A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5/19/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday evening, it is a bit dreary but warm at about 65F.

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I still have a lot to do this evening.  Doug and I just got back from getting groceries and I still haven't exercised, read my devotions, or tracked my food on WW.  I still have to go pick Laken up from her friend's house so I don't think the treadmill is going to happen today...

I am thankful:

I am thankful that we were able to go back to Church yesterday.  It was wonderful seeing everyone even if we had to "social distance".

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is reading regency romance novels :)

I am creating:

I am still creating a granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.



I joined the first 4 rows and have 2.5 more rows completed in various stages of assembly.  I really need to get them all joined soon!

I am wearing:

I am wearing blue capris, a blue and tan patterned shirt and my trust flip flops.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I discovered this author with the first book of the "Ladies of Devon" series.  I then found this series "Women of Worth" and have the whole series downloaded.  I'm enjoying this first book of the series :)

I am hoping:

I am hoping that I can complete the 20 Books of Summer 2020.  I've committed to reading 20 books between June 1st and September 1st.  It is going to be tight but I'd really like to finish the entire challenge.  See my sidebar for more info on #20booksofsummer20 .

I am learning:

We learned that Kaylee got 3 A's and 2 B's this Spring Semester!  I'm so proud of her for finishing strong even though she started working full time the last few weeks of the semester.  We also learned that Laken got all A's for the school year.  She's now finished with 7th grade!  My babies are growing up!

In my kitchen:

Over the weekend we tried another new recipe called "3 Cheese Penne".  It had Italian sausage, sauce, penne and of course 3 different cheeses.  I'll be sharing the recipe sometime soon!

Shared Quote:

"As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one." "

Romans 3:10

A moment from my day:

A sneak peek a the 3 Cheese Penne :)

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5/12/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, it is cold and rainy :(  It is almost the middle of May!  When is the summery whether going to come shine down on us?

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I still must exercise today.  I lost 1.6 pounds this past week and don't want to lose momentum with my exercising.

I am thankful:

I am thankful that Kaylee gets her first paycheck on Friday.  I think it will really help her to learn to manage money and be a great incentive to really give it her all at her job.  I made her a "Budget Binder" and have plans to teach her how to budget her money wisely.  What she does after that is up to her...

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things recently is my treadmill.  I know that sounds weird but I feel so much better after I've exercised.  With the crazy weather lately, my treadmill has been super handy to have.

I am creating:

I am still creating another granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.



I joined the first 3 rows and have 2.5 more rows completed in various stages of assembly.  I really need to get them all joined soon!

!

I am wearing:

I am wearing comfy clothes as I'm getting ready to get on the treadmill.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

This is the third book in the Lockhart series.  I may be done reading it by the time this posts.  If so, I'll be sure to link to my review.  (Edited to Add:  I finished it!  Click HERE to read my review :)

I am hoping:

That Kaylee passed all her classes this semester.  With starting to work a few weeks ago, she was a little stressed with the last few exams.  We should know her final grades this week.

I am learning:

I am learning that I enjoy a larger variety of foods than I thought!  I'm really enjoying cooking lately and trying new recipes.

In my kitchen:

This evening we are trying a new recipe called "Loaded Baked Potato Casserole".  I hope it is good because it sounds delicious.  I'll let you know soon!

Shared Quote:

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

A moment from my day:

Kona a tennis ball and has been having a grand old time playing fetch with it :)

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 5/5/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, the sun is shining and it is absolutely gorgeous outside.  I was sitting on my swing for a while this afternoon which is something I haven't been able to do for a couple days with all the rain we had!

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I am going to love reading on my Kindle Fire!  I've always been a paperback girl and never thought I'd switch to an ereader but I have to say I'm becoming a convert :)

I am thankful:

I am thankful that Kaylee is doing well with her new job.  She worked 3 days last week and will have a 5 day work week this week.  I'm also thankful that this is the last week of her semester at college.  She is looking forward to being done for the summer.  Then she will have to make some big decisions about what direction she wants to go in...

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things are lilacs!  They are getting ready to bloom here at my house.  We have a huge "bush" to the one side of the house with tons of blossoms.  I can't wait to smell them!

I am creating:

I am creating another granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.  I decided not to use the gray on this one.



I joined the first row and fully intend to join the rows as I complete them.  I don't want to have to spend a whole day tying in ends and joining squares like I did on the last afghan I made.

I have three rows done and crocheted together so far!

I am wearing:

I am wearing comfy clothes as I'm getting ready to get on the treadmill.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I downloaded this book for free on my Fire.  I'm almost halfway through with it and am really enjoying the regency era story.  L.G. Rollins is a new-to-me author but I have downloaded the entire trilogy :)

I am hoping:

I am hoping that Laken finishes out this last month of 7th Grade strongly.  So far this quarter she has all A's.  I'm also hoping that schools are able to open normally in the Fall.  Laken really misses the social aspect of school. 

