tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88342589398753848712012-01-29T07:00:00.704-07:00jordyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10387665573009928631noreply@blogger.comBlogger11161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-10583598515079876862012-01-29T07:00:00.000-07:002012-01-29T07:00:00.834-07:00

I'm in Texas through Wednesday with full access to my parents' pantry and fridge, so I am not too concerned about what's cooking in my kitchen back in Arizona. Chris, if you're reading this, you're on your own.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-57970777328058111362012-01-27T06:00:00.000-07:002012-01-27T06:00:11.221-07:00

I've been reading Sarah Markley's blog for quite a while now and her words continue to inspire me. This week she wrote a piece on seeing people as people with stories through eyes of kindness and empathy. Read Destined Toward Love and then love a little deeper today. I am pretty much obsessed with my Erin Condren Life Planner. And now I want this address book. One of my favorite coupons and

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-21128750310669990612012-01-26T06:00:00.000-07:002012-01-26T06:00:08.871-07:00

It's about time I finish up the tour of this rental house. I'd like to say it's taken so long due to the massive stretch between the four wings or the fact that I just can't seem to fill all seventeen bedrooms. It's simply due to the last six months being a bit preoccupied and the only rooms gaining attention have been those that are visible to the public eye and can't be hidden behind a closed

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-1503899470338562862012-01-25T10:13:00.002-07:002012-01-25T10:13:41.993-07:00

I got in my car this morning to rush off to the doctor (round three of pressing my luck) only to remember that I had parked it on empty the night before. I had highly considered filling up on my way home from work yesterday, but at 5:30 after a long day at work, that is the last thing I wanted to do. So I said I'd deal with it in the morning. And then I didn't want to deal with it this morning.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-31403703658140970892012-01-24T18:06:00.002-07:002012-01-24T18:16:52.870-07:00

A couple of months ago, My Memories approached me and offered to share their product with both me and my readers. After perusing their website, I was ecstatic. They provide a digital scrapbooking software which is perfect for creating photobook pages, calendars, blog designs and more. I installed the program and have spent the last month creating and downloading new trinkets and

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-41879364168965627162012-01-24T11:45:00.001-07:002012-01-24T16:26:21.287-07:00

I am not a morning person. To rise out of my bed bright and early takes a lot of effort, but I will do so if needed. Only if needed. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday for a quick check up. She informed me she wanted to do bloodwork and that they could do it right then and there, as long as I hadn't eaten yet. Seeing that it was already noon, I had. Cheerios jut came out with a Dulce de

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-26284148689770377712012-01-23T06:00:00.000-07:002012-01-23T06:00:06.853-07:00

A friend's mom recently gave me the children's book version of The Wizard of Oz, knowing just how much I love everything ruby red and yellow brick. I can't wait to read this to my future children one day. One day. The illustrations are vibrant and the story is simplified. I love it. I found the book on Amazon if you're interested. I was not paid to write this review,

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-69484120719461860062012-01-22T12:00:00.000-07:002012-01-22T17:56:17.559-07:00

This week is a tad busy with meetings for me, church worship practice for Chris, and then I up and leave for Texas on Saturday. I've scaled down to three dinners (which is totally okay with me). Dinner One: Bear Creek Minestrone with Ground Turkey Cornbread   Dinner Two: Avocado Chicken Parmigiana via Cuisine Paradise Steamed Broccoli Dinner Three: Springy Shells via Tasty

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-28858763113842836162012-01-20T12:47:00.001-07:002012-01-20T12:49:11.303-07:00

There are quite a few things I am loving this week. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake was delicious and even better as leftovers (which is always a good thing). I inhaled the entire a lot of this amazing, delicious, gooey Vanilla Crumb Pie. It's like a warm sugar cookie but better. And you probably have all of the ingredients already. I read this article suggested by Ginger that both

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-70954521156320621412012-01-19T10:50:00.000-07:002012-01-19T10:50:46.632-07:00

I don't do well with broken promises. Like if someone promises to call me....then doesn't. Or when he promises to take the trash out...then doesn't. Or when they promise to consider something and get back with me...and then they don't. Some are so minor, and some not so minor, but regardless of the promise broken, I take it personally. Because surely if they truly cared, they wouldn't

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-42783101951636608472012-01-18T09:20:00.000-07:002012-01-18T09:20:07.871-07:00

I would like to start posting our weekly menu in hopes to give others who find themselves in a cooking rut (please say I am not the only one) ideas that are easy and delicious (or so I hope). While this one is being posted mid-week, I plan on posting the other ones on Sundays which is the day I brave the grocery store. Like I mentioned the other day, we only cook about four nights a week. The

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-26664548755163920032012-01-17T09:50:00.001-07:002012-01-17T14:45:00.163-07:00

Since it's just the two of us for now, I've started cooking on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have Bible Study on Wednesdays which calls for leftovers and Fridays and Saturdays are always unpredictable with plans. For 2012, however, I asked (pleaded, begged, forced) Chris to pick one of those four cooking nights to cook. I just get plain tired of thinking of ideas, preparing the

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-62703266400815323652012-01-16T21:44:00.001-07:002012-01-17T11:37:43.621-07:00

