Happy New Year and 2025 Goals ~ 1/3/2025

First of all, I can't even believe that I'm typing 2-0-2-5!  Where have the years gone?  Time is truly flying which is proven by the fact that I'm just now getting time to sit down and think about some goals for the year.

Better get to it while I have a few free minutes!

1.  Daily Devotional Time ~ Spending some time each day with the LORD is something I've been striving to do for many years.  I don't always succeed.  In fact, I feel like a failure sometimes.  I'm going to give myself some grace and do my very best to be persistent and consistent.  My study plan is based on 5 days a week with 2 days to "catch-up" if needed.  I am hopeful that I can complete the study by the end of 2025!

2.  Weigh Myself Daily ~ Every year I make plans to  exercise and lose weight.  In 2025, my goal is to just weigh myself daily and mark it in my planner.  I'm hoping that being mindful of my weight will inspire me to try to be healthier.

3.  Blog Weekly ~ I remember, back in the day, when I would publish multiple posts a DAY here on my blog.  Now I struggle to post once a week!  I'm going to accept that only posting once a week is OK for where I am in my life right now.  Most likely I'll focus on writing a Happy Homemaker Monday post each week.  More than that will just be a bonus :)

4.  Read 26 Books ~ I ended up reading a total of 20 books in 2024 so I was 6 books shy of my 2024 Goodreads Goal.  Once again, I'm setting my goal at 26 books for the year.  I'm not really going to stress over this goal.  In fact, my goal is to read for pleasure and not force my reading time.

5.  Be Creative ~ Whether this be crochet, sewing, or some new-to-me craftiness, I just want to be creative.  

6.  CELEBRATE! ~ We've got some major milestones coming up in 2025!  In February, Laken turns 18 years old and then graduates High School in May!  June 20th will be my parents' 50th Anniversary and September 17th will be our 25th Anniversary.  I'm sure there will be lots of other great things to celebrate in 2025 as well :)

7. THRIVE ~ Ultimately, in 2025, I want to do more than survive.  I want to THRIVE!

Seven goals for the New Year seems like a good number for now.  I think I'll stop there before I overwhelm myself!

Did you set any goals for 2025?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments :)

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/7/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~I haven't written a Tea Time post since before Christmas, so, "How was your Christmas?"  We had a busy month leading up to the big day .  I felt very unprepared this year.  We did our shopping very late and even had a few packages not come in time :(  Christmas Day, itself, was kind of quiet and anti-climatic.  We had to wake Laken up at 9am to open presents...typical teenager who likes her sleep...  Kaylee and Shawn came over for the present opening and then later for dinner.  The time between opening presents and Christmas dinner was kind of like a twilight zone.  Like I said, very quiet day.

~Happy New Year!!!!!  I know it is almost a week late but I do hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day and are enjoying 2024 so far.  The hubby was off the week between Christmas and New Year but had to go back to work on Monday night.  So, what are your plans for 2024?  I'd love to hear!

~I started a new Bible Reading Plan that will take me through the entire Bible in a year.  So far, I'm up-to-date and enjoying my quiet time in the Word.  I also started a Scripture writing plan for January.  The theme is "God is my Refuge".  Again, all up-to-date and enjoying it.

~Laken is back to cyber schooling for a while.  She got so behind from being sick, having surgery, recovery, strep throat and the "sickness" that we decided it was the best option.  She's hoping to head back to in person school for the 4th quarter and is working really hard.  I'm super proud of her.  She's been through a lot and has been very strong even if she has her moments...

~I re-opened my Etsy Shop:  Colletta's Kitchen Sink!  I even sold a Dr. Seuss Cat-in-the-Hat inspired baby blanket Saturday morning.  So far some of the items I have listed are Prayer Shawls, Baby Blankets, Dishcloths and my newest addition:  The Lover Letter Book Cover.  I've made a white one and a purple/yellow on so far.  I do hope you stop by and check out the shop!

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/1/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Happy New Years Day to you as well!

The weather outside is:

Once Christmas is over, I'm ready for Spring, but apparently I'm going to have to suffer through some winter weather this week with colder temperatures than we've had lately and some snow showers.  I really don't mind a bit of snow if we can all stay home and don't have to be traveling in the bad weather.

