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. 

Christmas with the Stones

Christmas night we all gathered at my parents' house for a Christmas celebration with the Stone family. We had a great time! As usual, lots of food, lots of gifts, and lots of love! 

Kala (because she is always on top of things) prepared a list of games for the adults to play. We split into teams of girls and guys and put our brains to the test for a series of Christmas trivia. As expected, the girls won! My niece, Bailee, who is only 7 knew more answers than any of us. Sad but true. So thankful she was on our team!

Growing up, there were only girls in the Stone family. My three sisters and our cousin Kala. My, how things have changed. The great grandchildren now consists of five boys and two girls. All of the kids have so much fun when we get together.

The Stone Family Christmas was wonderful! 

Great Grandchildren

Cousins! 

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Merry Christmas! 

We say it all year long, "if you are good Santa will bring it" or "Santa is watching you so you better be sweet". Sayings such as these are what builds up the anticipation for Christmas morning. Every day it seems something is added to the list. Even when Santa already has all of toys packed up for delivery, there is always a last minute addition.

Parker only had one requirement for Santa this year. Something (or everything) Batman. As long as he had something Batman, he would be happy. Of course, Santa came through. 

Parker loved ALL of his surprises from Santa. What's not to love about a living room full of new toys?

Santa even left Michael a suprise... Hmm, was he a good boy this year??

Christmas Eve

Just like every year since I can remember, Christmas Eve was spent at my Papa June's house. It is a tradition for the Bedwell/Stone Families to spend this time together.  Every year our family is bigger than the last, and it is such a blessing we are all still able to carry on this ritual. Our Nanny wouldn't have had it any other way. Even though she isn't physically there to celebrate with us, we all know she is there in spirit.

We started the night by doing what other than eating! This year, the theme was finger foods and everything was delicious! After, it was gift time! Papa always does such a good job giving all of this kids something they will love, and this year was no different!

Like I mentioned, Nanny is always there is spirit, and just incase we need a reminder of how much she loves us- my precious mother always comes to the rescue.

 Last year we played Dirty Santa but instead of everyone bringing a gift- mom wrapped up sentimental items of Nanny's for us to fight over. It is always interesting and the cross words are meant out of love! :)

This year, we picked a piece of paper from bowl and on that paper was an area you got to choose something special of Nanny's. Like Dirty Santa, we drew numbers and could steal each others gifts as well. It was so fun. I lucked out and chose the china cabinet! My special prize of the night was my Nanny's silver serving pitcher and silver serving tray. Something that will I will cherish for as long as I live.

The Gossip Table... We crowd around and you never know what will be said...

The seven grandchildren :) 

We decided to reenact this picture... PRICELESS. 

Two of the best ladies I know

Great Grandchildren

Mr. & Mrs.

Mr. & Mrs. Copeland

Congratulations Beth and Tim! We are so happy that they finally made it official. Beth and Tim eloped in November so the entire family didn't get to celebrate their nuptials with them. Last night, The Clokeys had the two lovebirds a wedding reception. It was lovely!

We had a great time with friends and family. We ate dinner, had cake, and then watched Beth and Tim open all of their new gifts. We are ecstatic that the two of them (finally) found happiness with one another. It feels like Tim has been part of the family for a lot longer than a month! Parker has always thought of him as an uncle! So glad they finally made it official!

Beth and Mark

We love Brian!

The Stone Family

The Bedwell Family

Sisterly Love!

I think Mark is jealous of the great gifts...

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. William T. Copeland!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Today, Michael, Parker, and I spent the afternoon at Michael's parents house celebrating Christmas. This year was especially great because Michael's sister, Parisa, and boyfriend, Bobby, were able to make the long drive from Virginia and spend time with us. The entire family was there; we couldn't have asked for a better day.

 I have said it before, but Parker loves spending time at Nana and Papa's because he knows there will be four wheeler riding involved. Parker was able to do just that today.

We started the day by having a great lunch prepared by Melisa and Diane. Then, it was time to open gifts. Parker really scored some great presents today! We all did! After gift time, it was time to ride four wheelers! The weather was chilly, but it didn't slow the boys down! We had a great day! We are a blessed family! 4

Mommy look- I can make so much noise with this!!!

His newest game!

Proudly sporting his new Auburn hat!

A shirt from PARIS just for Parker D! Thanks Uncle Amir and Aunt Jan!

With Uncle Colt and Aunt Melisa!

Michael and Bobby

Melisa, Michael, and Parisa. Beautiful.