Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 7/29/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY (almost) Monday.  I'm writing this post Sunday night as I've finally gotten a few moments to sit down and relax.  Tomorrow is another busy day even though I'm "off".  

We had a great time camping!  It was perfect camping weather.  Even though we desperately need the rain, it was dry and the temperatures weren't unbearable.  In fact, it was very chilly by the time 4am rolled around.  I ended up pulling the covers over my head to get my ears and nose warm while sleeping!

We were all a little sad when it came time to tear down our campsite and we decided that next time we need to go for more than just 2 nights.  I'll share some pictures below.

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

It looks like it is going to be a warm week although the forecast is showing some much needed rain.  I mentioned last week how the grass is brown and crunchy and it has just gotten worse as time has gone on.  How is it in your area?  Has it been as dry as it has been here? 

On today's to-do list: 

Monday's to-do are:

~Sleep in

~Devotions

~Sweep and mop floors

~Call Laken's Guidance Counselor again as I haven't received a return call.

~Go to the bank

~Fold and put away laundry

Happening this week:

I'm working Tuesday 10-4, Wednesday 7-1, Thursday 7-1 and Friday 10-4.  I'm off Saturday and Sunday.

Other than that it is a pretty normal week with prayer meeting and Bible study midweek and the Angel Picnic on Saturday at 11am-1pm.  At first I thought I was going to have to work Saturday and miss the picnic but my manager changed my schedule.  My schedule being changed has happened at least 3 times and I've only been working there for 4 weeks.  I really hope this isn't how it keeps going.  I like to plan out my week and having it change constantly isn't making me happy...  At least this time it worked out to my benefit.

Currently reading:

I took my book along with me camping and actually got a few chapters read.  I think I only have a few chapters left to read.  It will be my first finished book of 2024 which is absolutely amazing to me.  I remember the days when I would read a book every 2 days and sometimes I'd finish a book in 1 day if I was REALLY into it!  

Listening to:

This song is a few years old and I hadn't heard it for a long time.  It was playing on KLOVE on my way home today and I enjoyed singing along.  Truth be told, how are you?

Watching:

I haven't watched much this week as we weren't home.  What I'm not watching is the Olympics.  I'm just going to leave it at that.

On the menu today:

Wiener Winks and French Fries

In the Craft Basket:

I almost bought yarn the other evening.  The hubby was in the sporting goods section of the store and I was just perusing the craft section.  The yarn called to me!  I haven't picked up a hook in probably 1.5 months or more but I had the urge to start crocheting an afghan.  I resisted the inclination and told myself that I need to go "shopping" in my stash first.  I think I'd like to make another scrappy granny square afghan so I think I have plenty of yarn to do that.  If I have to supplement with a few skeins then I'll do that.

Picture from the Camera

Camping pictures as promised!

Bible Verse

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."  James 4:8 NKJV

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker ~ 7/23/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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I realize it is Tuesday but I wanted to post about being a Happy Homemaker today.

I used to participate in this linkup on a weekly basis before becoming a working wife/mom.  Working outside the home, that is.  But then, I was feeling a little odd because I wasn't considering myself a homemaker in the traditional sense of the word.  Because I had an outside job.

HOWEVER, I've recently had a change of heart.  For one thing, I'm still a homemaker doing all the homemaker things.  I still have a heart for home.  So here I am.  Writing this post and hoping that I'm welcome.

When I went back to work 2 years ago, I was working full-time in an office.  I had a very rigid schedule and even though I had PTO I still felt very STUCK in my work schedule.  About a month ago, I decided that full-time working wasn't, well, working.  For me, at least.  I decided to resign that very lucrative but time-consuming position and look for a part-time job.

About 2 1/2 weeks ago I started working at my current position of a Customer Assistance Associate (AKA cashier) at a local market.  I know it doesn't sound like the most glamorous job but it is flexible and part-time.  Time will tell if it is the job for me physically, financially and most-of-all mentally!  At this point I'm praying for daily guidance and strength and would appreciate your prayers as well.

Okay!  Enough of that!

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

It has been SO hot and dry here in Southern Pennsylvania for the past many, many weeks.  The grass is brown and crunchy because it is so dry.  We have gotten a few sporadic showers the past few days but nothing like what we need.

On today's to-do list: 

This is day 2 of a 4-day work stretch.  So far I've only worked 2-3 days in a row.  Standing the whole shift and being VERY busy makes for a long 6 hours with only a 15 minute break.  I actually don't mind working 4 days in a row because I then have a 4 day "vacation"!

~Work 10am-4pm

~Devotions

~Supper

~Sweep floors

Happening this week:

As mentioned, I still have 2 more days to work this week.  I work 7am-1pm Wednesday and Thursday, but then I'm off for 4 days.  I had requested Friday off because we are going camping Thursday and Friday night.  Getting Saturday, Sunday and Monday off were a bonus.  The only thing I'm concerned about is that when I come back from "vacation", I work 5 days in a row.  My feet are going to be killing me!  lol

Other than camping, we'll still have to grocery shop and do laundry probably Saturday afternoon/evening.  Grocery shopping could probably wait until Monday but not the laundry.

I also need to make an appointment with Laken's guidance counselor to make sure everything is in place for ...SENIOR YEAR!  Laken is going to be doing what is called "Senior Challenge" which is basically taking a few morning classes in school and then leaving early to work on college courses.  The college courses are what we need assistance with the most.  Hopefully the counselor can schedule us to see her on Monday as well.

Currently reading:

I've been ever so slowly reading "Living Slower" by Merissa A. Alink.  I'm on chapter 7 and am enjoying the book but it has just taken a back burner to everything else that has been going on.  Chapter 7 is about creating a useful space which we are currently doing.  We took part of the rather large Family Room and built a small Storage Room.  I can't believe the difference it has made.  The Storage Room is still full of bins and boxes that need to be gone through but the Family Room and Our Bedroom are so much more pleasing to the eye.  I don't feel like the clutter is taking over.  The hubby has worked so hard on this project and I really appreciate his effort!

Listening to:

Anne Wilson was actually at a County Fair near me last Wednesday evening.  I really wish I could have made it to the concert.  I haven't been to a concert in YEARS!  Anne's album is named "REBEL" so I wanted to listen to the title track.  I'm glad I did!  Are you a REBEL?  Enjoy :)

Watching:

We finally finished up Season 1 of Tracker and I'm excited that the network has renewed the show for at least another season.

We've been watching a lot of Hallmark-ish  movies on Freevee.  They're actually pretty good.  Maybe even better than Hallmark because there is a bigger variety of actors.

I'm still debating if I'm going to be watching the Steelers play football this year.  Pre-season will be ramping up pretty soon.

Youtube videos from a few favorites

On the menu today:

Salisbury Steak, Noodles, Veggie and Strawberries

In the Craft Basket:

I need to pick a new project to start as I don't have any going at the moment.  I'm open to crochet suggestions!

Picture from the Camera

Oliver is getting so big!

Bible Verse

"The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things and the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:9 NASB

Have a great week!

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 7/11/19

~Hubby's vacation week!  Last week was all about family time.  The number of summer vacation we get to spend with our girls is dwindling as they grow up and that makes me a bit sad but we had a great week :)

~Lake Tobias!  Lake Tobias is a wildlife park in Halifax, PA.  I had never heard of it before Laken went on a field trip to there this past school year.  We made the 3 hour drive to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park so Laken could be our tour guide.  We even went on a safari where the animal came right up to the safari vehicle.  It was amazing to see all the animals and so close :)

~The Meg!  One evening we rented a movie from the Redbox and had a Family Movie night complete with Twizzlers :)  The Meg was a great movie but don't watch it if you already have a fear of sharks!  :)

~Ice Cream!  Of course we hit up our favorite ice cream spot a few times while on vacation.  Sundae's has THE BEST peanut butter sundae I've ever had.  Yummm…  The flavor of the week was Black Raspberry.  It switched over to Cotton Candy on Monday.  Laken is pleading for another ice cream trip as Cotton Candy is her FAVORITE :)

~Camping!  We went tent camping for 3 days and 2 nights at Shawnee State Park here in PA.  We set up two tents and 4 air mattresses in 1.5 hours flat!  It was a good thing we were so quick about it because a rain shower came not long after the last tent peg was pounded into the ground.  We had so much fun camping.  It was a nice relaxing time of fishing, reading, hiking and sitting around the campfire.  I can't wait to go again :)
 
What are you thankful for today?

