Happy Homemaker ~ 4/22/2025

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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I hope everyone has a blessed Easter spent remembering our LORD and SAVIOR'S death, burial and resurrection.

I kinda fell off the face of blog-land for a few weeks.  I've been very preoccupied and overwhelmed with a secret "project" that I've been working on but I can now share that:

I PASSED the Pennsylvania Property & Casualty Insurance Licensing Exam!!!

The hubby and I traveled to Harrisburg Monday so that I could take my exam.  I was so nervous!!!!  I studied the material and took practice quizzes for weeks but still was unsure of what the final outcome would be.  I prayed so hard the whole time I took the test.

The wording was different on the exam than was in my online course, so I made many educated "guesses".  I might not have gotten the high score I wanted but I was over the minimum score of 70% and that is all that matters.  It was either PASS or FAIL.  Whew!  Huge sigh of relief!

I start my new job at State Farm on May 1st so I have just over a week to get things situated at home and work on a routine.  I will be working full-time.  In fact, it is an actual 9-5 job.

Now on with the post!

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The weather outside is:

We had a nasty storm Saturday night that knocked the electric out for a lot of people in my area.  Thankfully, we didn't lose our electricity at home.

This next week looks very nice with some great temperatures.  I'm going to enjoy my swing as much as possible.

On the to-do list:

It is 8:17pm when I am typing this post so not much else on the to-do list for today.  I might try to work on writing down what I want my weekly routine to look like so that I can start getting into some good habits.

Happening this week:

~I have to go to our local library to get my fingerprints done for my licensing application tomorrow.

~The hubby has a dentist appointment and Laken has an eye appointment on Thursday.

~Laundry, groceries and cleaning on Friday

~A few of the ladies from Church and I are going to a Ladies Spring Luncheon on Saturday at a Church about 2 hours from here.  I volunteered to drive even though I've never been there before.  I really don't mind driving new places as long as I have my Google Maps!

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to listen to "Fragile Designs" by Colleen Coble.  It is the April selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I'm a little late to the party but hopefully I can get it finished before the Zoom Book Club Meeting.

Listening to:

Right now I'm listening to the hubby watch an action movie in the Family Room.  I usually have music playing in the background but didn't even turn it on yet tonight.

Watching:

The only show I've really been watching is Farmer Wants a Wife Season 3.  Anybody else watching it?  If so, what are your thoughts?  I've been making the hubby watch it with me so I have someone to talk to about it :)

In the Kitchen:

We've been experimenting with Gluten Free foods.  I'm surprised at the variety of Gluten Free options there are at the market but also a bit shocked at the prices!  I'd love any input from fellow Gluten Free eaters/cookers/bakers.

In the Craft Basket:

Nothing.  A big, fat nothing.  I've been so busy, overwhelmed and preoccupied with my studies that I haven't even picked up anything that looks crafty.  

Picture(s) from the Camera

No new pictures recently.

Prayer Requests

~Laken's health and school.  She has a little over a month left of her senior year.  I pray that she can finish strong!

~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. (continued)

~My new job and routine.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."

Matthew 28:6a

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 4/21/2022

 

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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~I'm Back!  Just about a month ago, my desktop computer blew up on me.  It wouldn't even power on.  I took a bit of a blogging break to decide what to do.  I missed blogging but it was too hard to create a post on my phone or Kindle.  Finally, I decided to hijack my daughter's Chromebook to blog when she's not using it for her cyber schooling which means early morning or later in the night.  I've been back for a little less than a week so lots to catch-up on!

~I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend and celebrated the death, burial and resurrection of our LORD.  Laken was technically on Spring Break Thursday though Tuesday but had to do a lot of catch-up work all but Sunday.  All her classes have to be completed by May 20th so we're getting down to the wire!  She did take breaks to do the important stuff like coloring eggs :)

~The kittens are growing like weeds!  They have one more vet appointment for their last booster shot and then I have to make the appointments for spaying and neutering.  Flynn and Clover "think" that Kona loves them and they take every opportunity to snuggle with her that they can.  Kona is very patient with them even though she sometimes just gets up and moves to another room!

