Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/25/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I want to take a moment to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving (here in the U.S.A.)!  It is going to be a short, but busy, week for me and I wanted to let everyone of you know how thankful I am that you've taken a moment out of your day to stop by and visit :) 

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

We had our first snow on Thursday/Friday of last week!  It didn't stay long but it made it's presence known.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for the cold/snow/ice..I better get ready, I guess :)  The 7 Day Forecast is starting the week off with weather that doesn't look too bad but by the end of the week, we're going to feel the COLD!

On today's to-do list:

I don't work at my part-time job today so I'm planning on being a homebody.  I have bills to send, laundry to fold and Christmas market prepping to do.

Happening this week:

I only work Tuesdsay (CPR Training) and Wednesday this week.  My job seems to be going well and I'm getting settled in and more familiar with my daily tasks.  I want to shout-out to my wonderful co-workers:  Janice, Julie, Bridget, Sydney and Kay!  I truly believe that the people you work with make the job either pleasant or unpleasant and so far it has been great.  I'm a bit nervous about the CPR training on Tuesday, but I guess I'll be alright...  Hopefully!

THANKSGIVING!  We're having dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's house as we've done the past several years.  Kelly (my SIL) has been working crazy hours so I hope she can enjoy the time off of work.  

BLACK FRIDAY!  Laken is really looking forward to going to Altoona shopping on Black Friday and braving the crowds.  I doubt we'll go at the crack of dawn but probably head out around 8am.  Hopefully we'll still get some deals.  

Currently reading:

***I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!***

Thankfully, the book club meeting has been moved to November 27th, as I didn't get the book read yet.  I'm still going to do my best to read it and join in with the discussion.

Listening to:

While market prepping, I listened to this video on how to Bible journal.  Enjoy!

Watching:

The hubby, Laken, Nate and I actually went to the movie theater Saturday night!  We saw Gladiator II.  It was a good movie but I'm not sure if it beats out the original Gladiator with Russell Crowe.  We went to Chik-Fil-A afterward.  We had a good time.  Next we want to see Moana 2.  It comes out on Wednesdsay, but I don't know if we'll make it back to the theater so soon to see it this coming weekend.

In the Kitchen:

I've been very mediocre in the kitchen lately.  I've not created anything out of the ordinary to share.  The hubby did pick up a 1/2 bushel of apples for $5 at the farmers market, so we're planning on making apple dumplings sometime soon.

In the Craft Basket:

As mentioned, I've been working on items for the Christmas vendor show coming up on December 14th.  I've made about 25 ornaments and have been making some crocheted toys as well.  Some of the items I've made are kittens, octopuses, snowmen/women, turtles, frogs, and granny square chickens.  I'll add a picture if I get the chance. 

Picture(s) from the Camera

A painting Kaylee created to sell at the vendor show.

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.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.  LORD, Your faithful love endures forever; do no abandon the work of Your hands."  Psalm 138:8

Have a great week!

Colletta

The Good Stuff ~ Happy Thanksgiving ~ 11/25/2021

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(The word-nerd in me loved this picture with the letter tiles.  It is the small stuff that makes me happy :)

This year (and last) have been difficult for many.  For that reason, we've had to find the joy when and where we can.  I firmly believe that joy is a choice.  (And that is coming from a person who has struggled with major depression and anxiety for years).

It can be difficult to choose joy when things are falling to pieces all around you.  If that is you this year, give yourself some grace.  If that isn't you this year, give someone else some grace.  It just may be that they are having a difficult time and need you to lighten their load.

There is so much to be thankful for (so much Good Stuff).  Sometimes, we just have to look a little harder.

I'm going to leave you with some Bible Verses about giving thanks.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ I Thessalonians 5:18

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. ~ Psalm 107:1

Do no be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to Him; bless His name! ~ Psalm 100:4

I will praise the name of God with song.  I will magnify His name with thanksgiving. ~ Psalm 69:30

I pray you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day full of food, family and praise.

Don't forget to choose joy :)

What has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Thanksgiving Foods ~ 11/24/2021

This week's topic is:  

Traditional Thanksgiving Foods That I Like (or Dislike):

I thought for today's prompt I'd give you a run-down of our menu for Thanksgiving Dinner and whether I like them or not.

Turkey (like)

Stuffing (like)

Mashed Potatoes (like)

Homemade Noodles (like)

Green Beans (dislike)

Sweet Potatoes (like)

Cranberry w/ Mandarins (dislike)

Rolls (like)

Pumpkin Pie (LOVE)

Apple Pie (like)

I'm very curious as to what dishes are on your menu for Thanksgiving.  Do you go traditional, like we do?  Do you go outside the Thanksgiving box?

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ An Oldie ~ 9/21/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This week's questions are a throw back to 2019:

1.   What is your favorite Thanksgiving show/animated show?:

The only Thanksgiving show I can think of is Charlie Brown The Great Pumpkin!  Are there any others?

2.   What is there about Thanksgiving you like the best:

Getting together with family is my favorite things about Thanksgiving.  That and Pumpkin Pie!

3.   Favorite Thanksgiving/holiday song?:

Here's one I found on youtube :)

4.   If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?:

Anytime after October starts is game for me :)  But...I usually listen to Christmas music the most after Thanksgiving.

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 12/3/2020

 

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

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~ Thanksgiving!  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration last Thursday.  My sister-in-law out did herself with the meal and the company was great :)

~December!  Once again, I'm geeking out about changing the wall calendar to a new month!  There is just something refreshing about turning to a new page.  Am I the only person who still uses a wall calendar for quick reference?

~Christmas Presents!  We have all our shopping done and are just waiting on a few items to be delivered that we ordered online.  Now to wrap everything :)

~Etsy Shop!  I reopened my ETSY SHOP.  Kaylee started talking about opening a shop for her artwork and I got the Etsy bug again.  So far I've sold a "Think Pink Prayer Shawl".  If you get a chance, stop by :)  I'll let you know when Kaylee gets her shop up and running!

~Sleeping In!  Now that Laken's school is completely virtual we get to sleep in a bit each morning.  I do want to try to keep Laken (and me) on some kind of schedule though.  Any ideas?

What are you thankful for/smiling/exited about this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Wondering Wednesday ~ Celebrating Thanksgiving ~ 11/25/2020

Welcome to Wondering Wednesdays hosted by A Baker's Perspective, a weekly post to learn more about me and other bloggers.

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Today’s question is – How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving?

My Answer -  Sadly, in 2020 this is a loaded question!

So, I'm going to talk about Thanksgivings PAST.

When I was little we always went to my great-grandparents' farm where the entire (I mean entire) extended family celebrated together.  We ate in two shifts because there were so many of us.  The men ate first, then women and kids after.  I didn't mind this at the time but I do remember sometimes the mashed potatoes had grown cold by the time I got to eat.  Isn't it funny the things a person remembers?

After my great-grandparents passed away, my Mom took over Thanksgiving preparations for our branch of the family tree.  She has it down to an art and knows exactly what time she needed to put the potatoes on to boil so they would be done just in time!  lol  I helped with preparations especially the pie making.  This continued for about 25 years.

The past few years my sisiter-in-law, Kelly, has taken over the torch.  There are much fewer people at our celebration as the family has grown too big to host everyone like in the "good old days".  She does a wonderful job and won't except any help other than my brother.  She really gets into it and wants to treat us all to a meal that we didn't have to cook.

I pray that each and everyone of you have a joyously grateful Thanksgiving this year!

How do you "normally" celebrate Thanksgiving?  Has it changed over the years as it has in my family?

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/23/2020

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday! 

I'd love to send you a good, old-fashioned Christmas Card in the mail.  If you'd like, please email me your name and address to collettaskitchensink@yahoo.com .  Please and thank you!

The weather outside is:

It is about 39F this morning.  We had flurries this morning and the dogs did NOT want to go outside to do their business!  It hasn't even gotten cold yet!  Imagine this winter...

On today's to-do list:

We just got back from getting groceries.  We got everything put away and I'm taking a bit of a break to write this post.  I still have to read my devotions (actually, get caught up from the weekend), exercise and I want to crochet a bit before it is time to make supper.  (Ditto, from last week :)

Happening this week:

Laken is in "virtual" school this week.  At least for 2 days and then it will be Thanksgiving break.  Kaylee is off Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  She's been working 6 days a week for 10 hours a day.  She needs a break!  Doug is off Thursday-Monday and then he works a few days here and there but has most of December off on vacation.  (Deer season and Christmas)

Currently reading:

I'm currently reading "Mistletoe Kiss" by Andrea Boyd.  I'm participating in the HoHoHo Read-a-thon and have around 5 Christmassy books downloaded.

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies

Wonder

Overboard (the remake)

Holiday Baking Championship

Maine Cabin Masters

Listening to:

This week I featured "Jericho" by Andrew Ripp.  I love this song!

