Everything Stout

2011 Year in Review

Since another Christmas and New Year's just occurred, and MLK Day is just around the corner, I am writing this in haste before another year passes…

Malarie is continuing to fulfill her pre-nursing requirements at Lewis-Clark State College as she officially applies to the Nursing Program at the end of January. She has been getting great grades and enjoying her teachers, so there shouldn't be an issue with acceptance. She's been having a ball with her three other roommates, and has been getting involved with Campus Crusade too. Between brewing up coffee as an on-campus barista to playing intramural volleyball, she is doing it all…and loving it! Over Christmas break, she traveled to Portland, Oregon with one of her roommates for the Northwest Cru conference and was really challenged and blessed spiritually.

Hayden rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 19 touchdowns during the past football season, and was then honored as a member of both the 1st Team All-State Offense, and SIC 1st Team Offense as a running back. At the end of November, Idaho State University (Bengals) came for a home visit and offered Hayden an athletic scholarship to play football. A couple weeks later Hayden made a verbal commitment to play for Coach Kramer at ISU.  He is currently playing Varsity basketball (along with Bryson) and having fun. Hayden also had an opportunity to serve as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes' huddle leader at Meridian High and pray at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Famous Idaho Potato Bowl breakfast this last December. This being Hayden's graduation year, he is maximizing the 'fun factor' of high school, and yet staying focused on school work. So far, so good…

Bryson has officially jumped out of the shadows of his older brother and sister, and is "…kind of a big deal." ? As a sophomore, he played football alongside is older brother on Varsity and Tore. It. Up. He played QB, WR, RB, and Kick Returner and added greatly to the team's 6-3 record each time he was put in. He is also playing Varsity basketball with Hayden and, as the sixth man off the bench, is tearing up the court too. Earlier in the year, as a freshman, Bryson ran Varsity track with Hayden and officially beat his older brother in the 100 meter sprint. Bryson placed 1st at an invitational at Boise State with a personal best of 11.49. Bryson and Hayden were both involved in our church's VBS this past summer by way of comic relief. They played a couple of goof-ball sheriff deputies during the opening skits each day and did a great job. They will forever be known as Theodore (Hayden) and Otis (Bryson) in the minds of many little kids at Faith Community Bible Church for years to come.

In April of 2011, we had the opportunity to have a friend of Hayden's, Chris McNabb, come and live with us. Due to an adverse family situation, he was looking for a place to live, and after some prayer, we offered to have him come and join our family for the foreseeable future. Chris played football with Hayden and Bryson, and he also wrestles. Yeah! Finally I have an excuse to go watch some matches (Note: I wrestled in junior high & high school). Chris has been affectionately dubbed,  "McStout."

Kristie and I are continuing in the "High School Overdrive Mode", and yet seeing that these days will be over quickly. Two years to be exact.  So we are trying to enjoy each day, as a gift, knowing that they will be over soon.

As I get older, I am seeing how fast time does fly by and how I need to take advantage of each moment. Through the struggles and triumphs, my focus needs to be more on how Christ is using each situation to mold me into the image of His Son, and for my response to be one of gratefulness…no matter the situation. I pray God will bless you, and that He will draw you even closer to His side during this coming year,

Love: Jim, Kristie, Malarie, Hayden, Bryson & Chris

" Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.."

Philippians 2: 12-16