Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 1/2/2023

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, as well!

I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed 2023 :)

The weather outside is:

The past few days the weather has been heavenly and springlike.  I didn't even wear my jacket home from Church on Sunday.   I know it won't last though...

On today's to-do list: 

~Organize my craft area

~Write a letter to my PenPal who lives in Sweden

~Enjoy our last day of the holidays

Happening this week:

I'm off work Monday for the New Year holiday.  The hubby and Laken are off as well.  Tuesday we're all back to work and school so I really want to enjoy what is left of the holiday season.

We're probably going to take the Christmas decorations down.  We always get a real Christmas tree and it is starting to look sad and droopy.  Time to come down.

Currently reading:

One of my "plans" for 2023 is to read at least 15 minutes a day.  I decided to start my reading year off with "Mind Games" by Nancy Mehl.

Watching:

We watched Nashville's NYE celebration.  I'm excited that Hallmark will be starting their new movies!

Listening to:

I'm going to be participating in the weekly linkup called "Saturday 9" which focuses on a different song each week and has questions to go along with the theme of the song.  This week was "The Last Song" by Edward Bear.  I had never heard the song before.  Had you?

On the menu today:

Leftovers from New Year's Dinner.

In the Craft Basket:

I'm also planning on stitching at least 15 minutes per day.  So far, this week I've been working on Sunny Blue Hawaii 2 again.  I need something bright to work on during these winter days.

Picture from the Camera

Before picture of my sewing/craft area.  Hoping it will look completely different by the end of the day!

Bible Verse

 ^{"I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun!  Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.}"

Isaiah 43:19 NLT

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

15 Minutes to Stitch ~ 1/1/2023 ~Before Pictures!

 

One of my "plans" for 2023 is to spend 15 minutes a day stitching.  That might entail sewing, quilting, crocheting anything else I might come up with.  I'll be joining in with Kate @ Life in Pieces.

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I decided for this first week of 2023 that it would probably be a good idea to actually spend some time organizing my crafting area and see just what projects I have on the go (aka WIPS).  I have Monday, January 2nd, off work for the New Year holiday, so I'm hoping to make this my main priority for the day.

I thought it might be fun to show some BEFORE pictures of my area. Now, keep in mind that I haven't hardly touched  this area in the past 5 months or so except to pile stuff up!  Be gentle!

For the actual 15 minutes of stitching this week, I'm going to be working on Sunny Blue Hawaii 2.  Before this weekend, I haven't even touched it since early summer.  The yellow and teal colors will help perk up these dark, dreary days of winter.  You can go HERE to see my last post about Sunny Blue Hawaii 2.

Next week I hope to show you a nicely organized area, have a list of my current WIPS and show you progress that I've made on my stitching.

What are you stitching this week?

Colletta

Saturday 9 ~ The Last Song by Edward Bear ~ 12/31/2022

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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The Last Song (1972)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, the lead singer admits he leaves the light on when he goes to sleep. Do you leave any lights on in your bedroom? Or do you prefer it completely dark?

I don't leave any lights on in my bedroom but I leave a small light on in the Family Room which is right outside my bedroom.  I like to leave my bedroom door cracked open so just enough light comes in without it being too bright.

 

2) He sings that he can't stop wondering where his old girlfriend is. Do you know whatever happened to any of your exes?

Umm...not something I keep track of!

3) He says this is the last song he'll ever sing to his girl. What's the last song you sang? Where were you when you sang it?

 

I was alone in the office Friday so I put on some music.  I found myself singing along a few times (very quietly) but I don't remember what songs in particular.

4) Edward Bear was a Canadian group who took their name from Winnie the Pooh. As written by A. A. Milne, Edward Bear was Pooh's "proper" name. Pooh's favorite food was honey. Is there a food you can't get enough of?

 

Chocolate.  Particularly chocolate with peanut butter.  As in Reese Cups!

