Happy New Year!

2009
What a year for the Stout Family. I am just so, so thankful for this year. Colin and I have grown closer together through this past year. Parenting brings you to a whole new level in your relationship, and sometimes I am not at my best. My sweet husband is the most supportive, encouraging, loving man....I am such a lucky girl. Well I want to walk through the year month to month and list some things that I am so VERY thankful for.
*January -I was thrilled to come off of bedrest and head back to the classroom. We celebrated birthdays, two really big ones when Sophie and Riley Jennings were born, and I was getting Camden's nursery together.
*February-Ice Storm, Babymoon in Nashville, St. Louis, and I passed my diabetes test!! I feared that my last few months of pregnancy would be without blizzards and chocolate....what a relief and now I am paying for it!
*March-3 baby showers, 4 new babies, back on bed rest for high blood pressure, surprise visits (love ya Ali), and Maternity Pix with Melanie Mauer
April- (MY FAVORITE MONTH OF 2009) Baby Camden, Stef's baby shower for Jordan, Baby Camden, installing and assembling many baby items, Baby Camden, and Baby Camden!!!
May-my first Mother's Day, Paloric Stenois and surgery for my baby boy (yikes), special visitors...tons of special visitors, KY Derby and my horse won I brought home $12!!
June-Welcomed home our dear friend Jordan, tried to sleep some, Father's Day and Birthday celebrations, and I started training with KJ.
July-first trip to the lake, makeovers with the girls (peach is my color), and even more special visits (Posie and mama and papa)
August-IT, a very special wedding (I have a sister now), trip to Florida with the family (and my dear friend Jess)...really rough car ride to ATL, visit with the Barber's
September-first time subbing back at TLS (joke was I'd be at school more as a sub then I was working full-time pregnant), trip to Colorado without our baby boy to see the Nickell's, Camden starts eating rice cereal and other food
October-Sock Monkey!!! First haircut, first niece is born (baby Katelyn), pumpkin carving party, Boyd Orchards, 50th Anniversary (mommy got to dress up), family pix!!
November-Thanksgiving with 20 friends and family, more birthdays, 7 year anniversary, Camden rolled over
December-FIRST CHRISTMAS (spoiled rotten...we got Camden a red wagon), hosted a Christmas brunch for the family, Camden started to eat some people food, Christmas Eve at the Day home, New Years Eve at Malones with 6 great friends.
Going back through my blog has made me laugh and cry both. We are so very blessed. I am looking forward to 2010.....

Deep Breath....

We had an amazing Christmas! It was full of family, friends, and fun. We are so blessed to have so much family to want to spend time with us, and we are feeling so very loved. Camden has so many new toys and some sweet threads to sport throughout the next year. The kid scored HUGE this Christmas....which means less shopping mommy has to do, which means daddy is happy about saving money. :) We hosted Colin's mom (Nana Pam), and her husband Craig, (Papa Craig) over the week. It was so nice to have them here. We had some really great conversations, meals, and just time together. They drove up from Dallas, TX with a car FULL of homemade pumpkin pies, rolls, gifts, and I think they had luggage. Our gift from them this year was a really, really, really, really, really cool trashcan (I have a picture to be posted soon). It is HUGE and holds so much (we were taking our trash out 2-3 times a day before). It also has a lid that closes quietly and on its own. It is awesome...oh and stainless. If you haven't noticed I LOVE it! They also got us a coffee pot, our other one was a little bit of a pain when you went to pour coffee....sorry. My mom and dad also got me the Shark steam floor mop.....I am so excited about tackling my floors. (I just realized I am officially old....excited about my gifts of trashcan, coffee pot, and steamer....geesh).

One of my favorite parts of Christmas Day was when we went to put Camden to bed. Colin and I had some time alone with Camden. We all read through the Christmas Story together. We talked about the meaning of Christmas with Camden (I am sure he gets it) and we prayed together as a family. Camden loves books and especially liked the picture of baby Jesus on the last page....(he loves babies). What a gift Jesus is, I know that I couldn't live without Him. He is my strength, the reason I wake up, and my purpose for this life. I am praying for Him to continue to guide and direct our family in his radical plan. I am praying that He give us wisdom in raising this little guy he has blessed us with. I am thanking him for all the many blessings of 2009. Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!!!

Pix to be posted soon...I think I will do a slideshow like my friend Sarah...I would put a link to your blog friend, but I don't know how....

Em

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2009

32 and counting

I had the best birthday ever. It started with my dear friend Jaci bringing me coffee and fun Christmas presents for Camden. She stayed for a nice visit and got to snuggle with Cam.I had lunch with my be fri J. Corn....we had some Moe's and great conversation. She made me some sweet treats and gave me a pair of earrings that I LOVE. Colin came home early from work (which rarely happens and I love it when it does). We ran around and actually went to the mall for a few last minute gifts (the mall was CRAZY). Then we went to my mom and dad's for dinner. Mom made spanish rice and we were joined for the delightful meal by KJ, Nakada, Sophie, Riley, Mac, and Whitney. It was perfect! My mom knows I love cookie cakes so she made one for me...totally forgot to take a picture...it was perfect.

So anyhow, I was thinking yesterday about 32 years. I have been alive 32 years. I always thought 32 sounded so old as a kid, and now I think it is the new 20's. I love my life. I love that i got to wake up yesterday to a happy 8 month old baby. That I got a phone call from the best hubs in the world first thing in the morning. That I have so many great friends that called, text, and FB'd me birthday wishes. God is so good to me. I am so thankful for where he has placed me and the people he has surrounded me with.

Today Nana Pam and Craig (Colin's mom and stepdad) arrive from Texas. We are excited that they get to share in Cam's first Christmas with us. We will also have Craig's parents in town for the weekend. Everyone (including my fam) will join us for Christmas brunch. I will take a picture of my table and post it.....

Merry Christmas friends!!

What's Your Story?

I have been overwhelmed thinking through what God is calling me to do. Our church has been in a series where we have been looking at our lives as a story. God has written and continues to write the best story for Emily Stout. He knew me before I was born, He knew my hair color, my eye color, my interests, my personality (Stef and Michelle S,F,L,P...I have no idea what that means), my struggles, my fears, my husband, my life.....isn't that crazy to think about. He knew all of that before He created me. That's how he knows each of us.....with such intimacy. Yet, I try to write my own story, knowing that I don't even begin to see the whole picture. He does....why is it so hard to trust him from beginning to end, chapter to chapter, page to page, really for me the beginning of one word to the end. I really do feel like I know what is best for me, who am I kidding. It is a daily struggle to surrender my plans for His.

I am really praying for God to reveal the way He wants to use me. What do I need to focus on? What do I need to give up? Please pray with me, I want to make a difference in this world while I am here. I want to leave here with people knowing they were loved by me, but most importantly by Jesus. I want to have such a relationship with God that I just ooze him!

Em

Santa!

We went to Lexington Green today to visit Santa and have dinner. If you are looking to get your picture with Santa I highly recommend going there, absolutely now wait, quick and so easy. We got one 4x6 for less then $10. We have a busy weekend ahead with two Christmas parties tomorrow. Looking forward to celebrating with both family and friends.

What God is teaching me....

2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

A few weeks ago I committed this scripture to memory and I just couldn't get past the last word. Self-disipline....I am the kind of girl who will try something new, go full force for maybe a month and then fall off the wagon. I have tried so many things, I feel that I struggle with self-discipline in so many areas in my life.....prayer, friends, family, diet, exercise, MONEY, etc. I want to start small, I want to committ to something, COMMITT and pray through it for self-discipline as I walk (run) through it and know that I can't do anything without Christ. I am not testing God, I am simply asking Him to lead me, and I will follow. So....here's the deal....

