Working Woman Wednesday ~ Changes ~ 8/20/2025

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Life changes are happening around here!  Again!

We moved Laken into her University dorm room last Thursday and I'm still adjusting to that BIG change.  

Also, life in the insurance world just wasn't for me.  I prayed about making a change and after much consideration, I applied for a Teacher Assistant job with our local Head Start Program.  I prayed and prayed for the LORD to open the door if it is where He wants me.  The day after I interviewed, I was offered one of the open positions!

I went in today to fill out paperwork and take my drug test.  Now I'm just awaiting my orientation to be scheduled and then I can get started in the classroom.  I'm very excited about this position and am praying that it helps give me focus and purpose now that my girls are out of the "nest".

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Last Weekend:

So I'll start with last Thursday since it was a BIG day:  As mentioned above, Laken moved into her dorm at the University.  We got to bed late Wednesday night after a full day of packing and got up at 5am Thursday morning to load up the car and make the trip for move-in.  Her move-in slot was scheduled for 8:30am-10:30am.  The drive is a little less than 2 hours but we weren't certain how traffic would be.

We picked Nate up at his apartment which is only about 10 minutes from Laken's dorm and then drove to the drop-off line.  I was impressed by how smoothly everything went.  We had just about everything unpacked and situated within the allotted time.  We had some shopping to do at Target, Wal-Mart and HomeGoods and topped it off with a stop by the good old Dollar Tree :)

We grabbed a late lunch and then dropped everything, including Laken, back off at the dorm.  It was time to say our good-bye and I love you.  I held it together for the most part until after we dropped Nate back at his apartment.  On the way home, I cried and bemoaned the fact that my purpose in life had just shifted in a major way.  

It was also Kaylee and Shawn's 4th Wedding Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary!

Friday:  more crying and wondering what my purpose and existence was now.  I decided to give myself one day to feel all the feelings and then it would be time to move on with life.

Saturday:  We ended up making a trip back to Laken's dorm to drop off a few items that she forgot and also two packages that had a late delivery.  We took Laken and Nate to lunch and headed home.

Sunday:  After Church, I took a long nap.  It had been an exhausting few days.

This Week's Notables:

~New hire paperwork with Head Start Program

~The Steelers have a preseason game on Thursday night

~My cousin's little boy, Damon, has his first tackle football scrimmage Saturday morning that I'd like to go to watch.

~Sunday afternoon is a Church Picnic.

In the Kitchen:

~I was asked to bring a dessert to the annual Angel Program Picnic.  I decided to go with something quick and easy so I made Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies.  Delicious!

~This evening when I made dinner I got a bit nostalgic for the days when my girls were little and I would make their favorite meals.  I think I'm going to have moments like this for a while...

In the Craft Basket:

I finished the throw pillow for Laken dorm bed in plenty of time.

Now I'm working on crocheting myself a tote bag.  I'll try to add some pictures next time.

Currently reading:

I decided to give up Kindle Unlimited and instead get a library card.  I put myself on the wait-list for "Tea With Elephants" by Robin Jones Gunn and my turn came up!  I've loved everything I've read by Robin but especially her "Sisterchicks" series.  This series is the "Suitcase Sisters" and I have VERY high hopes for it.  I'm 100 pages in and am LOVING it so far.  I dare say that I might even be able to post a Book Review sometime soon.  They've been few and far between this year.

On the TV:

I watched the Providence Falls series on Hallmark over the past 3 weeks.  Also, some Steeler preseason games :)

Picture(s) from the Camera

Weekend Plans:

~Damon's football scrimmage

~Clean

~Laundry

~Church Picnic

I hope you're having a great week!

Blessings,

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday~ 1/27/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

And just like that we're on the last Monday of January 2025.

February is going to be bitter-sweet for me.  Yes, we've (almost) made it through January, but on Sunday, February 2nd my little Groundhog Baby turns 18 years old!  Where have the years gone?  The hubby and I will have our 25th dating anniversary in March, Kaylee turns 24 in June and Laken is days away from being 18.  Our little family is grown up and I'm feeling a bit emotional thinking about it...so...

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

A touch warmer than last week.  Actually, a lot warmer than last week...lol!  Schools in our area were either closed or delayed for 3 days last week due to the cold temperatures.  Well, I guess I should say schools were "virtual".

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

I work 10a-5p.  Other than that it should be a fairly normal day of trying to get back into the routine of the week.

Happening this week:

I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

Wednesday is my SIL, Kelly's, birthday.  Any ideas what I can give to her as a birthday gift?

Thursday evening is zoom meeting night for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.  I have a whole post about our February 2025 book selection, you can check that out HERE.  But first, I have to finish listening to January's book!

