Gone...

...to visit my sister in Las Vegas.

Monte Cristo Turnovers

Monte Cristo Turnovers
1 sheet frozen pastry puff, thawed
4 tsp honey mustard
4 slices smoked turkey
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices smoked ham
1 large egg
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/3 cup raspberry preserves

Preheat oven to 400 degrees; line a large baking sheet with parchment. Unfold pastry on a lightly floured surface; roll into a 12 inch square. Cut into 4 squares.

Spread 1 tsp mustard on each pastry square, leaving a 1/4 inch border. Layer 1 slice turkey, 1 slice Swiss cheese and 1 slice ham in center of each square. In a bowl, whisk egg with 1 Tbsp water; brush onto edges of squares. Fold squares to form triangles; crimp edges with a fork to seal. Place on baking sheet; brush with remaining egg mixture.

Bake pastries for 25 minutes or until golden. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with preserves on the side.

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Missions Monday ~ Update

Time has been flying by and I haven't written a Missions Monday post in forever. So sorry about that.

Lots of changes going on.

• The Gates family is now serving in Egypt. They reached full support and this month headed out to Egypt. Please pray as they settle in to their new home. Follow them on their blogs ~ David's blog and Beth's blog. It's always an encouragement to me to see how much they love the Lord. I am constantly challenged about my own walk with the Lord.
• The Tolson family is preparing to go to China. They are still in the process of gathering support however they are planning on being at their goal and flying to China in 42 days. Pray that a few more churches join in on supporting this family. Follow them on their blog.

I am heading out of town Wednesday, but I do plan on working on Missions Monday to be more consistent.

Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Project 365 ~ Week 26

Monday

My big project for this week was to get the front porch stained. I knew this project would be a HUGE one but it was so much bigger than I ever imagined. This is the before picture...the after picture comes later in the week.

Tuesday

Monday while I was staining the railing by the front of the house, I hurt my right leg. I asked for your prayers and God answered your prayers! Praise the Lord for a Mighty God!

Wednesday

I put one coat of paint on the deck with a roller which made things much quicker. I was done by lunch time which gave me enough time to try a new recipe. One of Mike's favorite sandwiches is the Monte Cristo. Of course who wouldn't like a deep fried sandwich, right?! I found a recipe in my All You magazine for a remake of the Monte Cristo sandwich. It was made with puff pastry. I think it turned out great and I will be sharing the recipe later this week. BTW - do you see what else is on Mike's plate? Cucumber salad. I think we ate cucumbers every day this week and I know I have a few more ready to pick.

Thursday

The front porch is finally done. It took me 4 days and now it's all done... well, maybe not... I will say that it's done for now. There are some areas that are darker and some lighter so we need to decide if I am going to put another layer of stain on the entire deck or leave it as is. This picture just shows the sun shinning through the trees but in real life it is somewhat noticeable.

Friday

After 4 days of working on the deck I needed a break. Mike was so sweet to give me the day off and take me out to dinner. We tried this little Italian restaurant located on the square downtown and it was delicious! We sat by the window and watched as people walked by. I love living in a small town. The Italian restaurant was called Piazza and I tried their Gnocchi dish and all I can say is yummy!

Saturday

This was a great week for my Zizziecards... I sold a Variety Pack on my Etsy store and I received a check from a sale from the Pepperberry Flower Shop. Praise the Lord for these sales and I look forward to how He will work in the weeks to come.

Sunday

What a difference a week makes.

How was your week? I am heading over to Sara's blog to read about it!

Prayer Request

Update - Today (6/22) my leg is still in alot of pain when I put any weight on it but I am thankful God has given me the strength to continue working on the deck.

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I spent the day today staining the upright pieces of our front deck. About 2 hours into the project I was standing on the hill working on the fence and somehow lost my balance. My ankle twisted and my knee popped. My right leg from my knee down to my ankle really hurt. I was able to finish the staining the uprights but the rest of the day I tried to take it easy. Please pray that my leg will feel much better tomorrow. I have a long to do list that I need to get done before I fly to Las Vegas on June 30th. Thanks all for your prayers!

Project 365 ~ Week 25

Sunday

I am so excited...no not because I have two bottles of vodka...

I am so excited because I am making vanilla extract to give away as Christmas gifts.

Monday

Anyone have some recipes for using cucumbers? My cucumber plant is taking over my garden. I am very thankful for all this fresh produce and thank God for His gracious bounty to us.

Tuesday

To support our nephew's school, Mike ordered this magazine for me. I have heard so many great things about it. I got my first one today and it isn't exactly what I thought it would be but I am looking forward to reading it. I already found a new recipe I'm going to try this week.

Wednesday

I made these lanyards for the cruise my sister is taking me on for my birthday. The ship we'll be going on is called the Paradise.

Thursday

I got a few cards made this week but my big accomplishment with my cards is actually getting some variety packs posted on my Etsy store to sell. Check them out Variety Pack I and Variety Pack II

Friday

This week we got lots of things accomplished outside. Mike got the house and deck pressure washed, rocks moved to the back yard, weeding, mulching and arranging rocks. As I was weeding the graveled area by the chicken run, I noticed that some of the hens were watching me. It looked like they were making sure I was doing a good job and they were there to judge the results. BTW - I think they approved!

Saturday

We had a chick hatch. Benedict (as in Eggs Benedict) is what Maureen (Mike's sister) named the chick. I know the picture is really bad... almost looks dead but I promise the chick is not dead.

One hot week finished and I am guessing this week will be another hot one. I am grateful for a wonderful husband who helped me out with the outside projects this week. It allowed me to take a break in the middle of the day and cool down in the house. I am also very thankful for air conditioning!

Now I am heading on over to Sara's blog to read how everyone else's week went.

Fill My Cup Lord

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

Wordless Wednesday

Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart

I saw this recipe in my Family Fun magazine and I knew I had to try it. I made it for lunch yesterday and it was a huge success. Three times Mike mentioned that is was very good. He ranked it a "Do Again" without me even asking. Can't wait to make this again real soon.

Summer Veggie & Pesto Tart
1 pie crust
2 tsp olive oil
2 small zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
2 small yellow squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick rounds
kernels cut from 1 ear of sweet corn
coarse salt
pepper
2 tsp pesto sauce
2 oz goat cheese or cream cheese, room temperature
1 large egg
5 to 10 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
5 basil leaves, thinly sliced

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick silicone baking sheet. Place the pie crust on the prepared baking sheet. Fold and pinch a 1/2 inch rim around the edges of the dough, then set it aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and corn and season with salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables until they're lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl to cool, then toss them with the pesto.

In a small bowl, whisk together the goat cheese or cream cheese and the egg until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the egg and cheese mixture over the pie crust. Spread the cooked vegetables on top, then evenly scatter the tomatoes and Parmesan over the vegetables. Bake the tart until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Sprinkle it with basil before serving. Serves 8.

Project 365 ~ Week 24

I'm home from South Carolina and I'm ready to get lots done here at home. I have some BIG projects that I need to complete before I am back to traveling again. You see, my sister is flying me out to Las Vegas for 2 weeks with her. While I am there we are going on another cruise - a gift from her boss. Right now though it's time to get to work. This coming week is going to be a physically intensive week for me as I work on my projects. Please pray for me!

Sunday

We celebrated Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary... went to Olive Garden after church and enjoyed a delicious meal together as a family!

Monday

home grown onions... yummy!

Tuesday

Mom is always trying new recipes... she loves cooking and baking... and she is awesome at it!

Wednesday

Rachel has learned how to play hand and foot...she does a great job too... she beat me twice

Thursday

We took Rachel to a local coffee shop to introduce her to the joy of sitting in a big comfy chair, reading and drinking coffee. Of course she wouldn't try any of my coffee instead she drank her lemonade.

Friday

Mom and I got everything accomplished that she wanted to while I was visiting. This is one of the projects... we stained this garbage can. It turned out beautifully and she was very happy with it.

Saturday

Spent the day on the road so I don't have a picture for today but I did get a chance to post my new button that my brother made for me. Would you be so kind as to grab my button and post it on your blog?

Now I am heading on over to Sara's blog to read how everyone else's week went.

My Button

My brother made a button for my Zizziecards site! I am so excited! If you have a blog or website would you please grab my new button. I would greatly appreciate it!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. _____________ feels great.
2. The solution is _________.
3. __________ fall asleep.
4. How about _____________.
5. ______________ is something I highly recommend!
6. Imagine ________.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

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1. Completing a project feels great.
2. The solution is perseverance.
3. Most nights as soon as my head hits the pillow I fall asleep.
4. How about I start working on my next project.
5. A family cruise is something I highly recommend!
6. Imagine spending time with your family while cruising the ocean.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to family game night, tomorrow my plans include going home to my wonderful husband and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Wordless Wednesday

We took Rachel to ChuckECheese as a special treat. We spent over 2 hours just playing and having fun. She even received extra tokens for taking her good report card. She received all A's and I am very proud of her for that!

