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 ~ 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

Thankful Thursday ~ 9/20/18

~Happy 18th Anniversary to the Hubby and me!  Monday was 18 years since we said our vows.  We didn't do anything special to celebrate.  We had dinner with the family, made a quick trip to Wal-Mart and did homework.  But the Hubby took the day off work and we spent the whole day together.  Wasn't that sweet?  It was a very good day!

~Laken finally got to cheer at her first Flag Football Game on Saturday!  The rain held off for a while and she had so much fun.  We always enjoy watching her cheer and it was interesting to watch my first ever Flag Football Game.  Laken also had a Pep Rally at school and got to watch the 7th and 8th grade Cheerleaders do a dance routine and cheer.  She is more in love with Cheering than ever and can't wait until  next year to be on the official school squad!

~The new Fall shows start next week!  There are so many new shows that I want to set up to DVR so that I don't miss any.  I'm also looking forward to watching some of the older shows that I love.  Speaking of TV, did anyone catch the Pittsburgh VS Kansas City Football game last Sunday?  I hope things start looking up soon!

~I wrote my 3000th blog post!  I've been blogging for 9 years and have written over 3000 posts.  Thanks for tagging along!

~Kaylee's is writing a new blog to journal through her Gap Year.  I'd love for you to check it out and give her a follow :)  Kay's Gap Year

~Finally, I need some advice!  For my long-time followers, you might remember that we built an addition with a Family Room and a Master Bedroom.  When we were painting the walls, I just wanted it done and we painted everything white with chocolate brown trim.  Now I'm thinking I want to paint our Bedroom an actual COLOR!  I'm debating between a pale yellow, a calm/cool/fresh gray or maybe something entirely different.  Any suggestions?

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Thankful Thursday ~ 9/13/18

~Kaylee's driving is going rather well.  We've been out about 4 times so far and add little more difficulty each time.  We even let her drive on the highway!  We haven't let her drive in the rain or in the dark yet.  I think she needs some more practice steering before we go there.  Keep us in your prayers!  It is a bit nerve wracking to be sitting in the passenger seat while my DAUGHTER is in the driver's seat.  How did I get so old?

~We've had so much rain lately!  I know many people are experiencing flooding and am very thankful to live on a hill!  My brother and SIL live right along a creek in our old house so I'm still watching the water level.  We're supposed to get more rain from the current hurricane but hopefully water levels will have gone down a bit to accommodate even more to come.

~Sunday was the official start of the American Football Season.  My Steelers played the Cleveland Browns and ended up with a tie!  A tie!!  I really enjoyed watching the game though.  Mostly because the hubby and I snuggled up on the couch with an afghan and spent the whole 3 hours together with no interruptions.  It was a nice Sunday afternoon :)

~A few weeks ago, I had to take Laken to the pediatrician for a sore throat and a swollen gland.  She tested positive for Strep Throat and was put on an antibiotic.  Everything seemed to be resolving until she started complaining about a sore throat again.  I called the pediatrician and they wanted to retest for Strep to make sure that the original antibiotic took care of the infection.  Thankfully, the Strep test came back negative.  She does have a cold though.  It seems like as soon as they go back to school, the sicknesses start.  Lovely germs...

~I started a new blog to focus solely on my Weight Loss Journey.  I titled the blog "Colletta Is Losing It!"  Which is exactly what I hope to do.  I'd love for you to come follow along on my Journey and maybe be an encourager for me as well :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Thankful Thursday ~ 8/9/18

 

This week I'm thankful for:

 

~Friday was Damon's 1st Birthday!  Steph and Cody had a party for him in the evening.  The theme was "Lumberjack" and everything was so stinkin' cute!  Here's one of my favorite pictures of the Birthday Boy.  He's such a ham :)

 

~After the gratification of organizing my bookshelves last week, I took some time to organize my desk area!  I went through the pile of papers sitting on the corner of my desk and the pile of papers piled in the other corner of my desk, etc, etc, etc.  It feels so nice to sit down at a neat, orderly desk to write and work :)

~It has been so hot here in PA the past few days!  I'm so thankful for the AC that keeps the bedroom and family room cool.  It is a nice respite :)

~Last week's passing out drama with Laken, I was expecting a calm week health-wise.  Think again!  Laken has a huge swollen gland on her neck.  I took her Tuesday morning to the walk-in hours at the pediatrician and, of course, she has strep throat!  The doc gave her some meds and she is perking up nicely :)

~Last year I boycotted the NFL for the disrespect being shown to our flag and the National Anthem.  I've decided to give them a pardon (in my own mind) and give them another shot.  (They better not blow it!)  If you've read my blog for long, you might know that I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  They play their first Pre-season Game tonight and I'm so excited!  I've had some major football withdrawals over the past year :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



A Little Victory Dance!

