Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/6/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

On this first Monday of 2025, I want to take a minute to wish all my readers the very best of the New Year.  I pray you all prosper and flourish each and every day :)

(If you'd like to read about some of my "goals" for the year, you can check out THIS POST )

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Freezing and wintery!  I don't like it :(  I'm ready for Spring, but alas, I might as well settle in for the Pennsylvania Winter.  Right now I'm sitting beside a little heater with a nice thick sweater on.  I got a chill while at Church and now I'm just plain cold.

The forecast is calling for 8-12 inches of snow to fall between 10pm Sunday and 10pm Monday.  We're right in the dark purple on this map.  The hubby goes back to work tonight and I'm not thrilled thinking about him driving home in the morning in a mess of snow.  Prayers for safety would be appreciated!

On today's to-do list:

I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).  I'm supposed to work on Monday 10am-5pm.  If the State shuts offices then I don't have to go in.  If there is a "liberal leave" then I do have to try to go in because I'm considered "essential personnel".  They are supposed to have even worse weather where I work, so I'm really hoping we're closed for the day.  **UPDATE:  my office is CLOSED!**

If I don't have to travel to work, I'll probably just have a nice relaxing snow day.  I have a feeling Laken's school will be cancelled, so maybe we'll watch some shows, work on a puzzle or play games.  **UPDATE:  Laken now has a "virtual day" on Monday**

Happening this week:

I have a list of phone calls I need to make.  Dental appointments, hair appointments, ordering contacts, etc.

A lot is going to depend on Monday.  If I'm off Monday, I'll probably work on Tuesday to make up those hours.  I also will be working on Wednesday and Friday (my normal days to work).  Thursday will be spent on laundry, groceries, housework and anything else that needs my attention.

Currently reading:

"When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer is the book kicking off my 2025 reading list with.  I have heard nothing but great reviews of the entire "Timeless" series and can't wait to immerse myself in this book.

Listening to:

I love this song by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.  I think the melody is so pretty.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Other than football, we've been watching a show on Prime called "Cross".  While I am enjoying the series, I don't know if I can fully recommend it on my blog.  There is quite a bit of bad language and some inappropriate and unnecessary scenes.  I wish there could be a good show that doesn't have the filth.  If you know of any I should be watching, please let me know!

In the Kitchen:

We did make the apple dumplings for New Year's Dinner!  They were delicious :)

Friday evening I made a Texas Sheet Cake.  Also delicious!

In the Craft Basket:

I haven't worked on anything crafty since the last time I posted a HHM.  I'm just not feeling inspired lately.  I actually was contemplating embroidery as a crafty endeavor.  I just can't decide what I want to get into...  What are your crafty hobbies?

Picture(s) from the Camera

We took down all the Christmas decorations Saturday morning.  I decided to get some Valentine's Day garland to decorate my bookshelf above my desk so that it wouldn't look bare.  We stopped at the Dollar Tree and they had a good selection.  I decided on this pink and white garland with shiny hearts.  I got some extra garlands to put up at work as well as some Valentine gnomes to sit around.

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.  Especially the hubby, Kaylee and Shawn as they travel for work Monday.

~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.  (continued)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands."

Psalm 92:4

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/16/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I've missed posting a HHM for a few weeks and didn't want to miss another so I'm getting this post ready while I have the time.

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow. Snow!

I'm typing this on Sunday evening and it is NASTY outside here in Southern PA.  I'm really worried about the hubby driving to work tonight.  Hopefully the snow/ice stop and the roads have been cleared by the time I have to leave for work in the morning around 9am.

On today's to-do list:

Again, I'm writing this on Sunday, so not much on the to-do list.  I try not to plan too much for Sunday other than Church.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm.  

On Tuesday I want to try to get my Christmas shopping done.  Laken still has a few gifts to purchase so we'll probably head to our little mall.  There aren't a lot of stores left in our mall, but there is a store called "Touch of Home' that has a ton of decorative items.  So many pretty things!

Thursday is fudge day!  The hubby wants to take fudge in for his co-workers for all three shifts.  We have THE best fudge recipe and I hate to say it but I'm getting pretty good at making it.  It probably won't turn out now that I've written that!

Saturday is cookie day and present wrapping day.  I'd really like to get all Christmas prepping done before next week so that I can just relax and enjoy :)

Currently reading:

I've once again been reading the book of Luke in December.  I know I read it last year during the Christmas season but I can't remember about 2022.  I feel like I did but can't remember for sure.

