Wondering Wednesday ~ Christmas Season ~ 12/2/2020

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today’s question is – How early do you start celebrating the Christmas Season?

My Answer -  Usually I start celebrating the Christmas Season around Thanksgiving by listening to some Christmas music while we prepare Thanksgiving Dinner.

This year, like so many other people I've seen, we started celebrating the Christmas Season a lot sooner.  We started listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies in the beginning of November.

My husband and I usually "officially" kick-off the Christmas Season with Black Friday shopping.  This year is so different.  We were almost completely done with our shopping before Black Friday even hit.  We did a lot of online shopping this year, too.  It isn't quite the same but it IS exciting to see the delivery truck pull into the driveway!

We're just trying to go with the flow this strange, strange year...

How early do you start celebrating the Christmas Season?

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ Tea Parties ~ 12/1/2020

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

Happy December, Everyone!

Let's discuss tea parties.

1. Do you invite people over for coffee or tea?  

During this crazy time in the world, we haven't been inviting anyone over.  Not a good idea right now... :(

2.  Entertaining is a good way to serve others. The bible encourages it in talking about how to be a good person:

Isaiah 58: "“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?      Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? " 

 Do you entertain often?

We don't entertain, per se, but I do enjoy serving others.

3. What kind of refreshments do you offer to guests?

The normal coffee, tea, or cold drink.  Hopefully, I would have a homemade baked good on hand to offer as well.  I do enjoy having guests.  Hopefully this will be possible soon!

4. Do you enjoy tea and/or coffee? How do you take it?

I do NOT like coffee at all.  I like the smell of coffee brewing but even the slightest hint of coffee flavor and I don't like it.  I do, however, enjoy tea.  Vanilla Chai is my very favorite followed closely by orange pekoe.  I like cream (milk) and sugar in my tea.

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/30/2020

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello, and Happy Monday! 

I've been busy making some new items for my etsy shop which I reopened last week.  I'd love for you to stop by and give THE SHOP some love!

The weather outside is:

It is about 40F and raining today.  Earlier this morning it was pouring but now it is mostly just gray and foggy out.  I don't mind this weather.  In fact, I enjoy all four seasons in their own way.

On today's to-do list: 

I usually go for groceries on Monday but I absolutely HATE getting groceries in the rain so I pushed it back until tomorrow.  I'm working on a "Think Pink Prayer Shawl" for the shop.  I still have my Bible reading to do.

Happening this week:

Well, Laken's school went fully virtual as of today.  I knew it was coming but Laken is NOT thrilled.  She is a people person.  Kaylee is still working overtime especially with the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales going on.  Doug is still off today for Deer Season but goes back to work tonight for 4 days of third shift.  He works off and on in December.  I think he told me he only works 9 days in December and the rest is vacation time!  I love having my family home :)

Currently reading:

I'm currently reading "Mistletoe Kiss" by Andrea Boyd.  I haven't done much reading this week.  I totally failed at the HoHoHo Read-a-thon!  lol

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies (LOTS OF THEM!)

Little Women

Maine Cabin Masters

Listening to:

This week I featured "Truth Be Told" by Matthew West.  I'm so excited to start featuring Christmas Songs next Sunday!

On the menu week:

Monday ~ Ham, Fried Potatoes

Tuesday ~ Turkey and sides

Wednesday ~ Kielbasa, Noodles

Thursday ~  Spaghetti and Garlic Bread

Friday ~ Deer Steak, Cheesy Potatoes

Saturday ~ Pizza

Sunday ~ Church Potluck

In the Craft Basket:

The Think Pink Prayer Shawl is currently in my basket.  I've also made some scrubbies and an all white baby blanket for my shop.

Picture From the Camera:

Laken's Christmas 2020 Ornament

Kaylee's Christmas 2020 Ornament.

Bible Verse/Devotional

"This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria."  Luke 2:2

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Truth Be Told by Matthew West

Here's another new one that I'm loving!

Enjoy :)

Colletta

Etsy Shop Now Open ~ 11/25/2020

I've decided to reopen my Etsy Shop with some items I have on hand and are ready to ship.

~Baby Blankets

~Ponytail Beanies

~ Earwarmer Headbands

~Aprons

~Prayer Shawls

Everything has free shipping!

I hope you can stop by and check it out :)

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Tuesday 4 ~ Flowers ~ 11/24/2020

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

1.  Do you have a favorite flower?  Yes!  My absolute favorite flower is the lilac.  The smell of lilacs on a gentle breeze is my favorite scent in the whole world :)

2.  Do you know your birth flower?  How about your state's flower?  I didn't know the answer to the first question so I did some research.  The birth flower for March is the daffodil.  I thought I knew the Pennsylvania State flower but wanted to verify that is in fact Mountain Laurel :)

3.  Is there a plant that you love having in the house or garden?  I have to go back to my favorite of lilacs.  I also love roses but they come in a close second.