I am learning:

I am learning to be more flexible and patient? you might even say. This has been a really hard couple months for us but I'm actually getting used to wearing a mask in public and thinking about staying away from other people.  At first, it seems really odd but any more it seems old hat.

In my kitchen:

In my kitchen on Saturday we made and  Apple Pie and a Fruit Medley Pie.  The Fruit Medley Pie was a combination of fruit we had leftover in the freezer so there were blueberries and raspberries and we threw in a handful of apples to boot!  I ate some of the Apple Pie and it was DELICIOUS!!!!  Probably the best Apple Pie I've ever eaten.  Mom and I did really good!

Shared Quote:

""The second is this:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 2:31

A moment from my day:

Our azaleas are also blossoming!  I wanted to get a close-up of one of the individual flowers to show what pretty bright pink they are but it is SO windy outside that it kept blurring.

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/28/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday evening, it is just starting to get dark outside.  I am LOVING the longer days.  The kids (Laken and Dex) are still outside playing which is awesome!

I am thinking:

I am thinking that whatever movie my husband was watching wasn't worth the time.

I am thankful:

I am thankful that the hubby turned the channel.  So stupid!  I think it was "Undercover Brother"...

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is the feeling I get after exercising.  It feels so good to get it done and over with for the day!

I am creating:

I am creating another granny square blanket using the following colors in Redheart Ombre and white.  I decided not to use the gray on this one.



I joined the first row and fully intend to join the rows as I complete them.  I don't want to have to spend a whole day tying in ends and joining squares like I did on the last afghan I made.

Here is where I am at right now:

I am wearing:

I actually already changed into my pajamas.  After I get this post ready we're going to relax and binge watch FBI:  Most Wanted.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm reading "Love at Any Cost" by Julie Lessman.  I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time!  Click HERE to read a few lines from the book!

I am hoping:

I am hoping that Kaylee has a good first day at work on Wednesday!  She was hired quite a while ago but they stopped bringing in new people right after that due to the pandemic.  She got the call this evening that they've opened up to new hires and she will be starting work on second shift.  I'm a bit worried about her driving home in the dark so late at night but I have to let her grow up sometime.  I guess...

I am learning:

I am learning to enjoy cooking new recipes.  I've always enjoyed new baking recipes but lately I've been scouring our cookbooks for new supper ideas.

In my kitchen:

In my kitchen, one of the new recipes I tried was Ham and Hash Brown Casserole.  It was really good and will most likely be made again.  I think it would also be good with sausage for breakfast.  Click HERE for the recipe!

Shared Quote:

"Kind words are like hone--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:24 NLT

A moment from my day:

Laken decided that she wanted to dress up for dinner.  She wore a pretty pink dress and I was surprised how well the flowers in her headband matched it.  It was nice to see her out of her PJ's for once!

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/21/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, the sun is shining!  This week is supposed to be much warmer than last and I'm loving it :)

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I'm glad to have the grocery shopping done for the week.  Starting yesterday, we now have to wear masks to go into grocery stores, etc.  The hubby and I each had our masks so all was well.

I am thankful:

I am thankful to be back on WW.  I was getting way too out of control with my portions and snacking before rejoining.  I'm still not PERFECTLY on plan, but I'm doing much better especially with my exercise.

One of my favorite things:

Is baking with my daughter Laken.  This week we made Oreo Truffles :)

I am creating:

I'm still working on granny squares with the colors below.  What started as this:

and this:

Is now this:

I actually have all but 1 1/2 rows of the border done!  I'm so close to being finished!

I am wearing:

Today I am wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm still reading "Trinity" by Ronie Kendig about a Military War Dog.  I am loving it so far!

We also caught up on watching the rest of the first season of "Lincoln Rhyme".  At least I hope it was only the first season and that there will be more to come.  It was so good!

I am hoping:

I am hoping to get lots of Fitpoints in this week.  So far I have 12/25 with 4 days left go!

I am learning:

I am learning that we finally found a puzzle that will take us more than a few days to complete.  It is a 1500 piece puzzle called "It's a Ruff Life".  I love how they are putting posters in with puzzles now.

In my kitchen:

We have a few new recipes on the menu for this week.  If they turn out, I'll be sure to share them.  For this past week, we had the Oreo Truffles.

Shared Quote:

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns."

Psalm 139:23 HCSB

A moment from my day:

My dad picked flowers for my mom!  Wasn't that sweet?!? 

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/14/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this Monday afternoon, it is raining.  In fact, there are severe thunderstorm warning and even a tornado warning for our area!  As if we need more to worry about!

I am thinking:

I am thinking that I need to catch up on my letter writing.  My Pen Pal letter is way overdue to be written.  She probably thinks I fell off the end of the earth!

I am thankful:

I am thankful to be back from being out buying supplies and groceries.  Today was the first time that it actually made me nervous to go...

One of my favorite things:

"One "of my favorite things this week are actually two very special people:  my daughters!  Kaylee is on the left and she is almost 19 years old.  Laken is on the right and turned 13 years old in February.