I haven't been reading much the last month or two as I've been busy market prepping.  Now that the Christmas vendor show is over, I plan on finally getting around to reading the Good for the Soul Book Club selection from November.  "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters takes place at Christmas-time so it isn't too late to read it as far as I'm concerned.

Listening to:

Have you Decked the Halls at your house yet?  Enjoy :)

Watching:

Right now I'm watching the Steelers VS the Eagles football game.  Quite a day for Pennsylvania.

In the Kitchen:

Nothing much lately.  I made a batch of the above-mentioned fudge for my Christmas work party.  We had SO much food and it was delicious.  I could have just parked myself at the dessert table and been happy :)

In the Craft Basket:

Other than market prepping, which I'll get to in a minute, I made a White Elephant for a White Elephant/Dirty Santa game that we played at our party.  It turned out so cute but I could kick myself for forgetting to take a picture before I took it to the party!  Argh!

As for the Christmas vendor show...it was pretty much a flop :(  It was fun to prep for and we had a good time while there but I only sold 3 items the whole time!  So disappointing.  I sold a kitten, a sea turtle and an octopus.  It is a good thing they had a DJ playing Christmas music or I would've been really sad.

As it is, I don't know if I'm going to try to make any more shows.  I'm thinking I might just work on the Stashghan 2025 and leave it at that.  These are the colors I pulled from my stash.  What do you think of them together?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Silly Kona!  She sleeps in the craziest ways :)

Prayer Requests

~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.

~Winter traveling safety.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

Luke 1: 30-33

30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/24/2024

 

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've been thinking about my blogging schedule and how I'm going to fit everything in once I start back to working full-time.  I'm going to try to post at least 3 blog posts a week as long as time allows.  The plan is to post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with maybe a random post here and there.  Monday will be the Happy Homemaker; Wednesday will be Tea Time; and Friday will by My Weekly Bookishness.

~I finished reading a fiction book!  (You can read my review of "Keegan" HERE ) I haven't read fiction for fun in well over a year so I'm really excited about this accomplishment.  I really LOVE reading but it seems to go on the back burner.  I also really love getting new books.  Lately they are in the form of ebooks though I do love a good paperback :)  I love that I can download free books onto my Kindle.  Come back Friday to see what I've downloaded this week!

~The hubby decided that he NEEDS to feed the birds!  We made a trip to Tractor Supply and 40 lbs of birdseed later, the hubby is happily watching out the window to see what birds stop by.  The hubby is not the only one watching the birds though!  Flynn spent the whole day sitting atop his window perch content to watch the birds come and go :)

~Laken's boyfriend, Nate, and his family invited her to go snowtubing with them Sunday afternoon at Whitetail in WV.  We knew it was only going to be a high of 23F on Sunday and asked Laken to try on her snow gear as we hadn't gone snowtubing in a few years.  After trying on what she had, Laken declared nothing would suit.  So, we spent Saturday evening at Dunham's.  After trying on approximately 10 different snow pants/bibs (no exaggeration) a pair of snow pants, snow gloves and Carhart hat were purchased.  Even though it was cold, they had a great time and now want to go snowboarding!

~With the recent single-digit temperatures, I was surprised to see the forecast for this coming Friday.  55F on January 26th in Pennsylvania!  I can't wait!  You better believe I'm going to be soaking it in :)

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

P.S. There's still time to enter my giveaway.  Click HERE to check it out!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/17/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

The weather outside is:

As I'm writing this post Sunday evening the snow is coming thick and heavy.  We're supposed to get a total of 5-8 inches, at least that was the latest prediction.  I've heard everything from 6-20 inches over the past few days.  I wouldn't mind so much but the hubby, Kaylee and Shawn have to drive in it to get to work.  Prayers appreciated!

On today's to-do list: 

Snuggling in the house and reading.  I didn't want to have to go grocery shopping in during the snow storm, so I stocked up on enough for a week on Friday.  I thought the stores would be crazy and they were!

Happening this week:

We should hear back from Laken's biopsies from her scopes this week.  They may be delayed because of the snow, but I would think we'll hear back by the end of the week.  I'm praying that they can do something and get Laken's stomach problems treated.

The hubby is on daylight this week.  I'm not sure if he'll be working overtime or not.  He'll probably find out when he gets there.

This Friday is the Friday Night Sew In!  I'll be working on getting my Mom's Blue and White Quilt sandwiched so I can start hand quilting.  I'm looking forward to it :)

Currently reading:

I'm currently reading "The Ex Talk" by Rachel Lynn Solomon.  It is the Kindred Readers Book Club selection for February 2022.  I'm reading it now so that I can have discussion questions ready to go.  I've just gotten started so I can't really say one way or the other what I think.  I will say that there is some language in it.  I'm not really used to that but I'll overlook it as long as the story is there.

