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

Tea Time ~ 2/4/2023

 

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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~I've been contemplating my blogging schedule today.  I "might" change things up a bit but I'm still undecided.  Any suggestions?

~I hit 1.5 million views here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink.  To some that may not seem like a lot but it has been a long time coming!  I started blogging in 2009.  I've taken some breaks over the years, but always seem to come back to this space.  I love that I can look back and see my girls when they were little and what we were doing.

~Talking about when the girls were little...My babies have grown up before my very eyes!  Thursday, Laken turned 16 years old!  She has big plans to go Monday and take her drivers permit test.  I don't know if I'm ready for this!  We went to Cracker Barrel Thursday evening to celebrate the milestone and Laken got her complimentary Coca Cola Cake with ice cream :)

~The hubby and I have been watching a new TV show called "Alert".  Douglas isn't sure about it yet but I am anxiously awaiting the newest episode on Monday night!  Have you seen it?

~We're having a Family Movie Night tonight!  We're either watching "Disenchanted" or "Wakanda Forever".  If we have time, maybe both.  If you had to choose one to watch, which would it be?

So, what's new with you?s

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 6/6/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

Another gorgeous week ahead :)

On today's to-do list: 

We had a busy weekend full of great family time.  That means not much got done around the house.  I'll be doing my normal weekly cleaning or as the Fly Lady calls it "Home Blessing" :)

Happening this week:

Thursday is the hubby's 54th birthday!  He took Friday off work so we'll probably be going to see the new Jurassic World movie that comes out that same day.  First, though, I need to watch the 2nd movie of the Jurassic World series or I'll probably be lost!

Next week is Church Camp, so I don't know how much I'll be posting next week.  I'm helping with the Youth and also with the cooking.  I'm going to be busy, busy, busy!

Currently reading:

"The Rose Garden" by Susanna Kearsley is the Kindred Readers Book Club selection for July.  I started reading last week but didn't get very far yet.  I'm enjoying it but I'm finding that I am reading slower when I'm trying to come up with discussion questions.  I'm hoping to finish up before Church Camp.

Watching:

We watched "The Lost City" with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum.  It was hilarious!  I laughed out loud many times.  I think we watched it on Paramount.

I set up y DVR to record a show on HGTV called something along the lines of "The Beach Project" (????).  I'm looking forward to watching it soon.

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "The Healing" by Blanca and Dante Bowe.  I hope you'll check it out :) 

On the menu today:

Creamed Chipped Beef, Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working on Sunny Blue Hawaii 2 and have made some progress.  I have two rows all tied off and crocheted together.  Only 49 squares to go!  Whooohooo :) 

Picture from the Camera

Memory Verse

"Rejoice in the LORD always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The LORD is near.  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:4-7

#P31OBS

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 6/2/2022

 

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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~We went to the theater Friday afternoon to see the move "Top Gun Maverick".  While I'm not a huge fan of Tom Cruise (personally), we LOVED this movie!  It was so good.  I even think it might have been better than the original "Top Gun".  Yep, I said it :)

~Saturday, we went to a local-ish amusement park called Delgrosso's.  My brother and sister-in-law got us all season passes for Christmas!  It was only about 66F, so the water park section was bare and it actually wasn't as busy at the ride's as I thought it would be for Opening Weekend.  

Afterwards,we stopped by the mall and Laken got her ears pierced.  She's been wanting her second piercing for a while now and we promised that if she got her school work done on time, she could get them.  She is one happy camper :)

~Sunday we had a graduation party to go to at Shawnee (our local state park).  It started at 4pm but we decided to go up right after morning Church to spend some time together by the lake.  It was such a gorgeous day, weekend really!

~The girls did some tie-dyeing on Memorial Day (I'm actually wearing my new shirt right now ;)  They had each gotten a large kit of tie-dye supplies for Easter and finally had some time to spend creating :)

~I promised last week that I would get some pictures of Kaylee's house with her flowers.  Here they are :)

How was your week?  What's new with you?

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 5/30/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

This weekend was BEAUTIFUL and Memorial Day is supposed to be GORGEOUS!  I don't even mind the thunderstorms here and there :)

On today's to-do list: 

We're having a cookout at my brother's house.  He's been working so hard to get their pool ready and even got a heat pump for the pool!  It is going to be lovely :)

Other than being Memorial Day, we are celebrating my nephew getting into the Tech Center for his first choice of Graphics and celebrating Laken finishing up her school work!  They both worked so hard!

Happening this week:

Proberbs 31's Summer Online Bible Study, "Fighting Words", starts Tuesday, May 31st.  It isn't too late to join in!

Wednesday, June 1st, The Kindred Readers Book Club will be starting to read and discuss "The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel.  Come join us!

Currently reading:

"The Rose Garden" by Susanna Kearsley is the Kindred Readers Book Club selection for July.  I like to read ahead and get the discussion questions ready.  I'm just getting ready to start reading this.

Watching:

We went to the theater to see "Top Gun Maverick" and it was AMAZING!  If you get a chance (and liked Top Gun) you really should go see it in the theater.  Great movie.

