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

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

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

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 ~ 5/26/2022

 

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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~The hubby got the cats a new toy :)  They LOVE it!  All night long I hear the little bells inside the balls jingling!

~My Mom and I went to a Ladies Tea hosted by a sister congregation about an hour from home.  It was nice to spend some time together and with other like-minded Christian women.  After the tea, we stopped at Eat-n-Park for dinner.  We haven't gone out, just the two of us, in YEARS!  We did get Laken some Smiley cookies to bring home to her :)

~While Mom and I were at the Ladies Tea, the hubby, Laken and my Dad went to see the new Dr. Strange movie.  (Not my cuppa tea!)  Afterwards, they went to Cracker Barrel for dinner.  Laken sent me some hilarious pictures of her Pap.  This is my favorite:

~I missed Church Sunday due to a stomach bug.  The hubby had it first and then passed it on to me!  Something I'd rather he hadn't shared!  Not a fun thing but I am feeling better now :)   I'm just hoping I was the end of the line for it in the family!

~Laken is DONE with 9th GRADE!!!!  It was a rough year of cyber schooling full medical tests and being sick which put her VERY behind by January.  After getting some relief by limiting Lactose and using Lactaid, she had a lot of work to catch up on.  I am so proud of the late nights, weekends and holidays that she worked on her schoolwork instead of having fun.  I am so glad that summer is here and I bet she is 10X as glad as I am!  Time to PARTY :)

How was your week?  What's new with you?

 

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 3/10/2022

 

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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~We are all a little bit obsessed with our kittens.  They are doing well and are growing like weeds.  We decided to name the little girl Clover Sage and the little boy already had his name of Flynn Orion.  The dogs are adjusting well to their new little siblings.  In fact, I think Clover has adopted Lilah as her mother much to Lilah's chagrin!  Flynn is in love with Laken and goes where ever she is in the house.  Clover loves to sleep on the huge orthopedic dog bed, especially when she can stretch out by herself.  They are so funny to watch.  They are really starting to play with each other and rip and tear throughout the family room.  Here are some pics :)

~Laken had to write a "Shakespeare-ian" poem that had to be a certain length and have a certain number of syllables per line.  It was quite difficult even with me helping her.  (I hate poetry!  lol)  She decided that the theme was going to be "Family".  Here is her draft :)

The local VFW is having a fund drive and selling "Hometown Hero" banners that will be hung on the light poles throughout our little town.  The hubby's dad was in the Army during WWII and was stationed in Japan.  My dad was in the Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Germany.  We decided to sponsor a banner for each of our dads.  I'm so proud of them both!

~Laken was down to the wire on deciding about her schooling next year.  Finally, after much consideration, she has decided to go to vo-tech for Biotechnology.  She will have three periods worth of Biotech each day then go to the High School for the remainder of her classes.  She will still be taking Geometry, Biology and all the major academic courses but won't have "filler" electives.  Please pray for her and us that we can continue to make headway with her migraines and abdominal migraines.  Going lactose-free seems to be helping with stomachaches and pain but I think there is still something (Maybe IBS???) going on.  I'm go call the gastro doc in two weeks to let them now how she is doing.  I guess we'll go from there.

~Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD Saturday night!!!  I can't wait :)

 

How was your week?

 

Colletta

The Good Stuff ~ 11/18/2021

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~Dahlia!  Kayle and Shawn brought their new puppy home on Saturday morning.  Her name is Dahlia or Dahly for short.  I've taken to calling her Dahl Baby (Doll Baby).  She's sweet but as always, getting a new puppy is an adjustment.  I have to laugh because Kaylee has been up almost every night with Dahlia!  It is almost like having a human baby :)

~My Mom's Birthday!  Sunday was my Mom's 65th birthday!  Shhh...  Don't tell her I told you how old she is :)  We celebrated on Saturday.  I ordered her cake to be decorated in blues as it is her favorite color :)

~Veteran's Day!  I didn't want to let Veteran's Day pass without mentioning that we celebrated my Dad all day long.  He served in the Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Germany.  Thanks, Dad!  You're my real life hero :)

~Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange!  I am honored to be included in the Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange Blog Hop this year!  I'm so excited and have so many ideas going through my mind as to what I want to feature and say.  Wish me luck!

~Snow!  Last, but not least, we had SNOW!  Just some flurries that didn't really stick around very long but I always get excited to see the first flurries :)  Now I'm ready to have Thanksgiving, Christmas and then Spring can come right along!

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

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/10/2020

 

Here are some things that made me thankful/smile/excited this week:

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~ Presents are wrapped!  Pretty self-explanatory but the presents have all been wrapped with care and are awaiting Christmas.  It is so hard for me to wait and not give early gifts!

