Tuesday 4 ~ Simply the Best ~ 6/1/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This is an older Tuesday 4 from Toni:

This week's answers are courtesy of the hubby :) 

1.   What was the best thing you have ever bought?

The hubby said that the best thing he's ever bought was my engagement ring!  Isn't that sweet?!?     

2.   What was the best book you have ever read?

White Fang by Jack London

 3.   What is the best food you've ever eaten?

All the food at Disney World.

4.   What was the best movie or TV series you've ever watched?

Dukes of Hazzard

This was a fun one!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 5/31/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend :)

The weather outside is:

The weather over the weekend was chilly and rainy.  I was hoping for the nice weather that was predicted for today so that we could celebrate Memorial  Day and remember those who died so that we could have our freedom.  I'm looking forward to that 80F weather come the weekend.

On today's to-do list: 

I'm getting this post up late so I'll tell you what I've already done today.

We spent the morning getting laundry finished, cleaning the family room and bedroom, going out to eat for lunch, relaxing and going to the Lake in the evening.

I started a Summer Self-Improvement Challenge today that lasts until Labor Day.  It is hosted by Diva and the Divine over on youtube.  Click HERE for the details.  I met all my daily goals for the challenge!  Yay, me!

Happening this week:

Kaylee and Shawn's wedding is fast approaching so I want to get all the invitation sent out this week.  The majority of them will go out Tuesday but we still need a few addresses.

Laken is out of school for the Summer!  Wednesday was her last day as a Middle School Student.  She is now in High School!  I don't know how the time flies so quickly...

The hubby is working first shift (daylight) this wee and had a nice long weekend that was much needed.

As for me, I'll be watching Annalea from 8am-3pm and then working to meet all my above-mentioned Summer Self-Improvement Challenge goals :)

Currently reading:

I started "Aloha Hideaway Inn" by Elana Johnson today at the Lake.  One of my goals for the Summer is to get back into reading.  I picked this book to kick things off because it is set in Hawaii :)  So far it is intriguing and the writing is very good.

On the TV:

I haven't watched TV in weeks!  That will change this coming weekend because "Raya" is coming to Disney+ on June 4th.  We opted not to spend the extra money to watch it as a premiere so we're looking forward to seeing it this Friday or Saturday.  It has been a long time since we've had a Family Movie Night.  Too long!

Listening to:

This week I featured "Help Is On The Way" by TobyMac on Songs on Sunday.  I love this song and have listened to it over and over :)

On the menu week:

I haven't made our menu yet...

Monday ~  Subway

Tuesday ~ 

Wednesday ~ 

Thursday ~  

Friday ~ 

Saturday ~ 

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I haven't been crafting a lot lately.  I did manage to tie the ends in on Kaylee's and Shawn's Afghan that I'm making for the Wedding Shower.  But that was only on the 17 squares I have completed.  I still need to crochet 16 squares, crochet them all together and then crochet the border.  All before the shower in July!

Picture from the Camera

Memory Verse

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."  I Thessalonians 4:16-17

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Help Is On The Way by TobyMac

Gotta love me some TobyMac!

Enjoy :)

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 5/28/2021

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I haven't read anything in weeks.  Possibly even months.  BUT...I'm joining the "20 Books of Summer" with a goal of 10 books so I'd really like to get back to reading just a little bit every day.  I'm starting fresh!

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

A local island B&B owner hates the swanky high-rise hotel down the beach...but not the billionaire who owns it. Can she deal with strange summer weather, tourists, and falling in love?

Stacey Stapleton owns the premier bed and breakfast on Hawaii's big island, and she's not happy about the new twenty-eight story monstrosity disguised as a luxury resort just down the beach. When she books a night to find out what the rooms at Sweet Breeze are like, she's impressed with the amenities, the view of the bay...and the tall, dark, and handsome room service attendants.

But she's sworn off men and is focused on her own B&B, her Women's Beach Club of friends, and living up to her grandfather's legacy.

Fisher DuPont is the billionaire owner of Sweet Breeze, his first solo business venture since finally leaving his father's company, and he's been moving through each department as an undercover boss. So he's the one behind the room service cart when Stacey opens the door. When he runs into the sassy, gorgeous redhead three more times that day, he takes it as a sign to get to know her better--and reveal his true identity.

As Stacey and Fisher spend more time together, she learns he's absolutely brilliant, unusually kind, and incredibly hardworking. He's impressed by her grace under pressure and dedication to clients, friends, and family when a storm hits the island. Can Stacey and Fisher leave their past heartaches where they belong to build a new future together?

First Lines:

Stacey Stapleton replaced the phone in its fancy-pants cradle, casting it a glare as if it had done her a personal wrong.

56%/Page 56

"I'll have the pastries!"  Stacey hung up and left her suite, the cold stones of the hallway welcome against her feet.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed. 

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What I Can't Wait To Read:

Blurb:

Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well? 

