Cooper's Rock State Forest and Overlook ~ 8/27/2026

Hello, dear friends!

I bet you thought I dropped off the face of the earth.  I didn't but it HAS been 1 week shy of me not posting here in this space for an entire year!  At one point in my life that would have seemed entirely impossible.  Yet here I am.

So much has happened in the past year.  Some very good.  And some very bad, sad and generally upsetting.  I want to keep this post light-hearted though so I'll have to get into all of that later on.

As for now, I wanted to jump back into blogging and get my feet wet once again.  So I'm going to tell you about our trip to Cooper's Rock State Forest and the Overlook.

Cooper's Rock State Forest is located in West Virginia about 1.5 hours from our home.  I had driven on the interstate and seen the signs for the Scenic Overlook many times but we had never taken the time to stop.

After dropping Laken off for her Sophomore year of University and getting her settled into her FIRST EVER apartment, we decided to find the overlook.  It was breathtaking!

Now, I don't mind heights, but I'm not going to go leaning on those rails either!  There was a young man that actually stood on top the railing with his arms out to the side for a photo op.  Not I...  Was he brave or just naive?  Maybe.  But at any rate, I breathed a sigh of relief when he hopped back down onto "solid" ground.

The day was perfectly beautiful.  The sky and clouds declared the glory of God and reminded me what a wonderful world He has created for us to enjoy.

As I look around at the Overlook structures, I couldn't help but think and wonder how long it had been there and about the brave souls who built it.  Every bit of it was beautiful, even the uneven rock path we had to traverse to get there.  (Next time I'll wear better shoes, right Laken???)

The "Three Wooden Crosses" picture is one that I took the day before we explored Cooper's Rock but it is in the same area.  I don't know what the story is behind those crosses exactly but I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I remember the original "Three Wooden Crosses" and especially the "Man on the Middle Cross".

If you're still here after all this time of me being away from Blogland and after my jabbering in this post, I thank you!  I appreciate you!  I hope you'll continue to stick around.

Drop me a comment and let me know where you're visiting from and I'll return the favor.  Or just comment that you're still here.  Either way :

Blessings,

Colletta

Book Review ~ Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn ~ 5 STAR!!! ~ 9/4/2025

Title:  "Tea with Elephants" by Robin Jones Gunn

Series:  Suitcase Sisters Novel Book #1

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  304

Date Published:  October 15, 2024

Publisher:   Revell

Stars: *****

Book Description:

Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young.

Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.

Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.

The Logistics:

I read and LOVED the "Sisterchick" series by Robin Jones Gunn so I knew I would absolutely HAVE to read the first "Suitcase Sisters Novel".

I recently got a library card and was so excited to see "Tea with Elephants" was available through the library network.  I instantly got myself on the wait-list and and it was only a short time before I got the email/text that the book was able to be picked up!

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

Robin Jones Gunn NEVER disappoints!  The descriptions and atmosphere that were created were amazing.  I love that point in reading a book where the pages disappear and the story becomes a movie in my head.  From the tea fields to the treetops, this book was so well done!

Main Characters:

Fern Espinoza:  The book is written in the first-person from Fern's point-of-view.  She is a thirty-something woman at a crossroads in her life.  Fern is in the book publishing industry and loves to write love letters to Jesus in her journal.

Lily Graden:  Lily is Fern's bestie, an event planner, a wife and a mother of two teenage boys.  She's also facing a time of possible upheaval.

One of My Favorite Scene(s):

The entire book was full of favorite scenes for me.  I took longer to read it than I thought it would because I wanted to savor each and every chapter.

If I had to pick, I'd pick the scenes with Wanja, Fern and Lily's tour guide.  She was the one who dubbed them the "Suitcase Sisters" and was just such a character.  The book wouldn't have been the same without her.

I also loved Fern and Lily's deep conversations where they hashed out their trials and troubles.  They really were the best of friends and the way they respected each other and talked to and about one another was so heartwarming and made me wish I had a best friend like that in my life.

A Brief Excerpt:

"Looking up from my chair on the balcony, I put down my pen and surveyed the immense view once again.  I could see for miles across the vast plain and spotted several giraffes and lots of zebras.  Page 179

The Cover:

I wasn't totally in love with the cover until I read the scene that it portrays.  At that point, the cover all came together for me right down to the scarves that Fern and Lily are wearing.

