Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/13/20

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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I'm putting together a Valentine Swap!  I'd love for you to join in the fun!  Click HERE for more information.

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The weather outside is::::

It was 68F this weekend!  Can you believe that???  It was also VERY windy, in fact, we had quite a few trees come down from the wind.

On my breakfast plate:

English Muffin, Eggs, Vanilla Chai Tea

As I look around the house::::

Things are pretty much in order :)

On today's to do list::::

The hubby, Kaylee and I will be going to the gym this morning and then stopping by the College Bookstore to get Kaylee's books for this semester.  We got groceries on again on Saturday so that we wouldn't have to worry about extra stops today.

Happening this week::::

Devotions:  I'm sad to say that I missed reading my devotions on Friday.  It was the first day of this year that I missed :(

For the "Bad Girls of the Bible" study, we learned more about Jezebel this week.  We should all know what happened to that Bad Girl!

WW:  I maintained this week so I was a bit bummed, but better than a gain, I guess!  Our meeting was about explaining how they get the points for each food.  The scientists look at calories, protein, saturated fat and sugars.  It was really quite interesting.

Exercise:  As I mentioned above, we're going to be going to the gym today.  The plan is to go on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I'm determined!

Housework: Normal housework this week.  Nothing too out of the ordinary.

Doug:  The hubby is on second shift this week.  As I think I mentioned, it was his idea to get back to the gym.  He wants to lift weights while I do cardio.

Kaylee:  Kaylee starts back to school this Thursday.  She only has classes on Tuesday and Thursdays but it will be 4 classes back-to-back for basically the whole day.  I worry about her driving in the bad weather...  I guess I'll always worry about my babies.

Laken:  Laken's last day of the marking period is today.  Industrial Arts will be over for another year and she'll move on to "Humanities" which is a hodgepodge of skills that the students need to know such as how to use a printer, library etc.  She's not thrilled about this class as she has heard it is quite boring!

Currently reading::::

I finished "Fetching Sweetness" by Dana Mentink and will be posting a review tomorrow.  So cute!

Right now I'm reading "For Love or Loyalty" by Jennifer Hudson Taylor.

Next, I'll probably read either a contemporary fiction or a nonfiction.

 On the TV::::

NFL Playoffs!


Listening to:



On the menu week::::

Monday -  Ham, Fried Potatoes
Tuesday -  Ladies Meeting Potluck

Wednesday -  Potato Soup, Grilled Cheese
Thursday  - Kielbasa, Buttered Noodles
Friday -  Pork Chops, Au Gratin Potatoes
Saturday -  Pizza
Sunday - Potluck at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

Still working on the Ombre Cozy Stripe Afghan at my leisure.  I also decided to join in the Ravelry BAMCAL 2020 and the Moogly CAL 2020.

Picture From the Camera

  

Bible Verse

 "For by your words you shall be justified and by your words you shall be condemned."

Matthew 12:37 NASB

Colletta

Scripture Sunday ~ 1/12/20

This Week's Memory Verse:

"Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink.  Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete."

2 John V. 12  ESV

Colletta

Work In Progress ~ Cheers! ~ 1/11/20

 



 

I decided to jump into some crochet alongs but I didn't want to go out and buy new yarn (well not really that I didn't want to but that I SHOULDN'T buy new yarn :).  I'm using up some skeins leftover from various projects so this will be a "Scrappy CAL".

 

 

The first (January Main) block of Ravelry's BAMCAL 2020 is called "Cheers!" and was designed by Polly Plum who is a marvelous pattern writer!  The pattern says that it is "Advanced" and I had no problem whatsoever following along.

Do you like the pop of red?  I'm not quite sure about it but the hubby said he likes it. 

 

I'm going to add a round of white to every block and crochet them together with the red (probably) to tie them all together.  Here it is finished off:

 

Well, finished off except for tying in all those ends.  I'll get around to it sometime :)

 

The block turned out to be 12.5" before the border rounds.  Polly Plum created a new stitch that she called the Treble W Stitch (Tr-W) which is tr, ch1, tr, ch1, tr.  It was fun to learn :)

 

I was pleased with how it turned out! 

 

Are you participating in any crochet alongs (CALs)?  What are you working on?