~Daily Bible Reading!  I'm reading the One Year Chronological Bible and being that it is December 10th, there are only a few weeks to go until I start over "In the Beginning" :)  I can say that days go better when I'm in the Word!

~A Cricut!  Kaylee ordered a Cricut Maker and it arrived yesterday!  She is so excited to be back at creating and being artistic.  That is what she loves.  I can't wait to see wait she creates :)

~Christmas Movies!  Last year I just wasn't into watching Christmas movies.  This year I've done a complete turn-about.  We've been watching Christmas movies non-stop.  Hallmark's movies are my favorites but Lifetime has a few good ones also :)

~Gin Rummy!  My Dad taught me how to play Gin Rummy many, many years ago.  Every once in a while, he'll pull out the deck of cards and talk me into playing a hand or two.  The other night we ended up playing 500 Rummy together.  I cherish the time we spend together :)

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

Colletta

P.S. I love for you to stop by MY SHOP and give it some love!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 7/6/20

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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I'm writing this post on Thursday night as we'll be having a very busy weekend starting with tomorrow. 

The weather outside is:

It isn't too awfully hot outside right now.  In fact, it is hanging around 73F which is fairly comfortable.  I turned the AC off for the night.

This weekend and all next week is supposed to have high's in the 90F's.  I think we'll be visiting my brother's house for some pool time!

On my breakfast plate:

Tomorrow is actually my Dad's 73rd birthday!  Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!  He wants to go to Bob Evan's for a late breakfast.  I'll either get an omelet or sausage gravy and biscuits.  I haven't decided yet :)

On today's to do list:

Today's to do list was getting the brakes on the Nitro fixed and picking up supplies for Saturday's festivities.

Monday's to do list will be grocery shopping and other normal daily tasks.

Happening this week:

This weekend will be all the 4th of July festivities.  We're going to my brother at lunch to have some picnicky foods and swim.  Then in the evening, we're going to my Aunt Donna and Uncle Charlie's for more food and fireworks.

Next week is fairly basic except for dentist appointments on Thursday and a 16th birthday party for a friend's son on Saturday.

It is a pay week, though, so whoohooo!

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to start reading "Not Alone" by Liz Bradford on my kindle through Kindle Unlimited.

On the TV:

I've been watching some Hallmark movies lately but not the Christmas movies.  I just don't get into the whole "Christmas in July" deal.  I've mostly been watching the mystery movies.

We've also been catching up on DVR'd episodes of "Hot Mess".  It is an organizing show and is so interesting.  Hopefully Laken will get an organizing bug and get her room straightened up!

Listening to:

Kaylee has been watching "Hamilton" on Disney+, so the soundtrack has been in the background for the past few days.

On the menu week:

Monday -  Lumberjack Snacks (a friend's food truck...Yumm)
Tuesday -  Irish Stew

Wednesday -  Pizza
Thursday  - Cheese Ravioli w garlic bread
Friday -  Pork Chops, mashed potatoes
Saturday -  Grilled Cheese, Soup
Sunday - Potluck at Church

Picture From the Camera:

Bible Verse/Devotional

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters."  Isaiah 55:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Wondering Wednesday ~ Celebrating July 4th ~ 7/1/20

Welcome to Wondering Wednesdays hosted by A Baker's Perspective, a weekly post to learn more about me and other bloggers.

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Today’s questions is – How does your family typically celebrate July 4th?

My Answer - Our July 4th celebrations usually start on July 3rd as it is my Dad's birthday!  He'll be 73 years old this year and celebrates as if he's 12 :)

As for the 4th of July, the past few years have started a new tradition in our extended family.  We used to have to travel to see fireworks and then spend HOURS fighting traffic to get back home.  Now, my Uncle and cousin put off their own fireworks (completely legal, BTW) at my Aunt and Uncles house which is just a mile up the road from our house!  Whoohoo!  No fighting traffic to get back home!

We start off with a picnic around 7 pm with the normal picnicking foods.  I'm bringing an ice cream cake this year from Dairy Queen!  I might also make homemade mac-n-cheese.

Then we have a fire pit to roast marshmallows etc.

When it FINALLY gets dark and the kids about can't stand the anticipation anymore, my Aunt hands out the glow necklaces and bracelets to the kids so we can see where they are in the dark.

Then the FIREWORKS can begin!

Uncle Charlie and Brian do an amazing job and I hope they'll continue this new tradition for many years!  It is tons of fun :)

How do you celebrate July 4th?

Colletta