Zizzie Happenings

Monday Here is the latest and greatest on my card making. I thought these could be used for Valentine's Day, Anniversary, Wedding or just because. Tuesday I spent the day at my friend's house helping her out with making lunch and getting coupons cut out and organized to go shopping. We did a Publix run and did amazingly well. She spent $109 and saved over $233. Once we got home and the kids put all the groceries away, she took me into her room and gave me a ton of clothes. Most of them brand new that she had been holding onto. I came home with two huge garbage bags of clothes. I was so excited. Here is a very small sampling of what I brought home. Thank you... Thank you... Thank you! Wednesday The last Wednesday of each month we go to a local nursing home to have a church service. After the service we spend time talking with the the residents. Grace is the checker's champion and she asked me to play. I very rarely play checkers so I am not a threat to her but it was fu...

I struggle with the English language. I received this in an email from my Dad. Hope you enjoy! The bandage was wound around the wound. The farm was used to produce produce. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. We must polish the Polish furniture. He could lead if he would get the lead out. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. I did not object to the object. The insurance was invalid for the invalid. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row. They were too close to the door to close it. The buck does funny things when the does are present. A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line. To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow. The wind was too strong to wind the sail. Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear. I had to subject the...

Thanks to my two very talented brothers, the Zizziecards website has a new look. Check it out and let me know what you think. I am always looking for feedback, so be sure to share some with me. My goal is to spend more time on creating new cards this year and possibly networking my site more. Thank you Philip and Michael for all your hard work! And thanks to my readers for looking and for all your feedback! I greatly appreciate it!

Linda from 2nd Cup of Coffee suggests you watch the video first and then read my answers. 1. How good are you at delaying gratification? I think it just depends on my mood...sometimes I can keep my eye on the prize and not have a problem delaying my gratification... and other times I feel like I just have to have it now! 2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting? lately it's been ice cream... especially after eating a salty meal, I am tempted to eat ice cream.... 3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you? 4 ... I hate to answer this question because I will probably be tested on my patience now :-) 4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.? not that I can think of... if anything, I have been disappointed when I have given into something and then later realize that if I have delayed it, I would have probably re...

In trying to eat healthier I have introduced Brussels sprouts to our diet and I must say I really like them - to me they taste like little cabbages. Try this recipe out and let me know what you think. Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Fried Capers 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1/2 cup drained brined capers 1/3 cup EVOO (I used much less because I used my non stick pan) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 to 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1/2 lemon Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and cook just until tender and bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, blot capers on a paper towel. Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add capers and cook, stirring carefully (mixture will splatter), until capers start to open and are brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer capers to a paper towel to drain. Add garlic to pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add Brussels sprouts and red pepper flakes and stir to co...

Several years ago, in an attempt to live more frugally, we bought lots and lots of beans. I have used beans but not at the rate I thought I would. I recently found this bucket, brand new, never opened, sitting in the basement. I decided I better open it and cook some up. Well the first batch I wasn't paying much attention to and I didn't even think about it, I cooked it for a few hours and then drained the water, added chicken broth and other seasonings and made a soup. I have no idea what I was thinking. I would normally check the beans to see if they were soft but for some reason that day I didn't. So the beans in that soup weren't real hard but they weren't nice and soft like we like them. So I tried it again. This time making sure to pay close attention to the softness of the beans. Do you believe that it took ALL DAY to get them nice and soft. Is this normal? I never noticed beans taking me that long before. Could these beans just be too old? Can beans ever g...

Sunday This sweet family at our church put some new decorations up around the church for all to enjoy. I was so impressed with the work they did. Gorgeous art pieces and accessories. Here is one of the many beautiful arrangements recently added. Monday After finishing the cash envelopes I had some left over paper scraps that I needed to use. Here is one card I made. I love the yellow and chocolate color together. The little onesie stamp is so cute, I just love it! Tuesday This is one of those many unfinished projects that I was talking about in my Goals for 2010 . I have had this project for years. To be honest, I don't even remember when I started it. I did pull it out and looked it over to see how much work I still had left to do. I think I am going to put this project in the truck to work on while we drive around town. Eventually I will get it done... I promise! Wednesday Here are some more cards I completed this week. Another one of my Goals for 2010 is to use a new stamp s...

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

1 oz butter 1 small onion, thinly sliced 14 oz canned tomatoes, drained and mashed 1 fresh green chili, seeded and cut into thin strips 2 Tbsp tomato paste 4 eggs freshly ground pepper 4 oz tasty cheese (mature cheddar), grated 2 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander Melt butter in a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat, add onion and cook, stirring, for about 3-4 minutes or until soft, but not brown. Stir in tomatoes, chili and tomato paste, bring to a simmering and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Using the back of a large spoon, make 4 hollows in the tomato mixture. Break an egg into a cup, then carefully slide into one of the hollows. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cover pan and cook for 5 minutes or until egg whites are just set. Season eggs with black pepper and sprinkle with cheese. Re-cover pan and cook for 2 minutes longer or until cheese melts and eggs are cooked to your liking. Sprinkle with coriander and serve immediately. ------------------ This is the egg re...

The other day my Aunt Rita gave me the Happy 101 Award . Now it's my turn to follow the rules and share some great blogs with you. Here are the rules: Copy the award image into a post. List 10 things that make you happy. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day. Put in a link to their blogs. Notify the award receivers. Recipients should link back to the sender’s blog. List 10 Things That Make Me Happy: Mike - He is the most amazing man in the world. Did you know that his goal every day is to make me laugh? He loves me, takes care of me, supports me, listens to me....he is just amazing! Family - We have always been close and I am so thankful God gave me a close knit family. If Mike and I ever need anything, from advice to a place to live, I can confidently say they would be there for us... no matter what. Friends - I have been blessed with such wonderful friends... God knows exactly who I need in my life to challenge me and move me toward a closer relationship with Him. Cooking - I lo...

Another week has gone by and it's that time again ~ thanks again Linda for hosting Random Dozen. 1. If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why? actually right now is a good age 2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?) I asked the hubby and this is what he said ~ PW's Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich 3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal? sing... it is amazing how singing just lifts me right up... 4. When was the last time you danced in public? dance? are you kidding me... 5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer? I think I would have to say I am a wanna be dreamer... I dream up alot of different things I would love to start or get involved in, however the realist in me reminds me of all the obstacles that I don't even know where to begin and so the realist wins again. 6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well? not a parent ye...

I am so grateful that Mike has a job that allows him to work from home. To not have to rush out the door in the morning and be stuck in traffic on the way home is such a huge blessing. But the thing I love most about Mike working from home is all the time I get to spend with him. Sure he is working at his desk but that doesn't stop me from walking in and giving him a kiss and telling him that I love him. And it is always such a joy to be able to sit and enjoy lunch with him. Thank you Lord for this job you have blessed Mike with! Thanks to Laura @ Heavenly Homemaker for hosting Gratituesday.

This past week was revival at our church and God has been convicting me about many areas of my life that I need to work on. Yesterday God challenged me that I need to be more bold to share my testimony. Today I am taking the first step and sharing my testimony with y'all. I was born into a Christian family, actually at the time, my parents were missionaries in Argentina. Because of this, I was at church every time the doors were open. My parents read the Bible to me and prayed with me often. Overall I was a good person, however, I was a sinner by nature and a sinner by choice. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. One night (I don't remember exactly how old I was ~ maybe 7) I was watching the movie A Thief in the Night and I remember being so scared. God opened my eyes that night to the realisation that I was a sinner and the price for my sins was death. I was going to be separated from God for eternity. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death;...

This has been a very spiritually convicting week for me. The Lord started working in my heart last Sunday challenging me to be in His Word and on my knees more. By Tuesday I was deep into the Stepping Up workbook getting my homework done. The Lord showed me that I have been saved for 23 years or so and have not focused much of my time for doing God's work here on earth. My priorities have been way off. Sunday I am really trying to focus on making Sunday a true day of rest for me. So I spent the afternoon playing on my laptop by the end of that time I thought it would be nice to organize my desktop. I am one of those people who saves everything to her desktop, so it was a mess. This is the end result and I am very happy with it. It makes me feel so good to be organized. Monday I cleaned up the house some and then took the rest of the afternoon to be in God's word. Tuesday After Mike got off work, we decided to clean out his roll top desk and put it on Craigslist. Please pra...

I was just recently introduced to the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team music and I love it. I decided to go to YouTube and see what else I can find from them. This song stuck out to me because I love to sing and it makes me joyful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

Yesterday I posted a link to Sara's blog regarding Urgent Prayer for Haiti , today I want to give you more information. I read through Sara's post and she had 2 links that offered more information. I read through them and as I read, I prayed for the people in Haiti...the missionaries, the children, the people who were trapped under collapsed buildings. If the Lord leads you to support an organization or cause, be sure you know where your money is going. For those that don't know, 100% of all funds that come in to Heartline Ministries are spent in Haiti. If at this time you can't support financially, be sure you support in prayer. And if you can, share this information with others, post it on your blog. Let's spread the word!

Since it's already the middle of January I decided I better get this posted. I've been praying and meditating on what my goals should be for 2010. For me the new year has always been a time to make a resolution to lose weight. Although I always started strong, it never lasted. This year I want to do things differently. I want to be sure I am in the Lord's will as I focus on my goals. As the saying goes, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time." I don't want to waste a year of my life when I should be living for the Lord. I may not make all my goals, or I may change them along the way but I will be farther along than if I didn't set any goals at all. So with all of this in mind, I am setting these goals to accomplish by next year. Family Goals: Stay in closer contact with family and friends Create a photo prayer journal De-clutter the house...getting rid of things we don't use and organizing the things we do use Homemaking Goals: Try one n...

Praise: Just wanted to praise the Lord for a safe home delivery of Liberty Jane Burge on January 12 @ 11:13 AM. God has given the Burge family a healthy little girl weighing in at 8 lbs 1 ounce and 20 inches long. Thank you Lord! -------------------------- Prayer: I receive emails from Bethany Christian services since Mike and I have gone to some of their meetings regarding adoption. This email that I received yesterday really touched me and I wanted to share this prayer request with you so we could all pray for these sweet girls. Also be in prayer for all in Haiti as they work through the devastation after the earthquake. -------------------------- Memorize: Today I am going to a Women's Bible Study , more on that later. I've spent the last couple days doing my homework in preparation for this class. One of the challenges Beth Moore gives is for us to memorize Psalm 121. It is only 8 verses so will you join me in memorizing God's word? She has asked us to memorize the ve...

1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave? yesterday, a bagel and no I didn't cave...trying to do low carb right now and a bagel doesn't fit into that category 2. M & M's or Skittles? M&M's .... Peanut M&M's to be exact 3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through? yes...many failed attempts but I do think I made it through one time...this year I am listening to the Bible on cd 4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning? not long... once I am up out of bed I am awake 5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to? yes, I think I am up to about 5 cruises and I would love to do some more. I love cruises because I go with my family... we all get together and have a great week of making lots of memories 6. Who is your favorite actress? don't really have one 7. ______ is something that I will just never understand. Poker 8. How much of a technology junkie are you? Lets see... ...

Today I want to share how grateful I am for sisters. Some of you who know me very well may be thinking she only has one sister and I would have to agree that I only have one earthly sister (who may I add is the best sister in the world!) but my spiritual family is filled with many sisters. Throughout my life I have had many different sisters who have touched my heart. This week I want to focus on one in particular ~ Audrey. Audrey invited me to go to a Bible study later this week. She came over yesterday to show me the book, talk to me about how the intro week went and get me up to speed so I would be ready for this week's meeting. Her enthusiasm got me moving. Mike and I went to the Family Christian book store last night and bought the workbook, Stepping Up by Beth Moore , so I could do my homework before the Bible study on Thursday. As I started reading through the pages I was just filled with the realization that this is exactly what I need in my life right now. In ...

Here is the finished product. I ended up making 2 booklets of envelopes. Instead of inserting it into my wallet, I used some extra checkbook covers we had. Mike even loves how they turned out and I am really excited about using them. We are going to leave one in the truck which will hold our grocery and gas money. The second one we will leave at home to hold the cash for other categories. The flower in the corner is where we will write down category

Monday look at all these eggs we came home to...we actually had about a dozen more that froze and cracked. After cleaning the chicken house, going through the HUGE stack of mail, unpacking, it was time to put away the Christmas decorations... look how bare the house looks Tuesday We are trying to eat healthier...you know what that means? We eat healthier, the chickens eat healthier...here they are eating celery...they get to eat the leafy part while we enjoy the main celery stalk...they also enjoyed the pecking at the skin of my spaghetti squash...they cleaned it all up Wednesday We had a chance to go to Walmart and check out what Christmas items are left. I got these really nice Wilton cookie cutters for 75 cents each. These cutters normally sell for around $5. I am really excited. Thursday Oh baby it's cold outside Thursday we got snow...Mike couldn't wait to get outside and make a little snowman. Friday I woke up to this white winter wonderland Saturday Although it was ic...