Colletta





First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 1/10/20

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

First Lines

 A feeling of foreboding crawled over Malcolm MacGregor like a colony of insects picking at his skin.

 

 Page 56

 Lauren slept most of the afternoon, dreaming of Blair at home.

 

 Q.  Do you have a reading challenge for 2020? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

 

 A.  Of course, don't we all?  lol

 

My challenges are mostly TBR Challenges and are as follows:

 

1.  Goodreads 2020

2.  Mount TBR 2020

3.  Print Only 2020

4.  Tackle the TBR 2020

 

My goal is to read at least 26 books this year but "secretly" I'm hoping for 52 :)

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/9/20

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

~Little Women!  Laken and I went to see the new Little Women movie at the theater.  Little Women is one of my all time favorite books and I loved the older version of the movie.  This newer version comes in a close second but that might be because I'm partial to the older, more-to-the-book version.  This new movie has flashbacks and moves at a totally different pace.  I loved it :)

~Goodreads Challenge 2019!  I finished up the Goodreads Challenge 2019 on December 30, 2019 with 26 books read.  I was cutting it down to the wire!  For 2020, I'm once again setting my goal at 26 books but I've already read 2 books toward my goal and am "secretly" hoping to read 52 books this year:  1 a week :)

~Christmas Cleanup!  I love Christmastime, don't get me wrong, but when all the decoration are put away and everything cleaned up I truly feel like a New Year is upon us with all things clean and fresh :)

~Skipbo with the Hubby!  I was bored one evening during break and talked the hubby into playing Skipbo with me.  Just the two of us.  The first hand I dealt 30 cards and the hubby one ruthlessly!  The second hand I only dealt 10 cards and I won ruthlessly!  It was fun to spend some quality time :)

~Back at It!  I'm full speed ahead on my health, fitness and wellness goals.  I'm tracking my food and getting in the exercise.  Tuesday was so pretty that Kaylee and I went outside to walk.  It was still a bit chilly but the sun was shining and I was soaking in the Vitamin D!  When the weather doesn't permit a walk outside, I've been using the new-to-me treadmill that I got for $50 :)


What made you smile this week? 

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ 1/8/20

Hello, 2020 fitness and wellness!

My goal is to lose 1 lb per week.  I had my first 2020 MyWW weigh in on Saturday January 4th and lost .4 lbs .

I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't 1 lb but then I started thinking that it had only been 1/2 a week since 2020 had started so that would be right on track!

I tracked my smartpoints all week and counted everything I ate on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  I tried to be mindful of what I was eating while still enjoying the holiday food wise.  I think I had 6 weekly points left by Friday night.

I really want to get my 25 lbs Charm by the end of January.  I need to lose 4 lbs to get there.

This week I definitely want to hit the 1 lb loss mark and to do that I need to track everything and get some good walks in either on the treadmill or outside.  It is a bit cold outside so I don't know if I'll make it outside but thankfully I do have the treadmill option.  I also have walking DVD's but, frankly, I'm sick to death of them!

How are your 2020 fitness and wellness goals going so far?


Now,

On to the weigh in:

WW Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs
2020 Starting Weight ~ 12/28/19 ~ 270.2 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 12/28/19 ~ 270.2 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 1/4/20 ~ 268.8 lbs

This Week's Total:  -0.4 lbs
 
Grand Total: -21.0 lbs

I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 
 
Colletta

Book Review ~ A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris

 

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Title:  A Secret to Die For by Lisa Harris

Series:  N/A

Pages:  327

Date Published:  September 18, 2018

Publisher:  Revell

 

 Blurb:

 

Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret--one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn't simply suffering from paranoia.

Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan--and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.     

My Thoughts:

 

This was my first book of 2020!

 

I decided to read an inspirational suspense novel next and Lisa Harris is one of my favorite authors for this genre.  I really enjoy her writing.

 

The fate of the Nation was resting in Nate's and Grace's hand and they didn't even know why!  It was definitely a mystery that needed solving and a murderer who needed brought to justice.

 

 Nate and Grace were both suffering from forms of PTSD and past hurts.  Somehow they found a way to push through their struggles and, of course, solve the case!

 

There was a lot of technical jargon in a few places that was a bit hard to follow and had to be read very carefully to understand but to some it would probably be easy to follow.  I'm no coding expert!

