Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/27/2025

Scripture Memory Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

Prayer Requests

~My Dad is visibly perking up after his aortic valve replacement!  His color is much better and his energy is returning.  He goes back to the cardiologist for a post-op visit this week so praying all is well.

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 3 short weeks.  She is getting nervous about classes and meeting so many new people.  I pray that she and her roommate hit it off and become great friends.  Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time.  I didn't get up any earlier this week but I did get Bible reading time in while drinking my morning caffeine.  Instead of sitting at the table bemoaning the fact that I wasn't still in bed, I've been reading from the Book of Psalms on my phone's Bible app.  I've also been trying to make some evening Bible study time as well.  Prayers are working!!!

~Prayer of thanks that Kaylee had a safe work trip to Orlando, FL.  She flew out on Monday evening and came back Friday afternoon.  Knowing that my baby was up in the sky flying was a bit anxiety producing but she is now safely home!

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Leanna Crawford.  So beautiful!  Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/17/2025

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and Happy Monday!!!!!

I hope everyone had a very special Valentine's Day.  The hubby got off work Friday morning so I got to see him for a little bit before I had to go to work.  I gave him his Valentine card and he surprised me with a card and Reese Cups.  I didn't think he had been anywhere to get me something so I was happy!

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Well, let's get this show on the road :)

The weather outside is:

Cold again :(  Stay safe, everyone!

On Monday's to-do list:

I am so behind on tasks.  I have a whole list of to-dos.  I made a paper list that I'm going to be checking off as I complete the tasks.  At least I have today off for President's Day.  I'd love to get caught up and not feel like I'm drowning...

Laken has a Galentine's Party at with her YoungLife group from 10am-12pm.  She hasn't been feeling well so hopefully she's be recovered and feeling up to going.

Happening this week:

I work Wednesday and Friday 10am-5pm this week.

I have a few Book Club chats this week that I'm super excited about.

Currently reading:

{February's book club selection/read-along is "you're not enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey.  We're reading a few chapters of the book each week and then discussing it in a FB chat on Saturdays.  We'll also be having our monthly zoom meeting.}

This week we're reading Myth #3 to chat about on Saturday.

I'm also still listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell.  It has been interesting as it is only my second audiobook and the narrator has an English accent(s).  I'm hoping to get it finished soon and post my review.  Next, I'd like to listen to a contemporary fiction.

Listening to:

Enjoy!

Watching:

I haven't watched any TV this week...

In the Kitchen:

More chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered pretzels were made by Laken and Nate to celebrate Valentine's Day.  I also made some break-apart chocolate chip cookies!  Simple, easy and delicious when I need a little sweet!

In the Craft Basket:

Below is a picture of the large Dino Nugget I made for my work-friend's daughter.  I've made a few more smaller Dino Nuggets and a "Raspberry Sorbet" octo.

I'm so sad that Joann's is closing!  It is the only craft store within 30 minutes other than Wal-Mart.  Now I'll have to drive 1 hour to get to Hobby Lobby.  Don't get me wrong.  I love me some Hobby Lobby but that is pretty far to drive to pick up a skein or two.  I might have to start ordering yarn online and paying the shipping costs.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Traveling safety for my brother, Dan, as he travels to and from Italy for work this week.

~My Dad has to have a heart valve replacement.  I would appreciate your prayers that they can replace the valve using the minimally invasive procedure and that they won't have to do open heart surgery.

~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 I'm still feeling scattered when it comes to balancing everything.)

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

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;"

I John 3:11

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/12/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

I'm actually typing this post on Sunday evening when I have a bit of time to sit down and reflect on the week ahead.  Monday is actually going to be very busy even though I don't have to go to work.  I'll tell you a bit more about that later in the post.

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

We finally got the much needed rain!  And we got a lot of it from good old Hurricane Debby.  Here in the mountains of Pennsylvania, we usually only get the rain and a bit of wind when hurricanes go up the east coast.  It absolutely poured and now the temperatures are much more comfortable.  It was actually a bit cool this morning when I left the house around 9am.

On today's to-do list: 

Monday's to-do are:

I'm off work Monday but like I mentioned above, I have lots to do.  

