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

Hello Monday ~ 7/8/2024

 

Holly & Sarah

I didn't post a Friday Favorites to highlight the happenings of last week so I'm going to squeeze my Hello Monday and Friday Favorites together today.  Maybe I should call it Monday Favorites and leave it at that :)

I want to make mention that July 3rd was my Dad's 77th birthday!  Happy Birthday, Dad!  He wanted Chinese food for his birthday supper and I made him a Cream Puff Cake with sugar free pudding so that he could actually eat it!  I asked him how it felt to be 77 years old and he said he felt the same as the day before :)

On July 4th, our Independence Day here in the USA, we spent most of the day reorganizing the Family Room, our Bedroom and the new Storage Room that I mentioned we were building in last week's post!  We have the Bedroom pretty much situated and the Storage Room is almost at its max already.  We still have a few totes full of miscellaneous items sitting in the Family Room that we need to go through and purge to finish up.  Once we get done, I think it is going to be a really good transformation.

For our 4th of July Celebration, we went to my Aunt Donna's and Uncle Charlie's house around 7pm.  We were supposed to get there around 6-6:30ish but until we got finished working for the day and cleaned up (remember:  we had no AC) we were the last ones to get there.  Everyone was still eating the yummy picnic food so no harm done!  When it got closer to dark, Uncle Charlie and Brian, my cousin, started setting off the pre-firework fireworks :)  Brian's little girl, Audrey, who REALLY wanted to have fireworks ended up being completely afraid of the loud noises.  The hubby and I volunteered to take her inside to watch the fireworks out the window where she was much happier.  It was fun talking to a little one as she is only 2 years old.  When the fireworks were over, Audrey was sad and wanted more!  We had a fun and enjoyable celebration :)

Friday was orientation for my new part-time job.  It was a long day of watching videos, learning about the company and signing authorizations and policies.

A good thing happened though!  While I was at orientation, our AC unit came!  Whooot Whooot!  A whole week early and I am ever so thankful.  We actually had to turn the AC off last night because it was making the bedroom a little TOO chilly!  What a problem to have :) 

The hubby took Oliver to the vet Friday for his last set of kitten vaccinations.  He had grown so much in the past 3 weeks that the vet tech re-weighed him to make sure she had read the scale right.  He is definitely losing his baby kitten look.

My goal for this week, other than actually training for my new job, is to take more pictures!  I was doing really good for a while and then life started flying by.  I want to try to slow things down a bit.  I'm actually reading a book right now called "Living Slower" by Merissa A. Alink.  It has lots of good information and I'm getting ready to start reading about how organization and routines can help a person live slower which I REALLY need.

Well, I think that is enough rambling for now.  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead :)

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 2/7/2024

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~Laken's gift for her 17th birthday was a day of snowboarding with Nate at The Wisp which is a resort about an hour away from our house.  I think they had fun even if they were very tired and sore by the end of the day!

~While Laken and Nate were snowboarding, the hubby and I went shopping!  The first stop was BassPro where the hubby ended up getting $100 off a pair of Irish Setter hunting boots.  Apparently, Irish Setter's are a really good brand, so he was excited!

~My shopping stops were Hobby Lobby and Michaels.  I got a few skeins of yarn and also a four tiered rolling cart to help me get organized.  I love it!

~On the way home from The Wisp, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for supper.  Laken and Nate both got their Chicken and Dumplings and Laken got Coca Cola Cake which she shared with me.  Delicious!

~This is my last week off of work.  I start my new job on Monday!  I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.  I've been working on getting into a earlier wake-up routine as I've gotten used to sleeping in while being off work.  Wish me well!

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Happy 17th Birthday, Laken! ~ 2/2/2024

Happy 17th Birthday to my little Groundhog Baby!

 

May you always remember how excited you were when the clock turned 12am and Dancing Queen played!

Love You Always!

Mom

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/29/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

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

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

On today's to-do list: 

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

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

Happening this week:

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

~Prepping for my first ever vendor show!

Currently reading:

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

Watching:

NFL Playoff games.

Percy Jackson

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Stroganoff

In the Craft Basket:

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

Picture from the Camera

Kona Mae :)

Bible Verse

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

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/22/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I start my new job on February 12th!  I need to get back into a good routine of getting to bed at a decent time and waking up early in the morning.  I also need to work on a new schedule for my daily activities.  Any tips would be appreciated!

The weather outside is:

It is getting warmer!!  I won't even mind the rain as long as the temperatures are above freezing!

(I don't know what that little symbol on Tuesday is:)

On today's to-do list: 

~Figure out a new routine as mentioned above.  I need to print out more pages for my weekly schedule/calendar so I might as well get my thoughts together as to what I want to be doing once I'm back to working outside the home along with my household tasks.

~Clean...again.  It is never ending with these animals :)

Happening this week:

~I have to get a pre-employment physical on Tuesday.  Hope I pass!

~Laken doesn't have school on Friday so I'm not sure what we might get into.  Her 17th birthday is February 2nd and she requested going snowboarding!  I need to do some research.

Currently reading:

~I picked "Keegan" by Lori Wilde to try to kick-start my reading.  I want to try to read for at least 15 minutes each day.  This book looked like one that would be good to start with :)

Watching:

NFL Playoff games.

Hallmark Winter (not Christmas) movies

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Beef Stew, Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've been making baby octupus for in my etsy shop.  They are supposed to really help preemie babies especially those in the NICU.  The tentacles help the littles ones from pulling at their tubes and lines.  It supposedly helps with breathing also but I'm not quite sure how that works.  I'll have to do some more research.

