Thankful Thursday ~ 11/12/2020

 

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

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~ Revival!  We have been blessed this week to have had Revival Services at our Church with Derek Baker and Kirk Hacker.  After the normal "sermon portion" of the evening we then had a "discipleship" class in the social hall where we learned more about how to handle different scenarios we might come across when witnessing to people.  It was quite interesting.  I'm glad that I got to be a part of the experience :)

~Our Veterinarians!  I mentioned last week that we found a kitten under our porch and we named her Dusty.  She had some issues with going to the potty and got a blockage.  Our vet kept her for days working with her.  Dusty got to come home Saturday but Tuesday morning when I woke up I discovered she had passed away during the night.  She was so tiny that her chances were not good for survival.  I am thankful for everything the vet did to help her and also for the discount that was given for their services.  It just wasn't meant to be...

~Our Veterans!  Not to be confused with veterinarians are our Veterans.  Yesterday was Veteran's Day here in the USA.  I am proud to say that my Dad served in the Armed Forces so it is a big deal for us.  Our Church's Youth Group usually has a dinner to celebrate the Veterans, but due to COVID we had to cancel the dinner.  Instead, we sent our local Veterans gift cards for the diner in town.  We wanted to make sure to still show our appreciation.  Thank you to all those who have served and are still serving!  God Bless the USA!

~A Negative!  Laken wasn't feeling well last week so after a few days of her not feeling up to snuff, I called the pediatrician.  She recommended a COVID test.  Sigh.  So we waited for 5 hours at Medexpress for her turn to have the test administered on Friday.  We quarantined while waiting for a call with the results of the test even though she was feeling better.  Thankfully, the call came in Monday around noon that Laken was NEGATIVE for COVID!

~Groceries!  I know this seems like a strange thing to be thankful for, but after quarantining, we were getting to be like Mother Hubbard's Cupboard in the food department.  We still had plenty of food, don't get me wrong.  We were just out of the favorites and go-to's.  We were down to the foods that would take effort to prepare and you would have thought it was the end of the world with "nothing in this house to eat"!  Thankfully, I was able to make a grocery store run and stock back up on the "essentials".  :)

What are you thankful for this week? 

Colletta

Wondering Wednesday ~ Do Your Children Read? ~ 11/11/2020

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

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Today’s question is – Do your children like to read as well?

My Answer - I'm happy to say that my children do like to read!

Kaylee, 19 years old, prefers to read short stories on her phone.  She enjoys the normal for her age:  dystopian, steam punk, etc.  Every spare moment she has, her nose is glued to her phone reading.  It is probably her favorite pastime.

Laken, 13 years old, prefers the good, old fashioned paperback or hardback books.  She loves getting books from the library and was even a library assistant last year.  She would be this year also but COVID...  She enjoys the typical YA books such as those written by Rick Riordan, especially the Percy Jackson series.  She's also a sucker for a good book revolving around animals.

I'm so happy that they love to read!

Do your children like to read?

Colletta

Book Review ~ FORD by Susan May Warren

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Title:  FORD by Susan May Warren

Series:  Montana Marshalls Book #3

Pages:  313

Date Published:  September 3, 2019

Publisher:  SDG Publishing

 Blurb:

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?

And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

My Thoughts:

If you've followed my blog and read my book reviews for very long, you'll know that I love Susan May Warren's writing and stories.

When I saw the remaining 3 books of the Montana Marshalls series on sale for $1.99 each for my Kindle I snagged them up!

FORD was NON-STOP action!  There was barely a minute to take a breath.  There was so much going on between Ford and Scarlett; York and RJ, and then throw in a bit of Coco and Wyatt.  Not to mention all the operatives that were involved.

Dare I say...almost too many obscure characters and "contacts" that at times I was a bit confused as to who was who.  I guess that added to the suspense, because I wasn't sure if they were friend or foe!

Being that the characters of the Marshall family are so intertwined throughout the different novels in the series, I highly recommend having them all on hand to read.  You are going to want to know what happens next!

I'll probably throw in a non-fiction book next but I can't wait to dig into WYATT soon!

Onto the next book!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/9/2020

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday! 

My oldest daughter has informed me that I'm not allowed to buy a new computer until after Christmas.  I have a feeling that might be what she is getting me!  So I'll be making due with the hubby's crappy laptop and my kindle until then.  Bare with me!

The weather outside is:

Last Sunday evening I wrote about how it was snowing here in Pennsylvania.  I am happily reporting that as of 2pm today (Sunday) it is right around 70F!  It is absolutely gorgeous outside.  I spent some time on the porch and it was beautiful :) 

On today's to-do list:

Open enrollment for the hubby's work benefits start Monday.  Everything is changing and I've been researching health care providers and making sure that our doctors are covered in the different plans.  We have to wait until Monday to go into the "portal" and make our selections.  I hate this particular task for some reason...

Happening this week:

Kaylee's open enrollment is also this week so after we make our selections, I need to help her go into her "portal" and do what she needs to do.  We're keeping her on our insurance as we are already paying for the family plan.  Hopefully we will be able to keep her on ours.  I don't know the specific ins and outs of insurance and that is why I hate dealing with it!

On a happier note, Saturday is my Mom's 64th birthday.  We'll be celebrating with my brother and his family.  Mom has decided that she wants baked ham with sides and a spice cake for her birthday cake.  I'm looking forward to celebrating her special day :)

Currently reading:

I'm currently reading "To Con a Gentleman" by Sarah Adams.  I believe this is the first book I've read by this author and so far it is so good!  I've actually laughed out loud!

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies

The Proposal

Sweet Home Alabama

Maine Cabin Masters

Listening to:

Klove

The Message

The Highway

On the menu week:

Monday ~ Fish and Fries

Tuesday ~ Ham, Potatoes and Bowtie Noodles

Wednesday ~ Sausage, Fried Potatoes

Thursday ~  Hot Dogs, Mac and Cheese

Friday ~ Waffles and Eggs

Saturday ~ Ham, Scalloped Pots, Sweet Potatoes, Spice Cake 

Sunday ~ Church Potluck

Picture From the Camera:

Bible Verse/Devotional

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Colossians 3:2

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

HoHoHo Read-a-Thon ~ November 19-30

 

Kimberly at Caffeinated Reviewer is once again hosting the Ho-Ho-Ho Read-a-Thon!

After much deliberation, I decided to join in.  I don't usually do very well with challenges but this seems like one I could get into.

I've already done some searching and downloaded a bunch of Christmas reads on my Kindle.  All for free!!!

 

Here's a look at some of them:

I'm excited to join in the fun and get in the Holiday Spirit!!!

If this sounds like something you'd enjoyed, head over and sign up!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Rise Up (Lazarus) by CAIN ~ 11/8/2020

 

This is a new song that I've been enjoying on The Message (Sirius XM).

I hope you like it :)

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 11/6/2020

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I love Susan May Warren's writing!  The review for "FORD" will be up Tuesday :)

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Family. Home. Work. Church. It’s good, but is it as good as it gets? Find more at the intersection of God’s Word and our obedience to it. 

For many women, life can be full with family needs, home duties, work obligations, and church service. Does it feel like you’re doing everything you should be doing, yet something’s still missing? Does it feel like there should be more?
 
In Yes, No, & Maybe, Proverbs 31 speaker and author Wendy Pope shares how women can find the God of “immeasurably more” at the intersection of the Bible and their obedience to it. Through reading this book, women will

Hear truths from God about what’s missing in their lives, even if they are tough messages
 Learn how to trust God to reveal what’s missing in their lives
Develop the discipline to be close to God and hear His guidance
 
As a Bible study teacher, Wendy will walk women through her own journey and the power that she found through truly studying the Bible. She teaches readers how to say “yes” to God and “no” to self and to embrace the freedom of “maybe” that comes as a result of honing and filtering the commitments and priorities of life. This book is for any woman interested in 

~Finding a meaningful way to study the Bible

~ Letting the Holy Spirit work in their lives
~ Learning to polish parts of themselves to better reflect God 

First Lines:

"What if this is as good as it gets?"

56%/Page 56

As I've grown in my faith, and as I continually study and live out God's Word, I've come to know that He who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it (see Phil. 1:6.  My job is to be faithful to cooperate with Him.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

He’s lost her twice…he’s not going to lose her again...

NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall has everything--fame, money and a thriving career. But he’s hiding the two things that matter most...a career-ending injury, and his broken heart. He’s been in love with Coco Stanley since she walked into his life at age fourteen, a foster child for the Marshall family. She stole his heart years later, when, after a secret tryst, she returned to her home country of Russia. But she won’t let him back into her life—and he can’t figure out why.

She’s harboring a secret that could cost lives...

Coco Stanley is tired of living her life undercover. Or at least, with an assumed name, always pretending to be someone she’s not. And that’s not the only secret she’s harboring. If Wyatt discovers the real reason she left him, it might just destroy him. She’s resigned herself to loving him from afar...

But when he discovers she’s in danger...

Wyatt is horrified when he learns Coco has been shot and left in Russia, her fate unknown. There is nothing—nothing—that will stop him from finding her. So what if he’s not one of his super-heroic brothers, not a Ranger, not a SEAL...Wyatt is a hockey goalie, a special kind of crazy brave. Except, is he brave enough to face the secret Coco is keeping, or will it destroy everything he’s hoped for?

What will it cost them to save her?