 

The conclusion was a bit surprising as far as who the "culprit' was.

 

I was also a bit surprised...spoiler...that the "l-word" was used after Nate and Grace were re-united for only a few days.  A few action-packed days, granted, but none-the less...

 

This was a totally enjoyable book that I was able to read at a fast pace and am now ahead of my reading goal for the year!  Whoohooo!

 

Onto the next book!

  



Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/6/20

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm putting together a Valentine Swap!  I'd love for you to join in the fun!  Click HERE for more information.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome to the first edition of Happy Homemaker Monday for 2020!  (I just love typing that...2020, 2020, 2020, 2020...)

The weather outside is::::

It really hasn't been too bad for January in Pennsylvania.  We did get a skiff of snow last night with colder temperatures accompanying it.  I can't seem to get warm with anything other than my fuzzy pj's.

 

On my breakfast plate:

English Muffin, Eggs, Vanilla Chai Tea

As I look around the house::::

Everything is back in order, including the main part of the house.  All the Christmas decorations were loving put away on Saturday and replaced by the normal decorations.  I, for one, am a bit glad to get back to normal with decorations and a routine.

On today's to do list::::

The hubby and I went for groceries Saturday evening as our "date", lol!  I don't have to worry about that this week but I do want to sweep and mop the floors.
 

Happening this week::::

 

Devotions:  I've been loving using my book "Devotions from the Kitchen Table" as a starting point for my devotions.  I read the Bible then I read the devotional which has amazingly beautiful photographs throughout!

For the "Bad Girls of the Bible" study, we learned more about Rahab this week.  We're almost finished with this study book and are going to do "Really Bad Girls of the Bible" next.  I'm excited to get the new book!

WW:  MyWW Workshop was all about how to set goals for the New Year.  I didn't quite hit my weekly goal but it wasn't a gain so I wasn't heartbroken.  Time to really hit the treadmill and stay away from the snacks!

Exercise:  It was warm, but rainy here this week and now it is cold and snowy so I haven't been back outside for another walk.  I did, however, get on the treadmill.  I want to get into a better routine with the treadmill.

Housework:  I'm caught up on laundry and general housework.  I just want to do the floors as I mentioned above.

Doug:  The hubby was back to work for 2 days last week and I was missing him.  This week will be even worse with 10 hour days and a full week but he's on third shift (nights) so at least I'll be sleeping through most of it.  hehe.  Poor Douglas!  On another note:  he's counting down the weeks until trout season.  13 is the magic number :)

Kaylee:  Only 10 more days of Winter Break!  Yikes!  We'll be going to get Kaylee's books for the Spring 2020 Semester this week.  Either today or tomorrow.  She also wants to get some new notebooks.  I've passed on my love of paper to my babies :)

Laken:  Like the hubby, Laken had just 2 days of school last week and it seemed like a full week.  She said the first day seemed like FOREVER!   She's very dramatic!  This week she'll be having Science Olympiad practice though so she'll enjoy that.

Currently reading::::

 

Last week I finished reading "A Secret to Die For" by Lisa Harris.  I'll be posting the review tomorrow.

 

 

I'm currently reading "Fetching Sweetness" by Dana Mentink which I'm enjoying.

 

 

I'm not sure what I'll read next, other than it will probably be a historical novel.

 

 

 On the TV::::

We've been watching lots of Disney+ and also the NFL Playoffs!

Movies:

Little Women

Listening to:




On the menu week::::

 

Monday -  Weiner Winks, Homemade French Fries in the air fryer!
Tuesday -  Ham, Mac-n-cheese

Wednesday -  Deer Steak, Baked Potatoes
Thursday  - Chinese, Rice
Friday -  Pork Chops, Au Gratin Potatoes
Saturday -  Pizza
Sunday - Potluck at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

 

Still working on the Ombre Cozy Stripe Afghan at my leisure.  I'm still deciding if I want to join in with any of the new 2020 crochet-alongs or not.

 

 

 

Picture From the Camera

 

  

Bible Verse

 

 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also."

 

John 14:2 ESV

 

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 1/5/20

This Week's Memory Verse:

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."

