Happy Homemaker ~ 4/22/2025

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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I hope everyone has a blessed Easter spent remembering our LORD and SAVIOR'S death, burial and resurrection.

I kinda fell off the face of blog-land for a few weeks.  I've been very preoccupied and overwhelmed with a secret "project" that I've been working on but I can now share that:

I PASSED the Pennsylvania Property & Casualty Insurance Licensing Exam!!!

The hubby and I traveled to Harrisburg Monday so that I could take my exam.  I was so nervous!!!!  I studied the material and took practice quizzes for weeks but still was unsure of what the final outcome would be.  I prayed so hard the whole time I took the test.

The wording was different on the exam than was in my online course, so I made many educated "guesses".  I might not have gotten the high score I wanted but I was over the minimum score of 70% and that is all that matters.  It was either PASS or FAIL.  Whew!  Huge sigh of relief!

I start my new job at State Farm on May 1st so I have just over a week to get things situated at home and work on a routine.  I will be working full-time.  In fact, it is an actual 9-5 job.

Now on with the post!

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The weather outside is:

We had a nasty storm Saturday night that knocked the electric out for a lot of people in my area.  Thankfully, we didn't lose our electricity at home.

This next week looks very nice with some great temperatures.  I'm going to enjoy my swing as much as possible.

On the to-do list:

It is 8:17pm when I am typing this post so not much else on the to-do list for today.  I might try to work on writing down what I want my weekly routine to look like so that I can start getting into some good habits.

Happening this week:

~I have to go to our local library to get my fingerprints done for my licensing application tomorrow.

~The hubby has a dentist appointment and Laken has an eye appointment on Thursday.

~Laundry, groceries and cleaning on Friday

~A few of the ladies from Church and I are going to a Ladies Spring Luncheon on Saturday at a Church about 2 hours from here.  I volunteered to drive even though I've never been there before.  I really don't mind driving new places as long as I have my Google Maps!

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to listen to "Fragile Designs" by Colleen Coble.  It is the April selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I'm a little late to the party but hopefully I can get it finished before the Zoom Book Club Meeting.

Listening to:

Right now I'm listening to the hubby watch an action movie in the Family Room.  I usually have music playing in the background but didn't even turn it on yet tonight.

Watching:

The only show I've really been watching is Farmer Wants a Wife Season 3.  Anybody else watching it?  If so, what are your thoughts?  I've been making the hubby watch it with me so I have someone to talk to about it :)

In the Kitchen:

We've been experimenting with Gluten Free foods.  I'm surprised at the variety of Gluten Free options there are at the market but also a bit shocked at the prices!  I'd love any input from fellow Gluten Free eaters/cookers/bakers.

In the Craft Basket:

Nothing.  A big, fat nothing.  I've been so busy, overwhelmed and preoccupied with my studies that I haven't even picked up anything that looks crafty.  

Picture(s) from the Camera

No new pictures recently.

Prayer Requests

~Laken's health and school.  She has a little over a month left of her senior year.  I pray that she can finish strong!

~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. (continued)

~My new job and routine.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."

Matthew 28:6a

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker ~ 3/2/2025

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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Happy March, everyone!!!

I am beyond excited to be done with January and February.  I'm even more excited that we get to Spring Forward Saturday night!

Sickness has really hit our household hard this Winter.  I'm much improved but now my Mom and Dad are down with whichever virus it is.  I can't wait to open the windows and air the house out.  Fresh air does wonders for the body and mind.