We recently got Paramount Plus so I think we'll probably be watching "1883" soon.  If you have Paramount Plus, is there anything we should watch?

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "Let the Light In" by Joshua Micah.  I hope you'll check it out :) 

On the menu today:

Burgers, Hotdogs

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working on Sunny Blue Hawaii 2 but don't have any updated pictures.  I have probably 10-15 squares completed so far.

Picture from the Camera

Memory Verse

"But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them."

Psalm 103: 17-18

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Movie Reviews ~ Midway and Hacksaw Ridge

This past weekend was a WWII movie weekend.

We started off by watching "Midway" on Friday night and then on Saturday we watched "Hacksaw Ridge".

We saw the preview for "Midway" while getting ready to watch a movie a few weekends ago.  When I saw it in the Redbox, I snagged it up as the hubby and I both thought it looked interesting.  I didn't know much about the Battle of Midway.  Of course, I'm familiar with Pearl Harbor and how the United States got involved in WWII but Midway was new territory for me.

The movie was great!  I love history so it especially appealed to me.  The hubby was a bit bored in some parts but I thought the whole movie was interesting, even the low key scenes that were setting up for bigger scenes.  I especially liked the whole concept of the decoders.

The movie was realistic and graphic in a "war movie" sense.  Please use caution with younger children.

"Hacksaw Ridge" is an older movie that we realized we had never sat down and watched.  I knew that it had gotten a lot of awards but, man, it was amazing!

The story of Desmond Doss was so very interesting.  I loved the movie from start to finish.  It had to be absolutely horrific to go through what our Military goes through each and every day to keep us safe and free.

Again, this movie was VERY realistic and was very bloody.  We didn't allow our 13 year old to watch it with us as I knew it would be upsetting to her.  Use caution.

Watching these movies pretty much back-to-back was a very eye-opening experience.  We didn't intend to have a WWII themed weekend but it was well worth the time.

Have you seen either of the movies?  What did you think of them?

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 1/23/20-1/29/20

A few sentences about each day...

January 23-29, 2020

23/Thurs ~ We got a wifi extender to boost the wifi upstairs as the modem is downstairs and the connection hasn't been the best.  So far it is working well and apparently the problem wasn't my laptop!  VOTD:  Mark 2:17

24/Fri ~ Kaylee and I went to the hair salon today before the rain/ice came.  I got highlights and Kaylee got a pixie cut.  It is so cute!  VOTD:  John 11:6

25/Sat ~ We had a Family Movie Night and watched the sequel of Maleficent.  I liked it better than the first movie.  VOTD: Psalm 95:6

26/Sun ~ Today I didn't feel the best.  I made it through Church in the morning and then took a Sunday afternoon nap.  I went to bed early with the hope that I'd feel better in the morning.  VOTD:  Romans 12:12

27/Mon ~ I feel much more the thing today.  I received my Valentine Swap package from Deb @ www.readerbuzz.blogspot.com in the mail today.  The chocolate didn't last long :)  I also got a letter from my Pen Pal and Kaylee got a letter stating that she made the Dean's List!  It was a good mail day :)  VOTD:  Psalm 62:8

28/ Tues ~ I wrote a letter back to my penpal with some get-to-know-me information and got it in the mail.  I got some yarn to make my "Angel" from Church a shawl for Valentine's Day. Now I just need to get it crocheted so that I can send it to her at college.  I hope she likes the color!  VOTD:  Habakkuk 2:2

29/Wed ~ I got 8000 steps in today!  That is a new record for me!  Kaylee and I went to the gym and the store.  Then I went to the dentist with Doug.  This evening was Prayer Meeting and Bible Study.  I'm beat!  VOTD:  Proverbs 12:4

Colletta

VOTD = Verse of the Day

Movie Review ~ The Art of Racing in the Rain ~ RECOMMENDED!!!

I don't often write Movie Reviews but I couldn't let this movie go by unrecommended!

"The Art of Racing in the Rain" may be the best movie I've seen all year!  Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure:

The hubby has been working a lot of over-time and I knew he'd just want to relax Saturday night so I picked up the movie at our local Redbox to have a nice quiet Family Movie Night.  I was very excited to see "Racing in the Rain" as an option!  I quickly snatched it up.

I really can't recommend this movie enough.  I laughed and cried.  I cried a lot actually...  My family thought I was over-reacting but I think I saw some other misty eyes.

It was so odd, but the entire time the movie was on our Chocolate Lab, Kona, kept coming up to me and putting her head on my leg.  Her sweetness probably made the movie even better for me.

I was very pleased with the how clean this movie was.  I think it is rated PG and it was definitely family friendly.

There was some custody drama toward the later part of the movie which could be confusing or maybe hit a little too close to home for some.  I just wanted to mention this in case you are going through anything similar or have littles who wouldn't understand.

So, definitely grab this movie if you see it out and about!  I may even buy it.  I loved it that much!


Let me know if you've seen the movie and what you thought.  If you haven't seen it yet, do you think you will?


Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 10/31/19

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

~Sleepovers!  Last Friday night the hubby had to work; Laken stayed the night with her cousins; and Kaylee decided to spend the night at her uncle and aunt's house.  Put that all together and I had a nice, quiet evening to myself with just the dogs :)

~Lion King!  We rented the new version of Lion King from the Redbox Saturday and had a Family Movie Night.  I might like to have time to myself every once in a while, but I do enjoy having the whole family together, also :)

~Nonfiction November!  I decided to join in with the reading event "Nonfiction November".  If you'd like to check out what books I'm going to read, click HERE.  :)

~Yarn Chicken!  Have you ever played Yarn Chicken?  For those who aren't familiar with the term, it is when you only have a tiny bit of yarn left and are trying to finish a project without having to buy more.  Well, I played Yarn Chicken with Medium Thyme (sage green) in an Outdoorsy/Woodsy Baby Blanket I'm making for my Shop.  Here's how much I had left :)

~Last Rose of Summer!  My Dad went outside yesterday afternoon and came in with the last roses of summer from the rose bush that was a starter from my Grandmother's rose garden.  It was dark and dreary outside and the rose really brightened the day :)

 What are you thankful for?  What made you smile today?

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 7/11/19

~Hubby's vacation week!  Last week was all about family time.  The number of summer vacation we get to spend with our girls is dwindling as they grow up and that makes me a bit sad but we had a great week :)

~Lake Tobias!  Lake Tobias is a wildlife park in Halifax, PA.  I had never heard of it before Laken went on a field trip to there this past school year.  We made the 3 hour drive to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park so Laken could be our tour guide.  We even went on a safari where the animal came right up to the safari vehicle.  It was amazing to see all the animals and so close :)

~The Meg!  One evening we rented a movie from the Redbox and had a Family Movie night complete with Twizzlers :)  The Meg was a great movie but don't watch it if you already have a fear of sharks!  :)

~Ice Cream!  Of course we hit up our favorite ice cream spot a few times while on vacation.  Sundae's has THE BEST peanut butter sundae I've ever had.  Yummm…  The flavor of the week was Black Raspberry.  It switched over to Cotton Candy on Monday.  Laken is pleading for another ice cream trip as Cotton Candy is her FAVORITE :)

~Camping!  We went tent camping for 3 days and 2 nights at Shawnee State Park here in PA.  We set up two tents and 4 air mattresses in 1.5 hours flat!  It was a good thing we were so quick about it because a rain shower came not long after the last tent peg was pounded into the ground.  We had so much fun camping.  It was a nice relaxing time of fishing, reading, hiking and sitting around the campfire.  I can't wait to go again :)
 
What are you thankful for today?

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Thankful Thursday ~ 2/28/19

~Safe Travels!  My Mom, Dad, brother and SIL went on a bus trip to Kentucky (from PA) to see the Creation Museum and the Ark.  On the way home, they got behind an accident that was caused by the extremely high winds.  They were 3 hours late, but finally they made it safely home :)

~Electricity!  Again, extremely high winds came through Sunday.  We prepared for power outages but thankfully our electric stayed on.  We were lucky because people just a few miles away were without power for over a day.  Yay, for electricity :)

~Spring Training!  THE Pittsburgh Pirates are officially in Spring Training!  I'm so excited to be able to watch them play.  Unfortunately, not all the Grapefruit League games are televised so I'll have to wait until the end of March.  Spring is coming!!!!  :)

~Applebee's!  We had a family night out on Saturday and ate at Applebee's.  It was so good and I didn't have to cook.  Win-win :)

~How To Train Your Dragon 3!  After Applebee's we headed to the theater to see How To Train Your Dragon 3.  It is the final movie in the series and it was really cute.  I didn't see all of the second movie so I didn't know if I would know what was happening.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it for families; or anyone who likes to watch animated movies :)

 
What are you thankful for today?

 
Colletta

Tuesday Talk ~ Lately ~ 2/19/19

Today I'm joining Ashley and Erika for Tuesday Talk!

Things I'm thinking about lately:

1.  I have a mammogram scheduled on February 26th.  This is not a new thing for me.  I've been getting mammograms since I was 35, so for 5 years now.  Early screening is kind of a big deal in my family.  Breast cancer is prevalent in our family history.  My grandmother, Audrey, ultimately passed away due to breast cancer complications of breast cancer.  I get a little scared every time I have a mammogram.  The "What Ifs" kick in and stay there until I get the A-OK from my results.

2.  We're having a Family Night on Saturday.  Once a month we make it a point to go out as a family.  It might be for a sit down dinner and a movie at the theater or it could be fast food and a Redbox movie.  I think the consensus amidst the family is to go see "How to Train Your Dragon 3" at the theater.  So I need to quickly catch up on "How to Train Your Dragon 2" or I'm going to be lost!

3.  Every year come February/March I start to become dissatisfied with my hair.  I'm currently trying to grow out a terrible pixie cut and it is taking way too long.  This is about the time that I say "chop it all off!".  I hate the awkward stage of growing out a short cut.  It isn't too bad right now style-wise but I'm getting antsy about the color.  I have a few grays that are coming in and all my color has grown out.  So...should I let my hair go natural (mouse brown with grays and all), color to something like the picture below or get highlights to brighten my hair up overall?  What do you think?

What have you been thinking about lately???

Colletta