~The chicks have their feathers and are ready to be outside.  This is all a learning process for us so any tips on raising chickens AND/OR ducks would be greatly appreciated.  The coop is all ready except for the fenced in yard.  Still some work to do on that, but the girls are loving all their room!

~I've started reading The Definitive Edition of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.  It is the May 2022 reading selection for the Kindred Readers Book Club.  If you're interested in reading along, we'd love to have you join us!  I'm really enjoying the book.  I remember reading a version of the book in 7th Grade Reading Class but there is so much that I didn't pick up on or have forgotten.  It is a completely different experience reading Anne Frank as an adult!

 

I hope you enjoyed catching up!  I'll be back next Thursday with another Tea Time but I hope you'll check out some of my other posts :)

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

 

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ I Will Carry You by Ellie Holcomb

Happy Resurrection Day!

Let Him carry you!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 3/29/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Check out my "The Good Stuff" post from last Friday!  Kaylee is getting MARRIED!!!!  No definite plans are in place yet but I'm so EXCITED :)

The weather outside is:

The weather is looking quite lovely for the week although it is a bit cooler toward the end of the week.  The wind has been outrageous.  I guess March is going out like a lion!

On today's to-do list: 

The usual suspects.  Groceries, devotions, exercise, blogging and catching up from the weekend.

Also today (Monday) is my little cousin Dex's 9th Birthday!  Happy Birthday, Dex!

Happening this week:

It is a pretty ordinary week ahead.  Laken is playing catch-up with her school work after missing a few days due to being sick.  Kaylee is still working overtime due to REI's annual sales.  The hubby was off last Thursday and Friday and off again this Friday for Good Friday.  Laken will be off Thursday through Wednesday for Easter break.

We'll be coloring eggs and getting candy this coming weekend.  I can't wait for the Carrot Cake :)

Currently reading:

"What to Do With an Eager Earl" by Ivy Hart. 

On the TV:

FBI

NCIS

Walker

Hallmark

The Croods "A New Age"

Listening to:

This week on Songs on Sunday I featured "Truth I'm Standing On" by Leanna Crawford.  Go check it out :)

On the menu week:

Monday ~  Chicken Parmesan, Noodles

Tuesday ~ Pizzaroni, garlic bread

Wednesday ~ Ham, Fried Potatoes

Thursday ~  Pork Chops, Alfredo Noodles

Friday ~ Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes

Saturday ~ Chili, Rice

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

"Linen" Granny Squares.  16/35 squares completed with ends all tied in :)

Memory Verse

"My salvation and my glory rest on God; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God."  Psalm 62:7

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Journal Entry ~ 4/16/20

A few sentences about each day...

April 8, 2020 - April 14, 2020

Wed/8 ~ Another beautiful day!  We spent most of the day outside.  This evening Mom and I made up more Communion Kits.  The last ones we made were for 2 weeks.  This time we made them for 3 weeks.  That will take us through the end of April then we'll go from there.  Hopefully, by then things will be getting back to normal.

Thurs/9 ~ It rained just about all day and didn't get very warm.  We were basically in the house all day :(  I rejoined WW after a 2 month hiatus and gaining at least 10 lbs!  I signed up for the digital only.  I set Friday as my weigh in day.  I'm starting fresh tomorrow :)

Fri/10 ~ We had snow this morning!  April is always a crazy weather month here.  70F on day and two days later snow!  The kids have been camped out in the Family Room for 2 days.  I'm about ready to kick them back into their rooms so I can get the Family Room back in order.  I am loving the family time though :)

Sat/11 ~ We made Carrot Cake Bunnies for tomorrow's dessert.  They are super cute!  The girls colored eggs per tradition.  We spent a lot of time in the kitchen today.  We also worked on cutting brush that fell from all the wind lately.

Sun/12 ~ Today was an Easter Sunday unlike any I've ever experienced in my life.  We had home Church, like every Sunday lately.  We also had a nice dinner but that was all.  You could call it "quiet" but I'd call it "boring"!

