Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/26/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

The first week of Laken's Senior Year is in the books!  I feel kind of old.

I was looking at all the obligatory first day of school pictures that everyone was posting on Facebook.  There were a lot of Seniors and even College students but I also saw lots of little ones getting on the school bus or outside their school for the first time.

I guess I've just always seen myself as a young mom.  I have to come to the realization that I'm old enough (more than old enough) to be a ,,,  GRANDMOTHER!  Settle down!  No one is pregnant.  (to my knowledge ).  I have to move on or I'm going to get super depressed about my babies being grown!

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

Summer is back.  That is all.

On today's to-do list:

I'm off work at my job today so I get to be a Happy Homemaker all day!  I got most of my to-do list done on Friday, my last day off as I had to work both Saturday and Sunday.  My list for today will be to wash my work shirts, fold laundry, take Laken to and from school, practice driving with Laken in the afternoon, alter a few dresses I got at the thrift shop and anything else that comes my way.  I might even take a nap.  Wouldn't that be glorious!?!

Happening this week:

I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.  I work the early shift which is good for taking Laken to school in the mornings.

I have hopes of it being a fairly quiet week with just the normal activities.  We don't have any appointments this week which is a good thing.

Currently reading:

Only my devotional and Bible.

I just watched a movie about a Book Club (more about that later) and it really has me missing the Kindred Readers Book Club that I used to co-host on Facebook.  Does anyone belong to a good Book Club that you could point me to?  I need a REALLY good book to get me hooked and back in to reading.

Listening to:

Enjoy!

Watching:

My babies grow up!  Here is the First Day of Kindergarten Picture next to the First Day of Senior Year picture.

  

As I mentioned above, we watched "Blind Date Book Club" and it was so cute!  It was about a bookstore owner who hosted a "mystery" book club by wrapping the books with paper and just putting a blurb on the front to intrigue people into reading the book.  If they liked the book (or not) they could come share their thoughts on the book.  Erin Krakow was the leading lady and I really enjoy her movies.  Let me know if you saw it or if you're going to go watch it now that you've heard about the movie :)

I've also been watching some new YouTube channels featuring "sewists" which have me itching to get my sewing machine out!

In the Kitchen:

Friday I had supper in the oven and decided while the oven was hot to try a second variation of the cinnamon roll "cobbler".  A few week ago I made one with apple pie filling and it was SO very good!

This time I had picked chocolate chips and pecans!

I cut the cinnamon rolls in fours, melted a stick of butter, added brown sugar and cinnamon plus about half a bag of chocolate chips and stirred it all together.

I only put the pecans on half the cobbler because not everyone in the house likes them (Laken).  It turned out so delicious!  I might have over-done it with the stick of butter because there was a lot of oeey gooey goodness.  I was going to wipe it off the plate to make the picture look more professional but decided to leave it as is to show the yumminess!

I haven't decided what to make this week.  Any suggestions?

In the Craft Basket:

I'm e...v...e...r so slowly working on Japanese Fields blocks.

I also want to alter a few dresses I got at the thrift store as I mentioned above.  The first dress is just too big and shapeless.  I think I'll take the sides in and maybe add a belt.  The second dress has straps and peekaboo shoulders that hand WAY too low on my shoulders.  I'm thinking of just cutting off the peekaboo shoulders and wearing a shrug over top of it as I wouldn't feel comfortable without one.  

Picture from the Camera

Prayer Request

Please keep my work situation in your prayers.  I absolutely do not like having to work on Sunday morning but it seems like they keep scheduling me to work then.

Laken is now taking 4 college courses.  Please pray that she does well with them and that she stays healthy.

As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all those going back to school.

Bible Verse

"First of all then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."  I Timothy 2: 1-2  NASB

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/19/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

I almost missed posting today!  I usually will sit down on Sunday evening and type up my Happy Homemaker post but I was just too tired yesterday.  I decided that a nap was what was needed for that moment.

