blessing/blessings/faith/family/loss/love/running

Good and Light

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 2 Comments

When I think about those who finished the Boston Marathon yesterday and went straight to the hospital to give blood, I can’t even imagine.

First of all, I’m slow, so some of these runners ran a full marathon in less time than it took me to run a half; they had to be spent (even though they train, that’s a big marathon, so they push themselves). Second of all, I don’t do well with giving blood. At all. When I think of the kind of heart these people have, I can’t help but smile. I can’t know I would be able–physically–to do that, or to consider it. Even if I wanted to, which hopefully I would.

I do know that I can bring good and light to my little corner of the world, though.

Horses
My own little version of happiness.

Here are just a few thoughts on how:

  • Pray with those who need it–and with those who think they don’t.
  • Open doors. 
  • Smile. 
  • Pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru. 
  • Send a note/card/text to someone to let them know you’re thinking of them. 
  • Call just to say hello. 
  • Let someone in front of you in the grocery store. 
  • Listen. Actually listen. 
  • Grab lunch with a friend–and pick up the tab. 
  • Show up with a friend’s favorite drink/ice cream/treat just because. 

It doesn’t have to cost any money. It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant. It just has to be genuine and heartfelt. How do you love on people?

2013/Aggies/Ella Bella/family/football/fun/party/play/Revolution/Shooby/weekend

Weekend on Ice

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 2 Comments

We had such a fun weekend! It’s unusual that we have things to do without running around with too much to do, so I tried to just enjoy and soak it all up.

Friday, Bean and I took the kiddos to Disney on Ice in San Antonio. It was absolutely perfect. Baby Gray wanted to see Mickey & Minnie (they hosted) and Shooby was more interested in the princesses (they told their stories). It was a fabulous production that resulted in two happy kids (despite the fact that we all look a little scary in the photos: the iPhones were not playing well with the darkness, and then PhotoShop didn’t play well with any of it, so there you go).

DOI Group
DOI Shel Bel
DOI Cotton Candy

Saturday, I resisted every possible urge to get in the car and drive to College Station for the Maroon & White Game. We watched on TV, relaxed and hung out instead. I can neither confirm nor deny staying home was the better choice.

(I mean, really though, how in the world did we get to a place where the Aggies’ spring game is on ESPN? My brain is still having trouble with this development.)

We did, however, go grab some dinner, which somehow resulted in a Krispy Kreme date (we didn’t even eat dinner in the same town as Krispy Kreme; it was a strange turn of events). I had never been inside a Krispy Kreme, but Baby Gray loved it, so I’m sure we’ll be back.

Krispy Kreme Date

Oh, Sunday. Church and a birthday party. Plus, a little baseball. It was a good Sunday. All I’ve got to show for it is this lone photo–and it’s not even from the party! Ella Bella, we had a blast! Happy birthday!

Red Thing

2013/Baby Gray/baseball/Fashion Friday/independent/Mr. Gray/Ranch/T-Paw/toddler

The Adventures of Headband Boy!

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

I love that this boy is comfortable in his own skin. I hope he never loses that. I know that now he’s little and he doesn’t always realize what he’s wearing is funny, but he always chooses it and sticks with it. I want convictions like that (of course, I’m talking bigger than clothes).

Here’s my favorite from this week, complete with quote: 

Headband Boy
“I’m not a robot; I’m just Headband Boy!”

When we were on the Ranger, T-Paw was moving! We had to get the backwards cap action to be sure we didn’t lose it (again). Plus, there’s the glow stick and leftover birthday icing to top it all off! 

Ranger

Of course, he had to rock the helmet.

Helmet

And, no week would be complete without an Easter helmet.

Easter Basket

Of course when you buy a birthday present (happy birthday, Ella Bella) you need to try it out in the store!

Headband

We got some new kid-sized headphones during one of our Target outings this week. He wore them all the way home–sans music or shows.

Headphones

If this isn’t how you’re mowing the lawn, you’re missing out!

Mowing

And, finally, for all the haircut advocates out there, here’s his mini-ponytail he asked for. Sorry, Mr. Gray!

Ponytail

2013/Annie/Baby Gray/family/memories/Ranch/T-Paw

Ranch Kids

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

Saturday evening, we headed to The Ranch, just because. Because it was pretty outside. Because we still had some daylight to burn. Because I want to share the history and memories with Baby Gray.

Ranger
Go Fast

Driving

It’s exciting to think about him to living all the memories and experiences that come with The Ranch. I am so grateful T-Paw and Annie are invested and excited about sharing with him what they shared with me. Each time we head out there with Baby Gray, it brings back another memory for me: Auntie Heather in a bike helmet on the fourwheeler; red boots sunk in the creek; piling so many people on the Mule we couldn’t cram any more; playing in the hay; working cattle; falling off my horse (which pretty much ruined my entire horse-riding career). I love it–and I look forward to it being part of who Baby Gray is.

2013/apps/coupons/family/fashion/life/make up

Spin Me ‘Round

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 3 Comments

A little gander into what’s makin’ my world go ’round these days (in no particular order).