Other Notes:

~As noted above, this is the first book in the "Suitcase Sisters".  The second book, "Gelato at the Villa" has already been released and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

~I loved how each chapter started with a quote!

~I also want to give a heads up that there are a few scenes that could be a bit disturbing to some due to the graphic nature of wild animals.  I've seen some reviewers take issue with this, but being a country girl, it didn't bother me to that extent.  The circle of life and all that, you know :)


Rating

5/5

Onto the next book :)

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #3 ~ A Milestone ~ 9/2/2025

I haven't updated you on my Mounjaro Journey for a while but I didn't want today to pass by without updating about a milestone I hit this morning!

My starting weight on my PCP's scale was 304.8 lbs.  As of this morning at about 6am, I have lost a total of 25.0 lbs exactly!  That means I also broke into a new "decade" at 279.8 lbs.

I've been fluctuating for days between 280.0 and 281.0.  I was so excited when the scale finally tipped into this double milestone today!

Also, I went shopping for jeans on Saturday and had to go down a size in my jeans AND my shirt size.  I was so happy!

For those that are interested in the Mounjaro details, I started my Mounjaro Journey on 6/13/2025.  I had my fourth 5.0 jab on Friday, 8/29/2025.  This Friday I'll be going up to a 7.5 pen.

I go back to my PCP on September 22nd and would LOVE to have lost 30 lbs by my 3 month checkup.  Wish me luck!

Let me know if you're on a journey of your own.  I'd love to know all about it!

Until the next update...

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 8/24/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

Psalm 116:1-2

Prayer Requests

~Please keep my brother, Danny, in your prayers!  He has to have some tests done.  I'll post more details when we know more about what we're dealing with.

~My Teacher's Assistant orientation is Monday morning at 8am.  I'm nervous and excited at the same time!  Prayers that I do well and find my niche in this position.

~My Bible study time.  I haven't been able to focus very well the last few weeks and that makes it hard for me to sit down and actually study.  I'm hoping to once again work on a routine now that I'll be getting back on a schedule.

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Megan Woods.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Working Woman Wednesday ~ Changes ~ 8/20/2025

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

Life changes are happening around here!  Again!

We moved Laken into her University dorm room last Thursday and I'm still adjusting to that BIG change.  

Also, life in the insurance world just wasn't for me.  I prayed about making a change and after much consideration, I applied for a Teacher Assistant job with our local Head Start Program.  I prayed and prayed for the LORD to open the door if it is where He wants me.  The day after I interviewed, I was offered one of the open positions!

