Chitwood is Home!

Yeah!! Amanda came home on Saturday after being @ Mayo for a month. You can read about her here also. Amanda and her mom Rhonda, learned so much about Amanda's pancreatis and how to manage her pain while they were there. Amanda met some amazing friends that will support and encourage her thru this process that are dealing with some of the same issues she is. I just want to give you all a big "thank you" for praying for Amanda & Rhonda while they were @ Mayo. Being gone from home that long was tough...but thru the prayers and support of many they were able to endure and make it thru their time there. I am truly blessed by each of you for holding someone you didn't know personally...but as a fellow follower of Christ...up in prayer. That's what it's truly all about!! WOW! God gets all the Glory!! Please continue to pray for Amanda as she continues to learn how to manage her pain and deal with having this disease on a daily basis and take what she learned and put into a daily practice. We had a little surprise party for her on Sunday after church. 

Tons of friends and family showed up to welcome her home! As Ty Pennington would say...cuz ya'll know he is my friend and all...LOL...yea..right! There's only one thing left to say...Welcome Home Amanda & Rhonda...Welcome home! 

In Christ Alone

In  Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

PLEASE PAUSE THE PLAYLIST BELOW BEFORE YOU WATCH THE VIDEO!

During this song this morning @FCC God spoke to my heart and gave me such a peace about a situation in my life right now. Jesus commands my destiny...no one else...though some may be against me...I have been bought by the precious blood of Christ...I have victory...no scheme of man can pluck me from His hand. As we prepare to celebrate our risen Savior (which we should do every day..not just at Easter) ...I pray that you know that you have the POWER of Christ in you. Someone might be waiting for your invitation to know Christ this week...more people will say YES to coming on Easter Sunday than any other day of the year. Be BOLD my friend in the Name of Christ. 

If I can pray for you in any situation you are struggling with...email me. 

Stand in the Power of Christ! 

Painting...DONE!

We finally go the walls painted! I put a base coat on first...it was kinda a warm yellow. Then I took a Mocha Glaze and brushed it on...and yes...my arm...elbow and shoulder were about to fall off! Whine whine whine!!  I was going for a Tuscan look. I like warm, cozy colors. I have to say...I LOVE IT!! I wish my bathroom looked like this actually. :) Matt found this fun light! The wall is curved up so we had to find something that would work for it. These pictures don't really give you the best color. It's really more brown than red. 

This is how we textured the walls...

We are going to start the tile tonight or tomorrow! That should be interesting...we have never attempted tile, but we have been assured we can do it. We will see!! 

Mother/Daughter Journaling

Several months ago I bought my girls a journal. The purpose of this journal was for them to write to me anything they wanted to say...ask...or simply express their feelings about. Something to get conversations started with that we can pass back in forth to each other. We had some serious issues with one of our daughters this week and I wish so bad I had already started this so we could use it during this time.  I had kinda forgot about the journals to be honest. But one of my friends asked me to help her with an assignment and I thought I would get your help. Give me some good conversation starters...questions...or ideas for this to help my friend and myself out as we begin doing this with our daughters. How precious those will be someday as they grow up!! Comment on here...Facebook or Email. Would love to hear what you have to say...Questions she could ask you and Questions you would ask her or just conversations starters...something you would like your daughter to know about you!! Thanks Keri for the idea!

More than just soup...it's a gift.