5) In 1972, when this song was popular, Disney's Winnie the Pooh was quite a celebrity in his own right, appearing on the cover the 1972 Sears Christmas Wish Book. That year, kids asked Santa for plush Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore. Did you have many plush toys as a child? If yes, do you still have any of them?

I don't remember having many plush toys.  I had Barbie Dolls and such.  I did have a Rainbow Bright doll that had a plush body so I guess that counts.  I might have had many more that I just don't remember.  I'll have to ask my Mom.  I do not still have any of them.

6) Enough about 1972! Let's look back on 2022. What's something you learned or rediscovered in 2022?

I rediscovered working outside the home.  My first attempt was at a call center where I had to learn all about the product they were selling.  That lasted 3.5 months.  Now I'm working at a job I love and am learning all about Human Resources.

7) Can you think of a moment in 2022 you'd like to do over?

I'd like to do over 30 minutes of every day in 2022.  In that 30 minutes, I would have exercised and been further along in the health journey process that I'm once again embarking on.

8) What are you looking forward to most in 2023?

Going on a family vacation.

9) Random question: Who received the last email you sent? 

 

It would have been a work email.  I can't really think off hand who it would have been to.

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

Colletta 

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 12/30/2022

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I didn't write a proper review for "Joy to the World" but I do want to mention that I actually finished a book!  A very small book, but a book none-the-less!

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed.

First Lines:

"He stood in the middle of his secret room, staring at walls covered with old newspaper clippings."

56%/Page 56

"Noah stopped in front of the museum, not wanting to get in the way of law enforcement officers or crime-scene techs."

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

How easily can an open heart unlock the door to happily-ever-after?

When Miss Quinn Cooper arrives in Emerson Pass, Colorado, her entire life is packed into one small suitcase. Her widowed mother and baby sister are depending upon her for their survival back home in Boston. And the self-appointed mayor of the rugged mountain community is counting on Miss Cooper to prove herself a fitful teacher for the young and old alike.

Lord Alexander Barnes is determined to bring a bit of English civility to the wild terrain of Emerson Pass. Using his own resources, the widower and father of five builds a schoolhouse and recruits a young teacher from the east to provide an education for both the adults and the children in his rapidly growing mining town. But when the lovely, and much younger than anticipated, Miss Cooper arrives to town, Lord Barnes finds himself providing more than just employment when the boarding house proves to be an unsafe accommodation for the school mistress.

As Miss Cooper takes a room in the Barnes' home, the five Barnes children are delighted. They are sure Miss Cooper is the perfect woman for their lonely father. But when a friend of the Englishman turns up dead, the hope for progress in the untamed town seems immediately lost. Can Miss Cooper and Lord Barnes bring change to the closed-minded locals? And will their endeavor open their hearts to something more?

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Book Haul:

 None this week.

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  In 2022, how many books did you read? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. A measly 16 books is all that I read this year.  I had grand plans of reading at least 1 book per week.  Yeah, that didn't happen...

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Tea Time ~ 12/29/2022 ~ Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023

 

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 don't think I wished my readers a proper "Merry Christmas"!  So, "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!  We had a very nice, long Christmas weekend.  I'm still waiting on a few presents to be delivered so Christmas has been extended :)

~The Hubby and Laken were both off work/school all week.  The hubby met me for lunch today after he dropped Laken off at a friend's house for a sleep over.  I only have 30 minutes for lunch but it was nice to get to see him and break up the day a bit.

~The hubby has also been busy organizing the Family Room this week.  Every day I come home to a few changes and improvements.  I still need to organize my crafting area though.  It is off-limits to him.  Hopefully, I'll get to work on it over this coming long weekend.

~I wrote a 2023 Planning post yesterday.  If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.

~I always get very excited for the New Year!  We don't have any set plans for New Year's Eve yet and, truthfully, I'd just as well stay home and relax.  Do you have plans?  What about traditions?

So, what's new with you?

 

Colletta

Weekly Weigh-In ~ 12/29/2022 ~ Baseline Week #0

Here I go again!  I'm back with health, fitness and weight goals!