Let's get on with it, shall we?

~~~~~

The weather outside is:

We had a few really nice days last week and I was actually able to go outside for my walk on 2 different days.  Then...it go cold again.  16F was the temperature when I left for Church this morning.

On the to-do list:

This morning was Church.  I spent the afternoon just relaxing and not getting much done except talking to the hubby.  In a bit, I'll be leaving for Sunday evening Bible Study.  I didn't get the laundry folded or the floors mopped like I wanted to.  OH well, they'll keep for another day...

Happening this week:

Monday (3/3) ~ I work 10am-5pm.  Maybe I'll get to that laundry in the evening.

Tuesday (2/25) ~ I'm off work and will be working on market prep items.  The Spring Fling Market is only 1 month away.  I'm getting nervous/excited.  I can't tell which one, really.  I'll also be posting my Weekly Weigh In Post by Tuesday (possibly Monday).

Wednesday (3/5) ~ I work 10am-5pm.  Prayer Meeting and Bible Study is at 6:30pm so I have just enough time to get home, eat and head out again.

Thursday (3/6) ~ I'm off work on Thursday's so I'll be trying to get some things done around the house such as making a menu, grocery shopping, bills, errands etc. (Hopefully the floors were mopped earlier in the week!)

Friday (3/7) ~ Work 10am-5pm. I might participate in some Reading Sprints with Paperbacks and Ponytails a booktuber I follow.  I think she starts them at 7pm but I could be wrong. 

Saturday (3/8) ~ Saturday's are the only day I get to "sleep in" and I always wake up early anyway.  Go figure!  I plan on spending the day working around the house.  Cleaning and laundry (again) and also make sure my planner is all filled in and ready to go for the next week.

Currently reading:

I'm listening to "Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham, the March selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  March 27th at 8pm EST is our Zoom Chat about the book.

We had our discussion this past Friday evening for "You're Not Enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey.  We had a great time and it was so encouraging talking to other Christian women with similar interests.

Listening to:

Watching:

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

In the Kitchen:

I spent more time in the kitchen this week.  I made homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert one night.  I also threw together a Crock Pot Garlic Beef and Potato recipe I found on Facebook.

In the Craft Basket:

I made a few more turtles and am almost done with another octopus.  I'm starting to fizzle out on the crochet frenzy but I only have 1 month to create more items for the market.  Hopefully, I'll renew my vigor this week.  My list of to-makes is getting smaller so that is good :)

Picture(s) from the Camera

I got this super pretty, Spring-y mug at the Dollar General for $3.  I love it and have been drinking my tea from it every evening :)

Prayer Requests

~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.

~My weight loss journey.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Philippians 4:6

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker ~2/22/2025

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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It is a quiet evening here at my house so I thought I would get my Happy Homemaker post up and running while I listen to my audiobook.  The hubby is snoring away and Laken is spending time with Nate's family this evening.  My parents are busy watching the news channel downstairs.  (We live in a multi-generational house, in case you weren't aware.)

It has been a busy week and a cold virus made it through the household as well.  I ended up going to my PCP on Wednesday and was diagnosed with double ear/sinus infections.  I'm taking an antibiotic and steroid pack which has me feeling a bit better although I'm having a hard time sleeping at night.

I've been drinking lots of hot tea also.  I actually could use a cuppa right now!

I hope you are doing well and are surviving this winter!  Only 2 more weeks until Daylight Savings Time starts!  Whoohooo!  I can't wait :)

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BTW, I'm starting a new feature on the blog called "Colletta Is Losing It!" about my journey to health and wellness.  If you'd like to check out my "A Fresh Start" post click HERE :)

Let's get on with it, shall we?

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The weather outside is:

I am SO looking forward to the warmer temperatures in the forecast this week!

On the to-do list:

Today I spent the morning resting after a sleepless night.  I went to a birthday party for a little boy from Church this afternoon.  When I got home, I spent some time cleaning and doing laundry.  After supper, the hubby and I relaxed and talked about life before he dozed off.  And that brings me to now, writing this post.

Happening this week:

Sunday (2/23) ~ It is the LORD's day, so we'll be going to Church.  I attend a Ladies Bible Study Class at 8am before Sunday School and Church Services.  We also attend evening Services at 6pm where we're studying the Book of Luke verse by verse.  In between services, I hope to get the laundry folded and take a Sunday Afternoon Nap.

Monday (2/24) ~ I usually work 10am-5pm on Monday's but the hubby has an oral surgeon appointment for a consultation to extract a bad tooth.  He's nervous about it so he asked if I would go along.  I requested to be off work and it was approved.  It took a while to get the appointment for the consultation so I have no idea how long it will take to get scheduled for the extraction itself.

Tuesday (2/25) ~ I'm off work and will be working on market prep items.

Wednesday (2/26) ~ I work 10am-5pm.  I usually attend Prayer Meeting/Bible Study on Wednesday at 6:30pm but missed last week due to not feeling well.  I'm hoping to feel much better by then.  I know that after work this past Friday I was really worn out from the infections/virus.

Thursday (2/27) ~ I'm off work on Thursday's so I'll be trying to get some things done around the house such as making a menu, grocery shopping, bills, errands etc.

Friday (2/28) ~ Work 10am-5pm.  At 8pm EST is the Zoom Meeting for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.

Saturday (3/1) ~ Yay for March!!!!  I'm so excited to be turning the calendar on February soon.  We'll just be spending time around the house and possible going out for dinner at Tillie's at Bedford Springs Resort.  Laken has been wanting to go, but the weather has just been uncooperative.

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 #5 and finishing up the book.  Be looking for my review.