 PITTSBURGH IS GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!



Prayer, Blogkeeping & QOTC

On Monday's I ususally post a recipe that I've tried.  However, the past few weeks I've neither the time nor the inclination to do any more than the basic necessity of cooking.

Prayer:

I ask you all to keep my dad in prayer.  He is currently in the VA Hospital in Altoona, PA with a very bad blood infection.  He is on some heavy duty IV antibiotics and he is improving each day.  But I still worry because, well, he's my dad, and they still have to find out what caused the infection to enter the blood which sets my over-active imagination to work.

The hospital is about 45 minutes away, so we've been busy making trips back and forth and just trying to take one day at a time.

Blogkeeping:

I added tabs to the top of my blog a few weeks ago but have not had time to actually go into all my posts and make direct lists under the pages.  If I ever have time, I'll go in and try to get the back posts linked, but for now there is just a general link.

As of 1/1/11, I will be adding direct links under the "pages" as I post new posts.  That is the plan.  I may miss one or two but that is the way life goes.

I think I may also add a list of the link-ups I participate in on my side-bar rather than in each individual post. (a lot of redundant typing).  What do you think of this?  Is it disrespectful to just say "Please see my sidebar for the parties I'm linking up to today?  I'd love some opinions on this as I wouldn't want to offend any of the great party hosts.

QOTC:

Tomorrow (hopefully) will be my first Queen of the Castle post starting with "Week 1".  I'll be posting anything that strikes me or sticks out to me.  If you are also doing this "52 Weeks of Encouragement", you can do the same on your blog.  It doesn't have to be on Tuesdays, if Tuesdays aren't good for you.  But when you do post your QOTC post, please leave a link in my comments so I can come read what you thought of that particular week and maybe discuss what we got from the study.

Ok, I think that is all for now. 

As soon as my little one wakes up, we'll be heading off to Altoona to check on "Pappy".  Mom called him first thing this morning and he said he's feeling better and getting his appetite back.  Please keep him in your prayers for continued healing.

Thank you so much my bloggy friends!

BTW, the Steelers kicked some serious butt yesterday.  We are the Champions, my friends....

The Steelers Won!

We went over to our friends Sean and Kayla's house to watch the game. 

Half the people were Ravens fan, the best half were Steelers fans.

The girls had fun playing with Kinlee and eating snacks.  The adults had fun eating snacks too!

We left around 10pm because we HAD to get Kaylee to bed for school today.

At the point it was NOT looking good for the Steelers.

We came home.  I got the kids ready for bed and I too hit the hay.  The score was just too depressing.

When Doug crawled into bed  later on I braved the question and asked him who won.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear "The Steelers".  At first I thought he was picking on me be he assured me that the Steelers really did win.  They scored a touchdown and won the game!

The Steelers are now #1 with a record of 9-3.  The Ravens are now 8-4. 

As my grandmother from Pittsburgh used to say as she pumped her fist in the air:  "GO STEELERS!"

Turmoil Within My Family

Tomorrow night at 6:00 pm we will attend Sunday Evening Church together as a family.

After that, we are at WAR!!

At 8:30pm the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens.

Living in Western PA, you  know that I'm gonna be a Steelers fan, tried and true!

Hubby lived in Baltimore for 15 years and was there when the Ravens came to town.  He's a stinkin' Ravens fan.  Booo!!!  Hisss!!!

No mercy will be shown.

Please, Lord, let the Steelers win so I don't have to eat crow!

I don't  know if this qualifies for Spiritual Sunday so I won't link up to it.  Wouldn't want to offend anyone.  :)

Over-sized Steelers Tote

I made this over-sized Steelers tote for my aunt for our family gift exchange.

I bought two different Steelers fabrics and made my own charm squares which I then made into my very own quilted fabric. I lined it with the light fabric and have two pockets on the inside made of the black fabric.

The straps are nice and wide and are very easy on the shoulders.

I made a base for the bottom inside out of cardboard covered in the light fabric so that the bag holds its shape.

I have buttons on the sides so it can be either open or buttoned up for a more streamlined look. There is also a button on top to snap it shut.

My 8 year-old is holding it for the picture so it looks just a tad bigger than it really is, but it's still huge and great for toting lots of stuff. I made myself one a few months ago and LOVE it!

GO STEELERS!