Mon/13 ~ This was the first time I actually felt nervous to go out for groceries!  It is so sad to see people actually being afraid of other people.  Everyone was definitely practicing "social distancing" and were giving each other a wide berth.  I can't wait until things are more "normal".  Whatever, whenever, that might be.

Tues/14 ~ Laken had a "telemed"/"telehealth" visit with her pediatrician about her asthma.  At first we had trouble getting "Google Duo" to work but finally got it working.  The daily inhaler seems to be helping so we're sticking with that.  I was glad not to have to take Laken to the dr's office!

Until next week,

Colletta

In the Kitchen ~ Carrot Cake Bunnies with Cream Cheese Icing

We spent some time in the kitchen as a family today.  We colored eggs (even though both girls are older now), made Porcupine Meatballs for our Easter Dinner and, of course, had to make dessert!

Laken is our resident baker so she took to pinterest to find a festive decoration for our traditional Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing that we have every Easter Sunday.  She thought about making a cake in the shape of a bunny but then saw a super cute cupcake decoration so that is what we went with.

These cupcakes smell so delicious coming out of the oven!

After the cupcakes were iced, Laken did the oh-so-simple but oh-so-cute decorating...

And here is the final product:

Carrot Cake

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 tsp vanilla
nuts (optional)

Combine:  sugar, oil and eggs.  Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add dry ingredients and beat at low speed for 1 minute.

Add grated carrots and nuts.

Spread batter in a greased and floured 13 X 9 1/2 pan (or cupcake papers).

Bake at 350F for about 1 hour.


Cream Cheese Icing:

1 pkgBeat (8 oz) cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar

Combine and beat all ingredients well until the desired consistency.

Do you have a traditional dish that you have every Easter Sunday?  What do you have for dessert?  Have you ever tried Carrot Cake?  Let me know in the comments :)

Colletta

Tea Time ~ A Wedding and Great Wolf ~ 4/28/17

 

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 took about a 2 month Blogging Break.  Lots of great things have happened over that time period.  Here are some of the highlights: 

 

~BIG NEWS!!!!!! My brother got MARRIED!  It was a VERY fast courtship of about 2 months.  I'm totally in love with my new SISTER-in-law, Kelly and her son - MY NEPHEW - Andrew.  I am over-the-moon happy for them both and super excited to finally be an official AUNT!!!

Kelly, Dan and Andrew

~Laken was asked to go along on Dan and Kelly's "honeymoon" to keep Andrew company.  They went to Great Wolf Lodge in Virginia.  Laken was so excited to go and although she called me every morning and every night, I don't think she missed me a lick!  She was having too much fun :)

~More on this later, but our Building Permits were approved for the addition!  Now the work begins...  Mom is calling it the "West Wing"  :)

~We had a fairly low-key, laid back Easter!  Kaylee, Laken and Andrew colored eggs on Saturday.  On Sunday we hade Church and Easter Dinner afterward.  At 2pm the Lions Club had an Egg Hunt for the community kids.  Kaylee was too old to participate but I think she was OK with that.  Laken and Andrew had fun trying to find the "prize" eggs.

~My 39th birthday has come and gone.  I'm officially in the last year of my 30's!  I, of course, celebrate for the entire month of March but on my actual birth"day", the family took my out to dinner at Cracker Barrel.  Love my Family :)
 

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!
 

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Diary of a Real Housewife and Tricky's Five , Friday's Fave Five. Life in Leggings, Fresh Friday Finds, Weekend Wind Down.

Monday's Musings ~ Easter Break ~ 4/21/14

As many of you might know, I started working part-time at our local college in January.  The great thing about working at a school is getting holidays off.  I was fortunate to have a long Easter Break.  I got off Thursday at 1pm and didn't have to be back at work until Monday at 9am.  I was really looking forward to this down time.  Well, I was mostly looking forward to sleeping in!

Thursday:

The girls still had school on Thursday but Doug (the hubby) and I were both off.  We snapped up the opportunity to have a "Date Day".  After getting the girls to school, we had a relaxing morning before getting ready and heading to town.  We did some shopping, ate lunch out, ran into some friends and hit the "hair cut store".  It was so nice to not have any specific plans and to just be together.

