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 ~ 11/25/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I want to take a moment to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving (here in the U.S.A.)!  It is going to be a short, but busy, week for me and I wanted to let everyone of you know how thankful I am that you've taken a moment out of your day to stop by and visit :) 

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

We had our first snow on Thursday/Friday of last week!  It didn't stay long but it made it's presence known.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for the cold/snow/ice..I better get ready, I guess :)  The 7 Day Forecast is starting the week off with weather that doesn't look too bad but by the end of the week, we're going to feel the COLD!

On today's to-do list:

I don't work at my part-time job today so I'm planning on being a homebody.  I have bills to send, laundry to fold and Christmas market prepping to do.

Happening this week:

I only work Tuesdsay (CPR Training) and Wednesday this week.  My job seems to be going well and I'm getting settled in and more familiar with my daily tasks.  I want to shout-out to my wonderful co-workers:  Janice, Julie, Bridget, Sydney and Kay!  I truly believe that the people you work with make the job either pleasant or unpleasant and so far it has been great.  I'm a bit nervous about the CPR training on Tuesday, but I guess I'll be alright...  Hopefully!

THANKSGIVING!  We're having dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's house as we've done the past several years.  Kelly (my SIL) has been working crazy hours so I hope she can enjoy the time off of work.  

BLACK FRIDAY!  Laken is really looking forward to going to Altoona shopping on Black Friday and braving the crowds.  I doubt we'll go at the crack of dawn but probably head out around 8am.  Hopefully we'll still get some deals.  

Currently reading:

***I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!***

Thankfully, the book club meeting has been moved to November 27th, as I didn't get the book read yet.  I'm still going to do my best to read it and join in with the discussion.

Listening to:

While market prepping, I listened to this video on how to Bible journal.  Enjoy!

Watching:

The hubby, Laken, Nate and I actually went to the movie theater Saturday night!  We saw Gladiator II.  It was a good movie but I'm not sure if it beats out the original Gladiator with Russell Crowe.  We went to Chik-Fil-A afterward.  We had a good time.  Next we want to see Moana 2.  It comes out on Wednesdsay, but I don't know if we'll make it back to the theater so soon to see it this coming weekend.

In the Kitchen:

I've been very mediocre in the kitchen lately.  I've not created anything out of the ordinary to share.  The hubby did pick up a 1/2 bushel of apples for $5 at the farmers market, so we're planning on making apple dumplings sometime soon.

In the Craft Basket:

As mentioned, I've been working on items for the Christmas vendor show coming up on December 14th.  I've made about 25 ornaments and have been making some crocheted toys as well.  Some of the items I've made are kittens, octopuses, snowmen/women, turtles, frogs, and granny square chickens.  I'll add a picture if I get the chance. 

Picture(s) from the Camera

A painting Kaylee created to sell at the vendor show.

Prayer Requests

~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.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.  LORD, Your faithful love endures forever; do no abandon the work of Your hands."  Psalm 138:8

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/11/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I missed last week's HHM post.  Time just got away from me!  It is Saturday night as I'm sitting down to start typing this post.  I figured while I have time and have it on my mind, I better get it underway.

I want to wish a HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY to all those who served in the Armed Forces including my Dad!  Thank you all so much for your service :)

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

It was unseasonably warm a few days this past week.  As is typical in PA, I had to put my car's heater on in the morning and A/C on in the afternoon.

This coming week looks more November-ish.  Look at that 27F on Tuesday night.  I'm going to have to start going out to my car early to defrost the windows!  I'm definitely not ready or looking forward to that...

On today's to-do list:

On Monday's to-do list is Laken's room.  She's off school and I'm off work for Veteran's Day, so I told her I'd help her clean.  Of course, that will be AFTER we sleep in :)

Happening this week:

I've started my regular work schedule of M-W-F from 10am until 5pm.  So far, I'm loving it!  I'm learning my new job and my co-workers are wonderful!  That is always an important aspect to any job.  And being that I'm only working part-time, I feel like I still have time to get my homemaking accomplished even though I'm still working on getting into a routine.