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Work in Progress ~ 7/18/18

 

I so wanted to show you the finished "MY Afghan" but I still haven't completed the last round of the scalloped edging :(

I took a break from such a large, hot project to make some nice, cool, pot holder/hot pads while camping.

 

 

I used Peaches & Crème Blue Moon Ombre cotton yarn and a simple single crochet.  I made my starting chain 30 and it worked out to a very nice size.

 

This was about the halfway point of one pot holder.  I made it twice this length and then doubled it over so there were no little holes to poke a finger through and get burned.  (Been there.  Done that.)

 

 

I really enjoyed working with a variegated yarn.  After tying in all those ends while making "Ashley's Afghan" it was nice to have color change without all that work!

 

And here is the finished product.  At least one of them, anyway!

 

 I've finished the second pot holder (didn't get a picture though) and am now working on a larger hot pad to finish up the Blue Moon Ombre that I bought.

I love a nice quick project after a more demanding, time-consuming, large project!

 

 

What are you working on?

Colletta 





Tea Time ~ 4/10/15

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~  I'm getting back into blogging!!!  After taking a very long, unplanned break from blogging, I realized how much I missed it.  I'm looking forward to the whole process of running a blog :)

~  We rented a cabin at Keystone State Park last Wednesday through Saturday.  It was a lovely time spent with family.  Even though it rained, we still had a great time getting outside and enjoying each other :)

~  While at the cabin, we played a game of 500 Rummy.  I learned to play cards from my dad so it is always fun getting together to try to out-smart each other :)

~  I finally made the decision to have my gallbladder removed.  This didn't really make me "smile", but it is a big relief to finally know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Hope I've made the right decision!  :)

~  I made a lot of progress on one of my current projects.  It is a granny square afghan with black trimming to make it look like stained glass.  Look for pictures soon.  I'm almost half way finished! :)

~  Both girls wore dresses to Church for Resurrection Sunday!  Our Church has a very relaxed dress style.  Usually, the girls will wear jeans and a shirt.  To have them both in dresses, especially Kaylee who is 13, brought a smile to my face :)

What made you smile this week?

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Heart Filled Friday,  and OhHeyFriday

Family Time ~ Making the Time ~ 4/7/15

 

I started working full-time last June.

 

Almost a year.

 

It has been a struggle managing my time after being a SAHM for 10 years.  So many things went by the wayside.  Including blogging.  For some reason, I felt like I couldn't blog and spend the time with my family the way I "should". 

 

I miss it.  I miss blogging and writing and taking pictures and documenting our lives.  I miss participating in the link-ups and reading everyone's blog posts.

 

I have a plan.  A plan to blog yet not get over-zealous and fanatical.  (I have a tendency to do both.)

 

I hope it works.

 

In the meantime....  How do you work your blogging into your family time, work time, church events etc?

 

P.S.  We went camping this Resurrection Weekend and I didn't take a single picture or get a picture of the girls in their Sunday Best.  Shame on me :(

 

Linking up to Titus 2sdays, Unite, Share Your Stuff, Treasure Box, and Titus 2 Tuesday.

 

Saturday 9 ~ Vacation ~ 5/17/14

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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Vacation 1982

Click HERE to listen to the song.

1) Do you know how to water ski?

Nope.  I've never even tried.  I think I'd be too chicken!

2) Do you have 2014 vacation plans? 

No major plans, but we do hope to go camping a at least a few times this summer.

3) Do you have a passport?

No.  I've never had a reason to get one.

4) If you took a 7-night cruise, could you completely unplug -- no phone calls, no texts, no internet?

No internet?  How would I check my blog?!?

5) Do you own a travel alarm clock?

My watch has an alarm clock but I don't know how to work it.  Right now it goes off at 2pm everyday and I have no idea why.

6) Though the Go-Gos broke up in 1985, they frequently reunite for live performances. What's the last concert you attended?

It has been quite a while since I've been to a concert.  I think the last one was Kenny Chesney and it was AWESOME!!

7) Their first hit was "Our Lips Are Sealed."  Can you be trusted with a secret? 

I'm good at keeping other people's secrets but not my own.  I fess up to everything!