If you've followed my blog for long, you've heard it all before so I won't bore you.  At least not today :)

Needless to say, I'm "starting" once again.  I decided to do a baseline weigh-in on Monday.  Yes, the day after Christmas is when I decided it would be a good time to kick start my "Journey".

My plan is to do my actual weigh-in on Monday mornings and then post my results each Wednesday.

With no further a-do, here's my baseline:

Weigh in #0:

Highest Weight ~ 300.0 lbs

This Week's Weight ~ 12/26/2022 ~ 287.8 lbs.

This Week's Total:   -----

Grand Total: -12.2 lbs

Please let me know in the comments if you are on your own weight loss journey!  I'd love to follow along :)

 
Colletta

#2023 Planning Party ~ 2023 Goals and Dreams

I love planning, parties and a new year, so when I saw Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl was hosting a #2023 Planning Party I couldn't resist joining in!

I started working outside the home in August and feel like my life has been a blur since.  Now that I'm getting settled in my new job, I feel like I can set some goals for 2023.  In no particular order, here they are:

1.  Daily Devotional Time ~ This year I'm going to be reading a devotional along with my Mom and my Aunt Donna.  One evening each week, we get together to discuss what we've read and go over any notes we may have taken. We're going to be using "A Little God Time for Women" as a guide for 2023.  My plan is to stay current and up-to-date to the very best of my ability!  I already have a notebook picked out for my notes and am excited to get started on January 1st!

2.  Every year I make plans to  exercise and lose weight.  In 2023, I'd really like to be intentional about making this plan a reality.  I'm going to try to post my weekly results and stats here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink.  If anyone would like to join along, I'd love some accountability partner(s)!

3.  Speaking of blog posts, my next plan is to get back on a blogging schedule.  The second half of 2022 has been really HIT and MISS with my blog.  I'm currently working on a schedule so if there's anything you'd like to see, let me know!

4.  Kate's 15 minutes to Stitch 2023 is the PERFECT inspiration to get back into creating! I enjoy crocheting, sewing, quilting (especially hand-quilting) and have so many projects started.  I'm not going to list them here but I'd like to get the majority of my WIPS finished in 2023.  (I really have no idea how many there are so maybe I should set a goal to organize my projects!)

5.  I only read 16 books in 2022.  To some that might seem like a lot but there were years long ago when I would read at least 3 books per week and wanted to devour even more!  As my spare time has dwindled, I've gotten more selective in my reading.  Maybe I need to branch out.  I don't know what I'll be reading but my plan is to read at least 12 books in 2023.  I'll start with a low number and up it if and when I would read more than that.  I think I'll borrow the 15 minute habit and try to read at least 15 minutes a day.

6.  We've got some milestone birthdays coming up in 2023!  Laken will be turning 16 on 2/2; I'll be turning 45 (yikes) on 3/24 and the Hubby will be turning 55!!!!! on 6/9.  I'm not sure of exact plans (better get a move on Laken's bday plans) but we're going to CELEBRATE!

I think that is it for now!  Those are the main plans, anyway.  I look forward to reading some of the other party participants' plans and maybe adding a few more to my list as I get motivated :)

Thanks for hosting, Yvonne!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/26/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

I'm feeling much better than I was a week ago.  By last Thursday, I was miserable and was grateful to be able to schedule an appointment with my doctor.  I'm still on antibiotics for a sinus infection but I am much improved.

We had a very Merry Christmas and I hope you did as well!

 Now, on to Happy Homemaker Monday:

The weather outside is:

This is looking like a heat wave!  The lowest we had this past week was -6F.  Friday is looking heavenly!

On today's to-do list: 

~Go to Kohl's to spend Kohl's Cash before it expires.  (done)

~Exercise (time to get back at it!)

~Devotions (done)

~Organize the Family Room

Happening this week:

I'm off of work today but go back Tuesday through Friday. Then I'm off again on Monday for New Year's holiday.

The hubby and Laken are both off all week long.  Some items better be check off the to-do list! :)

We'll most likely get our traditional shrimp for New Year's Eve and then Pork and Sauerkraut for New Year's Day dinner.  What are your traditions to kick the new year off right?