~We have a meeting at 9:30am to make sure everything is situated for Laken's enrollment in her college classes for the fall.  I think I mentioned before that she is doing what is called "Senior Challenge".  It basically means she'll be taking 2 high school classes and a few college classes in the mornings and then be able to leave school before lunchtime.  The college classes start on August 19th (next Monday!) so we have got to get this set up and find out exactly what she will need to complete her classes.

~Sweep

~Mop

~Clean out my car

~Supper

~Dishes

~Devotions

~Wash work clothes and hang up to dry

Happening this week:

This week I'm off Monday and  Friday and Sunday.  The rest of the days I work 7am-1pm.

Tuesday Laken has an appointment to get her Senior Pictures taken for the year book at 3:00pm.  Then Kaylee's work is having a Back-to-School Night that she invited us to come to.  It is 4pm-7pm and we get to take a tour of her work so I'm excited to see her office area.  Then at 6:30pm we have our Ladies' Class Meeting at Church.  So it will be a very busy day.

Wednesday is Kaylee and Shawn's 3rd Anniversary and Kona's (our chocolate lab) birthday :)

Thursday is pretty normal.

Friday (my day off) is once again filled to the brim.  Some items on the list are laundry, groceries, bills, bank and my usual daily to-dos.

Currently reading:

I didn't even touch "Living Slower" this week :(  I only have a few more chapters to go.  Hopefully I'll finish it soon.

Listening to:

Raise the battle cry and take back what the enemy stole!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

I tied to watch the Steeler preseason football game on Friday evening but it was on Prime.  We have Prime but the game was blacked out.  Apparently we live too close :(  argghh!  They lost anyway so I guess I didn't miss much...

Instead of the game, we watched a movie on Freevee about a wedding photographer at a family owned venue who falls in love with the movie-star best man/brother of the couple getting married.  I forget the name of it but it was really good.

I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos on why/how women are returning to wearing dresses/skirts.  One YouTuber (from Heavenly Minded Home) challenged her subscribers to wear a dress/skirt for 7 days in a row to really give it a try.  I've decided to take her up on it and this is my fourth day of wearing a dress except for while I'm at work. I even ordered a few new dresses because my wardrobe will be very limited if I continue to wear only dresses/skirts.

In the Kitchen:

I didn't make the Butterscotch Zucchini Bread this week but I did bake!  I made what I'd like to call "Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler" and it was so easy and VERY delicious.

You basically take cut up Cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, brown sugar and cinnamon and mix it all together and bake it.  If you'd like a more formal recipe go check out this ONE at Olives & Thyme.

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working on the Japanese Fields blocks a bit each evening (well most evenings) but I'm just not sure what to do about the edges of the blocks.  The bottom block is with the Ivory outer round and the top block is with a single crochet of the Hot Rose.  Should I do a round of the Hot Rose on all the block and then join with either the Hot Rose or the Ivory?  Should I just keep it with the Ivory and then join with the Hot Rose?  Should I keep the last round Ivory and then join with Ivory?  I just can't decide!  I think I'll continue to work on just the main block for now and then decide later.  Please give me your opinion!

Picture from the Camera

You've got to give "Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler" a try!  The best was just out of the oven but it was also delicious the next morning for breakfast.  I put it the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it was warm and gooey and almost as good as fresh from the oven :)

Prayer Request

My brother, Danny, is having surgery Monday morning to remove his gallbladder. He is almost 48 year old (his birthday is Saturday) and he's never had surgery of any kind before. Not even a broken bone. Please keep him and his doctors in your prayers that all goes well. Also, please pray for my Mom as she's very nervous about her "Baby Boy" having surgery.