8) In 1982, when this song was popular, the comedy Tootsie was in theaters. What movie makes you laugh?
  

This is horrible, but I can't really think of any movie in particular right now!

9) Sam is chewing on a Tums as she composes these questions. What's the last over-the-counter medication that you took? 

My last over-the-counter med would also have been a Tums.  We had breadsticks with sauce the other night and it gave me heartburn.

Happy Saturday!

I'd love for you to come Like my Facebook Page!  Pretty please?

Homemaker Monday ~ 7/29/13

Come join Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

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The Weather...

A gorgeous, sunny, 67F!

Right Now I Am...

Doing everything but the dishes.  Procrastination...

Thinking...

That I really need to just get the dishes done and move on!  lol

On My Reading Pile...

I took this book with me camping this past weekend and didn't even crack it open!  After I get everything put away and situated, I hope to start it today.

On My TV...

We're trying to get caught up on AGT.

What I Found While Surfing the Net...

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Ingredients:

for the Pancakes:
4 cups all-purpose flour
8 tsps baking powder
2 tsp. salt
4 cups milk
4 tbsps vegetable oil
4 large eggs, lightly beaten

for the Cinnamon Filling
1 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

for the Cream Cheese Glaze
1/2 cup butter
4 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

To make the Cinnamon Filling:
Mix the three ingredients together. Place in a disposable piping bag and snip the end off or put in a Ziploc bag and snip the corner off.


To make the Pancakes:
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another bowl. Stir them together until everything is moistened leaving a few lumps.

Heat your griddle to exactly 325 degrees. You don't want these too cook too quickly, and you won't want your cinnamon to burn.

Make desired size pancake on greased griddle and then using the piping bag and starting at the center of the pancake, create a cinnamon swirl. Wait until the pancake has lots of bubble before you try to turn it. You will find that when you turn it the cinnamon swirl will melt. The cinnamon will melt out and create the craters which the cream cheese glaze will fill.

To make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
In a microwave safe bowl melt the butter and cream cheese and then stir together. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add a little milk if needed to make
it a glaze consistency.

Place pancake on plate, then cover with cream cheese glaze.

On the Menu This Week...

Monday:  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn, Apples
Tuesday:  Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Oranges
Wednesday: Fellowship
Thursday:  Kielbalsa, Noodles, Green Beans, Strawberries
Friday:  Pizza
Saturday:  Out
Sunday:  Fellowship

On My To Do List...

Today:  I'm watching my cousin's two kids today and laundry
Tomorrow:  Go through Laken's clothes and make a school list
Wednesday:  Go through Kaylee's clothes and make a school list
Thursday:  Babysitting, laundry, bills and grocery list
Friday:  Grocery Shopping

In the Craft Basket...

I'm making a 0-3 month Football beanie.

Looking Forward To This Week...

I started using a new planner!  I'm a dork and get excited about things like this :)

Looking Around the House...

It doesn't look too bad!  lol  We did some straightening up when we got back from camp yesterday.

From the Camera...

I forgot to take my camera on the camping trip.  I was so mad!  Kaylee got some pics with her ipod though.

On My Prayer List...

Motivation and determination to get healthier, the many people I know who are sick or having surgeries this week.

Bible Verse, Devotional...

"I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive al the good that we may do for Christ."  Philemon 6

Homemaker Monday ~ 7/22/13

Come join Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

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The Weather...

A breezy 75F but warming up quickly!

Right Now I Am...

Cooling down after my walk.  Need caffeine....

Thinking...

Of the fact that I need to run to the store in order to get some caffeine (Dr. Pepper).

On My Reading Pile...

I started this a few days ago and haven't been able to get back to it.  I don't know if it is because I'm not that into the book or because I've been busy.  I'll give it another go today.

On My TV...

Last evening, after Church, we caught up on MasterChef.  It is now down to the top 8!

What I Found While Surfing the Net...

Bacon and Potato Bake

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
1 12 oz. can Evaporated Milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1).Spray an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
2). Layer 1/2 potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1/2 bacon and 1/2 cheese in prepared baking dish. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
3). Combine evaporated milk, egg and seasoned salt in small bowl. Pour evenly over potato mixture and cover with aluminum foil.
4). Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Uncover, then bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

On the Menu This Week...