Project 365 ~ Week 22 & 23

Week 22 I spent readjusting to the time zone, unpacking, cleaning house and packing for my next trip. I was too busy to really get many pictures taken. Sorry!

This is my garden and how it looked when I came home from our cruise. My cucumbers are taking over the garden. Everything looked so green and wonderful!

Week 23 was a full week for me. Mom and Michael picked me up in Augusta on Saturday where we all enjoyed lunch at Red Robin. Yummy!

Sunday May 30th

We went out to a Japanese restaurant as a family and enjoyed a fabulous meal at a wonderful price.

Rachel spent the night so we spent some time in the kitchen baking cookies and brownies. She is a really good helper!

Grandma's tomato plant had a tomato ready to pick. Nothings better than a home grown tomato!Thursday we took Michael to the hospital to have an upper GI. He has been having problems with his stomach and the doctor wanted to make sure he didn't have an ulcer. The results came back all clear.Friday we took advantage of free donut day at Dunkin Donuts. We don't have a DD anywhere close to our house in GA so this was a special treat for me.

We found this wonderful store that recently opened and is FULL of great deals. I am not sure how it all works out but they get items from Walmart and Costco and they sell it discounted. I think they receive the boxes that are damaged and so on. They get new deliveries each each so I hope to head back one more time before I head back home.This little ice cream place is a favorite around here. They have the creamiest ice cream ever.

Now that I am finally up to date with my pictures for Project 365, I am heading on over to Sara's blog to read how everyone else's week went.

To: Dad and Mom

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom! We love you!

Project 365 ~ Week 21

Week 21 was cruise week for us and what a glorious week it was. Mike and I flew in to L.A. late Friday night. Saturday we spent the day driving all around Los Angeles. It was such a beautiful day! We ate at The Empanada Factory for lunch.

Kathy picked up a magazine to look for a local Spanish grocery store to go to and she saw this advertisement for a soccer game that Paul's favorite team was going to play in. They were able to buy tickets and attend the game when we got back from the cruise. His team didn't win but I am sure they had fun watching it!
These fries were delicious... they were topped with garlic and parsley. Yummy!

Dessert was also delicious! Crepes filled with dulce de leche. My mouth is watering right now as I type this. That night we decided to head to Walmart to buy some bottled water and a few other things. Sorry this is such a bad picture but I had to share it because it is a very unique Walmart. This is a triple decker Walmart. Can you believe it? Two story Walmart's are rare enough. I never even heard of a three story one. It wasn't the cleanest or best stocked Walmart but it was very unique!

Everything worked out perfectly on Sunday. When we arrived at the parking garage the porter grabbed our luggage, tagged it and took it away. We arrived just in time to use the early check in area. Then we walked to our waiting station, took a few pictures of us waiting and then it was time to go through security to get on the ship. Everything went very smoothly and I am very thankful for that! This was my favorite dinner on the ship - flat iron steak, macaroni and cheese, and creamed peas....yummy! Our first full day at sea the sun wasn't out so the weather was cool and windy. I think everyone had the same idea... play put put golf... it was a close game

Mike and I got all dressed up and had fun getting our picture taken

The wait staff was dancing and our waiter Amin was inviting me to get up and dance...but NO WAY was I getting up to dance in front of everyone!

Our first stop was Puerto Vallarta. We got off the ship, took a taxi to get to the main shopping area. We went walking toward a museum and came across these amazing sand sculptures.

One of the museums we went to was a Naval museum (the white building in this picture)

Our second stop was Mazatlan. A local mariachi band came on board to entertain the guests.

Cabo San Lucas was our last stop and in my opinion the BEST stop of all.

Mike went on an excursion... got an ATV and went all over Cabo... he had a blast - can you see how dirty he got? Isn't this elephant adorable?

All I can say about this picture is - Paul LOVES ice cream!

We had a great time on the cruise... spending time together, playing games, and relaxing!

Thanks Mike for working so hard to pay for the cruise! Thanks Paul and Kathy for allowing us to go with you guys!