Saturday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birth.  We're thinking of getting dressed up and taking her out to a nice restaurant in the evening.

Sunday, we'll be celebrating Laken's birthday.  I'm not sure what we'll do on her actual birthday other than have cake at Church for her.  Any good ideas?

Currently reading:

I wrote on Friday's "My Weekly Bookishness" post that I've finally discovered listening to audio-books.  "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is my first ever audio-book.  It is the January 2025 book club selection and as I mentioned above, I need to finish it before 8pm on Thursday.  I only have a few more hours to listen to so I "think" I'll make it.  

Listening to:

"Oh Death" by MercyMe debuted on KLOVE radio a few days ago and they played it every hour at the top of the hour.  I love it!  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy :)

Watching:

NFL Championship games.  By the time you read this it will probably be decided what teams will be playing in the Super Bowl.  At this point, 5:06pm on Sunday, it isn't looking good for my nephew's team the Commanders.  They are down 15-27.

The hubby has recommended that I catch up on the past 2 seasons of "Reacher" so that I can watch season 3 with him when it airs.  I've 2 episodes in and look forward to watching more.

In the Kitchen:

I haven't spent much time in the kitchen creating this past week but Laken and Nate made Cookie Monster Cookies.  They, of course, were blue :)

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working away in my "off" time on items for the Spring Fling Vendor show happening in the beginning of April.  Last week I completed all 16 Mabel Chickens that I wanted to get made.  4 Gray Loaf Cats.  1 Ivory Loaf Cat.  And 1 Yellow Peep Bunny.  Shown below are the Ivory Loaf Cat and the Yellow Peep Bunny.  

Let me know what you think of the Peep.  Should I make more as it will be a Spring Fling show a few weeks before Easter.  Or should I just make yellow, green and purple Leggy Frogs?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.

~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.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."

James 4:10

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/20/25

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

I know it is only slightly past the midway point of January, but I am so over this Winter stuff.  I long for at least a little bit of a reprieve.  I'm not usually one to wish the time away but I am so ready for Spring!

Let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Today:

This week:  bitterly cold...

On today's to-do list:

**I'm typing this on Sunday afternoon/evening (for reference).**

No work for me or school for Laken Monday.  Thank you, Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr!  I'm especially thankful not to have to worry about traveling to work/School in the morning.  However, the hubby still has work tonight (Sunday night).  I'm not really thrilled about him driving in this snowy mess, but he is not one to call off work often especially for weather.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10a-5p.

Tuesday Laken has an eye appointment in the afternoon.  If you recall, I had an eye appointment last Thursday.  It is so strange because I was fully expecting to have to order bifocal/progressive glasses this year as it is getting harder and harder to read find print.  Instead, my eye Dr. took my contact prescription down two notches!  I have to say that it IS much easier to read fine print but long distances are a bit fuzzy.  She also gave me a pair of contacts that are only one notch lower than my normal prescription strength to try.  I have to let her know which strength I am more comfortable with before ordering my contacts for the year.  Has anyone else had this experience and how did it work for you?

On Thursday, we are traveling to WVU to tour.  It is approximately two hours away (maybe a little less).  Laken was approved for an educational field trip so she doesn't have to go to school that day.  So that means:  no school Monday, I expect a virtual day for her on Tuesday due to the cold temperatures, Wednesday could go either way virtual or no school, Thursday is the field trip and there is no school on Friday (pre-planned day off for the district).   Crazy week!

Currently reading:

I tried to start reading "When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer but it wouldn't load on my Kindle!  Instead I "started" reading "Pride and Precipitation" by Heather Horrocks.  I've read ONE chapter all week!  I really want to read at least one chapter a day before bed.  Maybe even 30 minutes a day.  I haven't been participating in YouTube Reading Sprints lately, but would like to get back into that to get some reading in.

Listening to:

My Aunt Donna sang this song Sunday morning in Church.  I really  listened to the words and wow!  Each and every one of us was and is on His mind.  Always!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

We had a Family Game Time at Kaylee and Shawn's on Saturday afternoon/evening.  We had the football playoff games on in the background.  It was the KC Chiefs and the Houston Texans.  KC won.  Blah!

Later, after we got home the Commanders (Redskins) and the Lions were playing.  My nephew LOVES the Commanders, so I was glad for him that they won.

Right now the Eagles and the Chargers are playing but it is a SNOWY mess in Philadelphia.  It looks like the Eagles are going to win.

Other than football, we finished Season 1 of Cross on Prime.  What a wild ride that show was!  Again, please be aware if you decide to watch it that there is a lot of inappropriate (and unnecessary) language and some scenes.

