Working Woman Wednesday ~ Changes ~ 8/20/2025

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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

Working Woman Wednesday ~ 7/23/2025

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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

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/17/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

I hope everyone had a very special Valentine's Day.  The hubby got off work Friday morning so I got to see him for a little bit before I had to go to work.  I gave him his Valentine card and he surprised me with a card and Reese Cups.  I didn't think he had been anywhere to get me something so I was happy!

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Well, let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Cold again :(  Stay safe, everyone!

On Monday's to-do list:

I am so behind on tasks.  I have a whole list of to-dos.  I made a paper list that I'm going to be checking off as I complete the tasks.  At least I have today off for President's Day.  I'd love to get caught up and not feel like I'm drowning...

Laken has a Galentine's Party at with her YoungLife group from 10am-12pm.  She hasn't been feeling well so hopefully she's be recovered and feeling up to going.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm this week.

I have a few Book Club chats this week that I'm super excited about.

Currently reading:

{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.}

This week we're reading Myth #3 to chat about on Saturday.

I'm also still listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell.  It has been interesting as it is only my second audiobook and the narrator has an English accent(s).  I'm hoping to get it finished soon and post my review.  Next, I'd like to listen to a contemporary fiction.

Listening to:

Enjoy!

Watching:

I haven't watched any TV this week...

In the Kitchen:

More chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered pretzels were made by Laken and Nate to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I also made some break-apart chocolate chip cookies!  Simple, easy and delicious when I need a little sweet!

In the Craft Basket:

Below is a picture of the large Dino Nugget I made for my work-friend's daughter.  I've made a few more smaller Dino Nuggets and a "Raspberry Sorbet" octo.

I'm so sad that Joann's is closing!  It is the only craft store within 30 minutes other than Wal-Mart.  Now I'll have to drive 1 hour to get to Hobby Lobby.  Don't get me wrong.  I love me some Hobby Lobby but that is pretty far to drive to pick up a skein or two.  I might have to start ordering yarn online and paying the shipping costs.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Traveling safety for my brother, Dan, as he travels to and from Italy for work this week.

~My Dad has to have a heart valve replacement.  I would appreciate your prayers that they can replace the valve using the minimally invasive procedure and that they won't have to do open heart surgery.

~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 I'm still feeling scattered when it comes to balancing everything.)

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;"

I John 3:11

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/16/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I've missed posting a HHM for a few weeks and didn't want to miss another so I'm getting this post ready while I have the time.

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow!

I'm typing this on Sunday evening and it is NASTY outside here in Southern PA.  I'm really worried about the hubby driving to work tonight.  Hopefully the snow/ice stop and the roads have been cleared by the time I have to leave for work in the morning around 9am.

On today's to-do list:

Again, I'm writing this on Sunday, so not much on the to-do list.  I try not to plan too much for Sunday other than Church.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm.  

On Tuesday I want to try to get my Christmas shopping done.  Laken still has a few gifts to purchase so we'll probably head to our little mall.  There aren't a lot of stores left in our mall, but there is a store called "Touch of Home' that has a ton of decorative items.  So many pretty things!

Thursday is fudge day!  The hubby wants to take fudge in for his co-workers for all three shifts.  We have THE best fudge recipe and I hate to say it but I'm getting pretty good at making it.  It probably won't turn out now that I've written that!

Saturday is cookie day and present wrapping day.  I'd really like to get all Christmas prepping done before next week so that I can just relax and enjoy :)

Currently reading:

I've once again been reading the book of Luke in December.  I know I read it last year during the Christmas season but I can't remember about 2022.  I feel like I did but can't remember for sure.

I haven't been reading much the last month or two as I've been busy market prepping.  Now that the Christmas vendor show is over, I plan on finally getting around to reading the Good for the Soul Book Club selection from November.  "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters takes place at Christmas-time so it isn't too late to read it as far as I'm concerned.

Listening to:

Have you Decked the Halls at your house yet?  Enjoy :)

Watching:

Right now I'm watching the Steelers VS the Eagles football game.  Quite a day for Pennsylvania.

In the Kitchen:

Nothing much lately.  I made a batch of the above-mentioned fudge for my Christmas work party.  We had SO much food and it was delicious.  I could have just parked myself at the dessert table and been happy :)

In the Craft Basket:

Other than market prepping, which I'll get to in a minute, I made a White Elephant for a White Elephant/Dirty Santa game that we played at our party.  It turned out so cute but I could kick myself for forgetting to take a picture before I took it to the party!  Argh!