I signed up for a Christmas Vendor/Craft Show with Kaylee as my sidekick.  I'll be working in my "spare" time to get things made and ready by December 14th. 

Also, Thursday is my Mom's birthday so we'll be celebrating!

Currently reading:

I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!

Listening to:

His goodness and mercy will follow us all of our days.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Not really anything this week except for the election on Tuesday evening into the wee hours of the morning.

In the Kitchen:

We had a Veteran's Dinner Saturday at Church for the Veterans of our community.  We had a great turn out!  Food and desserts were prepared by the ladies.

Other than that, I made a few quick suppers this week.  I really want to be more intentional about my time in the kitchen this week.  I might make an Oatmeal Cake on Monday.  Yummmm....

In the Craft Basket:

I'm currently working on crocheting Christmas Ornaments.  Kaylee is going to paint a few paintings to add to the mix if she gets time.  Here are a few pictures of our last show :

It was a very small area to try to lay out all the items but we managed :)  If you think of any items that you think I should add to my table, please let me know in the comments.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Laken has been quite sick this past week.  She is perking up now but she missed the whole week of school.  I'd appreciate your prayers that she is well and good to go back to school on Tuesday.

~Thanks that Kaylee and Shawn traveled to Wisconsin for a wedding and that they made it safely home Saturday.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever."  Psalm 23:6 (NASB)

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/12/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I'm writing this post on Sunday evening, as I usually do.  If you are reading this on Monday, I'm at WORK!  The day has finally arrived and I'm nervous AND excited!

My new boss, Karen, called me on Friday to let me know what my Monday will look like.  I have orientation all morning starting at 8am.  At noon, Karen and Debbie (my supervisor) will meet me outside the auditorium and take me to lunch.  I thought this a super nice gesture!  The afternoon will be spent getting all my computer access, etc. situated.  Karen also mentioned a training on infectious disease that I will be taking, so my first day or two will be spent getting all that completed so that I can dive into my regular work duties.

I'm not sure what my blogging schedule is going to look like as my routines change.  I hope to still post on Sunday/Monday and at least my Tea Time post.  I'm not sure what day I'll be posting Tea Time.  I'll have to see how my week goes.  Wish me luck!

Let's get on with the post ;)

The weather outside is:

I don't know why the site that I usually get my forecast from is still showing the 7 day forecast from Friday on.  Oh well, you can see that Friday and Saturday were absolutely beautiful days.  Friday we had sunshine and I think we ended up with a high of 63F.  That is crazy for my area in the middle of February!  Monday night we are looking at weather that is a bit more seasonal although they are currently backing off on the amount of snow they think we'll get.  Personally, I'm fine with not getting ANY more snow this winter.  I don't mind the cold, but I hate driving in nasty weather.

On today's to-do list: 

~My main to-do today is waking up to my alarm and getting out the door on time.  I'm seriously worried that I'm going to sleep through my alarm on my first day at my new job.  That is IF I can even sleep!

Happening this week:

~Thankfully, this week is fairly quiet.  I do have Ladies Bible Study and Potluck on Tuesday evening.  It is always the second Tuesday of the month.

~We don't really have plans for Valentine's Day.  I haven't even gotten the hubby a card or gift yet!  Hopefully I'll get a chance to before Wednesday.

~I've been busy prepping for my vendor show in March.  I hope to continue to craft a bit each evening but I'll write more about that in the crafting prompt.

Currently reading:

I haven't made any progress on "Small Town Shepherd" by Nala Henkel Aislinn.  I've created a daily schedule that does include reading time before bed, but I don't know.  Again, I'll have to see how the day/week goes.

Watching:

Farmer Wants a Wife

Hallmark - Jane Austen inspired movies

Super Bowl

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Chili and Corn Bread

In the Craft Basket:

I needed something different to work on, so I took some of my miscellaneous granny squares and made some tote bags.  I also found a free pattern on ravelry.com for a Sunburst Granny Square Tote.  Laken picked out a skein of yarn for me to create it with.  The yarn was in my stash and is Red Heart Super Saver Stripes in "Flamenco".  I have the center of the sunbursts made and started working on the border round in "Aran".  I actually got a picture of my progress but it is very dark.  I hope you don't mind the poor lighting!

