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

Friday Favorites ~ 6/7/2024

 

How can it be almost the second week of June already?  Why does Summer fly by so fast and Winter drag so long?  Maybe I'm meant to live where it is perpetually Summertime.  I think I would miss Fall too much though.  I'm just going to enjoy each day as it comes :)

We had so much happen that I missed blogging about the past two weeks as I was very busy and missed a few posts.  A few of those happenings were:

~Memorial Day and all the fun and relaxation it entailed

~Nate's graduation and party

~Laken's Summer course in POD

~Traveling to Lancaster, PA for the weekend for a soccer tournament and lots of shopping

~Prepping for some big meetings at work that I'm glad are over

~Getting a new-to-us Subaru (so happy to have another Subaru!)

~Developing tendinitis in my Achilles Tendon and getting it treated

~etc, etc, etc (for all my "King and I" fans)

I think that catches us up!  Whew!  I'm ready to slow down a bit...which brings me to...

I'm getting ready to start reading "Living Slower" by Merissa A. Alink.  If I get the time.  I used to read voraciously and now I'm lucky to get 5 books read in a year.  I guess there is a season for everything.  I do hope I can get sucked into this book though and get some ideas to "make time for what matters".

The hubby and I saw this sunflower at Lowe's and it reminded me of my mother-in-law, Carrie.  She loved sunflowers and always had them growing in her garden.  I think of her every time I see one :)

I love taking pictures of paths.  This one in particular is at Shawnee State Park.  There is something about standing back and looking forward that fills me with hope.

This picture was taken on Memorial Day, but we're hoping to fire up the grill again this weekend.  I'm also hoping that we can find some good corn-on-the-cob to go with it.

We had some pretty severe storms this week but there were also beautiful, sunny days.  This evening (Thursday as I type this) we got the best of both worlds and were treated to a faint but beautiful rainbow in the sky.  Look closely and you'll see the sign of God's Promise and the reminder that He is faithful to His children.

Hopefully, I won't let time get away from me and I'll be back with Hello Monday to let you know all about our weekend. I hope you'll stop back!

Here's to enjoying the now and documenting one day at a time :)

Thanks for stopping by :)

Colletta 

Hello Monday ~ 5/20/2024

 

Holly & Sarah

Why, oh why, does the week drag on but the weekend flies by?  This was a busy weekend without hardly a moment to spare.  I did get to take a 45 minute nap Sunday afternoon.  I shouldn't complain but it didn't seem long enough!

Let's get on with the weekend happenings, shall we?

Friday evening, we went to a local used car lot and got the hubby a newer work car (at least newer than what he had).  For now, it will also be what Laken learns to drive on which is something that needs to be our focus this summer.  Douglas is on vacation this week so he'll be going to get the transfer completed Monday.

Laken talked me into crocheting her a crop top.  She picked some granny squares out of a bin that were already completed and we spent some time looking online for a pattern for the bust of the top.  Finally, I purchased a pattern from Etsy and spent the late evening Friday working on it.  She couldn't decide about the trim color, so I decided to head to bed and work on it more at a later time.

Saturday was Andrew's (my nephew) high school graduation.  Before the graduation ceremony which was at 3pm, Dan and Kelly had a pizza party for him at the local restaurant in town.  Andrew and his classmates were only given 6 tickets each for graduation, so we weren't all able to attend but we were all able to celebrate with him beforehand.  

Nate works at Subway and had to go to work after Andrew's party.  Laken, of course, wanted Subway for supper :)  I needed a few things at the store so we went there first and then stopped by Subway to get supper and see Nate.  After eating, we took the round-a-bout way home through Shawnee State Park.  The sun was shining and it turned out to be a beautiful day after all the rain we've had. 

I was also able to get some pictures of the ducks at the pond right up the road from our house.  There are three adults and five baby ducks.  They are growing so fast.

Saturday evening the hubby and I watched the ACM Awards on Prime.  I haven't watched an entire awards show in years but this one had great music.  Lainey Wilson performed "Hang Tight Honey" and there was also a tribute to Toby Keith who passed away this past year.

Another reason I was able to watch the entire show, was being busy finished Laken's crop top.  It kept me occupied and from getting bored with the show.  Below is a picture of the finished crop top although I don't know if I'm going to allow Laken to wear it out of the house.  It is a bit too hoochie-mama for my tastes but she loves it.  I'll save that battle for another day!