4.  If you could plant a dream garden what would you place in it?  Other than flowers of all types...it would have to have a swing.  I love sitting on my swing to read, crochet or just bask in the fresh air.  I would definitely need a swing.

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/23/2020

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Songs on Sunday ~ Jericho by Andrew Ripp

This song is so catchy!  I dare you not feel it!

Enjoy :)

 

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 11/20/2020

All things bookish!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I Read:

You can read my review HERE!

~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Calling All Couples!
Sign up now. Help us set a record!
On December 10 at 5:00 pm,
we need your help setting a
Guinness World Record
for the most couples
kissing under the mistletoe!

Chase Spencer had been firmly planted in the friend-zone ever since he first met Rachel Anthony back when they were in grade school and it looks like that’s where he’s destined to remain. And her latest scheme is bound to be torture. She wants them to help break the Guinness World Record for the most couples kissing under the mistletoe at one time. How should he handle this? Should the kiss be a chaste, friendly kiss like she envisions? Or should he do it in a way that leaves Rachel without a doubt that he wants to be more than friends?

It had always been Rachel’s dream to break a world record, and who better to do it with than her best friend Chase? And it wasn’t as if they hadn’t kissed before—sixth grade, spin-the-bottle at Iona Puckett’s party—a peck of the lips and it’d be over. Except she missed the part where they had to hold the kiss for ten seconds. And no one warned her of how she would feel afterwards—confused and longing for more. How can she convince Chase to change her status from friend to girlfriend?

First Lines:

"Chase, you have got to see this!"

56%/Page 56

The thought that ten years from now, he and Rae may not be as close depressed him.  Was it really worth the risk?

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

For Janice Michaels, the bane of her career as a music teacher is preparing students for the annual winter holiday program. Christmas has brought nothing but grief and loneliness for the past decade, after she lost her beloved husband to a fatal car accident. Hearing holiday music day after day during the first few months of the school year is like constantly ripping the scab off an unhealed wound.

Determined to keep her husband in her heart, she has kept a fortress around it, allowing only one woman in as a true friend, and avoiding anything more than a passing acquaintance with any man.

Until Timothy Fielding, the maintenance man at the apartment complex where she lives, comes along. He happens to love the Christmas season. When circumstances – and Janice’s best friend, Kayla – draw them together, he struggles to keep his growing feelings for Janice at bay. He has his own secret past that he’s sure would repel any woman, once she found out about it.

But his desire for love and companionship win out, and he does his best to knock down the walls around Janice’s heart. But even when she finally relents and agrees to spend more time with him, she continues to resist opening her heart back up to Christmas.

Because the death of her husband is only the beginning of the tragedy surrounding the day.

In the meantime, Lucille Masterson, the great-grandmother of Janice’s star pupil, makes a shocking discovery that almost causes her to ruin Christmas for her family. Again. But then she realizes that if she would face her fear, she could finally release the burden she’s been carrying for the past ten years. What she doesn’t know is that it would release a horrible burden for the very person she’s afraid to face…

~~~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:

  

~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  Have you ever started reading a book and suddenly realized you've already read it? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A.  YES!  I have!

Actually it has probably happened more than once.  That is one reason I started this blog over 10 years ago.  I needed a way to keep track of books I read and my thoughts about them.  Later, I discovered Goodreads and I keep track there also but this is more fun!

~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,

Colletta

Linking up to: 

   

  

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/19/2020

 

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

~~~~~~~~

~ Mom's Birthday!  Saturday the 14th was my Mom's birthday!  I won't tell you how old she is and I won't put a picture of her as she doesn't like pictures of herself on the "internet".  However, we did celebrate and had a good time.  I am truly blessed to have her as a Mom :)

~It's a GIRL!  I mentioned a few weeks ago that my cousin, Steph, is expecting her third little one.  She found out last Friday that she is indeed having a girl!  That will make 2 boy and 1 girl for her and her hubby.  I'm so excited! :):):)

~The HoHoHo Read-a-Thon!  This read-a-thon is starting today.  There is still time to get into the holiday spirit and join in.  I downloaded at least 5 Christmassy books so be on the lookout for the reviews in the near future :)

~Goodreads 2020 Challenge Complete!  That is pretty self-explanatory but I did it!  I actually finished a challenge!  Granted I set my goal fairly low at 26 books for the year of 2020 but still...not too shabby :)

~Getting back on a schedule!  I'm a schedule kinda girl and faithfully keep my agenda written out and up-to-date.  The past few weeks have been a bit crazy and I had to "adjust" many items on my to-do list.  I'm thankful that this week has gotten back on track and I'm marking items off that list :)

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

Colletta

Wondering Wednesday ~ I'm Thankful For ~ 11/18/2020

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today’s question is – What is something you are thankful for this year?

My Answer - Each Thursday I blog about what I'm thankful for that week.  I find that this helps me always be on the lookout for things to be thankful for.

This year has been a difficult year for so many.  All of us to some degree or another.

Therefore, I am especially thankful for the health of my family and friends.