I am going to run the first ever Lexington mini-marathon in March. 13.2 miles. http://www.lexingtonhalfmarathon.com/ I have printing off a training schedule http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm and now I am committing in front of you for accountability that I will run this in March. I will continue to strength train throughout the week, and add to that by running according to the Hal Higdon schedule. I am thrilled to know that my friend Taryn is getting a group together every weekend to do the long runs together.

Not only is this going to take self-discipline but also prayer... Would you please pray with me for the following.

1. That I remain healthy, my body strong, and mind focused on His will during this time. I don't want this to be about me, I want it to be about the relationship I have with God.

2. I tend to be a hypochondriac and find something new wrong with me each day, pray that my mind will be less focused on me and what is wrong and more focused on others.

3. Each run I worship! I pray, and know that it is only with Him I am able to run!

4. Please let me know how I can pray for you....I am going to have a lot of time to do so.

5. I am running for the refuge. A group that is devoted to helping women who want to get out of the adult entertainment industry. Such an amazing group! Pray for these women

Thanks friends....I am looking forward to this.

Em

December

Checking out the Christmas tree

Enjoying pj day by the fire

This month looks like it is going to be full of family, friends, and fun! I love Christmas, and I love that we are going to celebrate Camden's first Christmas this year. He won't remember this year, but we are already starting our own family traditions. We plan on having our family Christmas (the three of us, plus bulldog) first thing in the morning. Following our celebration mom, dad, Mac, and Whitney will come over for some breakfast. This is the first year that we haven't spent the night at mom and dad's and celebrated over there. Crazy how kids will switch things up :) All and all, we are so looking forward to focusing on what this holiday is truly about as a family. I am also hoping we can do something in the community as a family.

As for now, I hope you enjoy the above pix of our December so far.

Happy 30th to my Hubs!

SURPRISE!!!

The Camo Cake from Kerry was cute and delicious and you can also see Mingle and Jingle in the background from Jay (bulldogge)

Friends....so blessed

The infamous Wife Group

Baby Buds celebrating!!

Love me some JALaub Photography...especially Abby! (Thanks friend)

So I gonna be honest, I haven't blogged over the past few weeks because I have been planning a surprise 30th party for my husband over the past few months and I was afraid I would spill the beans somehow, someway. If you know me, you know that I have the best intentions, but usually blow the surprise somehow. Well, I didn't this time.....we got him good! The camo themed party was a huge success thanks to gracious hosts, Trent and Joy and deliecious desserts, and AMAZING friends who love Colin. Friends we are so thankful for you, and loved celebrating with you.

Colin thought that I was out of town on a retreat and that he was going to have a birthday dinner at Sal's with his dad. Dennis told Colin they needed to swing by Trent and Joy's house to pick up and application to rent down on UK's property (for Colin's brother Mark). When Colin walked through the door and saw me, he was shocked and then when he saw all of his friends you couldn't wipe the grin off his face! So much fun.

Love you babe!

Reflection

What an incredible week we had with family and friends. I apologize for the lack of blogging, but you can see from the pix below we were enjoying our time. I love, love, love to set up and decorate for events. (sometimes a wee bit expensive). I enjoy coming up with a vision for the table, shopping for the accesories and then finally putting everything together. It is a sweet spot of mine I guess you could say. I woke up early (too early) Thanksgiving morning and just spent hours on the final touches. I also just say down (on the fireplace since our couch was in the garage) and prayed. When I sat there by myself I realized that the decor is great, but what really matters are the people sitting in those chairs, the conversations at those tables, and the community we will share. I was so thankful for 20 people who were coming to celebrate the many things we were thankful for in 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Rolling Over....

So Camden's new thing is rolling over and over and over and over and over. It is so fun to watch him focus on something across the room and then roll over to it. He already has such perseverance, :) Colin and I just sat on the floor with him last night and were in disbelief that just 7 months ago our little guy was 7 pounds and sleeping pretty much all day. (we know he isn't a fan of sleeping during the day anymore). It is so cool to watch him smile, giggle, stick out his tongue, roll, eat, (not to keen on puffs yet, they gag him), and sleep. He is such a good baby. We are so lucky. I continue to pray that God give us the ability to raise him in His ways, not ours. To instill in Him a love for God and others. To be the church and not just go. One of my friends gave me this prayer that I pray with Camden.

1. That Camden will know Christ as Savior early in life. (Psalm 6:3 and 2Timothy 3:15)

2. That Camden will be protected from the evil one in each area of his life...spiritual,
emotional and physical. (John 12:15)

3. That Camden will have a responsible attitude in all his interpersonal relationships.
(Daniel 6:3)

4. That Camden will respect those in authority over him. (Romans 13:1)

5. That Camden will desire the right kinds of friends and be protected from the wrong
friends. (Proverbs 1:10-11)

6. That Camden will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one.
( 2 Corinthians 6: 14-17)

7. That Camden will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all
circumstances. (James 4:7)

8. That Camden will be single-hearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ.
(Romans 12: 1-2 )

9. That Camden will be hedged in so he cannot find his way to wrong people or
that the wrong people cannot find their way to him. (Hosea 2:6)

10. Lastly, but very important, that Camden will have a hunger to know God and His Word!

Em

7 Day Prayer Challenge....

I will be praying this prayer every morning with Camden after breakfast. Our church has been challenged to pray, sing, and medidtate. Jon has given us two scriptures to memorize and meditate on. He has encouraged us to listen to all worship music, and to take a 15 minute prayer walk every day. Cam and I had our prayer walk yesterday. I noticed that I had a little pep in my step, I was waving at everyone and really enjoyed the time with Cam. We thanked Jesus for so many things....we are so blessed. I encourage you to read through this prayer daily....
Em

Taken from Jon's Blog (http://www.southlandchristian.org/jonweece/)
Our 7 Day Prayer
“Abba Father, I praise you for your goodness and your grace. I praise you for your creation and the beauty of it. I praise you for the life you’ve given me. Your compassion and love instill joy and confidence in my life. Father, forgive me for continually rejecting and running away from the life that you created me for. Look past my sins and cover my stains. Remove the guilt that marks my life and the shame that robs my sleep. I have run from your truth for far too long; I’m at my wit’s end, there is no rope left, this life I’m living isn’t working, so I’m running to you. God, no matter what it takes, bring brokenness in my life. Open my eyes to how utterly hopeless I am without you. Teach me to hate sin. Teach me humility. In your great grace, would you unravel and ruin me, dismantle and devastate me; pull down every pillar of my faithless life until I wholly depend upon you. Surround me with your mercy, overwhelm me with your grace, cover me with your love, and drench my life in the words of your truth. Pour out your Spirit, your empowering presence, upon my life and teach me the joy of full surrender. God, take me ever deeper into your heart, show me the Jesus way of life, and may the light of his life be the light that shines through me—from the inside out. Amen!”
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (II Timothy 1:7 NIV)
And for those who dare to memorize two verses in the same week:
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (II Timothy 4:18 NIV)

Fran Chan....

Oh my, I have read the first Chapter of Crazy Love and am still processing the words that were written in combination to what has happened over the last week. Fran Chan proposes for me to stop praying until I can comprehend how big our God truly is. "We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry." This is me....I am embarrassed to admit it, but it is. I am all about me, selfish. This comes into play in my relationships here on earth, but ultimately with my most important relationship with my Heavenly Father. Romans 1:20 tells us that through creation, we see His "invisible qualities" and "divine nature." I have taken time this week to see Him, to hear Him, and find Him. His glory is everywhere! He is in the changing leaves, He is in the song we sing, He is in the embrace of a friend in despair. I have seen Him in all of these this week.
"In our world, where hundreds of things distract us from God, we have to intentinally and consistently remind ourselves of HIM!" I don't want to become numb to the Glory of GOD, I want to stand in awe him in everything I do. Day in and day out, less of me and more of YOU!
God is moving in my marriage, and I am so excited to see how He uses Colin and me. I am so thankful for the unconditional love that is bestowed on me, because I do not deserve it.

This post is all over the place, I thought the longer I waited and processed what I read, the more clear the post would be...that's a joke. All I know is that God is stirring in my heart, I love it! He is moving and I want to be a part of it!

Birthdays and Anniversary's

Camden got all dressed up to wish his mom and dad a Happy Anniversary!

My buddy Jordan

Stef, Cam, Em, and Jordan

The Head Family...Happy 1st Birthday Jordan, you are loved!

(our boy sporting the tri-pod sit)

We had an amazing, beautiful weekend. The weather was 70 and sunny, perfect for my husband to have his hunting weekend. He spend saturday morning and evening, plus sunday morning hunting for his wall mounter buck. Unfortunately, after three promising hunts he came home empty handed. He is just so excited about "catching" his deer this season. This verbage makes me feel better about the fact that my hubs is a hunter.

On Sunday Colin and I celebrated 7 years of marriage together. We spend the evening together eating some grilled chicken and baked asparagus. We talked about the last seven years, the ups and downs, and how blessed we are to be where we are today. God has been with us each step of the way and we are thankful for this journey He has brought us on so far. We can't wait for the next 70 years (or whatever). My husband is the best and I am so fortunate to have him. I love you Colin!

We also got to celebrate Jordan's 1st Birthday with friends. We ate cake, and celebrated his precious little life. We love sweet baby Jordan! Looking forward to another few birthdays coming up...Sophie and Riley, January 19th.

Crazy Love

So my friend Stef and I are going to start reading through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This is a book that I have been wanting to read for a long time and I am really excited to walk through it with Stef. We are going to read a Chapter a week, watch a video on the author's website (http://www.crazylovebook.com/) and do some other research on another Blog we found called Bloom (http://thebloombookclub.blogspot.com/). I think so many people are starting to crave a more crazy kind of love for Christ. Our church is calling us to love others, and I want to do that well. The only way I can love others well is if I first love Jesus. I do have a relationship with Jesus, but I want more...I want to live minute to minute by His purpose.....here is an excerpt from his website talking about the book......

God is love. Crazy relentless, all-powerful love.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-it's falling in

love with God. And once you encounter his love, you will never be the same"

~Francis Chan

I want to live a life of passion and look back and know I lived without fear, and full of love! I can't wait to dive in.....

Em

Happy Halloween!!!

Last year some great friends of ours heard we were pregnant and brought this adorable costume to church. We didn't have to worry about costume shopping this year because of them, thank you Kelly and Dave. You guys have created the cutest sock monkey ever!

Happy Halloween!



Our sweet little sock monkey



Sock Monkey from the back....

Peace

John 14:27 (New International Version)
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.


John 14:27 (The Message)

25-27"I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.

I came across this scripture yesterday and it just really touched me. I am one that constantly worries and fears about the unknown. I am trying to adopt the phrase "faith over fear." That no matter what happens (even it is something I do fear), that God will get me through it and make me stronger because of it. I am so thankful for HIS words, HIS assurance, and the ability to walk with him everyday.

Pumpkin Pictures....

The pumpkin carving party was soooo much fun! We enjoyed hanging out with our "wife" group. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

The sweet Pumpkin Carving 2009 Decor



Let the carving begin!



so focused 1



so focused 2



Vandee and Leann made Scooby and Mickey for their sweet kiddos



My "S" for Stout....I got really creative (I added the polka dots at the end)



I know Jack loves his Elmo



I think that Jack does look like D



This is Lauren's Elmo, my "S," and D's pumpkin of Jack's face (so impressed I know)



Colin's first attempt at shading....I think he did awesome!