Update: The spots are filled! We will kick off the series on February 6. Last year I started a series surrounding Valentine's Day. I asked several of you to do a guest post on this blog in honor of the day people love to love (and love to not love). So why not do it again? I need eight guest bloggers for the Guest Valentine series that will begin on Monday, February 6. If you have a blog

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-63466915060442733012012-01-13T16:11:00.000-07:002012-01-13T16:11:12.688-07:00

Back in the fall, I received another editing opportunity. The proposed eBook was a guide for adoptive and foster parents to help them ease into the transition of adoption and fostering. As I read it, I was enlightened by all that goes into the process and how selfless one must be to take on such a huge responsibility. I was also amazed that the transition into becoming an adoptive parent is

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-77072372395494225482012-01-11T15:09:00.001-07:002012-01-11T15:09:27.026-07:00

I have a couple of clothing items I am selling on eBay at the moment. Bidding ends Friday. Both items are brand new, have never been worn and still have their tags attached. This shirt I bought at Dillard's recently and didn't take the five minutes to try it on. When I got home and finally tried it on, I could have used a different size, but when I went to return it, I was literally 12 hours

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-79791281740441936902012-01-11T09:32:00.001-07:002012-01-11T09:40:02.667-07:00

2011 was one of those years I would like to tuck away into a drawer in the back of my house, knowing it's there because it will always be there, but not having to really look at it or think about it too much until we move and clean out all of our junk and then maybe I'll throw it into the "garage sale" pile. Not that anyone else would want it or anything. It was a tough, long year in about

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-11081975348471950542012-01-09T20:33:00.001-07:002012-01-14T12:15:44.152-07:00

Happy new year. I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of 2012 since about August of last year. Which means I had basically given up on the last five months of last year...but more on that later. I finally got my time back over the last week as work settled down and I settled into January. I love Januarys. They are new and fresh and good start-overs. It has been a wonderful nine days so far

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-120558081480066782011-12-25T22:08:00.000-07:002011-12-25T22:08:26.807-07:00

I'll see you in 2012.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-82169668435111332472011-12-16T22:46:00.003-07:002011-12-16T22:48:05.700-07:00

I have some confessions to make. The other night when I was hanging up Christmas cards, I was too lazy to try to find the one roll of Scotch tape hiding in this house. Chris' medical tape from his surgery last week was sitting on the counter within reach, so I used it. Needless to say, those cards didn't stay up for too long and I have since found that one roll of Scotch tape.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-34957201537779857942011-12-13T12:27:00.001-07:002011-12-13T12:28:21.139-07:00

It's Chris' birthday today, and the poor thing is still recovering from his sinus surgery he went through last Friday. His plans for the day are to play catch-up at work and go to a follow-up appointment with the doctor. We're going to top off the night with an exciting dinner for two at his favorite restaurant where everything on the menu is under $10. We keep it exciting (and apparently, cheap)

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-21770997787418360802011-12-09T18:24:00.001-07:002011-12-09T18:47:34.521-07:00

November and December are the busiest months for me in the job department. My absence lately has very little to do with the fact that I have nothing to say (because I do) or that I don't want to stop by and say hello (because I really do); it has everything to do with the fact that when I get home and let out a deep breath, I can't seem to get myself up to do anything productive and my brain and

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-16179044172614616492011-11-30T21:00:00.000-07:002011-11-30T22:45:35.322-07:00

You may not know that I am obsessed with anything Wizard of Oz (like a child, I know), don't move in my sleep (which means my arms fall asleep), wear very little jewelry (aside from my wedding ring and the occasional necklace), am a little OCD about organizing (it's a blessing and a curse), and have a very particular palate (not picky, but particular). I'm really pretty

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-31504101123743208522011-11-28T20:32:00.001-07:002011-11-28T21:01:29.889-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving with my family in Texas. We stayed at a lakeside resort in Austin... ...and ended our evenings to true Texas sunsets. I spent time with three of my favorite men (who were talking about metal detectors and "what's under that lake" as this picture was taken)... ...and played many, many games of dominoes.  We had our Thanksgiving meal

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-82285322073701029932011-11-27T21:41:00.001-07:002012-01-19T10:50:35.310-07:00

After spending a week reflecting on what I really am thankful for, with the help of your comments, of course, it is only appropriate that I end this Sunday night closing out this giveaway. Thank you for your comments, which each reminded me of how much I truly have to be thankful for, even if I forget sometimes. Without further ado, the winner of the $20 DaySpring gift card is.. Kathy!

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-41976055190275762732011-11-24T10:14:00.001-07:002011-11-24T10:26:17.852-07:00

627. A new mattress... 628. ...and therefore, new sheets. 629. Finally moving out of the guest room and into the master bedroom. 630. A husband who actually enjoys painting. 631. My new Erin Condren life planner. 632. Friendly baristas. 633. Redeemed warranties... 634. ...to purchase a new camera at very little cost. 635. Falling asleep on the couch... 636. ...and being carried to bed...

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-67754821334850927942011-11-17T21:03:00.001-07:002011-11-17T21:31:36.281-07:00

I've forgotten to be thankful lately. I've lost the will to seek that which to be grateful. I've deemed myself in a rut and I am looking for the motivation to climb out. But I'm not counting on myself to figure all of that out. And that in itself is the hope I've needed. DaySpring and {in}courage sent me this Give Thanks Wooden Caddy to review and post about. In the spirit of fall, I filled it

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-40855735884419697962011-11-11T11:25:00.001-07:002011-11-11T11:25:08.213-07:00

Thank you to those who have served our country. Thank you to those who will serve our country. Thank you to those who sacrifice on behalf of those who serve our country.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-63857185282286944782011-11-07T22:15:00.003-07:002011-11-07T22:15:59.296-07:00

604. Going to sleep in a clean house. 605. Sleepy puppies. 606. Homemade football signs hung up with care one high school stadium fences. 607. Having a friend to watch Aggie games with. 608. Finding new music to enjoy. 609. Successful events. 610. The accomplished feeling after an event is over.611. Saving money with coupons.612. Over-sized t-shirts.613. Carving pumpkins with friends.614.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-45603181212096491952011-11-07T22:00:00.002-07:002012-01-19T10:50:35.302-07:00

The winner of the assortment of greeting cards and a print of the resolution from Courageous is... ...Ginger! Just shoot me an e-mail and I'll get you the goods.  

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-5604839022220132552011-11-01T22:24:00.000-07:002011-11-01T22:24:46.744-07:00

The next room we needed to accomplish after the living room was the dining room. It's our only dining area and it sits just past the living room, a clear view from the front door. When we first moved in, it was our catch-all room. It's a really big space for just being a dining area, so it had plenty of room for all of our boxes, bikes and items that were waiting for a room, shelf, or cabinet to

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-21032660600273492612011-10-31T22:36:00.001-07:002011-10-31T22:37:15.297-07:00

This was our first year to really experience trick-or-treaters. We're in a real house now with real neighbors on a real street, so Mia got her first taste at dressing up and greeting the guests. Once upon a time, Mia killed some chickens. She didn't mean to, really, but because she did, we ended up with her. I guess it all worked out. When we were out the other day and saw a chicken

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-68546206928540177632011-10-30T22:56:00.001-07:002011-10-31T22:37:31.771-07:00

Read this guest post by my husband, followed by a giveaway. My wife and I saw the movie Courageous before anyone else because we were invited to a special sneak preview of the movie over the summer. We knew the premise of the movie, but really hadn’t heard a whole lot about it, as it was fairly new to the scene. The basic plot of the movie is a portrayal of four men, their lives with their

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-65654344698575339812011-10-26T23:02:00.000-07:002011-10-26T23:14:30.486-07:00

The living room is the first room you walk into from the first door. We started with our couch set with it's lovely matching pillows courtesy of the furniture store and a vintage coffee table and end table set. The dusty, musty curtains came with the rental and stayed put until we could replace them. It's a great, big window up front and we didn't really want to get to know the neighbors that

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-89269872309736792392011-10-25T19:51:00.000-07:002011-10-26T21:54:24.952-07:00

If you're an avid organizer like me, then you live for the perfect planner. I search far and wide each year for the best planner for that particular year and I don't feel like I've found it just yet. For the past few months, I've heard about Erin Condren's Life Planner. This planner is thorough, personalized and tabbed. If you click on the link above,  you can get a mini-tour. I've been

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-30354549466941149692011-10-25T18:39:00.000-07:002011-10-26T23:03:58.075-07:00

Back in August, we upped and moved an entire mile up the road to a rental house. We signed an agreement to live in this quaint home for two years and then loaded up my husband's truck night after night to make the slow move in the 115 degree weather. I made Chris swear on our marriage that we will only higher movers from this point forward. The move has been welcomed. The street is quieter.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-9474110928163565512011-10-24T18:57:00.000-07:002011-10-24T18:57:27.561-07:00

I apologize for my tardiness in picking the winner of the sticker drawing from UPrinting.com. It seems that though this weekend was a good one, I've got a nasty cold to show for it. (Even though the outside temperature hit 100 degrees. Again.) After leaving it in the hands of random.org... ...the winner is... Congratulations, Krislyn! Please e-mail me to claim your prize and we'll get

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-22421854860652899892011-10-21T17:00:00.001-07:002011-10-26T23:04:18.519-07:00

My schedule has been a bit hectic the last couple of months. But this week - this glorious week - has been a breather. This week is actually the week I've been looking forward to for a month and a half. Deadlines have passed, projects have been completed and events have been checked off my list. Typically, Chris and I will try to have a date night once a week. While it doesn't always happen, we

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-8588146299137700072011-10-20T10:20:00.000-07:002011-10-26T23:05:10.453-07:00

Growing up, we had at least two dogs at a time; sometimes, there were three. I don't remember a time being without a dog. So naturally, when I was approached to review Julie Klam's new book, Love at First Bark, I jumped at my copy.    In Love at First Bark, Klam highlights three stories of her own personal encounters with dog rescue. She is one of those, like so many of us, who can't say no

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-63908339705977454832011-10-19T21:30:00.000-07:002011-10-26T23:05:23.076-07:00

It's late October and it's 100 degrees. This isn't quite fall. I sweat in the sun and our A/C is running. This isn't quite fall. The days are sunny and the trees are green and live. This isn't quite fall. I've been donning shorts and my sweaters are still packed. This isn't quite fall. I'd buy a pumpkin but it might whither and melt. I thought it was fall. So fake ones it is with their

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-46029689084757474372011-10-17T20:44:00.002-07:002011-10-17T20:47:57.363-07:00

I've got a giveaway for you folks. One of you will get a set of 250 personalized stickers from UPrinting.com to use on whatever your heart or hobby desires. (Product details: 2" x 3.5", 70lb label matte, front-only printing, 4 business days turnaround, limited to US residents 18 years old and above only, free shipping)  UPrinting.com is one of the versatile online printing companies and

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-88831187892394468762011-10-11T23:59:00.000-07:002011-10-12T07:37:53.039-07:00

I saw this video floating around a few blogs, so I thought I would give it a shot. What better thing to do at 11 o'clock at night? The instructions are to say these words: Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas,

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-91992946479105919652011-10-11T09:26:00.002-07:002011-10-11T09:26:52.841-07:00

571. Face masks.572. A slice of cake that lasts two days.573. Catching reruns of The Wonder Years.574. Gitz's life.575. Candles. 576. Consistent cool weather. 577. Potluck dinners. 578. Girlfriends' laughter. 579. Dog-sitting a good dog. 580. Front row parking in the rain. 581. Chocolate covered grahams. 582. Having my parents in town. 583. Seeing our house start looking like a home. 584. New

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-64511556161435889482011-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:002011-10-11T09:27:04.224-07:00

I've been a tad bit overwhelmed lately. I've been doing the things I said yes to that I would rather have said no to and trying to squeeze in the things I said yes to that I really wish I could do before the things I said yes to but really meant no but can't always choose due to deadlines and commitments. So I've allowed myself to become overwhelmed and take it all onto my shoulders until I

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-1549033108329324022011-10-09T23:08:00.000-07:002011-10-11T09:27:10.064-07:00

   Because I am pretending like her cute face might make up for my unexcused absence.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-72294161668804153742011-10-09T23:00:00.000-07:002011-10-11T09:27:15.454-07:00

The baby brother who was number three  and the brother to two motherly sisters   has all grown up  and is twenty-one  and gave me the privilege of a seven minute phone conversation on his very important birthday night  (at one in the morning)  and is still and always one of the sweetest people ever to grace my life. Happy birthday, Wilber.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-2218230065908784692011-09-25T22:55:00.001-07:002011-10-11T09:27:27.528-07:00

It's getting to be that time of year where I am lucky if I get a weekend that lasts the entire forty-eight hours. This weekend, I had to work all day on Saturday, so when I woke up on Sunday morning, I was already dreading Monday. It comes so much sooner when there aren't two days to just sit around and do nothing. Needless to say, it took me a while to get out of bed. And I'm sure Monday morning

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-60325096014768196582011-09-21T21:15:00.000-07:002011-09-22T12:46:14.914-07:00

I am from the corner house on the street filled with bikes and manicured lawns and neighbors whose doors were always open, the neighborhood kids in and out of the houses without knocking, running out to the ice cream truck as it made its daily stop, begging, yelling for change from our Daddy's pocket. I am from sidewalk chalk on the back patio, from rusty swing sets and homemade tree

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-43476078747589191012011-09-16T16:02:00.001-07:002011-09-19T21:06:55.912-07:00

This week has been busy as I've checked off lists at work and at home and in my head. My mind seems like it is a running list of things to do and I visualize my calendar, not seeing an open weekend for many months ahead. (But that's what every year looks like for me between the months of September and January.) I haven't been the nicest of people this week, letting the list and calendar

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-26117375524911636602011-09-11T19:59:00.000-07:002011-10-11T09:27:39.325-07:00

I am exactly one month into sixteen, a naive junior in high school. My mom recently bought me a necklace with a prayer box on it. I haven't put a prayer in it yet because I don't know what prayer to write. I want to save it for something special. But I wear it anyway, the silver chain hanging on my neck. I walk into my history classroom, the first period of the day. She is my favorite

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-64499283328459568582011-09-09T10:48:00.002-07:002011-09-13T23:47:47.159-07:00

When trust in my job is shaken and an expensive root canal is a must and then a crown has to follow and the tenant's air conditioner breaks and the dog gets sick three weeks in a row and the house falls away and money has to go here and there and everywhere except back into the bank account and the bank account dries up and the to do list outweighs the hours in the day and I can't

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-40986703753963835552011-09-08T12:18:00.003-07:002011-09-08T12:18:39.365-07:00

544. Raw apologies. 545. Birthday dinner coupons good for the entire month. 546. Wall hangings making the house come to life. 547. Having only one box left to unpack (ahem... Chris). 548. Raw emotions. 549. Drinking out of a new coffee mug (thanks to Brittany). 550. A calm commute to work. 551. A shaded driveway. 552. A clean bill of health for Mia. 553. Friendly grocery clerks. 554. Fresh cut

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-28810220382023565682011-09-02T04:00:00.000-07:002012-01-13T16:05:32.929-07:00

After editing Sarah Mae's How to Market and Sell Your eBook, I received so many editing requests from her readers. One of them was from Jennifer, the owner of ListPlanIt.com. This website speaks to the organizer and planner within me with all of the lists she provides. I knew her new book would do the same. I recently finished editing Jennifer's eBook, 100 Days to Christmas. I love the holidays

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-72624410377612750322011-09-01T09:15:00.003-07:002011-09-02T10:35:19.231-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been filled nonstop with moving and packing and moving and unpacking and decorating and finding things to fill the new spaces in our our new place and watching Mia bask in the sun out in her new yard and flying to and from Vegas in the middle of a dust storm and celebrating my birthday a couple of times and balancing the busy load at work while balancing the

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-17044576735595059322011-08-24T13:47:00.004-07:002011-08-24T13:47:49.861-07:00

Moving from a townhouse to a real, stand-alone house has many perks. We have a front yard (of rocks and "desert plants") and a backyard (full of new, lush grass). We have an orange tree and lemon tree (that are both hanging on for dear life until we learn how to tend to them). We have a driveway that is all ours (and we don't have to roam a complex for twenty minutes praying for a parking

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-20470786375862272332011-08-23T10:46:00.003-07:002011-08-23T10:47:20.399-07:00

Are you ready to catch up? So am I. 510. A packed up, empty townhouse. 511. Unpacked, empty boxes in a new place. 512. Having friends who willingly help move furniture in the middle of a hot Saturday in August. 513. A mother-in-law who brings over pizza for dinner on the first night of the move. 514. Catered lunches at work. 515. A yard for Mia, who spends her mornings, afternoons and evenings

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-75973663900319983462011-08-16T12:21:00.000-07:002011-08-23T10:47:08.434-07:00

We are surviving (kind of). We are sweating (a lot). We are on one another's last tired nerve (but still kissing goodnight). We are officially out of the old place and into the new, with much learned along the way, like... ...never, ever, ever move in the middle of an Arizona August. Never. Ever. Never. ...I am thankful for my husband's best friend who was willing to move furniture all

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-28239511984063667752011-08-11T10:10:00.007-07:002011-08-11T10:19:38.587-07:00

Today, at approximately 9:23 a.m. Texas-time, I turned twenty-six years old. Year twenty-five was a year of change. Lots and lots of change. Change in my marriage. Change within my job. Change in our housing situation. Change with friends. Change within myself. Change for my life path. And while I wish I could say it was all good, welcome and easy change, it all came with a bit of anxiety

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-53701621913427643302011-08-10T11:01:00.001-07:002011-08-10T11:01:21.277-07:00

501. Receiving an encouraging note in the mail from Brittany.502. My husband getting pulled over for speeding (slightly) and getting away with a warning (because they were just looking for people who were drinking). 503. My husband taking over the dinner reins.504. Falling asleep to the sound of thunder and flashes of lightning. 505. My husband being the one to voluntarily get up in the middle

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-57055526913172214372011-08-06T18:22:00.001-07:002011-08-06T18:22:20.586-07:00

The paper, which we have been saving for packing, is on the floor because it was on top of the kennel. And we had to move the kennel to the tile in the dining area next to the few boxes we've I've packed because a certain dog was getting sick. And right around the corner you'll find some dishes in the sink because I had just cooked dinner for the sick dog. And you'll see the syrup

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-23022577617480423102011-08-03T21:00:00.000-07:002011-08-03T21:23:46.131-07:00

This is going to kick off a series on my blog going back in time and recapturing the memories I would have written about if only I had a blog back then. It was the summer before my senior year in college and I was just shy of twenty-one. I knew it all and I had just landed a great internship. I had no idea what I wanted to be at the time, but my dad had connections and an internship in

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-74036786391603728242011-08-02T14:48:00.002-07:002011-08-02T14:48:43.485-07:00

481. Securing another editing project. 482. Clever greeting cards. 483. Croissants. 484. Packing the first five boxes. 485. Receiving four books in the mail. 486. A new adventure for my mom. 487. Vegetable soup. 488. Pain relief from the chiropractor. 489. Officially receiving the keys for our new place, making it officially ours (for the next two years). 490. Watching Mia run through her new

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-56273284875244011622011-07-29T09:34:00.003-07:002011-07-29T09:59:56.407-07:00

Of the millions of blogs I read (or at least it feels like millions), one person I love to read is Sarah Markley. She speaks so honestly about struggles and insecurities and marriage and life. She leaves nothing hidden and it's comforting to read her words and relate. Last week she wrote a post about how her and her husband got back to how they used to be. They pushed aside the distractions of

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-81378708282248513352011-07-28T09:35:00.002-07:002011-07-28T09:36:04.625-07:00

There's a freedom in saying that, because renting is temporary. We're not stuck there long-term. We didn't have to come up with a big down payment. We don't have to worry about the housing market going up and down, determining the value of our house. The outdated kitchen and bathrooms are just fine because instead of being another project to fix, they just add character. It's just a rental

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-17312919906614576212011-07-27T13:23:00.002-07:002011-07-28T09:36:18.058-07:00

We are not defined by the value of our house, whether wonderfully high or shockingly low. God defines us as valuable because of our heart. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-60528455463949202172011-07-26T11:38:00.001-07:002011-07-28T09:36:36.961-07:00

467. A brand new nephew! (That makes four nieces and four nephews I've acquired since getting married.) 468. Volunteering time for the benefit of others. 469. Being in close proximity to my husband. 470. A husband who is quick to forgive. 471. Having a sister-in-law who is a realtor. 472. Getting a few minutes of non-house related conversation in with her. 473. Witnessing lightning storms roll

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-60313626765712721562011-07-25T15:36:00.001-07:002011-07-28T09:37:00.245-07:00

The weekend always seems to come to a close a day too early. I suppose, however, if it actually was three days long, then we'd still want a fourth day. Or perhaps a weekend that never ends. This was the first weekend I've been able to spend in our house with just my husband and dog in about a month. I was due for some downtime. Of course, downtime only exists if you aren't busy. And my plate was

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-30422807605932036972011-07-22T18:04:00.002-07:002011-07-28T09:37:13.072-07:00

Thanks to those of you who answered the poll in the post below. You affirmed that what I write about currently doesn't bore you and that you'd actually like to read more of it, and that things I've thought about starting to write more about, you would like to hear about them but not as often as what I currently write about. In other words, we're on the same page. And if you have yet to take the

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-42181623523624949932011-07-21T11:31:00.003-07:002011-07-21T11:31:26.863-07:00

(If you're reading in this in Google Reader or an RSS feed, please hop on over.) While I try my best to write what's on my heart and mind, I also want to make sure I'm writing to your heart and mind as my readers. So, if you would be so kind, please take this poll below. Just click on all of the options you want. Thank you, thank you ahead of time. Quizzes by Quibblo.com

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-84621996773155079092011-07-20T15:43:00.004-07:002011-07-28T09:37:37.476-07:00

On Saturday morning, we woke up in my parents' house to the sound of dog paws on the hardwood and the smell of coffee brewing. We spent our morning stopping in for a quick jolt of Starbucks, roaming around Target for a wedding gift and bring Shipley's donuts home for the family. If you have never had Shipley's, you must go to Texas and get them. They will change your life. Side note trivia: If

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-48552438891463346502011-07-19T11:02:00.002-07:002011-07-28T09:37:51.253-07:00

I spent this last weekend in Dallas reconnecting with Casey, a friend I've known ever since our freshman dorm rooms were placed side by side and split by a grimy bathroom on Texas A&M's campus. Oh, the stories those walls could tell. She is currently busy chasing around a very active sixteen-month old and growing another baby in her six-months-along belly. I was more than thankful to be

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-31554377517165896842011-07-18T14:44:00.003-07:002011-07-18T14:49:22.105-07:00

432. Hammocks. 433. Finishing two novels in two weeks, finding the time to just sit back and read. 434. Screened-in back porches. 435. Grass on bare feet. 436. The first dip in the ocean. 437. Saltwater. 438. Sand under my toes. 439. Swimming among fish. 440. Boat rides. 441. Reconnecting with those we grew up with... 442. ...and getting to be neighbors again if even for just a week. 443. Waves.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-708490174826138572011-07-18T12:04:00.001-07:002011-07-18T14:49:56.016-07:00

On the Thursday of the vacation week, we left our beach house in Florida and drove down the coast to New Orleans. This was our night's pit stop as the halfway mark to my parents' house in Houston. We walked along the Riverwalk that ran along the mighty Mississippi, a river my dad grew up on. Chris was much more enthused by this sight than we were because this was all normal to us and they

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-8683864027816211442011-07-15T04:00:00.002-07:002011-07-18T14:49:56.022-07:00

On Tuesday, those who were less than a year out of college left to go back to their respective towns and six of us were left: my mom, dad, Chip, Debbie, and of course, the two of us. My mom, Debbie, Chris and I spent the afternoon at the outlet malls while simultaneously feeling disgusted about the outcome of the trial that had come to a close as we ordered our lunch. Being in Florida during

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-57398768687544112232011-07-14T04:00:00.000-07:002011-07-18T14:49:56.010-07:00

On Monday, we started the day with every t.v. and eye on the Casey Anthony trial. I don't even know where to begin on that one except for the fact that if my future child goes missing for even thirty seconds, everyone in a one thousand mile radius would know within the minute. Not a month later, like some people deem rational. But that's just me (and most mothers). Aside from that bit of drama,

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-44924664259345786922011-07-13T09:31:00.003-07:002011-07-18T14:49:56.002-07:00

I have been looking forward to the vacation we just got back from for, oh, about a year. I believe now that I was a mermaid in my previous life. The ocean is my favorite place. Saturday morning started out at the crack of dawn when we groggily woke up, got dressed and walked out to our cab at 4:45 a.m. I put my over-packed suitcase in the cab's trunk and our vacation began. After checking in at

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-65053515736815762672011-07-10T16:57:00.001-07:002011-07-10T16:57:53.799-07:00

I’m hustling around the house, tackling the busy in an otherwise quiet evening. I clear off the remnants from another week night’s dinner in what seems like one swift move, head towards the stairs as I pick up the pair of shoes that have been sitting there since who knows when, take each step up at an extra-fast pace, turning into the bedroom as I toss the shoes onto the closet floor. The

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-54425655655598354462011-07-08T04:00:00.002-07:002011-07-08T04:00:00.447-07:00

I've spent this week answering reader questions since my brain is currently in vacation mode. Here's the last round! Veronica asks: If you could have one day where rules and social norms didn't apply...what would you do? I'd sleep in and then come into work when I felt like it. When I finally did come in, I'd come to work in my pajamas. Wait, I wouldn't even go to work, actually. And then

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-26867797115759472332011-07-07T04:00:00.003-07:002011-07-07T04:00:12.100-07:00

I am spending this week answering reader questions since my brain is currently in vacation mode. Here we go! Jessica asks: If you could redecorate my living room, what would you do? Everyone go check out Jessica's family room so we're all one the same page. She's got amazing couches, pillows and "basics", so really she just needs to know about the walls. Here's what my non-expert self

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-91794109613907438122011-07-06T04:00:00.002-07:002011-07-06T04:00:03.031-07:00

I am spending this week answering reader questions since my brain is currently in vacation mode. Here we go! Sassy Pops asks: What advice would you give to engaged couples or newlyweds to help them succeed in their relationship? Communicate fairly and freely. I've noticed a lot of times when Chris and I will get into a "disagreement", that one of us isn't communicating fairly. By being fair

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-8745750947402096132011-07-05T04:00:00.000-07:002011-07-05T04:00:12.759-07:00

I am spending this week answering reader questions since my brain is currently in vacation mode. Here we go! Julia asks: What's your favorite food? I feel like I crave something different every day, but I will say that if something on the menu has cheese, avocado and/or spinach, I am immediately drawn to it. I'll take a sandwich with those three, or pasta with those three, or a salad with

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-7216219522916998722011-07-04T08:00:00.005-07:002011-07-04T08:00:11.330-07:00

The other week, I asked you, my readers, to ask me any question you'd like. I'll spend this next week answering those questions since I'm currently in vacation mode and my brain can't comprehend much else with all the beach and summer drinks and good company it's trying to soak in. Here we go! Heather in ND asks: Does Mia sleep with you? Or at least try? She tries to sleep with us every

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-37356719742505137902011-07-04T04:00:00.004-07:002011-07-04T04:00:08.172-07:00

Today, as Americans, we celebrate our freedom and independence. We celebrate our freedom of speech and freedom of choice. We celebrate our freedom to love and to be loved, to believe and to flourish. Later today, I will be celebrating on the beach in Florida with a circle of people who mean the world to me: my husband, my parents, my sister and brother and family friends who have known me

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-5488213161212118222011-07-03T17:04:00.000-07:002011-07-03T17:04:34.464-07:00

Very few words today. Many, many pictures. I'm worn out from all of the sun and water and family and good times. And it's only the first day. (T. Cook's... from our wedding venue in Arizona, all the way to Florida.) (Gig'em.) (In case you were wondering where the dramatic contestant from the Bachelorette ended up... he's now running a boating business.)

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-15324754946437240472011-07-01T18:53:00.001-07:002011-07-01T18:54:46.246-07:00

We have been trying to get our house officially sold for the last couple of months. As soon as the word offer was thrown out, I was immediately in move mode. Is it sold yet? Has it been approved yet? Are we moving yet? Are we there yet? It's tough to be in limbo. I try to feel settled and content in this house all while thinking what's the point? We're moving anyway, so why organize that shelf?

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-67181072449143156742011-07-01T17:29:00.001-07:002011-07-01T17:32:19.794-07:00

At the crack of dawn tomorrow, we'll be loading our over-packed bags into a taxi and taking a very long flight across the country. Seven hours of travel time, to be exact. This will either be a really good test or a really not-so-good test for our marriage and patience levels. Prayers are welcome and encouraged. Last summer, my parents secured a beach house in Destin next to their best friends'

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-65187818492477018832011-06-30T09:00:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:00:38.101-07:00

Today, I am giving you a sneak peek into my crafting space at Our Taylor Made Home. Alana has graciously allowed me to take over her blog this morning with all of my bins and baskets. Just click on that link to go check out how I organize all of my paper, stickers, ribbon, paint and other very important items. I long to have my own crafting room one day (just like my husband longs to have his

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-50461191738214517832011-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:002011-06-29T10:04:30.598-07:00

I've got a couple winners to announce for the custom postcard giveaway and the Kind of Extreme Couponing Challenge giveaway. I'll just make this short and sweet. The winner of the custom postcard giveaway, thanks to random.org, is:  Karyce! Please send me an e-mail so I can get the details over to you. And the winner of the couponing gift pack, based on her involvement in the challenge and

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-20181396417974124912011-06-29T09:42:00.002-07:002011-06-29T14:05:46.239-07:00