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Book Haul:

 

Laken actually bought this one at Barnes & Noble this past week.  I'm looking forward to reading it after she is done :)

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.   Who is your favorite character...of all the books you've read? Why? (submitted by Julie @ JadeSky)

A. I have to go with a tried and true Jane Austen character.  However, I can't choose just one.  It would either be Emma Woodhouse or Elizabeth Bennet.  You pick!

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

The Good Stuff ~ Engagement Photos ~ 5/27/2021

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The past few weeks have been super busy with wedding preparations and house hunting for the soon-to-be newlyweds.  Now that most things are in place or at least in motion, it is time to enjoy some of gorgeous weather we've been having.

A couple weeks ago, Kaylee and Shawn had an engagement photo shoot with the Wedding Photographer.  They had a fun time and got some amazing shots.

The following photo is by far my favorite!  We even used it on the wedding invitations.  Isn't it amazing?

I also love this black and white photo because it shows their true relationship.  Smiles and giggles all around :)

Here are a "few" more for your viewing pleasure :)

(BTW, the photographer is Angela Ramsdorfer Photography )

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

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ My Fantasy Vacation ~ 5/26/2021

This week's topic is:  

My Fantasy Vacation:

My ultimate fantasy vacation would be a long, extended trip to Hawaii!  I think the whole summer would suffice. :)  However, that isn't going to happen any time soon.  Maybe one day...

I'd also like to visit Australia someday.  Probably won't ever happen but a girl can dream.

Oh!  And then there's Ireland and Scotland!  Again, I would probably need a whole summer to explore.  Again, probably won't ever happen for this Mid-Atlantic, Pennsylvania girl.

So, for now, I'd just be completely happy with a cabin by a lake :)  Any cabin.  Any lake.

Until then, maybe I can escape reality in a good book.  Any suggestions?

So, what is YOUR fantasy vacation?  

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ Spending Time ~ 5/25/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This week let's talk about spending time

1.Are you currently reading a book you'd like to tell us about? Maybe a TV program you can recommend to us?

I haven't picked up a book or my kindle in what seems like months.  Things have been so busy with wedding planning and babysitting Annalea!  I haven't been watching much TV either but I would recommend The Prodigal Son if you don't already watch it.  Amazingly captivating show!

2. Are you a Jane Austen fan? So many seem to be. If you are what is your favorite book and who is your favorite character.  If you aren't a fan, is there an author you especially like to read? Favorite character..etc?

I am a Jane Austen fan!  I think Pride & Prejudice would have to be my favorite Austen book as it was the first one I read as a young girl.  And like many, I swoon for Mr. Darcy :)

3.  How do you spend your time during the day?  Do you set apart time to read, watch TV, study?

After getting Laken off to school (which tomorrow is the last day of for this year), I watch Annalea my cousin's almost 3 month old until around 3pm.  Then it is time to make supper.  I try to set aside time to read my Bible Study and I'm joining a Summer Self-Improvement Challenge  and the 20 Books of Summer so I plan on trying to read SOMETHING this summer!  I just have to set aside the time to do it...

4. Have your beliefs changed in your life time? New religion.. new politics? Or are they the same as they were growing up? Do you spend time thinking over the important things of life to take stock in your life?

My beliefs are pretty much the same only deeper and more solidified.  Sometimes I think that I spend too much time thinking over things instead of just enjoying life.  I'm still searching for a happy medium.

Colletta

10 Books of Summer 2021

Cathy over at 746 Books is once again hosting the 20 Books of Summer Reading Challenge!

I'm always excited when the sign-ups come for this Challenge because it means Summer is coming!

The Challenge starts June 1st and runs through September 1st.

Last year I failed EPICALLY!

This year I'm going to challenge myself but go a little bit easier on myself than last year by choosing to read 10 Books of Summer.

I'm a very fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants reader.  So, I won't be posting what books I'll be reading.

Instead, I'll just be keeping track of them here in this post.

1.

2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

HAPPY SUMMER!

WHOOOHOO!!!

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ Lunchtime! ~ 4/6/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This week the topic is lunch..

1. Lunch can be either glorious or bland, hard to choose or easy. Which is it for you and why?

Lunch for me is usually quick and easy.  Maybe a bowl of cereal or a grilled cheese sandwich.  Our main meal is "supper" :)

2. What are your choices for a nice lunch?

I kind of already answered this, oops!  Leftovers are also a good option for lunch.

3. Is lunch a big meal or a light meal for you?

I already answered this one too!  lol  Lunch is usually light.  Except for Sundays.  On Sunday we always have a potluck at Church and it is the main meal of the day.

4. "Let's do lunch" has become a funny phrase used in movies and jokes and usually just a throw away kind of thing to say.   Do you organize lunch with friends or family often? Do you eat out or in? If you eat out what is your favorite place to go?

Most of the time, lunch is just a throw it together kind of deal.  It depends on who is home and what time they had breakfast as to whether we eat lunch together.  We always sit down to supper though as a family.