What Wyatt and Coco don’t know is that revenge is stalking her and bringing her home just might cost them their long-awaited happy ending.

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Book Haul:

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  Have you ever participated in NaNoWriMo? If yes, how did it go? (submitted by Kristin @ Lukten av Trykksverte)

A.  As I am a READER and NOT a WRITER, I have never participated in NaNoWriMo.  I am familiar with it though and follow a few writers/authors who do participate.  As a rule, I try not set myself up for failure by participating in very many challenges.  The exception would be the yearly Goodreads Challenge.

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Bookishly Yours,

Colletta

Linking up to: 

   

  

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

Thankful Thursday ~ 11/5/2020

 

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

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~ Health!  First and foremost, I'm thankful that me and mine have all stayed healthy during these crazy times.  I pray everyday over my family for safety and health.  How has your family fared?

~A Baby!  My cousin, Steph, told us recently that they will be blessed with a surprise addition to their family on (or about) April 5, 2021.  She already has 2 boys ages 8 and 3, so I'm secretly hoping for a little girl!  I see so many cute baby girl clothes and I'm ready to start spoiling :)

~November!  Personally, I love turning to a new page on the calendar.  Not only is it a new month, it is NOVEMBER!  How did this year fly by so fast yet drag on so slowly at the same time.  I can't believe that it is time to start planning the Holidays.  But, we did get some snow flurries in the beginning of the week so I guess I can start getting in the Thanksgiving/Christmas spirit :)

~Dusty!  We found a little baby kitten under our front porch.  We have outside cats but none of them are the mother so we can only assume that either someone dropped it off at our house or one of our cats "stole" it from somewhere and brought it home!  It is a little gray fluff ball and looks so much like a dust bunny that we named it "Dusty".  We took it to the vet for a look-over last Friday.  She said that Dusty is probably only about 4 weeks old.  We have her in a box in the Family Room and are feeding it milk replacer, soft food and the medicine given to us at by the vet.  So far, so good :)

~A New Kindle 10!  I mentioned the other day that my laptop died.  I debated getting and ipad but they are SO expensive.  Instead, I got a new, larger Kindle.  I still would like to get a new computer tower to go with my old equipment (montior, keyboard, etc.) so that I can blog easier.  Right now I'm using the hubby's laptop but it acts up quite frequently and annoys me to no end!  I've already put in my request for Christmas :)

What are you thankful for this week? 

Colletta

Wondering Wednesday ~ Non-Fiction November ~ 11/4/2020

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

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Today’s questions is – Are you participating in Non-Fiction November?

My Answer - Non-Fiction November is when for the month of November you concentrate on reading Non-Fiction.

Every once in awhile I will read a non-fiction book.  Usually when I'm in a fiction reading slump.  I find that a good non-fiction book will kick start my reading mojo.

However, a whole month of non-fiction doesn't really appeal to me.

So, I might read maybe one or two non-fictions this month but generally I read fiction.  Who knows, I might surprise myself!

Are participating in Non-Fiction November?

Colletta

Book Review ~ Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens

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Title:  Fast, Feast, Repeat by Gin Stephens

Series:  N/A

Pages:  224

Date Published:  June 2, 2020

Publisher:  St. Martins Griffin

 Blurb:

Change when you eat and change your body, your health, and your life!

Diets don’t work. You know you know that, and yet you continue to try them, because what else can you do? You can Fast. Feast. Repeat. After losing over eighty pounds and keeping every one of them off, Gin Stephens started a vibrant, successful online community with hundreds of thousands of members from around the world who have learned the magic of a Delay, Don’t Deny® intermittent fasting lifestyle.

Fast. Feast. Repeat. has it all! You’ll learn how to work a variety of intermittent fasting approaches into your life, no matter what your circumstances or schedule. Once you’ve ignited your fat-burning superpower, you’ll get rid of “diet brain” forever, tweak your protocol until it’s second nature, and learn why IF is a lifestyle, not a diet.

Fast. Feast. Repeat. is for everyone! Beginners will utilize the 28-Day FAST Start. Experienced intermittent fasters will strengthen their intermittent fasting practice, work on their mindset, and read about the latest research out of top universities supporting intermittent fasting as the health plan with a side effect of weight loss. Still have questions? Gin has you covered! All of the most frequently asked intermittent fasting questions are answered in the exhaustive FAQ section.

My Thoughts:

I've been "dabbling" with Intermittent Fasting ("IF")for the past 10 weeks with some success.  It wasn't quite the success that I was hoping for so I finally decided to read the much recommended "Fast. Feast. Repeat".

A lot of the basic concepts weren't new to me as I had learned quite a lot from a few KU books and also from a great facebook group that I belong to.

I loved reading about all the scientific studies that the author used to back her research.  Until I didn't...

I must confess to skimming over quite a few references to control groups, rats and hormones.  I get that these are all very relative to the science behind IF, however, it grew a bit boring after a while.

Having said all that, I did learn tons about IF and think I know where I've been going "wrong" (or maybe just not "right").  At the end of it all comes a great big dose of COMMITTMENT.

IF, whether 16:8, 18:6, 20:4 or any of the many variations therein, is something that you have to do whole-heartedly. 

I definitely recommend reading this book if you are interested in IF.  There are a ton of helpful tips and tricks and of course the very thorough basic concepts of IF.  There is also a 28 day "get started" plan that would be very helpful if you are just getting started IF.

The FAQ in the back of the book are also very informative and I'll be referring to them for some time to come.

Let me know if this book or IF sounds interesting to you.  If you've tried IF, I'd be really interested in your results and experience.  Please leave me a comment!

Onto the next book!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/2/2020

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday! 

It has been quite a while since I participated in a Happy Homemaker Monday.  In fact, I took a VERY long summer/fall break.  I mentioned in a "Just Checking In" post a few days ago that my laptop died.  I thought I could go without and just give up blogging but, as you may know, I always seem to come back to this creative outlet.  So, I borrowed the hubby's laptop and sat down to write a bit.

The weather outside is:

As I'm typing this on Sunday evening it is blowing SNOW!!!!  I can't even imagine that it is time for snow...  I just can't.  

On today's to-do list:

My Monday is shaping up to be fairly busy.  Laken has actual school this week so no sleeping in for us.  I need to weigh in for my notebook tracker that I set up for myself.  Then I need to go for groceries.  After that I have my normal everyday tasks to complete.

Happening tHis week:

It is hard to type on my kindle and the hubby's computer no longer wants to connect to the internet.  Let's just say that I will be doing tons of laundry and bedding.

Currently reading:

I'm reading "Ford" by Susan May Warren.  

On the TV:

The Meg

Rampage

Hallmark Movies

There really isn't much else on TV right now.

Listening to:

Klove

The Message

The Highway

On the menu week:

I haven't had a chance to make a menu for the week yet.  I must do that before getting groceries.

Monday ~ 

Tuesday ~ 

Wednesday ~ 

Thursday ~

Friday ~ 

Saturday ~ 

Sunday ~ Church Potluck

Picture From the Camera:

Bible Verse/Devotional

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Into the Sea by Tasha Layton

 

I am absolutely LOVING this song!

I could listen to it over and over and over :)  I hope you enjoy!

   

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 10/30/2020

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I enjoyed learning more about this interesting concept.

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?

And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

First Lines:

If Ford didn't get his head in the game, they were doomed.

People were going to die.

56%/Page 56

Scarlett's hand tightened on his, and he looked down, saw her reaching for the door handle.  He frowned, gave a shake of his head.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

He’s lost her twice…he’s not going to lose her again...

NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall has everything--fame, money and a thriving career. But he’s hiding the two things that matter most...a career-ending injury, and his broken heart. He’s been in love with Coco Stanley since she walked into his life at age fourteen, a foster child for the Marshall family. She stole his heart years later, when, after a secret tryst, she returned to her home country of Russia. But she won’t let him back into her life—and he can’t figure out why.

She’s harboring a secret that could cost lives...

Coco Stanley is tired of living her life undercover. Or at least, with an assumed name, always pretending to be someone she’s not. And that’s not the only secret she’s harboring. If Wyatt discovers the real reason she left him, it might just destroy him. She’s resigned herself to loving him from afar...

But when he discovers she’s in danger...

Wyatt is horrified when he learns Coco has been shot and left in Russia, her fate unknown. There is nothing—nothing—that will stop him from finding her. So what if he’s not one of his super-heroic brothers, not a Ranger, not a SEAL...Wyatt is a hockey goalie, a special kind of crazy brave. Except, is he brave enough to face the secret Coco is keeping, or will it destroy everything he’s hoped for?

What will it cost them to save her?

What Wyatt and Coco don’t know is that revenge is stalking her and bringing her home just might cost them their long-awaited happy ending.

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Book Haul:

This week I purchased the above 3 books for my kindle.  I also got Ruby Jane the final book of the "Montana Marshalls" Series.  I only paid $1.99 each for the 3 Susan May Warren novels.  I thought this quite the bargain as she's one of my very favorite and must read authors.

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  What is your favorite candy to snack on while reading? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A.  As you can see by my latest read, I'm trying really hard to get "healthier".  I'm trying not to snack at all :(  However, if I could snack on a candy without adverse effects while reading it would have to be M&M's.  Any type but especially Peanut Butter M&M's.  Yummy!

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Bookishly Yours,

Colletta

Linking up to: 

   

  

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