Easter Egg Hunt 2012

There was an unnatural peace that came over me this Easter season as I watched some of my grandkids run around the yard in search of as many plastic colored eggs filled with candy and surprises as they could find. My heart was heavy when I awoke Easter morning, just having buried my father, but surrounded by my loved ones reminded me of the blessings of the Plan of Happiness. In this life, there is suffering and there is peace. I have felt both this week in abundance!! I'm grateful to my family for their love and support during the difficult times, as well as, the joyful times!!

Treavor, Sara, Owen and Lewis
Telisa, Bodie, Tatum and Lincoln
Sara and Owen (aka Iron Man!)
Rylee Jo
Redd
Pyper
Luke
Lewis

Zach and

Cade under the Car!!

Grandpa Harold's Graveside

A message to Stephanie from her cousins!

Grandma Charlotte!! "You're just a MOM!"

Many of us mothers have heard that comment when asked, "What do you do?" "Oh, you're just a mom." Centered in the middle with the hand made blue lace dress is my Grandma Charlotte Amelia Hansen Stout. She is the mother of ten children, five boys and five girls all of which ended up towering over her. From what I have learned about her is that she pretty much raised them on her own due to the fact that her husband, Lewis was always ill. They lived in poverty which caused her to grow her own food, sew their clothes from scraps of fabric she could find, such as flour sacks etc., scrape and save every little crumb or gum wrapper she could find. I know that she use to go to the Flour Mill, sweep the floors, sift the dirt out of the flour and use that flour to make bread for her family. At times, the family was even homeless. However, the woman I knew to be my Grandma was always cheerful, loving, grateful and happy! Her hard work and sacrifice for her family made her a hero in my mind and heart. She loved her family with a passion! Always proud of them and proud to be a mother!!

I believe my daughters who have had careers and motherhood would agree %100 that there is not a harder job in this life than raising children. It's an honorable and fulfilling job and should be praised and admired. So Grandma Charlotte, you were one amazing MOM!!! You have almost all ten of your children back. WOW!! I can hear her laughing now!!!

IN HONOR OF MY DAD, I WOULD LIKE TO PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO HIS MOM!!

My Dad!

My dear mom passed away on September 5, 2007. Since that day, my dad 's health has declined slowly and painfully. On March 30, 2012 a joyous reunion occurred when my mother and father were reunited! I can only imagine the commotion in heaven that day! My dad was not only met by his beautiful and healthy wife Joan, but his oldest son, Gary, his parents, Lewis and Charlotte Stout, his siblings, Woodruff, Inez, Naomi, Alta, Charlotte, Richard, Arza and LaRaine. The Stout clan was never known for their quiet nature! I'm certain someone had to calm them down a bit!! I'm grateful for my knowledge of the Plan of Happiness. It gives me great comfort and peace at this time of my life. I'm thankful to my parents for giving me life and love!!!! Dad, at last.........