In the Kitchen:

Kaylee and I ended up making the Stuffed Shells for supper Saturday.  I haven't had the opportunity to cook with her much since she got married and I must say that I was impressed with how much she has progressed in her cooking skills.  Shawn in a good cook also but we gave him the night off :)

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working away in my "off" time on items for the Spring Fling Vendor show happening in the beginning of April.  Last week I showed you a Speckled Mabel Chicken.  I completed 8 speckled and almost completed 1 white chicken.  I also made a gray Load Cat.  I love the pattern and think they are super cute.  I'm just not sure about the whiskers.  In a way, I think a cat NEEDS whiskers.  In another way, they kinda look funky.  What do you think?

Picture(s) from the Camera

Such a pretty sky a few days ago!

My view while making Sunday lunch!

Prayer Requests

~Winter traveling safety.  Especially the hubby for work tonight, Nate as he travels back to college at WVU and our trip to WVU on Thursday.

~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.  Pray for me as I work on this.  (continued)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 7:12

Have a great week!

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

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 7/1/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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HAPPY JULY!!!
 

The hubby is on vacation this week!  yoohoo!!!  I'm going to try to schedule out some posts so that I don't miss any days on the blog as we'll be tent camping for a few days.  I'm so excited!

 

The weather outside is::::

HOT!!!

At least hotter than it has been lately.  We've also had a few storms pop up here and there.
 



 

On my breakfast plate:

Granola Bar

As I look around the house::::

Laundry and clean-up before heading out camping needs to get done.

On today's to do list::::

Devotions
Exercise
Groceries
Possibly a Movie
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Devotions, exercise, Schedule
Wednesday... Devotions, exercise, laundry, packing
Thursday... Devotions, Exercise, CAMPING!
Friday...  Devotions, Exercise, CAMPING!
Saturday...  Devotions, Exercise, CAMPING!
Sunday...  Church, Devotions, Exercise

Currently reading::::

 

I finished a Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander.  You can read my review HERE.

 

 

I also flew through Vendetta by Lisa Harris.  That review should post tomorrow :)

 

 

I'm currently reading The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport but am almost finished and am making good headway on my "10 Books of Summer"!

 

 

 

 

 On the TV::::

AGT
Songland
Pirates Baseball

Listening to:

Sirius XM The Message
Sirius XM The Highway
KLOVE
 
On the menu this week::::

Monday - Spaghetti w/ meatballs, garlic bread
Tuesday - Grilled Cheese and Soup
Wednesday - Chicken, Buttered Noodles
Thursday - Camping food
Friday -  Camping food
Saturday - Camping food
Sunday - Potluck at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

 

Here's a sneak peak at the Baby Blanket I'm making for Audrayana's baby, Layna Bee.  She due any day now and I've been crocheting like a mad woman to try to get it done before she comes!  It is the "Beautiful Shells" pattern in White, Perfect Pink and Medium Thyme.  It reminds me of a pretty pink rose :)

 

 

 

Picture From the Camera

 

 Kaylee at College Orientation.

Devotion/Inspiration

 

 

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can come by and visit my ETSY SHOP!

Thankful Thursday ~ 6/27/19

~Kaylee's Party was a success!  I tried not to stress myself out getting ready for Kaylee's 18th Birthday Party.  I made list upon list and managed to keep it organized.  I worried for nothing, because it went off without a hitch!  We had a great afternoon hanging out with family and friends :)

~Church Camp was a success!  Again, a lot of preparation went into the behind the scenes set up of our Church Camp Meeting.  I helped with baking pies, cooking meals and the concession stand.  Others had their own jobs to complete.  We all came together and worked hard so that the campers could have a great time  :)

~Laken has decided to hang up her pompoms! She really wants to play Jr. High Volleyball this Fall and doing v-ball and cheerleading would just be too much along with her school work.  I'm already going to be busy running her back and forth to v-ball practices and games and I don't think I could keep up with cheerleading as well.  Quality over quantity, they say :)

~Kaylee's College Orientation! Monday Kaylee had a orientation for the students that have been admitted to her college.  She will be studying Business Management and classes start on August 19th.  I think it is getting real for her now and she's getting excited for the next chapter of her life!  I'm trying to play it cool :)

~Hubby's Vacation!  I'm excited that the Hubby is on vacation starting Friday morning!  We have some good quality family time planned.  Some of the activities are fishing, camping, movies and baseball games.  I can't wait  :)

 
What are you thankful for today?