On today's to-do list: 

~Relax for one more day before trying to get back onto a schedule.

~Start my 2024 Bible Reading Plan to read the Bible through in a year.

Happening this week:

~I'm still trying to decide whether to continue as a stay-at-home-mom or try to look for another job.  In the meantime, I've opened my ETSY shop back up to keep me busy and my hands occupied while Laken is doing schoolwork.  So far I have some dishcloths, shawls and baby blankets listed.

~Laken is starting Cyber School on Tuesday.  She got so far behind on her work due to her surgery/recovery and everything that came afterward (strep throat, the "sickness", etc).  We had a meeting with her principal and guidance counselor and we all decided that switching to online school was the best option for her.  If she gets 50% done with the curriculum by the beginning of the 4th quarter then we can decide if she is going back to in person school to finish out the school year.

Currently reading:

I haven't been reading much.  I downloaded a few Christmas themed books in early December and didn't read even a word.  I did get the following two books with an Amazon gift card I received and they have the cutest patterns and stories to go along with the characters.  I can't wait to try my hand at one.

~I've set a reading "goal" this year to read at least 15 minutes a day.  I really should pick out a book (other than the Bible) to start the year off.  Any suggestions?  

Watching:

We've been watching a decent amount of TV lately.  Of course, I had to keep my annual tradition alive and watch "White Christmas" (which we did NOT have).  We also watched the newest "Indiana Jones" movie and also "23 Blast" which was really good.  I've also been watching a ton of amigurumi tutorials and vlogs about crocheting toys on Youtube.

Listening to:

On the menu today:

Pork Roast, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Banana Cake

In the Craft Basket:

My current works in progress that I'd like to get finished within the next few days are a Think Pink Prayer Shawl and a set of pastel variegated dishcloths.  I've also been dabbling in amigurumi and have made a little sea turtle, a little chicken and a little octopus.  I wanted to get some practice in the crochet techniques used in amigurumi before I start attempting any projects from the above books I received.  I can't wait!!!

Picture from the Camera

My very first attempt at crocheting a plushie/stuffed animal :)

Bible Verse

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  Genesis 1:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Saturday 9 ~ What's Up Pussycat ~ 1/7/2023

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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What's New Pussycat (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Tom Jones wants to know what's new in his girl's life. Here at Saturday 9, we're concentrating on the new year. What do you hope will be new and different in your life during 2023?

 

I'm hoping to find more of a balance.  I started working outside the home in August and my favorite hobbies have been put on the back burner (actually...almost non-existent).  Now that I'm "settled in" I'd like to set time aside each day for hobbies.

2) He sings that he has flowers for his special girl. Are there fresh flowers in your home right now?

Nope!

 

3) He also wants to spend hours with her. What is something you'd like to spend more time doing in 2023?

 

I kinda already answered this in #1 but more specifically:  reading, crocheting, sewing and quilting.

4) Before his music career took off, Tom Jones supported himself by selling vacuum cleaners. Could your home benefit from a once-over with a vacuum right now?

We have all wood floors so not really a vacuum but it could definitely use a broom!

 

5) Memorabilia from Tom's 1990 world tour was available eBay and the bids went up to $599 a jacket worn by the stage crew. Have you ever bought anything at an auction (online or otherwise)?

Just ebay for items such as books, movies etc. Nothing major.

6) Tom's adult grandson, Alex, represented Wales in rifle shooting in the Commonwealth Games. Is there a sport you'd like to try, or get better at, in 2023?

Just walking and increasing my speed and step count.

7) In 1965, when this song was popular, Tom Jones made a new friend, Elvis Presley. Tom had a meeting at Paramount Studios to discuss recording a song for a movie soundtrack and Elvis was finishing a film. It was the beginning of a friendship that would continue for the rest of Elvis' life. Did you make any new friends in 2022?

I'd like to call my new coworkers my friends :)

8) Also in 1965, The Sound of Music premiered and became one of the most successful movies of all time. Have you seen it?