As for the Christmas vendor show...it was pretty much a flop :(  It was fun to prep for and we had a good time while there but I only sold 3 items the whole time!  So disappointing.  I sold a kitten, a sea turtle and an octopus.  It is a good thing they had a DJ playing Christmas music or I would've been really sad.

As it is, I don't know if I'm going to try to make any more shows.  I'm thinking I might just work on the Stashghan 2025 and leave it at that.  These are the colors I pulled from my stash.  What do you think of them together?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Silly Kona!  She sleeps in the craziest ways :)

Prayer Requests

~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.

~Winter traveling safety.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

Luke 1: 30-33

30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/16/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I had a lovely week of reading, crocheting, blogging and homemaking.

Here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

It was a little bit warmer Sunday but it looks like some lovely temperatures are ahead.  It could stay in the 70F's all year long, in my opinion!

On today's to-do list:

I'm hoping for a fairly uneventful day of homemaking.  I got the floors and laundry done Saturday so it should just be the daily tasks such as cooking and dishes, etc., etc., etc.

Happening this week:

Tuesday is our 24th Wedding Anniversary!  I want to make the hubby a Cream Puff Cake since it is his favorite dessert.

Other than that, it should be a fairly normal week with the usual suspects of daily activities.

Currently reading:

I'm currently reading "One Last Shot" by Susan May Warren who is one of my favorite authors.  This book is my 7th read of September 2024.  To see more about my reading week, please go HERE to check out My Weekly Bookishness post!

I'm catching up on my Goodreads Challenge which is exciting.  Are we friends on Goodreads?  You can find my Goodreads profile HERE.

Listening to:

Every day is a beautiful gift from God!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

Laken and Nate went with Nate's mom, Natasha, to the WVU vs Pitt football game on Saturday.  We don't normally watch college football, but knowing that they were there inspired us to put the game on.  Then Sunday was the Steelers game.

Hallmark-esque movies.

Booktubers that I've discovered recently and also some favorite homemaking/sewing youtubers.

In the Kitchen:

Laken requested Beef Stew for dinner so Beef Stew she got.  While the meat was in the pressure cooker getting tender, the time was spent peeling and chopping potatoes, carrots, celery and onions.  I made biscuits to go along with the Stew.

On Tuesday, I made Banana Cupcakes with some bananas that were getting overly ripe.  I doubled the recipe so I ended up taking what was left to Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study to share.

I also baked Chocolate Chunk Brownies this week but I didn't get a picture.  This week, I'm planning on making a Spice Cake with Homemade Fluffy Icing.

In the Craft Basket:

I have 17/35 blocks finished for the Japanese Fields Afghan.  Last week I was at 9/35 blocks completed so I've made some progress.  Just half a block away from being 50% complete.

I made it a point to weave in all the ends of the blocks I had already completed and have been keeping up with it as I finish each square.  For some reason, it is always satisfying to see the little pile of ends :)

It is also satisfying to see a nice, tidy stack of blocks.  

I thought I'd see how the blocks would look laid out.  I'll probably join the squares with Ivory and then crochet the border out of all three colors.  I'm still debating what to do with the finished Afghan...

Picture(s) from the Camera

We got two HUGE mums Saturday and got them planted.  We bought them at a little road-side stand and they were only 2 for $15.  Considering W-Mart wanted over $6 for one half the size, I think we got a deal :)  The hubby planted them and they are beautiful.

We celebrated our Anniversary a few days early with breakfast (my choice) at Coal Miner's Diner in Jennerstown, PA.  The portions were big and the food was great.  It was the first time we had eaten there although I'd been wanting to try it for a few years.  It is a bit of a drive to get there but now I'd like to go back and try something other than the breakfast menu.  Their specials look amazing!

My handsome breakfast date :)

I decorated the bookcase above my desk for Fall.  Nothing fancy, but I got a few leaf garlands and a Pumpkin Spice candle.  I can only have the candle burning while I'm sitting at my desk because I'm afraid one of the cats will try to get at it.  It is currently burning while I type this post and it smells delicious.  I think I'll get and Apple candle next.

Speaking of the cats, look how big Oliver has gotten!  He's almost as big as Flynn who is 2 years older than Ollie.  Laken was dangling a cat toy above him so that we could get a picture of him sitting still.  He is a very busy kitten!

Prayer Requests

~By the time you are reading this post, Kaylee should be in Orlando for her work conference.  I'd appreciate your continued prayers for safety and traveling mercies!