Currently reading:

I'm so excited to say that I finished reading "Joy to the World" on Christmas Day!  It has to be the tiniest little book I've ever read but it is a finish none-the-less!

I'm looking for a "First Book of the Year" book to read.  I'd appreciate any suggestions.  I need a book that will really grab my attention as I've been in a MAJOR reading slump.  I used to devour books and now I can't even get into one enough to make it past the first few chapters.  :(

Watching:

I'm officially DONE with Hallmark Christmas movies!  I had a good run there for a while but I'm ready for something a bit different.

We watched Top Gun Maverick, Princess and the Frog and Frozen 2 yesterday.  It was a nice relaxing afternoon/evening.

Listening to:

I'm done with Christmas music too!  I love to listen to KLOVE, The Message and The Highway.

On the menu today:

Leftovers from Christmas Dinner

In the Craft Basket:

I'm still (slowly) working on the sweater I'm making for myself.  I haven't picked it up this week though.  Maybe I'll work on it this evening while watching TV.

Picture from the Camera

The hubby and Laken being silly will decorating Christmas Cookies :)

Bible Verse

 ^"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Tuesday??? ~ 12/20/2022

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Tuesday!

Well, technically it still feels like Monday as it is the middle of the night.  I'm not feeling the best and can't sleep.  I'm praying it is just a cold.  People still get colds, right?

Anyway, I thought I'd hop on the blog and post an update.

I'm loving my new job in Human Resources.  I hate to miss work tomorrow (today?) but I think I'm going to have to call off.  I don't want someone else getting sick from me just before Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, that special day is just around the corner.  The day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Are you ready?  I still have some preparations like wrapping gifts and making cookies. I'm trying not to stress this year.  "Trying" is the operative word!

 Now, on to Happy Homemaker Monday:

The weather outside is:

The lats time I wrote a Happy Homemaker post, we were having 80F weather.  Not so much anymore!

On today's to-do list: 

Rest.  Get better.

Happening this week:

Christmas Eve and Christmas!  Christmas Eve we'll be going to my brother's house for dinner and to exchange gifts.  It has become out tradition the past 5-6 years.  Christmas Day is on Sunday so we'll have to get up super early to open presents before heading to Church.

It is supposed to be very cold on Christmas Day but it does look like it will be White Christmas!  (my favvorite movie!)

Currently reading:

In my quest this year to keep Christ the center of Christmas, I got this little Christmas Advent Devotional off of Christanbook.com for $1.29.  When I finish it on December 25th, it will be the only book I've finished in the last 6 months or so.  I just haven't taken the time to read, which makes me sad...

Watching:

Still watching Hallmark Christmas movies but I have slacked off a bit.  :)

Listening to:

Christmas Music!!!!

On the menu today:

Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Peaches

In the Craft Basket:

I decided not to make any Christmas gifts for other people this year.  Too stressful.  The deadline and worrying if they will like it.  Instead I've been working on my first ever sweater!  For me!  I'll show pictures if I ever get it done :)

Picture from the Camera

Not sure if this is true or not but I did get it from a reliable source.  (Facebook!  lol :)

Memory Verse

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  Luke 2:1

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Tea Time ~ 12/15/2022 (Long Time No Tea!)

 

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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~It has been six months since I've written a "Tea Time" post! June 2, 2022 was the last time I chatted and caught up.  I have written a "Homemaker Monday" post here and there but I just really wanted to tell you about all the things going on lately.  

~The reason I haven't been blogging lately is due to the fact that I was job hunting, then working, then job hunting again and now working!  I started a job on August 8th that I quickly knew wasn't for me.  I tried to stick it out to see if it would get better but after 3 months, I called it quits (quite literally!)  I had already started applying for other jobs and knew I just couldn't job hunt and work a full-time job at the same time.  Thankfully, the first job I interviewed for called me and offered me the job!  I'm now the Administrative Assistant in Human Resources of my County and am LOVING it!  I've been there for a little over a month and it is going really well :)

~The Family is doing well.  We've had our share of bouts of the sicknesses going around but right now (knock on wood) we're all fairly healthy.  The hubby has 6 more days of work this year.  Laken has 5 more days of school this year.