1 John 4:12 NIV

Colletta

Tackle My TBR 2020 Reading Challenge

I decided to join another TBR Challenge for 2020!  I'm going to tackle the "First Down: read 25-36 TBR books".


The following is from Kimberly Faye Reads:

The 2020 Tackle My TBR Reading Challenge runs January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020. You can join at any time, but the link-up closes on November 30.

• The goal is to read at least ONE book from your TBR every month. It can be an ARC, ebook, audiobook or print – your choice. Any reading is good reading!
• If one TBR book a month isn’t enough, set your goal higher! Do you think you can read five a month? Ten? Go big or go home! There are some goal levels below if that’s your thing.
• You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. You can track your progress on Goodreads, Insta, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube… wherever you want!
• Use #TackleMyTBR2020 on social media.
• Feel free to use the banner graphic on your posts and/or social media.
• Link up below to declare your intentions.
• Tell your friends! [Shortlink: http://bit.ly/tacklemytbr2020] 

Challenge Levels

Back again this year: challenge levels! (Unsurprising to anyone who knows me, they’re football-themed.) Pick a level, any level! (These are all based on a 1-5+ books per month average.)

• Safety: read 12 TBR books
• Blitz: read 13-24 TBR books
• First Down: read 25-36 TBR books
• Field Goal: read 37-48 TBR books
• Hail Mary: read 49-60 TBR books
• Touchdown: read 61+ TBR books

And because reviewing is so important, I’ve added a couple of bonus levels!

• Extra Point: review half of the TBR books you read
• Two-Point Conversion: review all the TBR books you read

Go check it out!

Colletta

Work In Progress ~ 1/4/20

 



 For my next project, I decided to use up my RH Ombre leftover yarn from other projects.  I'm using the Attic 24 Cozy Stripe pattern and therefore am calling this project:  Ombre Cozy Stripe Afghan :)

 

The colors I am using are Spearmint, Violet, Sea Coral, Deep Teal, Anemone, Anthracite and Soft White.  I'm using a 5.5mm (I) hook.

The Cozy Stripe pattern is very calming and relaxing to work up.  It contains alternating rows of double crochet and granny stripes.  It makes for a very nice TV watching project.

 

 Above is my progress so far.  I'm making this afghan fairly large so I have quite a way to go.  I'm taking my time with this one as I don't have an intended recipient at the moment.  I may even decide to keep it for myself.  I'm still undecided...

What are you working on?

Colletta





First Lines Friday, 56 and BBH ~ 1/3/20

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

First Lines

A sharp clatter jerked Grace Callahan out of the novel she was reading.

 

 Page 56

She took in a deep breath while he waited for her to continue. "I find myself hardly able to breathe sometimes."

 

 Q.  Do you have any New Year's Blogging Resolutions? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

 

 A.  I want to continue blogging on a daily basis.  If you're new here, I try to keep the following schedule with a few extras thrown in:

 

Monday:  Happy Homemaker Monday

Tuesday:  Book Review or Misc.

Wednesday:  Weekly Weigh In

Thursday:  Thankful Thursday

Friday:  First Lines, 56 and BBH

Saturday:  Work In Progress

Sunday:  Scripture Memory Verse

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/2/20

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

~Happy New Year!  I'm so excited for 2020!  I always look forward to starting a fresh, new year.  If you're interested in reading my "10 Goals for 2020" click HERE :)

~A New Quilt!  The family and I went to the mall over Christmas break and found that Sears is having a "closing sale".  I discovered a King sized quilt in my favorite colors and it only cost me $8.47.  My hubby would tell you that I have too many quilts, but I couldn't pass it up for that price! :)

~Organized Bedroom!  I spent some time on last Saturday working in our bedroom, particularly my closet and book shelves.  We moved some things around and tried to make the room more functional and aesthetically pleasing.  It feels so good to have less clutter :)

~A Loss!  I was so excited to report that I had a loss on the scale after Christmas instead of a gain.  You can read more on my last Weekly Weigh In post :)

~New Agenda!  I was gifted a 2020 agenda for Christmas.  I already have an agenda that I use for my daily tasks so I decided to use my new agenda to keep track of "One Sentence A Day".  I'll be writing one or two (maybe three) sentences about each day.  I'll be posting my sentences on the blog at the end of each month.  Rebecca Jo at Knit By God's Hands hosts a monthly linkup where I'll be sharing.  I'm excited to try out this form of journaling!  :)


What made you smile this week? 

Colletta

First Book of the Year ~ 2020

Sheila, over at Book Journey, is once again hosting "First Book of the Year" fun!

My "First Book of the Year" will be:

Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret--one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn't simply suffering from paranoia.

Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan--and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.

With her signature pulse-pounding suspense, Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear in this race against the clock.

What is your "First  Book of the Year"?

Colletta

Happy 2020!!!!!!!

 

Colletta

One Sentence a Day ~ December 2019

A sentence or two (or three) each day.

December 2019...

1/Sun ~  The Youth Group decorated the Church building for Christmas.  It looks very pretty.

2/Mon ~ No school for Laken plus no work for Doug today.

3/Tues ~ Grocery Day for me and Science Olympiad practice for Laken.

4/Wed ~ I worked on writing Christmas Cards today!

5/Thurs ~ Laundry Day and we worked on rearranging the Family Room.

6/Fri ~ Today was Kaylee's last day of College for the Fall 2019 Semester!

7/Sat ~ We decorated our house for Christmas and it was our turn to clean the Church building.

8/Sun ~ The Youth group delivered Christmas baskets to the elderly in our town along with homemade soup.

9/Mon ~ Finally got the John Deere pillows made for Terri Lynn's jingle gift!  They turned out well :)

10/Tues ~ Grocery Day plus we had our Ladies Group Christmas Dinner at Ed's Steakhouse.

11/Wed ~ We signed up for Disney+ today.  I'll never get them away from the TV now!

12/Thurs ~ I finished up Linda's Prayer Blanket today and gave it to Shawn to deliver to his Mom.

13/Fri ~ Today we decorated our Christmas Tree.  It was fun to look back at all the girls' past years' ornaments.

14/Sat ~ We made a trip to the Fruit Bowl and Candyland to get candy for Laken's Christmas gifts to her friends.

15/Sun ~ This evening was play practice for the Youth Group.

16/Mon ~ Doug is on 3rd shift this week.  I'm sure Laken will be sleeping with me!

17/Tues ~ Grocery Day and Science Olympiad for Laken.  She is studying the stars and contellations.

18/Wed ~ Today was Shawn AND Aunt Donna's birthdays.  Happy 21st Bday Shawn!  I won't say how old Aunt Donna is :)

19/Thurs ~ Laken and Mom made sugar cookie cutouts this evening.  They are delicious!

20/Fri ~ Today was the deadline for the Pen Pal signups.  I ended up with 12 participants and was happy with that :)

21/Sat ~ I worked on sending out Pen Pal information to the participants.  I hope everyone enjoys their happy mail!

22/Sun ~ Today was the Christmas Program at Church.  This evening we had an early Church Service and then went Christmas Caroling.  Then we headed back to the Church for Hot Chocolate and Goodies!

23/Mon ~ The hubby took us all to see Frozen 2 this afternoon.  Dex and Shawn went along. I really enjoyed it :)

24/Tues ~ Christmas Eve!  We made fudge today and spent the evening at my brother and SIL's celebrating, eating and opening gifts!

25/Wed ~ Christmas Day!  We got up early to open presents, took a small nap and then cooked Christmas Dinner.  The afternoon was spent watching movies we received.

26/Thurs ~ Ugh!  Organizing the bedroom and family room is not fun anymore!  But we got it done!  Laken went to the movies with her friend, Emily.

27/Fri ~ We went to the mall as a family and I got a King sized quilt at Sears (they're closing) for $8.47!

28/Sat ~ It was 60F outside so Kaylee and I headed out for a walk.  Later in the evening we all played Disney Monopoly which Laken won.

29/Sun ~ The Steelers lost to the Ravens and are now out of the running for the playoffs :(

30/Mon ~ Laken and I went to the movies to see "Little Women" while Doug and Kaylee saw the new "Star Wars".  Kaylee found and bought me the game "Bunco".  I've been looking for it for years!

31/Tues ~  We spent New Year's Eve at my brother Dan's who cooked shrimp for everyone.  Happy New Year!


Colletta