Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/17/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

I hope everyone had a very special Valentine's Day.  The hubby got off work Friday morning so I got to see him for a little bit before I had to go to work.  I gave him his Valentine card and he surprised me with a card and Reese Cups.  I didn't think he had been anywhere to get me something so I was happy!

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Well, let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Cold again :(  Stay safe, everyone!

On Monday's to-do list:

I am so behind on tasks.  I have a whole list of to-dos.  I made a paper list that I'm going to be checking off as I complete the tasks.  At least I have today off for President's Day.  I'd love to get caught up and not feel like I'm drowning...

Laken has a Galentine's Party at with her YoungLife group from 10am-12pm.  She hasn't been feeling well so hopefully she's be recovered and feeling up to going.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm this week.

I have a few Book Club chats this week that I'm super excited about.

Currently reading:

{February's book club selection/read-along is "you're not enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey.  We're reading a few chapters of the book each week and then discussing it in a FB chat on Saturdays.  We'll also be having our monthly zoom meeting.}

This week we're reading Myth #3 to chat about on Saturday.

I'm also still listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell.  It has been interesting as it is only my second audiobook and the narrator has an English accent(s).  I'm hoping to get it finished soon and post my review.  Next, I'd like to listen to a contemporary fiction.

Listening to:

Enjoy!

Watching:

I haven't watched any TV this week...

In the Kitchen:

More chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered pretzels were made by Laken and Nate to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I also made some break-apart chocolate chip cookies!  Simple, easy and delicious when I need a little sweet!

In the Craft Basket:

Below is a picture of the large Dino Nugget I made for my work-friend's daughter.  I've made a few more smaller Dino Nuggets and a "Raspberry Sorbet" octo.

I'm so sad that Joann's is closing!  It is the only craft store within 30 minutes other than Wal-Mart.  Now I'll have to drive 1 hour to get to Hobby Lobby.  Don't get me wrong.  I love me some Hobby Lobby but that is pretty far to drive to pick up a skein or two.  I might have to start ordering yarn online and paying the shipping costs.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Traveling safety for my brother, Dan, as he travels to and from Italy for work this week.

~My Dad has to have a heart valve replacement.  I would appreciate your prayers that they can replace the valve using the minimally invasive procedure and that they won't have to do open heart surgery.

~Winter traveling safety.

~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 I'm still feeling scattered when it comes to balancing everything.)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;"

I John 3:11

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 2/17/2024

 

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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~It has been a long, busy week!  I started my new job in Care Coordination at the hospital on Monday.  It is going well so far.  I had HR orientation all Monday morning and then my Director and my Manager took me to lunch in the cafeteria which was surprisingly good!  It took a few days to get my email/network accesses so there wasn't a lot I could do other than training such as workplace harassment, etc.  I sat in on a lot of meetings to start getting a feel for the workings and the language of the department.  Everyone was very welcoming and I'm getting settled in.  I have high hopes :)

~Did you watch the Super Bowl?  I watched bits and pieces but didn't really pay a lot of attention other than the commercials.  I was multi-tasking until I gave up and went to bed around 9:30pm.

~Before the Super Bowl, Laken and Nate made us food.  We had Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Cheesy Bacon Tator Tots, Chips and Dip, Strawberry Shortcake and Cookie Dough Truffles.  Nate does most of the cooking and Laken does most of the procrastinating  :)  Right, Laken?   :)

~Happy Belated Valentine's Day!  The hubby got me a card, a bouquet of flowers and Reese Cups.  I got him a card, Reeses Pieces and a rose.  We had said that we weren't doing presents for Valentine's Day, so I'm glad I didn't listen!  Hubby also got Valentine's and candy for both of our girls.  I think it is super sweet that he still does that even though they both have their own Valentines now.