~We're supposed to get "Snow Event" tonight (Wednesday) into tomorrow (Thursday).  It is supposed to start as ice and then turn to snow with an estimated accumulation of 3-5 inches.  I already got the call that Laken's school is closed tomorrow.  My boss told me not to take any risks trying to come in to work if the roads aren't fit to drive on.  I'll wait and see what things are like in the morning before making any decisions.  I am worried about the hubby driving home from night shift in the morning, though.  Kaylee is also supposed to work Thursday so I'm now sure what she'll do if the roads are icy :(

~Instead of Christmas caroling like our Church usually does in December we decided to enter a float in our town's Christmas parade and carol from the decorated wagon!  We go together early this past Saturday afternoon for pizza and to decorate the hay wagon.  It was cold but we bundled up and had a ball!  We had some of the carolers walking along the wagon to hand out candy bars.  Three of the candy bars had "Golden Tickets" inside the wrapper and were worth $25 gift cards.  It was so much fun!  I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next Christmas season.

~Speaking of Christmas, it is just around the corner and I'm no where near ready in the gift department!  I ordered lots of presents this year and am now (im)patiently awaiting their arrival.  As soon as they come I'll have lots of wrapping to do :)

It was wonderful catching up with you!  So, how was your week, month, 6 months?  What's new with you?

 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/7/202

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday!

It has been almost exactly 2 months since I've updated the blog.  Time flies when you are having (or NOT having) fun!  Somehow, my goal to post at least one time a week went by the wayside along with most of my other Fall 2022 Goals.

I've been in "survival mode" which does not suit me well.  Which brings me to some news...  Last Wednesday, I quit my day job!  I gave it a good go of 3 months but now I'm looking for something else.  I want a job that makes me feel like I'm helping people.  I'm hoping to find something else soon because losing a paycheck right before Christmas probably wasn't an ideal decision.

I've had two interviews already and have another one on Wednesday morning.  I've also put in my resume at a bunch of other places.  So, I'm hopeful.  I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers :)  

 Now, on to Happy Homemaker Monday:

The weather outside is:

The weather this weekend was definitely crazy with temperatures in the 80F's.  I'm actually looking forward to the cool down that is expected over the next couple days.  It will feel more seasonable, that's for sure!

On today's to-do list: 

Today I had to go into the office one last time to turn in my laptop.  So, I'm officially done with that job.

I also did some housework and folded the laundry that was washed and dried over the weekend.

Happening this week:

Tomorrow evening we're having our Ladies' Class Thanksgiving Dinner.  I'm making rolls so I have to get them ready to start rising (raising? I can never remember which is proper).

Wednesday morning, I have an interview and need to also go to the post office to send a letter to my NEW PENPAL in SWEDEN!!!  I'm so excited about this !  lol

Laken is off school on Friday in honor of Veteran's Day.  The hubby has 2 weeks of work left and then he's on vacation on and off for the rest of the year.

Currently reading:

I want to start reading again.  I really do but something else always gets in the way.  My "plan" is to start and read "The Christmas Dress" by Courtney Cole before Christmas.

Watching:

It is so funny because the past few years I haven't been able to watch ANY Hallmark Christmas movies.  They were all the same.  This year, however, I can't get enough!  Every evening I've been watching at least one movie.  In fact, one is on in the background right now.

Listening to:

Mostly KLOVE and The Message with a bit of The Highway thrown in for variety.

On the menu today:

BBQ Pork, Buttered Potatoes, Broccoli, Pears

In the Craft Basket:

I've been working on a crochet shawl for a Christmas present

Picture from the Camera

Look at those pearly whites.

Memory Verse

"Let all that you do be done in love."

1 Corinthians 16:14

Have a great Monday!

Colletta