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2014/30 Before 30/goals/half marathon/running

Run Rant: Done and Done

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

At times, God uses avenues you’ve taken yourself down to put you just where He wants you. Sometimes He sticks you on a 13.1 mile path and knows He has a couple of hours to do some talking. Yep.

You see, I set a goal on a whim to run three half marathons in this 29th year of mine. I set the goal without consulting Mr. Gray, God, anyone. I just did it. Running is not my gifting. It’s not really even something I enjoy past about six miles or so.

Sunday morning started with a broken car window–coming after a cancelled running trip due to tornadoes, and I looked at Mr. Gray and said, “I feel like God is telling me to quit forcing something that’s not my gifting.” We laughed and left it at that.

The run started, and after a while, my friend and I split on the course. No sooner than we split, God started talking. I definitely didn’t have my best race time-wise, but it was the most freeing race I’ve ever run. Somehow I got caught up in this goal, these races. I was placing so much value in finishing three before I turned thirty instead of positioning myself in such a way that I can walk in the gifts that God has given me–and that I can enjoy. Of course, He was so eloquent and loving as He spoke. Each piece He put together was a perfect fit.

I’m grateful for a family who lets me take time to run–even when it’s an inconvenience.

(And even when it ends us up with a broken car window and stolen iPad.)

30 Before 30/Aggies/Fashion Friday/Friday Five/Johnny Football/running

Fiverrrrrr

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

It’s been a whirlwind of a week, and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. Let’s get five quick hits to see what’s in this ol’ brain o’ mine!

1. You’ve missed Fashion Friday; I’ve missed Fashion Friday. Here we go!

2. Not going to lie, I’m disappointed Johnny went 22nd. I’m excited to see how he does with an underdog team, though (I’m pretty sure we’ve seen it before).

3. We’re headed to Fort Worth this weekend (pending no tornadoes, of course) to avenge the two bad races and see my friend I missed out on when the OKC race was a no-go. Hooray for three before thirty coming to an end!

4. Our internet has been intermittent this week, and it is pretty scary how much I feel like I need internet service. (Granted, a lot of times it’s for work, but still.)

5. I have an addiction to work out clothes. I can’t stop buying them. All of them. I need all of the clothes. Sometimes I even wear them to work out.

2014/crafts/diy/gifts/Happy House/kid-made/teacher appreciation

You Rock!

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 4 Comments

One of Baby Gray’s favorite things to do is decorate rocks. Why not oblige and let him create what he loves while giving a great big thank you to his teacher all at the same time?

Of course, I had something cute planned for the whole “You rock!” part, but Mr. Independent was having none of me helping (except with the hot glue for the eyes). I’m not going to argue with that.

We stuck a gift card with it (I wanted something with “rock” in the name, but I was drawing a blank) and off he went!

We have had such a great year! We are grateful for Mrs. Behlen and all the wonderful ladies at Happy House!

Grammie/grandparents/memories/Papa

Leave a Legacy

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

This is one of my favorite photos of two of my favorite people. I miss them so–especially today.

We had so much fun, and all these years later, I still have so many fond memories. I love how Grammie always sought out things for us to do and took us pretty much anywhere we wanted to go. My friends always enjoyed going to Waco to visit my grandparents as well.

Grammie was one of the best earthly examples I have ever seen of Christ’s love. I remember hearing stories at her funeral of all the things she did for people that we knew nothing about. It was incredible. What a legacy. What a life to strive for.

Aunt Carrie/friends/kindness/love/pay it forward/Rules to Live By/tips

Rules to Live By

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

Yesterday when I posted our photo saying we always stop at neighborhood lemonade stands, a friend replied, “What a good rule to live by!”

Yes, yes it is…

And so are these:

1. (Obviously) Always stop for kids with lemonade stands. Pay them more than they’re asking.

2. Tip more than the minimum.

3. Always ask for the dessert menu (even if you don’t really want dessert). You just never know what surprises you might find.