~My department at work had a Valentine Card Exchange also.  I didn't have time to get anything ready as I just found out about it Tuesday but a very sweet coworker, Sara, decorated a box for me so that I could participate too!  There are around 30 or more people in the department, so my box was full of Valentines, candy and little fluffies (gifts) by the end of the day.  It was really fun and Laken was so jealous of my Valentines box when I brought it home :)

~We went Prom dress shopping today.  I thought it went well but now Laken is having buyer's remorse!  She is second guessing herself and wondering if there would have been a "better" dress at another shop.  Unfortunately, the shop we bought her dress at has a "no return" policy.  Personally, I think her dress is gorgeous and fits her beautifully.  It will need the hem taken up, of course.  Other than that I don't think it will need altered at all!  I just hope Laken will remember how much she loved the dress when she had it on at the shop.  I want her to be happy and feel good about herself when she wears it.  Other than that, I don't know what to do...

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 2/17/2022

 

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

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~February 12th was my 13th Blogaversary :)  Those early posts were awful but full of memories.  My babies were so little!  I still can't believe that I've been blogging for 13 years as it was something that I started on a whim.

~Laken wanted to make cake-pops to take to Church on Sunday for Valentine's Day.  They were yummy but the cake/icing center was very soft.  I think I might have made too much icing to be mixed with the crumbled cake.  They were a hit and not a single one was left :)

~The hubby and I had our Valentine's "Date" on Friday night.  Instead of dinner and a movie, we decided to split the money we would have spent on that and buy whatever our hearts desired.  Sadly, the shopping around is very limited.  The hubby spent none of his allotment and I only spent $20 on a new sewing box that I had been wanting.  I guess we still have some shopping to do!

~Saturday evening the hubby and Laken had a Daddy/Daughter date and went to see the newest Spiderman movie at the theater.  I had a quiet evening at home by myself!  That never happens!  I did some sewing and read a good bit of my book club book.  It is an amazing read and I didn't want it to end.  I had a lovely evening :)

~We had to break down and buy Laken a good Graphing Calculator.  Her math is just getting to the point that she HAD to have one to do well.  She had been using a calculator online but it was difficult to maneuver.  We invested in a good calculator that should be what she needs for the rest of High School.  We hope we got the one that was best for her needs!


How was your week?

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/14/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

The weather was a bit nicer this past week with most of the snow melting.  I'll take every bit of that 48F (Wednesday) and 54F (Thursday) we can get!

On today's to-do list: 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  I hope you and your special someone one will be celebrating.  Or if you're like us, you already did this past weekend.

I'll be spending the day doing my normal routines plus cleaning.

Laken wants to make some Oreo Truffles for Valentine's Day, so we'll also be doing that if we have the time.

Happening this week:

My turn to lead the discussion for the Kindred Readers Book Club comes around again on Tuesday.  Bev and I take turns one week at a time.

Wednesday the new Sweet Dreams quilt block pattern will be coming out!

Thursday evening, the hubby and I have an appointment to get our taxes done.  Hopefully, I have everything we need collected and ready to go!

Friday is the Friday Night Sew In so I'll be participating in that.

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to start reading "Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage" by Rebecca Connolly.

On the TV:

The Super Bowl

Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde 2

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "For the Good" by Riley Clemmons.  I hope you'll check it out :) 

On the menu today:

Spagetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Oranges.

In the Craft Basket:

This past week I worked on the "Sweet Dreams" sew along by Pat Sloan at www.ilovetomakequilts.com .  I finished the second blocks 4, 5 and 6 and am caught up until the new block comes out on Wednesday morning!  whoohoo!

Picture from the Camera

I was at the "Big W" and they had sandals out for sale!  I can't wait for flip flop weather!

Memory Verse

"Finally, brother and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."
Philippians 4:8

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Ways to Show Love ~ 2/9/2022

This week's topic is:  

Ways to Show Someone You Love Them:

~Tell them.  Don't forget the power of the words "I love you!"

~Make their favorite meal.

~Wash their laundry.  And put it away!

~Clear the snow off and warm up their car.

~Open the car door, gentlemen!

~Dance with them in the kitchen.

~Let them sleep in.

~Call on your lunch break.

~Talk them up to other people.  (don't criticize to others)

~R.E.S.P.E.C.T. them!

~Give the gift of touch.

~So many more but I'll end there :)

How do you show others that you love them?  