I mentioned yesterday that today I would officially announce a new venture I have run full-speed ahead with for the last week. I have been collaborating with Sarah Mae on her new eBook, How to Market and Sell Your eBook, and have spent the last week or so editing her masterpiece. I can't thank her enough for opening up the door for me to start up my own freelance editing business. I loved

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-20564020270261579572011-06-29T08:46:00.000-07:002011-06-29T08:46:15.518-07:00

Dear 22-year-old Jordan, Well, you did it. You moved across the country and you’re scared to death because it’s pretty much permanent. Until the next thing comes up, that is. I know you’re thinking that you will do this for a few years and then you can get up and leave, but I encourage you to stick around. Good things are going to happen, once you get past all the rough patches. You are

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-64302919878936667602011-06-28T14:10:00.004-07:002011-06-28T15:30:03.432-07:00

If you just saw the new words up top and thought, "Wait a second...", don't worry. It's still me. It's still Wide Open Spaces, except it's not really anymore. Over the past month or so, I've been going back and forth about changing this blog's official title and header. While it's been Wide Open Spaces for years now, I didn't really feel like that applied any longer. I am also starting a new

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-52776593367819764622011-06-27T18:04:00.001-07:002011-06-27T18:09:17.796-07:00

I was recently approached by uPrinting, a printing service that does everything from business cards to magnets to postcards and so on. They are offering you, my readers, a chance to win 100 custom postcards for whatever your heart desires. Maybe you want to spread the word about an event you're planning? Or maybe you want to have custom postcards on hand to send to family and friends? Or maybe

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-27835419091110276302011-06-27T00:01:00.004-07:002011-06-27T17:48:55.175-07:00

I hope more than anything that the couponing challenge gave you even a hint of what you can save just by using coupons. If you saved $10 or $100, I want to hear about it! Please send me your answers to the following questions. Have you ever used coupons before this challenge? What was the best deal you found? How much were you able to save on your best trip? Do you plan on continuing to clip

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-77179724267492860252011-06-23T17:49:00.001-07:002011-06-23T17:52:26.768-07:00

I've been trying to wrap my mind around so many going-on's this week that are all so dependent on so many things. If this, then this. But if this, then this. Oh, but what about this. Have you ever had one of those weeks? Months? Years? The planner in me is screaming to be released so it can take over. I'm doing my best to keep it tamed. (Like that's going to happen.) In the meantime, I want to

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-26190689854839477422011-06-22T21:30:00.002-07:002011-06-25T15:55:41.128-07:00

When you live in the southern part of Arizona, you are either spending your time soaking in the sun or spending your time avoiding the sun dependent on if it's only 97 degrees or if it's spiked to an oven-like 115. Maybe even 125 if it's feeling extra feisty that particular day. Regardless of the temperature, I want to make the most out of this summer. I want to soak in the moments and people

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-21003388902485807492011-06-22T13:54:00.000-07:002011-06-22T13:54:29.434-07:00

Sometimes our minds and our bodies don't seem to work together. Sometimes our hands and our feet aren't in sync. Sometimes our to-do list overwhelms our 24-hour day but we've got to just keep going, anyway. Sometimes we just do the best we can with what we've got. That's determination. And in this instance, it's just plain precious.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-82661297306653065232011-06-22T11:14:00.002-07:002011-06-22T11:14:34.314-07:00

407. Complimentary meals. 408. Compliments in the morning. 409. Attending an eye-opening marriage conference. 410. New bikes. 411. Living close to parks. 412. Picnics. 413. Getting the opportunity to see a pre-screening of Courageous. 414. Direction. 415. Early morning garage sales. 416. Vintage trays and woven placemats for a steal.Breakfast dates. 417. Nighttime bike rides. 418. Waking up early

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-49041809847016993962011-06-21T04:00:00.003-07:002011-06-21T08:44:23.235-07:00

Yesterday, I talked about going through the grocery ads and your coupons and making a list. Today, I'll show you how to match to a sale. Look through the grocery ads to see what sale are out there. Simultaneously, see what coupons you have that can match the grocery ads. The shampoo was originally 1.99, but it was on sale that week for 1.67. I had two coupons for .50 each that would both

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-72302375897531169912011-06-20T19:08:00.000-07:002011-06-20T19:08:22.919-07:00

Two years ago today I decided, "Oh, why not. I'll just go meet up with the girls even though I'd like to seclude myself on my red couch and watch reruns of Oprah." I went. And I met him. And I think you know by now how that whirlwind of a story went down. Us, two years ago, completely oblivious to where our story would lead. Because the night before two years ago today I had put my foot down

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-65583417410237892932011-06-20T04:00:00.001-07:002011-06-20T04:00:00.214-07:00

The first week of this challenge we talked about clipping coupons and the rules. The second week of this challenge we talked about organizing those said coupons and stacking them up. This week, we'll talk about making a list and shopping. For just the two of us, I usually grocery shop every other weekend. I collect the coupons and grocery ads throughout the week and then make Sunday my day to

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834258939875384871.post-14044422998839647212011-06-19T10:31:00.000-07:002011-06-19T10:31:52.646-07:00

Happy Father's Day to a man I am proud to call my Daddy.

jordy lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05624228411220345728noreply@blogger.com0