stephtmomof3

All By Myself....

2012-01-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Anyone remember that song by Eric Carmen...think ya have to be an 80's chick!

How many of you like to be by yourself....raise your hands??

That's what I thought...alot of us!

Some of you are looking around thinking...not me. I love a crowd, the more the merrier.
Glad God created you...you make our world fun & you connect with people easy
with no barriers.

Some of you are looking around thinking...me...no doubt. I like to be left alone.
I love you gals...you are usually confident, solid people...that don't speak unless needed & people
listen when you say something.

And then there is the group I fall into...yes...I no doubt need time alone...
EVERYDAY...or I will go crazy. But I enjoy a good cup of coffee with a friend...a party &
hanging out with people...but I get overloaded if it's too much & demanding of my time.
Now...don't misunderstand me, I believe Bible calls us to be a part of the Body of Christ & hold
each other accountable...Jesus surrounded himself with the apostles. He set a clear example.

I had coffee with one of my friends this week on my day off..after she talked me into bootcamp that almost killed me!! LOL!! We don't get to have coffee very often now that I'm working, infact
it's been 6 months. But she said to me...that's why I love you...you aren't needy & demanding of
our friendship & you're ok if we don't get to sit down & chat for a long time & we can
pick right back up & enjoy our time. AMEN!

My friend Tiffany blogged about Will the Real You Please Stand Up? over at L & L
on Thursday. To quote one of her points:

"I like my alone time more and more each year. At first l felt like something was wrong and that I needed to change, now I realize the alone time keeps me healthy."

As I was reading it I found myself thinking....that's exactly how I feel. I used to think I had to
go & do & be all of this in ministry & in my life. But as the years have passed, I know that I need
& I crave my time ALL BY MYSELF!!

I have a quote I often share with women...."I wanna to be invited, but I really don't wanna go."
And they always laugh & say...I totally agree!

When I come home from work I spend about 30 minutes all alone in my room...I will read emails,
take a nap, read my bible, or just chill. I have found I am a better mom, wife & child of God if I
spend my time alone. That has been my biggest challenge as a working mom is finding time alone.

I guess for me it comes down to balance & truly seeking where God wants to use me in His kingdom.
I have to be picky & not always say yes to every event, party or coffee date that comes my way.
It's ok to say no if you feel like it is stealing time away from your family & mostly your walk
with God.

Be excited for who God has designed, created & called you to be.

How about you? I guess the question is...
Are you an introvert....an extrovert....or 1/2 & 1/2 if that is possible? Which I think it is. I need a
good balance of both to serve my God.

HIghlights of 2011

2011-12-31T11:21:00.000-08:00

My Friends Kate & Rachel informed me of how you can turn your blog into

a scrapbook several months ago. Being that I do not scrapbook anymore...bummer,

I have decided to use this blog as a way to do that!

And what I thought would take me a couple of hours took me oh...

a couple of DAYS!

I thought I would put together some highlights of the year so when I turn my

blog into a scrapbook I will have this as a reminder of the year 2011!

January

Jaden turned 10...wow double digits!!

We took some of his friends to play paintball...Cody Street & Baylor Haynie.

For His Bday dinner he picked

Joe's Crab Shack & took his buddy Baylor. He loves crab legs.

Jaden doesn't like cake very much so we get him a dozen of Krispie Kreme donuts

& stack them up & make a donut cake.

He has really gotten into guns, hunting & such this year.

Lauren turned 14 this year. I don't know how we will top this bday!

Our friend Sean is buds with Toby Mac & he got Lauren back stage

passes to see Toby Mac & we got to stand in a private area during the

concert & watch. I have to say...it was an awesome time.

If you have never been to a Toby Mac concert...you need to go!

She also wanted a Krispie Kreme cake.

We took Hanna Scott & Alex Cook with us to the concert.

For her Bday dinner she picked Teds Mexican Restaurant.

February

Brooke turned 12 this year. She had several friends over for a night of

Minute To Win it games & the famous chocolate fountain. It was a lot of fun!

Hailey Scott, Avery Taylor, Marti Tibbles, Emma James & Emily Shields came

to the party to hang out.

The big present this year for her was a her cell phone!

Oh this girl has loved the phone before she could talk so

she was so happy. For her bday dinner we went to Los Cabos.

Brooke wanted a homemade Chocolate chip cookie for her cake.

Snow...snow & more snow.

22 inches of snow was the BIG news this year! I have never

in my life seen that much snow in Oklahoma. We were out of school for

2 weeks & we couldn't even get the Expedition out of the driveway for a couple of days.

We pulled the kids behind the 4 wheeler on the sled. They will do that until

their faces freeze off! Matt got the old tractor out to shovel the snow.

The girls took the dogs to obedience school. We remodeled the kids bathroom &

the living room/kitchen area. We almost poisoned our family one night when

we put the sealer on the concrete floor. I'm not kidding either!! The fumes

seriously were to strong. Everything in our house tasted like sealer for months.

The girls & I went to Winter Jam with some friends.

Love worshipping with my girls & as they are growing up we are

having more & more opportunities to do this.

March

We celebrated a life well lived...Eunice McCroskey, Matt's Grandma

passed away. We watched as her mind slowly slip away from us in the last few years.

Grandma McCroskey was a Godly woman who loved her husband of over 70 years

& was so proud of her family. I will always remember her laugh & how she & Grandpa

would tell stories & kept us all entertained. We will miss them both.

We spent a couple of days in Kansas with Matt's Brothers family during Spring Break.

They just moved into their new building this year so we loved being able to worship with them & their church family.

Matt & I went to the Chris Tomlin concert with our FCC staff.

April

Mom & I hosted Danielle's wedding shower. We had all kinds of delicious treats...

one of my favorite was these yummy cupcakes my friend Grace made.

One of the best moments of the month was Greg giving his life to Christ & be

baptized on Easter weekend. Praise the Lord!!

Every Easter we dye eggs in our garage with the kids. Even though the

oldest grandchild is 23, they all still come up with the most colorful eggs

& look forward to it each year.

One of their favorite parts of dying eggs is, the Egg toss!

As you can see...we make a mess!!

May

Armed & Dangerous...3 days full of fun, encouragement,

relationship building, Amazing Race, sleeping in a 5 star hotel, Nashville,

worshipping with my PWs, tears, prayer time & a retreat that left

my cup over flowing in ways I haven't yet found the words to express.

Those ladies are precious to me.

I subbed in Kindergarten another 6 weeks for Mrs. Hensen.

Danielle & Lonnie graduated from The U of A.

May 22 we attended church at Carterville & had the JOY of hugging on

some of our first youth group kids who are now all grown up.

Then we attended Kenzie & Amanda's graduation, little did we know as

we left we were in the middle of the biggest storm ever to hit.

As we drove to Christy's the tornado sirens were blaring.

We waited out the storm & from the news we had no idea the

devastation that was happening just 1 mile from us.

As we headed out of town, we saw just a small glimpse of what

the tornado had destroyed. It wasn't until we were home that it

all began to unfold before our eyes what had happened to a town

we once lived in...& still loved.

June

Danielle & Lonnie's wedding was the big news of the month!

It was so much fun! We danced, had a photobooth, a wonderful dinner

& Matt did an amazing job! Everyone looked so beautiful. Probably

one of the most fun weddings I have ever attended. So proud

of this couple & I can't wait to see how God uses them.

Lauren went to HS camp & one of their days was spent cleaning

up debris at a park in Joplin. Service projects always help put

things into perspective.

Jaden went to Galveston with his Grandma & Grandpa

Thomason. To quote Jaden...the best time of his life.

They went to the Space Center & if you know Jaden,

he is all about that kinda information!

I went on my annual trip to OKC to spend time with some

ladies that always build me up & refresh me. We were in

the youth group together & we have a blast each year.

Brooke went to Jr. High camp also.

July

We took our annual summer trip to Branson, except this year

my crazy family talked me into Ziplining!! I bawled like a baby

when we pulled into the parking lot & almost wet my pants!

I was so scared. But I bucked up & did it & I liked it so much

that when we went to YQ I went again. GASP!

We took the kids to the Dixie Stampede, so GOOD!

We spent the 4th at the lake with my family. So relaxing &

the kids look forward to it.

Jaden went to 5th grade camp at Cyokamo.

After 18 years...we finally got to take one of our own to YQ.

I so enjoyed having Lauren there! For the first time we had

a bear get into a tent & pretty much scared the pants off us all!

God is so good & many lives were changed in the Colorado mountains.

August

We had our first mud bowl with the kids & some of their friends.

I think it will become an annual event.

I started my full time job as the Principal's Secretary at the 6th grade Center.

Celebrated my 39th bday by going to the Cheesecake Factory with my

sweet family. YUMMY!

The kids started school...big year for Lauren. She is officially a High School

Student at the Mid High. Jaden began his last year of Elementary.

And Brooke is a 7th grader now. Time seems to fly faster these days.

Their first day outfits always show their personalities. Nana comes down before

our first day of school to pray with us.

August always brings the start of football season...hot...hot & did I mention

that it's been a HOT summer? Day upon day over 100 degrees.

September

Celebrated Matt's 39th bday at the lake over Labor Day...that's him with his

favorite Strawberry cake! Jaden's football team rides on a trailer in the

Homecoming parade each year. Jaden wanted that gun in the picture & I told him that if

he could turn off his light for 7 days straight he could earn that gun. Only took him

3 weeks to make it all the way to 7 days. Shocker!

Meet my PW friend Kendra from Iowa! She was helping one of her friends move & she

stopped by & stayed with me for a night! That's what I'm talking about when I say

I love these PW ladies!! I was so blessed that she decided to come stay with me!!

Great conversation & a friendship was made in person!

October

Jaden played his best bud Baylor in football this year. We took the kids

to the Walk Around at OSU, it's a Homecoming weekend celebration.

That is a treat! The things they make out of

tissue paper is incredible! Matt went to Highpoint with Brooke. I guess it

was colder than Matt ever remembers at HP this year. They hike & have

all kinds of fun activities in the outdoors w/ our Jr. High students.

Lauren didn't want to trick or treat this year...:( I knew it was coming soon.

She is growing up. Jaden was an army man & Brooke was a baby.

We took them to a couple of neighborhoods. Jaden had practice that night

to get ready for the playoffs so our night was cut shorter than usual.

But that's ok...we still managed to get more candy than we needed!

November

3rd time is the charm! Jaden's team has went to the INFC championship 2x's &

this time THEY WON!!! In the last 15 years they are only the 3rd team from

Owasso to win! GO Rams! I felt like I was at the Superbowl!

Matt picked up the team from school in that race car limo. They

thought it was so cool!

And meet Peggy & Caramel...Lauren's new piggies!!

They are so cute & have a lot of personality! Never thought I would

own a pig to be honest. Lauren is so good with them. We will show Peggy &

eat Caramel. I know...seriously?

My mom always makes the best stuffing for Thanksgiving. I

am so Thankful I have a lot of family to hang out with & laugh

with for the day.

December

We have so much going on in December. One of our traditions is to

go to Branson for the weekend. We hang out in the condo & play games, go shopping & eat!

Silver Dollar City is a big part of our experience. We love the food, the lights

& especially the train ride where they tell the story of Jesus' birth.

Praise the Lord they celebrate His birth!!

Hard Luck Diner is always on the menu for Lunch. Matt loves him a Strawberry

Shake from there! Love old diners where you can still get a burger & ice cream.

On our way we stopped & visited my BFF from College Lana. Don't know what

I would do without her friendship all these years.

Again...Jaden took his hot Condo bubble bath!

Branson

FCC Christmas this & that!

The Pitmans host our annual staff Christmas party in their home.

We play a white elephant game & just chit chat!

Our Senior minister's wife Pam, host a Christmas dinner for the PWs

with an ornament exchange. These ladies always brighten my day.

We helped welcome MacKenzie into her new family. The Adsit's

will adopt her soon. Watching God work in this situation has

been a JOY!! My niece Danielle has taken on a small group of girls

this semester & had the privilege of baptizing them!!

I was one proud Aunt!!

Family Time

We spent a couple of days in Stillwater with Matt's family.

The cousins has such a good time hanging out. Wish

they lived closer to us.

My family gets together on Christmas day & has a big dinner.

This year Danielle & Lonnie were in Louisiana. We sure missed them

but understand we have to share them.

December Fun &

Happy New Year!

Brooke has a group of 4 girls that are a blast to hang out with.

So couple of their moms & I took them to dinner downtown & then went ice skating,

made a craft & had some yummy desserts. So thankful for God placing such

great friends around my kids.

Jaden had to get 6 stitches from the pocket knife his grandma Z. got him.

We asked her to get the knife so it was our idea for him to have it!

I jokingly said...I'll call you when we go to the ER, um didn't know it would be

within 24 hours of receiving the knife! Oh the life of having a BOY!

We ended the year with the Taylors & the Johnsons playing

games & hanging out.

2011 has been a year of some changes in our lives. We added some

new family members & said goodbye to others.

God continues to work in our

lives & in our hearts. I am very blessed.

Looking forward to the journey ahead.

My prayer is that we love God & others deeply.

Let us go with God.

Looking back...Looking Forward...Change.

2011-12-30T14:12:00.000-08:00

Looking back today...to 2009. Depressed...bitter...confused...one word...Change.

Change in my marriage
Change in my best friendship
Change in my Job
Change in my role as a Pastors wife

Change...change change...

Have I mentioned that I don't like change? It takes me awhile to adjust to be honest.

In December of 2009...I was at the bottom of a pit & didn't know how to crawl out.
I needed help.

My friend Stephanie from New York comes every Christmas & we have coffee. One simple
conversation gave me hope. She told me about a website called Leading & Loving it.
I had no idea how much that would impact my life. I was craving a friendship...understanding...
a true relationship that accepted me for who God called me to be in my life.