Picture from the Camera

I made this cute little Valentine cup cozy.  I have a giveaway going on for a cup cozy AND a $25 STARBUCKS Gift Card.  CLICK HERE t see how to enter ;)

Bible Verse

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 2/4/2023

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~I've been contemplating my blogging schedule today.  I "might" change things up a bit but I'm still undecided.  Any suggestions?

~I hit 1.5 million views here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink.  To some that may not seem like a lot but it has been a long time coming!  I started blogging in 2009.  I've taken some breaks over the years, but always seem to come back to this space.  I love that I can look back and see my girls when they were little and what we were doing.

~Talking about when the girls were little...My babies have grown up before my very eyes!  Thursday, Laken turned 16 years old!  She has big plans to go Monday and take her drivers permit test.  I don't know if I'm ready for this!  We went to Cracker Barrel Thursday evening to celebrate the milestone and Laken got her complimentary Coca Cola Cake with ice cream :)

~The hubby and I have been watching a new TV show called "Alert".  Douglas isn't sure about it yet but I am anxiously awaiting the newest episode on Monday night!  Have you seen it?

~We're having a Family Movie Night tonight!  We're either watching "Disenchanted" or "Wakanda Forever".  If we have time, maybe both.  If you had to choose one to watch, which would it be?

So, what's new with you?s

 

Colletta

Happy Birthday, Sweet 16! ~ 2/2/2023

Happy Birthday, Laken!

NOW:

and THEN:

FYI, Tangled is still her favorite movie :)

Love,

MOM

Happy 75th Birthday!

I have to take a minute to wish this cool dude a HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY!!!  

Happy birthday, DAD :)  Love ya!

Tea Time ~ 3/24/2022

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~It is my BIRTHDAY!!!!  Happy 44th Birthday to me :)

~I am so glad that it is officially SPRING!  I had been having some serious spring/cabin fever and was really glad to be able to get out and go for a few walks this past week.  Yesterday it rained and it is supposed to rain all day today but I won't let it get to me :)  The sun will come back out and it will get warm again :)

~I got this super cute picture of the hubby and Kona resting.  It is hilarious how she will rest her head on his shoulder and put her paw across his stomach, just like a person snuggling.  In this picture you can see Kona's poor nose.  She must have gotten stung on the snout by a bee and we have had an awful time keeping her from itching it.  This picture was a few days ago and it IS starting to heal.  For a while, we thought we might have to get her a Cone of Shame.

~About 40 people from our Church went bowling Saturday afternoon.  We had such a good time hanging out together.  Laken and Damon are cousins but also the best of buds.  This is their "silly" picture :)

~Kona and Lilah got their new bandanas today.  Out with the St. Patty's bandanas and in with the bunny bandanas.  You can't really see the pattern on the fabric very well, but it is so cute!  Kona loves wearing bandanas and gets upset when you take it off of her.  Lilah couldn't care less. 

~Flynn and Clover had their vet checks Tuesday.  They've each gained 1 lb which is great as they were so very tiny!  The vet, Dr. Amber, said they are looking good.  They got their first vaccines and go back in 3 weeks for their booster.  Both kittens, but especially Clover, love to lay on the dog bed with both Kona and Lilah.  They are getting more personality and have these spurts of energy where they rip and tear through the house chasing each other!  So fun to watch them play and grow :)

~This week we added to our family...again!  12 chicks!!!!  The hubby, Kaylee, Laken and I went to Tractor Supply and bought our very first chickens!!  I think we might be crazy!  Kaylee and Laken have wanted chicks FOREVER but the time was never right.  I don't really know why the time was right this time, but it is.  The girls are SO excited!  Laken called dibs to holding the chick box on the ride home.  They are so cute and growing like weeds.  I would say they've doubled in size since we got them a week ago.  Now the hubby needs to get to building the chicken coop!

 

How was your week?

 

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 3/3/2022

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things about my life lately...

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~A friend posted a message last week that two baby kittens had been dropped off at her barn.  They would NOT have survived there on their own so we said we would take them in!  They are now going to be the first house cats we've had in years.  They are sooooo very tiny!  I took them to the vet on Tuesday and she said they look great and are very healthy but they are also very young.  She told us to keep doing what we're doing with them.  They've already captured our hearts!  They are so stinking cute!  There is one boy and one girl.  The boy has been named Flynn Orion.  Laken is having a rather hard time deciding on a name for the little girl.  The top contenders are Clover, Meadow and Violet with Sage as the middle name.  Let me know what you think we should name her!

Little girl.

Flynn Orion

~Laken is getting ready to select her schedule for next school year.  This year she has been online schooling due to her stomach/migraine issues and it has been difficult staying on schedule.  She has 3 options for 10th grade.  (1) online schooling (2) in-person schooling (3) in-person schooling along with vo-tech for Bio-Technology.  We went to the vo-tech Open House to see if it would be anything Laken would be interested in and she likes the idea of experiments and lab work.  She would still have to take all her academic classes along with vo-tech which would take place of 3 elective credits.  Time to make some big-girl decisions.

~Hello, March!  It is officially my Birth Month and I will be celebrating all month-long :)  I started by taking some time for myself and getting a mani/pedi.  Both were long overdue!  I picked a dark, sparkly red for both my fingers and my toes :)

~Laken's new glasses came in yesterday.  We ordered them Sunday afternoon!  I was shocked when the Vision Center called to say that they were there.  I think they are adorable :)

~I didn't want to pass the week by without mentioning the situation in the Ukraine.  My thoughts and prayers are going out daily to those who are being effected!

 

How was your week?

 

Colletta