I finished listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell and started listening to "Alaska Twilight" by Colleen Coble.  I only have 2 hours left to listen to.

Listening to:

Watching:

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

In the Kitchen:

I haven't made anything special this past week.  I was going to use up some over-ripe bananas to make banana bread but didn't and they got past the point of using.

In the Craft Basket:

I've been crocheting every spare moment to make items for the Spring Fling Vendor Show.  I've made dinos and turtles this week.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Prayer of thanks as my brother, Dan, made it home safely from his work trip to Italy.

~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.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."

I John 4:18

Have a great week!

Colletta

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

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/10/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

So how about it?  Did you watch the Super Bowl last night?  I wasn't super invested in who won so it didn't much matter to me.  I do wish the score would have been a little closer to make it more exciting.  I enjoy a good nail-biter!

Did anyone get their free Starbucks coffee today?  At least the game was over fairly early as I had to get up for work this morning.

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I want to take this opportunity to invite you to join in my 16th Blogiversary Celebration & Giveaway.  Click HERE to read the post!

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

The weather outside is:

It is supposed to be rather nasty this week with freezing rain, ice and snow.  Stay safe, everyone!

On today's to-do list:

I didn't get a chance to type this post on Sunday afternoon/evening so I'm just sitting down now at 7:56pm on Monday to write.  

I worked 10am-5pm.  Came home.  Had supper.  Washed dishes.  Relaxed a bit.  And now here I am.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm yet this week.  That is if the weather allows and the office isn't closed on Wednesday.

Tuesday for me morning I have a dentist appointment.  Tuesday afternoon is also a hair appointment for Laken.  The bad weather is supposed to start around lunch, so hopefully we'll get there and back before it gets too bad!

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. 

I've read the introduction and Myth #1 (the first chapter) so far.  The ladies in the book club chatted about our thoughts on Saturday evening.  The Good for the Soul Women's Book Club is probably my favorite book club I've ever participated in.  Prairie, our fearless leader, does such a wonderful job and puts so much time and effort into the club.  She's such a sweetheart!

I'm also listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell and will be starting Chapter 12 this evening.  It has been really fun to read about all the inventions and the menagerie of animals that make appearances along the way!

Listening to:

One of my first cars was a little red Subaru Impreza that had "No Fear" decals in the back windows.  I think of that car every time I hear this song!  lol  Probably not what the writer/artist had in mind but still...  Enjoy :)

Watching:

We watched 1 episode of Reacher but I'm just not really getting into it as much as the hubby would like.  I might give it 1 more episode and if it doesn't peak my interest then I'll say it is quits.

We watched the Super Bowl as I mentioned above.

There is a new show called The Hunting Party that looks REALLY interesting.  I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

In the Kitchen:

Super Bowl food/snacks:  i.e, walking tacos, cheese fries, dirt dessert, Puppy Chow etc.

In the Craft Basket:

I'm working on a plush "Dino Nugget" for a coworker to give to her daughter.  I have one side of it completed and would like to get it finished before I go back to work on Wednesday.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~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

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. "

I Corinthians 13:1-3

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/3/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

Sunday was Laken's 18th birthday!  I can't believe my little groundhog baby is officially an adult!  18 years ago at 1:15pm it was 8F and there were huge snowflakes floating down from the sky.  That is how vividly I remember the day she was born.  My Apple Dumpling is all grown up and I don't know where the time has gone!

Sigh.....

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Actually, right now freezing rain is coming down.  The steps and walkway are covered in ice and I hate it!  I find that I'm really  conscious of falling this winter.  The older I get the more and more worried I get that I will fall on the ice/snow and I'm only 46 years old!

BUT...look at that temperature for Monday and Thursday!  I'll take some 50 degree days, yes I will :)

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

I work 10a-5p.  Other than that it should be a fairly normal day of trying to get back into the routine of the week.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

As I look at my planner, it looks like the week ahead is a pretty normal one without much "extra" going on.  I pray it stays that way.

Currently reading:

I finished listening to "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer Thursday morning.  Our book club zoom meeting was Thursday at 8pm so just in time!  If you'd like to read my review CLICK HERE!

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. 

I'm also going to start listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell.

Listening to:

We are made in the image of the One True King.  Let us remember that truth!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

Not much this week.

The hubby has recommended that I catch up on the past 2 seasons of "Reacher" so that I can watch season 3 with him when it airs.  I've 2 episodes in and look forward to watching more. (***haven't watched any more yet***)

The Super Bowl is on Sunday and I'll probably watch it.  I don't really have a favorite though.  I just might have to pick the Eagles as I am a Pennsylvania girly!  

In the Kitchen:

Nothing fancy this week...  Just normal supper fare.  Here's a question:  Do you call it supper or dinner?

In the Craft Basket:

I started making some of the cutest Octos.  I found a free pattern on the webs, if you're interested let me know and I'll link it.  So far I've made three:  yellow, green and purple.

Aren't they the cutest things ever?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. "

Romans 12:18

Have a great week!

Colletta