Sunday morning was Church and then a nap.  After waking up from my nap that was too short, we decided to go to Sundae's for ice-cream.  I thought about getting the no sugar added ice-cream but the Peanut Butter Sundae won out...  It is SOOOO good and is my absolute favorite!

And that brings me to now, Sunday evening as I'm typing up this post.  I think we may watch a few episodes of Tracker to try to get caught up before going to bed.  I'm also psyching myself up to face the week ahead.

As I mentioned above, Douglas is on vacation this week but I still have to work.  Bummer...   He's just going to be working on projects around the house, but still.  Laken will be finishing up her last class/week of school so she'll be busy, too.

Here's to another weekend gone and another work week ahead!

Have a great one :)

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 6/6/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

Another gorgeous week ahead :)

On today's to-do list: 

We had a busy weekend full of great family time.  That means not much got done around the house.  I'll be doing my normal weekly cleaning or as the Fly Lady calls it "Home Blessing" :)

Happening this week:

Thursday is the hubby's 54th birthday!  He took Friday off work so we'll probably be going to see the new Jurassic World movie that comes out that same day.  First, though, I need to watch the 2nd movie of the Jurassic World series or I'll probably be lost!

Next week is Church Camp, so I don't know how much I'll be posting next week.  I'm helping with the Youth and also with the cooking.  I'm going to be busy, busy, busy!

Currently reading:

"The Rose Garden" by Susanna Kearsley is the Kindred Readers Book Club selection for July.  I started reading last week but didn't get very far yet.  I'm enjoying it but I'm finding that I am reading slower when I'm trying to come up with discussion questions.  I'm hoping to finish up before Church Camp.

Watching:

We watched "The Lost City" with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum.  It was hilarious!  I laughed out loud many times.  I think we watched it on Paramount.

I set up y DVR to record a show on HGTV called something along the lines of "The Beach Project" (????).  I'm looking forward to watching it soon.

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "The Healing" by Blanca and Dante Bowe.  I hope you'll check it out :) 

On the menu today:

Creamed Chipped Beef, Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working on Sunny Blue Hawaii 2 and have made some progress.  I have two rows all tied off and crocheted together.  Only 49 squares to go!  Whooohooo :) 

Picture from the Camera

Memory Verse

"Rejoice in the LORD always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The LORD is near.  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:4-7

#P31OBS

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 6/2/2022

 

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 went to the theater Friday afternoon to see the move "Top Gun Maverick".  While I'm not a huge fan of Tom Cruise (personally), we LOVED this movie!  It was so good.  I even think it might have been better than the original "Top Gun".  Yep, I said it :)

~Saturday, we went to a local-ish amusement park called Delgrosso's.  My brother and sister-in-law got us all season passes for Christmas!  It was only about 66F, so the water park section was bare and it actually wasn't as busy at the ride's as I thought it would be for Opening Weekend.  

Afterwards,we stopped by the mall and Laken got her ears pierced.  She's been wanting her second piercing for a while now and we promised that if she got her school work done on time, she could get them.  She is one happy camper :)

~Sunday we had a graduation party to go to at Shawnee (our local state park).  It started at 4pm but we decided to go up right after morning Church to spend some time together by the lake.  It was such a gorgeous day, weekend really!

~The girls did some tie-dyeing on Memorial Day (I'm actually wearing my new shirt right now ;)  They had each gotten a large kit of tie-dye supplies for Easter and finally had some time to spend creating :)

~I promised last week that I would get some pictures of Kaylee's house with her flowers.  Here they are :)

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

 

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ Vacation ~ 7/12/18

 

This week I'm thankful for:

 

~ Freedom!  And I was so happy to celebrate with the rest of the USA over the week of the Fourth of July.  We went to Shawnee State Park to watch the Lights over the Lake and it was beautiful!

 

 

 

~The Hubby has been on vacation since June 30th so we've been spending lots of quality time together.  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we rented a cottage at Shawnee State Park and "roughed" it for a few days :)  The cottage had bunk beds and a table.  We had to walk to the bathhouse to use the "facilities".  It was great!

 

 

~We spent some time by the lake fishing, swimming and just enjoying the scenery.  Laken likes to catch the fish but like me, doesn't like to touch them.

 

 

~Kaylee spent her time relaxing.  She relaxes by drawing and writing stories.  She was never far from her sketchbook and writing tablet.  That's my girl!

 

 

 

~Dex came to the Cottage on Tuesday and spent the day with us.  Laken is such a little mama with both Dex and little Damon.  They certainly love one another!

 

 

 

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta