Tea Time ~ 1/11/2024

 

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 noticed the other day that I have surpassed writing 4100 posts on the blog.  I can't believe I started writing posts in 2009.  15 years of sharing!  I appreciate each any every reader that has stopped by throughout the years.  Thank you!

~I mentioned in my "Happy Homemaker Monday" post that I was to have an interview for a PT job on Tuesday, but due to the weather I was going to try to reschedule.  I was afraid it would be a deal breaker but the HR contact was very understanding and rescheduled my interview for Friday, January 12th!  I'm a bit nervous so I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Friday at 1pm :)

~This past Sunday, we had the privilege of attending Nate's Senior Soccer Banquet.  (I introduced Nate to the blog a few "Tea Time"s ago as Laken's boyfriend.  They've been dating for 8.5 months and we absolutely adore him.)  Nate earned Defensive Player of the Year and we couldn't be prouder of him.  He is a great young man and treats Laken like a princess!  He's a keeper :)

~I think I've mentioned it in another post, but I had somebody purchase the Dr. Seuss/Cat-in-the-Hat Baby Blanket from my Etsy Shop.  In this crazy weather, I hope it gets to NH safely.  I packaged it in a 2 gallon ziploc and then in a box with tons of packing tape but I'm always nervous about the shipping process.  It was supposed to arrive today, so I'm going to check the tracking number with USPS.  Wish me luck :)

~Slowly, but surely, I have finished the amigurumi cow I was making and featured on my WIP Wednesday post.  I wanted to have it finished up for my Friday Finish post so that gave me some extra motivation.  Make sure you come back tomorrow to see the finished product :)

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/8/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

How was your first week of 2024?

The weather outside is:

When does Spring start?  Obviously not this week.  I was to have an interview for a part time bank teller position on Tuesday, but the hubby is making me try to reschedule due to the weather :(  I sent an email to the HR contact.  I hope it won't be a deal breaker!

On today's to-do list: 

~I need to make a trip to the post office to send out an etsy order.  I was so excited to wake up Saturday morning with an order for the Dr. Seuss inspired baby blanket!  The buyer emailed me and said that his daughter is due within the next few weeks and has worked really hard to decorate the baby's room in a Dr. Seuss theme and that it was a blessing finding the blanket.  I love getting messages like that!

~Clean.  The family room has a few "hot spots" that need attention really badly.  There is a table that is a catch all and it is over flowing with STUFF.  I really would like to get it organized.

Happening this week:

~As I mentioned above, possibly an interview...sometime...for a part time position.  Last week, on Wednesday, I had an interview for a fulltime HR Assistant position but I haven't heard anything back.

~Laken missed school pictures and is quite upset at the thought of having a blank space in the year book where her picture is to be.  I made arrangements with the photographer to meet at their office (an hour away) so that they can take her picture.  That appointment is Thursday at 2pm.  It is her Junior year, so I can understand why she wants to be in the year book.

Currently reading:

~I'm doing well with my Bible Reading Plan and Scripture Writing Plan.  Other than that, I'm really in a reading slump.  I've been spending my spare time working on my etsy shop.  I do need to take a break from reality sometimes though so I want a really good book to dig into.

Watching:

Other than a few football games this weekend, I haven't watched much TV.  I have been watching youtube videos of a few favorite content creators.  How to Faith a Life and Elise Rose Crochet are a few of my favorites.

Listening to:

On the menu today:

Creamed Chip Beef Gravy over Biscuits

In the Craft Basket:

I've made a few more amigurumi toys.  Laken requested a bee and Kaylee requested a bunny.  I haven't gotten the courage to add any to my shop yet, as I feel that I still need more practice.  All I can see are the imperfections.  I've worked a bit more on the Think Pink Prayer Shawl and would like to get it finished this week.  I've also made a few Love Letter Book Covers and listed them in my shop.  I think they are really cute and can't wait to make more in different variations.

Picture from the Camera

I'm going to go out of my comfort zone and show you the bee and bunny I made for my girls.  I had a lot of fun making them and learned a ton.

Bible Verse

"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.  Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light."  Genesis 1:2-3

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/1/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Happy New Years Day to you as well!

The weather outside is:

Once Christmas is over, I'm ready for Spring, but apparently I'm going to have to suffer through some winter weather this week with colder temperatures than we've had lately and some snow showers.  I really don't mind a bit of snow if we can all stay home and don't have to be traveling in the bad weather.

On today's to-do list: 

~Relax for one more day before trying to get back onto a schedule.

~Start my 2024 Bible Reading Plan to read the Bible through in a year.

Happening this week:

~I'm still trying to decide whether to continue as a stay-at-home-mom or try to look for another job.  In the meantime, I've opened my ETSY shop back up to keep me busy and my hands occupied while Laken is doing schoolwork.  So far I have some dishcloths, shawls and baby blankets listed.

~Laken is starting Cyber School on Tuesday.  She got so far behind on her work due to her surgery/recovery and everything that came afterward (strep throat, the "sickness", etc).  We had a meeting with her principal and guidance counselor and we all decided that switching to online school was the best option for her.  If she gets 50% done with the curriculum by the beginning of the 4th quarter then we can decide if she is going back to in person school to finish out the school year.

Currently reading:

I haven't been reading much.  I downloaded a few Christmas themed books in early December and didn't read even a word.  I did get the following two books with an Amazon gift card I received and they have the cutest patterns and stories to go along with the characters.  I can't wait to try my hand at one.

~I've set a reading "goal" this year to read at least 15 minutes a day.  I really should pick out a book (other than the Bible) to start the year off.  Any suggestions?  

Watching:

We've been watching a decent amount of TV lately.  Of course, I had to keep my annual tradition alive and watch "White Christmas" (which we did NOT have).  We also watched the newest "Indiana Jones" movie and also "23 Blast" which was really good.  I've also been watching a ton of amigurumi tutorials and vlogs about crocheting toys on Youtube.

Listening to:

On the menu today:

Pork Roast, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Banana Cake

In the Craft Basket:

My current works in progress that I'd like to get finished within the next few days are a Think Pink Prayer Shawl and a set of pastel variegated dishcloths.  I've also been dabbling in amigurumi and have made a little sea turtle, a little chicken and a little octopus.  I wanted to get some practice in the crochet techniques used in amigurumi before I start attempting any projects from the above books I received.  I can't wait!!!

Picture from the Camera

My very first attempt at crocheting a plushie/stuffed animal :)

Bible Verse

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  Genesis 1:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Fred the Sea Turtle by CJ Design ~ My First Amigurumi Project!

 I mentioned in my last post that I've reopened my Etsy Shop and that I want to learn how to crochet plushies and amigurumi.  My very first attempt was Fred the Sea Turtle by CJ Designs.

The pattern is free on CJ Designs website but can also be purchased in PDF form in their etsy shop.

Look at that wee little tail!!!

The pattern was well written and easy to follow.  The pattern calls for a chunky yarn but I'm trying to use only yarn that I already have, so I used a Medium (4) yarn and hooks in sizes 3.75mm and 4.25mm.

I don't have any safety eyes, so I embroidered the eyes on with black yarn.  (In a way, I like it better this way as I was always fearful of those safety eyes falling off when my girls were littles.)

My very first foray into the amigurumi world is complete and I think he is super cute!

What do think?  After some more practice, should I add him to my Etsy shop?  (be gentle...lol)

Colletta