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 2/18/2021

 

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

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~Kaylee is safe and sound!  We had a scare last week when during one of the many snowstorms we've had this February, Kaylee slid off the road on her way home from work.  She had no cell service and had to walk to the nearest farmhouse to use their phone to call.  (We were getting ready to head out and find her when she called from the farmhouse.)  There was lots of praying and thanksgiving that she was OK but she was still an anxious mess.

~A Long Weekend!  Not only was it Valentine's Day but it was a long weekend.  Both girls were off for President's Day Monday and then we had ice on Tuesday.  Thankfully, no school for Laken and Kaylee was also off on Tuesday and didn't have to work.  The hubby also took off due to the ice and spent all day outside de-icing the driveway.  It was nice not having to worry about them after Kaylee's incident last week.  Now to get through the rest of the winter!

~Shawn got a promotion!  Shawn, Kaylee's boyfriend (of 5 years!) got a promotion at work.  It came with more responsibility and a nice raise.  He's such a hard worker and deserves it all!

~A Walk in the Snow!  And ice but it was so good to get outside.  The whole family bundled up and went out to play and get some fresh air.  Here are some pictures of our "excursion".

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

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Who Can by Cochren & Co. ~ 2/14/2021

Loving this song!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Colletta

Three Things ~ The Loves of My Life ~ 2/11/2021

This is a post containing a list of "Three Things".  

If you'd like to join in with a list of "Three Things" of your own, 

leave a link in the comments!

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The Three Loves of My Life:

~Douglas (aka "the hubby").  Where do I start?  How about almost exactly 21 years ago when he sent me a Valentine's Day ecard (remember those??)?  Now, we've been married 20 years and have 2 beautiful daughters.  He is the most amazing husband and father imaginable!  He knows just what to do to cheer me up when I'm feeling down.  He USUALLY knows just what to say when I'm feeling anxious.  He's not perfect, but neither am I.  We're just right for each other!

~Kaylee (aka "the firstborn daughter").  She's super smart and artistic and a hard worker.  She doesn't have it all figured out yet, but who does at 19 years old?  Above all things she'd like to be an artist but is afraid to take the leap.  Right now she has red, orange and yellow hair but best of all, she has her Daddy's chocolate brown eyes :)

~Laken (aka "the second born daughter").  She's also super smart and artistic and 14 years old.  She'd rather lounge around and watch movies with me than anything else and I wouldn't have it any other way.  She wants to be a scientist and THINKS she has it all figured out!  She also has her Daddy's chocolate brown eyes :)

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Who are your loves?

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I hope you'll come back next Thursday to read about:

Three of My Favorite Songs!

Colletta

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

Journal Entry ~ 2/13/20-2/19/20

A few sentences about each day...

February 13, 2020 - February 19, 2020

13/Thurs ~ We got our taxes done this morning.  It feels good to have that done and out of the way.  Laken was supposed to have a four-day weekend but tomorrow is a snow make-up day.  It has been a very mild winter so far.

14/Fri ~ Shawn took Kaylee out for Valentine's Day.  Doug took me and Laken to Cracker Barrel and also bought us chocolate!  We got a few movies from the Redbox but didn't get a chance to watch them yet.  We'll do that tomorrow.

15/Sat ~ Laken spent the afternoon at a friend's house.  I did some housework then Doug and I watched a movie.  Kaylee spent a long time this afternoon working on a Sociology paper.

16/Sun ~ We came home early from evening Church because Kaylee wasn't feeling well.  I'm not feeling the best either.  I hope we're not getting a stomach bug!

17/Mon ~ Today was President's Day so the girls were home.  I was supposed to have a check-up but I rescheduled it for Friday.  Kaylee is buying her very first car!  We test drove it today and she loves it.  It is a 2008 Ford Edge and the color is Orange Crush.  She is really excited!

18/Tues ~ We picked up Kaylee's vehicle today and got everything transferred.  She is a happy camper :)  Laken said that her first vehicle is going to be a truck.  A Ford Super Duty to be exact!

19/Wed ~ Kaylee and I were going to go to the gym but the sun was shining and the birds were chirping so went outside for a walk.  It was still very chilly so we weren't out for long but it was nice to be out in the sun even for a short while.

Until next week,

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 2/6/20-2/12/20

A few sentences about each day...