I went in today to fill out paperwork and take my drug test.  Now I'm just awaiting my orientation to be scheduled and then I can get started in the classroom.  I'm very excited about this position and am praying that it helps give me focus and purpose now that my girls are out of the "nest".

~~~~~

Last Weekend:

So I'll start with last Thursday since it was a BIG day:  As mentioned above, Laken moved into her dorm at the University.  We got to bed late Wednesday night after a full day of packing and got up at 5am Thursday morning to load up the car and make the trip for move-in.  Her move-in slot was scheduled for 8:30am-10:30am.  The drive is a little less than 2 hours but we weren't certain how traffic would be.

We picked Nate up at his apartment which is only about 10 minutes from Laken's dorm and then drove to the drop-off line.  I was impressed by how smoothly everything went.  We had just about everything unpacked and situated within the allotted time.  We had some shopping to do at Target, Wal-Mart and HomeGoods and topped it off with a stop by the good old Dollar Tree :)

We grabbed a late lunch and then dropped everything, including Laken, back off at the dorm.  It was time to say our good-bye and I love you.  I held it together for the most part until after we dropped Nate back at his apartment.  On the way home, I cried and bemoaned the fact that my purpose in life had just shifted in a major way.  

It was also Kaylee and Shawn's 4th Wedding Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary!

Friday:  more crying and wondering what my purpose and existence was now.  I decided to give myself one day to feel all the feelings and then it would be time to move on with life.

Saturday:  We ended up making a trip back to Laken's dorm to drop off a few items that she forgot and also two packages that had a late delivery.  We took Laken and Nate to lunch and headed home.

Sunday:  After Church, I took a long nap.  It had been an exhausting few days.

This Week's Notables:

~New hire paperwork with Head Start Program

~The Steelers have a preseason game on Thursday night

~My cousin's little boy, Damon, has his first tackle football scrimmage Saturday morning that I'd like to go to watch.

~Sunday afternoon is a Church Picnic.

In the Kitchen:

~I was asked to bring a dessert to the annual Angel Program Picnic.  I decided to go with something quick and easy so I made Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies.  Delicious!

~This evening when I made dinner I got a bit nostalgic for the days when my girls were little and I would make their favorite meals.  I think I'm going to have moments like this for a while...

In the Craft Basket:

I finished the throw pillow for Laken dorm bed in plenty of time.

Now I'm working on crocheting myself a tote bag.  I'll try to add some pictures next time.

Currently reading:

I decided to give up Kindle Unlimited and instead get a library card.  I put myself on the wait-list for "Tea With Elephants" by Robin Jones Gunn and my turn came up!  I've loved everything I've read by Robin but especially her "Sisterchicks" series.  This series is the "Suitcase Sisters" and I have VERY high hopes for it.  I'm 100 pages in and am LOVING it so far.  I dare say that I might even be able to post a Book Review sometime soon.  They've been few and far between this year.

On the TV:

I watched the Providence Falls series on Hallmark over the past 3 weeks.  Also, some Steeler preseason games :)

Picture(s) from the Camera

Weekend Plans:

~Damon's football scrimmage

~Clean

~Laundry

~Church Picnic

I hope you're having a great week!

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 8/17/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Serve the Lord with gladness;  Come before Him with joyful singing."

Psalm 100:2

Prayer Requests

~Many thanks for the prayers for my Dad before, during and after his aortic valve replacement!  He is doing well and perhaps "milking it" a bit according to my Mom.  They couldn't schedule him for Cardiac Rehab until September 11th so we'll know more about his physical capabilities then, but so far so good!

~Laken moved into her dorm room on Thursday...  It has been such an emotionally draining week.  First there was shopping and packing to be done.  Then the actual move-in day.  All went well and I held it together until the hubby and I were on the way home.  Friday, I was very weepy all day.  I gave myself that day to be sad and now I have to get myself busy learning my "new life".

~My Bible study time.  I haven't been able to focus very well the last few weeks and that makes it hard for me to sit down and actually study.  I'm hoping to once again work on a routine.

~My new job!  I applied and interviewed for a position as a Teacher's Assistant with Head Start and they called me the very next day to offer me the job!  I'm hoping that working with littles will fill me with a sense of purpose for this new season of life.

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Lauren Daigle.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/27/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Prayer Requests

~My Dad is visibly perking up after his aortic valve replacement!  His color is much better and his energy is returning.  He goes back to the cardiologist for a post-op visit this week so praying all is well.

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 3 short weeks.  She is getting nervous about classes and meeting so many new people.  I pray that she and her roommate hit it off and become great friends.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I didn't get up any earlier this week but I did get Bible reading time in while drinking my morning caffeine.  Instead of sitting at the table bemoaning the fact that I wasn't still in bed, I've been reading from the Book of Psalms on my phone's Bible app.  I've also been trying to make some evening Bible study time as well.  Prayers are working!!!

~Prayer of thanks that Kaylee had a safe work trip to Orlando, FL.  She flew out on Monday evening and came back Friday afternoon.  Knowing that my baby was up in the sky flying was a bit anxiety producing but she is now safely home!

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Leanna Crawford.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #2 ~ My First Stall?? ~ 7/25/2025

Well, I knew it would come eventually...My first stall.

If you can call one week of not losing weight a stall.  It was actually a gain but a very SMALL gain of 0.2 lbs for this week.

I have consistently lost weight each of the first 5 weeks I've been on Mounjaro 2.5.  I can feel that the 2.5 hasn't been working as well to curb my hunger and food noise though.  I've been having to fight off cravings and getting hungry before bed and I can definitely tell in the mornings that it is time for breakfast.

I talked to my PCP and she said that as long as I'm feeling good (side effect wise) on the 2.5 that it would be best for me to go up to 5.0.  She sent in my next script as Mounjaro 5.0 and I really, really wanted to start it today.  However, my PCP wanted me to finish out the 2 pens of 2.5 that I have before going to the 5.0.

I guess I'll suck it up and listen to my PCP.  I'll just have to work even harder to see a loss on the scale.

The bad thing is the timing.  I'll be taking my first 5.0 jab the Friday before Laken's college move in day on the following Thursday.  I really don't want to be super icky or feeling sick for that.  I'm hoping that since it will be almost a week on the 5.0 that any side effects will have worn off by then.

So to sum it up:  This is my 7th week on Mounjaro 2.5 and in the first 6 weeks I've lost a total of 14.4 lbs.  That averages out to 2.4 lbs per week.  I have to admit that is a pretty good number even though that gain this morning got me down a bit.

I'm going to try to up my game this week by being more mindful of my eating habits.  I've been consistently under my daily calorie allotment for a calorie deficit but I could definitely be making better choices.

Maybe I've been spoiled by losing 14.4 lbs in 6 weeks and now the real work begins.  What do you think?  Does a gain of 0.2 lbs constitute as a stall or just a ho-hum week?

Let me know what you think and if you're on a journey of your own.  I'd love to know all about it!

Until the next update...

Blessings,

Colletta

Working Woman Wednesday ~ 7/23/2025

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

I hope no one is offended by this but I've been feeling like an impostor for the past 2 years.  In fact, this feeling is one of the reasons I haven't been posting much for the past little while.

Let me explain.

For many, many years I was a stay-at-home-wife/mom.  AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

However, about 2 years ago, I started working outside the home for financial reasons, mostly.  Kaylee was married with a home of her own and Laken was well able to care for herself at 16 years old.  The mom-guilt was and is still there to a point but I've tried to make peace with it especially now that Laken is heading off to college in a few short weeks.

I worked full-time and then part-time.  I loved working part-time but it just wasn't feasible for me to continue doing so.  In April I studied for the Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance 

exam and passed!

May 1, 2025 I started my new full-time job working at the front desk of a State Farm Agency.  It is fast paced, challenging and I'm learning something new everyday.

Now, back to the "impostor" comment...

For years and years, I participated in the Happy Homemaker Monday linkup hosted by Sandra at Diary of a SAHM. (Thank you, Sandra, from the bottom of my heart!)  And while I know in my heart that I'm still a homemaker, I depend on the hubby and others in the family for quite a bit more of the homemaking tasks than I used to.

So, I've decided to revamp my homemaker post into a Working Woman Wednesday post.  I hope this inspires me (and others) to know that it's OK to work outside the home, be a mom and a wife and still have interests of my own.

 I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic but please be kind.

