Attitude of Gratitude ~ 9/4/2026

 

Focusing on the good things in life.

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~Beautiful Flowers!  My mom has the entire front porch, and the side porch as well, filled with flowers!  The somewhat cooler temperatures here in Pennsylvania have brought out the vibrant colors of all the flowers but most of these petunias.  It had been a while since I had stopped and really focused on the beauty of the Lord's creation.

My sweet coworker, Anne, brought me these flowers that she had gotten from a roadside stand.  It was such a thoughtful gesture and one that I truly appreciated :)

~I'm very blessed with both of my parents!  Dad turned 79 in July and Mom will be 79 in November!  Time surely does fly by.  

~The cooler September temperatures remind us that the heating season is just around the corner.  We're all so very thankful for family and neighbors who helped us get a new-to-us furnace down in our furnace room.  Many thanks to Dad, the hubby, Uncle Charlie, Shawn and Jeff for giving their time and muscles so that we can all be warm this winter!

~Even though they sometimes wear on my nerves, I'm thankful for our fur family.  This is Oliver O'Mally cat all grown up and as handsome as ever!  He's becoming my bestie and is quick to come for his daily pets.

~My little buddy, Laken, on her first day of Kindergarten!   

And my beautiful, grown up buddy, on her first day of Sophomore year of University.  I'm so glad she spent the time taking a "first day photo" at my request.

~I can't remember if I wrote about Mike and Vickie on my blog before but they are the sweetest couple.  Mike is our preacher and Vickie is our magnificent piano player.  They are also wonderful friends.  I am so grateful that they have come into our lives.  This is a picture of them at our Annual Church Picnic that we had this past Sunday afternoon.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Blessings,

Colletta

Class of 2025 ~ Laken's High School Graduation!!!

 On May 29th, the day finally came!

Laken made it through high school and graduated with honors!

I wanted to take a moment to commemorate the occasion and share some photos from after graduation.

My graduate!

Laken and Nate

Laken and Nate again!

Appie-Dumplin and Honey (aka Laken and Kaylee)

Mamaw, Laken and Pap

Me, Laken and the Hubby

I am so VERY PROUD of Laken for overcoming so many obstacles throughout her high school career.

Next up:  West Virginia University!!!!

Colletta

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 Monday ~ 7/18/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

And...another two weeks have gone by since I've updated the blog...

I mentioned in my last post that I've been job hunting.  Not only has this taken up my time but also my mind has been focused on things of that nature rather than the blog.

I don't know what direction this will take me in the future but I sure am glad that I know the ONE who holds that future!

For now, lets get on with being a Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

We had some pretty heavy rains today (Sunday) but I guess we need it.  This week is looking spectacular!

On today's to-do list: 

I'm working on tweaking my entire routine as changes are coming in my life but for today we have a meeting with Laken's principal about the upcoming year.  He offered to get her schedule for her and give her a tour of the building as she is feeling a bit nervous about going back to school after being in cyber school for most of last school year.  I thought it was very kind of him to offer his time to take us on a personal tour.

Happening this week:

Other than the school meeting the rest of the week should be pretty "normal" with nothing out of the ordinary scheduled.

I do have a few things around the house that I'd like to get situated before going back into the workforce, so we'll probably be working on them as time allows.

Currently reading:

I have been reading nothing.  I just can't get my mind into a reading mode.  

Watching:

I also haven't been watching TV.  Laken and the hubby watched the latest Disney "Zombies" movie last night but I wasn't feeling it so I went to bed.

Listening to:

Mostly KLOVE and The Message with a bit of The Highway thrown in for variety.

On the menu today:

Pork Chops, Homemade French Fries, Peas, Apples

In the Craft Basket:

I haven't picked up anything crafty in weeks!  I need to get Sunny Blue Hawaii 2 back off the shelf and work on it here and there.  I just haven't had much free time to sit down and work on it.

Picture from the Camera

Friday we made the trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.  Left to right are:  Dad, Mom, the hubby, Laken.  (I was taking the picture :)

Memory Verse

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sigh, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

#P31OBS

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 4/28/2022

 

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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~This past weekend we had 88F weather!  It was spectacular! We decided to cook on the grill that Mom and Dad got for Christmas from my brother and sister-in-law.  (It was delicious :)  Laken insisted that we trek up the hill to the picnic table to eat.  The breeze was magnificent!  After our impromptu picnic, Laken picked me a wildflower just like when she was little.  It made my day :)

~The Chicken/Duck Coop and Pen is done!  The Hubby and my Dad worked tirelessly to get it finished and fenced in while the weather was nice.  The next day we had a Spring storm so it was just in time.  The day after the storm the coop was painted a nice brown but I didn't get a picture.  It looks amazing  :)

~Peaches is one of our travelling, outside cats.  He comes and goes as he pleases.  Mom calls him a working cat because anytime someone is outside working, he'll be in the midst of the action.  As I was at the Coop, I looked over and saw him resting so peacefully in the shade.  He is such a pretty cat.  He keeps himself very well-groomed :)

~Once Easter had passed it was time to give the hounds new bandanas.  (The previous ones had bunnies)  I posted how we make our bandanas (SO SUPER SIMPLE).  You can check that out HERE!

~I lost 2 lbs this week!  I'd love for you to check out my Weekly Weigh In post HERE!