Bible Verse

"Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me.  Don't stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children."  Luke 18:16 NLT

Have a great week!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 1/31/2024

 

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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~My sister-in-law Kelly's surgery Tuesday morning went "perfectly" according to the surgeon!  She was truly in the loving hands of the Almighty and I fully believe the surgeon was used by Him.  So many people were praying!  Kelly was sincerely afraid that she wouldn't make it through the surgery and now she is sitting, walking, talking and doing wonderfully!  We are most definitely saying prayers of thanks :)

~I signed up for a vendor/craft show that will be taking place March 16th.  I have roughly 10 days until I start my new job so I'm using my time to market prep!  This will be my first ever market/show and I'm excited!  I've been busy crocheting octos, sea turtles, leggy frogs, hair scrunchies, bunnies and still have more items that I want to work up.  I also have cup cozies, baby blankets, shawls, dish cloths and scrubbies made that I will be adding to my table.  If you can think of anything else I should make, please let me know in the comments :)

~Can you believe today is the last day of January 2024?  I can truthfully say that I'm up-to-date with my Bible-in-a-year plan.  There have been days that I've had to play catch-up but nothing too crazy.  I don't want to get behind too far and then have a hard time catching up.  I'm reading in Exodus (the 10 Plagues), Matthew (Mount of Transfiguration) and Psalms (at chapter 27).  I've never read a plan that is some Old Testament, some New Testament and Psalms/Proverbs each day but I thought I'd give it a try for something different.  So far, so good!  I'm really enjoying my reading time :)

~Laken, my baby, turns 17-years-old on Friday.  She's my little groundhog baby!  She either wants Olive Garden or Texas Roadhouse for her birthday dinner.  Then on Saturday, the 3rd, we are planning on taking her and Nate snowboarding!  They have been wanting to go so badly so we agreed to take them for Laken's birthday present.  I just pray nobody gets hurt!  That is my biggest fear with snowboarding!  Laken has never been snowboarding but Nate has been.  Hopefully he can give her some pointers.  :)

~I need to start adding more pictures to my blog.  I used to take so many pictures to share but not so much anymore.  I really need to get a new camera as my old one bit the dust.  My phone camera stinks (as Laken likes to tell me).  If you have any recommendations for a good but inexpensive camera, please let me know in the comments :)

So, what is new with you???

Colletta

Weigh-In Wednesday ~ 4/29/15

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Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.

Colossians 3:23

If you have been following along with my posts, you'll know that last Monday I had my gallbladder removed.  I've spent this entire week going from one chair to another chair, to the couch, to my bed, etc., etc., etc.  Not much activity at all, which is what the doctor ordered.

Imagine my surprise, when I weighed in and have lost 7 pounds!!!

All I can think is I must have been retaining a ton of water-weight from surgery because I really haven't been dieting.  I really don't know.  But I hope it continues.

I go back to the doctor for my follow-up this afternoon and am hoping that I can start going for walks to get myself back in the groove.  After a bit of that, I'd really like to get back to the gym and work my way back to the level of exercise I was at before this whole gallbladder thing started acting up.

I know I'll have to take it slow, but I am so ready to get back to normal activity! 

This week's stats:

Miles:  0
Total Miles:  3

lbs lost:  7
Total lost:  24

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

Also linking up to  WholeHearted Wednesday, Party in Your PJs,  The Mommy Club, Works or Me, Wake-Up Wednesday and Wow Me Wednesday and Weigh-In Wednesday and Workout Wednesday.

 

Songs on Sunday ~ Prayer of Thanks and Day One ~ 4/26/15

 

I would like to thank each and every one of you that prayed for my gallbladder surgery on Monday!  I now have a prayer of thanks, because everything went very well.  I was in and out of surgery in 45 minutes and home within 4 hours of my arrival time.  It went so fast!  I was amazed. 

 

From what I can tell, I'm healing well.  I'm no longer taking ANY pain medication and just have a little bit of soreness when I get out of bed.  I go back for my follow-up appointment on Wednesday to find out when I can go back to work.  Again, thanks so much for the prayers.

 

Now, on to Songs on Sunday.  This song speaks to me on so many levels.  Are you ready to start Day One of the rest of your life?