On the TV:

Happy Feet

Steeler VS Cheifs Football

Hallmark

Encanto (again!)

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "River of Life" by Max Powell.  I hope you'll check it out :) 

On the menu week:

Monday ~ Pork Chops, homemade mac-n-cheese

Tuesday ~ Spaghetti, Garlic Bread

Wednesday ~ Fish, Fries

Thursday - Ham, Fried Potatoes

Friday ~ Pizza

Saturday ~ Toasted Cheese and Tomato Soup

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I worked almost all Saturday to get Mom's Blue and White Quilt top pieced.  Now that it is together I think there is almost too much white???  The sashing is white-on-white.  Maybe I should have picked a blue on white???  Oh well, too late now!   :)

Picture from the Camera

Memory Verse

"But I have trusted in they mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.  I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me.?"
Psalm 13: 5-6

Have a great Monday!

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 ~ 1/28/2021

 

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

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~Goodreads Challenge!  I'm ahead on my Goodreads Challenge!  I set my 2021 goal for 26 books and so far I'm 2 book ahead of schedule.  Go me!

~Hannah's Birthday!  Last Friday was Laken's friend Hannah's birthday.  With school being virtual and hybrid, they hadn't seen each other since October!  (thank goodness for modern technology that these kids can keep in touch)  To celebrate Hannah's 14th, I picked Laken up at school and then we got some frozen hot chocolates for Hannah and her little sister.  We stopped by their house (pre-planned) and Laken was able to see Hannah and give her a gift along with the frozen hot chocolates.  We didn't stay long as we were standing outside talking (appropriately distanced) but I know it was good for the girls to see each other!

~Vanilla Cookie Crunch!  I mentioned in my "Hey, It's Okay" post that I started burning my new candle before finishing the last one.  That is because Vanilla Cookie Crunch is seriously one of the best smelling candles I've ever had the pleasure of owning.  The only problem is that it makes me want to bake :)

~Lilah in Socks!  Laken was playing in the snow on Monday and decided when she came in to put her fuzzy socks on Lilah.  Lilah didn't mind it at all and I must admit it was cute and made me chuckle to see her walking around the house with socks on.  Bunny socks, even :)

~Snow Day!  We had some nasty weather on Monday/Tuesday.  Kaylee and Doug were both able to take snow days and stay home safe and sound.  Laken is on virtual schooling this week so we didn't have to worry about her.  I truly don't mind winter weather as long as my loved ones aren't traveling in it!

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!

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

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 3/18/20

Looking out my window:

As I write this on Tuesday morning, it is raining outside.  I'm not sure what the temperature is though.  Yesterday was clear but quite chilly!

I am thinking:

I am thinking about a lot of things right now.  There is so much unrest throughout our Country and the world.  I am wondering if things will ever get back to normal or will be have to adjust to a NEW normal...

I am thankful:

I am thankful that my family is safe and healthy!

One of my favorite things:

One of my favorite things is to read!  I have an entire shelf of books that I haven't read, so I'm good to go for a while :)

I am creating:

I haven't been creating much of anything lately :(  I'm thinking of starting a new project with my leftover skeins.  I love making scrapghans!  I'll let you know next week if I start one :)

I am wearing:

Last week I was wearing capris!  Today I'm back to the full length pants with a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.

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

I've started reading "Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan.  I haven't gotten very far into it yet but it is really good.  I'm hoping to get some reading time in today.

I am hoping:

I am hoping in the LORD!

I am learning:

I am learning that I don't like being stuck at home.  I love being at home, don't get me wrong.  I just like to the freedom to come and go as I please.  I realize, at this point, that freedom is still intact, but I'm trying to follow the "guidelines" set by the local and federal government to prevent the spread of sickness.

In my kitchen:

Sun:  Church Potluck

Mon:  Weiner Winks, French Fries

Tues:  Chicken, Mashed Potatoes

Wed:  Pizza

Thurs:  Steak, Fried Potatoes

Fri:  Ham Pot Pie

Sat:  Grilled Cheese, Soup

Shared Quote:

"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."

Galatians 5:9

A moment from my day:

This moment was actually on Sunday when we got three inches of snow!  I didn't get to take the picture until after Church and a lot of the snow had melted.  Painting my porch swing is on the project list for this Spring!

Have a Blessed Day!