 My sweet neighbor Kristi Minton read that I wasn't feeling good yesterday and about 3:00 in the afternoon I get a text that she is bringing me homemade chicken noodle soup! Yummy! Now what you need to know about Kristi is...growing up she helped run her parents restaurant...LaCasita...so she is an excellent cook my friends! ( I am still trying to convince her to open it back up for one day and make everyone chicken enchiladas)  I was soo excited when she came over! And the soup felt so good on my throat and just warmed my whole body up!
But it did more than just warmed my body...it warmed my heart and soul that she took the time to make me this soup. I felt so loved by her! Kristi has the gift of hospitality and she uses it very well to serve the kingdom. She and her husband Dave get up early every Sunday and set up our cafe at church. They do it because they love too and it's their way of serving God. They stay late and make sure things get cleaned up after church. It's a huge blessing for many to have breakfast available at our church. I truly appreciate their servant hearts. You never know how welcome someone might feel by simply serving them a donut or coffee with a smile. So thank you Kristi and Dave for all you do...how you do it and why you do it every week. Our church is extremely blessed with how they use their gifts on Sunday...so this Sunday when you are @ FCC stop by and tell them how much you appreciate them!
I feel even more blessed that they are my neighbors! What a lucky gal I am!
We all have different gifts...are you using yours to Glorify the kingdom? It could all start by simply making a bowl of soup for someone and making them feel loved!

**I'm feeling soo much better today! Thanks for all the sweet comments and prayers! You are all a huge source of encouragement for me! ***

It's official...

I have my 4th sinus infection since November! Geez! It started last Thursday night and BAM... hit me like a train rollin down the tracks! I used to get them a lot...then I had kinda stopped for a couple of years...then all of the sudden I am getting them again. This time it's a little different because it has packed up and moved to my chest. I am coughing up some really nasty stuff! Sorry...:) I sound like an old lady who hangs out at the bar smokin a pack of cigarettes all day. COUGH COUGH...Hack Hack!! Every time I cough it hurts! Anyway...I broke down and went to the Doc today. I have a bad sinus infection and the drainage has went to my chest and caused the cough...and some infection in my chest. She gave me some an antibiotic...nasal steriod and something for my cough, so I should be better soon. I am not one to run to the Doc unless I really need it...maybe once a year if that! I just think once it gets into your chest you shouldn't mess around.  The copay...the pharmacy...the $$$....it all just annoys me really. But I know...I know...I should be thankful for insurance...I AM!! But who knows how that's going to go with the new health care bill that passed last night....not going to talk anymore about that.
I have to tell you something though girls...we have a breathing machine and some albuterol. Brooke needs it for her coughing asthma so we keep it on hand and if someone gets a bad cough I give them a treatment. Well...last night I decided to use it to see if it would clear my chest....girls...you would think I just took a hit of something or actually was at the bar...I was CrazY!! I was shaky..,and Sunday nights we do our family devo and I couldn't stop laughing...I would just bust out in laughter over nothing! I think Matt wanted to throw me out of the room. LOL!! I felt so bad...but I seriously could not control it!! Scary huh?!?!
So we have made tons of progress on the bathroom. I can't wait to show you the walls. I painted them a warm yellowish and then I am putting a Mocha glaze on them. It looks cool! I have to finish the ceiling today...just trying to get the energy to do it at this point. My bed still isn't made. The house is a disaster...ahh...but you know...it's ok. Momma needs some rest!
Well are you sick of my whining now? Not very exciting news today. Just need to sleep it off and get better. How about you guys? Anyone else had more sinus/allergy stuff this year too? I hope each of you know how much I enjoy your comments...thru facebook...here or email. It brightens my day when I find out you read my ramblings....just like Salem Martin...girl...I had no idea you keep up with me. Gave me a smile the other day...:)
Blessings...

Welcome Sean & Misty Algaier

Remember Sean from the Biggest Loser that spoke at church last month? I totally forgot to share some exciting news!!! Last week @FCC we announced that we are hiring Sean Algaier as our Tech guy. He will be working with Tim behind the scenes in our Tech department. Sean is going to be a huge help for Tim in so many ways. Tim has known Sean for a long time and so he will be a great fit for the job.  As our church grows so does the ministry opportunities for so many to jump in and help, especially with the launching of the new campus @ Stone Canyon. God is doing some amazing things in His kingdom work.  Sean will be an outstanding addition to the staff @ FCC. His wife Misty is a total sweet heart and I can't wait to get to to know their sweet little family. Help me Welcome them...they will be here in April!