Then today, Monday, I was busy working from 10a-4p and then this evening we had Laken's very last High School Open House.  She was just going to go with her friends but we (the hubby and I) have been to every single one of her open houses and decided we weren't going to miss this one either.

There is officially one more day of Summer Vacation here in our house then the school year begins.  Where has the time gone?  I feel like I ask this question all the time but it seriously feels like the weeks fly by.  Fall is in the air!

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

This morning when I went outside to go to work, it definitely felt like the beginnings of  Fall.  It was warm but the breeze was cool.  I think the highest the temperature got today was 73F.  Tomorrow looks to be even cooler but then it gets a bit warmer toward the end of the week.  We've been getting rain here and there but on Sunday afternoon it absolutely dumped the rain.  It was as if someone were pouring the rain out of a bucket instead of being raindrops!  At least the grass has gotten green again :)

On today's to-do list: 

I had to work 10a-4p.  I keep telling myself that when I work this shift, I will get up early and get something accomplished before heading out the door.  Inevitably, I end up sleeping until I absolutely HAVE to get up to get ready.

As I mentioned above, this evening we had Laken's Senior Open House.  When we got home I jumped in the shower and then sat down at my desk to have my devotion time and now type this post.

Happening this week:

Counting today, I work 4 days in a row this week: M-TH.  I have Friday off but then work Saturday 7a-1p and Sunday 9a-2p.  My work schedule is really strange next week.  I'm also not happy about work on Sunday again  :(

Tuesday should be a fairly relaxing evening unless Laken decides that she needs last-minute items for school.  Other than that I have nothing planned.

Wednesday is the first day of school.  I need to make sure to get up early enough to get first day pictures.  I have the name "necklace" that Laken made on her first day of Kindergarten and I want to get a picture of her with it on.

Currently reading:

Only my devotional and Bible.

I do want to take a moment to mention a new blog I've been reading.  My oldest daughter, Kaylee, has started a brand new blog called Rants, Rambles and Reviews.  I would really appreciate it if you could go check it out and give her some blog-land love!

Listening to:

I really want to see TWISTERS!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

I managed to catch the last half of the Steelers preseason game against the Bills on Saturday evening.  We lost.  I ended up falling asleep for the last 10 or so minutes.

We watched a cute Christmas movie the other evening.  Now I'm not one to watch Christmas movies in the Summer, but I wanted to spend time with the hubby and he was already watching it.  The movie was about a "scroogette" who gets stuck in a Christmas movie.  A bit predictable, but aren't they all?   :)

In the Kitchen:

I was off last Friday, so I spent the day homemaking :)  One of my favorite things to do is bake.  I finally got a chance to make Zucchini Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins,  Yummy!  They were actually better the second day :)  If you'd like to check out the recipe you can click HERE.

In the Craft Basket:

I didn't even pick up my hook this week.  Please give me your opinion on whether to outline in Hot Rose or stay Ivory.

Picture from the Camera

Quackers getting a much needed bath :)

Prayer Request

My brother's surgery went well and he is on the mend.  Thank you for the prayers.

Please pray that Laken has a wonderful, healthy, fun and educational Senior Year!  She has had a rough go of it the past few years with being sick and having surgery.  We're really praying for an uneventful year!

Bible Verse

"God is the one I am trying to please."  Galatians 1:10 ERV

Have a great week!

Colletta

Hello Monday ~ 5/27/2024

 

Holly & Sarah

I want to take a moment before getting into my Hello Monday post to REMEMBER and HONOR all the brave men and women who gave his/her life so that we could be free.  I think sometimes we look at this day only as a reason for a three-day-weekend and don't truly remember and honor the ones who so greatly deserve it.  So make sure to pause for a moment Monday or whatever day you may be reading this and be grateful.

With all that being said, I am super grateful and excited to have this three-day-weekend.  It is Sunday night as I write this post and it feels so good to still have another day off to look forward to!  I'll let you know how we spend our Memorial Day in my Friday Favorites post (make sure you stop back) but for now I'll share our weekend adventures.

I came home Friday from work and was greeted by these two wrestling.  Oliver and Flynn are so funny together!  I couldn't help myself, I had to snap this picture and share it!  It cracks me up :)

Laken finished up her AP Language class which was her last class of Junior year.  Does that mean I have a Senior???

Every year, on the last day of school, we eat out to celebrate finishing up another school year.  This year Laken decided that she wanted Cracker Barrel.  Only my youngest daughter would order a hot chocolate on an 85F day  :)

The hubby likes to play the peg game at Cracker Barrel.  I don't know the technical name of the game, but I do know that the hubby cheats so that he's not a "plain old ignoramus"!

We went grocery shopping Saturday morning and we couldn't pass up these gorgeous orange Dahlias.  The hubby loves orange flowers and something about these really caught my eye as well.

One the way home, we once again saw the geese by the pond near our house.  Look how much the babies have grown just from when I posted about them last weekend!

Saturday afternoon/evening we stopped by Kaylee and Shawn's.  We spent some time looking at their newly planted garden and the flowers that are coming back up from last year.  Kaylee had just got her hair cut and was worried I would think it was too short but I think it suits her and she looks beautiful no matter what!

They have a Mock Orange Bush that reminds me so much of my Gram.  Gram loved plants and flowers and had a Mock Orange off the back porch.  I think the new owners of her house cut it down, which makes me very sad.  Moving on to happier things!

My grandpuppy, Dahlia, hated that we were outside and she was inside the house.  I made sure to say hi to her before we left.  She is a Great Dane and is such a lover!  Sweet, sweet Dahl Baby!

Aunt Donna and Uncle Charlie invited us to dinner that evening so we took corn-on-the cob to contribute to the meal.  It was our first corn-on-the-cob of the season which is always exciting!  What was even sweeter was getting the corn 10 ears for $2 at Weis.  That price is unheard of these days!  I wish we would have gotten more, to tell you the truth.

Aunt Donna had these cute little piggy corn-on-the-cob stickers.  I had to snap a picture of the hubby using them.

When we got home after dinner, we watched 2 epidsodes of Tracker.  We still have 2 more episodes to watch to get caught up.  It might even be over the season.  If so, we'll have to find another show to watch before bed.  Any suggestions?

Sunday morning we got up and the hubby made us cinnamon rolls for breakfast before Church.  He usually either makes us cinnamon rolls or muffins.  They are out of a can or a mix but I appreciate it SO much.  He's a sweetheart and I love him so much.

When we got home from Church it was time to catch up on some housework which included laundry, dishes and floors.  I had dumped the clean clothes in a pile on the bed and came back to find Oliver "helping".  He did not like me moving the clothes and messing up his little cocoon.  I tried to not disturb him, but I really wanted to get done with the housework and sit on my swing for a bit.

Which reminds me...I didn't get my swing painted the weekend...BUT, I still have all day Monday.  I'm hoping to pick up the paint when my hubby goes to Lowe's and get it finished before the rains come.  

Finally, I'll leave you with a picture of the beautiful "blue" rose that is blooming right off the back deck where my swing is.  Isn't it gorgeous?

So those were our weekend highlights.  I can't wait to read all about yours!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead :)

Colletta

Tea Time ~ Graduation and Goats ~ 6/1/18

 

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'm back from what ended up being a short blogging break!  I just enjoy blogging too much to let it go completely :)

~Big, big news!  Kaylee graduated from High School last night!  Whoohoo!  We did it!  lol  I'm super proud of my oldest baby girl.  She got all A's on her last report card and received the "HOPE Award" as well as the Music Award.  Way to go, Kay!

~The girls let me get one last "Last Day of School" picture.  And they are actually looking like they love each other!  I'll enjoy the small accomplishments :)

~We have kittens!  Raspberry, the mama cat, finally had her babies.  There are three little kittens and they are adorable :)  I thought I had a picture but I don't.  I'll have to add one later.



~We got Season Passes to Delgrosso's Park!  It is about an hour away from our house but they have an area of rides and then what is called "Laguna Splash" a small water park.  We look forward to spending many lazy Summer days there :)  They had a small petting zoo on opening day and the Hubby and the girls loved playing with the baby goats.  Of course, they now want one :)

How was your week?

P.S.  Check out the tab at the top of my page to see where I party.
 

Colletta

Tea Time ~ Senior Trip and Middle School ~ 5/18/18

 

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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~Kaylee and her Senior Class of 2018 arrived in Ft. Lauderdale safely!  Thank you for your prayers!  I was so anxious about her leaving but I must let her experience life and she needs to learn to stand on her own two feet.  Today they are taking an Everglades Tour.  It sounds like so much fun!  Wish I could go :)

~I signed Laken up for the Summer Reading Program at our local Library!  The program is called "Libraries Rock".  If the kids read 20 minutes a day during the Summer, they will be invited to a pool party.  She's excited and that makes me happy :)  While we were there we got a Library Card and I'm excited to explore the shelves for new books this Summer.

~We also signed up little Miss Laken for Flag Football Cheerleading!  She loves cheer and is very excited about this activity as well.  It won't start until late August after the Library Program is over.  I don't want to fill the Summer with too many things.  We like to lay back and enjoy the Summertime.

~Mother's Day was such a nice day!  The family took me out to eat at Texas Roadhouse.  Yummy!  Then we went shopping for Kaylee's Graduation Dress (it has to be white) and Laken's 5th Grade Camp supplies.  5th Grade Camp was Monday and Tuesday and Laken had a blast!

~After much consideration and prayer, we have decided to transfer Laken to a new school next year.  She currently attends a Charter School and we have decided to transfer her to the School District's Middle School.  Wednesday we went to meet the guidance counselor and to take a tour.  I feel really good about this decision even though I will be sad to leave the Charter School behind.  Laken will be entering 6th grade and the Middle School is grades 6-8, so it will be a new school for all the 6th graders.  Laken seems to be excited about the change so I'm praying all will go well!

How was your week?
 

Colletta

Prayers Appreciated!

I would deeply covet any and all prayers for Kaylee and her Senior Class of 2018 as they depart tomorrow to fly to Florida for their Senior Trip!

I don't know if I'm ready for this!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ Prom and Yardwork ~ 5/11/18

 

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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~Kaylee's Senior Prom was last Saturday night.  She looked beautiful and had a wonderful time.  The theme was "Winter Wonderland".  A bit ironic as we've just now started having Spring weather!  Now to focus on Senior Trip...

~Another Senior Moment was Baccalaureate.  Kaylee was asked to sing to represent the Class of 2018.  She sang a song called "Above All" and did a wonderful job.  I'm so proud of my baby girl!

~I've been able to spend a good bit of time on my deck crocheting and reading.  I LOVE IT!  I can't wait to get flowers to plant in the containers we bought the other day.  We've been doing a lot of yardwork to repair the mess that was made during excavation for the addition.  We also got 12 ton of gravel for the parking lot and driveway.  Lots of work getting done around here :)

~We had our Mother's Day Banquet at Church Tuesday evening.  We ordered a cake for the occasion and I love how the bakers decorated it!  They put leaves going down the sides of the cake.  So pretty!  I'll add a picture soon :)


~I finally wrote a book review!  It was only my 7th review of the year.  I'm so behind on my Goodreads Challenge that I don't think it is possible to catch up.  I think I'm now 12 books behind schedule!  You can click HERE to read my review of Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon.

How was your week?
 

Colletta

Kaylee's Senior Prom 2018

 

Saturday was Kaylee's Senior Prom.  (How did my baby grow up so fast!?!)

 

I took a ton of pictures.  Some of Kaylee by herself some with her boyfriend, Shawn, and some with Laken, Daddy and I actually got in one too!

 

Instead of commenting on each picture, I'm just going to leave them here for your viewing pleasure.

 

Isn't she beautiful?



 

 

 

   
 

Love my family so much!

Colletta