February 6, 2020 - February 12, 2020

6/Thurs ~ We decided not to go to the gym tonight.  Doug is trying to get over a bad cough and my back is hurting.  I think we all needed to have a night of rest.  VOTD:  2 Timothy 3:14

7/Fri ~ It was a pretty boring day until Doug and the girls go home.  Kaylee and Shawn went on a date.  Doug, Laken and I went to the Redbox and rented and watched 2 movies:  "Rambo Last Blood" and "Playing with Fire".  VOTD:  Exodus 16:20

8/Sat ~ I gained 3.2 lbs this week :(  I'm thinking about cancelling my WW subscription and trying something else.  It doesn't make sense to pay $50/month to gain weight!  VOTD:  Genesis 32:11

9/Sun ~ We had a Sweet Heart Dinner this afternoon at Church.  Doug served me my food and we had a really good time :)  We even had pictures taken.  Doug is trying to hide in this one :)

10/Mon ~ We took the car to the Subaru garage to have a recall fixed.  It should be good to go now.  I got my hair cut while waiting.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  Hopefully I'll get used to it in a few days!  VOTD:  Acts 8:31

11/Tues ~ Today was grocery day.  I also had to pick Laken up from Science Olympiad practice and then beat feet to Ladies Meeting.  After that, I relaxed a bit by watching "Prodigal Son" and "Biggest Loser".  VOTD:  Acts 17:11

12/Wed ~ Kaylee had to go to the College Testing Center for an Algebra Test.  (She got a 95%!)  We then went to talk to an advisor and financial aid about Kaylee getting her Certificate of Recognition in Business Accounting before switching over to majoring in Art.  Afterward, we stopped at the mall and a few other places for Kaylee to get applications for a Summer job.  VOTD:  James 4:8

Until next week,

Colletta

Valentine Swap ~ Sign Ups ~ Ends 1/18/20

(Image found on google.)

 

If you're like me, when Christmas is over I can get kind of bummed out if I don't have something to look forward to.  I just participated in a Christmas Swap and it was so much fun.  (Thanks Carol and Patti!)

 

So I was thinking...What about a Valentine Swap????

 

I realize Valentine's Day is a while away but I wanted to get this posted and give everyone time to sign up.  I debated waiting until after Christmas to post this sign up but I wanted to have it posted for those with some extra blog reading time over the holidays.

 

That being said, I would love to have some folks who would be willing to send a package worth around $10 to another swapper.

 

If you're interested, please send an email to collettaskitchensink@yahoo.com and include the following information:

 

~Name

~Blog (not necessary)

~Hobbies

~Likes/Dislikes

~Address

 

Sign Ups will end on January 18, 2020 and packages MUST be sent out by February 3, 2020.

 

Come join in and have some fun!

 

EDITED TO ADD on 12/30/19:

 

The swap is a go!  I have at least 3 people signed up so far.  We'd love to have some more participants!

 

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 2/21/19

~Valentine's Day goodies from the hubby!  The hubby and I had our Valentine's Date the Saturday before Valentine's Day but first thing Valentine's Day morning he gave me a card and Reese Cups :)  He knows the way to my heart :)

~Cupcakes and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!  Laken has been baking up a storm lately.  On Valentine's Day, after she got home from school, she baked Strawberry Cupcakes and decorated them for us.  Monday evening, she baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.  She wants to make cupcakes again Friday evening.  In case you haven't guessed she wants to own a bakery when she grows up.  Either that or be a meteorologist :)

~My Gym Buddy!  Never in a million years would I have dreamed that my gym buddy would be my very own DAUGHTER!  How can I be old enough to have a daughter who is almost 18 years old?  I was just 18 years old yesterday, wasn't I?  Anyway, Kaylee and I have been hitting the gym (Planet Fitness) 3 times a week on our days "off".  She is kicking my butt :)


~The hubby's new haircut!  The hubby has the thickest head of hair I've ever seen on a man.  I was "long" overdue for a buzz but we just didn't have the opportunity or take the time.  Finally, after I told it was starting to look like Darth Vader's helmet, he made it a point to get the buzzers out for me and put the chair in the bathroom.  I buzzed it with a No.2 guard and then took the guard off to trim the nape.  He forgot the guard was off and tried to clean up a few stray hairs!  Needless to say, his whole head had to be gone over without a guard.  It is SUPER short!  P.S. Don't tell him I posted a picture of him napping with his blankie :)

~Snow days and Thundersnow!  Thursday school was cancelled due to the weather.  Not only did it snow and sleet, we had Thundersnow!  It was a bit startling!  The kids had fun hanging out in the Family Room ripping and running :)

What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Thankful Thursday ~ 2/14/19

~Happy Valentine's Day!  I mentioned in yesterday's Wednesday Medley that the hubby and I already had our Valentine's date this past Saturday.  Nobody was going to be home with Laken so we let her tag along.  The question I posed yesterday:  "Does the hubby still owe me a one-on-one Valentine Date?"  :)


~Save the Date!  We received a "Save the Date" card from my cousin and his fiancé.  Brian and Rachel will be getting married on September 7th at our Church.  Brian was born when I was 15 years old and was my little baby.  I toted him around everywhere.  He holds a special place in my heart and Rachel is such a sweet girl.  I can't wait to attend the wedding :)


~Softball sign-ups!  Laken decided that she wants to play softball.  She had played t-ball when she was just a little bitty but didn't really enjoy playing with the boys!  lol  Now she is older and has made lots of new friends in her new school who are playing (girls only) softball this year.  We signed her up and now her daddy is excitedly looking at spikes and bats and gloves.  It gives us all something to look forward to after this nasty winter :)


~College acceptance letter!  Kaylee received her college acceptance letter in the mail a few days ago with tons of information about what she needs to do before actually starting classes.  I think she is getting excited about getting back into school mode :)


~The Book Fair!  Laken's school had a Book Fair and as you know I'm a book lover.  Family night was Tuesdsay.  The hubby and I have made it a tradition to go with the girls to their Book Fairs and monitor what they buy and therefore read.  This time Laken got the book "A Dog's Way Home" and a book about the actual dog that plays in the movie.  I love Book Fairs :)







What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ Valentine's Day ~ 2/13/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

Okay, okay. I'm going off calendar a bit.  The National Days for Wednesday the 13th are National Cheddar Day and National Tortellini Day.  We did food last week and I can't let Valentine's Day go by without some attention.

VALENTINE’S DAY – February 14

VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus.  February 14th, Valentine’s, Day first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing.  During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending Valentine cards.    

HOW TO OBSERVE

Get something special for your Valentine and use #ValentinesDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

Credit is traditionally given to Pope Gelasius for declaring February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day around the year 496 to separate the church from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an ancient pagan fertility festival which occurred on February 15th.  

1.  I think St. Valentine's Day is for everyone, whether you have a romantic love interest or not.  I received a Valentine card from my sister (thank you Patti!) - case in point.  It is all about LOVE, not just romantic love.  What are your traditions for celebrating Valentine's Day?

The hubby and I usually have a date night either the Saturday before or after Valentine's Day.  The hubby will get the girls a little gift from him also.  He loves them so and they love their daddy!

2.  When you were in elementary school, did you decorate a shoe box and deliver those little valentines to all your classmates?   Perhaps in Sunday School?

Of course!  I can still remember filling out my very first Valentine's Cards for my classmates.  The pictures were the cutest little animals :)

3.  Do you enjoy playing Cupid?  Have you ever introduced a couple who really clicked?

I've never played Cupid!  I am, however, very glad for some Church ladies who played Cupid and talked the hubby into asking me out on a date 19 years ago!  Time flies!

4.  Which traditional Valentine's Day gift would you rather receive:  Chocolate, flowers, or a card with a personal message?

I'm all about chocolate and flowers but if the card had a personal message I would be all melty inside!

5.  What is the best movie to watch on Valentine's Day?

I going to show Jane Austen some love and say the movie "Emma" with Gwyneth Paltrow.

6.  Tell us something random about your week!

The hubby and I went on our date this past Saturday.  We went to Applebee's and then shopping.  We couldn't get the girls their gifts because Laken tagged along.  If we had one of daughters with us on our "date" can it still be considered a date?  Or does the hubby owe me a one-on-one date still?  What are your opinions?

Colletta