A friendship that I had held dear to my heart, like a sister... ended without any warning & I had no idea why really...besides the fact that I was a Pastors wife & she no longer wanted to have
any thing to do with church or me & she began shutting me out. I was depressed. I was consumed with
it day & night & let it tear me up on the inside. I longed to call...go to her house & just spend time
with her...but she made it very clear, she wanted nothing to do with me. Never had anyone shut
me out of their lives...I didn't know how to handle it. And to be honest...I didn't handle it well.

I began to question my call to be Matt's wife. Why would He call me to be a PW? I was/am a mess. I let Satan tear me up & begin to have his way with my heart. I felt unworthy. How could someone who was so close to me be turned away from church & my family? I must be doing something wrong. I must be letting God down. I must...I am...I was...who does Stephanie Thomason think she is anyway?
I must have talked to her to much about church life...never again will I do that I thought. I am the reason she no longer loves God's church. She couldn't handle it. I was to open...to real.

My job as a preschool teacher ended rather harshly. I felt useless for awhile...I began to sub. Which has lead me to the most amazing job today. God always leads us when we follow.

Matt left the role as the youth minister & began a new position as the Campus Pastor. I was lost at church...didn't want to go...felt so alone there...out of my element...bitter. I missed youth ministry so much my heart ached to go back. And again...no close friend to help me thru this time. Loneliness.

I remember Matt & I having one of the worst fights we have ever had Christmas day in 2009...it wasn't his fault. I was the lost one. I was the lonely one. He was trying so hard to help me...but he couldn't fix me. That's when God lead us to marriage counseling. One of the best choices we ever made in our marriage life. I believe it truly changed our marriage & saved us.

Since that time...my life has changed. Changed for the good I'm learning. I can't say I have a deep friendship like the one I had before. Maybe that is good...maybe God pruned that off because I had put to much of myself into it & not into what he has called me to be....Matt's wife & Lauren, Brooke & Jaden's mom and mostly His servant. Not what someone else says I am. I don't think that friend would have ever encouraged me to pursue my role as a Pw like I have & so He knew it must end. I tried to reach out to her last year & again she made it very clear that she doesn't want my friendship. I just wanted to sit & ask...Why? What exactly did I do that made you end our friendship? But God did give me a peace about her & that's all I needed. So it is what it is...Matt was very clear I was not to reach out to her again or read her blog ever again. He was tired of me being hurt & sad & it was time to move on. He is wise.

Why am I looking back...because I am looking forward. I am praising GOD for what he has done in my life over the last 2 years. I am so grateful for my Leading & Loving it group of ladies. I have 5 amazing ladies He has given me that love me...encourage me...pray for me & make me laugh!! And guess what? They are a HOT mess too!! I love it! Not only do I have these 5 ladies...I have many others that God has given me to seek advice & see me for who God has created me to be. I have discovered many of them have been hurt in friendships within their church & I'm not alone after all. My friend Lori Wilhite who head up Leading & Loving it...has impacted me from the first time we spoke on the phone. She is pushing me...encouraging me & showing me how to lead as God wants me to lead.
Lori...thanks for showing me...it's ok to be who I am. Don't change that.

For many years I have had a heart for other PWs. I have always wanted to reach out to other PWs & show them it's ok to not be the typical PW. If you can't play the piano...sing...and you aren't this mild mannered quiet wall flower of a gal...IT'S OK!! The Typical PW probably doesn't & never has existed!!! So I started with my PWs here at FCC & that's how it all began. Change.

I have been given an opportunity to share my story to many women. Yes...I have been ask to speak at a Retreat at Ozark Christian College where I went to college. I am nervous...excited & want to pee my pants!! LOL! I will share how this all came about in another blog because to be honest....this is a long one today. But it all comes back to one conversation God lead me to with my friend Steph. You never know how a conversation can change a life. I am thinking of sharing some of what is in this Blog post at OCC & that is why I am writing this...to begin to gather my thoughts.

Change...it comes even if we fight it. Make peace with it...grab hold of God & get out of that PIT!
Thanks for letting me share my heart today. I have had this on my mind lately...I'm truly blessed to be
where I am in life. Thru the heartache...He brings JOY.

HOPE...

a 4 letter word that Changes a life & made this PW realize who God created her to be is Best!

Smile...Stop it...Be Still...Family Portraits...GEEZ

2011-12-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

I almost didn't do it this year. You know...a Christmas Card.

But how could I not? We always have...
I mean...come on, I'm a photographer.
Take a stinkin pic of my family & just DO IT Already!!

It was down to the wire...one week before Christmas.
Everyone got dressed up...ok ok...as dressed up as my very
casual family can manage to dress up. Don't judge...ahem.

I had one rule...no hoodies or sweats. Ok I guess that's 2.

We managed to pull it off. Can I admit that my family has to be the
ABSOLUTE worst clients I have ever had to work with? The words...
Stop...be still...don't touch her/him...quit laughing...SMILE were uttered
on a regular basis. They are goofballs!!! But they are my goofballs.

Oh you can bet I got on my soap box & said...I do all these things for you
and this is the one thing you can do for me...how many of you have said that
before family pics? Uh huh...come on now. Admit it!!! hee hee!!

And it doesn't help that I had to set the camera & make a mad dash to
get in the pic. Matt said...go buy a remote after that session. Score!!

In the end we managed to take a decent pic thanks to Photoshop!

Yes...I'm slowly becoming the short one in the family. Not much longer huh?

I'm so glad we took the time to do this. It really wasn't as bad as I make it sound...

ok maybe I needed a Dr. Pepper after it was over.

I love my family. They are a Blast! And a good looking bunch if I do say so myself.

I hope to catch everyone up soon on life as the Thomason's House.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!!

2011-11-20T10:43:00.001-08:00

WOW! This past week has been amazing!! I was thinking maybe I should just do a weekly update. I have a bloggy friend who does that & I have always enjoyed her once a week blogs! We will see how it goes.
No promises!!

We have been in the midst of football since August 1st. It always amazes me how we go from sweat pouring down our faces, butt sweat that makes you feel like you have wet your pants & you have to go home & change clothes because you might as well of jumped in the pool you are so wet! Have I mentioned that I sweat? I do. It's gross.

Anyway...we have been on the same team for 5 years now & they have won their division 4 out of 5 years...undefeated each year...went to the championship game 3 years now. But have never won the Championship game...until this year. IT WAS AWESOME! We love our football team, we love the coaches, the parents, the team...everything. We all work together so well. But last Saturday night...18 boys won a championship...that they have worked so hard for. I was so proud of my #66. The whole family came to watch. Nana & Papa, Grandma & Grandpa Z. Grandma & Grandpa Thomason, Aunt Christy, Kenzie, Danielle...He has his own fan club!

On Sunday...it got even better. Matt spoke about baptism & we had

24 people get baptized on Sunday morning. They keep coming & coming.

Praise the LORD for changed lives!! That's what it's all about!!

Matt & I started a young married small group a couple of months ago. I love this group. They are so freshing & innocent.

They bring JOY to my life & refresh my love for Matt.

I'm proud to announce we have a new member of our family.

Her name is Peggy.

She is 7 weeks old.

She is black & pink.

Peggy...is a PIG.

She is so SOME PIG!!

Lauren gets up early in the morning & feeds her then checks on her several more times

after school. I have to admit...never thought I would have a pig...but it's fun.

Lauren will show her in FFA this year. I have a feeling she will do incredible.

This is right up her alley.

Life has calmed down a bit since football ended this week. We are staying here for Thanksgiving this week. My moms dressing is to DIE. FOR!! I am not kidding you!!!!!!!!!!!!

My family is BIG so we have lots of food & eat until we want to bust.

I have taken 2 more photo shoots since last. I will share a few of my favs for you.

I am having a blast with this new adventure.

Thankful for so many blessings this week.

Happy Thanksgiving.

What's going on??

2011-11-10T18:53:00.001-08:00

I sure do miss posting on here. I miss reading your blogs too.

Life has changed a lot at the Thomason household this year.

Working full time, starting my photography business & being a wife, mom & everything else that goes with my life...I have had to pick & choose what I will take the time to do. Unfortunately blogging is not a priority for me right now.

Jaden's team has went another year undefeated & we are heading to the Championship game on Saturday. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal to most people, but to get to the final 2 out of about 50 or more teams is a BIG DEAL to a 5th grader. We are part of an incredible team with Christian coaches that love the game & love our boys. I miss it when it over...but I will be glad to have my boys home at night & sit around the table for dinner on a more regular basis.

Lauren is getting her hog soon...like maybe tomorrow. I can't wait. FUN! She is really involved in our youth group & FCA. She amazes me. I love that girl. She is who she is & doesn't give into peer pressure. She is a leader.

Brooke has a solid group of girls that she hangs with a lot. I love all of them. I am so thankful for her spirit & love for life. She seems to be losing that little girl look lately..BOO.

My job is going great. The things I see & hear in that office are CRAZY! I am amazed at some of these parents & the lack of control they have on their kids in the 6th grade. I have seen the good, the bad & the down right ugly. But in the midst of all of it...I have seen mercy, grace & love shown. I work with some fabulous people that love the Lord. I have made a new friend in the other secretary. She is funny, wise & kind.

I must admit...keeping up with life at home & working has been a bit of a challenge for me some weeks. I have an amazing husband who pitches in & helps or I would be a basket case for sure.

My kids have adjusted well to me working. I think me easing into subbing a lot helped us transition a little easier. I seriously have great kids when it comes down to it. I know...I might be a little bias...but shouldn't I be? I really don't deserve to be their mom...it's only by the GRACE of GOD that I am their mom. They are way better kids than I was...for sure. AMEN.

Lots going on...I am still here. Just fewer & farther apart in the blog world.
Love you all.

Diving in...finally

2011-10-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

I have been practicing.

Learning.

Watching.

Stalking others.

practicing some more.

I feel like was on a diving board holding onto the edge & finally

jumped into the water instead of crawling back down the ladder.

(you know what I'm saying right Charlie ?)

I dived in.

I have finally started my Photography Business.

A dream of mine for years.

I have been paid for 2 photo shoots now.

Squeal!!!

And they actually like their pictures.

I have a Facebook page if you want to take a lookie. Go here.

I took one of my small group girls Senior pics....here are a few.

And the fact that she is gorgeous helps me look good too. :)

I pray I use this talent to bring Glory to His name.

And we have a WINNER!!

2011-09-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Drum Roll Please....

The Starbucks winner is...

Whose name did I draw?

Someone I have known since she was like...11?

I love her dearly...

Her name rhymes with banana...

She lives in Kansas....

And her Name is HANNAH BROWN!!!

I'm so excited for you!

Enjoy & drink one on me!
I will send it to ya soon girl!

FALL GIVEAWAY!!! $10 Starbucks card!

2011-09-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

Since it's the first official day of fall...

and it's my favorite season of the year...

and who doesn't want a Pumpkin Spice Latte?

I'm gonna give a $10 Starbucks gift card away!

I always share my favorite fall recipe which is

Pumpkin Dump Cake...go here to get the recipe.

But this year....I have found a new little favorite to share.

Are you ready? It's soo easy!!

Pumpkin Muffins

1 box of spice cake

1 can of pumpkin.

Mix, pour in mini muffin pan.

Bake for about 10 minutes @ 350.

BAM...done.

You can also add some chocolate chips & make cookies out of them.

This is lowfat & low calorie. WIN WIN!!!

So here are the rules. One entry per comment.

This is what I want you to tell me per comment.

1. What you love about fall.

2. Your favorite fall recipe.

3. You also get another entry if you leave the recipe.

4. If you follow my blog.

5. A blessing in your life.

Choose one...choose all five. I don't mind! The more comments you leave

the better your chances. You have until Saturday, @ midnight to comment!

Let's go! If you are not a regular to the blog world just sign in as Anonymous

but make sure you tell me your name!

Happy Fall to Ya'll!

Pay Day

2011-09-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

That was on my desk on Thursday.

WHY??

Umm...simply...It was PayDay.

After 14 years of being a stay at home mom.

I got my first paycheck.

Now...I have always had a job...just not a full time job.

Don't get all excited...I'm a secretary for pete's sake.

But for me...it was fulfilling.

Felt good.

And yes...I ate that PayDay.

It tasted good.

Boys of Fall

2011-09-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

We are not a BIG sports family....I guess compared to most families atleast.

But we do love football, one particular little team called

Owasso 5th grade RED...especially #66 on the left there....

I've been playing with my new camera & taking pics of his team.

And a few of him at home.

Experimenting with my aperture.

Then my filters on Photoshop Elements

Does he look tough or what?

He is getting so big.

This is how we spend our evenings & Saturdays.

Watching this not so little football player out on the field.

I have a jersey I wear w/ his name & number

along with a really neat O Rams necklace my

friend Tracy gave me. :)

Yea...that's me.

One proud Ram Mom.

7 days...no mercy. One goal

2011-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Jaden wanted this a new airsoft gun, and since he doesn't get allowance yet...he has no money.

I came up with a goal...a strategy for him to earn the gun...the prize if you will.

Can I be real honest...It was one I thought he would never accomplish.

Here is the simple task he has to perform for 7 solid days. No mercy...no grace.

1. Turn off his light when he leaves his room.
2. Turn off the bathroom light.
3. Hang up his towel.
4. Turn off the TV when he walks out of the room.
5. Turn off his fan & radio in the morning.

I know...simple...but. not. for. Jaden.

I keep a chart & every day we would find his light on...he would have to start over on day ONE.

After 3 weeks of trying...he made it to the 6th day. I was astonished to say the least.
At this point I was praying he made it one more day. I didn't want to be a softy & let him slide.
I wanted him to truly earn the gun.

And he did...

Wonders never cease to amaze me.

I have tried for years for this boy to accomplish these task...all it took was the right
motivation. If we find his lights on, he loses the gun for a day. So there is still motivation
for him to complete these task.

Motivation...when you set your mind on the prize...you can accomplish anything.

Looks like he set an example for me to follow.

HBTU!! Stone Canyon!

2011-09-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

On August 22, 2010 we launched our second campus....

Stone Canyon
A couple of weeks ago we celebrated our first year...hard to believe how fast a year
can came & went. I have been blown away at what God has done thru this
campus. They are running about 170 & so many people are excited about
what God is doing in our community thru Stone Canyon.

Bobby & Liz have made it thru their first year of ministry....they DID GREAT!

Love this sweet family!!

It was a great day...filled with fun & community!

If I only had a brain....

2011-08-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Tinman...from "The Wizard Of Oz." That's me.

Yep...speaking of no brain...I had google Somewhere over the rainbow just to

remember the name of the movie. I am not kidding you. No brain left.

That's how I feel somedays at work.

I haven't used my brain this much in over 14 years people.

My brain is mush by the end of the day. Like an athlete who tries to run

a marathon without any training. It's not easy.

It's non stop around that office. The phone rings...parents coming in the school,

teachers...the phone...email...did I mention anything about the phone by chance?

oh my mercy. I swear I sit down at 7:30 & it's 3:00 before

I even really know what has happened.

I think I use about 50 million sticky notes in the day just so I can remember what I

am doing or what I'm suppose to do.

Before you think I'm complaining..I'm not...I LOVE my job. I thrive on the fast

pace of it. But I find myself thinking...I wish my brain would keep up with me!

I am hoping in time I will be able to keep up & recall things & get into a grove.

I am mentally & physically exhausted in the evenings. YAWN

SO Question...anyone else ever feel like the Tinman & need a brain?

I guess there is hope for me...the Tinman got one.

Back To School...9th, 7th & 5th

2011-08-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Back to life...Back to reality...:)

Yep...alarms went off early on Thursday ringing in the 2011-2012 school year.

Cinnamon Rolls filled the air & 3 sleepy children sat at the bar & ate them up!

Speaking of sleepy children...take a look at this one...Wake up JADEN!!

Nana always comes down to pray with us on our first day & check out

their new outfits.

My freshman...yes...freshman. Gulp.

We were a little shocked she picked a dress! WOW

She is so beautiful!

And Ms. Sassy pants...Brooke.

She is my girl who loves to get all dressed up!

So pretty & ready for 7th grade!

And now...my little man.

A 5th grader.

Last year in Elementary. Sniff

And the moment you have all NOT been waiting for...

TA DAAAA...

My first day outfit & my new Vera Bradley

(on clearance) lunch box!!!

And my mom actually gave me a gift card for the pants...

so yes...my mommy bought me my outfit! LOL!

Everyone survived their first day.

Let the fun begin!!

Me Speechless? That's hard to do.

2011-08-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while...Matt shocks me.
This time I was completely speechless...I know right?

I feel I should backtrack here.....
when we first got married...I was lucky to get a card on my Bday
or any Holiday. Lucky I tell you!!
Hey & guess what is one of my love languages?
Acts of service/gifts....taking the time to do something for me.
No matter how big or small. It makes me feel loved.
So well..you know. Not pretty. ahem.

Ok let's move on to me being shocked.
On my Bday last week he handed me a card with a picture of this on it.

Yes...that is my dream camera...a Canon 7d.

I had NO IDEA he was gonna do that. To me..this is more than a camera.

This is Matt telling me to go with my dream of being a photographer...

That he believes in me & my passion. And I was so shocked that he was gonna

let me spend the money!!! That doesn't happen very often!! LOL!

I love that Hunka Burnin Love of Mine.

SO he has came a long way in the gift giving department. Enough to shock me &

make me speechless. It finally came in the mail on Tuesday & I have been playing

with it & trying to learn all about it.

Now...I need some practice so let me know if you need me to take your pics!

It's sounds so official.

2011-08-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Thomason....The Principals Secretary @ the Sixth Grade.
Yep...that is my new title. And I am loving it...but it sounds so official.

I blogged about getting this job here. If you so desire read about how
God laid it in my lap.

Even though I knew He wanted me to take the job...I was still skeptical.
What if I couldn't do it? What if I didn't like it? What if I can't handle working
full time? What if...what if what if??

What if I love it? Yep...I do. I adore my Principal...Mrs. Kira Kelsey.
SHe is the perfect boss for me. She jokes around...she loves the LORD...
she puts her family first....she knows when to be tough. I think I have found
my spot. I know God has specifically called me to be where I am. I haven't
felt like this in a long time about something.

Do I know everything? Nope. It's gonna take me some time. But that's ok.
I fell like I sit down at 7:30 am & it's time for me to leave at 3:00 before
I know it. I am in my element.

I know it's not going to be peachy & fabulous all the time. I'm working with
other people...I'm a mess too. But When you know God has put you where
you are...you can't help but shout about it!!

YQ 2011 Part 3

2011-07-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Stress Day...it's called that for a reason!! This is the day we climb the mountain.
We pair up the kids with someone from the group they don't know. Usually it's
someone that will push them up the mountain if they need help. It's a 3 mile hike
up the mountain so by the time you are done...it's 6 miles!!

Lauren's first Mountain Top Experience!

Our Mountain climbing partners....Heather & Mike

Our staff that was there

The Thomason Clan...our nieces with us!

One of our sponsors hide this quarter last year under a rock

& it was still there a year later!! SO cool!!

We have devo time once we are up there.

Our view is breath taking...

Lauren & Matt went to the summit.

Too be honest this year I did not want to climb that mountain. Last

year I was in much better shape & looked forward to it. If it hadn't been

Lauren's first year I probably would have made an excuse to not climb the

mountain. Makes me think about my life & missed opportunities due to my lack

of preparation or feeling inadequate. There

are times I just don't want to climb that mountain...take that chance...

put myself out there...reach out to someone...and I walk away from

a challenge...give up & rationalize my feelings.

I know I do it & I get so frustrated with myself.

Every year when I reach the top of that mountain I think...

that wasn't that hard...I can do this...if I want too.

But I couldn't make it up that mountain with out my partners

walking up that path with me, encouraging me, taking breaks with me,

pushing me & cheering me on. I'm thankful for people in my life

that push me when I don't want to, encourage me when I am down

& love me in spite of my imperfections.

But more importantly I'm thankful for a God who loves me,

carries me, forgives me & knows me yet still wants to use

me in His kingdom work.

I have mountains in my life, but I know God will move them

in His time & His will.

Go have a mountain top experience soon.

YQ 2011 Part 2

2011-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

We start our days off with devo time. Not just any ordinary devo time....

picture this...you are sitting at the base of a mountain...you look across & there

is a small pond that is a like a mirror that reflects the mountain. The sky is blue

with small clouds & the sun warms your back as you sit there. Tall grass &

blue & yellow flowers surround you. You can hear birds chirping...chipmunks

chatting & God's beauty singing his praise. Oh & NO humidity!!!

Now...that is devo time in the Mountains!

I snapped a few pics of my favorite people reading God's word.

And this is a Columbine...Coloarado's state flower...all around you!

The first day is Family Day. We are divided up & given

a group of kids to connect with & love on for the week

They were a fantastic group of kids!!

On Tuesday we are up bright & early to

White Water Raft! Super fun this year because

the water was running fast due to all the snow melting!!

Our Rafting Buddies!

Tracy & I...love her! We rock those helmets!

Each night we have Youth Group time...lots of hearts are opened up

& poured out during this time around the fire.

Youth Quake Part 1

2011-07-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

The next few days I would like to tell you about my YQ adventure.

What is YQ you ask? For 30 years several churches have met in Colorado
and camped out for the week. We climb mountains, white water raft, shop in
Breckenridge, have worship outside & one of my favorite times of the day...
youth group time around the campfire & under the stars. Lives are changed,
restored & brought to the feet of Jesus.

Some of you are thinking...I'm not a camper...and to be honest I am not either really.
But there is just something about camping in the Mountains that I can do!
Waking up in the morning freezing...crisp clean air. Oh I love it!!
Now there are parts that I don't love at all...one being the Porta Potty!!
OH my by the end of the I can't hardly handle this...

And here is my home sweet home for the week...

We like to call it the Princess palace.

Can u see the potty chair to the right? Yep..I used it.

We drive up in vans & this year I was blessed to ride with all the

Graduate girls. I love them so much!!

And I did it again...Yep...I Zip Lined thru the Mountains!

I would highly recommend this! The scenery was breath taking.

Sunday night I actually had the opportunity to speak.

This years theme was Vintage because we were celebrating 30 years

of YQ. I was a camper back in 1986-1990. My youth minister

Darren Wade spoke last week & he gave me the opportunity to

give my testimony. I was nervous...but I did it!

Darren & I

And that just begins the week...Thought I would just give you a glimpse of

what we did. More to come thru this week!

Are you a camper??

Rocky Mountain High...

2011-07-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Next week I will call this home sweet home...aka Princess Palace.

Yep...smack dab in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.

I LOVE IT!!

We are taking around 120 people out for a youth camp called

Youth Quake. We meet 3 other churches out there & do all kinds

of activities with them & Praise the Lord together.

It's a great week for the kids to get away from life & just focus on

their relationship with God & unite as a youth group!

But this year....this sweet girl is going with me!!

Finally she is old enough to go with us!

I am so excited to have her there to experience this with us!!

Please pray for our safety...hearts...attititude & for

God to get all the GLORY!!

A little time spend with you ladies...

2011-07-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Once a year I get to spend a few days with these ladies...

and we made it happen a couple of weeks ago!

We grew up together in the youth group. I adore these ladies.

We are alot a like in our values & how we raise our kids.

They push me to love God & serve Him.

They encourage me to love my husband & kids.

They just let me...simply be me.

I would give anything for them to live close to me again.

But for now I will cherish the time we get to

spend together here & there.

Friendships are not easy for me. I don't require a lot of time.

I like to be at home. I am not needy & can't handle it

if someone who wants to be close to me is needy.

I'm kinda a loner...introvert I guess.

I also have had the chance to spend time with one of my

very best friends Lana lately.

Can't begin to tell you how much I adore this lady.

While talking to her the other night I said...

"I've come to realize my good friends just don't live close to me".

And some days that makes me really sad...but I know it's true.

Now I'm not throwing a pity party or anything...Please.

It's my fault...I just have issues.

And to be honest most people can't handle being close to a PW,

or atleast this PW.

Don't get me wrong...I have tons of friends...people I like

to spend time with...but I'm talking sister friend close.

I really don't know why I'm blogging about all of this.

Just been on my mind lately...friendships.

Sometimes I'm lonely...or dare I admit...jealous of others

and their ability to have close friends down the street.

But really...I will be just fine & dandy!

I barely have time to spend with my family somedays!!

One of my friends & I would always joke and say..

"I wanna be invite, but I just really don't want to go".

True...funny & tad bit sad huh?

I am so thankful for the friends God has put into my life

even though I don't see them on a regular basis....we

always pick up right where we left off.

How about you? Are friendships easy for you?

Are you an introvert or extravert?

Bubblelicious Fun!

2011-07-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

When we go to Branson we are blessed to stay for FREE in one of Matt's Dads Time shares.

It's a great place...but one of the best parts about it for Jaden is the huge bathtub. See at

home we don't let them take a bath in our BIG tub very often because it uses all the hot

water & they get water every where...BUT every time we go to the condo we let him

have the time of his life by taking a bubble bath! I know right? He even uses his Goggles.

Is that not the funniest thing??

Yes...that is Jaden in a heap of bubbles!

This 10 year old boy can't hardly wait to jump in that tub when

we get there. And it's just cheap body wash that makes all those bubbles!!

Goes to show you...it's the simple things in life that can

bring you so much joy!!

p.s. I'm a huge bath taker so he comes by it naturally.

Have a great weekend!!

Happy 4th

2011-07-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

We always celebrate the 4th at my sister's lake house in Arkansas. We have a

blast there. She has a boat, wave runners & all kinds of fun things to do.

We are really spoiled to have such a great place for our entire family to hang

out. We swim...go tubing...eat homemade ice cream...4 wheeling...fishing...

eat....walking...& just hang out.

My family

It's a tradition at our house....

How about your family?

What do you do on the 4th of July?

Facing my FeArS!!!! EEK!!

2011-07-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

We went to Branson last week & as we were planning this trip Jaden told
Matt he wanted to do the zipline. Honestly I thought, Oh Matt will never
do that because it cost to much. HA!

Well...NOT! He was all about it remarkably!!! All week long I fretted about
the zipline. I was scared to death...anxious...I even had canker soars in my mouth!
I have a fear of falling...heights & I don't like to swing that much. So put that all
together & you have a zipline.

Friday came...and as we drove up to the zipline there it was...the 100 ft tower.
My heart started to pump...bump...jump...out of my chest!! We got out of the
car & I began to cry. Please Matt...I don't want to do this...I'm so scared.
I'm being serious here!! Tears & everything!! At that point he said...well don't do
it if you really don't want to. But I knew that if I didn't Lauren might not & I would
not be setting a good example for her.

We pulled our gear on...slapped that cute little yellow helmet on our heads & loaded up
in this army type of truck. And it hit me...I have to pee so bad. It literally scared the pee out
of me. I excused myself to go the bathroom (guides were not happy with me). Loaded back
up & headed up the hill.

The Bridge. If that is what you call it. It was this skinny little piece of something that was
tied to ropes & we had to walk across it. We were tied on at the top so even if you slipped,
you would be ok, but it was still scary!! I almost turned around at that point.

We made it to the first hut & waited. I was getting so nervous. Sick at my stomach really.
Then it was my turn...you have to step out onto the stairs outside of the hut & go. I
can't even tell you how I did it, except for God pushed me off that platform. And it wasn't
really that bad. SHOCK!! I made it to the other side & my hands were trembling, knees
were shaking & could barely talk without crying! But I did it!!! WOW! WHat a feeling!

We did 4 lines. Each one got a little easier & more FUN! By the last one...I was letting go
& really relaxing! The whole fam...the kids did great! I was so proud of them!!

I wore my Armed & Dangerous shirt for inspiration!!

Facing my fears...

This was hard for me. As I was reading that morning God

gave me these words.

You came near when I called you, and u said, "Do not fear" Lam 4:2.

Cast all ur anxiety on Him because He cares for u! 1 Peter 5:7.

I said them as I stood on that platform. I can do this...thru Him.

And I must admit...I would absolutely do it again.

What fears have you faced?

What is a fear you need to face?

Strike a Pose...Photobooth style

2011-06-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

OF course you all know I love to take pictures.
But I am rarely in them.

My niece had a photobooth at her wedding.
I love these things. One of the best ideas out there
if you ask me! The couple gets a copy of each picture
their guest takes. HOW awesome is that??

Thought I would share them with you.

The Bride...my beautiful niece Danielle...I love her so much.

Now....this is back in 1992...Danielle was 4.

My cousins Laura & Sheryl, my mom, my sis & I

MY Cousin Laura & I

My BFF from College Lana

Me & HBL

My niece Kenzie & I

My Girls...

My Sister & I

Matt & Jaden

Have you ever been in a Photobooth?

If not I highly recommend it!!

Tons of fun!!

Armed & Dangerous

2011-06-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Roadtrip with Matt, Bobby & Liz

Nashville, Tennesee

140 Pastors Wives

5 star Hotel

For months I waited & dreamed of the day I would get to spend 3 days with all these amazing

ladies. I have meet several of them before, briefly here & there, but never had we been able to

spend time together just hanging out. Until now.

Though I don't get to see them on a regular basis these ladies have became my life line

in friendships. They get me & connect with me in ways that no one ever has. They pour

into my life & give me a sense of normalcy. I truly love our times together.

Let's start with Liz. Liz is Bobby's wife. They are the Campus leaders at our

Stone Canyon Campus. I love this girl, she is full of life & love for Jesus.

Vanessa...been ready to meet her for a long time!

love her! She & I had a precious prayer time together that blessed my life!

Cyndi...she is a spunky fun gal! Love her!

Enjoying a little Chocolate fountain at the Mocktail party!

My Virtual Community group!!

Can't even express how much I they have enriched my life!

Joy, Beth & Susanne...we missed Kate & Rachel though!

Inside of our Hotel...um yes..gorgeous!!

Amazing Race Day!

Are we Armed & Dangerous or WhAT?

Liz was serious about this game!

We ran all over downtown Nashville!

We did AMAZING!

Our Amazing Team!

Can us see how red faced we are???

And Lori...this lady has changed my life in ways she doesn't even get.

I was a lonely...sad...doubting I would ever have a close friend again PW

when we spoke almost 2 years ago on the phone

Her heart for PWs oozes out of her life.

I adore her. Las Vegas is to far.

Jammin & Jammies night!

JOy & I in our PJs!!

My roomies...snug as a bug.

20th century FOx provided our lunch one day to inform

us about all the ministry opportunities they provide.

I HAD no idea!

The Leading & Loving Team

Lisa Young, Liz, Joy, Jessica, me & Brandi hanging out!

Tiffany Cooper...She & her husband are at People's church in OKC.

Great heart for PWs & leads our groups.

Definitely having lunch with her soon!

And Jenn! We meet in a VCG awhile ago & have kept up with

each other since! So glad to hug her neck!!

The first night Joy & shared how we meet & how our

friendship has grown over the year. What a blessing!

To sum it up...one of the best few days I've had in a long time.

Very emotional as I left those ladies that day...cried my eyes out pretty much.

I wish I could take them all home with me.

We worshiped...prayed & loved on each other in ways

that I can't even express in words. I look so forward to our time together soon.

I love you all & I am so grateful God put you in my life.

p.s. Matt & Bobby had their own hotel down the street at a little

less than 5 stars...lol. Thanks guys for taking us out there!!

Blog made into a book????

2011-06-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

OH MY MERCY!!! Can I tell you how excited I am?????
I am squealing with excitement!!!

I have to admit...I had pretty much decided not to blog anymore.
Done...finished...quitter...slacker....

Last night I met with my amazing PWs on Skype & they told me
the most fabulous news!!! Rachel & Kate informed me that you can
make your blogs into a book!! SAY WHAT??? YES People!!!

Back track...I used to scrapbook all the time. My friend & I would even
go for a entire weekend & scrap. But...life got busy...things changed &
I no longer scrapbook, I had no motivation. Sad huh?

But Kate & Rachel shared with me how you can take your blog &
have it made into a book. For real?? Rachel even showed me hers online.
I LOVE IT!! To me...this is the answer I have been looking for. I don't have
time to scrapbook & blog...but I can print my blog & it will be my scrapbook!!
I can't even tell you how excited I am about this! It changes everything for me &
my decision to continue to blog.

SOme of you are probably saying...well duh Steph...we know you can do this,
where have you been living under need a ROCK? Well...I guess I have!!

Where do you go for this fabulous gift??? Here is the link...it's called
Blog 2 Print.
Enjoy! And you will be hearing from me again soon!!

Getting our hair did!!!

2011-06-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Kristen came to the lake to fix our hair. She did a fabulous job!!! My girls looked way
older with all the make up & hair done! YIKES! Glad they are not the type of girls
who like to get all "fixed up" or we might be in trouble!!

Brooke

Lauren

Kenzie

The Bride

I embroidered these bags for them with their names & then

they blinged them out with jewels! So cute!

Ok...Brooke looks way to old in this...so pretty though.

Lauren...beautiful.

Kenzie...gorgeous.

The Bride...stunning!

Notice it says "future"

They all looked so good! She also did our hair too. Made me feel so pretty!

love getting all done up once in awhile!!

Here comes the Bride...Rehearsal.

2011-06-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

My niece Danielle married her sweet man Lonnie this weekend. It's been 2 years worth of planning.
I am so proud of them. She was absolutely stunning!!! They got married in Eureka Springs, Ark
@ the Crescent Hotel. It was a beautiful wedding. My girls were her bridesmaids. I have a TON
of pics that I want to share with you!! So just bare with me!! I am PROUD AUNT!!

Bridal Luncheon @ The Crumpet Tea Room

Rehearsal Dinner...Lonnie's sister Alice made Crawfish Etouffee.

It was so yummy!!

Ms. Donna & Ms. Janet had these adorable cookies made!

The cute couple!!

Me & My girl

The Bridal Party

We had a blast hanging out together the day before.

Steve & Janet let them have the Rehearsal dinner at their

beautiful home on the lake. Thanks to everyone who helped

make it happen!!

Game Changer...the Principal's Office

2011-05-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

I've made a Game Changer decision that has landed me in the Principal's office.

What is it? Are you sitting on the edge of your seat...screaming TELL US!!

Ok...maybe not that dramatic...but it was for me.

Ya'll know I've subbed for quite some time now. I've got my favorite schools to
sub at. The 6th grade center being #1 on that list...so when my friend Christy let me
know she would be leaving this year, I thought...hmmm if I could have that job
I think I could handle working full time. Throughout the year Mrs. Kelsey...
aka Principal...would ask me if I have thought about taking the JOB. Which I
had always told Matt that I would be a great secretary if he would just pay me for
all the things I already do around here & at the church for me I could make it official!

I began to pray about whether or not God was leading me to take this job or not. Mrs.
Kelsey called to set up my interview & I asked God to give me clarity during the interview.
I rallied all my Prayer Warriors & asked them to pray for me. During the interview I told Mrs.
Kelsey... "I knew she would be interviewing a lot of people for this job".
That's when she stopped me in the middle of my sentence & said,"Nope just you".
Um...excuse me...just me...little ol me? That can't be what she just said?!?! And then
proceeded to tell me that God had laid me on her heart for the job & I needed to go home
& pray about it & make sure that's what God was leading me to do.

I know right? How often do you have someone in charge tell you to seek God? Not often.

So I had prayed for clarity & received it. Wow. Not to say I'm not terribly nervous & scared
to work full time....because I am, but I know God lead me to it & He will lead me thru it.

What does a Principal Secretary do you ask? Well...I will be in charge of all the
finances of the entire school & keeping the principal informed & organized. Lots of
new things to learn this week as I train.

Working full time...something I didn't see coming, but I am excited to take this
step. It will also allow us to save for college & do a few things we have wanted
to do financially for awhile.

Any Advice from you working moms???

Hello Again...

2011-05-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

It's almost been a month since my last post. I didn't set out to stop blogging...
it just kinda happened.

Working full time & trying to keep up with my life just became a lot for me to
handle to be honest & something had to give...blogging was something I had to
let go of.

I have made a life changing decision...went on several trips...had end of the
school year activities...3 weddings...3 graduations...survived a tornado
just to name a few things.

I hope to start sharing with you soon about all these things.

I'm just trying to decide if God is still calling me to blog & if so...why & what?

One thing for sure is...I miss reading all of your blogs & knowing what is going
on in your lives. So don't be surprise if you get several comments from me in one day
when I start stalking all of you one by one.

Talk Soon.

Becoming Less....Unsettle me

2011-05-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

.6lbs down this week. Altogether I've lost 7.8lbs...I had hoped that number would
be higher at this point, but I know I'm not sacrificing as I should.

Unsettle me...In Chapter 17 in MTC she asked the question...
"Is discipline really sustainable?"

Tricky question huh? Some may answer yes...some say no. Or maybe on our
own...no...with God...absolutely YES!

Have you ever been put in a place where you are longing for something? I mean
really in desperation? I can only think of a few times when I was running & I needed
water so bad that I might pass out. I have been stranded in Wyoming needed a ride
& God provided. But seriously...I have never been in desperate need for much.

But I think it's a place I need to get too in this journey. Slight desperation...where all
I have is God to get me thru this. Have I emptied myself enough to allow His spirit
to make me truly holy as I am made for?

One thing she said just slapped me in the face...
"Getting to a place where our lack of strength disgust us".
Oh I have been disgusted with myself thru this journey & my lack of
discipline. Enough to say no & cling to Him? No...not all the time.

I need to be "unsettled" in my walk with God. I need to crave intimacy with
God & unleash my heart from the bondage of sin.

"Rattle loose my complacent excuses and break apart my stubborn refusals to look,
really look at whatever pulls my heart away from God."....MTC

Trying daily to be deeply satisfied with God...not cheap imitations.

I love you friends. May we all be Unsettle.

He must become greater...I must become less. John 3:30

Why I Count It all JOY Wednesday!!

2011-05-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday so let's count some JOYs in our lives!!

This time next week I will be in NASHVILLE with all my

PWs!! I can't wait!!!

I have been sick this week & my HBL has been amazing.

He takes care of me so good & does so many little things

for me to help out. You're awesome Matt!!

Chloraseptic...oh my word...I have sprayed a ton

of that stuff in my throat this week.

Sunshine

My kids teachers. They are amazing.

It's teacher appreciation week & I hope they know

how much I adore them!

Got to take this pretty girls pics this weekend & practice my

photography!

Thanks Sierra!

Hot baths...nothing like it.

Lauren made it in the top 50 in FFA & got to go

to OKC for the State Convention. It was hard to let her

go so far without me, but she is having so much fun!

Mother's Day is this weekend...so thankful God

gave me such an incredible mom.

I love you MOM!!

God always sees me thru & give me the strength I need to

accomplish something. I praise Him for his love & mercy.

WOMMM? Working Moms

2011-05-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am subbing in Kindergarten until the last of school.

OH. MY. MERCY.

Leaving the house at 8:00 am & coming home around 4:30.

I'm not gonna lie...it's killing me.

With 3 kids...someone always needs to go somewhere or there is

the grocery store...working out...cleaning the house...time alone...& most importantly

spending time with God & with my family every day & not being

totally exhausted.

I seriously admire all you moms who work full time. It's a tough gig.

I really have to manage my time in order to get things done.

Pure exhaustion. Kindergarteners demand a lot of your time & attention.

Someone is always tugging at you or at each other. When I come home

my feet are killing me.

Have I whined enough yet???

The bright side is, I love the team of ladies I work with. They are fabulous.

Really...no lie. I couldn't make it with out them. I enjoy my time with them.

God has blessed me with this subbing job...I know that. Summers are always

expensive with camps & summer fun. So I know He is providing for us thru this

job. I also have so many opportunities to show His love to others at our school.

To end this...I'm asking for prayers. My throat is killing me. I am worried I might

have strep. NO!! I am going to the Dr. today to figure it out. And I am asking

you to pray for my time management & endurance to finish the end of school.

Our calendar is JAM packed until the end of May. I get grouchy & irritated

when I am tired & I feel like my house is out of sorts. Pray for my time

alone with God & that I will put that first.

Ok...so there you have it. I absolutely admire full time working moms. They

ROCK. I am a wimp. Enough said! But I will press on & accept the challenge

laid before me...to teach Kindergarteners to sit in their chairs & listen.

Yah...RIGHT!! LOL!

Happy Monday!! Have a great week!

Becoming Less...Diets

2011-05-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

OH mercy! Sorry this is so late. I haven't had time to sit at my computer & type!
Working full time is killing me! I know I know...sad huh?
Get over it right? Ho hum.

I stayed the same this week. NOthing new.

Chapter 16 in Made to Crave=Diets

This week I would like to focus on Diets or the lack there of...
Notice how DIET is a four letter word? Why yes it is Steph.
Does that make it a naughty word? Maybe.

I have done all types of diets...really I have. It's reDONKulous as my
girls say. Are you ready for this...yes...I have even taken diet pills.
The shame. I hate even admitting that to anyone...much less put it on
my blog. But I said it & it's out there now.

Infact...thru this I have had weak moments where I have been tempted
to run back to them. Run back to being held captive instead of being
set free from the love of food. It's an easy way for me to give up & give
in. I think...so many people do it...it's ok. It's really not though, not for me.
Because I am not being obedient when I take them.
Can you say "Rationalize??"

I get tired of sacrificing & my self efforts wear thin. "We aren't to flee food.
But we are to flee the control food can have on our lives." MDC
I am not on a diet..I am on a journey of obedience with God. This is a life long
journey that he is leading me on.

So I'm not saying...Steph you are on a diet...because diets stink & I fail at them.
It's a life style change...seeking to obey.

I really am asking for prayer this week. This week is Teacher Appreciation week
at my school & there will be LOADS of food coming every day. Yummy, gooey,
sweet things that will be calling my name. It was a very stressful week last week at
school & I felt myself seeking comfort in food. I am seriously asking for you to pray
for me this week as I resist the temptation to seek food for a stress relief & comfort.

He must become greater...I must become less. John 3:30

EGGtravaganza

2011-04-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Dyeing Eggs...let the creative juices flow!

When we dye eggs it's like a little art competition going on. My kids & nieces really
get into it. I love it that they still want to dye eggs. Wondering how long we will
want to do this, but I'm gonna soak it in until they say...no more.

A few samples from everyone...I love the tie dye ones.

Then we have the annual Egg Toss...their favorite part.

And Splat! Goes the Egg...Jaden was COVERed in Egg Yoke!
The YOkes On U....hahaha

But my all time favorites...these 2. My niece is getting married June 10.
So we had a little fun with her ring.

EGGcellent times!!!

Why I Count It all JOY Wednesday!!

2011-04-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday so join me & my friend Angel as

we count our JOYS!

Why Do I Count It all JOY this Week?

I'm still filled with JOY over my BIL coming

to Christ & being baptized Saturday night!!

All the JOYFul volunteers at FCC Sunday morning...

even when they are standing in the pouring rain holding an umbrella

over our guests heads & they are getting wet.

I met with some of my PWs on Skype last night.

I'm so blessed to have them in my life & they

fill me up.

SPeakinG of PWs...less than 2 weeks & we are all

hanging in NASHVILLE. I seriously can't wait!!

The ladies I work with in Kindergarten.

I wouldn't survive without them!!

Rain...Rain...Rain.

Though I am ready for you to stop...I know we need you

to make the flowers grow.

I saw this quote yesterday...

The Earth smiles thru flowers.

so true.

Twice this week someone has complimented

my daughters, not for their beauty or achievements, but for their

hearts & sweet spirits...warms this moms heart.

***now if they would show that love toward

each other at home***

Sleep...enough said.

State testing at school is finally here!

Let's get this over with already!!

We watched the Passion of the Christ with the kids on Sunday night.

Brought a lot of conversation about Christ life.

It was so emotional to watch. I hadn't seen it in several years & to

watch my kids experience it was quite overwhelming.

I'm just JOYFUL that God loved me enough to send His Son

to die on a Cross & then raise Him from the dead 3 days later.

Somedays it just hits me how incredible He love is for us.

Never grow weary my friends of seeking Christ.

What brings you JOY this week?

Easter Digs = Personalites

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I always say my kids outfits that they pic for the first day of school & Easter
reflect their personalities. Jaden of course doesn't really care...I just bring home
a shirt & a pair of shorts & we are done! He is simple. Gone are the days
of matching & frilly little dresses....sniff sniff.

My precious kiddos on Easter...

Ok...this is how they really act! Goofballs!!

Now for a more serious pose...for their mom.

Notice Lauren's boots. Gotta have the boots. And Brooke...that girl

loves her dress & flowers in her hair.

Love seeing them all dressed up to celebrate our Savior!

They make this mom proud serving at church!

Can't wait to check out all of your families pics!

WOMMM? Forgiven...

2011-04-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

What a weekend we had...

I have so much to share with you this week but the one thing
that is on my mind the most is this moment...

We have been praying for over 20 years for this moment. Glory To GOD!

I'm still in tears as I type. He came to Matt on Saturday & told him he was

ready to make a change in his life & new it had to start with Jesus.

OH HAPPY DAY...HAPPY DAY...WHEN HE WASHED MY SIN AWAY!

I just want to sing that song.

Greg's life has recently been turned upside down thru some financial decisions.

Things are very rough to say the least. But I don't think we need to talk about

all of that. Through all of this God has worked on him & brought him to his

knees & to the one place Greg needed to be...the one place we all need to be,

the thrown of GOD.

Please pray for my BIL. This will not be easy for him. He is facing tons of

obstacles in his life. Pray for my sister also...this has been very hard on her

to go thru & is very weak right now. I pray they both cling to Christ & to

His word. Matt gave him a bible to equip him with his sword.

I pray this gives you encouragement also. If you are praying for someone in

your life that you desire to see come to Christ. DON'T GIVE UP! Keep praying!

You never know when God will move in their lives!! Or they will open up

their hearts to allow Him to move into their lives!

The whole Gang...

One of many EXCITING things that happen this weekend.

We had a fantastic weekend celebrating our Saviors Victory!!

Is there someone in your life I can be praying for?

Again...Don't ever give up!!

Becoming Less...Sneaky Schemes

2011-04-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

Down 1 pound again this week. Slowly but surely I will get there.

Do you ever have a time where you feel like you are finally coming
to the realization of what you need to do & you start liking it?

I feel like I am getting there this week. I am starting to enjoy more
healthy foods & being able to say no to unhealthy choices.

This week was hard for me...uhem...well sisters you know what
week it is without me having to tell you so let's just leave it there.

And I started working full time. Do you know how much food is
brought to school? GOOD GRIEF! It's always someone's bday or
we are celebrating something it seems.

Sneaky Schemes...guess what? Satan wants to play sneaky games with you.
He wants you to be alone with your what tempts you & overtake you.
If no one sees you, then the calories don't count right? Yea...I have so given
into that. I stuff my face before someone walks into the door & finds me.
I have bought things at the grocery store & devoured them in the car before
I got home. Anyone with me? come on.

I have found I am not yet in a place of freedom yet. I can't handle being
alone with food that I love yet & not give in sometimes. Now I have made
some progress & I feel God leading me away & giving me the strength.
Little by little I am getting there.

I am focusing on things I can have...not things I can't. There are so many
great options out there. Finding myself stopping & praying.

Long term victory starts with each choice I make..one day at a time.
Is that bad choice worth it? I have the freedom to walk away. Flee.
Not gonna believe those Sneaky Schemes.....it's not worth it.
I am worth more than that in Jesus name.

I love you all...pray for me this weekend as Easter brings all
kinds of JUNK into our lives with Family gathering. If you need
me to pray for you please email me or leave a comment.

He must become greater...I must become less. John 3:30

Why I Count It all JOY Wednesday!!

2011-04-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday! Count your JOYS PEOPLE!!

Last week...I tried something new.

I didn't like it.

So it's back!!

WhY AM I filled with JOY this week?

First...it's the week we celebrate Jesus Christ Raising

from the dead & saving us from our sinful lives!

(not that we don't celebrate every day)

Dying Easter Eggs. It's a tradition for the young

& old around here. My kids get very creative with this event.

My sister & her family are coming!

My niece had her appendix out & she is recovering well.

I started working full time this week...not gonna lie...

I am exhausted, but I love the ladies I work with.

I am taking a Photoshop class online. WOW!

LOVING IT!

Lauren had to get contacts...bless her heart!

Lauren already broke up with her boyfriend.

LOL!! I have loved our conversations about it.

Even in the midst of trials...our GOD Reigns.

Hope...the hope of our Lord & Savior & how much

He loves us. He has washed away our sins & made us

set us free!

Have a JOYFUL day!!!

WOMMM? The little things...

2011-04-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

What's on MY Mind Monday? Do you Like that WOMMM?

Today...it's the little things & how God blesses your life with "little" wants .

Do you remember me introducing you to these cute little things?

Well on Thursday our heat lamp went out & only Pippi survived.
Can you say broken hearted? Oh Lauren was so so sad. She cried for
awhile. She loved that little Charlie...I know...it was only a week, but that's
my animal loving girl. Brooke was happy that hers survived & Jaden just
said...Oh man. Yea...really tore him up.

We called all over town & looked online to get some more of these
Easter Egg laying chickens.
No luck. No one will have any until June or July...:(
I felt so bad...these kids have wanted these things for a long time.
The funny thing is Matt went & bought some regular chicks that looked like
the ones that died & we almost had them fouled into thinking they were their
chicks...but we couldn't do that!! Lauren was like...I KNEW IT!!

On Sunday at church, I was speaking to one of our young couples,
just happened to seethem as I was going out the door & wanted to stop
& chat with their baby.
Some how...the chickens were brought up. AND guess what?? He had
some Easter Egg laying chickens!! OH MY SAKES!! Are you serious??
I had no IDEA!

So we went to his house that afternoon & got 5 more baby chicks!!
Lauren said..."mom I can't believe you are so excited about these chickens?"
Me: I'm not excited to have more chickens necessarily...but I am excited that
you are seeing how God loves you so much that He stops me at church & has
me go have a conversation with this couple & we find out they have these
EEC...that's why I am so excited. GOD LOVES to show us HE loves US!!

It's the Little things He does sometimes that just overwhelms me with His
love. Thank you Jesus for having your hand in every part of our lives!!

Have a little "want or desire" He has blessed you with lately?

Becoming Less...Pity Parties

2011-04-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

I lost a pound...woo hoo. What is strange is...I am exactly back to where I was a couple of
weeks ago when I lost the most. I mean to the tenth!

Pity parties? Ever thrown one...maybe two...Oh heck...I've thrown to many to count in
my life time. I don't get what I want...I don't think something is fair or whatever & I start
sending out the invitations to Me....Myself & I. Yep...I only invite them because they
are the only ones that want to come & I know they will side with me.

I park myself in that spot & want to stay there, but you know...a party of one...isn't
that fun. It usually leaves me more empty.

I have wrestled so much these past few weeks with overeating. I haven't fully
relied on God to fill me up & stop before I am stuffed. I feel like I am seeing
progress. Though...I almost gave up. I almost said...it's not gonna work. The
weight lose has been slow & at times it has totally discouraged me. I wanted to
buy a box of Ding Dongs & have a pity party with a Dr. Pepper to wash it down.
But I didn't. I asked God to fill me. I prayed for strength this battle to overcome
my weakness. Crave Him...not things of this world. Crave His word to fill my
heart. When I am weak...He is strong.

I am back to counting my points & tracking them. WOW. It works...imagine that!
DUH!! Not Gonna Have a PITY PARTY & give up. I mentioned a couple of
weeks ago that I was going to start posting recipes & sharing their points.

Here is one I love!!!
WW Chicken Cacciatore (5pts/1 cup serving)
Now I don't eat it with noodles to save on Points...but you can. I also didn't make it in
the crockpot. I just put it on the stove because I was in a hurry that day. But if you
love tomato sauce & veggies....you will love it. I made it for my lunches & had it
all week because it's easy to pack to take to work. You can add more veggies too.

1 lb chicken breast (I used 2 breast) Chopped
1 c fresh or canned mushrooms sliced
1 c. fresh sliced green peppers
1 c. fresh sliced onion
1 medium garlic clove minced
1 Tbsp. canned Tomato paste ( I freeze the rest of the can & use it again)
14 1/2 oz can crushed tomatoes, fire roasted or regular
1/4 c. dry red wine ( didn't use this, I just put in a chicken bullion cube for taste)
3/4 tsp. dried oregano crushed
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

You can place all of the ingredients in a crockpot for 6 to 8 hours. I just made it
in a pot on the stove & set it on low for about 30 to 45 minutes while I cleaned my house!

So there ya go. Maybe I will start posting the recipe on a different day if I think about it.

"You can't win the battle if you refuse to fight." Beth Moore.

He must become greater....I must become less. John 3:30
Have a great weekend!

Family Art

2011-04-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

We recently redecorated our house...new floors, couch...etc.

Our living room has a lot of space on one wall. I have really been
struggling on what to put up there. I didn't want any old decoration.
I wanted something that reflected us as a family. Something that we
could keep up for years.

I started to think...what could we make that we could use our family
verse with? Which is Galatians 6:9

Now..non of us are Picassos or anything so I was worried.
What if it turned out hideous & then I had to put this silly thing up on
my wall! YIKES!

I bought 6 canvas boards from Hobby Lobby & paint the color of my
living room & commissioned the kids & hubby to come up with a design
and they each had to paint one canvas.

I have to tell you...I WAS SHOCKED!! My kids are little Picassos!!
WHO KNEW!?!??! They did so fabulous. I LOVE IT!!

So I thought I would share with you...maybe I can inspire you to do
some family art soon...I will keep this forever!!!

and my wall isn't orange...took this with my iphone so the

quality isn't great.

So...I wrote the scripture & the family...on the left is the kids...

Jaden on top, Brooke in the middle & Lauren on the bottom. Matt is on the

top right & mine on the bottom.

I walk by it & stare at it all the time...so proud of my entire family!!

Family Art....loving it.

Me & My Gang...Living Life.

2011-04-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a little break from Why I count it all JOY Wednesday. I don't
know why. I just don't know if I will continue that theme. Been thinking about
changing my thoughts on Wednesday since all I do is talk about my family
& life here in the Thomason Household in my JOYS. I thought I would just
title it different. Who knows...maybe I will keep it. Maybe I won't. :)

How are we living life this week?

Well..it's happen...Lauren came home & asked if she could have a boyfriend. I think
we have managed pretty good since she is 14 hasn't had one yet. Matt & talked to her
quite a bit about it & decided she could "school date", but there would be no going
& doing anything & such. We didn't want to tell her "no" because I know when you
do that...they might do it behind your back & that my friend is not what you want.
So we will see, not sure how this will go. Any advice from you seasoned parents?

See these little eggs? Every year I buy ferns for my porches & these cute little babies
appear. EVERY year. Isn't God cool how he makes these creatures? I mean they can
build a house out of twigs & trash! It amazes me!!

And these peeps! We now have 3 more chicks!!

A gentleman from our church brought these over to my kids this weekend.

Meet Charlie, Pippy, Zipper

We know have 8 chickens. :)

I am waiting patiently for the teacher that I am subbing for

to have that baby boy!! Come on already sweet little man!

But I will enjoy my time until he comes.

Lauren won an award at our Ovations Banquet.

It's a banquet honoring our Youth & Early Childhood Volunteers

She won it for creating a team that goes up early on Wednesday nights

& sets up chairs. SO SO proud of my girl!!!

Owning that faith!!

My PW friend Joy...she is becoming one of my BFFs in life.

In One month...I will be in Nashville with all my PWs.

I. Can't. WAIT!!!

We are hooked on a few reality shows...one being Survivor.

We sit & watch it together.

Who do you want to win?

Yes...I am a Rob fan.

I do like that poor Matt on Exile Island too.

The girls are heading to a mission trip to our Church camp this weekend

to help prepare it for camp this summer. We will go get them

& then see my niece off to her prom in Joplin.

can't wait!!

So this is just a few things that's going on with

Me & my Gang.

How about yours?

What's on MY Mind Monday???

2011-04-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

It was a CrAzY busy weekend...

How Amazing Jesus is...Shopping...bridal showers...cupcakes...wind... my response
isn't always what people are looking for....blah blah

I am always reminded of how I am NOT a shopper. A few hours & I'm
ready to take a Nap or go home. Seriously...I know...I'm just not a Shopper.

BUT...because I'm an awesome aunt...**wink** I went to the Mall on Friday night.
Can't remember the last time that happen...to shop for bridesmaids dresses for my
niece's wedding in June. We had fun...but didn't find the dresses that night.

On Saturday we had Danielle's shower....I can't believe she is old enough to be
married. I love that girl. Had a great turnout & I am telling u...I ate way to many
of these cupcakes...

The Bride....

You know...I'm learning I'm not someone who can hide their response very well

or hide it if I'm totally upset with you or annoyed with you. I try really hard, but

there are times when people say things to me....that totally shock me & I know I

don't respond the way they want. I don't know if I should apologize or just say...

hey...it's how I am. hmmm....

My garden...I have all my veggies in the ground. My sweet HBL built boxes for

me this year. I LOVE THEM!! Pics to come.

This is probably my last Free Monday until school is out...that kinda makes me

sad...

Matt preached about... is Jesus Amazing to you or are you Amused by Him?

Great message on remembering to be Amazed by HIM.

My sister is really on my heart. Please pray for her & her family. Lots going on there

in their world. She is so precious to me.

It's so stinkin windy here! Come on already!

Tracking Weigh Watchers points....hard to remember, but necessary!!

Have a great MONDAY!!

Becoming Less

2011-04-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Can you say...Roller Coaster? Yep that's what I feel like.

Up one hill...down the other....up again...down again.

Last week I didn't get to weigh in...but I just couldn't stand it.

So I bought a scale the next day...yes I did not own a scale.

Weighed myself last Saturday...it said...up 3 pounds compared to the
WW scale...WHAT?? Of course I knew it could be a little off so I wasn't to
freaked out. Last night I weighed in at WW & it said I was 1lb up from 2 weeks
ago. I came home & weighed & my scale was only .4 off of the WW scale.
Soooo....needless to say. Last week I was obviously up like I guessed...probably
like a little over 2 pounds... Which means I lost those 2 pounds this week, that I had
previously gained the week before. Are you following this...because I'm lost myself.
HA! Anyway...the scale does not really need to be the topic here so let's move ON.

I have to share a little victory I had. DOnuts. Yes those yummy cakey circles with
holes in the middle. I could really eat a whole dozen Krispie Kremes. On Tuesday
they had a breakfast at work with egg casserole...fruit & DONUTS. An entire
box of them. I grabbed one & took just a few bits & I was done. Seriously.
And let me tell ya...they put that box with about 6 donuts left on the counter next
to me & it sat there & sat there all day & that sweet aroma almost got to me again.
But I said...you do not have power over me! And I did NOT eat another one all day.
I know this sounds so silly to some of you. But this is BIG for me. Normally I would have
probably not only had one...I would have had 2 or even 3.

God is working on me with this sweet tooth issue. I can feel it coming on at certain parts of the
day. Take for example...after work. I used to come home & plop in front of the TV &
eat a ding dong & a Dr. Pepper or anything chocolate & a Dr. Pepper. I did...I promise!
And it was like a moment in paradise for me. Too put it frankly...it was like a make out
session with my love...kinda sad huh!! I have managed to stop drinking Dr. Pepper pretty much.
I only have it occasionally & you know what...it doesn't do for me what it
used to at all. Infact, it kinda makes me sick at my stomach. I stopped drinking it when
we started running. It just weighed me down. Instead I am either not having a snack or
picking something healthy.
Another time of the day is after supper....growing up I always had a little dessert after dinner
& I think it's just a habit that I have carried on into adulthood. So I bought some Dove Dark
Chocolate little bites & they are 1 point. I allow myself to have one when I am craving
something sweet. Now the former Steph would eat about 3 or 4 of them in secret.

One verse that I keep saying this week is...
For he satisfies the thirsty & fills the hungry with good things. Ps107:9

He alone can satisfy my emptyness...nothing else. I have said no to several things this
week & I can see Him filling me with His goodness.

It's really hard for me to become less. I am prideful. So that is my week. I feel
like I had a good week & I am looking foward to what He will do thru this journey
in the next week.

HOw about you? Do you have a certain time of the day that triggers your eating?
How do you keep it from taking over you?

He must become Greater...I must become less. John 3:30

Night Out with the FCC staff & Chris Tomlin

2011-04-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

Chris Tomlin...that man can sing for Jesus!!

It wasn't just a concert...it was a worship service.

I am becoming more & more aware in my life that our staff is

becoming the community in which I can lean on...depend on & trust.

We are trying to build stronger relationships among our staff & providing

nights out together is a way of laying a foundation for this to take place.

Louie Giglio brought it! He talked about how we are all part of GOd's symphony,

the planets, the creatures, the mountains...us...all of it singing to the Lord in praise.

Can you imagine how loud that is? But what blows my mind is God hears each intimate

detail of our lives...he hears the whispers...our cries...our joys. ALL OF IT!!

Chris's Band

Some of my favorite people...This is our Senior Pastor & his wife

Charlie & Pam Curran...and our Jr. High Pastor & his wife...

James & Lydia Summers. Lydia is Charlie & Pam's daughter,

she & James both grew up in our church.

So incredibly blessed to have them ALL on staff.

And this sweet little couple will be married in May. Amanda grew

up at FCC & she met Kyle last year while sponsoring YQ.

Amanda is one of our secretaries at FCC.

So proud of this girl. Do you know for their honeymoon they

are going on a mission trip! HOW COOL!!!

3 other staff members when with us, but they got out of there before

I could snap their picture...:(

It was such an amazing night of worship.

And if our God is for us...then who can stand against us?

Hoping these times encourage & spur us on.

Why I count it all JOY Wednesday!!

2011-04-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday!! WOO HOO!!

Join me & My friend Angel as we count our JOYS!!

Why am I filled with JOY this week?

This silly dog of ours, Faith. She just loves our kids..

especially Lauren. She rode around on the 4 wheeler with her the other day.

Who needs ice cream when you have Ketchup? YUCK!!

My sweet buddy Dawson went to Braums with us the other night.

He had a bowl of ice cream, but decided to eat the ketchup too!!

What are you a One year old or something?? LOL!

The Curran family.

Charlie & Pam celebrated their 30 year anniversary this week.

I love this family. They have been such a Godly example to me.

Charlie is our Senior Pastor at FCC.

p.s. I took this pic...:)

Little Ms. Alea Conder...She accepted Christ as her Savior on

Sunday & her daddy baptized her! Precious!! Alea was adopted

as a baby & is just full of life!! She is so joyful!

We finally finished our Family Wall art.

can't wait to share that with ya'll.

Matt's stepmom sent a little surprise in the mail yesterday!

Yeah! I love surprises!! Now he can take me on a date!

Nicer weather...aww.

Watching life happen when people don't know your watching & seeing

JOY on their faces.

My mom & I are having a bridal shower for my niece Danielle on Saturday!!

My sister & her family will be here for the weekend! Super yeah!!

I resisted donuts all day yesterday in kindergarten.

They sat right behind me on the counter...smelling so yummy...begging me

to open them & eat them. But I didn't.
This is really super hard for me...but I was victorious over them

with the power of the Holy Spirit!!! AMEN!

And if our God is for us...then who could ever stop us...& if our

God is with ....then what could stand against us?

NOTHING can!!

That sound has just rang in my heart this week!

What is bringing JOY in your heart this week??

What's on my Mind Monday???

2011-04-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

Yep...that's the question you have all been asking yourself..
A DAY LATE...yea get over it! I was busy...kinda
What is on Steph's mind today....uh huh right?

My garden...our dirt is looking so much better this year.
The last few years it's been hard & clumpy.

How my "free" days are coming to an end...:( I start my maternity
leave in Kindergarten soon. Mixed emotions...

Shoveling...how such a simple thing can make you so SORE!! GEEZ!!

Integrity...seems hard to find in people sometimes.

Going to baby showers for girls that were in our youth group when we first
came 14 years ago...they are such good moms. So blessed to be a part of their lives.

Lack of Sleep...I feel like I could go to bed & sleep a day or two. But I can't sleep
in like I used too...my bones start hurting. Getting old...isn't easy.

How hard it is for me to resist sweets. I am making better choices, but I have to
pray & give it to GOD every single minute of the day.

Watching my HBL preach on Sunday mornings & how preacher man comes out
in him...he gets so into it. Spirit filled life!

Resume...I am turning in one for a full time job this week...for the first time in years.
SCARED...excited...terrified....praying for God's will. More on that when I can talk about it.

It's warm it's cold...it's warm it's cold. Never know what to wear!

Wind...it is blowing like a hair dryer across Oklahoma.

Jesus loves me this I know...

So that's about all I want to let you in on for now. I pray you all have
a great week!

Becoming Less

2011-04-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm a little sad to say....
I didn't get to weigh in last night.
Matt & I went to the Chris Tomlin concert & had to leave before my meeting.
So...this is the first week I haven't weighed in.
If I'm truly being honest I'm pretty sure I didn't lose any this week...
But I am looking forward to next week & having AMAZING results.

Do you ever feel like an Isrealite wandering in the desert for 40 years?
I do.

I am 38 years old...closing in on 39...so 40 years is realistic to me. If God gives

me 40 more years on this earth...I don't want to spend it wandering in
the desert. Instead I desire to head straight to the Promise Land of freedom
& truly depend on God to fill me. Asking God to be my daily portion.

I have to keep in mind my ultimate goal of this journey...isn't about my size,
how my jeans fit, my weight, but to crave Jesus & His truths & as the filler
of my heart. Nothing else.

It is getting easier to say NO to somethings I wasn't able to before. Though
that stinking Key Lime pie that was left at my house after small group
became an obsession to me. Why oh Why do I love sweets so much. I ate
a piece for the first 3 days then said...NO MORE. & haven't touched it since.

I haven't tracked my points as well this week...gonna get back on top of that too.
Accountability...Oh how I need it.
Do you have any tips...suggestions this week for me?
I have thought about posting some recipes & some daily food charts to help
give you some ideas of what I eat. What do you think?

Why I count it all JOY Wednesday!!

2011-03-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday!!! Join my friend Angel & count your JOYS!!

Why do I count it all JOY?

Matt's been out of town & I am JOYFUL he is coming

home tonight! Single parenting isn't fun!!

These daffodils are from my grandparents yard...every year

when they bloom it brings me so much JOY. They passed

away 3 years ago.

They are gorgeous...3 different types...

double bloom, all white & yellow & white.

Our FCC staff sent us these flowers to the funeral.

They are so beautiful. So much JOY filled my

heart when I read the card!

All the McCroskey Great Grandkids!

These kids love to hang out together & it brings me so much JOY to

watch these cousins laugh & enJOY each other.

Lauren is doing so well on her speech contest for FFA.

I am so proud of her.

Met with virtual PWs last night on Tokbox for the last time.

We will move onto Skype now, but I so ENJOY out times!

Lots of baby & wedding showers right now!

Go fills me with JOY daily & realizing how blessed I am.

I pray each of you take the time to count your JOYS.

I love this song by...it pretty much describes me.

Things drive me crazy & I have to remember

HOW BIG I"M BLESSED!!!

ENJOY!!

p.s. it's a little big for the blog...not sure why!!

Twinkies

2011-03-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

No not that yellow spongy bread filled with creamy yumminess....

I am talking about when you are dressed alike. You know...Twinkies.

My mom used to make my sister & I's cloths...& most of them matched like this.

Easter outfits...I was probably 3 or 4 & Christy was 7.

I used to make my girls dressed when they were little too...

They were 1 & 3 here...oh how I would like to go back & spend

one day with them at this age.

But they sadly grow up and they for sure would die if I made them match at their ages

now!! Haha!! We will start looking for an Easter dress soon for them...think I can

get them too match? I see all of you young moms dressing up your sweet little ones

& their frilly dresses & I have to admit...I'm a little envious of you. :)

Just thought I would take a trip back in time for the day. How about you?

Have you shopped for those dresses yet? Wish you could go back in time

& play dress up & be Twinkies???

What's on my mind Monday???

2011-03-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Matt's grandma passed away peacefully at the age of 91 last week. Sitting at her

funeral & listening to those who loved her talk about what a Godly woman she

was, hard worker, loved her family, good mom, funny & just smiled all the time.

What a blessing that was for me & the entire family. I pray that I leave a legacy

behind like hers for others to be blessed though. I will blog about her soon.

Key lime pie...we had small group at our house last night & someone left

that yumminess in my fridge...I need to just throw it in the trash huh?

Finances....we are going thru a financial series at church & it is so good.

Doing what God wants us to do with our money...so vital.

Pretty flowers....though they are so pretty at a funeral, it blows my mind how

much money people spend on those things. I really don't want all that at my funeral,

I would rather people send money to a mission in my name. I know...breaking

tradition. But those poor flowers just die a few days after the funeral & what

a waste. :(

Trampolines...our busted after all these years this weekend & I wonder if we

should replace it.

Energy....will I have enough energy to make it...kindergarteners wear me out!

But I love them so much!

My daughters friend from school....her mom died from cancer today. She was just

diagnosed 2 weeks ago. I don't have the full story yet, but so sad.

Warm blankets...because The good LORD knows we have needed them this

week...hello spring come back again!!

So that's my little tid bit of thoughts today. I know...so captivating huh? Right!

You all have a blessed week!

Becoming Less

2011-03-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

There are weeks you are just glad to maintain!!

That's correct...I didn't gain or lose this week.
And I'm completely fine with those results.

It was one of those weeks I was nervous to step onto that scale. It's that time
of the month (I know there are some of you who cringe at that information...but
it honestly makes a difference for me...so get over it..:)

And of course I'm gonna share a little from my favorite book..MTC..
Do you ever feel like you are traveling around the same mountain & you can't
seem to make the right turn? That's how I feel about my battle with food.
Been there...done that.
A friend of Lysa's named Ruth Graham shared this in her book...
Either we can be victimized and become victims, or we can be victimized & rise
above it. Often it is easier to play the victim than take off our masks and ask for help.
We get comfortable with our victim status. It becomes our identity and is hard to give up.
The Isrealites often played the victim card, and I love what God finally tells them,
"You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north." Deut 2:3

I've been struggling with this for so long...it's time to turn north & quit circling this
mountain of disobedience. Anyone else feel that way? I play the victim role well on
some days.

Lies? Do you hate when someone lies to you? I do.
I have to empty myself of the lie that other people or things can ever fill
my heart to the fullest. Not my husband, my kids, food...nothing can fill
my heart....except God.
Some examples:
LIES: I need that cupcake...I love that cupcake. It's a reception...I will be rude if
I don't eat it. I don't ever get a chance to have this kind of stuff except for
at events like this...it's ok
NEW TRUTH: I don't need that cupcake. I can always go buy one at any moment
if I really want one. It will only taste good for a few minutes & then the guilt will
rush in like a dam that has been busted. That cupcake doesn't love u back!

I have to strip these lies from my life like sealer off a concrete floors!!
(trust me...I know what a mess that is)
It's time to TURN NORTH sisters & quit circling this mountain!
This week...pray I won't believe the lies of food.

He must become greater...I must become less. John 3:30

Loving The Pastor's wife....

2011-03-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Matt sent me this link yesterday....Marc Driscoll wrote this about PWs.
I think he tells it like it is...

So go here..

You can follow this link & read it if you want. I want to encourage all
my PWs to go take a look at it. You will want to hug his neck.

I love my life as a PW. Haven't always, but God has brought some amazing
ladies into my life & that have loved me for who God has called me to be.
They get me in so many ways...

Enjoy

Why I Count It all JOY Wednsday!

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've got the JOY JOY JOY JOY down in my heart.

Where? Down in my heart to stay.

It's that time of the week....WEDNESDAY!!!

Join my friend Angel as we count our JOYS!

Why Am I FULL of JOY this week?

Matt's Grandma was ushered into Heaven this morning. She

loved the Lord with all her heart & is now worshipping

Him in all His Glory!! A life well lived for Jesus!!

I just get all excited talking about Heaven.

I wonder what His Grandpa said to her, last time they

were together she didn't know who he was...that

all changed this morning.

I laughed my head off with my Virtual PWs the

other night over something so silly. Too me...

it shows we are becoming friends on another level.

And there will be 5 of us from our group at the retreat in May.

SO EXCITED!!!

I met with my PWs last night at my house. I cherish

my time with them. They fill me up in so many ways.

I. FOUND CURTAINS. for our living room.

This is a task for me.

My house is starting to feel put back together

after all our remodeling.

We found a great table on Craigslist.

I super enjoy Craigslist.

I made Lasagna in Oval...easy peeasy.

(Oval is my crockpots name...she is my BFF)

Having an unexpected lunch date with Tracy Downs &

Sheila Vancuren at a little diner called Brownies.

Homemade Pie & Homemade Rootbeer. WOW!

My kids would so love this place.

God's love & his almighty power never fails.

Light Shines on the righteous & JOY on the

upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who

are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Ps. 97:11-12

2 of my favorite cupcakes...

2011-03-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this little pic of my favorite cupcakes...

Dawson & Jillian...
I love these two babies.
I gave them cupcakes during a reception at church.
Isn't it fun being the "aunt" (kinda) and sending them all
messy back to their parents. LOVE IT!!
Look at those faces!!!!

Anyway...just thought this would make you smile today. I could just eat these
cupcakes up!!! So precious!!
Enjoy!!

What's on my mind Monday???

2011-03-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Shooo wee!!! The kids are back in school!! We had a great spring break...but it's time
to put the pedal to the metal & finish this school year already!!

What's on my mind this Monday?

First...Matt's grandma...we have been informed she most likely won't make it thru
the week. She has alzheimers & it has been a long road for Matt's mom the last few years
watching her mom's health fail...as his Grandma says...Getting old isn't for sissys!! Amen!
So pray for his family as they say good bye & release her to God's glory in Heaven.

Did I mention spring break? Yea...that's what's next on my mind...u huh. Well, do you
ever have one of those mornings when all 3 of your kids say...Oh yea...I have some
homework I was suppose to finish. I wanted to punt each one of them out the door when
they told me this information about 5 minutes before the bus came!! Which all 3 of them
missed the bus. I don't mind taking them, but I was annoyed!! Grrr!!

I cooked a Leek for the first time today...Eeek!!

Our church secretary Helen...she will be retiring after 23 years of service. She
deserves an extra special jewel in her crown in heaven. Who can put up with
working with ministers for 23 years & still like them & go to church with them???
Not many people!! Ok...you know my man is a minister so I can say such things.
But seriously most people can't handle it....church work....it's just overwhelming to them.

And the broom story...one day...we made our kids clean the dreaded upstairs. It was
bad people!!! Anyway...they were suppose to sweep. They did. But you know 3 kids
can't work together without a fight busting out. Right? Most of their fights end up
in laughter & silliness so it's not that big of a deal. I heard some of it going on up there
but hey...if they were cleaning...I was gonna mind my own business. All went well
& then it was my turn to use the broom...as I started to sweep I thought....This broom
feels weird...cricked...as I looked down at the broom, I was correct. It was bent. It is metal.
Metal does not bend....everyone say it together...yep...it was bent!!!! At this point I should
tell you I just bought this broom with a Target gift card someone gave me. **yes, I'm just
weird like that***. I call all my children down because after 3 sweeps, my broom looks like
this....

Can you see that sharp nasty end? Poor worthless broom. It's for a really

short person now...and girls..I'm not tall by any means. ANYWAY...

all three of them look at each other & say..."sorry". I was like...was anyone

gonna say..."hey mom we were HORSING around & broke your broom."

All I got was....Sorry Mom. I know I know...in the scheme of life...the broom

is a stupid issue. So I told them all they would have to buy me a new broom

& I was going to charge a "didn't tell mom" fee & triple the cost of the broom.

I told them brooms are usually $50...I got a "whatever" and everyone burst into

laughter after that.

So that's my broom story...I know...right? I love my sweet precious kids. Uh huh!

I have so much more like....

I need to get some plants.

Lauren is doing her first speech today & she is so nervous & so am I. Praying she

does well.

I need to paint my toes. They are sad.

Some of our friends whose marriage is a mess.

Financial Freedom

I need to clean my house.

Ya'll have a great day....Got a broom story out there to share??? What's on your mind?

Becoming Less

2011-03-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

The downhill slide is back...

I lost 2.6 lbs this week!! WOO HOO!

Too be honest...I needed to gain a pound last week. It slapped me back into
reality & made me focus.

What did I focus on this week?
I really watched my portion sizes & my snacking.
But mostly...talked to God before I put anything in my mouth.

I'm a snacker...I like to eat between each meals.
Oh heck...let's just be real....I love food.
But it's a habit...not because I'm hungry.
I have replaced unhealthy snacks with fruit & nuts. Which means more
trips to the grocery store....but as they say...pay now or pay later
with bad health.

When I walk into the kitchen or when I'm sitting at a meal...
I have began to think of these words in Made To Crave...
It's about realizing the power of God taking over my complete weakness.
I am weak when it comes to food...especially sweets. From what I understand
the more sugar you eat, the more you crave it. I have significantly reduced my
sugar intake this week. The kids have been home for Spring Break...which
always brings a few extra treats around the house. I have resisted the temptation
of these sweets. I did take advantage of a dip cone this week while we were out
of town, but besides that I have really tried to...JUST SAY NO!!
Which is soooo hard for me to do! But it's getting a little easier with each...No.

Temptation...if not contained....can consume our thoughts, redirect our actions,
and demand our worship. Temptation doesn't take kindly to being starved.
It's a vicious cycle, but I'm clinging to the Hope that I can conquer it with the
power of the Holy Spirit living inside of me.
When I'm at the end of my strength...I pray for God's strength to step in & fill
the gap of my weakness.

I want to encourage all of you out there that struggle with the love of food.
If you don't struggle with it...you will not get all of this. We can win with
God's strength & power inside of us. Stop thinking it's unfair that your skinny
friend doesn't have to work out or watch what she eats...don't wish she would
gain 50lbs overnight...you know deep down that would make you smile...right?
So naughty!!! Some of you are laughing while you skinny girls are like...
she is so mean!! I am only playing!!

Instead Join me in praising God that He has chosen this battle to draw you closer
to Him & find true obedience in walking with Him. Be set free from these chains.

But Jesus said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness." Therefore I will BOAST all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

MTC (Made to Crave)
Life as a Christ follower will always be a learning process of depending less on our
own strength & more on God's power.
He must become greater, I must become less...John 3:30.

How can I pray for you in this journey? Pray for me to be obedient in my weakness,
to not give into temptation & to call upon God in all circumstances.

Why I Count It all JOY Wednsday!

2011-03-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well Hello there Wednesday!

Join my friend Angel & I as we count our JOYS!

and it's her bday so go tell her HB!!

Why am I filled with JOY?

First...I need to express that my heart is heavy today.

My niece Danielle has been dating Lonnie for 7 years now & they will

be getting married on June 10th. We received news last night that

his mom suddenly passed away from an aneurysm in her lung.

This was a total shock & my heart aches for Lonnie & his family.

The thought of his mom not being there on his wedding day is heart breaking to him.

Please pray for Lonnie & Danielle as they travel back to Louisiana today

& prepare to say to Good bye to Karen...his mom was a believer & so we have JOY

in knowing she is worshipping our Lord & Savior & resting in His arms.

I'm JOYful that my husband & I can get up & run together outside this week.

After the news of Karen's passing...I'm huggin him a little tighter today.

Spending time with my SIL & BIL & their family this week.

Daffodils blooming in my front yard.

Watching my kids play with their friends & thankful at their ages they

are not to "cool" to still "play".

Warmer weather on it's way.

All natural Peanut Butter...so good.

Friends that I can call on & they will pray for me instantly.

Spring Break & the kids hanging around the house.

God & how no matter what is happening around us...

He is with us & His love endures forever.

Come to me all of you who are weary &

burdened and I will give

you rest.

Matt 11:28

Find Joy today & rest in his love.

Dip Cones

2011-03-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

On Monday we went to Joplin to help out my sister & that is where I lived for

about 8 years & also the home of my Alma Mater (s) Ozark Christian College

& Missouri Southern State University.

There is an old fashion burger place there called Babes...

oh the vitamin G (grease) that is consumed at this place.

Greasy burgers, fries, suzie Q's & onion rings,

BUT...that is not why I have such fond memories of this place.

***we interrupt this blog to tell you I am aware this dip cone is not

part of a healthy living plan...but I also know you gotta just treat yourself

once in awhile so judge if you want...but I really don't mind***

It's the Dip Cones. A rare find these days.

See...my college BFF & I would go there & sit & chat over a

Gigantic Dip Cone. The funny thing is...I could never finish one.

I always knocked off some of the ice cream. Lana always gave

me a hard time about it. :)

I cherish her friendship still to this day.

Every time I eat a dip cone it takes me back to those college days

sitting on that vinyl red booth, listening to 50's music, the smell of grease,

laughing & building a friendship.

This is Lana...:)

How about you? Is there something that takes you back to one of your

favorite times in life when you eat it or smell it?

Do you like Dip Cones?

What's on my mind Monday???

2011-03-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Think I'm starting a theme...we will see.

What's on my mind today?

Kansas...Family...time away...refreshed...encouraged...safe...loved...forgiveness...
transformations..SNOW??

Just some one word thoughts....but now I'll explain.

It's Spring Break around here so we decided to take the weekend off & head
to Matt's Brother's house. Some of you might already know this...but my SIL
is one of my best friends. They are also in the ministry...church planters.
And if you know anything about church planting...you are definitely called to
it & it is most definitely not an easy road. But Kingdom work at it's finest!

We had the privilege of worshiping with them at LifeTrack on Sunday. They just
moved into their new building about a month ago & they are already bust out the seams!
PRaisE the LORD! Here is a picture....so precious! This has been a long time coming!!

They had stations set up yesterday that we rotated around for worship. They are getting

ready to put sheet rock on the walls so they let everyone sign scripture on the plywood.

This is my new precious friend Ara (sp?) she loved having her picture taken...

My niece Cassidy writing her scripture on the wall.

They called it the "touchy feely table"...you could feel the crown of thorns,

touch the sharp claws of the tools they flogged Jesus with.

This always hurts my heart to know what My Jesus did for me.

But so humbled by my Saviors love for me.

They live in heavy Catholic area so they celebrate lent. They

wrote on the walls what they were giving up for lent.

Negative words...that one caught my eye. (finger pointing at me)

I didn't write it...but I should have.

And lastly....my SIL had told me this story over the years & how

her life has unfolded. I finally got to meet her.

I was in tears watching her write this scripture on the wall.

She truly knows the deeps of Christ love & how He alone is

the reason she has walked away from her life lesbian lifestyle. It is amazing

to see the transformation of her life. The church

loved her & was there for her....reached out to her & showed her Christ

love. She has been set free. AMeN!

I will never grow WEARY of watching the church come together

in Christ name & Love someone to Him. I am blessed to see transformation

first hand daily as a Pastor's wife & hear the testimonies of many.

As many of you are too...you are out in the trenches at work...school...

on the ball field...in your homes loving others in His Name.

We spent the day with our family....Matt's dad & step mom even surprised

all of us by coming up for the service.

I am sitting here at my SIL house in Kansas watching the snow fall.

SNOW? What? Yep! Wasn't it 70 just a few days ago?

Heading to help my sister in Joplin pack her house later today.

Missed my FCC family yesterday. It's a JOY to serve with all of you.

Our time here has been so encouraging & refreshing.

I am blessed to have a SIL that "gets me" & the life that God has called

us too, someone who is standing next to me cheering me on.

Our chats are like little nuggets of Gold.

Free to be me.

It's Spring Break...gonna relax & enjoy our kids.

Praising GOd for his arms wrapped around us.

Becoming Less

2011-03-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Week 3

Well...it was bound to happen...

I. Gained. 1pd this week...grrr.

I can tell you exactly why...
I didn't track my food as well this week. I worked every day &
didn't take the time to do it. Not good.
Our water in our fridge taste AWFUL so I didn't drink as much
water this week...(due to our sealer on our floor it's messed up)
I was on my period...ladies...can I get an Amen on that?
And finally....I simply struggled with eating to much.
Excuses....Excuses.

When I stepped on that scale last night & she said I gained a pound,
I felt like someone punched me in the gut to be honest. I was sad/mad at myself.
Do you know what the "old" Stephanie would have done? She would have
looked across the street at that McDonalds & said "the heck with it...go get a
hamburger, large fries, Dr. Pepper & some ice cream right now to comfort yourself."
Just give up...you won't be able to lose this weight. Why even try?
And honestly...for a milli second...that old Stephanie & I chatted. But...guess what?
She didn't win. Infact, instead it put a fire in my pants! And I came home & ate
a good meal instead.

Victory in the battle.

I really feel like God was preparing my heart for this today. I was reading Made
to Crave today & I kid you not...she repeated this sentence like 10 times in this
chapter...

"I am a Jesus Girl who can step on that scale and see the numbers
as an indication of how much my body weighs and not an indication of my worth."

Seriously? Yes...I read that today right before I went. My worth is not in that scale...it is
in Jesus Christ. I will not be defeated or let this ruin my day & my attitude. It's one week.
Gonna hit it hard & focus again this week.

Victory on the scale? Nope.
Victory in the battle? Yes.

Define your week by obedience....not the scale.
Even when that scale says you have lost & when it tells you that you've gained.

He must become Greater...I must become less.

Why I Count It all JOY Wednsday!

2011-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday so You need to JOIN me & my
friend Angel in counting our JOYS for the day!

Why Am I filled with JOY??

Tokbox...spending an hour & a half with my sweet PW Joy
just chatting away about life in ministry & our dreams.

~~I enrolled Lauren as a Freshman yesterday.~~
(more on this later...noticed it's marked out. I have
an attitude problem with her growing up...:) Tear...

Watching my girls serve the Lord with JOY.

Lunch with an encouraging friend...who speaks truth into my life.

We found a sectional for our living room! AMEN!

My house is finally starting to smell somewhat normal again.

I see signs of spring all over our yard...coming back to life.

2 months...I will be hanging with my PWs in Nashville.

Once again God is causing my soul to stir & crave HIM more.

Our family is taking a Facebook break this week. Yep...my
kids are ~~so excited~~ about that! ha!

Healthy food choices & people who push me to make them!

My freezer is full of FFA meat again...

Great kids...a Godly man...an amazing church to serve in.

You are JOY, You are JOY....

What makes you full of JOY today??

What's on my Mind Monday?

2011-03-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Yeah...I know...it's ~~catchy huh~~? LOL! I always feel the need to just dump on Mondays.
No...not that kind of dump. HA! But just tell ya how my weekend went & such.

Not sure anyone really cares how my weekend went besides a few close friends & family.
Apparently I'm still gonna tell ya though anyway.....feel free to click on.

Friday night I helped at our Churches Jr. High all nighter. I didn't make it all night...
I'm realizing that my 38 year old body can't quite handle an all nighter like it used too.
So I stayed until around 1:00 am. :) Can I tell you how jazzed up I get about these events?
After being in the youth ministry for 15 years I still L.O.V.E. these nights. We had a total
of 217 come! We are so excited about that! You never know what kid might decide to
follow Jesus by simply coming to these events. That's what it's all about for us!
Seeking Salvation!! Having 2 daughters attend also brings me so much joy. I so enjoy
watching them with their friends.

After searching all of this city for a sectional...we finally found one! Yippee!!
Can I tell you how much I loathe looking for furniture? I would rather hear fingernails
on a chalkboard than shop for furniture. Actually...I'm not really a shopper at all.
Shocker huh?
I super really like the sectional we ended up with & it was within the budget we set!

My friend Angela is an amazing photographer & she has taken me under her wings.
She let me go on a photo shoot with her yesterday. SO FUN! I absolutely appreciate
her advice & leading me.

You know when God is stirring up change in your life? I'm not one who likes change...
but I know it's always necessary, especially when God calls you to change. He is doing
it again in my life. It's always good in the end...but painful to go thru. I like to call it pruning
to make you grow & seek in ways you would not have accepted change.

My daughter's school had a formal on Friday night...she didn't want to go at all. I was totally fine
with her decision. Instead she decided to help set up for the all nighter. Just not her thing she
said. I love my little home body. She doesn't like to follow the crowd. And if your child went then
great! I have no problems with that either. It's each kids decision. But my girl is just not into it.

So that's what's on my mind at the moment...actually much more...but I don't want to
annoy you with my babble!

Becoming Less

2011-03-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Welp...I have made it 2 weeks now...:)

Weighed in last night...lost another 2.2 pounds! Woo hoo!!

Total: 5.2 in two weeks.

I feel pretty good about those results, but know my journey has just begun.

My friend Nicole told me about a book called..."Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst
when I started this journey. Little did I know this book would hold so much truth for me.

This book is about "Satisfying your deepest desire with GOD, not food."
And I know some of you are thinking...that's not hard...but for me & many other
people out there, it is a struggle.
For this weeks update I would like to share with you somethings in this book that have
encouraged me & convicted me this week. First, let's talk about that Eve.
What did Satan tempt her with???
A. STINKIN. APPLE. It wasn't even a cupcake or a Reeses. It was an Apple, but
simply put...food. From the beginning it has been something that tempted us. God
told her not to eat from the tree of knowledge, but Satan convinced her otherwise.
So I ask the question...was it the apple or the craving to have it all that she desired?

3 ways Satan tries to lure us away from God:
1. Cravings= trying to get our physical desires met outside the will of God.
2. Lust of the eyes=trying to get our material desires met outside of the will of God.
3. Boasting=trying to get our need for significance met outside of the will of God.

Just a few tidbits to chew on this week. For me...this quote says it all.
"What we're craving will always depend on whatever we're consuming."

What are you craving? What are you consuming?
I'm asking myself that everytime I reach for food.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world-
the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful
man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has & does-comes not from
the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:15-16

Why I counted it all Joy Wednesday!

2011-03-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Why I Count it all JOY Wednesday!

Join my friend Angel as we Count our JOYS!

What is filling me with JOY this week?

My girls graduated from Dog Training school with our labs!

So proud of them!

Our concrete floors are almost done!! WOO HOO!

I love the way the floors look too.

My HBL...he is such a hard worker.

(hunka burnin love=husband)

Getting to Visit our Stone Canyon Campus on Sunday.

My PWs...I cherish our friendships.

Only 2 months until we are all hanging out in Nashville!!

Made To Crave...a book a friend of mine suggested.

I will blog about that on Friday.

Friends who let you borrow equipment & are happy to help.

Encouraging Texts in the middle of the day from

someone unexpected.

God's almighty power & how He can use anyone...

even a non believer to accomplish His purpose.

Singing the hymn...."It is Well with my soul"

this morning in BSF.

I have been praying about something I feel is

big & out of my comfort zone for awhile & God is

revealing to me that He is leading me in a new direction.

Getting to take this sweet babies pic...remember that new dad

I had on here a few weeks ago...this is his baby Zane.

I am working on those Photography skills.

What is filling you with JOY This week????

High on Fumes

2011-02-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

If the Thomasons are acting like they are on something this week...

well...they might be. Really? What you ask?

Let's see...Lacquer thinner, stain, sealer...u name it.

Yes. We ripped up our carpet last week & we are staining our concrete floors.

That's us...DO. IT. YOUR. SELF. ERS.

We already had it in our kitchen, but now we have it pretty much everywhere

except for the bedrooms.

It's a long process. My house is a total disaster zone.

Furniture in my bedroom, in my kitchen, in my garage.

I can't park my car in the garage...bummer on the cold car in the morning!!

And yes...I have to just LET. IT. GO. because the mess can make a

clean girl go CrAzY!!! But hey...I'm on fumes.

As they say...the pain is worth the gain. And it will be when it's all put

back in the appropriate area & I will no longer have to deal with carpet in the

living room! Can I get an AMEN??

As for now...I'm high on fumes it seems. Shooeeweee!!!

I am also in the process of looking for a sectional.

Um...can you can they are Expensive!!! GEEZ LOUISE!!!

But what we are saving on doing the floors we can get a some new furniture.

Super yeah!!!! I will have to post a pic when it's all done.

You all have a great day!! Hi Ho Hi Ho it's back to work I Go!!

p.s. I think I did a little bit of yelling in this blog...sorry. HAHA

Becoming Less

2011-02-25T04:53:00.000-08:00

First week...

I lost 3 pounds!!! Woo hoo!!

I thought I would start each week with something I am changing.

First I sat down & calculated points for foods I was planning on eating.

I went to the grocery store & really took the time to look at labels & make healthy choices.

One of the main changes I tried this week was portion control.

When I felt myself getting full...I stopped.

I didn't take too much...I measured out a portion & knew the points.

I know...it sounds so simple. But for me...not so much.

I prayed each day that I would let God fill me...not rely on the food.

So this week if you are struggling with food
1. Get a plan
2. Pay attention to how much you are eating.

You will notice a huge difference in a week!

This verse really spoke to me this week....
Philippians 3:19
Their end is destruction their God is their belly & their glory is their shame,
with minds set on earthly things.

Why I count it all JOY...A day late..:)

2011-02-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

So I'm a day late..but I can still be JOYFUL!!

Join my friend Angel as we count our JOYS today...

a day late...:)

Why am I filled with JOY?

Welp...we finished painting the inside of our house & my

arm didn't fall off.

Notes from my past youth girls who are grown women now.

We riped up our carpet!! Yeah!! Gonna stain the rest of our floors.

Even in the midst of my sister going thru the most difficult time of her life,

I know God is going to use this to draw her closer to Him.

The True Loves Waits series that our youth is going thru on Wed. nights.

My husband & his desire to see others come to Jesus.

Rainy days.

Learning to take control of food instead of it controlling me.

Subbing for the first time all month!!

My kids & how much they make me laugh.

Winter Jam concert! Watching my girls worship!

Have a great day!

Bye Bye Rubber Ducky

2011-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

10 years ago we moved into our new home.

My kids were 4, 2 & 10 months. Just babies!!!

When they were babies I had their pictures taken in a little bathtub
with a rubber ducky. So I decided this bathroom would be decorated
with those cute pictures & ducks.

And it was good when they were little...but now they are 14, 12 & 10.

Not so much...& Lauren now has her own bathroom upstairs.

While we were snowed in last week I decided it was time to update!!

And Taa Daaaaa...here is how it turned out!!

We took down the big plain mirror, new shower curtain, new drawer pulls,

sanded and re-stained the wood, put up new molding, painted & glazed the walls.

The pictures really don't show the true color, but it's close enough.

Saying goodbye to the duckies was like saying goodbye them being babies.

But it's time...sniff sniff...boo hoo.

Becoming Less

2011-02-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new weekly blog called....

"Becoming Less"

John 3:30
He must become greater...I must become less.

I have an idol in my life that have made many attempts to get rid of.
I let go for awhile...but find myself wandering in the desert again.

Again & Again.

Recently I started reading through Old Testament again...
and in my BSF study of Isaiah we have been talking about how
the Israelites worshiped Idols.
Found myself judging them for their Idol worship.
But then I look at my life & realize...
Who am I to judge them with all the idols that I worship in my life?

What is this idol I speak of?
F. O. O. D.

Some of you are thinking...really?
And Yes...I seriously love to eat.
Sweets have a stronghold on my life..seriously.

I have had tons of friends who have been very successful at
Weight Watchers. I keep feeling like I should go to a meeting.

I have gained 13 pounds since October...I know right?
I am out of control...I haven't weighed this much in a long time.

But let me tell you...it's not about the weight as much as it is about the
disobedience in my heart where food is concerned. I treat food as a
BFF...not something to survive on.

I eat for fun...entertainment & comfort.

So I went to a WW meeting last night.
I need some accountability...support...direction.

I will go every Thursday night.
On Fridays I will blog about my week of Becoming Less.

Not only in size...but most importantly in my relationship with Christ.

I was a little reluctant at first to start this post. But honestly I'm hoping someone
out there is struggling with this also & can pray for me. Or maybe I can
encourage someone to a this step with me.

I'm excited. I'm ready. I know I can do this.

Next week I will tell you my goals & what WW offers you
so come back & join me.

Becoming Less....