My favorite place to go out to eat lunch would be anywhere that serves breakfast all day.  I love breakfast foods :)

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 4/5/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

Beautiful!  And the week ahead looks great :)

On today's to-do list: 

I'm getting this post up late so I'll tell you what I've already done today.

Laken is on Easter Break until Wednesday but she had Track & Field practice this afternoon.  While she was at practice, the hubby and I went grocery shopping for the week ahead.  The first bill for our new-to-us Nissan Rogue came in the mail so I spent some time setting up the banking information and making that first payment.

I still need to read my devotions and exercise...

Happening this week:

Tomorrow is Laken's first T&F Meet.  I appears that she will be on the throwing team with the discus and the javelin and possibly the shotput.

Wednesday evening is a Parent's Meeting for all the 8th grade parents to discuss scheduling for next year.  I can't believe my baby is going to be in High School!

The sale at Kaylee's work is over and so is the overtime, I think.  She enjoyed her long weekend.

The hubby is on third shift this week.  He managed to somehow tweak his knee putting together a swing set for the kids at Church.  He has no idea how he did it...  Hubby also finally goes to the eye doctor for new glasses on Thursday.  He's overdue.

Currently reading:

I'm still getting ready to start reading "What to Do With a Mad Marquess" by Ivy Hart.

On the TV:

We started watching the series "Clarice" and are enjoying it.  We're anxiously awaiting new episodes of The Prodigal Son.

Listening to:

This week I featured "Hold On To Me" by Lauren Daigle on Songs on Sunday.

On the menu week:

Monday ~  We grabbed Burger King

Tuesday ~ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday ~ Pork Chops, Alfredo Noodles

Thursday ~  Ham, Fried Potatoes

Friday ~ Pizzaroni, Garlic Bread

Saturday ~ Grilled Cheese, Soup

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

"Linen" Granny Squares.  16/35 squares completed.  I didn't even pick up my hook this week...

Memory Verse

"For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf."  2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Hold On To Me by Lauren Daigle

I adore Lauren Daigle and her music.

Enjoy!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 4/2/2021

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

Review coming soon!

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Helen Jardin has a rebel's heart. True, she isn't entirely sure how to go about being rebellious, but enthusiasm should more than make up for wisdom where scandal is concerned... even if said enthusiasm has left her in a seedy gaming hell, surrounded by men who seemed determined to make her be more scandalous than she'd like to be.

Thank goodness Isaac Mayfield, penniless marquess and family friend, is there to rescue her. Not only is Isaac trustworthy enough to confide in, he certainly won't tell her family about her plans to be disreputable - especially if she threatens dire consequences for his precious etchings. In fact, upon further consideration, he's just the person to aid Helen in her quest.

But scandal's a funny thing. Courting danger with a pleasant companion is very close to... well, courting. And as Isaac becomes kinder, wittier and more handsome by the minute, is Helen in danger of losing her heart rather than her reputation?

First Lines:

Helen Jardin hadn't known what to wear to a gaming hell, so she had erred on the side of caution.

56%/Page 56

"Thank you." Isaac's shoulders sagged with relief.  He'd been so worried about her refusing--but why had he been so worried?

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

Jane Jardin is frustrated. Desperate to find herself a useful occupation in life, she finds herself unable to do anything thanks to her position. The sister of a duchess is meant to sit in drawing room, embroider fire-screens and wait patiently to be married - and despite spending her entire life being quiet, modest and meek, Jane can't bear to be so thoroughly useless.

After a disastrous interview for yet another occupation she's deemed unfit for, she's ready to run away and hide forever. But a chance encounter with Peter Graves, a blinded soldier in need of assistance, leads to a sudden, surprising affinity - and a deception more audacious than anything Jane has undertaken before.

She soon grows close to Peter, and to the enchanting cottage where he lives. She's allowed to be as useful as she wishes. But this fairy-tale existence can't possibly continue - and when Peter realizes that Jane isn't who she claims to be, he's going to be heartbroken...

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What I Can't Wait To Read:

Blurb:

Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a big paycheck each month. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as a host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of further fame seems to be coming true. There's just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

When her manager-boyfriend convinces her to partner with a local organization, she begins volunteering with a summer youth program. The program's director, Silas Whittaker, challenges her at every turn, but she swiftly grows more attached to the kids--and him--every day.

As Molly experiences an acceptance unlike anything she's known, she wrestles with the lies she's been believing about herself for years. She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she's had it wrong this whole time, and there's more to being truly seen than what she's built her entire life on.

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What I Was Reading 5 Years Ago:

Originally a feature called Last Year I Was Reading created by Maria from ReadingMaria. 

Literary Feline liked it enough to continue, but has tweaked it

 to feature Five Years Ago I Was Reading. 

See the Blurb and My Review HERE!

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Book Haul:

 

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.   Do you think you will ever get tired of blogging? (submitted by Julie @ JadeSky)

A. Every once in a while I do grow a bit tired of blogging.  When this happens, I take a break.  Inevitably, I come back to the blogging world though.

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday