Colletta's Kitchen Sink

Book Review ~ Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn ~ 5 STAR!!! ~ 9/4/2025

2025-09-04T20:10:00.002-04:00

Title: "Tea with Elephants" by Robin Jones Gunn

Series: Suitcase Sisters Novel Book #1

Format: Paperback

Pages: 304

Date Published: October 15, 2024

Publisher: Revell

Stars: *****

Book Description:

Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young.

Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.

Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.

The Logistics:

I read and LOVED the "Sisterchick" series by Robin Jones Gunn so I knew I would absolutely HAVE to read the first "Suitcase Sisters Novel".

I recently got a library card and was so excited to see "Tea with Elephants" was available through the library network. I instantly got myself on the wait-list and and it was only a short time before I got the email/text that the book was able to be picked up!

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

Robin Jones Gunn NEVER disappoints! The descriptions and atmosphere that were created were amazing. I love that point in reading a book where the pages disappear and the story becomes a movie in my head. From the tea fields to the treetops, this book was so well done!

Main Characters:

Fern Espinoza: The book is written in the first-person from Fern's point-of-view. She is a thirty-something woman at a crossroads in her life. Fern is in the book publishing industry and loves to write love letters to Jesus in her journal.

Lily Graden: Lily is Fern's bestie, an event planner, a wife and a mother of two teenage boys. She's also facing a time of possible upheaval.

One of My Favorite Scene(s):

The entire book was full of favorite scenes for me. I took longer to read it than I thought it would because I wanted to savor each and every chapter.

If I had to pick, I'd pick the scenes with Wanja, Fern and Lily's tour guide. She was the one who dubbed them the "Suitcase Sisters" and was just such a character. The book wouldn't have been the same without her.

I also loved Fern and Lily's deep conversations where they hashed out their trials and troubles. They really were the best of friends and the way they respected each other and talked to and about one another was so heartwarming and made me wish I had a best friend like that in my life.

A Brief Excerpt:

"Looking up from my chair on the balcony, I put down my pen and surveyed the immense view once again. I could see for miles across the vast plain and spotted several giraffes and lots of zebras. Page 179

The Cover:

I wasn't totally in love with the cover until I read the scene that it portrays. At that point, the cover all came together for me right down to the scarves that Fern and Lily are wearing.

Other Notes:

~As noted above, this is the first book in the "Suitcase Sisters". The second book, "Gelato at the Villa" has already been released and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

~I loved how each chapter started with a quote!

~I also want to give a heads up that there are a few scenes that could be a bit disturbing to some due to the graphic nature of wild animals. I've seen some reviewers take issue with this, but being a country girl, it didn't bother me to that extent. The circle of life and all that, you know :)

Rating

5/5

Onto the next book :)

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #3 ~ A Milestone ~ 9/2/2025

2025-09-02T18:34:00.002-04:00

I haven't updated you on my Mounjaro Journey for a while but I didn't want today to pass by without updating about a milestone I hit this morning!

My starting weight on my PCP's scale was 304.8 lbs. As of this morning at about 6am, I have lost a total of 25.0 lbs exactly! That means I also broke into a new "decade" at 279.8 lbs.

I've been fluctuating for days between 280.0 and 281.0. I was so excited when the scale finally tipped into this double milestone today!

Also, I went shopping for jeans on Saturday and had to go down a size in my jeans AND my shirt size. I was so happy!

For those that are interested in the Mounjaro details, I started my Mounjaro Journey on 6/13/2025. I had my fourth 5.0 jab on Friday, 8/29/2025. This Friday I'll be going up to a 7.5 pen.

I go back to my PCP on September 22nd and would LOVE to have lost 30 lbs by my 3 month checkup. Wish me luck!

Let me know if you're on a journey of your own. I'd love to know all about it!

Until the next update...

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 8/24/2025

2025-08-24T18:19:00.000-04:00

Scripture Memory Verse

"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

Psalm 116:1-2

Prayer Requests

~Please keep my brother, Danny, in your prayers! He has to have some tests done. I'll post more details when we know more about what we're dealing with.

~My Teacher's Assistant orientation is Monday morning at 8am. I'm nervous and excited at the same time! Prayers that I do well and find my niche in this position.

~My Bible study time. I haven't been able to focus very well the last few weeks and that makes it hard for me to sit down and actually study. I'm hoping to once again work on a routine now that I'll be getting back on a schedule.

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Megan Woods. So beautiful! Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Working Woman Wednesday ~ Changes ~ 8/20/2025

2025-08-19T22:31:00.000-04:00

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

Life changes are happening around here! Again!

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

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

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

~~~~~

Last Weekend:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week's Notables:

~New hire paperwork with Head Start Program

~The Steelers have a preseason game on Thursday night

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

~Sunday afternoon is a Church Picnic.

In the Kitchen:

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

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

In the Craft Basket:

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

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

Currently reading:

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

On the TV:

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

Picture(s) from the Camera

Weekend Plans:

~Damon's football scrimmage

~Clean

~Laundry

~Church Picnic

I hope you're having a great week!

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 8/17/2025

2025-08-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

Scripture Memory Verse

"Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing."

Psalm 100:2

Prayer Requests

~Many thanks for the prayers for my Dad before, during and after his aortic valve replacement! He is doing well and perhaps "milking it" a bit according to my Mom. They couldn't schedule him for Cardiac Rehab until September 11th so we'll know more about his physical capabilities then, but so far so good!

~Laken moved into her dorm room on Thursday... It has been such an emotionally draining week. First there was shopping and packing to be done. Then the actual move-in day. All went well and I held it together until the hubby and I were on the way home. Friday, I was very weepy all day. I gave myself that day to be sad and now I have to get myself busy learning my "new life".

~My Bible study time. I haven't been able to focus very well the last few weeks and that makes it hard for me to sit down and actually study. I'm hoping to once again work on a routine.

~My new job! I applied and interviewed for a position as a Teacher's Assistant with Head Start and they called me the very next day to offer me the job! I'm hoping that working with littles will fill me with a sense of purpose for this new season of life.

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

This is a new song by Lauren Daigle. So beautiful! Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/27/2025

2025-07-26T20:18:00.001-04:00

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

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #2 ~ My First Stall?? ~ 7/25/2025

2025-07-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

Well, I knew it would come eventually...My first stall.

If you can call one week of not losing weight a stall. It was actually a gain but a very SMALL gain of 0.2 lbs for this week.

I have consistently lost weight each of the first 5 weeks I've been on Mounjaro 2.5. I can feel that the 2.5 hasn't been working as well to curb my hunger and food noise though. I've been having to fight off cravings and getting hungry before bed and I can definitely tell in the mornings that it is time for breakfast.

I talked to my PCP and she said that as long as I'm feeling good (side effect wise) on the 2.5 that it would be best for me to go up to 5.0. She sent in my next script as Mounjaro 5.0 and I really, really wanted to start it today. However, my PCP wanted me to finish out the 2 pens of 2.5 that I have before going to the 5.0.

I guess I'll suck it up and listen to my PCP. I'll just have to work even harder to see a loss on the scale.

The bad thing is the timing. I'll be taking my first 5.0 jab the Friday before Laken's college move in day on the following Thursday. I really don't want to be super icky or feeling sick for that. I'm hoping that since it will be almost a week on the 5.0 that any side effects will have worn off by then.

So to sum it up: This is my 7th week on Mounjaro 2.5 and in the first 6 weeks I've lost a total of 14.4 lbs. That averages out to 2.4 lbs per week. I have to admit that is a pretty good number even though that gain this morning got me down a bit.

I'm going to try to up my game this week by being more mindful of my eating habits. I've been consistently under my daily calorie allotment for a calorie deficit but I could definitely be making better choices.

Maybe I've been spoiled by losing 14.4 lbs in 6 weeks and now the real work begins. What do you think? Does a gain of 0.2 lbs constitute as a stall or just a ho-hum week?

Let me know what you think and if you're on a journey of your own. I'd love to know all about it!

Until the next update...

Blessings,

Colletta

Working Woman Wednesday ~ 7/23/2025

2025-07-22T21:06:00.000-04:00

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

I hope no one is offended by this but I've been feeling like an impostor for the past 2 years. In fact, this feeling is one of the reasons I haven't been posting much for the past little while.

Let me explain.

For many, many years I was a stay-at-home-wife/mom. AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

However, about 2 years ago, I started working outside the home for financial reasons, mostly. Kaylee was married with a home of her own and Laken was well able to care for herself at 16 years old. The mom-guilt was and is still there to a point but I've tried to make peace with it especially now that Laken is heading off to college in a few short weeks.

I worked full-time and then part-time. I loved working part-time but it just wasn't feasible for me to continue doing so. In April I studied for the Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance

exam and passed!

May 1, 2025 I started my new full-time job working at the front desk of a State Farm Agency. It is fast paced, challenging and I'm learning something new everyday.

Now, back to the "impostor" comment...

For years and years, I participated in the Happy Homemaker Monday linkup hosted by Sandra at Diary of a SAHM. (Thank you, Sandra, from the bottom of my heart!) And while I know in my heart that I'm still a homemaker, I depend on the hubby and others in the family for quite a bit more of the homemaking tasks than I used to.

So, I've decided to revamp my homemaker post into a Working Woman Wednesday post. I hope this inspires me (and others) to know that it's OK to work outside the home, be a mom and a wife and still have interests of my own.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic but please be kind.

~~~~~

Last Weekend:

On Saturday, we went shopping to look for dorm bedding. The bed is a Twin XL and Laken's color theme is light blue, white and pink. That made for quite the scavenger hunt! We ended up finding a set of sheets at Target that are white with blue roses that she liked. As for the ALL white comforter, we ordered it on Amazon with a delivery date that is way too close to move-in day for my comfort!

Sunday was spent at Church and at home getting some things done around the house. I desperately needed to get the clean clothes put away in my closet. I've been making piles in front of the closet and I couldn't stand it anymore!

This Week's Notables:

~Working Monday-Friday 9a-5p

~Laken has an eye appointment Wednesday.

~Call in refills on prescriptions (priority)

~Make the hubby an appointment for his yearly checkup that he missed in March.

In the Kitchen:

~Now that we've discovered that Laken has a gluten intolerance, we have to be a lot more cognizant of our cooking ingredients. Thankfully, there are a lot of gluten free options at the store. It also helps that Laken LOVES fruits and veggies (especially broccoli: whose kid is she anyway????) So while the grocery bill is a bit higher ( those gluten free items aren't cheap), we're coping and hopefully learning to thrive!

In the Craft Basket:

I've actually picked my crochet hook back up and have been working on a throw pillow for Laken dorm room. Her theme (for the time being) is pink and blue. She saw a throw pillow in the background of a show with Granny squares (my specialty!) and asked if I would make her a version of the pillow. I've almost completed one side of the pillow and have started the squares for the second side.

Currently reading:

I started reading "Line of Fire" by Taylor S. Newport Friday evening during Reading Sprints hosted by Katie at Paperbacks and Ponytails on YouTube. Katie actually recommended this book to me and I was excited to find that it is on Kindle Unlimited. I downloaded it immediately after reading the blurb. I'm hoping to actually take time each day to read at least 1 chapter.

On the TV:

The Amateur (movie on Disney+/Hulu)

Picture(s) from the Camera

This is Ellie. I can't remember if I introduced you to our newest family member or not! She's a spit-fire and likes to bite toes! I have to keep my feet under the covers at night or I get a very rude awakening :)

Weekend Plans:

~Spend the entire Saturday at home (remains to be seen!)

~Housework

~Paint the deck and my porch swing if the weather cooperates

~Declutter the "abyss" (storage closet) if the weather doesn't cooperate

~Finish cleaning off my desk area

~Hymn sing Sunday night at Church

I hope you're having a great week! Please let me know if you can think of anything else I can add to this, hopefully, weekly post :)

Blessings,

Colletta

Soul-filled Sunday ~ 7/20/2025

2025-07-20T00:00:00.058-04:00

Scripture Memory Verse

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Prayer Requests

~My Dad had his aortic valve replacement this past Wednesday. They were able to do the replacement using the TAVR procedure and did NOT have to do open-heart surgery! Praise God! He came home Thursday afternoon and is doing well. He is a bit worn out which is to be expected this soon after the surgery. Your continued prayers for him would be appreciated!

~Laken moves into her dorm room in 4 short weeks. Prayers for her, for this mama and for patience during the preparations for move-in day!

~My Bible study time. I'm having a hard time focusing in the evening for my Bible study. I guess I could try to get up earlier in the morning and have my quiet time with God then. It is worth considering. When do you have your study time?

~Our Country, and our Leaders.

For Your Listening Pleasure

Make sure you turn up your volume for this song! Enjoy :)

Blessings,

Colletta

My Mounjaro Journey ~ Update #1 ~ 7/18/2025

2025-07-18T20:12:00.004-04:00

On June 13th, I gave myself my very first Mounjaro shot.

I had a check-up with my PCP on June 12th during which I spoke to her regarding my A1C, weight and overall health. After much consideration and talking about the side-effects vs benefits, I decided to have a prescription for Mounjaro sent in. My PCP also gave me a sample box of the medication to get started on until my prescription went through.

Laken had New Student Orientation at WVU on the 13th so I decided to wait until after that to actually start the medication. That day at the NSO solidified my decision to get my weight and health under control.

If anyone is familiar with WVU, there are many, many steps and stairways. It was hot and at one point, on a rather long climb, I basically told the hubby and Laken to just leave me behind because I COULD NOT keep up. I was ashamed, embarrassed and disappointed to be dragging them down. I feel like I ruined the whole day for everyone. (BTW, they DID NOT leave me behind and I eventually made it to the top!)

When we got home, I gave myself my first shot.

As of this morning (5 weeks into my journey) I have lost 14.6 lbs.

So far the only side effect I've felt that bothered me was a massive headache on Tuesday, June 17th. Other than that, I've had the occasional acid re-flux and queasy stomach. But again, it didn't really bother me too terribly.

I don't know how often I'll be posting updates. At least monthly but possibly more often if anyone is interested in weekly results.

Let me know what you think and if you're on a journey of your own, I'd love to know all about it!

Blessings,

Colletta

20 (or 10) Books of Summer ~ 2025

2025-05-31T23:17:00.001-04:00

Annabel @AnnaBookBel and Emma @Words and Peace are the new hosts of the 20 Books of Summer Reading Challenge!

The Challenge starts Sunday, June 1st and runs through Sunday, August 31st.

I'm really excited to be joining this challenge but also very nervous! My reading lately has been very sporadic and slumpy.

I'm going to challenge myself to read 10 books this summer and that will be quite the accomplishment if I succeed!

Do you think I can do it????

Here's my list of potentials. I've even added 2 extra for good measure!

Do you have any recommendations of must-reads?

HAPPY SUMMER!

WHOOOHOO!!!

Colletta

Class of 2025 ~ Laken's High School Graduation!!!

2025-05-31T22:42:00.000-04:00

On May 29th, the day finally came!

Laken made it through high school and graduated with honors!

I wanted to take a moment to commemorate the occasion and share some photos from after graduation.

My graduate!

Laken and Nate

Laken and Nate again!

Appie-Dumplin and Honey (aka Laken and Kaylee)

Mamaw, Laken and Pap

Me, Laken and the Hubby

I am so VERY PROUD of Laken for overcoming so many obstacles throughout her high school career.

Next up: West Virginia University!!!!

Colletta

Laken's Senior Prom ~ 2025

2025-05-04T16:31:00.000-04:00

Friday, May 2nd was Laken's Senior Prom. I might be a bit biased but I think she looked beautiful as always! And Nate was very dapper in his tuxedo! Enjoy the following photos :)

Here are a few pictures of Daddy and his girl :)

Laken and Nate had a great time at Prom and then at Hershey Part Saturday for the after-Prom. The rain held off for both so we are thankful!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker ~ 4/22/2025

2025-04-22T20:44:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter spent remembering our LORD and SAVIOR'S death, burial and resurrection.

I kinda fell off the face of blog-land for a few weeks. I've been very preoccupied and overwhelmed with a secret "project" that I've been working on but I can now share that:

I PASSED the Pennsylvania Property & Casualty Insurance Licensing Exam!!!

The hubby and I traveled to Harrisburg Monday so that I could take my exam. I was so nervous!!!! I studied the material and took practice quizzes for weeks but still was unsure of what the final outcome would be. I prayed so hard the whole time I took the test.

The wording was different on the exam than was in my online course, so I made many educated "guesses". I might not have gotten the high score I wanted but I was over the minimum score of 70% and that is all that matters. It was either PASS or FAIL. Whew! Huge sigh of relief!

I start my new job at State Farm on May 1st so I have just over a week to get things situated at home and work on a routine. I will be working full-time. In fact, it is an actual 9-5 job.

Now on with the post!

~~~~~

The weather outside is:

We had a nasty storm Saturday night that knocked the electric out for a lot of people in my area. Thankfully, we didn't lose our electricity at home.

This next week looks very nice with some great temperatures. I'm going to enjoy my swing as much as possible.

On the to-do list:

It is 8:17pm when I am typing this post so not much else on the to-do list for today. I might try to work on writing down what I want my weekly routine to look like so that I can start getting into some good habits.

Happening this week:

~I have to go to our local library to get my fingerprints done for my licensing application tomorrow.

~The hubby has a dentist appointment and Laken has an eye appointment on Thursday.

~Laundry, groceries and cleaning on Friday

~A few of the ladies from Church and I are going to a Ladies Spring Luncheon on Saturday at a Church about 2 hours from here. I volunteered to drive even though I've never been there before. I really don't mind driving new places as long as I have my Google Maps!

Currently reading:

I'm getting ready to listen to "Fragile Designs" by Colleen Coble. It is the April selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club. I'm a little late to the party but hopefully I can get it finished before the Zoom Book Club Meeting.

Listening to:

Right now I'm listening to the hubby watch an action movie in the Family Room. I usually have music playing in the background but didn't even turn it on yet tonight.

Watching:

The only show I've really been watching is Farmer Wants a Wife Season 3. Anybody else watching it? If so, what are your thoughts? I've been making the hubby watch it with me so I have someone to talk to about it :)

In the Kitchen:

We've been experimenting with Gluten Free foods. I'm surprised at the variety of Gluten Free options there are at the market but also a bit shocked at the prices! I'd love any input from fellow Gluten Free eaters/cookers/bakers.

In the Craft Basket:

Nothing. A big, fat nothing. I've been so busy, overwhelmed and preoccupied with my studies that I haven't even picked up anything that looks crafty.

Picture(s) from the Camera

No new pictures recently.

Prayer Requests

~Laken's health and school. She has a little over a month left of her senior year. I pray that she can finish strong!

~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. (continued)

~My new job and routine.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders. (continued)

Bible Verse

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said."

Matthew 28:6a

Have a great week!

Colletta

Happy Homemaker ~ 3/9/2025

2025-03-09T20:00:00.002-04:00

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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

I'm so excited that it is almost 7:30pm and it's just now getting dark! I'm beyond ready for the long evenings of Spring/Summer :)

I just got back from evening Church services where we're studying Luke 11 and the Model Prayer. It has me thinking a lot about my prayer life. Does anyone reading this write your prayers? I'm debating starting a prayer journal to help me be more intentional with my prayers. Let me know your thoughts.

Now on with the post!

~~~~~

The weather outside is:

Just look at these temperatures! I got my Spring/Summer dresses out to start wearing to work :)

On the to-do list:

Other than Church, I didn't really do much. I took a Sunday Afternoon Nap (yes, it should be capitalized!) . They are one of my absolute favorite things to do! This evening the hubby and I went for a little drive before evening Church and now I'm back home and writing this post.

Happening this week:

Monday (3/10) ~ I work 10am-5pm. Weigh-in for my Weekly Weigh In post. I'm not really excited about it this week as I'm pretty certain I'll have a gain :(

Tuesday (3/11) ~ I'm off work and will be making phone calls, working on market prep items, reading and a secret project that I can't share yet. It will be the second Tuesday of the month, so we have Harvesters Class at Church in the evening for a potluck, Bible lesson and monthly meeting.

Wednesday (3/12) ~ I work 10am-5pm. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study is at 6:30pm so I have just enough time to get home, eat and head out again.

Thursday (3/13) ~ I'm off work on Thursday but I have a PCP appointment at 10am for my regular medication check. It is also pay-day and I'll have all the "accounting" do to with the family finances (a necessary evil!).

Friday (3/14) ~ I work 10am-5pm. I'll try to get started on the laundry so I don't have to do it all on Saturday.

Saturday (3/15) ~ Possible day for grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning around the house.

Currently reading:

I'm listening to "Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham, the March selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club. March 27th at 8pm EST is our Zoom Chat about the book.

I haven't listened/read all week. As well as having the audiobook of "Beyond Ivy Walls" I also downloaded the ebook. I'm hoping to dig in some more this week. I think I'm on Chapter 6 so just getting into the book.

Listening to:

I'm currently listening to KLOVE as I'm writing this post. I usually share a specific song but can't remember what I've already shared. Did I share "A Lil Church" by TobyMac yet? I guess I could look back but I just don't have the umption in my gumption right now...

Watching:

We started watching "Extracted" (or is it Extraction), which look promising. "Farmer Wants a Wife" will be coming back on for Season 3 on March 20th so I'll be tuning in to that. So much better than The Bachelor in my opinion.

In the Kitchen:

Nothing too spectacular this week...

In the Craft Basket:

I took the week off from crafting to try to get my cro-jo back. I'm toying with the idea of making a "Book Blanket" which is where I would crochet a Granny square to match the cover of the books I read for the year. I haven't quite decided yet if I'm going to.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Clover sunning her belly in the beautiful afternoon sunshine :)

Prayer Requests

~My weight loss journey.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders. (continued)

Bible Verse

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

James 5:16

Have a great week!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 3/6/2025

2025-03-06T18:31:00.001-05:00

All things bookish!

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

What I Finished:

Click HERE to read my REVIEW!

~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm Reading/Listening:

"Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham is the March selection for the Good for the Soul Women's Bookclub.

Blurb:

Beauty and the Beast meets A Light Between Oceans in historic small-town America where a wealthy reclusive bachelor and an unlikely ally join forces to solve a family secret and inadvertently find belonging along the way.

Early 1900s. When an accident leaves Sadie West's family in dire financial need, she nervously leaves the land she loves to work in the Hoag duster factory. But sending all her money home means that she has nowhere to board, and she's forced to take up residence in an abandoned building--a choice that throws her in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Recently returned from exile, and determined to keep his arrival a secret, Otis Taylor makes the impulsive decision to hire the woman he finds hiding on his family's property with the strict instructions she tell no one he has returned. The dark halls of his boyhood flood him with memories he's long tried to forget. The only bright light is the woman he has hired. Can the optimistic Sadie teach the wounded Otis to trust again? To love? Can the pair unravel the family secrets that have long cast a shadow over the mansion and those who reside within?

With the same heart as Rachel Fordham's fan-loved previous historical novels, Beyond Ivy Walls takes readers on an emotional journey full of character development, historical nuance, and a deeply satisfying happily ever after.

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read/Listen Next:

I started listening to "When the Day Comes" by Gabrielle Meyer a few weeks ago and would like to get back to it next. I saw the cover reveal for the author's next release and it looks amazing. I have some catching up to do with this series!

Blurb:

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

Blurb:

It’s been eight years since hairstylist Lacy Brown drove into town in her ancient pink Cadillac and set the town on the map. Now, she’s hired a new stylist, Izzy Cranberry, who is happy to be in the town that’s made history with its everlasting “Wives Wanted Campaign” that is still running even now. But she’s not looking, she’s just intrigued by her two sweet grandmothers who’ve followed the story of Mule Hollow from the beginning until they took their last breaths and left her to fulfill their dream of moving to the tiny town for them… Unable to disappoint them, she’s here—but not for long. Just to let her grams watch from above as she joins Lacy Brown Matlock in Heavenly Inspirations fixing hair—not being a match made by the Matchmakers of Mule Hollow.

Styling is all she’s here for…and maybe a laugh or two from the legendary matchmakers who sit in her styling chair and think they have her on their target board.

Horse trainer Luc Asher has taken a job in the town he’s heard a lot about but has no plan to be one of the “matches”. He’s a loner, with good reason, and as far from looking for love as a man can get.

Making him the perfect target…at least that’s what Esther Mae, Norma Sue, and Adela, the town matchmakers, believe the moment he strides into Sam’s Diner looking as handsome and alone as a man shouldn’t be.

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:

~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q. What fantasy or Sci-fi should be part of the literary canon? (submitted by Snapdragon @ Snapdragon Alcove)

A. This may be an unpopular opinion but I don't like/read fantasy or Sci-fi. Therefore, I really can't answer this question.

~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to:

The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon , Mailbox Monday

Colletta Is Losing It! ~ Weekly Weigh In #1 ~ 3/4/2025

2025-03-04T19:37:00.001-05:00

If you've not read my "Colletta Is Losing It! ~ A Fresh Start" post, please go HERE to check it out. It is a post where I explain what is going on with my health/wellness journey as well as my plan of action.

~~~~~

So far I haven't been able to get the Zepbound to help with weight loss. Even though my insurance approved it, my charge was still going to be over $1000/month. I just can't afford that. I'm going to call my PCP when I'm off work on Thursday to see what can be done next.

For now, I'll be going the diet/exercise route only.

I'm fairly pleased with my results so far.

My tracking week will be Monday through Sunday. Here are some stats:

Weigh in #1: Goal -1lb/week

Highest Weight ~ 301.6 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~ 301.6

This Week's Weight ~ 293.2

This Week's Total: -8.4 lbs

*Grand Total: -8.4 lbs

Exercise Week #1 : Goal 3 X 30min/week

Monday ~ 30 minutes ~ Treadmill

Tuesday ~ 45 minutes ~ Walking Outside

Wednesday ~ N/A

Thursday ~ 45 minutes ~ Walking Outside

Friday ~ N/A

Saturday ~ N/A

Sunday ~ N/A

This Week's Total: 120 minutes

*Grand Total: 120 minutes

If anyone would like to join along, please do so! I need all the encouragement I can get!

Top Ten Tuesday ~ First Lines ~ 3/4/2025

2025-03-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

~~~~~

This week's topic is:

Things Characters Have Said (Maybe a character said something really profound or romantic or hilarious or heartbreaking. You could share witty one-liners, mic-drop moments, snippets of funny dialogue between multiple characters, catchphrases, quotes that have become a part of pop culture–like “May the odds be ever in your favor.”, etc.)

All I can think of are movie quotes so instead I'll be featuring:

Ten Great First Lines

Enjoy :)

~~~~~

"If you lean out any farther, you'll wind up in the drink. Which, I suppose, would be a fitting end to this disaster of a trip."

~~~~~

Death prowled the cellblock like a dark animal seeking prey--especially the weakest.

~~~~~

Gossamer light filtered through overhanging branches weighted with snow.

~~~~~

A twig snapped.

~~~~~

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

~~~~~

Have you ever wondered why your children just can't seem to put their toys away "right" or why your husband doesn't put his dirty clothes in the hamper, no matter how often you remind him?

~~~~~

Wyatt Marshall hadn't come all the way to Russia only to fail.

~~~~~

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

~~~~~

He vigorously scrubbed the blood off the floor, off the wall, and off her body. But no amount of bleach could cleanse the filth of the heart. That is why she had to die.

~~~~~

At the sound of a footfall behind her, Cady Matthew's back muscles tightened faster than a mousetrap snapping its prey.

~~~~~

Please leave a comment with the link to your Top Ten Tuesday post so I can return the visit :)

Happy Homemaker ~ 3/2/2025

2025-03-02T22:11:00.004-05:00

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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

Happy March, everyone!!!

I am beyond excited to be done with January and February. I'm even more excited that we get to Spring Forward Saturday night!

Sickness has really hit our household hard this Winter. I'm much improved but now my Mom and Dad are down with whichever virus it is. I can't wait to open the windows and air the house out. Fresh air does wonders for the body and mind.

Let's get on with it, shall we?

~~~~~

The weather outside is:

We had a few really nice days last week and I was actually able to go outside for my walk on 2 different days. Then...it go cold again. 16F was the temperature when I left for Church this morning.

On the to-do list:

This morning was Church. I spent the afternoon just relaxing and not getting much done except talking to the hubby. In a bit, I'll be leaving for Sunday evening Bible Study. I didn't get the laundry folded or the floors mopped like I wanted to. OH well, they'll keep for another day...

Happening this week:

Monday (3/3) ~ I work 10am-5pm. Maybe I'll get to that laundry in the evening.

Tuesday (2/25) ~ I'm off work and will be working on market prep items. The Spring Fling Market is only 1 month away. I'm getting nervous/excited. I can't tell which one, really. I'll also be posting my Weekly Weigh In Post by Tuesday (possibly Monday).

Wednesday (3/5) ~ I work 10am-5pm. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study is at 6:30pm so I have just enough time to get home, eat and head out again.

Thursday (3/6) ~ I'm off work on Thursday's so I'll be trying to get some things done around the house such as making a menu, grocery shopping, bills, errands etc. (Hopefully the floors were mopped earlier in the week!)

Friday (3/7) ~ Work 10am-5pm. I might participate in some Reading Sprints with Paperbacks and Ponytails a booktuber I follow. I think she starts them at 7pm but I could be wrong.

Saturday (3/8) ~ Saturday's are the only day I get to "sleep in" and I always wake up early anyway. Go figure! I plan on spending the day working around the house. Cleaning and laundry (again) and also make sure my planner is all filled in and ready to go for the next week.

Currently reading:

I'm listening to "Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham, the March selection of the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club. March 27th at 8pm EST is our Zoom Chat about the book.

We had our discussion this past Friday evening for "You're Not Enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey. We had a great time and it was so encouraging talking to other Christian women with similar interests.

Listening to:

Watching:

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

In the Kitchen:

I spent more time in the kitchen this week. I made homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert one night. I also threw together a Crock Pot Garlic Beef and Potato recipe I found on Facebook.

In the Craft Basket:

I made a few more turtles and am almost done with another octopus. I'm starting to fizzle out on the crochet frenzy but I only have 1 month to create more items for the market. Hopefully, I'll renew my vigor this week. My list of to-makes is getting smaller so that is good :)

Picture(s) from the Camera

I got this super pretty, Spring-y mug at the Dollar General for $3. I love it and have been drinking my tea from it every evening :)

Prayer Requests

~My weight loss journey.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders. (continued)

Bible Verse

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Philippians 4:6

Have a great week!

Colletta

Book Review ~ You're Not Enough (and that's okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey ~ 3/1/2025

2025-03-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

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

Title: "You're Not Enough (and that's okay)" by Allie Beth Stuckey

Series: N/A

Format: Hardcover

Date Published: May 5, 2020

Publisher: Sentinel

Stars: ****

Blurb:

Is your quest to love yourself more actually making you miserable?

We're told that the key to happiness is self-love. Instagram influencers, mommy bloggers, self-help gurus, and even Christian teachers promise that if we learn to love ourselves, we'll be successful, secure, and complete. But the promise doesn't deliver. Instead of feeling fulfilled, our pursuit of self-love traps us in an exhausting as we strive for self-acceptance, we become addicted to self-improvement.

The truth is we can't find satisfaction inside ourselves because we are the problem. We struggle with feelings of inadequacy because we are inadequate. Alone, we are not good enough, smart enough, or beautiful enough. We're not enough--period. And that's okay, because God is.

The answer to our insufficiency and insecurity isn't self-love, but God's love. In Jesus, we're offered a way out of our toxic culture of self-love and into a joyful life of relying on him for wisdom, satisfaction, and purpose. We don't have to wonder what it's all about anymore. This is it.

This book isn't about battling your not-enoughness; it's about embracing it. Allie Beth Stuckey, a Christian, conservative new mom, found herself at the dead end of self-love, and she wants to help you combat the false teachings and self-destructive mindsets that got her there. In this book, she uncovers the myths popularized by our culture of trendy narcissism, reveals where they manifest in politics and the church, and dismantles them with biblical truth and practical wisdom.

My Thoughts:

This book was the February 2025 selection for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club. It was our first non-fiction book for the Club. This was also a Read-A-Long where we discussed our weekly selections via chat. So much fun!

I had never even heard of Allie Beth Stuckey before reading this, her debut book. I have to say that I agreed with almost everything she wrote and stands for which was a pleasant surprise.

The book is broken into seven sections:

Introduction

Myth #1: You Are Enough

Myth 2: You Determine Your Truth

Myth 3: You're Perfect the Way You Are

Myth #4: You're Entitled to Your Dreams

Myth #5: You Can't Love Others Until You Love Yourself

Conclusion

There were so many "nuggets" that I tabbed and tabbed and tabbed. I had so many favorite quotes that I'm not even going to try to pick and choose but I did particularly enjoy Myth #4 as it really resonated with me.

Allie Beth Stuckey backed her concepts up with Scripture which I loved! The Conclusion was particularly well-written. We don't have to be enough, because God is enough. "He is LORD. The Great I Am. Our Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler, and Hope. He is a King to be worshiped and Leader to be followed. He does not exist for us, but we exist for Him." pg 191

If your interest is the least bit piqued, I suggest that you read this book. You won't be disappointed. I'll definitely be checking out her second book "Toxic Empathy".

Onto the next book :)

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 2/27/2025

2025-02-26T23:45:00.000-05:00

All things bookish!

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

What I Finished:

I finished listening to "Alaska Twilight" by Colleen Coble. You can read my review HERE!

I also finished reading "You're Not Enough (and that's okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey. I haven't posted my review yet. I'm going to wait until after the Good for the Woman's Soul Book Club discussion on 2/28/2025. So be watching for my review on 3/1/2025 :)

~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm Reading/Listening:

"Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham is the March selection for the Good for the Soul Women's Bookclub. I'm going to be listening to the audiobook while I market prep for a Spring Fling Vendor show that is taking place in early April. I'm really looking forward to this book!

Blurb:

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read/Listen Next:

Blurb:

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:

~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q. How much time does blogging take out of your life weekly? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. Probably a few hours, at least. I've recently started listening to audiobooks, so I'm multi-tasking :)

~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to:

The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon , Mailbox Monday

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Once Upon a Time ~ 2/25/2025

2025-02-24T23:03:00.001-05:00

hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

~~~~~

This week's topic is:

Books Set in Another Time

(These can be historical, futuristic, alternate universes, or even in a world where you’re not sure when it takes place you just know it’s not right now.)

I'm not really into futuristic or alternate universe books but I have read A LOT of historical fiction in my day. I'll share 10 of my most recent reads below. You can click on the book cover or the book title to go to my review.

Enjoy :)

~~~~~

1. "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell

2. "The Librarian of Boone's Hollow" by Kim Vogel Sawyer

3. "The House at the End of the Moor" by Michelle Griep

4. "The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel

5. "Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl"

6. "Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage" by Rebecca Connolly

7. "What the Wind Knows" by Amy Harmon

8. "Her Unsuitable Match" by Sally Britton

9. "The Promise of Deception" by Jessica Sly

10. "The Gentleman's Confession" by Anneka R. Walker

~~~~~

Please leave a comment with the link to your Top Ten Tuesday post so I can return the visit :)

Book Review ~ Alaska Twilight by Colleen Coble ~ 2/24/2025

2025-02-24T21:27:00.001-05:00

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

Title: "Alaska Twilight" by Colleen Coble

Series: N/A

Format: AudioBook

Narrator: Rachel Dulude

Length: 8 hours 16 minutes

Date Published: April 23, 2019

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Stars: ***1/2

Blurb:

For some people, Alaska is a breathtaking wilderness adventure, full of light and beauty. For Haley, it is a dangerous world of dark dreams and tortured memories. On the surface, she's here to document wildlife activist Kipp Nowak's bear encounters. But her real reason is to unearth the truth about a past murder. The suspense mounts when another body turns up, and Haley beginst to wonder if the tragedies she experienced in the past are connected to the dangers and mysterious incidents of the present.

From behind the viewfinder of her camera, Haley observes it all, including Tank Lassiter, the bear biologist who has been forced to lead Kipp and his team into the Alaskan backcountry. As she watches him with his work, she feels a growing attraction. It will take great courage and faith to confront the truth she once ran away from. Before it's over, Haley may be viewing herself from an entirely new angle.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed most aspects of this book.

The narrator was good. The setting was amazing. The characters were well developed. The faith content was on point. The suspense was great. The romance was...a bit cliche.

Haley was a city-girl photographer going back to Alaska to face her past and document wild bear through film. Tank was a widowed bear biologist leading the expedition. The set-up was enjoyable. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the last few chapters.

Then one of my pet peeves surfaced.

Tank and Haley were frantically searching for Brooke, Tank's daughter, and didn't know if she was alive or dead out in the Alaskan wilderness. Tank took that moment to "crush" Haley to himself, kiss her as if his life depended on it and declared his love for her. Out of the blue. In a very inappropriate situation, if you ask me. Haley, at least, does later question whether Tank was just emotional at that moment and if he really meant his undying love declaration.

Ughh... What could have been at least a 4.5 star read instantly took a nose dive for me to a be a 3.5 star read. Not that that a 3.5 star rating is terrible but it could have been better.

I will say that this book was originally written in 2006, so almost 20 years ago. Christian Fiction has come a long way in that time in the romantic suspense genre.

I usually LOVE Colleen Coble's work but the last quarter of this book just didn't mesh well for me.

Onto the next book :)

Colletta Is Losing It! ~ Weekly Weigh In ~ #0 ~ 2/24/2025

2025-02-24T18:15:00.004-05:00

One of those actions mentioned is a weekly weigh in post. I debated using a separate blog for my journey but decided against it. I've been blogging here on Colletta's Kitchen Sink for 16 years and it has always been "a little bit of everything" about my life, so why change that now.

I'd like to be transparent and honest about my journey and this is the starting point: Week #0 . My initial weigh in and measurements.

I went to my PCP on 2/19/25 for an ear infection and you know that pesky business of weighing a person every visit...I tipped the scale at 301.6 lbs. So that is where I'm starting. And hopefully ending this escalation of weight gain.

I've not yet heard whether or not our health insurance company is going to authorize my prescription for Zepbound but I decided not to wait for that and to get started right away.

My plan for weigh in posts is to weigh in on Monday mornings and post my results either Monday evening or Tuesday. I work on Monday so that will give me some time to compose my Weekly Weigh In post. I'll probably also include some measurements and exercise stats along the way with any other information I deem pertinent.

~~~~~

My tracking week will be Monday through Sunday. Here are some stats:

Weigh in #0:

Highest Weight ~ 301.6 lbs

Last Week's Weight ~

This Week's Weight ~

This Week's Total: ___ lbs

*Grand Total: ___ lbs

Exercise Week #0 :

Place holder.

This Week's Total:

*Grand Total: __ minutes

Measurements #0:

Neck ~ 17"

Shoulders ~ 56"

Bust ~ 52"

Belly ~ 57"

Waist ~ 57"

Butt ~ 60"

Thigh (left) ~ 26"

Thigh (right) ~ 26"

Arm (left) ~ 19"

Arm (right) ~ 19"

Total Beginning Inches ~ 389"

*Grand Total Inches Lost: ____"

~~~~~

If there is anything you think I'm missing, please let me know in the comments. If anyone would like to join along, please do so! I need all the encouragement I can get!

Happy Homemaker ~2/22/2025

2025-02-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

Hosted by Diary of a SAHM.

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

It is a quiet evening here at my house so I thought I would get my Happy Homemaker post up and running while I listen to my audiobook. The hubby is snoring away and Laken is spending time with Nate's family this evening. My parents are busy watching the news channel downstairs. (We live in a multi-generational house, in case you weren't aware.)

It has been a busy week and a cold virus made it through the household as well. I ended up going to my PCP on Wednesday and was diagnosed with double ear/sinus infections. I'm taking an antibiotic and steroid pack which has me feeling a bit better although I'm having a hard time sleeping at night.

I've been drinking lots of hot tea also. I actually could use a cuppa right now!

I hope you are doing well and are surviving this winter! Only 2 more weeks until Daylight Savings Time starts! Whoohooo! I can't wait :)

~~~~~

BTW, I'm starting a new feature on the blog called "Colletta Is Losing It!" about my journey to health and wellness. If you'd like to check out my "A Fresh Start" post click HERE :)

Let's get on with it, shall we?

~~~~~

The weather outside is:

I am SO looking forward to the warmer temperatures in the forecast this week!

On the to-do list:

Today I spent the morning resting after a sleepless night. I went to a birthday party for a little boy from Church this afternoon. When I got home, I spent some time cleaning and doing laundry. After supper, the hubby and I relaxed and talked about life before he dozed off. And that brings me to now, writing this post.

Happening this week:

Sunday (2/23) ~ It is the LORD's day, so we'll be going to Church. I attend a Ladies Bible Study Class at 8am before Sunday School and Church Services. We also attend evening Services at 6pm where we're studying the Book of Luke verse by verse. In between services, I hope to get the laundry folded and take a Sunday Afternoon Nap.

Monday (2/24) ~ I usually work 10am-5pm on Monday's but the hubby has an oral surgeon appointment for a consultation to extract a bad tooth. He's nervous about it so he asked if I would go along. I requested to be off work and it was approved. It took a while to get the appointment for the consultation so I have no idea how long it will take to get scheduled for the extraction itself.

Tuesday (2/25) ~ I'm off work and will be working on market prep items.

Wednesday (2/26) ~ I work 10am-5pm. I usually attend Prayer Meeting/Bible Study on Wednesday at 6:30pm but missed last week due to not feeling well. I'm hoping to feel much better by then. I know that after work this past Friday I was really worn out from the infections/virus.

Thursday (2/27) ~ I'm off work on Thursday's so I'll be trying to get some things done around the house such as making a menu, grocery shopping, bills, errands etc.

Friday (2/28) ~ Work 10am-5pm. At 8pm EST is the Zoom Meeting for the Good for the Soul Women's Book Club.

Saturday (3/1) ~ Yay for March!!!! I'm so excited to be turning the calendar on February soon. We'll just be spending time around the house and possible going out for dinner at Tillie's at Bedford Springs Resort. Laken has been wanting to go, but the weather has just been uncooperative.

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 #5 and finishing up the book. Be looking for my review.

I finished listening to "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure" by Angela Bell and started listening to "Alaska Twilight" by Colleen Coble. I only have 2 hours left to listen to.

Listening to:

Watching:

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

In the Kitchen:

I haven't made anything special this past week. I was going to use up some over-ripe bananas to make banana bread but didn't and they got past the point of using.

In the Craft Basket:

I've been crocheting every spare moment to make items for the Spring Fling Vendor Show. I've made dinos and turtles this week.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Prayer of thanks as my brother, Dan, made it home safely from his work trip to Italy.

~Winter traveling safety.

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

~Our Country, our Leaders. (continued)

Bible Verse

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."

I John 4:18

Have a great week!

Colletta