~Laken is now taking 4 college courses.  Please pray that she does well with them and that she stays healthy.  (continued)

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders and the Election coming in November.  (continued)

~Please pray that I get a start date soon for my new job.  It is a state position and they can sometimes be slow moving.

Bible Verse

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8  ERV

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/5/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

I can't believe it is August 5th already!  Only a little over 2 weeks until school starts for Laken's Senior Year.  It will be Fall before we know it!  In a way I'm looking forward to Fall.  Then I start thinking that Winter follows Fall and I'm not quite so ready.  

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

The weather outside is:

It has been as hot as ever but at least we did get a few rain showers this past week.  Today was in the 90's and when I got into my car after work it was actually hard to breathe until the AC started kicking in.  After today, it is supposed to start cooling off and we're to get some much needed rain.

On today's to-do list: 

Monday's to-do are:

~Work 10am-4pm

~Supper

~Devotions

~Fold and put away laundry

I try to keep the days I work with a minimum of to-do's.  That way I feel like I've accomplished my "list" and can always add on to it if I feel like it.  If I don't feel like adding anything, I can relax and just spend time with the family.

I did want to color my hair this evening, but when it came time to actually do it I didn't feel like dealing with the mess I usually make.  I think I'll move it to tomorrow's list and see if my Aunt Donna will apply the color for me.  Less mess that way!

Happening this week:

I work Monday 10-4pm; Tuesday 10-4pm; Wednesday 10-4pm, Thursday 10-4pm; Friday Off; Saturday 10-4pm and Sunday off.

Friday, even though I'm off work, will be a busy day.  Laken has an appointment in Altoona in the morning and then we have to be back to meet with her guidance counselor at 2pm.  I also want to go grocery shopping so that I can get that done on my day off.

I'm really liking the fact that I've had Sunday off the past few weeks.  I'm hoping that trend continues.

Currently reading:

I didn't even touch "Living Slower" this week :(  I only have a few more chapters to go.  Hopefully I'll finish it soon.

Listening to:

I heard this song by Lauren Daigle and Ellie Holcomb for the first time on my way home this afternoon.  I love both of these artists and LOVE that they have teamed up for this song.  The words and music are so pretty.  I hope you enjoy!

Watching:

I started watching a movie on Freevee called "Fabric of Christmas" at my hubby's recommendation.  (Yes, he loves these movies!)  I usually don't enjoy watching Christmas movies in the summer, but this one is centered around fabric, quilting and being creative so I decided to give it a go.  I should NOT be watching a movie where they are fabric shopping and adding to their "stash"!  It made me want to buy fabric!

I have also been watching a lot of YouTube videos.  I came across "Wills Mountain Homestead" through a friend and am so excited!  Wendy, the creator, lives within 10-15 minutes from me and I had no idea that she had a YouTube channel.  I watched a few of her videos and can't wait to take some time to go back and watch more!  I hope you'll check out Wendy's channel and give her some love :)

In the Kitchen:

I decided to switch up the title of this section to "In the Kitchen" instead of just being about what is for supper.  I REALLY want to get back into the kitchen and create some deliciousness.

I was talking to a very nice woman today at work who was buying ingredients to make Butterscotch Zucchini Bread including Butterscotch pudding!  I told her I have made regular Zucchini Bread and Chocolate Zucchini Bread but I'd never heard of Butterscotch Zucchini Bread.  I did a quick search and found THIS RECIPE that I'd like to try.

Have you even made Butterscotch Zucchini Bread?  If so do you have a favorite recipe?

In the Craft Basket:

I bought yarn...  When we went school shopping on Saturday I made the "mistake" of popping into Hobby Lobby to just "look".   I came across this beautiful skein of variegated yarn called "Japanese Fields" and fell in love.  I decided to use the variegated yarn as color inspiration for an afghan.  I pulled the ivory, light sage and hot rose colors and bought 3 skeins of each one!

I decided to use the Primavera Flowers Granny Square and am loving how the light sage looks like leaves around the flower petals.  I'm trying to decide if I should border each square in the hot rose color before joining them.  What do you think?

Picture from the Camera

Kaylee wants to learn a second language and wants company so we bought this Spanish workbook.  I actually had 2 years of Spanish in high school as it was a requirement way back when.   I'm remembering more than I thought I would but it is going to take some work to actually be able to "speak" the language.  I don't get to spend much time with Kaylee anymore so I'm glad to be working on a project together.

Bible Verse

"Set a guard O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips."  Psalm 141:3 NKJV

Have a great week!

Colletta