When the girls got home, we went for a walk/ride as a family.  The girls rode their bikes and Doug and I walked.  It was sunny and just a beautiful day to spend together outside.  After supper, I even spent some time out on my swing with my Bible.  I love reading outside and am so glad to finally be having some Spring weather.

Friday:

Friday we were all off.  The girls slept in so we had a quiet morning.  After they woke up, we had a Easter Egg Hunt for them in the yard.   No matter how old they get, they still love searching for the eggs.  Or maybe they just like those "special eggs" that have money in them.

In the afternoon, we went to Altoona and saw "Rio 2".  It was a sweet movie but I don't think Kaylee was too thrilled.  She's in that in-between stage where she doesn't really appreciate cartoon movies like she used to.  Hopefully, she'll grow to love them again.

We had lunch out at Longhorn Steakhouse where we finally used up some gift cards.  Then we make some stops at K-Mart, Toys-r-Us and of course, Harbor Freight.  Laken and I waited in the van during the Harbor Freight stop.  It just isn't our thing.

Saturday:

In the morning, Laken had T-ball practice.  I love watching the little ones play :)

We colored Easter Eggs in the afternoon and got them all ready for Sunday.  No matter how old the girls get, they love coloring eggs.

Other than that it was a pretty normal Saturday.  It was basically a relaxing, around-the-house kinda day.

Sunday:

Sunday was Easter, of course.  The first thing the girls did was look through their baskets at their goodies.

We went to Sunday School and Church.  After Church we had a fellowship dinner with ham, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, carrot cake and so much more.  It was delicious!

I usually take a Sunday afternoon nap, but I wasn't tired.  Instead, I took a two lap walk around our neighborhood while the girls played.  I came home and read out on the deck.  I finally finished another book!

In the evening, we went to Youth Group for the girls and then Church.

It was a beautiful, sunny day.  Perfect!

Overview:

We had a great Easter break with a lot of family time and beautiful weather.  I feel well-rested and ready to tackle getting back into our normal routine.

How was your Easter?  Did you do anything fun?  Did you have any time off?  I'd love to know :)

Happy Easter ~ 2014

Happy Easter!!!

Saturday 9 ~ Peter Cottontail ~ 4/19/14

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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Peter Cottontail

1) Which do you prefer: colored hard-boiled eggs, chocolate marshmallow eggs, or plastic eggs with coins inside?

Actually, my favorite are Peanut Butter Eggs!  Especially, of the Reese variety :)  I also like hard-boiled eggs and plastic eggs with coins inside but I'm not a big fan of marshmallow eggs.

2) What's your favorite color of Peeps (yellow, purple, or pink)?

I don't really have a favorite color of Peep.  To me they are the all the same.

3) All this talk of sweets is making Sam hungry. What's for lunch?

Well, I'm doing the Slim Fast 3-2-1 Plan so my lunch will be a Vanilla Slim Fast Shake.  It tastes like cake batter is is super yummy!

4) This song was introduced by country singer Gene Autry and it's still a favorite. Please share some of the lyrics. (And you're on your own; Sam didn't include a link to the song this week.)

Here comes Peter Cottontal, hopping down the bunny trail; Hippity Hoppity, Easter's on its way!

5) Gene Autry was so popular that a town in Oklahoma named itself for him. Have you ever been to Oklahoma?

I've haven't ever been to Oklahoma but would someday like to be able to say that I've visited all 50 states.  Someday.  Sigh....

6) In addition to singing, Mr. Autry made 93 cowboy movies. What's the last movie you saw?

Last night we watched "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" with Kevin Costner.  A oldie but a goodie )

7) He and his horse Champion also had a TV show. Can you name another famous horse?

Mister Ed and Silver are all I can think of.  lol

8) Gene Autry also recorded "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," and it was, of course, wildly popular, too. Who is your favorite recording artist?

This is a tough question.  There are so many that I love.  I can't pick just one.  I just can't !