The Sound of Music is one of my top 2 favorite movies!  The other one is White Christmas.  There's no way I could say which is my favorite!

9) Random question: Were you like those shoppers we saw on TV, in line at a retailer after the holidays to exchange a gift that wasn't quite right?

No.  I didn't exchange anything that I received.

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Colletta 

Tea Time ~ 12/29/2022 ~ Christmas 2022 and New Year 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 don't think I wished my readers a proper "Merry Christmas"!  So, "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!  We had a very nice, long Christmas weekend.  I'm still waiting on a few presents to be delivered so Christmas has been extended :)

~The Hubby and Laken were both off work/school all week.  The hubby met me for lunch today after he dropped Laken off at a friend's house for a sleep over.  I only have 30 minutes for lunch but it was nice to get to see him and break up the day a bit.

~The hubby has also been busy organizing the Family Room this week.  Every day I come home to a few changes and improvements.  I still need to organize my crafting area though.  It is off-limits to him.  Hopefully, I'll get to work on it over this coming long weekend.

~I wrote a 2023 Planning post yesterday.  If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.

~I always get very excited for the New Year!  We don't have any set plans for New Year's Eve yet and, truthfully, I'd just as well stay home and relax.  Do you have plans?  What about traditions?

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

The Good Stuff ~ 12/30/2021

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~ Happy New Year's Eve Eve!  I love New Year's Eve and New Year's Day as much as I love Christmas :)  Christmas is wonderful but New Year's is full of fresh calendars and new beginnings.  A chance to start over...again!  A new year full of possibilities!  May YOUR New Year be filled with God's blessings :)

~Audrey Belle!  Speaking of God's blessings...Audrey Belle made her appearance on December 23rd!  My very special cousin, Brian, and his wife, Rachel, welcomed her at 3:01pm.  I haven't met her personally yet but she's beautiful :)

~Goodreads Challenge 2021!  I met my goal for the Goodreads Challenge but it was a pitifully low number.  I read just 12 books in 2021.  But, I've been reading away the past few weeks and am excited about the Kindred Readers Book Club.  I think I'll set my goal for 2022 at 52 books.  1 book per week.  I think I can.  I think I can! :)

~The Love of Reading!  Laken received the Percy Jackson book collection for Christmas.  This girl would spend ALL her time reading if we let her.  I love it!

What has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/31/2020

 

Here are some things that made me thankful/smile/excited this week:

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~ Christmas!  We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas!  The girls are getting older now so we slept in until around 7am and I actually had to wake them up!  I love the Christmas season and all the preparations and time spent together.  Things were a little bit different this year but still GOOD :)

~Mary, Did You Know!  The Ladies Choir at Church sang "Mary, Did You Know" this past Sunday morning after having one practice!  Yikes!  We were worried about coming in at just the right moment but we managed to pull it off :)  Here's one of my favorite versions of the song, that we sounded nothing like.  Nothing...

~New Computer!  I mentioned earlier in the week that my oldest daughter, Kaylee, got me a new computer for Christmas!  It didn't get here until this past Monday but that is OK.  I'm still super excited to have my own computer again!  It was just so hard to use my kindle for everything.

~Bible Reading Plan!  I will be attempting to read The One Year Chronological Bible in 2021.  I'm very excited about this because my Mom and my Aunt Donna will be reading along with me!  I'm hoping that having the extra motivation and support will help me be more consistent with my daily Bible reading.  If you'd like to join along, here is the Bible we will be using.  There is even a Kindle version.

~Calendars and Planners!  I have my new wall calendar and a new blogging planner all set and ready to use come tomorrow!   My new calendar is Landscapes and my planner is in my favorite turquoise color.  I'm a geek about these kind of things :)

~New Year's Eve!  I want to take this little bit of space to say goodbye to 2020 and say hello to 2021...It has been real but I'm ready to leave 2020 behind!  I pray that 2021 will be kinder and more gentle to us all :)

What are you thankful for/smiling/exited about this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

P.S. I love for you to stop by MY SHOP and give it some love!

Tuesday 4 ~ New Year's ~ 12/29/2020

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

The Times Square ball first dropped on December 31, 1907. It is 12 feet in diameter and covered with Swarovski crystals. 