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/7/19

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

~November!  Happy November everyone!  I always get so excited to turn the calendar to a fresh new month :)

~Eric and Erica!  My best friend from High School is Erica and her husband (ironically) is Eric.  I haven't seen Erica in a long time...sadly.  However, this week alone I saw her twice!  It makes me happy to catch up with old friends.  I truly need to give her a call and get together to spend some quality time :)
~Snow!  It was only a few flurries Friday morning at the bus stop but I'm claiming it as my "first snow" of the season :)

~Ladies Fall Gathering!  One of our local Churches hosted a Ladies Fall Gathering Friday evening.  It was so much fun to get together with our Christian ladies and eat, play games and have devotional time :)

~Kaylee's Spring Classes!  Kaylee wanted me to go along with her to schedule her classes for Spring 2020.  She is officially now enrolled as an Accounting student and has a class load of 13 credits for the Spring.  She is thrilled to be taking an Art class.  I just wish she were able to major in something artistic.  It is her passion but she doesn't think it is practical.  I'm just glad she is on track and ready for Spring :)

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 2/21/19

~Valentine's Day goodies from the hubby!  The hubby and I had our Valentine's Date the Saturday before Valentine's Day but first thing Valentine's Day morning he gave me a card and Reese Cups :)  He knows the way to my heart :)

~Cupcakes and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!  Laken has been baking up a storm lately.  On Valentine's Day, after she got home from school, she baked Strawberry Cupcakes and decorated them for us.  Monday evening, she baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.  She wants to make cupcakes again Friday evening.  In case you haven't guessed she wants to own a bakery when she grows up.  Either that or be a meteorologist :)

~My Gym Buddy!  Never in a million years would I have dreamed that my gym buddy would be my very own DAUGHTER!  How can I be old enough to have a daughter who is almost 18 years old?  I was just 18 years old yesterday, wasn't I?  Anyway, Kaylee and I have been hitting the gym (Planet Fitness) 3 times a week on our days "off".  She is kicking my butt :)


~The hubby's new haircut!  The hubby has the thickest head of hair I've ever seen on a man.  I was "long" overdue for a buzz but we just didn't have the opportunity or take the time.  Finally, after I told it was starting to look like Darth Vader's helmet, he made it a point to get the buzzers out for me and put the chair in the bathroom.  I buzzed it with a No.2 guard and then took the guard off to trim the nape.  He forgot the guard was off and tried to clean up a few stray hairs!  Needless to say, his whole head had to be gone over without a guard.  It is SUPER short!  P.S. Don't tell him I posted a picture of him napping with his blankie :)

~Snow days and Thundersnow!  Thursday school was cancelled due to the weather.  Not only did it snow and sleet, we had Thundersnow!  It was a bit startling!  The kids had fun hanging out in the Family Room ripping and running :)

What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Heart and Home ~ Take the Time ~ 1/8/13

Click above to join in and share how you’re creating home or cultivating faith this week.
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We had such a beautiful White Christmas this year.  All total, we ended up with about 10 inches of snow.  My 5 year-old, Laken, was so excited by the snow this year and wanted to go out and play constantly.

Everyone was on vacation the week between Christmas and New Year's.  Except me.  When does a mom get a vacation?  There were still dishes to wash, meals to make, laundry to fold, floors to sweep, etc, etc, etc.  You get my point.

There were times Laken would want to go outside and I would tell her to take the dogs out with her to play.  It got me off the hook so I could get more housework done.

One day, everyone was outside playing but me.  I forget what I was even doing at the time, but my husband stuck his head in the door and called for me to come outside and play with them.   At first, I resisted.  I would have to stop what I was doing, get my boots and coat and gloves on and take time away from my daily "schedule".

Then I came to my senses!  What was I doing?  There will always be chores and tasks and schedules.  I'll always have things to do.  But I won't always have my babies wanting me to come play in the snow.  I wouldn't always hear, "Mommy, watch me make a snow angel!"

That girl was rolling around in the snow more than she was on her feet!  What joy filled her little face :)  I think it was right after this angel that I had to sit my camera down to participate in a snowball fight instigated my the hubby.  Who did he think he was messing with??

This is Mr. Snowman.  He is in touch with him feminine side and had no problem wearing a pink scarf as long as he had his camo hunting hat on.

Look at my beautiful family.  What happy faces!  Even Kaylee smiled for me with her mouth full of braces.  And Jasmine made sure she got in on the picture, too.

Now, the girls are back in school and Doug is back at work.  I still have a full list of daily to-do's but now I also have these precious memories.
Today, I encourage you to take the time to make special memories with your family.  They won't only be your memories.  When your children think back to their childhood, they will be their memories, too.  They'll look at you and say, "Remember that time..."  
And you can say, "Yes, I do remember."