9) Back to the holiday celebration at hand -- Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated?

A nice, long, hot shower complete with hair washing and leg shaving :)

Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 4/24

Up for grabs is the following book:

Callie Duflay just isn’t like the rest of her family. While they’ve built white collar lives, she prefers getting her hands dirty by working with children and local California causes. When Callie learns that a beloved piece of untouched property in her town of Otter Bay may soon be developed, she confronts the architect assigned to the project.Gage Mitchell may be an easygoing, eco-friendly professional, but he’s not about to back off this job no matter how cute Callie or her pet pooch, Moondoggy, may be. His reasons and hers are noble—both have a heart for protecting God’s creation, and the truth is these two would be perfect for each other outside of this face-off. But will they ever figure that out?

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me how to contact you if you are the winner.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a second comment telling me that you do :)

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, April 24, 2014.  The winner will be emailed on April 25th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Chats on the Porch ~ 4/15/14

This week's questions are:

1. What are you doing for Easter?

We'll be going to Church where I'll be singing a special with the Choir.  Then afterwards we're having a Fellowship Dinner.  I'm in charge of rolls and a dessert.  Any ideas?

2. How many spring flowers have you noticed the last week or so?

I love seeing the flowers and trees budding!  My daffodils and hyacinths are budding as well as the forsythia.  The trees in the neighborhood are all pink and white and my lilacs are getting green!  So excited!

3. What was your favorite thing in an Easter basket, or as dessert at Easter dinner?

Hands-down, Reese Peanut Butter Eggs!

4. If you were a dog, what kind would you be?

A kind, gentle, obedient mutt!  lol  My husband would probably say I am a high-maintenance poodle.

5. What are your favorite pizza toppings?

I love me some pizza!  My favorite is pepperoni and extra cheese.  You can never have too much cheese on pizza.

Let's chat and get to know one another!

Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 4/5

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Read Now Sleep Later

Hoppy Easter, Everyone!  I hope you have/had a great Holiday Weekend!  I know I plan to :)

Up for grabs is:

"Camellia"
 by Ginny Aiken

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me your plans are/were for the long Holiday Weekend.  Did you have a big dinner?  Did you have extra days off? etc, etc, etc.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a second comment telling me that you do :)

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, April 5, 2013.  The winner will be emailed on April 6th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Feel Good & High Five Friday ~ 4/13/12

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&

"Just make a list. List 5 things that made you really happy this week. No matter how bad or boring you think your week was, I bet you can find 5 things."

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1.  We finally found a "new" work car for Doug!

Now I can have my van back!

Look how clean it is inside.  It won't look this way for long :(

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2.  The girls had a great time coloring Easter eggs last Saturday.

 Kaylee painted the dye on her eggs.

Daddy helped Laken get the her eggs in and out of the cups.

Then we had a big fight over who got to color the most eggs.  Sisters!

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3.  I read into the wee hours of the morning to get "The Hunger Games" book finished before we went to see the movie the following night.  The book was AMAZING!

The movie was really good but quite as good as the book.

I was worried that it might be a bit graphic for the girls but they handled it well.  They were huddled in seats between me and Doug.  Laken pretty much just watched it.  Kaylee had a death grip on my arm!  Isn't that a bit backwards?

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4.  Sunday afternoon between Church and the Easter program, we made a trip to the Wal-Mart and got our new fishing licenses!  Trout season starts tomorrow and we are all excited about going to the crick (yes, crick).  The girls both have rain/fishing boots.

I really look forward to going to the lake for nice leisurely afternoons and evenings.

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5.  I introduced you to Baby Dex in last week's post.  He had some major problems with jaundice last week and they had to take him to the dr. for blood work just about every day to check his bilirubin levels.

I am so, so very happy to tell you that his levels have finally normalized!  We are all relieved but especially his mommy.  No more putting the "glow-worm" on him.  And no more poking his little foot for blood.  Poor baby:(

 This is his daddy holding with his "glow worm" on.

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It was a pretty good week, I must say. 

Have a great weekend!