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Wednesday Medley ~ 6/26/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.  She comes up with the questions and we answer them ;)

 

 

 

NATIONAL PARCHMENT DAY – Last Wednesday in June

Celebrate parchment and its many uses by clicking on the image.

NATIONAL PARCHMENT DAY

At the end of June, National Parchment Day arrives to bring innovation and convenience back to the kitchen.

Parchment infuses flavor, locks in moisture and preserves vital nutrients and has long been a part of the traditional French kitchen. Ever versatile, parchment conveniently transitions from skillet to oven and from the grill to table.  Its ability to be elegant as well as useful makes it one of the more effective tools in the kitchen.

Cooking “en papillote” enhances natural flavors, without the synthetic sprays and high-fat oils. Not only does culinary parchment simplify preparation and clean-up, but it’s also a much healthier and environmentally friendlier alternative to traditional cooking techniques. The French have cooked with parchment for centuries, perfecting taste and texture in every dish. It has long served as the secret to preparing wholesome, healthy meals.

With all these added benefits, it’s difficult to ignore what parchment brings to the kitchen and to the table.  Use a variety of parchment products to make composing delicious meals in the home kitchen a culinary success.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Turn your kitchen into a parchment test kitchen. Share your delicious results by using #NationalParchmentDay on social media.

HISTORY

National Parchment Day was submitted by PaperChef and declared by the Registrar of National Day Calendar in June 2016. With local food movements on the rise, PaperChef is encouraging all culinary enthusiasts – from professional chefs to home cooks – to explore foods that mirror the “farm to fork movement,” offering North Americans viable alternatives to their popular but non-compostable and non-recyclable counterparts, refusing to compromise on quality and integrity by manufacturing items that won’t live in landfills for centuries.

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Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar.

1.  Who knew there was a day to celebrate parchment paper?!  Do you ever use parchment when you bake or cook? Tell us about your favorite way to use it, please

 

I had no idea there was a day to celebrate parchment paper either!  The only time I really use parchment paper is when I bake cookies.  It makes clean up so much easier!

 

2.  When Terri thinks of parchment paper, she usually thinks about special writing or artist papers. She loves using specialty papers for creating cards or other art projects. Tell us about a creative way you have used parchment paper other than to bake with!

Sorry!  I can't think of any creative way I've used parchment paper! 

 

3.  Terri used to be in the cake business and has piped many borders and roses and leaves and letters, etc., etc.  You can make a pastry bag from parchment paper!  Have you ever tried decorating a cake with a pastry bag and specialty tips?  Do you have a picture to share?  Don't be shy, now!

My youngest daughter, Laken, loves baking and asked for baking supplies for Christmas the past few years.  She has pasty bags and all kinds of tips.  She's working on her decorating skills and has definitely improved.  I have pictures but they must be on my phone...

 

4.  Tell us about something you baked or cooked in the past week or so that turned out great, parchment or no parchment.  Will you share the recipe?

At Camp Meeting last week we did so much cooking.  We offered breakfast, lunch and dinner to the campers.  We had baked pork chops one night that were delicious and beef stew another night.  A group of us ladies from Church also spent most of the day the Friday before Camp Meeting making 22 pies for dessert.  They were made of about 7-8 different fillings.  Pumpkin was my favorite!

5.  The last Wednesday in June!!  How can that be? Has your June flown by or have you been able to enjoy each day and make it slow down for you?

June has absolutely flown by!  We've had something going on every week and I've only just been getting back into an "at home" mode and I love it.  Here's to some nice relaxing days in July!

 

6.  Tell us something about your week so far, if you will.

I'm loving finally having some down time to read, crochet and get some walks in.

 

Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Thankful Thursday ~ 6/13/19

~Kaylee's 18th Birthday!  I absolutely cannot believe that I have a child who is turning 18 years old today.  I'm not old enough, am I?  I mean, I distinctly remember turning 18 myself just a few years ago!  Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

~School is out!  Laken successfully navigated her first year of middle school at a new school with all A's and B's.  So proud of her!  I get just as excited as the kids do when the end of the school year rolls around.  Time for sleeping in and hanging out with the family!

~Laken's last softball game!  We've enjoyed softball season but I have to admit that I'm kinda glad that her last game of the year is tonight.  It just happens to be a double-header!

~Church Camp Meeting!  It starts off Sunday with a picnic and then lasts all week.  The kids all get to stay in the dorms so it will be a bit quiet at home.  I am a bit jealous of the campfires and smores...

~Kaylee's College Classes!  She's registered and scheduled for classes that will start August 19th!  We been jumping through all the necessary hoops for registration and funding but at last, I think everything is ready for Orientation!  whohooo! 

 
What are you thankful for today?

Colletta

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!