 

   

 

Well, I wish I had a short term memory
Wish the only thing my eyes could see
Was the future burning bright right in front of me
But I can't stop looking back

Yeah, I wish I was a perfect picture of
Somebody who's never not good enough
I try to measure up but I mess it up
And I wish I wasn't like that

I wish I wasn't wishing anymore
Wish I could remember that nobody's keeping score
I'm tired of throwing pennies in a well
I gotta do something
Here goes nothin'

It's day one of the rest of my life
It's day one of the best of my life
I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum
Yeah, here I come
The future has begun
Day one

Well, every single day Your grace reminds me
That my best days are not behind me
Wherever my yesterday may find me
Well, I don't have to stay there

See my hourglass is upside down
My someday soon is here and now
The clock is tickin'
And I'm so sick and tired of missing out

It's day one
And here comes the sun

Every morning, every morning
Every morning, mercy's new
Every morning, every morning
Every morning, I will fix my eyes on You
Every morning, every morning
Every morning, mercy's new
Every morning, every morning
Sun's coming up, the beginning has begun

Starting over, I'm starting over
Starting over, I'm starting over, starting now
I'm starting over
Starting over, I'm starting over
Starting over
Starting over, starting now
I'm starting over

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

 

I'm also linking up to Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace and The Weekend Brew.

Weigh-In Wednesday ~ 4/22/15

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Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.

Colossians 3:23

I haven't done a Weigh-In Wednesday post in a long, long time.  I've still been striving/struggling along with my weight.  I joined Planet Fitness over the winter and was going pretty frequently until about February.

Ah... February.  When my bought with doctor's visits and scans and tests all began.

I was getting sick to the stomach a lot and actually vomiting more than was normal.  My mom finally talked me into going to the doctor and they started looking at my gallbladder.  First was an ultrasound to check for gallstones.  None found.

Next was a HIDA Scan to check my gallbladder function.  It was only functioning at 42%.  I was referred to a surgeon to talk about having the gallbladder removed.  It took a few weeks to get the appointment.

In the meantime, I wasn't going to the gym and I was stress eating (when I wasn't sick).I have been walking outside when able but the stress eating really threw me back.

So...here I am.  Recuperating from my surgery that I had on Monday morning and thinking about my plan to get healthy once given the green light.

I think getting back to the gym is key.  I feel so much better when I get a good work-out in and it motivates me to eat healthier also.

Do you have any suggestions that I should add to my plan?

This week's stats:

Miles:  3
Total Miles:  3

lbs lost:  0
Total lost:  17

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

Also linking up to  WholeHearted Wednesday,  The Mommy Club, Works or Me, Wake-Up Wednesday and Wow Me Wednesday and Weigh-In Wednesday and Workout Wednesday.

 

Hodgepodge ~ 5/22/15

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1. Have you ever had to wear a uniform? If yes, tell us more. Did you love it or hate it?
When I volunteered at our local Christian Academy we had to wear a uniform.  It was a School polo with a khaki skirt.  I didn't mind wearing it but it did make getting the laundry done more significant.

 2. April 22nd is Earth Day. What is one thing you do personally to be a good steward of planet Earth?
I try to teach my girls not to litter and and take care and love animals.

3. Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous...your healthy grain of choice? How often are one of the three on your menu at home?  Given a choice between white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and fried rice which would you go for? 

 

I can't say I've ever had any of the three listed.  My choice would be white rice.

 

4. In your opinion, who has the best job ever?

I think this is a relative question.  If you love your job, then you have the best job ever!

 

5. What's a situation in your life currently requiring patience? 

 

Healing from my gallbladder surger.

6.  Do you live your life around days of the week? Explain.

For the  most part, I do.  We have our schedule and that keeps us busy but sane.

7. In a nod to the A to Z challenge happening around town this month, what 'R word' best describes your April? 

 

Recuperating.

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

As I mentioned, I had my gallbladder removed bright and early Monday morning.  The surgery went well and I'm off the heavy drugs.  I'm just using Ibuprofen at this point.  So far, so good :)  I go back to see the surgeon in a week to find out when I will return to work.  Until then, it will be blogging, crocheting and baking something yummy for dinner at my brother's tonight.

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I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave comment and a link!

TAH ~ 1 Week Post-Op

Good afternoon, dearies.

I am now (well, as of yesterday) 1 week post-op from my Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH).  It has been a crazy mixture of time going very slowly and yet very fast that may be due to the very limited amount of activities I can do.

Let's see.  I can sit.  But not for too long!  I can lay down.  But only on my back and again not for too long!  I can walk gently through my house.  But no steps!  I can carry a few dishes to the sink.  But not load the dishwasher! 

So what have I been doing to occupy my time?  I've been reading a bit.  Surprise, surprise.  I've been watching TV and movies.  I've crocheted a bit.  I've napped.  I've stared aimlessly at my bedroom ceiling and walls.  I've dreamed of being able to drive the girls to school and pick them up.  Speaking of dreams, I've had some CRAZY ones!

Actually, it really hasn't been too bad overall.  At least once my bodily functions started functioning once again.  The first couple days were the worst.  I was prepared for that after surviving 2 c-sections.

After the soreness started to abate, the irritation of the staples at my incision started to increase.  Thankfully, I had a follow-up with my GYNO this morning and he removed the staples.  It feels so much better now.  And I should be able to sleep on my side now that the staples won't be pulling!  Yay!

As for my emotions, they've been a bit of a roller coaster.  It mostly depends on my pain level, exhaustion and boredom/loneliness.  My family has been a great support and a great distraction.  Only on rare occasions have they added to the stress.  (We won't discuss this morning getting ready for school.)

So, week one is on the charts.  1 more week until I can start walking more.  2 more weeks until my next incision check.  3 more weeks until I can drive.  5 more weeks until I can exercise, lift objects heavier than 10 pounds, be "intimate" with the hubby, sweep and mop the floor etc.

I was pleasantly surprised that my doctor had already received my pathology reports.  Everything was clear!  What a relief!

Now, I can just let myself heal, recuperate, gain strength and look forward to a full recovery.

Uterlessly yours,
Colletta

P.S.  I wanted to let everyone know about a wonderful site that I've been using as a resource and for support on this journey.  www.hystersisters.com  Check it out :)

TSMSS ~ "The Struggle" by Tenth Avenue North

I've feel like I've been struggling this week.  While surfing around to find a song to feature today this one hit me.  I love Tenth Avenue North but haven't heard this song yet.  The title "The Struggle" is what first caught my eye.

After listenting to the music and lyrics, I can better put my struggles into perspective.  I've been struggling with the earthly chains that our mortal bodies use against us.

But I must remember that Christ set me free and will be with me always.  I have freedom in Him.  I am more than a Conquerer.  (Rom 8:37)

Enjoy! Have a blessed weekend!

I'm Home :) 3 days Post-op

Hello everyone,

I came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

The surgery went well.  Now comes the long drawn-out process of healing.

I have to remind myself that I will get back to normal.  I make a much better care giver than receiver and always feel the need to be productive.

Many thanks so all of you who have been praying for me.  Please continue to do so.

Love,
Colletta

Goodbye, Dear Uterus!

Dear Uterus,

I first "met" you when I was eleven years old.  I vividly remember the night you sent your first message to me.  I was too embarrassed to tell my Mom until the next morning.

For the next 10 years I didn't really appreciate you.  You were a nuisance.  But then, God used you to protect, warm and grow by first baby girl.  Sorry, we had to cut her out of you.  But you bounced back pretty quickly.

For the next 5 years, I awaited your messages with held breaths and careful watching of the days.  If your message was late, I would panic and run to the store to make sure there weren't two pink lines.

Then I started praying for those two pink lines to appear.  After six months of praying, wishing, hoping and sending you happy thoughts, you were once again used to grow another baby girl.  Sorry about having to cut her out of you, too.  You bounced back even quicker that time.  I guess you knew what to expect.

But, it seems like since then, you have been mad at me.  You ignore me for months on-end and then out-stay your welcome.  You cause me endless mess, pain, stress, depression and sleepless nights.  Not to mention the money you have cost me lately.

I am so thankful for the cozy, little home you created for my girls for 18 months.  I will never forget that and will be forever grateful.

But, the time has come to end our acquaintance.  As of 8am tomorrow morning, we will go our separate ways.  It has been a wild ride!

Farewell.

Me

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Dear Precious Readers,

Please keep me in your prayers.

Love,

Colletta