On the menu week:

Monday ~ Irish Stew

Tuesday ~ Fish and Fries

Wednesday ~ Pork Chops, Noodles

Thursday ~  Thankgiving

Friday ~ Deer Steak, Fried Potatoes

Saturday ~ Chicken, Side

Sunday ~ Church Potluck

In the Craft Basket:

I put the Celtic Afghan on the back burner for a time in order to make some dishcloths for Christmas jingles.  I needed a break from learning "new" stitches and wanted something that I could work on while watching Christmas movies :)

Picture From the Camera:

Kona loves her tennis ball :)

Bible Verse/Devotional

"Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. "  Luke 2:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Thankgiving Thankful Thursday ~ 11/28/19

 

Here are some things that made me smile this week:

 

 

~Happy Thanksgiving!  This year for Thanksgiving my Mom is handing over the cooking reins to my SIL, Kelly.  She's a bit nervous but I keep telling her it is just "US"!  No need to worry!  Mom and the girls are still making homemade noodles to take along since that is a big tradition with them.  We'll also be making pies, probably on Friday.  Mom and I usually do ALL the cooking so it ought to be a nice, leisurely Thanksgiving.  Hope you have a good one!

~2020 Pen Pals!  I mentioned this last week and wanted to let you know that I have 5 participants so far!  And the sign ups don't end until December 20th!  I'd love you to consider being a Pen Pal this coming year.  Click HERE to find out more :)

~Lunch with Kaylee!  Last Friday, we met Kaylee after her college classes for lunch and some shopping.  We went to Chick-fil-A and then Kaylee and I went to Wal-Mart to check out the clearance racks.  Kaylee got 3 new pair of jeans and I got 2 pairs of jeans.  We both really needed some new ones. I also picked up the cutest knit quarter sleeve shirt for $5!  It was nice to spend some quality time with my oldest girl :)

~Christmas Exchange!  In case you missed it, I signed up for a Christmas Exchange over at Slaters' Funny Farm.  Carol still needs people to sign up and the limit is only $10 so if you interested, please head over and join in :)

~Christmas Schedule!  This week my Mom and I sat down with our calendars and coordinated our Christmas Schedules.  We do this every year!  We made sure everything is planned and scheduled so that it doesn't get too super stressful.  We planned when to make Christmas Cookies, get our Christmas Tree and don't forget the Christmas Concert!  We also wrote down our Church events such as our Christmas Dinner, Christmas Caroling and Christmas Play.  I'm getting exited!!!!  Are you?  :)

What made you smile this week? 

Colletta

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/29/18

 

 

~It has been a winter wonderland around here lately with snow storms and very below seasonal temperatures.  I decided to break out the wintery "Thankful Thursday" graphic I found when I searched google.   :)

~Thanksgiving was last Thursday and we had a wonderful time with family.  My mom and I cooked (mostly Mom) all morning long with a little bit of help from Laken with the pies.  (She loves to bake!)  The turkey was delicious as were all the side dishes.  The pumpkin pie and Cream Puff Cake were my favorites though :)

~The hubby and I usually go Black Friday shopping every year.  It has become a tradition for just the two of us to have a day together and get the majority of our shopping done.  This year, there really wasn't anything on sale that we HAD to have so we went shopping Wednesday afternoon before the rush.  There was hardly anybody out and about and it was such a relaxing way to shop.  We did go out on Friday afternoon with the girls but only went to Kohl's and Ollie's.  We also have a few items ordered online.  We're almost done with our shopping! :)

~Kaylee went to New York City on a bus trip with my brother and my SIL on Saturday.  I was a little nervous about her going because we were supposed to get some freezing rain and it is about 5-6 hour drive.  Once they got there I was fine.  I trust my brother and SIL completely to take care of my girl and knew they would keep her close.  They met back up with the bus at 10pm and again I was a bit nervous about the traveling.  They ended up getting home around 4am Sunday morning safe and sound :)

~You might have read on my Weekly Weigh In post that I somehow have developed Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot.  It is slowly feeling better as I follow my dr's recommendations.  One of the recommendations is to wear tennis shoes.  I always wear my tennis shoes (FILA's) when I walk for exercise but other than that I'm usually bare footed or wearing my slip on loafers.  It has been a big adjustment for me to have my FILA's on from morning until night.  BUT, I can feel progress so I guess it is worth it :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been away from blogland for a bit.

My computer has been on the fritz and is only letting me get on the internet very sporadically.  In fact, I'll be lucky to get this posted!

But...the hubby has ordered me a new computer for my Christmas gift!  I'm so excited :)

I'll be back when I can!

Colletta

Feature and Follow ~ Thankful ~ 11/25/16

 

 

 

Q: What are you most thankful for (in the blogging world)? 

I am most thankful for the friendships I have made through blogging.

