years old!  Where have the years gone?  The hubby and I will have our 25th dating anniversary in March, Kaylee turns 24 in June and Laken is days away from being 18.  Our little family is grown up and I'm feeling a bit emotional thinking about it...so...

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

A touch warmer than last week.  Actually, a lot warmer than last week...lol!  Schools in our area were either closed or delayed for 3 days last week due to the cold temperatures.  Well, I guess I should say schools were "virtual".

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

I work 10a-5p.  Other than that it should be a fairly normal day of trying to get back into the routine of the week.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

Wednesday is my SIL, Kelly's, birthday.  Any ideas what I can give to her as a birthday gift?

Thursday evening is zoom meeting night for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I have a whole post about our February 2025 book selection, you can check that out HERE.  But first, I have to finish listening to January's book!

Saturday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birth.  We're thinking of getting dressed up and taking her out to a nice restaurant in the evening.

Sunday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birthday.  I'm not sure what we'll do on her actual birthday other than have cake at Church for her.  Any good ideas?

Currently reading:

I wrote on Friday's "My Weekly Bookishness" post that I've finally discovered listening to audio-books.  "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is my first ever audio-book.  It is the January 2025 book club selection and as I mentioned above, I need to finish it before 8pm on Thursday.  I only have a few more hours to listen to so I "think" I'll make it.  

Listening to:

"Oh Death" by MercyMe debuted on KLOVE radio a few days ago and they played it every hour at the top of the hour.  I love it!  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy :)

Watching:

NFL Championship games.  By the time you read this it will probably be decided what teams will be playing in the Super Bowl.  At this point, 5:06pm on Sunday, it isn't looking good for my nephew's team the Commanders.  They are down 15-27.

The hubby has recommended that I catch up on the past 2 seasons of "Reacher" so that I can watch season 3 with him when it airs.  I've 2 episodes in and look forward to watching more.

In the Kitchen:

I haven't spent much time in the kitchen creating this past week but Laken and Nate made Cookie Monster Cookies.  They, of course, were blue :)

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working away in my "off" time on items for the Spring Fling Vendor show happening in the beginning of April.  Last week I completed all 16 Mabel Chickens that I wanted to get made.  4 Gray Loaf Cats.  1 Ivory Loaf Cat.  And 1 Yellow Peep Bunny.  Shown below are the Ivory Loaf Cat and the Yellow Peep Bunny.  

Let me know what you think of the Peep.  Should I make more as it will be a Spring Fling show a few weeks before Easter.  Or should I just make yellow, green and purple Leggy Frogs?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.

~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.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."

James 4:10

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/20/25

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

I know it is only slightly past the midway point of January, but I am so over this Winter stuff.  I long for at least a little bit of a reprieve.  I'm not usually one to wish the time away but I am so ready for Spring!

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Today:

This week:  bitterly cold...

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

No work for me or school for Laken Monday.  Thank you, Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr!  I'm especially thankful not to have to worry about traveling to work/School in the morning.  However, the hubby still has work tonight (Sunday night).  I'm not really thrilled about him driving in this snowy mess, but he is not one to call off work often especially for weather.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

Tuesday Laken has an eye appointment in the afternoon.  If you recall, I had an eye appointment last Thursday.  It is so strange because I was fully expecting to have to order bifocal/progressive glasses this year as it is getting harder and harder to read find print.  Instead, my eye Dr. took my contact prescription down two notches!  I have to say that it IS much easier to read fine print but long distances are a bit fuzzy.  She also gave me a pair of contacts that are only one notch lower than my normal prescription strength to try.  I have to let her know which strength I am more comfortable with before ordering my contacts for the year.  Has anyone else had this experience and how did it work for you?

On Thursday, we are traveling to WVU to tour.  It is approximately two hours away (maybe a little less).  Laken was approved for an educational field trip so she doesn't have to go to school that day.  So that means:  no school Monday, I expect a virtual day for her on Tuesday due to the cold temperatures, Wednesday could go either way virtual or no school, Thursday is the field trip and there is no school on Friday (pre-planned day off for the district).   Crazy week!

Currently reading:

I tried to start reading "When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer but it wouldn't load on my Kindle!  Instead I "started" reading "Pride and Precipitation" by Heather Horrocks.  I've read ONE chapter all week!  I really want to read at least one chapter a day before bed.  Maybe even 30 minutes a day.  I haven't been participating in YouTube Reading Sprints lately, but would like to get back into that to get some reading in.

Listening to:

My Aunt Donna sang this song Sunday morning in Church.  I really  listened to the words and wow!  Each and every one of us was and is on His mind.  Always!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

We had a Family Game Time at Kaylee and Shawn's on Saturday afternoon/evening.  We had the football playoff games on in the background.  It was the KC Chiefs and the Houston Texans.  KC won.  Blah!

Later, after we got home the Commanders (Redskins) and the Lions were playing.  My nephew LOVES the Commanders, so I was glad for him that they won.

Right now the Eagles and the Chargers are playing but it is a SNOWY mess in Philadelphia.  It looks like the Eagles are going to win.

Other than football, we finished Season 1 of Cross on Prime.  What a wild ride that show was!  Again, please be aware if you decide to watch it that there is a lot of inappropriate (and unnecessary) language and some scenes.

In the Kitchen:

Kaylee and I ended up making the Stuffed Shells for supper Saturday.  I haven't had the opportunity to cook with her much since she got married and I must say that I was impressed with how much she has progressed in her cooking skills.  Shawn in a good cook also but we gave him the night off :)

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working away in my "off" time on items for the Spring Fling Vendor show happening in the beginning of April.  Last week I showed you a Speckled Mabel Chicken.  I completed 8 speckled and almost completed 1 white chicken.  I also made a gray Load Cat.  I love the pattern and think they are super cute.  I'm just not sure about the whiskers.  In a way, I think a cat NEEDS whiskers.  In another way, they kinda look funky.  What do you think?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Such a pretty sky a few days ago!

My view while making Sunday lunch!

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.  Especially the hubby for work tonight, Nate as he travels back to college at WVU and our trip to WVU on Thursday.

~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.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 7:12

Have a great week!

Colletta