There have been a few people I know who have gotten COVID.  Both my girls have been tested at some point and thankfully have both been negative.

COVID is just now really starting to hit closer to home and our small town.  We have been very blessed.  I continue to pray that God watches over us all and protects and gives us safety and health.

We have much to be thankful for!

What are you thankful for this year?

Colletta

Christmas Cards 2020 ~ An Invitation

I saw this on facebook and thought it would be nice to extend it to my blogging friends as well :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to restart a tradition. Send me your name and address to collettaskitchensink@yahoo.com and I'll send you a Christmas Card.  Let's bring back Christmas Card sending; good old fashioned paper cards to display like when we were little. 🌲

Come on guys!!! Tis the season!!!! 🌲🎅🏻 🎄

~~~~~~~~~~~

Colletta

Book Review ~ To Con a Gentleman by Sarah Adams

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title:  To Con a Gentleman by Sarah Adams

Series:  Dalton Family Book #1

Pages:  284

Date Published:  November 1, 2019

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services

 Blurb:

He was her target. She was his diversion. Falling in love was never something they wanted.

As a con woman who has spent her entire life fending for herself on the streets of London, Rose Wakefield knows how to scam a gentleman out of his money without ever getting caught. That’s until she knocks on the wrong earl’s door and is faced with Carver Ashburn Earl of Kensworth and not the notorious rake she thinks she is approaching.

Carver is a good man, but even a good man will not pass up an opportunity to escape his grief. What better way to avoid his feelings than to play into a con woman’s ruse and offer to marry her?

Things only grow more complicated when Carver sweeps Rose off to his family estate and circumstances force them both into continuing the ruse. Carver needs to protect his family, and Rose needs to protect herself—and her heart.

With so much set against them, will Rose and Carver have a chance at love and freedom? Or is the possibility of more heartache not worth the risk?

My Thoughts:

With this book, I've completed my Goodreads 2020 Challenge!  I set my goal at a realistic 26 books and am happy that I have met and will surpass that goal.

Now, onto what I thought of "To Con A Gentleman" my very first read by this author, Sarah Adams!

Within the first few chapters, I was actually laughing (quite literally) out loud!  I don't want to give too much away but there is a scene that involves a coach seat that was hilarious!

As always, I love Regency novels, especially romances. I knew as soon as I read the blurb for this book that it was one that I would enjoy.  The premise was unique.  The writing was inviting and captivating.

Carver had just the right amount of angst.  Rose had just the right amount of backbone.  They were perfect for each other.  Once, they moved past the the past and looked to the future.

I wondered how the author would tie in everything in the end and I was especially pleased.  The ending was wonderful :)

I downloaded this book from Kindle Unlimited and am very excited to say that I've already downloaded the next book in the series, "To Catch A Suitor".  I have some Christmassy books to read first for the HoHoHo Read-a-Thon that starts Thursday.  So many books, so little time!

Onto the next book!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/16/2020

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello, and Happy Monday! 

This was a busy, busy weekend so I'm a bit late getting this posted.  Better late than never though!

The weather outside is:

It is around 52F right now.  We have some snow in the forecast for tomorrow!  Yikes!  I haven't heard if it is going to amount to anything so I'm hoping we just get some flurries.  I worry about Kaylee having to drive to and from work in the snow :( 

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.

Happening this week:

Laken is "in school" this week.  Our school district has half the students going one week and the other half the next.  So she has "in school" classes every other week and "virtual" every other week.  I just don't think they are getting the education that they would if they were to have a normal school year.  Most of the school districts in our area have closed down until December 1st due to COVID but our's is hanging on.  I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.  I guess time will tell...

Currently reading:

I'm still reading "To Con a Gentleman" by Sarah Adams.  I'm really enjoying this book but as I said this past week has been really busy.  I'm hoping to be able to finish it up soon and post a review.

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies

Sweet Home Alabama (again)

Maine Cabin Masters

Listening to:

Klove

The Message

The Highway

On the menu week:

Monday ~ Ham and hashbrowns

Tuesday ~ Ladies Meeting (turkey and sides)

Wednesday ~ Salisbury steak and noodles

Thursday ~  Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes

Friday ~ Spaghetti

Saturday ~ Pizza 

Sunday ~ Church Potluck

In the Craft Basket:

I'm working on a Bonnie Barker Celtic Afghan (I forget the exact name of it) for a lady Doug works with.  I've never made an afghan like this and it is challenging me in a good way!  I'm using "I Love This Yarn' in Linen per her request.  It is a paid pattern from Annie's Catalog.  I'm on row 46/149.  It has peaked my interest in crocheting again and I am enjoying the process :)

Picture From the Camera:

Laken is back to putting puzzles together.  We found some more Thomas Kinkade Disney puzzles at Hobby Lobby!  They are her favorites to put together.

Bible Verse/Devotional

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Revolutionary by Josh Wilson

 

This is song is just spot on!

Enjoy :)

Colletta