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

 

Colletta

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

Wednesday Medley ~ 7/3/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.  She comes up with the questions and we answer them ;)

 

Everything below this line is from the line is from the National Calendar website.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY – July 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Each year on July 4th, the United States celebrates Independence Day. This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. 

For nearly 250 years, the country has been celebrating a day in history that inspires us still today. On July 4th, speeches and ceremonies are held across the nation. Across the country, people crowd cities for parades and festivals. Streets are decked out in red, white and blue bunting and flags.

While families and friends gather for some of the most mouthwatering food – large picnics and barbecues, local fairs provide a taste of culture and mom’s home cooking, too. With so many converging on their hometowns, family and school reunions take place.

Fire Works

Before the day is over, many communities hold spectacular fireworks displays re-enact moments of victory. Patriotic music accompanies the performance while spectators view the show from blankets strewn along capital lawns or from boats floating in bays. Whether out National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America,” many will sing along.  In some locations, music will be played by a live orchestra or band, while in other areas it’s pre-recorded. Some of the most popular on the playlist are “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “This Land Is Your Land,”  “Stars and Stripes Forever,”  “God Bless the U.S.A.,” “Yankee Doodle” and “Dixie.”

In some parts of the country, people will shoot their own fireworks. Children delight in the bright colors and sparklers. They roast marshmallows and make s’mores.

HOW TO OBSERVE INDEPENDENCE DAY

• At noon, a “Salute to the Union” is fired, each July 4th, by any capable military base.  This is a salute of one gun for each state in the United States. 
• In 2009, New York City hosted the largest fireworks display in the country. 
• Held since 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. 

Use #IndependenceDay, #July4th, #4thOfJuly, FourthOfJuly to share your celebrations on social media.

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Everything above this line is from the line is from the National Calendar website.

1.  Please share a favorite July 4th memory with us.

One July 4th memory was the first 4th that the Hubby and I were dating.  It was the first time that I didn't go to the fireworks with my family and instead went with him.  Another memory is when our oldest was first born and we watched the fireworks out the window because she was just a few weeks old :)

2.  How do you plan to spend tomorrow?  If you are working, will you celebrate later?

We will be having a picnic at my brother and SIL's and then we are going camping!  So excited to go camping!

 

3.  Is there a favorite food always reserved for your 4th of July celebration?

Just the normal picnic-y foods :)

4.  In Florida, you can buy all kinds of fireworks, including some that fly high and burst into pretty cascades.  Are fireworks legal in your state/community and does anyone you know put on a display for your neighborhood?

My cousin started a tradition last year of putting off fireworks.  He did a great job!

 

5.  Do you have a favorite movie that you always watch sometime during the 4th of July?

No, not really...

 

6.  Share something from your week, please.

Today is my Dad's 72nd birthday!  He was almost a firecracker baby :) 

Colletta

 

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

Tuesday Talk ~ 3/12/19

Things I'm thinking about lately:

~Sickness.  I mentioned that our whole house was sick last week.  It was horrible!  It started out with a head/chest cold and ended with an intestinal bug.  I was so excited that it turned March (Yay for birth-months!) and then we had a week of misery!  Thankfully, we're feeling better for the most part.  Have you gotten sick this winter?  Did you get a flu shot?  Did it help?

~Multigenerational Home.  In case you weren't aware, a little over two years ago, our family of 4 moved in with my parents.  We added an addition onto the back of the house with a large Family Room and a Bedroom.  There were many reasons for our decision but one that keeps me feeling great about the move is that we are here to care for each other.  My Mom was the first one down with the Sickness (yes, capitalized :).  While she was resting, my Dad and I washed and dried the dishes.  Spending that quality time with him is priceless.  Even doing something as mundane as dishes together was special.  I think of the time my kids are getting to spend with the grandparents and I'm very grateful that we are where we're at.  Right where we're supposed to be...

~Softball.  Have I mentioned yet that Laken signed up to play softball?  She hasn't played ball since she was in t-ball but a bunch of her new friends are playing and she decided to give it a try.  Her coach called a few evenings ago to let us know that practices will be starting April 1st and opening day is May 4th.  (it is getting real!)  We still need to get her a pair of spikes (or are they cleats?) and a few other small things.  I'm so excited to watch the girls play ball.  Spring is coming!  Do you have a ballplayer in your life?

What have you been thinking about lately???

Colletta



Thankful Thursday ~ 2/28/19

~Safe Travels!  My Mom, Dad, brother and SIL went on a bus trip to Kentucky (from PA) to see the Creation Museum and the Ark.  On the way home, they got behind an accident that was caused by the extremely high winds.  They were 3 hours late, but finally they made it safely home :)

~Electricity!  Again, extremely high winds came through Sunday.  We prepared for power outages but thankfully our electric stayed on.  We were lucky because people just a few miles away were without power for over a day.  Yay, for electricity :)

~Spring Training!  THE Pittsburgh Pirates are officially in Spring Training!  I'm so excited to be able to watch them play.  Unfortunately, not all the Grapefruit League games are televised so I'll have to wait until the end of March.  Spring is coming!!!!  :)

~Applebee's!  We had a family night out on Saturday and ate at Applebee's.  It was so good and I didn't have to cook.  Win-win :)

~How To Train Your Dragon 3!  After Applebee's we headed to the theater to see How To Train Your Dragon 3.  It is the final movie in the series and it was really cute.  I didn't see all of the second movie so I didn't know if I would know what was happening.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it for families; or anyone who likes to watch animated movies :)

 
What are you thankful for today?

 
Colletta