Monday:  Baked Chicken Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Apples
Tuesday:  Benefit Dinner:  Roast Beef and sides.
Wednesday: Fellowship
Thursday:  Ham, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, apples
Friday:  Pizza
Saturday:  Out
Sunday:  Fellowship

On My To Do List...

Today:  Take the girls to the Lake.
Tomorrow:  Babysit for my cousin then a benefit dinner in the evening.
Wednesday:  Kaylee's Ortho Appt.
Thursday:  Laundry...again.
Friday:  Get ready to go camping!

In the Craft Basket...



I got an order for a zebra set from a lady who is adopting a baby who is due in 2 weeks.  So touching!

Looking Forward To This Week...

Going Camping!!!!

Looking Around the House...

I see dishes and laundry that need done.

From the Camera...

Nothing this week.  I wish I would have gotten some pics from VBS!  :(

On My Prayer List...

Motivation and determination to get healthier, to spend more time in prayer for spiritual matters.

Bible Verse, Devotional...

"I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father."  John 15:15

Five On Friday ~ 7/19/13

Five things that made me smile this week :)

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1.  Camping!  Last weekend we went camping along the Potomac River.  It was the first time we went camping in a tent since I was a kid!

2.  The kids LOVED the hammock.  Must get one for home :)

3.  We found a little turtle.  I named "her" Petunia.   We visited for a while and then took her back to where we found her :)

4.  We're going back to camp again in a few weeks :)

5.  I saved the best for last.  One of my best friends since Kindergarten gave birth yesterday to her new little boy.  Mom and baby are doing well.  I can't wait to see him :)

What made you smile this week?

Homemaker Monday ~ 7/15/13

Come join Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

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The Weather...

A sunny 72F and promising to be a beautiful day!

Right Now I Am...

Trying to get some umption in my gumption to get some work done today.  Need more caffeine....

Thinking...

Of my to-do list.

On My Reading Pile...

I started this book last night and easily could have stayed up until I finished it if I hadn't been so tired.  There are two more books by Karen Witemeyer on my shelf so I think I'll read them in a row.

On My TV...

On my DVR, waiting for me to watch it :)  Still...

What I Found While Surfing the Net...

BEST DEBBIE COOKIES

1 c. butter-flavored shortening or margarine 
3 c. brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoon soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 c. quick oats (uncooked)

Cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one is added. Beat in vanilla. Sift together salt, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and flour. Add the flour mixture and quick oats to the creamed mixture. Bake at 350 9-11 minutes. Do not allow cookies to get golden brown. Bake cookies until they look set on top. This is an easy cookie to over bake so be careful.

Filling:
3 egg whites, beaten stiff
4 teaspoons flour
3 teaspoons vanilla
6 Tablespoons milk
1 c. shortening
4 c. powdered sugar

Beat egg whites until stiff. Add milk, flour, vanilla and 2 c. of the powdered sugar. Beat and then add shortening. Add the remaining 2c. powdered sugar and beat really well. 

On the Menu This Week...

Monday:  Pancakes, Bacon, Eggs
Tuesday:  Pork Chops, Buttered Noodles, Broccoli, oranges
Wednesday: Fellowship
Thursday:  Ham, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, apples
Friday:  Pizza
Saturday:  Out
Sunday:  Fellowship

We went way off menu last week, so I'm able to keep it almost same for this week.

On My To Do List...

Today:  Laundry
Tomorrow:  Get craft items together for VBS
Wednesday:  Take the girls to the lake
Thursday:  Bills and grocery list
Friday:  Grocery shopping

In the Craft Basket...

Nothing started at the moment.

Looking Forward To This Week...

Going to the Lake and watching the girls swim while I read a good book.

Looking Around the House...

I see piles and piles of laundry.  Other than that it isn't too bad right now.  Amazing!

From the Camera...

We went camping Friday along the Potomac River.  We're hoping to go again in a few weeks.

Doug, Kaylee and Laken relaxing in the hammock.

Our tent

A cute little cabin we saw while walking along the river.

On My Prayer List...

Motivation and determination to get healthier, VBS that is coming up soon, to have the commitment to read my Bible more as challenged in Church yesterday.

Bible Verse, Devotional...

"I do not consider that I have made it on my own; but this one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press o toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:13-14