It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....well....not really,

but here inside the Stout home, Christmas is in full swing! Saturday we finished up some shopping and today we mailed a package to California and we have packages ready north to Minnesota! Also, last week was been a busy one; Madison has had 2 Christmas Programs (school and church) and we had a family get-together last night at Gma & Gpa Stout's in Ankeny. There we made & decorated Christmas cookies, decorated a grandkids tree in the basement and ate and ate and ate! YUMMMY!!!!!! Here are a few pics from those festivities.....

Christmas Dresses 2006

Morgan and Momma before Big Sister's School Program

Grandpa Stout and Madison rolling out Christmas Cookies

Grandma Stout and Morgan rolling out cookies :)

Uncle Dan, Aunt Amy and Cousin Kylie with their "Pooh" cookies that we all made

The rest of this week is pretty low-key....and we will just being doing laundry, chores and packing as we get ready to head to Minnesota for the holidays....it will be soooooo FUN! They may have SNOW there this weekend! Maybe we will be able to take the girls sledding or something fun like that!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SURPRISE!!!!

The month of November has flown past! I can't believe we are well in the swing of December
& holiday preparations!
There is not much to update on in the Stout house, butthe following picture says it all.....


















SURPRISE the Stouts are pregnant! Baby Stout #3 is due July 1st, 2007! We are
VERY EXCITED! The girls cannot wait to have a baby brother or sister!

Well-because I am pregnant there is more napping these days and less computer time....
so here I go off to rest!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Go here for pics....

Here is my other website so you can see our Halloween photos!

http://www.xanga.com/jonnastout

Have a great week!

Halloween Costumes

Here are a few pictures from our family's Halloween festivities.... there were supposed to be pics, but once again I can't get it work...AGGGHHHHHH!

Anyway....Halloween here was very COLD and VERY WINDY, but we had a BLAST! Morgan was a bit cranky (no nap) and she wouldn't wear her costume (that I made out of cardboard), but her spirits improved throughout the night... We went trick or treating in a nearby neighborhood for about an hour and then we headed up to see Gma and Gpa Stout and then we when we got home (about 9:00 p.m.) Uncle Dan, Aunt Amy and Kylie stopped over for a visit! It was great

I didn't know this until last year, but here in Iowa you have to tell a joke in order to get candy...This was Madison's joke Monday night...

KNOCK, KNOCK...
Who's there???
PHILLIP...
Phillip who????
Phillip my bag with candy, please!

We had a great night!

Update on the girls....

Madison...LOVES school and she is learning a lot of sight words...Color words like black, red, white, etc... And she is also learning simple reading words like bat, cat, sat and other simple families. She seems to be doing okay with her handwriting...We have been doing some extra practice here at home to help her improve. We are also busy reading, reading , and reading for BOOK-IT (the Pizza Hut reading reward program), but she only has to read or be read to a total of 5 books a week. We exceed that goal by at least 5-10 books every week! Madison coloring skills are great! She loves to color and she is just getting so precise with it! We have parent/teacher conferences next week so I am very interested to see how she is doing socially and academically. Other than school, Madison is doing great! We are working on body control and consistent obedience instead of ALWAYS trying to bargain with us...Although that is
acceptable at times...it should not be the norm and sometimes it is so EASY for US to let her get away with it! So really it's more about Tim and me being consistent!

Morgan...busy as ever...some mornings she play ballerina and watches a video while Iwork on mychores like balancing the checkbook, housework and/ or try catch up on some e-mails....she loves her mornings at home with Mommy...she likes to play by herself and just have her SPACE...we work on school here & there (I shoot for 2 days a week)..she knows all of her shapes, colors, numbers and she recognizes most letters. She is speaking wonderfully and learning to obey right away without dleaya nd without whining...Morgan is our impatient one. When she asks for something she wants it NOW and she keeps asking and asking and whining....she is having trouble waiting...

For example, "Mommmy can have milk, please?"
"Sure, Morgan."
now I am at the fridge filling her cup.....
"Mommmy....MILK,,,,,MOMMMY MILK!!!!!"
"Morgan, I am working on it...please be patient!"
"Mommmy....MILK,,,,,MOMMMY MILK!!!!!"
"Morgan, look at Momma, what am I doing right now???

THat's right, I'll have it to you in just a second!"

and then you give her her milk and she says,

"THANK YOU, MOMMA." and melts your heart!

Just need to keep teaching that area just like GOD works on our bad spots repeatedly! Morgan LOVES going to Grandma Stout's one day week! They (the girls and Grandma & grandpa) LOVE their FRIDAYS together. I LOVE that they LOVE grandma's house! Grandmas are the best babysitters EVER! Last week while they were there...they caught a preying mantis and spent the day studying it and watching it eat. etc... WOW!!!! Good thing Grandma doesn't mind insects b/c YUCK.....ughhhhh...no thanks for me!

However, We LOVE just doing things as a family! two Saturdays ago we went to an apple orchard/ pumpkin patch...the girls loved the chickens, riding the tractor, picking apples and pumpkins and playing in the corn maze! Last Friday the girls and I ran all over town to different consignment shops looking for Halloween costumes and some winter sweaters and sweatshirts for the girls! The girls loved it b/c each store has a little play area and so while I shopped they PLAYED! Although, we didn't have much shopping luck...we still had a fun day! This weekend it's going to be cool and we will probably be indoors or finishing up the fall yardwork...raking leaves, mowing the grass and maybe even have a fire in the firepit in the backyard!

I start cleaing houses this week with my friend, April (pregnant and due in Jan.) and in the beginningof November I will take over on Thurs & Fridays by myself! I have childcare all worked out! Praise the LORD!

Tim is doing well at work...they went paintballing last Friday! He had fun, but he is a little sore and stiff from all of the activity!

We are looking forward to the holidays....we can't wait to see Dheaven & Zak and their parents in 5 weeks! Also, the girls are really starting to
miss Grandma and Grandpa Shogren...we haven't seen them since mid-August!

it's FOOTBALL season!!!!

The NFL has started and tomorrow we begin our second annual Stout family Football League...each one us picks winners of the Sunday games and the winner at the end of the season...JUST WINS!! Last year, I WON and Tim lost and Madison pulled in a close 3rd place. This year Morgan will join us.....FUN!

Today we did a little school shopping for Madison...the SALES are starting...HOORAY! We also bought each one of the girls a long-sleeved
Hawkeye t-shirt to wear on game days! The girls love them and Tim was extra proud of us as we ran a few errands around town decked out in Hawkeye gear!

Overall we are all adjusting well to school! Madison LOVES school and when she comes home she takes great pride in emptying her backpack and sharing with us what she learned that day at school. The other morning as we were all eating breakfast Maddie informed us of something that happened at school the day before, "Dad, _______ (insert a boy classmates name) asked me to be his girlfriend...." Tim and I almost fell out of our chairs trying to contain our laughter....then we heard, "but I told ____________ we can be just friends because we are TOO YOUNG to GET MARRIED!!!" More laughter and almost snorting ensued! What in the WORLD???? THIS IS KINDERGARTEN??? However, we praise GOd that HE gave Madison the grace to gently let this boy down!!! :)

MOrgan is doing very well in preschool here at home with me. She knows all of her numbers (1-10), shapes, colors and we are working on letter recognition and counting skills now. Also, this week will starts some crafts (as I picked up some helpful preschool idea books and magazines at the Library) and seasonal activities! I cannot wait to do a scavenger/nature hike with her in the coming weeks! Morgan is speaking in sentences and it so cute..."Mommy, guess what...I love you mommmy!" That's my favorite! She is also an excellent shopper! She goes straight to the clearance racks at Target and she has a blast saying, "Look at this, MOmma!"

Tim's job is going great! He is now A SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE! Praise the Lord! It's a bit of a promotion witha bit of a raise! We rejoice in HOW AWESOME HIS new job is and we thank GOd everyday for it!

I am busy being a mom- A JOB I LOVE!!! I am subbing a bit here and there, just enough to pay for Christian school! I never really thought of myself as a homebody, but when I am gone I miss it sooooooo much!

Time to get back to the Hawkeye game.....GO HAWKS!

madison's First Day of Kindergarten

This morning went very well and I wasn't too emotional...Tim was! However, when I went to pick up Maddie today I at school, I did get a bit emotional in the van! I cannot believe she is a Kindergartener, but I PRAISE GOD that she is at Grandview, aka Christian school! I know Christian school is not perfect, but I KNOW the teachers there genuinely LOVE Madison and want to see her GROW academically and in her walk with her LORD! THAT's the best part for me- it eases sooooo many fears and worries for me!

Today, I worked on a bulletin board here at home...I am going to be preschooling Morgan at home. Right now it is every morning from 10:00-10:30, but once Bible Study(tues am), subbing and tutoring (thurs ams)start up in September we will scale back to 2-3 days a week! We are working on calendar activities (days of week, weather, months, season, etc...), a number and letter a week, minor math skills, opposites& matching activities, letter, #, color and shape recognition, reading books and the writing of her name! Also, we will do seasonal activities: Sept= apples & school, Oct= pumpkins, fire safety, Columbus and so on....

Maddie had a great day at school and she was exhausted when she came home. She was bummed she wasn't going to lunch with almost the rest of her class (there are only 8- 1/2 day -kids and the rest go all day--parental choice). She did come home with a headache..I think she made need glasses b/c at her physical her vision came out 20/40 in both eyes and so I am in the process of getting her in for a thorough exam...PLease pray that this will go quickly and smoothly!!!

We are all back into the school year routine--I LOVE routine! I have my first sub day this Friday at Ankeny in elementary! I can't believe I am back to work and I praise the Lord for these opportunities to help us pay for Christian education for our kids!

Well- time to get to bed! Have a great week!

See this link for PICS....
http://www.xanga.com/private/yourhome.aspx?user=jonnastout

Troubleshooting w/ Pics

I am having trouble uploading PICS to this BLog...so please check out my Xanga for Stout family pics....

http://www.xanga.com/jonnastout

Have a great day!

P.S> Anybody know why I can't get my pics to upload here???

Exciting Eternal information...

Life is good! I am working through a few different Bible Studies: A mom after God's heart by Elizabeth George and A Love Worth giving by Max Lucado and our small group's study of Ephesians...Lots of GROWING going on here! I just so want to be a MOM that POINTS to JESUS in EVERY MOMENT of EVERYDAY! Even in my times of sin and weakness I want my girls to see God's Spirit at work in me through correct repentance and change of attitude!

This fall could be busy for me...I will be working more this fall subbing and doing some cleaning for a friend's business!

The girls are growing up way too fast: Madison starts Kindergarten in 4 weeks and on July 12 she accepted Jesus as her Savior..Here's the story written from Tim's perspective...AMAZING NIGHT!....

It was Wednesday night, July 12th, 2006. The girls and I were having our normal bedtime routine. We were reading a book by Max Lucado about the boy who through the little fish and the bread to Jesus to feed the crowd. After the book was read, we have a time of prayer. Before I could ask for prayer requests from the girls, Maddie said "Daddy, I just got done praying." I asked her what she had prayed for. She told me " I ask Jesus to come into my heart and save me."

Needless to say, I was a bit shocked and quickly said a prayer asking God for discernment and wisdom. I asked her why she prayed that prayer. She said, " Because I am a sinner and I want to go to heaven." I was so excited I had to think of what to say next. I asked Madison what she thought sin was. She told me, " Sin is when I do things that make God sad like pushing Morgan or not obeying Mommy and Daddy."

I then asked her what Jesus did to help her get to heaven. She replied, " He died on the cross for my sins." I asked her if she was good enough, if she could get to heaven all by herself and she told me no. By this time, I am trying so hard to keep it together. I tend to be a bit on the soft side, so this was really hard.

Finally, I told her that in the Bible it talks about "confessing with your mouth and Jesus is Lord." I asked Madison if she would be willing to pray out loud and invite Jesus into her heart. She bowed her head and she said this prayer by herself. "Dear Jesus, please come into my heart and save me. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I want to go to heaven to be with you. Amen"

At that point, I could not contain my joy any longer. Tears just flowed down my face and I was just overwhelmed by the moment. I told her to go tell her Mom and she ran from the room. The joy on Jonna's face was priceless and we just hugged her like she had never been hugged before.

pretty exciting, eh????

Tim's new job is AMAZING and God is so blessing! It feels so good to be out of the desert! :) We now officially have health, dental, and optical insurance! HOORAY!

I will post some summer pics soon....
Jonna :)

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

...life has been busy....

On June 23rd, we celebrated Madison's 5th b-day! We had a cowboy themed party, complete with balloons, cowboys hats, wanted posters and star cupcakes. I cannot believe my oldest is 5!

On June 30th, we watched some of our students from GSM get married and it was a beautiful day! I had the privilege of decorating a room at church for their rehearsala nd of course I have no pictures...sorry! The wedding was beautiful and They had a GREAT DJ at the dance. We had a blast shakin' it up and shocking some of our church fam with the fact that we can dance! Priceless! The biggest blessing was that these two families that were joined have become some of our dearest church family and it is truly an honor to call them family! Also, we were able to take the kids to the grandparents that night and so the after the wedding ended we headed out with some dear friends to Perkins nad just had a great VISIT! We love you Aaron and Sierra!

Also, this weekend our friends Jordan & Jessa are home from Nashville where they attend Belmont University. Yesterday they led worship at Newton Grace Church and then last night they did a concert at Grace Church here in DSM and it was a GREAT privilege to attend both! They are soooooo talented and it will be neat to see where and HOW God uses the musical talents HE has given to them!

Tomorrow, we are headed to Tim's parents for 4th of July party. Hopefully, I can make a better showing in badmiton tomorrow! and at the end of the week my parents, my brother & his family are some guys from my parent's church are coming down for the weekend. The men are headed to Promise Keepers and the girls are in for shopping!

Praise the Lord for His Love today and the blessings he gives!

THANK you for our freedom in our country, but also our freedom from SIN & DEATH through JESUS CHRIST!

Happy 4th of JULY!

A long overdue update...

Right now, where to start on what's going on in our home....

1. Memorial day Weekend we went to Minnesota to spend some "quality time" with my family and we had a BLAST! We took the girls fishing and they loved it! Grandma nd Grandpa SHogren were right there when BOTH girls caught their FIRST FISH! My sister and her hubby took the girls for a night so we could celebrate our 7th anniversary...we putt-putted and go-karted...FUN! Sunday we spent some time with Phil, Heather nad Zaka nd the boys did more fishing! Who would have ever thunk TIm would become so outdoorsy???? Monday we came home and Maddie thew up in the van, but it all landed mostly on her and her blanket and not on the van itself! HOORAY!

2. VBS #1 has come and gone...the girls attended VBS with grandma nad Grandpa Stout at their church in Altoona. The theme was "Set Sail" and the girls loved it!

3. We attended Kylie's dedication 2 weeks agoa nd we had a great time with Dan, Amy, Mom and Papa Stout and Amy's parents...we went to service where they did a small dedicationa nd then we all went to the Machine Shed for dinner..YUMMY!

4. Father's Day we spent the morning sleeping ina nd had a family bruncha nd then we headed out to First Federated Church for a car show! The girls played in the bounce house nad then we ate (sno cones, hot dogs, & funnel cake) and looked at a bunch of cars: Corvette, Corvette StingRay, Dodge Viper, etc... The rest of the day we vegged at home nad then we went to Granny's for ice cream and our weekly trip out to the ranch to see the horses! We love it there. The girls got to pet a paint horse named cricket. The owner stopped by and we chatted for a while and he mentioned that everyone out there knows us by our vana nd they all think it's so neat that we take our girls there all of the time. However, the downside is that the girls WANT their OWN horses!

5. Tim's Grandma, Grandma Bonnet, is here from Montana. She is 92 and a HOOT! My girls love her and she lOVEs watching them play! She is a akiller at Triominos and her and Mom Stout are playing tons of Scrabble of which I TRY to stay away from b/c they KILL ME almost every game!

6. THis week is low key...Maddie's b-day is Friday and we are having a Cowgirl Themed party! Next week is VBS at Grace (HOOOOORAY!!!!) and Linser/Stewart wedding that I am decorating the rehearsal dinner for them. FUN!

THAt's it for now....pictures to follow soon!

Another weekend has flown past....

Today is Monday- HOORAY! Maddie is out of school for summer and we had a pretty busy weekend so today is a down day! So far today, we have played outside, ate lunch and I have done one load of laundry and I plan to hit the rest hard this afternoon while I watch an episode or two of Gilmore Girls season 5! Yesterday we had the Senior/Graduate Breakfast and everything went great! Praise the Lord. I had a blast working with a few girls from student ministry (they helped with decorations Sat. night and then we went for coffee) and now I am glad that it's all done! I am ready to spend the next couple weeks catching up around the house and scrapbooking. Maddie's birthday is in a month, but I have her theme all worked out in my head and that's great & today I finished up her invites on the computer...now print, mail and we'll be set! I am also decorating for our friends' rehearsal dinner the end of June & so I have that plan ready to go, but I can't do anything until the week of the wedding and so now it's time to just enjoy a rest and spend more time with my gardens too! I did plant some tomatoes, but I need to weed one of my flower gardens and get some annuals planted! Other than that, not much else to report...we are headed to Minnesota on Thursday to spend the weekend with my family...I haven't been home since Christmas and even though we saw all of them in March in Minneapolis, I am ready to go home home! Also, next Monday is our 7th wedding anniversary...we plan to exchange cards and buy ourselves a charcoal grill! Also, while we are home my parents and siblings are caring for the girls so that we can just do whatever we want and so we plan to: go bowling, fishing,shopping, out to eat, mini-golfing, check out a movie, etc... A great big date weekend! Can't wait!

The girls are napping now and so I really need to hit the laundry! Otherwise we will have no clothes for our trip this weekend! One other exciting note...I get to get my haircut tomorrow night! Nothing draastic, but still a head massage and pampering is involved- Wa-hoo!!!! :)

Post Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!!!

Sorry this is late...we were barely home this weekend! Friday night we celebrated Mother's Day by going out to eat at El Azteca, my favorite Mexican place! Saturday we had Graduation Open Houses all day...we were gone from 10:30 am until almost 11:00pm...fun day, no cooking! Sunday, I got my Mother's Day/ Anniversary presents...Seasons 1 & 5 of Gilmore Girls on DVD! My husband did an amazing JOB! On Sunday, We taught Maddie's Sunday School and then we stopped by Panera for bagels and coffee and then headed to Tim's parents home in Ankeny. We had lunch there, came home napped and then met Dan, Amy , Kylie and Mom and Dad Stout for dinner at Village Inn- what a blast of a day! Kylie is now almost 8 pounds & she is almost 2 months old...eating 6 oz. per feeding and time is flying! I got to hold her for quite
awhile last night...Dan and Amy both got to eat their food while it was still hot...what a Mother's Day treat, huh???? I know I am the best Auntie ever! However, bummer No bonfirein our new firepit this weekend...too cold and rainy...maybe this weekend sometime!

The past two days Maddie has had Mock Kindergarten and she is loving it, she cannot wait for school next fall! Tonight we are all headed to Uncle Dan's softball games, weather permitting. I have almost everything coordinated for Senior/Graduate Breakfast on Sunday...HOORAY! Now all there is to do is make a few more phone calls, order the balloon bouquets at Nobbies ( I am doing this tonight on the way to dan's softball games), and then decorate and set up Saturday night!

Tim is busy with work and helping me with home stuff and the girls! he is a great dad!
He had a blast helping them shop for me for Mother's Day! They did also buy me a Puppy, a stuffed one, and his name is Mister Cuddles! Cute, eh???

Off to school we go for Maddie's Kindergarten entrance evaluation...she'll do great!

Overdue Update....

Maddie at Open House- April 2006

The Beginning of my Landscaping in the backyard- this will be a flower bed w/ hostas, tiger lillies, phlox and misc plants...I'll fill it a little each week with perennials so that I don't have to do anywork next year....

Today is Maddie's last day of preschool and then we have preschool graduation tomorrow night and next week she has 2 days of mock kindergarten and testing, etc...My oldest is going to be in Kindergarten...CRAZY!!!! Wow- time flies! Morgan is busy as ever and just chattering up a storm, except we just found out at church in her Sunday Scool class she never says a PEEP! Weird, eh???