Looks like Cotton

Just wanted to share a few pics with you from our snowfall today. I couldn't decide whether to use the B & W or color...so I'm going with both. I love to take pics of snow. It's just naturally pretty. This is a little tree by our old metal barn in our backyard. It's so delicate and the branches are so tiny, the snow looks like cotton on the branches. Hope you are staying warm & cozy today. 

Teeth Whitening Experiment

We are embarking on an experiment @ our house...a teeth whitening experiment that is! Matt & his brother Brian both have this brown stain on their teeth. Growing up Matt was told it was from the well water at their house...but as both of the boys had kids & they got older...their teeth had the same stain. We live in 2 separate states and we are not on well water here, so it must be hereditary. It has really started to bug my girls lately and I have looked into getting them whitened at the Dr. but that is very expensive and the Dentist told me I should wait till Lauren is a little older before we do it! While my sis-n-law was here this week she told me she has started making the girls use Topol toothpaste and whitening strips and it has made a difference...though Alexis is going to have a dentist work on hers very soon, so we will see what results she gets and look into it if it works for her.
Anyway...I thought I would do the same with my girls and see if it makes any difference with the Topol and the white strips. We did it once today...BTW...they taste gross. Here is what they look like today and I will take another pic in 2 weeks and see what happens.

Brooke...poor thing...she has my teeth...will need braces soon! 

Lauren...notice the brown on the middle of the teeth.

Mine...thought I would try it with them and see if I can tell a difference.

Sorry...I know this is gross to look at our teeth! 

Can you say...Dr. Pepper and Coffee? 

So tell me...any advice on the whitening strips? Have you ever done this? 

I know it can make your teeth sensitive, but besides that..not sure of anything else!

TELL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY WISDOM ON THIS!!

Roastin HD & Smores!

I plan meals every 2 weeks & since the weather was going to be nice on Thursday I had planned on roastin some hot dogs! My kids enjoy a good campfire and hanging out together...especially the boy. I let each of the kids invite a friend over...then my niece Kenzie and her friend Amanda surprised me and came down for the night! Yippee! So we invited my parents down and it turned into a big ParTy with the fam! Now...can I just stop here for a minute and let you know how blessed I feel to live so close to my family and that my kids get to spend time with them like this? Yep...I do...feel...blessed!

Matt got the fire going and we had a great time roastin hot dogs..

.it's amazing how a fire can provide cheap entertainment! 

The girls eating on the trampoline...

Brooke & Emma with their dogs...and our homemade pokers

 (old Girl Scout trick).

Our little old men...these two crack me up! 

Notice their glasses so the smoke doesn't get in their eyes. 

They burned everything up for us! They love to throw things in the fire!

My man...he can make a mean fire!

It's smore time!! Nana lickin her fingers

Brooke eatin it up!

Kenzie & Amanda enjoying their smores!

We cleaned up & came in and watched Planet 51. I didn't make it thru the movie...I was tired...I have managed to catch some kind of cold in my chest...not good. The kids said it was a great movie though. We have one more day of Spring Break today. It's went sooo fast! 

Hope you are enjoying yours!

Project Update/NEED UR ADVICE!!!

***Make sure and GIVE ME ADVICE ON SINK... SEE END OF POST!!***

Brian helped Matt run the plumbing on Monday and Tuesday. The plumbing has been the hang up for us because that is not something Matt wants to tackle without any experience to back him up. YOu get that wrong and you have big problems! So we are very thankful for Brian coming to help us out.

This is the shower parts...you should be impressed! ooh and aw please! LOL!

The sink will go here...

Our Garage is the work area...

It's really hard to get a good pic...but the shower walls are up! The drywall is purple and green...you have to use this type for showers...no I didn't paint it!

Matt workin on Mud and tape on the ceiling

Jaden is a huge help! He has filled all the screw holes and sanded them. I have to say...Matt is so good at teaching Jaden how to do these things...I love to watch them working together. He had been sanding..thought he looked cute...

Jaden & I mudding....

****HERE IS WHERE I NEED YOUR ADVICE****

Ok...my cousin works at a place that sales sinks and countertops and is getting a GREAT deal on them! But I don't know what to do about the sink. The practical side of me says...get the sink undermounted...it's a teenagers bathroom and keeping it clean will be a challenge so do this

But the fun side of me says to get the sink on top...like a bowl!

 Like this one..

Do you have a sink that is mounted on top? Is it easy to clean? Does it get in the way of your countertop space? HELP!!!!!!! Either comment on here or Facebook me ASAP!! Thanks Ya'll!! 

We will finish mudding and taping tonight...then I am going to texture the walls tomorrow in a venetian style. I am so excited to see how it turns out! Stay tuned...more pics to come as progress is made! 

SEND ME ADVICE ON THE SINK!!!

HBTU Brian!

 

Today it is not just St. Patricks Day people! It is also Matt's brother's 40th bday! Brian & Matt are different in a lot of ways...but very much a like in so many ways. Brian & Krista started a church in KS about 4 years ago. If any of you have ever been a part of a church plant you know that is hard work! He is the minister there and has been called to reach the lost and those who have never been a part of a church. I am totally amazed at his people skills and the way he can reach out to those who don't know Jesus and make them feel comfortable in church. He is a hard worker...he owns an excavating business, has rental properties and flips houses to provide for his family...because starting a church...well...finances are not there for awhile sometimes. Brian loves to hunt and go repelling. I have always admired how he loves his wife and kids. He and Krista make a great team in the ministry. One thing about Brian is...he is a good hugger! When Brian hugs you...you know it! He isn't afraid to squeeze every bone in your body! He ain't no wet noodle people...but has a heart of gold. SO instead of celebrating St. Patricks Day...let's have St. Brians day! :) He is over the hill now @ 40 years old!!

Brian and Matt

Brian and Krista

We totally appreciate him coming to help with the plumbing in Lauren's bathroom! You da best!

HBTU! We love you!!

FUn with the Cuzins!

The Cuzins arrived in town on Monday and we just played and chatted all day! Fuuunnn! 

The boys rode the 4 wheeler and the go-kart for awhile! 

For dinner we took Brian to Teds for his 40th bday. Of course we had to take pictures!

Krista & I

The girls

The boys

We had the waitress sing Happy Birthday to Brian...it was funny because they called him Ryan instead of Brian the whole time...LOL! 

Nice sombrero!!

Afterwards all the girls went to Target and the boys headed to Lowes!

And GUESS WHAT?! I have been looking for a mirror for Lauren's bathroom and we stopped in Kirklands and I got a beautiful 24x36 frame for Lauren's Bathroom....for only $26!! WOO HOO!! It was regularly $60! I love bargains! We had a super day with them...stayed up late chatting with Brian & Krista...so refreshing. Much needed time with them!

Spring Break Plans

Our Spring Break started off with Date night! Yeah! Our church has a date night every once in awhile and since Lauren was babysitting at it...we decided to leave the other 2 there and go out! We broke out of our mold and went to a mexican restaurant in town that we had never been too...yes we are just a CrAzY couple! Then you know to make it even more exciting...we went to HOME DEPOT! LOL! Really...I promise almost every date we end up at Lowes or Home Depot....and you know what...I really don't mind! I love home projects! Most guys buy their girls roses, jewelry or chocolate on their dates...my man...bought us a toilet!! LOL! BE still my heart! Yep...here he is...don't be jealous girls...

Why do we need a toilet? Well...I'm happy to announce after living in our house for 9 years...we are finally finishing the upstairs bathroom!! Woo hoo! Lauren's bedroom is upstairs to this will basically be her bathroom. We are buying a tankless water heater that will allow more than one person to take a shower without running out of hot water. All the research we have done shows that your gas bill is cut in half within a year of using them. Can't wait! We are do it yourselfers...builds character! :) 

 Here is our project for the week...

Outside looking in..

If you are standing inside looking at the door..toilet goes on the left...vanity on right

On the right will be the shower...left will be a cabinet and vanity.

I always enjoy watching the before and after happen so I thought I would share it with ya! Now the best part of all of this is...Matt's brother and his family are coming on Monday to help us!! SUPER EXCITED! You know what...my sis in law is one of my best friends and I am in so need of her company right now! I am so ready to just laugh and visit with her! My kids can't wait to see their cousins! Lots of pics will be happening during that time! Lauren is extremely happy to have her own bathroom soon! So that is our Spring Break plans...bathroom work and just hanging out with friends and family...sleepin in and having fun! Hope each of you enjoy your week!!

Do you have any fun plans for the week? 

Matt's Day Out

You know...Matt isn't the type of guy who hangs out with "the guys" very often. If you know him...I mean really know him...you know he is an introvert pretty much. I know...it's hard to believe really...because he is so good with people. He is a stay at home kind of guy though. But every once in a while he will go have some fun the some guys. Mike Loewe....aka as our rescuer in Yellowstone...works for Dr. Pepper and he had some extra tickets to the Big 12 games this week so he offered them to the staff at FCC. Which I thought was so nice of him...but that's just the kind of guy Mike is! So on Wednesday morning 5 of them were able to make the trip to KC to watch some games.

  This is Bobby, Matt & Tim..

notice the OU/OSU attire going on there...

And how cool was it that OSU and OU were playing each other! Of course OSU won...:)

 Here is all 5 of them at the game...

   Bobby, Mike, Jim, Tim & Matt

Only 5 of them could make the game so they had 2 extra tickets...so Matt called our good friend Kip in KC and invited him and his Senior Pastor Reggie to join them at the game. I was so glad Kip was able to make it. We have been friends with Kip and his wife Catherine since college and have been on staff with them at Carterville and FCC Owasso at one time together. 

I was so glad for Matt to get to have a day hanging with some of his friends and guys on staff. He really should do it more, but it's just not a big deal for him. I am thankful he had a chance to have fun!

Thanks Mike for the tickets!!!

***Does your husband get out and have "guy time" every once in awhile?***

Meet Chitwood...Visit & Pray!

I would like you to meet my friend Amanda Chitwood...aka "Chitwood". I have known Amanda...well..gosh...um...for a really really long time! Why do I want you to meet her? Because we all need to pray for her. Amanda has struggled with pancreatitis for many years now. I want to say something like 12 years. She has been in and out of the hospital and felt bad for some time now. She lives in constant pain and has to take medicine to manage the pain. Which can be difficult to control at such a young age...Amanda is a Sr. in High school.  About 2 weeks ago Amanda and her mom Rhonda left for Mayo clinic to go thru a month long training on how to manage the pain that is associated with her disease. During this time they are doing lots of test to see what can be done for Amanda's pancreas. Today they were told Amanda would have to get a lot worse before they could do anything to help with the pancreas...this news has just rocked their world because Amanda already feels horrible and doesn't want to feel worse.
Amanda has started a blog and I am asking all my bloggin friends to go here and let Amanda and Rhonda know you are praying for them. As a mom you can put yourself in Rhonda's shoes and grasp how it would feel if this was your girl in this situation so please send her some words of encouragement for me. I just love Amanda...she is one of those girls in the youth group we have always been able to count on  as a leader...one who is who she is...she isn't all girly girl...which I like...she tells you how it is...she is tough and has been an example to many in her faith in God. She could really use your prayers...they are so far from home for a month and having to deal with so many things. I truly appreciate you doing this...:)
Blessings,
Steph

Cleaning Out!