Pumpkin Carving 2009

Colin and I have been busy all day preparing a big pot of chili, decorating the garage, and gearing up for our 4th or 5th annual pumpkin carving party with our life group. It is always sooo much fun and I can't wait to post pix of our creations tomorrow. Our friend Derrick can look at a photo and create that picture in his pumpkin, it is amazing. I am the kind of girl that does a cats paw for UK or a smiley face...I am really original. I promise to post the pix tomorrow of the decor, pumpkins, and fun had by all.

6 Months!

I can't believe it has been 6 months since my sweet little man made his entrance into our world. Our lives were forever changed, and I can't remember a day without him. Camden, you are such a gift and we are blessed beyond words by your presence in our lives. Each day you grow and change and our prayer is that you grow in God's will. That we guide you to His purpose for your life. We know that you are ultimately His child, but we are thankful he entrusted us to raise you. We absolutely adore your grunting, squeeling, scooting around on your back, SMILE, giggles, and to watch your personality shape. You are so much FUN!!!

Six months ago today we were patiently awaiting your arrival. Daddy took such good care of mommy. You have an amazing dad. He would do anything for either of us. He is so proud of you! He can't wait to take you hunting one day. For now, he loves to carry you around in your baby bjorn, give you baths, and feed you your last bottle of the day. Your daddy loves you!!

I am so thankful that I get to spend each day with you. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I go in to get you each morning, you greet me with a HUGE smile, and blow lots of bubbles. You crack me up and make me feel like the most important person in the world at that moment. I am getting better about taking you out more and more....you really enjoy walks, especially outside. It is so cool to watch you take in everything for the first time. I could go on and on at how amazing you are.

Camden Wade Stout....you are loved and I am forever changed because of YOU!

Busy Weekend...

JALaub Photography, I think that I need to be cropped out of this one. I love it of Colin and Camden



This is a sneak peak into the photo's we had taken with the Laub's...look at those eyes



These are my girls...the best group of women to work with in town, Michelle is a lucky lady (she took my spot on the K team this year)



We had such a great weekend. Not only did we get to go to the Orchard, but Colin and I had a date, and the Laub's took some family pictures. Plus Grandma and Grandaddy are back from St. Louis, boy did we miss them! Enjoy the pix....and thanks Abby, you got skillz that pay the billz.

Boyd Orchard's with the Family!

Yesterday we went out to Boyd Orchard to drink cider, pick out pumpkins, and spend time together. We didn't factor in how cool it was, so it was a quick trip. We are still learning. Camden was WIDE awake taking in all the sights and smells. We promised him a cinninmon spice donut next year. He is a people watcher like his mommy. We are starting to see little pieces of his personality bloom. I think he is going to be the kind of person that sits back and watches for a bit and when comfortable he will jump in. As for us, we love watching those baby blues take everything in. After Boyd, Cam fell asleep in his carseat so Colin and I drove around and looked at houses. (no we are not moving) We just have some favorite places that we would love to get into one day. Enjoy the pix and if you have a chance go get you some of that warm apple cider. Happy Fall!!

Hopefully we have started a tradition....



Enjoying the inside for warmth and a big hot apple cider (yummy)



My men in the Mum's :)



Daddy and Camden at the Orchard (sorry I cut Colin in half, too focused on getting the Boyd Orchard building in the back)

Cam got his weave did....

Look at the hair he was born with....lots of BLACK hair!



I tried to find a good picture of the "comb over"



The before and the look he gave us when we told him he was getting a haircut



He loved the big mirror, he couldn't get enough of that cute baby looking back at him



Look at that little face



Thank you so much....he looks adorable!



Our sweet blonde boy has had some great hair since birth. It has changed drastically from day one to almost six months, it has thinned out on the sides and back and gone from black to blonde, but he has always sported this Donald Trump look. The top was always long with dark brown highlights. I was going in last week for a trim of my own and asked my friend laura if she would mind cutting Cam's hair. She is awesome and said she was up for the challenge of cutting a five+ months hair. Enjoy the pictures....
Em

Thanks so much Laura, his weave is awesome!