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Author: Jolie

#teddyelf/2017/Christ/Christmas/Teddy/tradition

Our Twist on Elf on the Shelf

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Jolie / 0 Comment

Every year, people ask me why we have an Elf on the Shelf if we are trying to focus on Christ in Christmas rather than Santa. Well, first of all, it was gifted ...

#TGMcamps/2017/travel

Jellystone Summer

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Jolie / 0 Comment

This summer has found us spending more time in our camper and less time in hotels. It’s been so great to discover new places and be comfortable in our own...

2017/Baby Gray/Legos/travel

Family Fun at Legoland Florida

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Jolie / 1 Comment

If you know almost nothing about our family or our son, you probably know our son is a Lego fan. He and Lego go way back–he’s got the Lego camps and...

2017/Amazon/kids/kindergarten/Printables

Sweet Summer!

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Jolie / 1 Comment

I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t proud that the boy wanted to give gifts to his classmates to celebrate the end of their kindergarten year. I’...

2017/Adoption/baseball/be still/books/Jeep Life/summer

Currently…

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Jolie / 0 Comment

Currently, I am winding down my first year back in the classroom full-time. I forgot what a whirlwind that can be. Currently, I am thinking of things I want to ...

2017/bible/chick pics/Easter/faith/prayer

Worthy is the Lamb

Posted on April 16, 2017 by Jolie / 0 Comment

Undoubtedly, Good Friday is sad. It’s a terrible day in history; one where we recount the slain Messiah. The mockery, the abuse; the sheer torture that He...

#mailthatmatters/purchase with purpose/Purpose Box

On Purpose

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Jolie / 2 Comments

(I received products prior to making this post; all thoughts and opinions are my own.) One of my favorite things since starting Purpose Box is discovering new f...

2017/Adoption/Baby Gray/boy mama/calling/change/country life/family

When Words Escape

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Jolie / 1 Comment

This place has been a safe haven for over six years. Sometimes I share a little, sometimes a lot. I don’t aspire to be the next Dickens or Tolstoy, only t...

2017/Adoption/adventure/church/hometown

Adventure

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Jolie / 0 Comment

When we set off on our camping trip this summer, I had the word adventure on my heart. We were off for something new and exciting. It seemed appropriate. You mi...

2016/Adoption/faith/family/gather/goals/God

Reflect: Gather

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Jolie / 0 Comment

2016 was the year of gather. So many times, it was affirmed that this word truly was meant to be my word this year. I ended the post at the start of this year w...

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Hi, I’m Jolie…

jolie-gray
Wife to Josh, mama to Hays (7), hopeful adoptive mama, and Jesus lover. I founded Purpose Box in July of 2014. I'm all about open sunroofs and coffee dates. Welcome to my space; have a click around. I hope you feel loved, encouraged, and empowered.

Texas forever.

Purpose Box

purpose-box

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This morning, mid-workout, I walked out and said, This morning, mid-workout, I walked out and said, “Do you know we’ll be married 15 years this year?” 

Y’all. The fives and tens get me. How am I old enough to have been married that long? 

Sometimes I think back to the 16 year-old girl who knew she would marry this guy. She had no idea what she was signing up for—she couldn’t have dreamt how great he would be as a husband, a father, a leader, a friend, a confidant. 

So, while we’re a few months off, I’m still here. In awe of my calculation. Wondering how it could have flown by and been a lifetime all at once—but, you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun!
Turns out, I like it a lot better when we travel t Turns out, I like it a lot better when we travel to the snow and not vice versa. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

Couple of thoughts: 
• offer heaps of grace and patience in the return to regularly scheduled programming
• choose to believe people are doing the best they can with what they have
• offer what you’re able
• check in on those around you

This week’s experience was different for every single person I have spoken to, even those very close in proximity.

Teacher friends, jumping to you for a second here, remember that each of your kiddos will have experienced this week differently, too, when they get back to you Monday (or whenever they are able). Some will have spent the time cuddled up, playing games, enjoying the snow with hot cocoa. Others will have been freezing, alone, and scared. Meet them where they are. Academic needs may not be the forefront upon return, and that’s okay. A hug and a smile goes a long way.
Thank you, @wurstfest! 🎤 Our beloved pitchers Thank you, @wurstfest! 🎤 

Our beloved pitchers come in clutch—AGAIN. Man, what can’t these things do? 

The good news: the cattle and animals have water. 

The bad news: our house does not.
Snow much fun! ❄️ I spent yesterday afternoon Snow much fun! ❄️

I spent yesterday afternoon bummed the go-kart wouldn’t start in the weather. Didn’t even think to bring my ol’ girl out. She got the job done! 

PS: the pasture’s too muddy. Don’t bother. 😂😂

PPS: I always wave as people pass. I almost never see them wave back. The whole “neighborhood” was honking and waving today.
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