XOXO

VALENTINES DAY 2013

Valentines for Classmates

We had a great Valentines Day this year. Parker started the day off at school exchanging goodies with all of his sweet friends. He brought home some great prizes that his classmates shared with him!

I spent most of Valentines Day working. While I was there Michael and Parker surprised me by showing up with some sweet treats for me and my coworkers. It was such a sweet surprise. I love the loves of my life more and more everyday!

Valentine Surprise from Mommy and Daddy

Relaxation

Michael, more than anyone I know, needed a break after slaving at the house for a little over 6 months. So, he planned us a little get-a-away for just that....relaxation.

We spent two nights in Hoover at Ross Bridge. Our friends, The Taylor's, joined us for a little R&R. Ross Bridge is beautiful place (that almost resembles a castle) that sits on a gorgeous golf course. The neighborhood (Ross Park) in which it is located is perfect.

The first day there, the boys golfed. Their form of relaxation. While, the women shopped..My form of heaven.








The second day. we spent at the spa. Can I go back there every day? Please? I am not sure what was better the massage or sitting in the "quiet room" reading my book. That is my happy place. Reading. I stayed there for hours doing just that. Everyone else had already went back to their rooms before I decided to break away from the peacefulness.

In all of the trips that Michael and I have been blessed enough to take, I must say this one was the most relaxing.

I feel like this is such a short entry for such a fun trip. But, truthfully we spent the entire 2 days laying low and relaxing. I guess in the wonderful 4 years that Michael and I have been parents this may truthfully be the first time we practically did nothing for two days. We missed our baby terribly, but were thankful for a little vacation for ourselves!

Home Sweet Home!

Moving day! We have talked about it every day for 6 months.. and it finally happened.  The night before we moved I couldn't contain my excitement. I was like a kid on Christmas Eve.

Michael and several friends of his moved every bit of everything we had in our storage building (which was a TON) in less than 2 hours. Our new house went from completely empty to boxes and furniture everywhere in NO TIME. 

At first, I was so excited to move that I was unpacking boxes and organizing things in no time. Slowly, the excitement wore off. Then, my sweet mother came to the rescue. We moved on Friday and I worked on Saturday. While I was working my mom unpacked every box for my kitchen and hand washed every single dish for me. To some, that may seem like no big deal. But, I can't imagine what would've helped me any more than her doing that for me! Mom helped my get things situated and Dad helped Michael with the "man stuff".

 Michael's mom was able to come by for a while and entertain Parker. That was a a huge help, as well! 

Things have come a long way since moving day and still have a ways more to go. But one thing is for sure, this is home. 

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." ~ Joshua 24:15

The Greatest Show on Earth

Let me just say, I love the circus. I guess it brings out the kid in me. Who knows. But, every year I am once again mesmerized by the acts. 

It has become somewhat of a tradition for Beth and I to take Parker to the circus. I think it brings out the kid in Beth as much as it does the kid in me. 

Beth and I loaded up Parker, Ashleigh, and Chloe and headed to the circus. What a day! Throughout the show the kids had popcorn, cotton candy, and a snow cone.. Topped off with  Mexican for dinner and Yogurt Mountain for dessert. No, I did not win Mom of the year for healthy eating on this particular day. Oh well, we only live once right! 

Ringling Bros. always puts on a fantastic show, and everytime it leaves me wondering how on earth they get those animals (and people) to do the things they do! 

Parker, Chloe, and Ash all had a perfect day. Their behavior was great, the show was great, the food was great... It truly was The Greatest Show on Earth.

We can't wait to see the 2014 show!

Happy 2013!

Its a redundant saying, but what a year 2012 was. New job for me, sold our house, both got different cars, bought land in a new city, moved in with my parents, and started building a house. From July through December almost seems like a really big blur. But a good blur. We had a great year. Once again, blessed beyond what we deserve. What owe it all to God. He has given us an amazing life that we are not worthy of but are so grateful to have!


We celebrated the New Year with some of our dearest friend, The Taylors and Fords. We six have become very close friends and Michael and I treasure the friendship we have with each of them.

Parker stayed with Granna and Pops while Michael and I celebrated. Unless we are working, Michael and I don't leave Parker very often. When we do, there are only a handful of trusted sitters that he stays with.

We started the night off by going to Buddy and Nienna's house. We socialized for a bit and then went to dinner. We had dinner at Sky's. It was delicious. The have fabulous food!

After dinner, back to the Ford's we went.. More socializing and then fireworks! It was great! Such a wonderful night!

Its Always Better When We're Together

Time changes everything... sometimes. Yes, we grow up (unfortunately get older), graduate college, get "big girl" jobs, get married, have babies, and before we know it we are chauffeuring kids to play dates and soccer practice. Life changes and it changes fast.

One thing that hasn't changed since I was in the fourth grade is my best friend, Brooke Arrington. We are soul sisters. We are so alike (down to our names) in so many ways and so completely different in others. We are the perfect combination.

Brooke now lives in Nashville so we don't get to see one another as much as we'd like. We can go weeks without talking, but when we do it is like we never stopped. We have made SO MANY memories (some we wish we could forget, ha) and been each other's rock for years. I love that my childhood best friend is my best friend forever.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

After the Stone Family Christmas, my sisters, our families, and my parents celebrated our Christmas. It was wonderful. My parents always go above and beyond and this year was no different. We are so thankful for all that they do for each of us. They are truly the reason the three of us are what we are today. They have set wonderful examples for morals, work ethic, attitude, Christianity, and unconditional love. My parents are my heros. 

Christmas 2012 was a success. We are blessed beyond what we deserve. So many sad things are happening in the world right now and sometimes it makes you stop and see what really matters in this life.

Yes, the gifts are great. But, ultimately it is the unconditional love from my family and the mercy from our Savior, Jesus Christ, that gets me from day to day. I am thankful for my family and blessings everyday. I do not know why I have been given all that I have, but every bit of the glory goes to the sweet Lord.