2012 Ends

Seven years ago today, I met the man that would change my life forever.  My faith, my children, my career - he truly made my life complete. 

Sunday Evening Drain

This is what pastors look like on Sunday evenings.  And this is what pastors' dads look like on vacation.

Fire Safety

Thanks be to God for keeping us safe during a small stove fire this evening.  We had two fire trucks, 7 firemen, and two really excited little boys.  That was an eventful Saturday night.  I used a fire extinguisher.  Goodness, that makes a BIG MESS.  We are safe and thankful to the Kannapolis fire department. 

Stout Grandparents in Action

Today was a full and great day.

Hello Christmas!

As we approached our porch tonight, we stumbled upon this Christmas care package from my sis and family.  Shipping - $95, Opening gifts from our family on Christmas - priceless.  Thanks, Tasia, even though I wanted to scream at you for how much you paid. 

My Boys

I love these people. 

Solomander

Growing so fast.  What happened to that little baby face? 

Thursday Fingerpainting!

This was a straight to the bathtub kind of adventure.

Tunnel!

Solomon loves tunnels and creates them out of everything from my knees to the legs of tables.  He tries to fit through, and if that doesn't work, he finds a train or truck that can.  All boy...all the time.

Caroling to Shut-ins

One of the coolest moments of my life. Mount Calvary members went caroling to their shut-ins. This included two nursing homes, where a group of 30 members (including 15 children) walked the halls singing hymns and greeting people along the route to our members' rooms. Some of the elderly smiled and sang, some reached out to touch the children, some directed us like conductors, some just sat and took in the words of our King. After a tragic day in our history yesterday, the sight of these small saints singing to the aged and dying was...well...there are simply no words. 
Just look...and be revived in the knowledge that He does provide comfort.

Brotherly Love

We went out for pizza tonight, because there was no way I was going to mess up my kitchen before our open house tomorrow.  It was great fun as a family.  Well, except this moment. 

Who Did This?

I seriously don't know how this keeps happening.  I have an open house on Saturday.  Who is coming to help?  Seriously.

Give me a "J"

I went thrift store shopping today BY MYSELF.  It was like a vacation.  In other news, Henry was totally rocking the Jasper Wildcats gear today. 

Sunday - Happy Birthday, Gramma June!

We tried to get a good picture for you, Grandma, really we tried.

Saturday Walk for Special Olympics

I pushed the boys on a 1.25 mile walk,  on gravel, uphill.  It was a crazy workout for a great cause.  Lots of people turned out.

And Kannapolis had a Christmas parade!  So fun!

Friday Funday: Christmas Tree Edition

Such a great day at the tree farm!  Chickens, goats, quail, cows, and red cedars!  At nght we got to see The Singing Christmas Tree - the kids loved it!

Thursday Clean-Up

This is Solomon's response to "put your toys in the playroom."  Can't argue with this!

Wednesday Advent Service

Mt Calvary is all decked out. 

Tuesday Milkshake Mayhem

This crazy day ended with me spilling an entire milkshake under my seat in the car.  The kids had McDonald's for the first time because we needed a break in the playland!

Christmastime in Kannapolis

What a joy go live across the street from this park!  One picture just wouldn't do it justice.  It is beautiful!

Salvation Army Bellringers

Who can pass up these adorable minature bellringers?