I love to participate in blog-hops and meet new bloggers and get new ideas :)


Have a great Friday!

 

Weigh-In Wednesday ~ 11/23/16

 

 

My inspiration:

 

Commit whatever you do to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

 

Proverbs 16:3

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I was nervous again about weighing in at the WW meeting.  I guess I thought my loss the first week was just a fluke.  BUT.....  I lost another 3 pounds this week!  That is a total of 8.2 pounds.  My goal for this week is to hit the 10 pound lost mark.  That means I need to lose 1.8 this week.  Wish me luck!

At the meeting we talked about the "Great Plate" and how we were planning for Thanksgiving.  We were given a sheet to make notes about what some common Thanksgiving foods were and their points.

Planning ahead of time what you are going to eat and are willing to spend points on, will make it easier to decide on how to fill your Great Plate.

Some of my must-haves are stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.  Knowing that, I can plan the rest of my daily points and even my weekly points if needed.

Some of the tips that the group came up with to handle the urge to over-eat on Thanksgiving were:

~Plan ahead.

~Just say "Not Thank You" to foods that you aren't prepared to use points on.

~Use a smaller plate.

~Eat slowly.

~Wait at least 5 minutes before deciding whether or not to have seconds of a dish.

~Make and take a point-friendly dish to share.

~Enjoy your family and friends and make food secondary.

What are you doing to plan for ahead for Thanksgiving?  What are your must-have dishes?  Do you have any great point-friendly recipes to share?  How will you focus on family and friends and make food secondary?


My week's stats:

Weigh-in:  -3 lbs.  Total:  -8.2 lbs.

Exercise:  56 Fitpoints from walking 40 minutes everyday.  When my new week started on the WW website, it asked me to up my Fitpoint goal from 48/week to 58/week.  I had the option to stay at 48/week but decided that since I've been getting 56/week already, I'd give myself the motivation to start walking for 50 minutes a day.

Tracking:  I tracked everything!  I didn't even use any of my weeklies this week :)  When I logged my weight loss in it took another smartpoint from me.  I now get 40 smartpoints a day.



Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

 

Linking up to  WholeHearted Wednesday, R&R, Word Filled Wednesday, Coffee and Conversation, Ladies Collective,   Party in Your PJs,  Works or Me, Wake-Up Wednesday and  Women with Intention, Peaches and Salt, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman

In the Kitchen ~ Fluffy Pumpkin Pie ~ 11/5/15

 

Fluffy Pumpkin Pie

Your favorite pie crust
1 1/2 cups pumpkin
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients.

Pour into pie shell.

Bake at 425F for 20 minutes and then at 350F for another 20 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Super easy and delicious!

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

Linking up to:  Full Plate Thursday, Inspritation2 , Creative Ways, Grace at Home, Create It Thursday, Your Turn to Shine,   Project Stash  Homemaking Linkup and Home Sweet Home, Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Think and Make.

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 30

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I am grateful for:

You!

1.  For reading my blog.
2.  For commenting.
3.  For being my bloggy friends.
4.  For teaching me the ropes.
5.  For being a special part of my day :)


I thank the Lord for YOU!!

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 29

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I am grateful for:

Teachers.

1.  Their patience.
2.  Their understanding.
3.  Their calling.
4.  Their kindness.
5.  Their knowledge.


Thank You, Lord, for Teachers.

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 28

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I am grateful for:

Chocolate.

1.  Hot Chocolate.
2.  Chocolate Chips.
3.  Melted Chocolate.
4.  Chocolate Stash.
5.  Chocolate Brown Eyes :)


Thank You, Lord, for Chocolate.

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 27

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I am grateful for:

Modern Medicine.

1.  Cancer treatments.
2.  Antidepressants.
3.  Antibiotics.
4.  Vaccines.
5.  Multitudes of other life sustaining meds.


Thank You, Lord, for Modern Medicine.

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 26

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I am grateful for:

My hobbies.

1.  Reading!
2.  Crochet!
3.  Blogging!
4.  Baking!
5.  TV!


Thank You, Lord, for hobbies.

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 25

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I am grateful for:

Music.

1.  Cleaning music.
2.  Dancing music.
3.  Worship music.
4.  Romantic music.
5.  Christmas music.


Thank You, Lord, for Music.

30 Days of Gratitude 2012 ~ Day 24

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I am grateful for:

Snuggling .

1.  Giggles.
2.  Warming-up cold feet.
3.  Reading together.
4.  Planning.
5.  All 4 of us plus the dogs just hanging out :)


Thank You, Lord, for Snuggles.