~~~~~

Last Weekend:

On Saturday, we went shopping to look for dorm bedding.  The bed is a Twin XL and Laken's color theme is light blue, white and pink.  That made for quite the scavenger hunt!  We ended up finding a set of sheets at Target that are white with blue roses that she liked.  As for the ALL white comforter, we ordered it on Amazon with a delivery date that is way too close to move-in day for my comfort!

Sunday was spent at Church and at home getting some things done around the house.  I desperately needed to get the clean clothes put away in my closet.  I've been making piles in front of the closet and I couldn't stand it anymore!

This Week's Notables:

~Working Monday-Friday 9a-5p

~Laken has an eye appointment Wednesday.

~Call in refills on prescriptions (priority)

~Make the hubby an appointment for his yearly checkup that he missed in March.

In the Kitchen:

~Now that we've discovered that Laken has a gluten intolerance, we have to be a lot more cognizant of our cooking ingredients.  Thankfully, there are a lot of gluten free options at the store.  It also helps that Laken LOVES fruits and veggies (especially broccoli:  whose kid is she anyway????)  So while the grocery bill is a bit higher ( those gluten free items aren't cheap), we're coping and hopefully learning to thrive!

In the Craft Basket:

I've actually picked my crochet hook back up and have been working on a throw pillow for Laken dorm room.  Her theme (for the time being) is pink and blue.  She saw a throw pillow in the background of a show with Granny squares (my specialty!) and asked if I would make her a version of the pillow.  I've almost completed one side of the pillow and have started the squares for the second side.

Currently reading:

I started reading "Line of Fire" by Taylor S. Newport Friday evening during Reading Sprints hosted by Katie at Paperbacks and Ponytails on YouTube.  Katie actually recommended this book to me and I was excited to find that it is on Kindle Unlimited.  I downloaded it immediately after reading the blurb.  I'm hoping to actually take time each day to read at least 1 chapter.