1.  Despite the weirdness of this past year, was it still a good year for you anyway or not?

Yes, the past year was strange and unlike anything we've had to deal with before, but it was still a good year.  We learned to spend more time with family and cherish every moment together.

2. How will you spend New Year's Eve?

We will spend New Year's Eve with our family having shrimp and apple cider, our traditions :)

3. What do you do on New Year's Day? Is football part of the agenda?

New Year's Day is usually a relaxing day.  We do cook the traditional pork and sauerkraut.  Football doesn't really play a big part of of New Year's Day.  How about you?  What are your traditional New Year's foods?

4. It's a Scottish tradition to kiss at midnight.  Do you keep that tradition? Does everyone get a kiss if you do?

I didn't know it was a Scottish tradition until this post!  The hubby and I do share a kiss at midnight.  Sometimes, if I'm really tired, I'll go to bed but set my alarm for 11:50pm just so I can wake up for the ball drop and my kiss :)

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can stop by MY SHOP and give it some love!

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/2/20

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

~Happy New Year!  I'm so excited for 2020!  I always look forward to starting a fresh, new year.  If you're interested in reading my "10 Goals for 2020" click HERE :)

~A New Quilt!  The family and I went to the mall over Christmas break and found that Sears is having a "closing sale".  I discovered a King sized quilt in my favorite colors and it only cost me $8.47.  My hubby would tell you that I have too many quilts, but I couldn't pass it up for that price! :)

~Organized Bedroom!  I spent some time on last Saturday working in our bedroom, particularly my closet and book shelves.  We moved some things around and tried to make the room more functional and aesthetically pleasing.  It feels so good to have less clutter :)

~A Loss!  I was so excited to report that I had a loss on the scale after Christmas instead of a gain.  You can read more on my last Weekly Weigh In post :)

~New Agenda!  I was gifted a 2020 agenda for Christmas.  I already have an agenda that I use for my daily tasks so I decided to use my new agenda to keep track of "One Sentence A Day".  I'll be writing one or two (maybe three) sentences about each day.  I'll be posting my sentences on the blog at the end of each month.  Rebecca Jo at Knit By God's Hands hosts a monthly linkup where I'll be sharing.  I'm excited to try out this form of journaling!  :)


What made you smile this week? 

Colletta

Happy 2020!!!!!!!

 

Colletta

10 Goals for 2020!

Can you believe that a new decade is starting?  Isn't that exciting?!?  I absolutely adore starting a New Year!

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my goals for 2020. What do I want to do?  What do I want to accomplish?  What do I want to achieve?  What are my plans?

So, I put together a list of 10 goals for 2020.  Some are big and some are small.  Some will be super hard and others will be easy.  Some are new and some I already do and want to continue.  Without further ado, here are my goals for 2020 in no particular order:

1.  Read 26 Books.  In the past I always set my reading goal for 52 books.  I don't know the last time I actually hit that goal.  So, I decided to set a more realistic goal of 26 books this coming year.  I'll be reading books from my current TBR (to be read) shelf and participating in the Goodreads Challenge and the Mount TBR Challenge.

2.  Lose 52 lbs.  I feel like losing weight is on my list every year but this year I'm going to be more realistic with this goal also.  If I can just lose an average of 1 lb. a week, by this time next year I'll have lost over 75 lbs total.

3.  Exercise 5 Days Per Week For 30 Minutes.  Setting my goal for 5 days a week may be setting my goal a bit high, but I want to be specific in my goal and create a weekday habit of walking for at least 30 minutes a day.  I'm going to be writing "Exercise" on my daily planner just like any other task I want to accomplish.  I'm hopeful that I can accomplish this goal!

4.  Daily Bible Study Time.  Having a daily Bible Study time is something I currently do and want to continue and be even more consistent with.  My daily goal is to read at least 1-3 chapters of the Bible and also stay current with my Ladies Bible Study lesson for the week.  I'm not going to try to do a "Bible in a Year" in 2020 as I find it very difficult to stay on plan and achieve.  I then feel guilty so I want to set my goal as something I can maintain on a daily basis.  My goal is to be in the Word daily but not feel pressured.

5.  Grow My Hair Out.  I've been growing my hair for about 6-7 months now and it is finally almost chin length.  (I had a pretty short pixie cut.)  I want to continue growing it out to be at least between my chin and my shoulders.  After I get it that long, I can decide if I want to continue growing it out or keep it shoulder length.

6.  Continue MyWW.  I've been on the MyWW (Weight Watchers) program for about 5 months now.  This isn't my first time on WW.  In the past, I've given up.  My goal for 2020 is to continue on the program the entire year.  I want to work the program to the fullest with tracking my SmartPoints and getting my weekly FitPoint goal.  I'm already committed until March because of my sign-on package but I want to stay motivated and committed throughout the entire year.

7.  Be a Consistent Pen Pal.  This goal should be simple but life gets in the way.  My plan is to NOT put a recently received letter aside to write back later but to write back to my Pen Pal right away.  I love all things stationary, so I think having some new, cute stationary will help keep me inspired!

8.  Stay on Budget.  I have our 2020 Budget Binder all set up and ready to go!  Now comes the hard part.  2020 is going to be a year of paying off debt and getting ahead in our savings.

9.  Be Organized.  I've recently been on an organizing kick.  I've been organizing our bills and papers, my desk and will soon be working on getting our bedroom more organized.  My 2020 goal is to keep it that way!

10.  Blog Daily.  This is something I currently try to do and want to continue.  I have a pretty good schedule set up for myself.  I've been blogging for 10 years (with a few breaks here and there) and have considered giving it up but I enjoy it too much.  Blogging is a wonderful outlet for creativity.  I love blogging about books I've read and my crochet creations and things I'm thankful for.  I hope others enjoy stopping by my blog as much as I enjoy writing the posts.

Well, that is it for now.  I'm sure there will be other things I think of and want to do but 10 isgoals more than plenty to start with.

I'd LOVE to know what your goals are for 2020.  Let me know in the comments!

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/3/19

 

~"singing"  The kids went back to school today!  I love having them home but by the end of break, I'm ready for some normalcy.  Laken and Dex weren't thrilled with getting put early (neither was I) but it had to be done :)


~The hubby went back to work yesterday.  I was off almost 2 weeks and we got so much accomplished!  He built two closets in our bedroom, one for each of us, and rearranged the Family Room.  We organized bins and dressers and I love it!  The Family Room seems so much bigger with the way we have the couches/chair situated :)


~We spent New Year's Eve at home playing games and watching movies.  We were supposed to go to my brother's house for shrimp but he got sick :(  So, Plan B came about.  I ended up taking a nap at 9pm and then getting back up at 11:30pm to finish out the year.  The hubby set off fireworks and we watched the ball drop before heading back to bed.  Oh, and I got my New Year's kiss :)


~New Year's Day was pretty laid back.  We slept in, of course!  Then we went just up the road to my aunt and uncle's house for lunch.  We had the traditional pork and sauerkraut to start the new year off right :)  After that we came back home and hung out.  The hubby and girls played PlayStation and I started reading my First Book of 2019.


~Finally, I'm so excited to once again endeavor to read the Bible from beginning to end this year.  I'll be reading The One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation along with Wendy Pope and the other Read Thru the Word participants.  You can read more about this program at www.wendypope.org .  I hope to stay on track this year :)




What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 1/2/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

Today is  NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY

National Science Fiction Day is celebrated annually on January 2nd by millions of science fiction fans across the United States.  The date of January 2 was chosen for National Science Fiction Day as it corresponds with the birth date of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.   National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. 

HOW TO OBSERVE

Watch some classic science fiction t.v. shows or movies.  Start reading a science fiction novel. Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.

1.  Will you observe National Science Fiction Day as recommended above?  Do you even like science fiction?

I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction.  I can watch a movie now and then but I don't think I've ever read a Science Fiction book.  So, no, I'm not planning to observe Science Fiction Day.