We are immersed in Senior Breakfast Prep and end of the year subbing for me! This summer I will be doing some house cleaning with a gal from Grace and also pick up some part-time hours at new York Life with Tim's former boss...I will be filing, mailing , etc... Tim is busy with work and helping me with Spring Projects: cleaning, landscaping, fixing the backyard gate, reorganizing our storage area from the basement to the upstaiirs attic space.

Above and below you will see pics of some of the projects we are working on these days....

OUr fire pit/ BBQ Pit...My Daddy helped me with this...I still need to layer the bottom with some dirt and then get some charcoals, firewood and a baking rack thing... We also plan to put a few chairs around it, etc.... Fun Memories to be made and lots of S'mores!!!!! :)

Pictures....Pictures and More Pictures....

Tim, Morgan and Madison and our new niece/cousin- Kylie

Easterfest 2006

Easter Dresses 2006

Stout Family Easter 2006

Easter 2006

Here are a few pictures to share what we did for Easter weekend! Saturday our church hosted an Easterfest at Grandview Park! The weather was PERFECT: sunny and warm with a sligght breeze. Morgan won a hula hoop & Dora the Explorer jump rope themed basket! The girls are having a blast sharing that! Also the girls picked up 2 FULL buckets of candy or as I call it "free" potty training candy! After the Easterfest we ran a few errands and then we spent the rest of the day just vegging out and playing outside! Yesterday it was rainy and overcast, but we still had a GLORIOUS and restful day! This morning we went to the 8:30 service at Grace. The had an AMAZING drama production called, "More than just a man." The best aprt was when they showed the crucifixion of Christ and the disciples and Joseph taking care of Jesus' dead body. At the time they were devastated, but JESUS did RAISE again! After that we headed to the 10:30 service at Altoona with Tim's parents. After church we went to Grandma & Grandpa Stout's for lunch and had a wonderful ham dinner with a few of the ladies from their church; it was a time of great fellowship. Our friend, Martin, joined us for the whole day! Although we could not have our egg hunt outside b/c the grass was very wet, we had an easter egg box hunt & the girls LOVED IT! I will upload pics later we are having a bit of trouble with that this morning! :)

Happy 3rd Birthday, Miss Morgan!

Here are few pictures from Morgan's 3rd Birthday Party last Saturday! We had a great time!
She chose, along withy Mommy's help, a Miss Patty Cake themed Party. I made her a Miss Patty Cake Playhouse (out of cardboard) and a Miss Patty Cake apron! We had a great time! I cannot believe my baby is 3!!! She is growing up way too fast!

Enjoy the pictures!

The Madness.....

Well- I know it's early, but Tim went to play Saturday am b-ball with his buddies and accountability guys and when he left I just woke up! Today is a relaxing day, but we plan to clean out the van, clean up the yard and catch up on laundry! Also, I am hoping to finish cleaning/shampooing our carpets....I have borrowed my friends carpet shampooer and we are hoping to use it one the van and the house today! HOORAY! And the day will be completed by watching the Madness on TV! Wa-hoo....Go George Mason!

Well, it was an interesting THursday, the weather was all over the place! Thursday it was sunny and 65 in the am and then we had terrible thinderstorms that night. The girls and I spent about an hour in the basement b/c of a tornado warning and I was thankful there was a HUGE box for thethe girls to play with and I watched the TV/radar. and yesterday it was 42 degrees and WINDY! Brrr......

yesterday I went to the chiropractor and then to Target to pick up a few groceries. Maddie was off school today and after lunch we are stopped by thelibrary and then after Tim got off work we headed to the hospital to visit his co-worker, Linda, who is in the hospital with gall stones and we also stop by the Nursery to see a friend from church who just had her 4th girl, they were praying for a boy, but they are happy! It makes me want another baby even more now!!!! Maddie keeps asking when her baby brother or brothers is coming and we tell her to just keep praying! She has asked if she can have 2 brother or 2 babies come at once, "Mom, I really want twins!" and yesterday in the van she said, "Mom, when I grow up I am going to have a husband and we will have our own children...a son and a daughter & they'll be twins. " I asked what she would name them and she replied, "Michael and Sarah...of course..." Don't BLINK....THey grow up soooooo fast! Last night after our hospital visits we went to tHe Iowa Machine Shed for dinner & then to our favorite little ice cream shop, Granny's, for little sundaes! So FUN! After that we came home, and watched Lion KIng 1 1/2 & I totally crashed!

I am thankful that the subbing is picking up...I worked Thursday in Ankeny Kindergarten and mom stout watched the girls, I work next Thursday and Friday @ SEP High School, the following THursday is a 1/2 day and then I have 2 more days the first week of May...one at g-view nad one at SEP elementary. I am hoping to pick a few more days somewhere...we are trying to build up our $1000 fund again and save for a trip to California to see Tom, kristin, Sydnie and Evan! Tim is doing a GREAT job at work...he almost made his goal for March, he came up a little shy! He is totally bummed, but everyone else is soooooo encouraged by his performance....this was his first month on the phone and he almost made goal...that's amazing! He is going to go far and fast in this company! Praise the Lord!


On with the Madness!!!

The newest Stout family and other Misc. pics

Dan, Amy & Kylie Stout

They came home on Monday night and we were able to meet them at the airport! Kylie is so tiny, just like a doll! She stole all of our hearts!

Morgan, MaKayla, Hope & Madison

The girls with their friends on a play day!

Moving Day for Mom & Papa Bear Stout

Tom came from California to help, Martin helped and our family! It was a great day!

A New Niece...

Dan & Amy Stout
announce the cesarean delivery of

Kylie Mattea Stout,

weighing in at 5 pounds 8 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long,
on Tuesday, March 21st, 2006
at 7:15 in the evening.


**Kylie (pronounced ky-lee) means full of grace and Mattea means God's gift.
Dan and Amy have brought her "home" to their hotel and will be flying hometo Iowa from Washington D.C. (where the birthparents are from). We will update more as we hear more...THIS HAS BEEN AN AMAZING JOURNEY for them and GOD has totally PROVEN HIMSELF to be FAITHFUL and AMAZING!!!**

pictures

Grandpa Shogren and the grandkids

Stout family and Dan and Amanda
Gma nad Gpa Shogren and the girls
Snuggling Sisters

Long time...No talky

Greetings from the Stout home! We have been so busy with life and I have just not made the time to BLOG! So sorry!

Here's the update....


This past weekend we went to Minnesota for a Shogren family get together. We stayed at a Residence Inn about 1/2 mile from the Mall of America & IKEA. We had a great time seeing all of my family: Phil, Heather and Zak (4 1/2 months), Amanda (11 weeks pregnant) and Dan, and my parents. Friday we arrived in the cities about 6:00 and went to the 2-story Chuck E. Cheese and played a ton of games and skee-ball (sp??) and then back to the hotel for a dip in the pool and hot tub. Saturday we went swimming, ate breakfast, and to the MOA for lunch and shopping. The boys stayed until about 2:30 and the went back to the hotel for the kiddies' naps. We walked around and browsed a lot and Heather bought a shirt for $3.99 (no tax!) at Lerner and then we rode a Timberland Twister and headed back to the hotel. We all went to Outback for dinner and back to the hotel for more swimming. The other 2 couples headed home for the night and the grandparents and us headed to bed. Sunday am we slept in, ate breakfast and swam some more. After we checked out we headed to IKEA and WOWZA I could have spent OODLES OF MOOLAH! It was awesome and I cannot wait to go back in a few months- minus the girlies...that way we can take our time and really shop! It was awesome to walk through the showroom and I got tons of ideas for Christmas presents for my niece and nephews.

In other news....

Tim's job is going great...I am subbing a bit here and there....Madison is registering for 1/2 day kindergarten at grandview next year & Morgan will be going to preschool 2 days a week. FUN!!! Madison and Morgan are growing like crazy and they are SUPER excited for Easter and the egg hunt. However, before then I need to plan Morgan's 3rd birthday party (April 7th) and Tim's 30th birthday on April 18th.

I will post a few pictures later....
Jonna :)

this is fun!

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

life happens while you're making plans....

Seriously...the Lord has taught me soooooo much this week and I am tired and learned! I had so many "plans" to keep the girls and me busy this week while Tim was gone to Nashville, but the Lord had another thing in mind...SICKNESS! Starting on Monday am I noticed a tickle/soreness in my throat and by Monday night it was like my throat was raw and open for the world to mock and injure. Tuesday and Wednesday I sat in a chair and did my best to care for my children as I could....I am so thankful that they LOVE videos and that they play sooooo well together. I observed lots of school and house! :) I really learned a lot about my girls and their interests this week. Also, they were soooooooo helpful (answering the phone, playing quietly, choosing to be kind to one another, and fixing meals (just kidding!)). Tim also had this CRAP while he was in Nashville. but we are all feeling MUCH better and well on our way to recovering from this VIRAL CRAP!

However, thank you Lord for teaching that there are times when REST and QUIET are much needed and sometime you just have to care for yourself and let LOVE do the rest!

Also, thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Stout for checking up on us frequently and taking the girls Tuesday pm so I could just rest! LOVE YOU!

Have a great weekend! Tim flys in at about 7:30 pm! Can't wait!
We ALL miss him VERY much!

still gettin' into the new routine...

Yes... it has been a while since I have blogged, but as the title of this post suggests we have still been trying to get into the new routine: Tim at work (m,t,th 9-7, w-9-5, fri 9-3.), sharing one car, Maddie at school on M-W-F a.m., Jonna Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, Jonna tutoring on Wednesdays, church Wednesday nights. Girls are on a new schedule: no naps, baths at 5:30 and 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:15ish, play and read books with Dad for a 1/2 hour or so and go to bed. It's Ggggrrrrreeeeatttt! Tim and I love having about 2 hours in the evening together to talk, read, veg out, watch t.v. or work.

Tim is headed to Nashville tomorrow. He is going for training for his work. (no CT on Wednesday! Sorry Ryan!) His plane leaves DSM at 5:55 am and he will return Friday night about 8:00 p.m.. Should be good trip for him and don't worry about us girls I have BOOKED the schedule and we have plenty to do...see schedule above, plus I have sme playdates, I am teaching chapel on Friday at Grandview and some time at Grandma and Grandpa Stout's house.
We will miss Tim VERY MUCH!

Not much else to report...Tax season is rapidly approaching and we almost have all of our info to get the thing done! Praying for a good return...if any! Who knows!

Madison's sense of humor is really coming around...Yesterday I was making eggs and I asked who in this house eats eggs and she responded, "Mom, houses don't eat!" and she started laughing...she's a quick one! :) Morgan is spunky as ever and when she doesn't want to have rest time she says, "momma, I play on the porch, please?????" and of course I let her, but someday she will regret giving up "rest time."

Today Tim took the girls to the park- it's in the mid-50s and we have NO SNOW!!! HOORAY! but the forecast is for cold and 30 early in the week and a chance for snow---YUCK! I want to get away!!!

Jonna

Happy New Year - It's 2006!

Greetings from the Stout house here in Des Moines. We are all finally glad to be back in the "routine" of our life- almost. Tim is back to work at Beneficial and loving it! He is heading to Nashville for some training courses in a couple of weeks and he is thrilled about that! I am loving the steady income and wonderful benefits! What a blessing to FINALLY have health, dental AND VISION for a a VERY LOW amount per month! The girls and I are taking it easy- Maddie back to school on Friday and Bible Study kicks off next Tuesday. I am also back to private tutoring every Monday and hopefully picking up one sub day a week. Every little bit helps, right???

We had a wonderful holiday season. It was great to get so much quality time with all of our family!!!! Zakery is quite the handsome gentleman and Evan is so inquisitive and Sydnie is just so calm and precious! Madison and Morgan do miss their cousins soooooo much! It was great to see my parents and my siblings and Tim's siblings- we are sooooo blessed.

New Year's Eve we went to Godfather's Pizza as a family for dinner, came home and watched a movie and the girls went to bed. Tim and I stayed up until 11:00 (toasted the New Year w/ New York and Dick Clark) and then we were off to bed! (church at 8:30 on Sunday) I am hoping that maybe next year we will be able to go out or have friends over or something. This year with all of the family stuff and traveling it snuck up on us!

New Year's resolutions????? Of course along with the rest of the country I want to exercise more & eat better. Tim and I are actually working through our famil goals, etc...we'll let you know more once we get them together!

May God's richest blessing reign upon all you read this blog!
God Bless,
The Stout family