Ten (10) ...

... the number of miles I ran on Saturday

... the number of days until my race


I am nervous. I am excited. I can hardly believe that I have come this far. I am going to run a half marathon and now I am thinking that someday I could maybe run a full marathon. Sometimes I have to stare at myself in the mirror just to remember that I am not that same chubby awkward teenager that I once was. I am a runner. I am an athlete. I am the type of person I always wanted to be, but never tried hard enough to become. I am living proof that anything can be done if enough effort is put forth. I am living proof that you can be anyone you want to be no matter how busy you are, how much homework you have, how much money you have or where you live. I don't pay for a gym pass and I have lost about 30 lbs since I started working out and eating right. It is pretty amazing what a little bit of discipline can do for your body, mind and spirit. I feel like a new person. Take for example the photo below.



The photo on the left is me in high school. I looked happy on the outside, but I was very insecure and self conscious. The photo on the right is me last Saturday... I am happy, fit and loving life.

Sure I could lose a few more pounds if I wanted to be cut and maybe I will get there someday. But today I am in my healthy weight range for my height and age and I am stoked about it.

I will be running a half marathon in the OC Marathon on Sunday May 2nd. Finish line is at the OC Fair Grounds for anyone who wants to be there. The starting line is near fashion island and the race starts at 6:30 AM. I will be meeting my fans at the finish line with a big huge smile on my face about two and a half hours later. I can't wait.

Happy April Fools Birthday Grandma Beth!

My dear Grandma Beth Stout is in town from Arizona for the easter holiday so all of us Stout girls decided to go out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate her birthday! It was really fun to see everyone and since I had spring break I didn't have to worry about any school work... it was really nice! It was a fun day out and it was great to spend some extra time with Grandma. I love that lady so much. She is such a strong example to me of service, kindness and love. I cannot imagine what my life will be like when she is no longer here with me, but I am so blessed to have her here now and I will cherish the times that I get to spend with her as she gets older. She gives the best hugs and kisses and she has such a sweet heart. I hope that I can always remember the love she makes me feel and share it with others.
My Grandma Sue, my dad's mom, passed away when I was 15 and I didn't get to know her as much as I would have liked. Sometimes I lay in bed at night and think of her and cry because I wish I had been given more time to have known her as well as I know my Grandma Beth. But I know that she loves me and I can often feel of her love as I think of the memories I have of her. She was a very giving lady who served those who were less fortunate and she loved her family and her Heavenly Father and Savior. I am grateful that Grandma Beth was there with Grandma Sue when she passed away and I will always be grateful for the friendship that they shared. What a blessing Grandmothers can be in our lives. I am grateful for Heavenly Father's plan and for the wonderful women that I have been blessed to know and love.

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Happy Birthday Jessica Jane!

Tyler's sister Jessica had her 35th birthday on March 28th and to celebrate she invited all of the family over for amazing desserts. She even went big and got out the chocolate fountain and two ice cream makers. Owen ate WAY too much cake, but everyone loved watching him walk around with chocolate all over his sweet little face. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening. We spent the day visiting with family members and friends from far and near... some even came from Seattle. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people who love us and share time with us. Thanks for inviting us to your birthday party Jessica! We love you for so many reasons. Here are some of my reasons... Jessica is: kind, funny, giving, a master seamstress, creative, hard working, she likes home improvement projects, she likes to get her nails done with me, she and I can joke about how crazy our family is, she has really cute kids, she likes to eat, she is a GREAT friend and sister.....to name a few.

Here are some photos that I took of the day...

Wonderful

This song is amazing. I am loving it right now. It is a great pick me up song. Take a listen.


The video isn't anything super special, but the song is currently on repeat in my head! I LOVE a good song that can lift me up when I need a boost. Hope you like it!