Last Saturday I spent the day cleaning out bathroom drawers & kitchen cabinets...I am almost embarrassed to admit it...I threw out 2 bags of trash from them. If you would have came to my house and accidently looked in my closet...I might have had to place a gag order on you. Seriously...it was awful girls!! Monday...I had a major migraine...didn't move most of the day, but knew I had to tackle that closet! I decided the best way was to just drag it all out and only put back in what I needed. I should be ashamed really...I am giving away 2 big black trash bags of clothes but the sad part is...my closet is still full.
I have to tell you every time I  walk into that closet or open those cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom...it makes me feel so good...clean...refreshed...decluttered and gives me peace. I hope it stays that way for a long time. I know...life gets busy...clothes get unorganized...we don't take the time to put things back where they belong and think...Oh I'll do it later.
While I was cleaning I thought alot about my relationship with God. I need to clean out the old...dirty rags that are cluttering up my life...my sins I want to hang onto. A cleaning from the inside out.  It always feels so good when I give my sins to God and ask forgiveness and let him cleanse me with His righteousness. It's a daily meeting I need to have with God.
Today I'm going to clean my kids rooms...oh fun! Just like in my life though...the cleaning is never over until I see Jesus someday in all His Glory. Until then...I will praise Him for His forgiveness and mercy.

How do your closets look? And do you need to "declutter" your life?
 Let him wash you white as snow today! 

Jesus paid it all...all to him owe...sin had left a crimson stain...he washed it white as snow...it's washed away...all my sin...all my shame...Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!

Molasses Cookies

I follow several PW's on twitter now and I kept seeing them talk about these yummy molasses cookies! Well...you know me...I'm all about a good cookie! I get all excited about a new cookie recipe and can't wait to try it!  Brandi Wilson gave it to me, but I guess it's actually Tam's over at Inprogress. Both of these ladies have a passion for God and their blogs are Outstanding and I encourage you to go check out their blogs...go...now..:) Tam says to follow this recipe...don't deviate from the brands or it will not turn out the same...I used the same brands as she did.
Molasses Cookies

3/4 c. butter flavor Crisco
1 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. Brer Molasses Full Flavor
1 egg
*Mix until creamy* ( I used my mixer)
2 c. white flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
Add to cream mixture. Roll into balls...roll balls into sugar.
Bake @ 350 for 9-11 minutes.
Hope you enjoy them hot out of the oven like we did at our house! And don't forget to go visit Tam and Brandi's blog. You will be blessed!!

Adventures in Babysitting...Take 1

We took on our first "free babysitting night" by the Thomason's on Friday night. And let me tell you...WE. HAD. FUN!!! The winners this month were 3 precious little Aberle kids named Saleh (7), Bryson (6) and Charis (4). The fun part about all of this is...I have known Cari..their mom...for so long! She grew up at FCC and her family is one of those families you look at and say...I hope my kids turn out as good as theirs. Cari's mom was a Godly...firecracker of a woman who homeschooled and raised 4 Godly amazing kids (with the help of Tom their dad...who is fabulous himself). So I knew taking care of Cari and Alan's kids would be a delight! And let me tell you....it was just that!! We ate pizza and then they went upstairs to play..

A little Wii/Xbox for the boys...This is Jaden, Baylor (Jaden's friend) and Bryson

The girls had fun with Littliest Pet Shop!

Made T-Shirts

They say...I"m so lucky...Jesus loves me! For St. Patrick's Day.

Made some cookie dough...Saleh and Charis

Baylor, Jaden and Bryson

      

Brooke and Haley..

(new friend from church who just moved here from Alaska)

Of course we ate cookies and Milk!

And finally played dress up!

Cari and Alan should be so proud of these 3 little sweeties! Very well mannered, obedient and just fun kids!! Easy to take care of! Thanks for sharing them with us for a night. We are already planning on keeping the Enyart kids next month! So Jamie start planning your date night NOW!! I was so proud of my kiddos and how well they entertained everyone. Just trying to get them understand how important it is to serve others...even in babysitting!