Shopkick: if you’re not using this app, you should be. Get kicks when you walk in places you shop regularly then redeem them for gift cards. Yes, please. (cough–Target–cough)

photo(50)

iBooks: because who doesn’t want to have their book with them all the time? Makes perfect sense to me!

photo(47)

NYC Color Wheel: this blush I found randomly at WalMart (yes, gasp, WalMart). It’s absolutely perfect for this time of year!

Source: walmart.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

SnipSnap: coupons with you all the time! Most places are really great about scanning them on your phone. I haven’t had any trouble. I’m Mrs. Gray if you’d like to follow.

photo(49)

Babyganics Bye Bye Dry: somehow after I had Baby Gray, I developed eczema–but only on my shins. Uh-huh. This stuff works wonders.

Source: amazon.com via Mrs. on Pinterest
 This icy mint clutch: it’s super-soft leather, big enough for everything, and cute! Also, it’s a much better color in person.
Source: gap.com via Mrs. on Pinterest
Note: no paid advertisements here; the Shopkick link is a referral code. All thoughts & opinions are my own. 

2013/Baby Gray/baseball/high school/pitcher

He’s Still Got It

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 4 Comments

If you had asked me back in the day how our life would play out, it would have gone a little like this:

  • Finish high school (we’ve been together since we were babies, remember?) 
  • Baseball

In my brain, baseball wasn’t going to stop once school stopped. I didn’t know if it would be in a coaching capacity (although I had hoped not) or playing collegiate or professional baseball. I don’t think it mattered. I just always knew Mr. Gray loved it and had a passion for it. Not to mention his ability.

Sunday, we got a chance to be back at the diamond.

Mr. Gray is playing in a league, and it’s so much fun for all of us! He gets to do something he loves, Baby Gray gets to play and watch his daddy play, and I get to see Mr. Gray back in action. So much nostalgia. So many memories. So proud.

18

It seems like there’s a memory at every turn: he hit a batter, and memories came flooding back of the night he hit what seemed like every batter in Industrial. He got in a full-count-two-outs-two-on situation, and I remembered all the nights he pitched his way out like it was for show. As he stole second, I remembered the times he just couldn’t stand still; he has to get out there and move–then ask if he looked fast when the game is over. As the wind picked up and we all started freezing, I remembered the “baseball bag” I hauled all over Texas with every little thing one might possibly need for Texas weather in just about any season.

Ballgame

Yeah, we’ve done this a few times. I’ll enjoy this league while it lasts and hope and pray that Baby Gray wants to follow in his daddy’s footsteps.

Helmet

I don’t mind being a baseball family.

2013/Baby Gray/Fashion Friday/independent/toddler

Cowboy Cool

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

Since we went with bunny ears last week, we’ve got quite a compilation of fun outfits this week. Most of them were a result of a cowboy hat or his mutton bustin’ vest, but he’s got some other gems thrown in as well. I know when he’s a teenager he’ll be so pleased I chose to share these stylings with the world (or the few of you who actually read this to see them, either way).

All Dressed Up

Is it bad that I think this is kind of hippie-boy cute? I would let him wear this in public, I’m pretty sure.

Headband
Bucket Head

Yes, that’s a feathery hot pink princess crown.

Crown
Goggles
Muffs

This was the cutest thing, but I couldn’t get him to be still. He has his shoes on the wrong feet, his gymnastics clothes, and his vest. Silly.

Mutton Bustin
Stache

Just to ensure we ended on a smile, I saved this one for last.

Nekkid Cowboy

2013/blessings/bloopers/family/life

Hello, [Again] Thursday

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 0 Comment

Somehow I took Baby Gray to gym yesterday morning (which occurs on Wednesday) and then proceeded with my day thinking it was Thursday. I even asked the babysitter if she could babysit “tomorrow” instead of Friday. Oops!

photo(45)

Thursday, thanks for a great first run, let’s do it again–for real this time!

  • Thanks for another chance to hunt Easter eggs with Baby Gray. His “hiding places” are hilarious. 
  • Thanks for another chance to stick to the meal plan. Pizza just sounded so good in the rain. 
  • Thanks for another chance to get the taxes done. My time is running out. 
  • Thanks for another chance to get my booty to the pool. Twenty-four days and counting. 
  • Thanks for another chance to do puzzles on the floor with The Puzzle Master. I’m so glad Baby Gray took to calling himself that when I prompted; it’s adorable. 
  • Thanks for another chance to snuggle on the couch with Mr. Gray. I don’t even care if I have to watch something he wants to watch.

2013/family/fun/love/rest

Go. Go. Go. Stop. Be.

Posted on by Mrs Gray / 1 Comment

We’ve been in a season of go, go, go, go, go, go, go lately. I know, I know, when are we not? It seems it’s been especially crazy lately, though. Thank goodness we have slowed down tremendously. It has been so nice to be at home with the boy, do some puzzles, play a game or two, and just be.

Lunch Date

We have had time to walk, run, and play football in the evenings when Mr. Gray gets home. Mr. Gray and I have gotten back to cuddling on the couch with a show on Netflix or Hulu while he winds down before bed. We’ve had time. I read a book. All of it. Just because I had some time.

Up

We usually make time to do things together as a family, but we haven’t been able to do it more than a day here or there in a row in this season. When we get too busy, we get tired, worn down, and easily agitated. It doesn’t make for pleasant time together.

Pull Up
I’m enjoying this little bit of down time. It has been unexpected, but much needed.