4. Mow the neighbor’s sliver of grass.

5. Always take popsicles to the Salt Lick.

6. Fireworks are for Christmas Eve, too.

7. Scratch your lottery tickets with a spoon.

2014/camp house/go/marriage/Mr. Gray

Daily Dose of Mush

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 1 Comment

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I saw was our non-closet (yep, we live in a place with no closets). It’s right on my side of the bed, so it’s only natural that it’s what I saw. More specifically, though, I saw three letters that started my day off on the right foot.

You see, as those shirt sleeves hung there, I was just overwhelmed with gratitude that I get to do life with this guy–my husband, my partner. In a tiny house or no house, I want him by my side. In sickness or in health, good times or bad (these are good, by the way–our little hill is really pretty fun), for richer or for poorer, no matter the circumstance, I choose him. Everyday. All day. Over and over again.

apps/Baby Gray/iPad/iPhone/productive/work

Come on get h-APP-y!

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 1 Comment

Working on the go means I’m on my phone or iPad quite a bit. Good apps make that so much more productive (and sometimes just more fun).

So, here they are, in no particular order:

1. Timehop: I’ve professed my love before, but it’s worth sharing again.

2. Instagram: oh, Instagram, how I love thee.

3. Gmail: I’ve been using the plain Mail app for years. I still use it, but this has increased my productivity a ton! I’m able to manage multiple accounts, return addresses, and all the other craziness that is my email life in one place.

4. Cartwheel: Target. Coupons. Need I say more?

5. Postagram: this app is so much fun! I can send postcards and thank you notes (real ones–snail mail) from my phone’s camera roll. Grand parents love getting them! (Click here to download and redeem a free Postagram.)

6. Pages: I don’t want to love anything Facebook, but I am grateful for Pages letting me manage businesses on the go so I can spend more time with Baby Gray!

7. iBooks: goodbye, paper books!

8. shopkick: This is another one I’ve mentioned before, but I love getting kicks. I just walk in and earn; use kicks to buy gift cards! It’s a win! (Click here to download via my referral link and get kicks to start!)

9. Repost: it’s easier than screen-shotting and cropping photos on Instagram!

10. Notability: I love being able to take hand-written notes and have them with me all the time. Their addition of the iPhone sync was genius!

What are you favorite apps?

Baby Gray/baseball/cookies/Mr. Gray/Recipes/running/shoes/Tuesday 10/Tuesday ten

Tuesday Ten: I’m a Hippie Edition

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

1. Yep, I’m a hippie. I’ve got essential oils on my kid, in a diffuser, and working to absorb odors in our [really stinky] outdoor refrigerator. I went to a meeting this morning to learn more about their uses, and I’m so excited to try them!

2. I like our little house on the hill. Sitting on the porch in the evenings, working on projects with Mr. Gray, seeing Baby Gray run and play. It’s so quaint, quiet, and nice.

3. Baby Gray has worn shoes that don’t match 4 out of the last 5 days. It’s hilarious. People ask him about it, and he just says, “I don’t want matching shoes.” Okay then.

4. While I’m bummed that I didn’t get to run in Oklahoma City this weekend, I’m glad I was home safe and sound. Mother’s Day, here I come!

5. One time our dishwasher broke, and I quit cooking until it was fixed. Now, we live in a house without a dishwasher. Not cooking for a prolonged period of time is not an option, right?

6. I know I’m biased, but I’m pretty impressed with the 19 mph fastball of this little leftie.

7. I saw a recipe for a non-cookie (thanks, Jenna), and I think I might be able to get behind it. I’ll be trying it tomorrow.

8. If you don’t own a Shop Vac, you should. Best thing ever.

9. Our electricians keep fixing things that have nothing to do with electricity. Mr. Gray’s list is getting checked off rather quickly.

10. Yellow bugs lights are a gift from God.

2014/Baby Gray/camp house/country life

#countrylyfe

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Mrs Gray / 2 Comments

Less than one week in the country.
We’re enjoying it.
We think.

Baby Gray: (frantically) “MOM! There’s an animal head in the yard!”
Mrs. Gray: “What?!? Don’t touch! I’ll right there!” (rushes outside)
(screen door slams)
(sigh of relief)