Picture from the Camera

Don't mind my papers in the foreground!  I need to do some filing...

Bible Verse

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."  Psalm 18:2

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/31/2024

 

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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~My sister-in-law Kelly's surgery Tuesday morning went "perfectly" according to the surgeon!  She was truly in the loving hands of the Almighty and I fully believe the surgeon was used by Him.  So many people were praying!  Kelly was sincerely afraid that she wouldn't make it through the surgery and now she is sitting, walking, talking and doing wonderfully!  We are most definitely saying prayers of thanks :)

~I signed up for a vendor/craft show that will be taking place March 16th.  I have roughly 10 days until I start my new job so I'm using my time to market prep!  This will be my first ever market/show and I'm excited!  I've been busy crocheting octos, sea turtles, leggy frogs, hair scrunchies, bunnies and still have more items that I want to work up.  I also have cup cozies, baby blankets, shawls, dish cloths and scrubbies made that I will be adding to my table.  If you can think of anything else I should make, please let me know in the comments :)

~Can you believe today is the last day of January 2024?  I can truthfully say that I'm up-to-date with my Bible-in-a-year plan.  There have been days that I've had to play catch-up but nothing too crazy.  I don't want to get behind too far and then have a hard time catching up.  I'm reading in Exodus (the 10 Plagues), Matthew (Mount of Transfiguration) and Psalms (at chapter 27).  I've never read a plan that is some Old Testament, some New Testament and Psalms/Proverbs each day but I thought I'd give it a try for something different.  So far, so good!  I'm really enjoying my reading time :)

~Laken, my baby, turns 17-years-old on Friday.  She's my little groundhog baby!  She either wants Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse for her birthday dinner.  Then on Saturday, the 3rd, we are planning on taking her and Nate snowboarding!  They have been wanting to go so badly so we agreed to take them for Laken's birthday present.  I just pray nobody gets hurt!  That is my biggest fear with snowboarding!  Laken has never been snowboarding but Nate has been.  Hopefully he can give her some pointers.  :)

~I need to start adding more pictures to my blog.  I used to take so many pictures to share but not so much anymore.  I really need to get a new camera as my old one bit the dust.  My phone camera stinks (as Laken likes to tell me).  If you have any recommendations for a good but inexpensive camera, please let me know in the comments :)

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/29/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

I can't talk about the weather without mentioning how absolutely gorgeous it was this past Friday her in southern Pennsylvania!  The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the snow was melting!  Glorious :)

The week ahead is a little more wintery...sigh...

On today's to-do list: 

~Today is my sister-in-law's birthday!  I would love if you could pray for her.  Kelly is having a major surgery tomorrow on her neck and is very scared.  We're all nervous and have been praying hard that it is safe and successful.  I appreciate it :)

~Working on my new routine of early to bed/early to rise.  I did pretty well with the routine in the beginning of last week and then little by little, I was staying up way too late.  So last night I was in bed by 10pm and now I'm wide awake a little before 5am.

Happening this week:

~Laken's 17th Birthday!  My little groundhog baby is growing up.  Friday we're going out to eat for her Birthday Dinner and then on Saturday we'ere taking Laken and Nate snowboarding at a ski resort about an hour away.  I pray no one gets hurt!

~Prepping for my first ever vendor show!

Currently reading:

I did so good with my reading goal and finished "Keegan" in 2-3 days.  I then started "Small Town Shepherd" by Nala Henkel Aislinn.  So far it has been good, but I've been distracted from reading.  I've put it as an item on my daily tasks, so I'm hoping to finish this book in the beginning of the week.

Watching:

NFL Playoff games.

Percy Jackson

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Stroganoff

In the Craft Basket:

I finished up the Think Pink Shawl.  Other than that I've been working on bunnies, turtles, bees and leggy frogs for the vendor/craft show.  It isn't until March 16th but I start working outside the home again on February 12th and don't know how much time I will have to craft.  I'd like to get as much done in the next two weeks as I possibly can.

Picture from the Camera

Kona Mae :)

Bible Verse

"In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."  Psalm 5:3

Have a great Monday!

Colletta