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!

Heart Check

I love reading other peoples blogs. I have a list of 12 in my favorites that I go through at least every other day. Today I got onto a blog called "Bloom." This is a blog created by two women and they discuss books via video/writing. They are in the process of reading Francis Chan's Crazy Love and in Chapter four had a guest blogger. I am going to put the link to his blog and I ask you if you world is rocked because mine was. I don't want to be lukewarm.....
(cut and paste this into your web browser, i can't get the link to work)

http://blakeunfettered.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/profile-of-the-lukewarm-ch-4-of-crazy-love/

Let me know your thoughts....

How He Loves Us

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If his grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

I have been listening to this song pretty much on repeat each morning while Camden and I hang out. I can't get enough of it. It seems like each time I listen to it a different part sticks out to me. Sometimes I forget that He loves me, that he knows me so intimately, that He is jealous for me. What does that mean? I think that it means that when I put everything I am into being a mom, friend, daughter, sister, wife and ignore that I am simply His child, His daughter....OR when I care more about what I have, how I look, what people think, and ignore how He sees me, and thinks of me OR I WORRY...constantly about really crazy things, He is jealous. He has promised me over and over not to worry, to pray and to trust.

Another part that gets me....we are HIS portion. Definitino of portion....a part separated from a whole. How cool is that, I am a part of Him, His portion....

I wish I could get the song to play on my blog...geez, anyone? I am technilogically challenged. Update on Camden...he is feeling much better. We all slept in our own beds last night. He got up one time and fell back asleep on his own after being reunited with his pacifier. Thank you so much for the prayers. I know they were coming.

Em

I am an AUNT!

My sister-in-law, Jen and her husband, Chris welcomed the Stout's newest addition early this morning. Katelyn Riley Day was born at 12:40am, 6lbs 13oz and 19.5inches. Mom and baby are doing well and I can't wait to meet my new niece.

While Jen was goin through childbirth, my sweet boy was battling his first cold. It was a long night here. It seems Camden has a head cold and can't breathe very well while laying on his back. We tried the humidifier, propping his mattress up, but the only thing that helped our poor little man sleep was an upright position. So from 1-3 I laid in the recliner holding Cam and from 3-6 Colin took over (amazing hubs). He woke up this morning with a fierce appetite and seems to be happy in his blue chair. I plan on keeping him in the chair, baby bjorn, stroller, or swing today. No laying down flat. The dr's office said there really isn't anything we can do but wait it out. It would be worse to take him to the Dr's office since the flu is being passed around there. So our prescription....lots and lots of love.

If you think of it, say a little prayer for the Day family as they adjust to this new little life and my little guy to get well soon. Thanks.
Em