2.  Have you chosen a "word" for 2019?  Many people do. THIS QUIZ might help you find your word!!

I have chosen my "One Word" for 2019.  My word for the year is "Discipline".  There are many areas in my life where I need more discipline  including but not limited to diet, exercise and Bible reading.

3.  Did you stay up to see the new year in?  Are you happy or sad to see 2018 go?

As I'm writing this on Monday, I can't say for sure if I'll stay up until midnight tonight but I plan to.  I'm always excited to ring in a new year.  I look forward to a fresh start and getting a new wall calendar!

4.  I really enjoy the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year's Day but rarely get to sit and enjoy the entire parade because I am cooking.  Did you watch the parade?  Did you cook/eat the traditional foods (pork, black-eyed peas, kraut, greens...) to begin the new year?

I've never heard of the Tournament of Roses parade...  On New Year's Day we always go to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner and have the traditional pork, and sauerkraut along with mashed potatoes and sides.  My Mom always bakes a Banana Cake for dessert.  Yummy :)

5.  I have to ask... Resolutions.  Did you make any or set some new goals for 2019?  Or do you even think about it?

My goals follow along with my "One Word" of discipline.  I want to have more discipline in my life and actually follow through with my goals or resolutions.  I'd like to lose 50 lbs this year which needs me to be disciplined in my diet and exercise.  I also want to read through the Bible in 2019 which will take tons of discipline!

6.  Tell us something random about your week

I just want to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very happy, healthy and blessed 2019!  Happy New Year!

Colletta

Happy New Year ~ 2019

I'd like to take a moment to wish all my readers a very

I'm wishing you the very best!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Refuge by Finding Favour ~ 1/1/17

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

In 2017, let us make Christ our REFUGE.



 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

I'm also linking up to Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace .



Listicle ~ All Things New ~ 1/6/14

"My Favorite 10 Things New"

1. Babies!

2.  Books!

3.  Tablets!

4.  Pens!

5.  Snow!

6.  Lipgloss!

7.  Eyeliner!

8.  Fabric!

9.  Yarn!

10.  Starts!

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Happy Monday!

Five on Friday ~ 1/3/14

Five things that made me smile this week :)

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1.  My mom got a new puppy!  His name is A.J. after a beagle that my great-grandfather once had.  He is adorable and we're all spoiling him rotten :)

2.  Spending lots of quality time with the family while everyone was off work/school!  We watched lots of great movies like Princess Bride, Princess Diaries, A Cinderella Story and caught up on a bunch of DVR'd shows :)

3.  Getting back into blogging, reading and baking!  I was really in a slump but seem to have found my groove again :)

4.  Starting a new Bible-in-a-Year plan!  My Mom and I are going back to a previous book we used for our reading plan.  If you need a great plan, they are available on Amazon for a penny.  I really enjoyed it and look forward to digging in again this year :)

5.  A New Year to celebrate! :)

What made you smile this week?

Merry Christmas, 2013! and Where I've Been

How has it been 4 months since I've posted?

How has it been almost that long since I've read a book?

I think I hit burn out with blogging and reading after my marathon run at review books.  I loved receiving and reading them but I went overboard and got overwhelmed.

Moving on...

What's new?  Thanks for asking :)

~I got a JOB!  Yes, a job.  I start working at our local community college on January 7th as a secretary for the Nursing Faculty Staff.  I'm really excited!  With both girls in school and me being on book and blog burnout for the past few months, I've been getting really bored throughout the day.  Everything fell into place so nicely for this opportunity!  I'll be working 9am-1pm which is perfect for getting the girls off to school and back home before they get off the bus.

~I just signed up for "First Book of the Year 2014" over at Book Journey.  I really want to get back into enjoying a good book.  I saw this "party" and decided that it would be the perfect way.  The book I picked to start reading is "The Sum of All Kisses" by Julia Quinn, my very favorite author.  I still can't believe I've had this book since October and haven't read it yet!

~I'm going to be creating a new blogging schedule.  I haven't given it a lot of thought yet.  I'm sure I'll have some old favorites and maybe some new favorites.  If you have any great ideas for me, please let me know!

I'm really looking forward to a great, fun-filled New Year.  I'm so ready!