On the TV:

The Amateur (movie on Disney+/Hulu)

Picture(s) from the Camera

This is Ellie.  I can't remember if I introduced you to our newest family member or not!  She's a spit-fire and likes to bite toes!  I have to keep my feet under the covers at night or I get a very rude awakening :)

Weekend Plans:

~Spend the entire Saturday at home (remains to be seen!)

~Housework

~Paint the deck and my porch swing if the weather cooperates

~Declutter the "abyss" (storage closet) if the weather doesn't cooperate

~Finish cleaning off my desk area

~Hymn sing Sunday night at Church

I hope you're having a great week!  Please let me know if you can think of anything else I can add to this, hopefully, weekly post :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/20/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Prayer Requests

~My Dad had his aortic valve replacement this past Wednesday.  They were able to do the replacement using the TAVR procedure and did NOT have to do open-heart surgery!  Praise God!  He came home Thursday afternoon and is doing well.  He is a bit worn out which is to be expected this soon after the surgery.  Your continued prayers for him would be appreciated!

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 4 short weeks.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I'm having a hard time focusing in the evening for my Bible study.  I guess I could try to get up earlier in the morning and have my quiet time with God then.  It is worth considering.  When do you have your study time?

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

Make sure you turn up your volume for this song!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #1 ~ 7/18/2025

On June 13th, I gave myself my very first Mounjaro shot.

I had a check-up with my PCP on June 12th during which I spoke to her regarding my A1C, weight and overall health.  After much consideration and talking about the side-effects vs benefits, I decided to have a prescription for Mounjaro sent in.  My PCP also gave me a sample box of the medication to get started on until my prescription went through.  

Laken had New Student Orientation at WVU on the 13th so I decided to wait until after that to actually start the medication.  That day at the NSO solidified my decision to get my weight and health under control.

If anyone is familiar with WVU, there are many, many steps and stairways.  It was hot and at one point, on a rather long climb, I basically told the hubby and Laken to just leave me behind because I COULD NOT keep up.  I was ashamed, embarrassed and disappointed to be dragging them down.  I feel like I ruined the whole day for everyone.  (BTW, they DID NOT leave me behind and I eventually made it to the top!)

When we got home, I gave myself my first shot.

As of this morning (5 weeks into my journey) I have lost 14.6 lbs.

So far the only side effect I've felt that bothered me was a massive headache on Tuesday, June 17th.  Other than that, I've had the occasional acid re-flux and queasy stomach.  But again, it didn't really bother me too terribly.

I don't know how often I'll be posting updates.  At least monthly but possibly more often if anyone is interested in weekly results.

Let me know what you think and if you're on a journey of your own, I'd love to know all about it!

Blessings,

Colletta

20 (or 10) Books of Summer ~ 2025

Annabel @AnnaBookBel and Emma @Words and Peace are the new hosts of the 20 Books of Summer Reading Challenge!

The Challenge starts Sunday, June 1st and runs through Sunday, August 31st.

I'm really excited to be joining this challenge but also very nervous!  My reading lately has been very sporadic and slumpy.

I'm going to challenge myself to read 10 books this summer and that will be quite the accomplishment if I succeed!

Do you think I can do it????

Here's my list of potentials.  I've even added 2 extra for good measure!

Do you have any recommendations of must-reads?

HAPPY SUMMER!

WHOOOHOO!!!

Colletta

Class of 2025 ~ Laken's High School Graduation!!!

 On May 29th, the day finally came!

Laken made it through high school and graduated with honors!

I wanted to take a moment to commemorate the occasion and share some photos from after graduation.

My graduate!

Laken and Nate

Laken and Nate again!

Appie-Dumplin and Honey (aka Laken and Kaylee)

Mamaw, Laken and Pap

Me, Laken and the Hubby

I am so VERY PROUD of Laken for overcoming so many obstacles throughout her high school career.

Next up:  West Virginia University!!!!

Colletta

Laken's Senior Prom ~ 2025

 Friday, May 2nd was Laken's Senior Prom.  I might be a bit biased but I think she looked beautiful as always!  And Nate was very dapper in his tuxedo!  Enjoy the following photos :)

Here are a few pictures of Daddy and his girl :)

Laken and Nate had a great time at Prom and then at Hershey Part Saturday for the after-Prom.  The rain held off for both so we are thankful!

Colletta