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".

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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

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

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/6/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

On this first Monday of 2025, I want to take a minute to wish all my readers the very best of the New Year.  I pray you all prosper and flourish each and every day :)

(If you'd like to read about some of my "goals" for the year, you can check out THIS POST )

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Freezing and wintery!  I don't like it :(  I'm ready for Spring, but alas, I might as well settle in for the Pennsylvania Winter.  Right now I'm sitting beside a little heater with a nice thick sweater on.  I got a chill while at Church and now I'm just plain cold.

The forecast is calling for 8-12 inches of snow to fall between 10pm Sunday and 10pm Monday.  We're right in the dark purple on this map.  The hubby goes back to work tonight and I'm not thrilled thinking about him driving home in the morning in a mess of snow.  Prayers for safety would be appreciated!

On today's to-do list:

I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).  I'm supposed to work on Monday 10am-5pm.  If the State shuts offices then I don't have to go in.  If there is a "liberal leave" then I do have to try to go in because I'm considered "essential personnel".  They are supposed to have even worse weather where I work, so I'm really hoping we're closed for the day.  **UPDATE:  my office is CLOSED!**

If I don't have to travel to work, I'll probably just have a nice relaxing snow day.  I have a feeling Laken's school will be cancelled, so maybe we'll watch some shows, work on a puzzle or play games.  **UPDATE:  Laken now has a "virtual day" on Monday**

Happening this week:

I have a list of phone calls I need to make.  Dental appointments, hair appointments, ordering contacts, etc.

A lot is going to depend on Monday.  If I'm off Monday, I'll probably work on Tuesday to make up those hours.  I also will be working on Wednesday and Friday (my normal days to work).  Thursday will be spent on laundry, groceries, housework and anything else that needs my attention.

Currently reading:

"When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer is the book kicking off my 2025 reading list with.  I have heard nothing but great reviews of the entire "Timeless" series and can't wait to immerse myself in this book.

Listening to:

I love this song by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.  I think the melody is so pretty.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Other than football, we've been watching a show on Prime called "Cross".  While I am enjoying the series, I don't know if I can fully recommend it on my blog.  There is quite a bit of bad language and some inappropriate and unnecessary scenes.  I wish there could be a good show that doesn't have the filth.  If you know of any I should be watching, please let me know!

In the Kitchen:

We did make the apple dumplings for New Year's Dinner!  They were delicious :)

Friday evening I made a Texas Sheet Cake.  Also delicious!

In the Craft Basket:

I haven't worked on anything crafty since the last time I posted a HHM.  I'm just not feeling inspired lately.  I actually was contemplating embroidery as a crafty endeavor.  I just can't decide what I want to get into...  What are your crafty hobbies?

Picture(s) from the Camera

We took down all the Christmas decorations Saturday morning.  I decided to get some Valentine's Day garland to decorate my bookshelf above my desk so that it wouldn't look bare.  We stopped at the Dollar Tree and they had a good selection.  I decided on this pink and white garland with shiny hearts.  I got some extra garlands to put up at work as well as some Valentine gnomes to sit around.

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.  Especially the hubby, Kaylee and Shawn as they travel for work Monday.

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

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands."

Psalm 92:4

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker on Christmas! ~ 12/25/2024

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Hello and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

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

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

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

On today's to-do list:

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

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

Happening this week:

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

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

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

Currently reading:

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

Listening to:

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

Watching:

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

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

In the Kitchen:

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

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

In the Craft Basket:

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

Picture(s) from the Camera

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

Prayer Requests

~Laken.

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

~Winter traveling safety.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

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

Isaiah 9:6 NASB

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/12/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

I'm actually typing this post on Sunday evening when I have a bit of time to sit down and reflect on the week ahead.  Monday is actually going to be very busy even though I don't have to go to work.  I'll tell you a bit more about that later in the post.

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

The weather outside is:

We finally got the much needed rain!  And we got a lot of it from good old Hurricane Debby.  Here in the mountains of Pennsylvania, we usually only get the rain and a bit of wind when hurricanes go up the east coast.  It absolutely poured and now the temperatures are much more comfortable.  It was actually a bit cool this morning when I left the house around 9am.

On today's to-do list: 

Monday's to-do are:

I'm off work Monday but like I mentioned above, I have lots to do.  

~We have a meeting at 9:30am to make sure everything is situated for Laken's enrollment in her college classes for the fall.  I think I mentioned before that she is doing what is called "Senior Challenge".  It basically means she'll be taking 2 high school classes and a few college classes in the mornings and then be able to leave school before lunchtime.  The college classes start on August 19th (next Monday!) so we have got to get this set up and find out exactly what she will need to complete her classes.

~Sweep

~Mop

~Clean out my car

~Supper

~Dishes

~Devotions

~Wash work clothes and hang up to dry

Happening this week:

This week I'm off Monday and  Friday and Sunday.  The rest of the days I work 7am-1pm.

Tuesday Laken has an appointment to get her Senior Pictures taken for the year book at 3:00pm.  Then Kaylee's work is having a Back-to-School Night that she invited us to come to.  It is 4pm-7pm and we get to take a tour of her work so I'm excited to see her office area.  Then at 6:30pm we have our Ladies' Class Meeting at Church.  So it will be a very busy day.

Wednesday is Kaylee and Shawn's 3rd Anniversary and Kona's (our chocolate lab) birthday :)

Thursday is pretty normal.

Friday (my day off) is once again filled to the brim.  Some items on the list are laundry, groceries, bills, bank and my usual daily to-dos.

Currently reading:

I didn't even touch "Living Slower" this week :(  I only have a few more chapters to go.  Hopefully I'll finish it soon.

Listening to:

Raise the battle cry and take back what the enemy stole!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

I tied to watch the Steeler preseason football game on Friday evening but it was on Prime.  We have Prime but the game was blacked out.  Apparently we live too close :(  argghh!  They lost anyway so I guess I didn't miss much...

Instead of the game, we watched a movie on Freevee about a wedding photographer at a family owned venue who falls in love with the movie-star best man/brother of the couple getting married.  I forget the name of it but it was really good.

I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos on why/how women are returning to wearing dresses/skirts.  One YouTuber (from Heavenly Minded Home) challenged her subscribers to wear a dress/skirt for 7 days in a row to really give it a try.  I've decided to take her up on it and this is my fourth day of wearing a dress except for while I'm at work. I even ordered a few new dresses because my wardrobe will be very limited if I continue to wear only dresses/skirts.

In the Kitchen:

I didn't make the Butterscotch Zucchini Bread this week but I did bake!  I made what I'd like to call "Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler" and it was so easy and VERY delicious.

You basically take cut up Cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, brown sugar and cinnamon and mix it all together and bake it.  If you'd like a more formal recipe go check out this ONE at Olives & Thyme.

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working on the Japanese Fields blocks a bit each evening (well most evenings) but I'm just not sure what to do about the edges of the blocks.  The bottom block is with the Ivory outer round and the top block is with a single crochet of the Hot Rose.  Should I do a round of the Hot Rose on all the block and then join with either the Hot Rose or the Ivory?  Should I just keep it with the Ivory and then join with the Hot Rose?  Should I keep the last round Ivory and then join with Ivory?  I just can't decide!  I think I'll continue to work on just the main block for now and then decide later.  Please give me your opinion!

Picture from the Camera

You've got to give "Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler" a try!  The best was just out of the oven but it was also delicious the next morning for breakfast.  I put it the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it was warm and gooey and almost as good as fresh from the oven :)

Prayer Request

My brother, Danny, is having surgery Monday morning to remove his gallbladder. He is almost 48 year old (his birthday is Saturday) and he's never had surgery of any kind before. Not even a broken bone. Please keep him and his doctors in your prayers that all goes well. Also, please pray for my Mom as she's very nervous about her "Baby Boy" having surgery.

Bible Verse

"Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me.  Don't stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children."  Luke 18:16 NLT

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