I am creating:

I'm still working on granny squares with the colors below.  What started as this:

Is now this:

I almost have all the squares completed.  I need 5 more squares and then I'll starting crocheting the squares together and after that comes the border!

I am wearing:

Today I am wearing a t-shirt with flowers on the front and a prayer of comfy gray capris.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm reading "Trinity" by Ronie Kendig about a Military War Dog.  I am loving it so far!

I am hoping:

I am hoping that Laken can finish out the school year strong!  We found out last week that schools are closed for the rest of the school year.  In Laken's school district, all student have an ipad and that is how they are doing their school work now.  So far, she has all A's for the 4th quarter!

I am learning:

I am learning from being out for groceries this morning that people are actually scared of each other!  It is truly a sorry state of affairs but I guess with COVID-19 you can't be too safe.

In my kitchen:

In my kitchen, we made Porcupine Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes for Easter Dinner.  We have ham all the time and wanted something different to celebrate.  Laken also made Carrot Cake Bunnies with Cream Cheese Icing for dessert.  Click HERE for the recipe :)

Shared Quote:

"God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order."

Genesis 2:15 MSG

A moment from my day:

My computer buddy, Kona.  She likes to lay on the rug beside me while I'm blogging.  I said her name and got a head lift in acknowledgment. 

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 4/1/20

Looking out my window:

It isn't raining today but I can tell it must have rained during the night because my deck chairs have puddles on them.  I need to clean the little drain holes out...  It is chilly though.  It was only 38F when I got up this morning.  I really need some 70F days right now.

I am thinking:

That I'm feeling a little "blah" today.  We now have 2 cases of the Coronavirus in our county so it has come closer.  I'm just really feeling gloomy today :(

I am thankful:

I am thankful that my family is warm, safe and healthy and pray that it stays so.

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is a scented candle.  I just started burning a new one yesterday called "Velvet Sunset" and it smells yummy :)

I am creating:

I'm still working on granny squares with the colors below.  The white and gray will be used as borders and edging.  I have almost 3 rows completed.

I am wearing:

I am wearing blue comfy pants and a burgundy t-shirt.  I don't match at all but really "who cares" at this point?

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I've started reading "A Daring Venture" by Elizabeth Camden, a favorite author.  I'm not very far into it yet but so far I'm enjoying it.

I am hoping:

I am hoping that I can pull myself out of this funk I feel myself getting in.  Prayers are appreciated!

I am learning:

I am learning that my girls are still late sleepers.  When they were little, I never had to worry about them getting me up at the crack of dawn.  They are like me and like to sleep :)

In my kitchen:

Tomorrow we're making a turkey!  We still have one in the freezer that the hubby got from work for Christmas.  Tomorrow is the day that we're finally making it (if we can remember to get it out to thaw!).

Shared Quote:

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Galatians 5:22-23

A moment from my day:

Friday evening we had a Family Game Night complete with twizzlers and M&M's.  We played a new to us game, "Apples to Apples".

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 3/25/20

Looking out my window:

It is dreary but at least it isn't raining like it did ALL day long yesterday!

I am thinking:

About the changes in lifestyle we've had to adapt to over the past few weeks.  Laken is off school for another 2 weeks (at least) and Kaylee started her online classes today that will last the rest of the semester.

I am thankful:

I am thankful for the time spent with family, even though we are starting to drive each other crazy!

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is my birthday!  Most people my age don't like celebrating their birthday but I love it :)

I am creating:

I started a granny square afghan using colors that could go for either a male or a female.  I don't know that I've ever made an afghan without the token female colors of pink or purple!  Here are the colors I'm using.  If you have an idea for a name, let me hear it!

I am wearing:

I think I may be wearing the exact same clothes that I was wearing when I typed this post last week!  lol  Comfy pants and a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.  I've added a sweater to the mix though as I was a bit chilly.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to:

I'm still reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan.  I've made a good size dent in it by reading for 30-60 minutes before bed to wind down.

I am hoping:

I am hoping that COVID-19 stays far away from my family.  So far, no one in our county has tested positive but it is closing in as I watch the map of PA be updated day by day.

I am learning:

I am learning to amuse myself by working on my hobbies each for a little bit at a time so I don't get bored with one hobby.  Some of my hobbies are blogging, reading, crocheting, TV, movies and more.

In my kitchen:

Sun:  Ham Pot Pie

Mon:  Pork Chops, Cheesy Potatoes
Tues:  Cheese Ravioli with Pepperoni

Wed:  Ham, Fried Potatoes

Thurs:  Turkey and the all the Fixings

Fri:  Chicken, Buttered Noodles

Sat:  Grilled Cheese, Soup

Shared Quote:

"By the seventh day God had finished His Work.  On the seventh day He rested from all His work.  God blessed the seventh day.  he made it a Holy Day because on that day He rested from His work, all the creating God had done.  This is the story of how it all started, of Heaven and Earth when they were created."

Genesis 2:2-4 MSG

A moment from my day:

Roses my hubby got me for my birthday :)

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta