The Gray's Journey

My Beauties!!

2010-03-13T12:33:00.005-08:00

Today was picture day! I am so, so happy with how it went! I think maybe it was the most successful photo shoot EVER! The kids we so good and were all smiles for the most part!

Things are busy here. Our consignment sale is next week so I have been on the phone a lot it seems. Also, our house is back on the market. Two weeks ago we found out the buyers fell through. It really stinks, but we are surviving!!

We have been enjoying the warmer weather around here and are anxious to get outside more!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Love,
The Gray's

Its been a while!!

2010-02-20T13:33:00.004-08:00

Yes, I've fallen off the blogging wagon...I would like to say that I will do better but there are no promises with next months schedule!

Allie is growing like crazy these days and these pictures are mostly of her!! She has been rolling over and smiles all the time! She is such a good baby, she knows that she is the 3rd child!

Carson and Lily are also changing a lot! Carson new love is our wii! He loves to play the sports games and we are amazed at how fast he has caught on! Lily continues to love reading and anything related to babies. She blows us away with her vocabulary...sometimes we have to remind ourselves that she is only 2!

Michael has been very busy this month traveling with both Farm Bureau and the Church! He continues to enjoy both very much. These next couple months he will be studying to pass his licensing classes so he can stay employed with FB! Please pray for him as it can be very stressful!

I continue to find more than enough to keep me busy! Running my hair bow business and the consignment sale is on the top of the list after my kiddos! I've also been watching a couple extra kiddos on Monday and Friday to help out a church friend!!

As some of you might know, we have decided to downsize. We are no longer living the lifestyle of a Pharm Sales Rep! It was a hard decision but one that we both have much peace about! Our house sold in 7 days and the process happened so much faster that we ever thought possible! So, at the end of March we will be moving to another house in town! It is an older home that was just flipped...hopefully can update with pictures later! Still has 5 bedrooms just no basement!!

Hope to update again very soon!

Many blessings to you all!

Love, The Gray's :0)

Meal Planning 1/11/2010

2010-01-13T08:10:00.003-08:00

So, for those of you that know we fairly well, I STINK at planning meals! One of my five, yes five, New Years Resolutions is to do better at planning meals! I know that my hubby will especially appreciate it...not to mention it is my job!

So, I've broken out the numerous cookbooks that I have and got on the internet and done a lot of searching for some new recipes! With that, here is our meal plan for the week!

Monday-Hamburgers with brocolli and mac-n-cheese
Tuesday-Salmon with twice baked potatoes and corn
Wednesday-Dinner at church (can't beat a $1 meal and its good home cookin)
Thursday-Pasta & Sausage Skiller
Friday-Dinner at our friends house (I'm bringing dessert, something I'm good at)
Saturday-Chicken Fajitas and mexican rice
Sunday-Dinner with our Small Group (sandwiches and sides)

I wish that I could plan a left-over dinner but those usually get ate at lunch time!

Anyone with any great, easy recipes, please pass them on!!

Many Thanks,
Amber

Imagination Movers in Concert

2009-12-19T20:55:00.004-08:00

In October we traveled to Kansas City and saw the Imagination Movers in concert! "The Movers" is a Disney show that Carson & Lily LOVE! They just can't get enough of them!
We had such a great time! Imagination Mover Dave actually walked right behind us and gave Carson a high-five!! Both the kids stood in the isle and shook their booty to the music! Allie even did good, she just slept through the entire thing!!

Carving Pumpkins

2009-12-19T20:46:00.001-08:00

Lily trying out Dance Class

2009-12-19T20:39:00.002-08:00

In September we enrolled Lily in a parent participation dance class! Needless to say, we only lasted a couple weeks! As you can see she wasn't really in to participating, daddy did all the work!!

A Visit with My Grandparents!

2009-12-19T20:34:00.002-08:00

I'm trying to play catch-up! This actually happened the last week of August! Grandma & Ronnie we were so glad that you came and spent a week with us! The kids had a blast! Much love to you!

Picture Day!!

2009-10-17T18:02:00.006-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Wanted to post these pictures ASAP...and blogger is working so fast tonight, I can't believe it! It usually takes 15-20 mins to load pictures and tonight it only took 2 mins to load all these! Anyways, I'm sure you all don't care about that...

Here are the pictures that we had taken today! I can't believe that Allie is 1 month old already! I don't know where the month went, it has flown by! We are adjusting very well to being a family of 5 and I really don't feel like it is that hard! I think adjusting from 1 to 2 was a lot harder!!

Tomorrow is going to be a slow day so hopefully I will get more pictures loaded from the past month! Enjoy!

Love,

The Gray's :0)

Yes, this picture is terrible, but the best one! No one wanted to hold Allie...

Allie Ann!!

2009-09-26T18:41:00.015-07:00

Honestly, I really want to go to bed, but I know that I need to get these pictures up! Hope that you all enjoy seeing them...another little miracle that God has blessed us with!!

September 16, 2009, at 7:43 am weighing in at 9lbs 9oz and 21 inches long we welcomed Allie Ann Gray! After a few complications of low blood sugar and oxygen saturation levels, Allie was able to join us!!

She is a great baby! She sleeps very well at night only getting up once or twice and seems to take Carson & Lily's aggressiveness! Carson & Lily adore her! They are sweet and want to kiss her a lot, just a little rough at times though! Carson doesn't seem to be phased by her and Lily on the other hand wants to hold her and help all the time!

Michael & I are both doing well! Trying to learn the ropes as a family of 5!!! I'm feeling good and I seem to be recovering very well! Haven't taken any pain meds for the last few days so that is a good sign!!

Gotta go, duty calls! This little girl is going to want to eat soon! Will try very hard to update soon with more pictures! Happy Fall!!

Love,
The Gray's :0)

Allie with friend Karis!

Carson's 1st Day of Preschool

2009-08-25T13:07:00.004-07:00

So, we started this morning off by getting up and at 'em at 6:45! Carson marched into our room and said, "Hi Mommy"! I asked him if he knew what today was and he said is a cute shy voice, "School"! Of course, he was thrilled to go! He was out in the garage waiting before Michael and I were even dressed!

When we got to school he walked right into his class room and could've care less if he said goodbye to any of us! He went right to the workbench and grabbed an apron that he wanted to wear! I tried to get a picture of him by his cubbie but he was not thrilled about that at all!

When I picked him up he asked if he could go back to school! It was just too cute! He really didn't want to leave! After the drive in the car with no drink and both children crying for who know what, we made it home! He kept talking about showing us his papers...he was excited to shared with us what he had painted!!

So, the 1st day was a success and Carson is ready to go again!

Love, The Gray's :0)

Summer Fun!!

2009-08-20T13:21:00.006-07:00

Well, I decided that I really needed to get in an August post, 1. because I haven't done one in over a month and 2. b/c who knows when I will have time for the next one! I will try my best to keep up, but who knows!

We have had a fun and busy summer! There is never a dull moment in our house and we are always on the go! I can't even remember the last weekend that we just relaxed!! We've been to birthday parties, church functions, bbqs, visited college friends, welcomed new babies, the rodeo and who knows what!

Michael had been busy juggling his two jobs! Some nights he is up til after 11pm just trying to get everything done! However, he is really enjoying what he is doing and God has been providing which is all that we can ask!!

Carson & Lily both never cease to amaze us! They are such little adults! Some of the things that come out of their mouths seem so grown-up!! Carson likes to test us with "no" quite often and Lily has started to get a little bossy...everyone assures me it is a stage, but we are working on it!!

We all are very anxious to meet Miss. Allie! Only 27 more days, which seems impossible! Carson comments on how 'big' I am! Of course, I appreciate that soooo much! Lily on the other hand wants to kiss and talk to her! Everything seems to be ready for her arrival accept my house! Nothing can really stay clean enough and my list of "to do's" dosen't seem to get any shorter! Michael has been a great help and I appreciate it!!

We've been trying harder these last couple weeks to get Lily potty trained, but she just doesn't seem all that ready! Carson does great until he wants to manipulate us, but other that that he is potty trained! I'm not stressing over it! When she is ready it will happen!

Carson starts preschool next week! Can you believe it, I can't?! We went for enrollment on Monday and he was SO EXCITED and didn't want to leave! I'm sure that it won't always be that way! I'm a little nervous...I can't believe that he is old enough to go already. Where has time gone?? As muchs as Lily says and does, I wish that there was a program for 2 year olds...she seems to be on top of things!! He will be attending on Tues/Thurs mornings so that will be a great time for Allie, Lily and I to hang out and do some girlie things!!

Also, this past week Lily got her ears pierced! Yes, we let out 2 year old have earrings! No, we are not BAD parents! Some people seem to be so judgemental about it and frankly I don't really care! Its not like I'm going to let her wear 2" hoops!! She looks really cute and doesn't seem to be bothered by them! She even helps me turn them when it is time to cleam them!!

I will try hard to get pictures posted of Carson's 1st day of Preschool next week! Hope that you all have had a great summer!!

Love,
The Gray's

July 4th

2009-07-16T10:21:00.006-07:00

So, I thought that I would already have these pictures up, but obviously that is not the case!

Nine weeks from yesterday Allie will be here...unless something happens before then! Crazy that we will be a family of 5!! We all are so excited and ready! Carson & Lily both talk about her almost everyday!

This past Tuesday I got to spend a much needed evening out with my college friends! It was so wonderful! I don't think wonderful can express all the excitement that was in the room! Another one of our friends is expecting a baby in January! Also, my friend Kim who I asked many of you to pray for in the past year had exciting news as well! They did paper work in May to start working on adopting a baby! A couple weeks ago they found out that some parents had chosen them...and the beginning of August they are going to be getting a BABY GIRL! We are so excited for them and what God has in store for their lives! I also can't wait for Baby Dillard and Allie to be best friends (b/c of course they don't have a choice, haha)!! Please help us in praying for both the Harden and Dillard families during this very exciting time!!

We received enrollment papers in the mail yesterday for Carson to start preschool. Is it really possible that he is going to school already? Where has the past three years gone? So, August 25th is his first day of school! I can't believe that it will be here in about a month!

Hope you all are having a great summer...enjoy what is left! More updates soon!
Love,
The Gray's :0)

Emma with Carson & Lily

The Fam!

Lily posing for the camera!

The back side of our growing miracles!! We are so blessed!!

Grammie & Carson

Daddy & Lily

The pretty butterfly we saw the other day...along with the weeds that need pulled!

Sonogram Pictures of Allie

2009-07-10T12:03:00.003-07:00

Summer greetings! Whew is it ever humid here today!
Earlier this morning we had 3D/4D sonogram pictures taken of Allie! They turned out so good! I got Carson and Lily's sono pictures out to see if I saw any resemblance...no such luck! She looks beautiful and perfect though!!

Things here are as busy as ever! Michael is working a lot! Between the Insurance thing and Church, he is very busy! Our wonderful babysitter has been helping us on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can spend the morning helping Michael with whatever he needs! It is really nice to get away a little and makes me appreciate staying home more!

The kids are growing like crazy. Lily is almost as tall as Carson and both are wearing mostly 6x clothing! YIKES!! They play very well together for the most part. Spending time in their kiddy pool or at the sprinkler park is their favorite things right now!

Both of them keep asking and talking about Allie coming! They seem excited! We'll see how Lily takes it when another baby takes up some of her 'mommy time'. It is hard to belive that we will be a family of 5 in less than 10 weeks...I have to admit that I'm a little nervous! We planned for the 1st and then came the 2nd...I was too busy taking care of Carson to think about Lily coming! Now we have planned #3 and being out numbered scares me! I know that we will figure it out and before long I will think taking two to the store was a breeze!!

Hope you all are having a great summer! Hopefully, more updates soon!!

Love,
The Gray's

Profile Shot

Her beautiful face!

Her hand

Hands to her face

Definitely a Gray baby...feet crossed!

Reasons to be Thankful!!

2009-06-15T10:36:00.006-07:00

Greetings from HOT Huthinson, KS! I know that it is going to get a lot hotter, but this weather is terrible for a pregnant woman!

Usually I would write to tell you about the happenings in our life! However, today I've decided to show you pictures!

Michael and I have so much to be thankful for! Two good jobs, our health, a wonderful home and the things in it, our kids, and many other things that God has blessed us with! (For those of you who might not know, Michael accepted a position as the Grow Pastor at our church!)

Obviously, two of our biggest blessings are these wonderful kiddos that we have and Allie who will join us in September! With that said...we hope you enjoy these pictures as much as we do!!

Love,
The Grays :0)

Picture Time!

2009-05-17T13:29:00.008-07:00

It's a.....

2009-05-11T15:59:00.004-07:00

Well, I won't keep you in suspense for too long! We are going to be having a GIRL in September! At least that is what the sonogram tech said! I thought that the picture was really hard to see and I can't determine the difference which I could see with Carson & Lily! We are just thrilled to have a healthy baby! Here are a couple pictures that we recevied today! Will update soon with other info! Trying to do this while the kids finish up dinner! No definite name for her yet, but will update that as well when we have decided!!

More and more I'm thrilled that it is a girl! Carson has been a pill today! Didn't take a nap, opened a can of paint and painted part of a wall while I was upstairs with Lily for about 5 minutes. (Not sure why there is an open can of paint in the bsmt) Now he just poured all of Lily's grape pop into his b/c he was out! (Yes I know, I let them have a pop every now an then)!! Is it b/c he is a boy? I sure hope so!!

Baby's Profile

Her fist

Her foot

March Blizzard

2009-03-28T19:01:00.007-07:00

Happy Spring from snow covered Hutchinson! Needless to say these last two weeks have been crazy.

Last week Lily started getting a cough. We took her to the doctor on Tuesday b/c she had a fever. Our doctor was crazy busy so Michael & Lily waited in the Same Day Care to see another doctor. After waiting 2 1/2 hours, they saw a doctor. She diagnosed Lily with an ear infection, gave us an antibiotic and sent us home. After two days of medicine and still a fever, I called the doctor and got another appointment, this time with our doctor! Our doctor just listened to Lily and said she had pneumonia. I couldn't believe it and I was not happy. He did a chest x-ray to confirm it and sure enough! So, after another round of meds and some breathing treatments our princess is doing so much better!!

Luckily pneumonia is only contagious at the cold stage so Carson didn't get it!

After much prayer and consideration, Michael has decided that he is going to try the insurance field. We are still keeping our options open if something should come our way, but he is really enjoying it. He will be getting licensed between now and the end of April so that we aren't actually employed and lose out on our 'free' money from Pfizer! Please pray for us as we start this new journey!

Earlier this week the weather man forecasted we were to have snow. At first we though a few inches, but later found out that we were in for 6-8". Friday and Saturday we were in Blizzard warnings most of the day. Finally, once it stopped Hutch measured in at nearly 2'. It is really hard to get an accurate reading b/c of all the blowing and drifting! Below are some pictures of us having fun outside and of the beautiful drifts that are in our yard!

Both Carson & Lily are doing well and are now healthy. Carson keeps asking to wear his basketball shorts... I think that he likes the feel of the material! He also won't leave the doors closed b/c of the snow. He just wants to put his hands in it. Lily is mostly her sweet self unless she has to put on pants or get in her car seat which is always a chore! She still loves to read mostly Dr. Suess books which I'm about sick of. Daily she is saying more and more. It is hard to belive that she is growing up so fast!!

Hope you all have a great!!

Love,
The Gray's

Showering after playing in the snow. We asked Carson what he was doing and said "talking". We asked him what he was talking about and he said "monies". Do they really understand money at age 2?

Carson sticking his head out of the tunnel built by daddy!

Daddy helping Lily down the big drift!

Big smiles for fun in the snow!

Love that smile!

Help mommy, my glove is falling off!

Fun with the neighbors

Going under...kind of!

On the big drift

Yep, that is a snow ball

The front of the house with all the drifts!

Daddy scooping the drive!

Gods beauty!

Riding the hourse after watching barrel racing

Big Smiles

What a ladies man!

Fun in the sun!!

Spring Fever!

2009-03-16T11:22:00.004-07:00

Spring Greetings!! Well, I think that I can chalk one up as the worst bloggers of all time. There has been so much going on these past few months that blogging has been put off, sorry!! I will try to update you our past 3 months in as few words as possible!

In January, Michael and I started our own church small group at our home on Sunday evenings. We had been praying about it, 1) b/c our other group was very big and 2) b/c Michael really felt lead to fill one of his passions...sharing God's word. Michael knows so much about the bible and is such a great leader. I'm so proud of him for taking on this great opportunity. We have four other couples that join us every week and we really appreciate the friendship and bond that we are building with them!! To our small group family...thanks for joining and sharing in our lives!!

The end of January Michael was laid off from Pfizer and it has been a whirl wind getting all of his 'junk' turned back in to the company. I think last week we finally finshed it up. Fortuantely, Pfizer has a nice compensation package so we haven't been without pay yet. Michael has been spending a lot of time looking for jobs and updating his resume. Currently he is shadowing an Insurance Agent here in town to see if it might be something he is interested it!! Nothing really feels normal right now and it is very hard to not just HAVE ANSWERS. We truly believe that God has a better plan for us and we are trying very, very hard to be patient for that!

On top of that, we flew to MD in February to be with Michael's family at the death of his grandmother. Let me say, she was one amazing women. As I look back on the few years that I knew her, I just hope that I can be as faithful and devoted as she. Her faith was amazing and she always took time for our wonderful, almighty God! Michael had so many fond memories of their time together and will always remember that! We know that she is in a wonderful place and we look forward to being being with her someday!

March brought on another new adventure for Michael & I. We started a children's consignment sale in Hutch called, The Kansas Kids Closet. We spent most of last week at the fair grounds preparing and having our sale. For our first sale, we feel that it was successful. We received a lot of positive feedback and we're looking forward to our fall sale in August!

With March comes....MARCH MADNESS. I'm sure you all can't belive that we love this time of year! However, I'm a little concerned with my bracket. Wouldn't want to break my winning streak and lose to Michael for the 1st time!! Sorry babe, I love you, but I also love winning!! So yes, we will be watching as much b-ball as possible before the season is over!

The Kiddos!! Carson & Lily are growing up so much. I'm amazed everyday how much they both are talking, especially Lily! They both are saying all these grown-up things! They are very sweet and ask things like, "Mommy are you ok"? They both love to be outside any chance that they get. Lily has finally taken an interest in 'girl things' such as babies. Sometimes even Carson will play dolls. I know that daddy just loves that! Ha Ha!! However, most of the time they seem to play with the train set or Carson's tools!!

They both are typical toddlers that can't seem to listen and spend a lot of time making messes and playing. However, they simply are MY LIFE. They just bring me so much joy everyday...even when they make me want to pull out my hair!! Talking about kiddos, we are excited that #3 will be coming along in September. September 16th we are scheduled for a c-section!! May 11th we find out the sex! Carson and Lily both keep saying they want and baby 'siser'...but we will see!

As for me, I'm good. Trying to keep up with all the madness of our busy lives. Usually when the kids take their naps I get about an hour and a half for myself, which I almost always need! I really have spring fever and have enjoyed the days that I can open the doors and let the fresh air in!!

Sorry that this blog is so lengthy! Hope this finds you all doing well!! Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Love,
The Gray's :0)

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-06T19:08:00.005-08:00

Christmas Greetings to all our family & friends!! I can't even believe that it is that time already...my favorite time of the year! It really has been so much fun! Carson loves the cwistmas wights and tanta tause!! They both are mesmerized by the lights and would look for hours if we would drive around that long! It does seem that our tree has taken somewhat of a beaten this year! I think we have broken 6 bulbs already, lol! Somehow the football keep landing in there!!
As we reflect on this past year, we had some many things to be thankful for including family, friends, health, a good job, just to name a few! We hope that as you all reflect on this past year, you too will remember what God has and is doing! He is so faithful and always provides!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

Love,
The Grays

Halloween Fun

2008-11-01T08:32:00.004-07:00

Hello, hope that you all had a fun & safe Halloween! Here are some pictures of our night out on the town! We went to a couple houses and then off to the Fair Grounds for an event that our church hosted! The kids really had a great time playing! Carson loved jumping on the bouncers and Lily just wanted a sucker and to sit and watch all the people! Happy Fall!! The Gray's :0)

Enjoying a sucker...or two!

Workin on his putt!

Carson & Cole...best buds!

Our friends, The Campbell's

Cowgirl Lily!

Cowboy Carson!

Showing off our Halloween clothes!

September Days

2008-09-18T11:21:00.006-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I'm not quite sure where that last two months have went but obviously they haven't been spent updating the blog, so sorry! I know that some have you have been on me about pictures, so I hope you enjoy them! We have been ejoying this really nice weather that we have had this week and have spent a lot of time outside on the swing set!
We also took in the fair a couple times last week, but I have no pictures b/c I was #1 mom and forgot my camera!! Hope that you are all doing well! Hopefully I can get more pictures up soon! Take care! The Grays :0)

Lily's new OU dress!

Pretty in pink with her purse!

Typical girl...car & cell phone!

Helping themselves to chicken in the frig!

Practicing his football stance!

Tired of FOOTBALL!

Dog Days

2008-07-20T10:31:00.006-07:00

WOW, where has the summer went? Hard to believe that August is almost here! We have been busy as always since our last update!
Carson & Lily both are changing so much! Carson now has a big boy bed and loves it. The transition was so easy, I just hope Lily is the same way! They both are talking so much and they love to play outside any chance they get! Lily seems to have a little 'attitude' and can be kinda sassy! Carson is becoming very mischievous and like to try his mommies patience some days!
Michael has built a fence and we got a shed for the backyard! So that meant cleaning out the garage! Which is now very organized!
We also found out that our yard has a fungus so our pretty grass is no longer pretty (its dead) and all that hard work will have to be done AGAIN!!
Our biggest news is that we have a new addition to our family! The beginning of July we got a Peekapoo puppy...Daisy!! She is a cross between a toy poodle and pekingese! She is so so cute and the kids love her!! Sometimes Carson loves her too much though!!
This past week we took Carson to the Rodeo and he had such a great time. Our tickets were over the top of the cattle shoots and so he could look down and see everything that was going on! I do have to admit...it was AWESOME!
Sorry this update is so random! Trying to fit two months worth of activities in! Hope that you all are doing well! Enjoy the pictures!
The Grays :0)

Cowboy Carson

Carson & his friend Cole riding the cars at the Rodeo!

On the tractor

Playing in the sand box with daddy

Snack time outside

More spaghetti please!

Moving dirt

Carson & Cole before the Rodeo

Looking down at the bulls!

Carson loving on Daisy...too much!

My first boo boo!!

She's Walking!!

2008-06-08T16:35:00.007-07:00

Well, for a little over a week now Lily has been walking! She is doing sooo good! It seems like she was just born and now she is walking! Yikes, where did time go?? Carson is good with her and tries to help. He has only pushed her over a few times!
Carson is talking a lot and can tell us what he wants...including NO! He & Lily are quite the pair...they just get along so well for the most part. I'm really looking forward to them playing and being best buds!!
Here are a ton of pictures from our time in OKC and when Michael's dad & sister were here! Also some from this past week! We have a very busy summer planned so we will send updates when we can! Stay cool!! Love, The Grays :0)

She's doing it!!

Helping daddy with work!

Watching Cartoons!!

Wearing mommies lipstick

Carson with all his gear!!

Fun in the pool!

At the Oklahoma City Zoo

Grandpa Gray, Daddy & Carson

Lily's New Ride!

The Big Party

2008-05-28T07:04:00.004-07:00

Well, the birthday party was a hit…and my living room looks like a toy store! Thanks to all of our friends and family that came to help celebrate and for all of the toys, clothes, and money! Also for the gifts and money sent through the mail!

The kids had such a great time! Lily loved having her own cake and I think that she would’ve eaten the entire thing had we let her!! Carson on the other hand, ate a small piece and was off for more toys.

It was great to have Michael’s dad and sister here from Maryland for the big day! We are sorry that the time always goes so fast, but we enjoyed having you!!

Hope that you all have recovered from the long Memorial Day weekend and enjoyed an extra day off!! Talk to you soon!

Miss you all,
The Grays :0)

Birthday Pictures!!

2008-05-23T18:14:00.006-07:00

Yes, Lily turned 1 yesterday and Carson will be 2 tomorrow! It is so hard to believe that this past year has just flown by! Here are the pictures that we had taken at the Studio today! Lily just loved having her picture taken! Carson on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with it! I will update soon with b-day party pictures! Enjoy! Love, The Grays :0)

Michael's Dad William and Sister Marjorie

May Days

2008-05-12T18:49:00.003-07:00

WOW! Where has the past month and a half gone? Seems like we have been going since Easter and haven’t stopped! We have spent our weekends traveling or having company. We did add in a Garage Sale and an Uppercase Living party!

The kids are doing well and are growing like crazy. Lily is about to walk, she has it down but just won’t let go! Her personality is very easy going and she still wants to spend her time with mommy!

I think that the terrible two’s have hit Carson already. I feel like all I say to him some days is no! He now knows how to lock & unlock doors so if you don’t watch him close he will be outside before you know it! He really enjoys putting on his shoes and hanging out in the garage until we are ready to go! He has also started climbing on his bed, so it is about time for the big boy bed!

These next couple weeks are busy with the kids’ birthdays and Michael’s family coming in from Maryland! We are so excited to see them and I know they are excited to see the kids!

Hope that you all are doing well…we are having pictures the end of next week, and I will send them out!

Love,
The Grays :0)

Giving little sis a push!

Such big shoes!

Yummy, I love this Nutripals bar!

Hard at work!

All of us at the Hutchinson Zoo!

Sneaking out before I got caught!

I love my pictures books!

Spring/Easter Pictures

2008-03-20T11:39:00.005-07:00

Here are the pictures that we had taken on Wednesday! After waiting for an hour and fifteen minutes, needless to say the kids didn't want to have their pictures taken. However, they didn't turn out too bad! Enjoy! Happy Easter! The Grays :0)

Happy Easter

2008-03-16T18:42:00.006-07:00

Hello to all,
Well yet another month plus has passed since our last update and things have has been busy as usual. This last week has been so crazy with both kids sick with the rotovirus! Yuck!! Both are feeling much better but needless to say, it was a very very long week. I’m so thankful for Michael and his flexible job! He was so much help and I don’t think that I could have done it without him!

Carson is talking a ton and is telling us about many things, including what mommy says…no no!! He loves to play outside and go for walks in our new double stroller and has been helping daddy put together our new playground for the back yard! He is into fixing things and likes to use his own tools to do so!

Lily is a mommy’s girl and cries whenever I’m not at her side! She is pulling up to everything and walking. She is really happy playing with Carson as long as he isn’t hurting her! She is babbling a lot and has finally started eating regular foods with her two teeth!

Michael has been very busy working in the basement. We now have walls and they are ready to be painted. Thanks to Billy (Michael’s brother) for helping and for his expertise! The plumbers came last week and the bathroom is ready for the sink & toilet…so hopefully our visitors will have their own space. I know that Michael is anxious for it to be done! I’m just ready for all the mess and dust to be gone! His job is going good as always. We are just waiting for May when he starts his new territory. Lol!

I’ve had a busy last few weeks…tried selling hair bows in Wichita. It wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, did sell about 30, but was hoping for more. However, I did get to see a lot of friends who came through. This week I’m taking clothes to the consignment sale in Wichita, so I will be in town again and will be back the beginning of April to try selling once more! We also are trying to get Easter pictures this week, so I will send another update with those! I’m very excited for spring and we have been enjoying the nice days when we can get out and play. Can’t wait for us to get the fence up so that the kids can play!

Hope that you all are doing well and enjoying the nice weather! Happy Easter!

Miss you all,
The Grays :0)

I'm so cool!

Trouble...what is that!

So precious!

Coloring a picture!

Looking down the hall...the bedrooms on the right, closet at the end of the hall, storage on the left, and the bathroom is on the left, but you can't see it!

The Bathroom

Happy Valentine's!!

2008-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! Well, it has been over a month since our last update and Carson & Lily have changed so much!
Lily now has two teeth and she is crawling all over the place. She also is pulling herself up to everything and wants to be able to see Carson and loves to play patty cake. She is very happy most of the time and is content playing by herself, but does love to play with Carson too, when he isn’t hurting her!!
We think that Carson has officially started the terrible two’s!! He is into everything and some days I can’t wait for nap time and a few minutes of quiet time! He loves to play with Lily and even sit on her!! He also loves to play at the sink and pretend to cook! On the other hand, he gave up the pacifier very easily and has started potty training and is doing so well!
Michael is buys as usual! He has been working on the basement a lot and the sheet rocking is almost done. We also found out starting May 1st his territory will be changing, again! This time we won’t be moving, however, Michael will be on the move with a bigger territory and some over nights! :0( He will be working the NW Kansas area and will go the border of CO & NE!!
I’m doing well, spending most of my time playing toys with the kids and now making hair bows. Of course, Lily isn’t Lily without a hair bow so I’ve started making and selling them and I’m going to try selling them at a couple consignment sales in Wichita!!
We are all doing great and are very ready for spring so that we can get out of the house more! We also took our first class in the process of joining our church on Sunday and we are so excited, so please prayer for us in this journey!
Hope that you all are doing well! Talk to you soon!
Love, The Grays

Flipping the pretend pancakes!

Do you want up?

WOW! Look at that crazy hair!

Tightening the screws on the table!

Jumping in the bed!!

Big Smiles!

Doing the dishes!

Crawling all over!!

So beautiful!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all our family & friends! We hope that you all had a great Christmas! Ours was wonderful, but we are glad to be starting our normal routine again! We had a great few days with the Glover side of the family and then spent the last half of the week with Michaels family in OKC! When we returned home it seemed like we hadn't been here in forever! Included are some pictures of Carson going outside to play in the snow with daddy, going to Christmas Eve Services, opening presents on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and this past Saturday at Grandma Grays.

Seems that the new year has started with a bang and we are looking forward to many things that we hope to accomplish this year: finishing the basement bedrooms so that Michael will have a real office, starting the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover Plan, losing weight in 2008, and of course seeing how our little kids are going to be changing and growing so much! Good Luck to all of you! Love, The Grays

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! It is hard to believe that Christmas is in two weeks. Hope that you all are ready and that you have most of your Christmas presents bought. We are almost done!
It really seems like Christmas around here. We have had rain that has turned to ice and at the moment it is snowing...it is so beautiful. However, there are many people without electricity and there are trees down everywhere. Our neighbor behind us has a huge tree and it is laying on the power line and we are praying that it doesn't break.
Below are some pictures from the last week at home with the kids, the gym in Sterling, and our Christmas pictures. Christmas pictures weren't as smooth as I would have liked, but we got a few so that is all that matters.
We hope that you all have a great Christmas and Happy New Year. May we take time to remember why we celebrate Christmas and may 2008 bring you many blessings!
Love, Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :0)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2007-10-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was so excited about Halloween that I wanted to share these pictures with you! Carson was a Lion and Lily an OU Cheerleader. Carson looked soooooo cute (the pictures don't even do him justice). He wasn't so sure about the costume at first but he did so good! Lily was the perfect little Cheerleader of course (and she even screamed for everyone, not to our surpise). Happy Halloween!! The Grays

Busy October

2007-10-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Well yet another month has passed since the last update and it seems like only a couple days ago! Where does time go?? We have been busy going as usual. Here are pictures from The Pumpkin Patch, Carson helping with his first pumpkin (a mummy), and Homecoming in Sterling. Carson definitely has been enjoying all the fun! He just loved the animals at the pumpkin patch. Although all this fun has resulted in a lot of running noses! I'm just about sick of getting snot wiped all over me!
Please keep Michael in your thoughts as he will be travel a lot these next few weeks for meetings and another training! He has been working so hard and I'm so proud of him! Hope that you all are doing well! Happy Halloween! The Grays :0)

Picture Day

2007-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our pictures that we took yesterday at Portrait Innovations. They turned out pretty good. Carson wasn't really up for smiling all that much, but Lily was very happy! Happy October!! Love, The Grays :0)

September Days

2007-09-18T07:15:00.001-07:00

Hello to all our friends & family! Sorry it has been a while since our last update. Things here are busy as usual.

We finally have grass growing in the yard after a lot of hard work roto-tilling, raking, and putting down the seed. I know that Michael is so proud that he did it himself...I did help a little!!

Carson is starting to talk a lot more and he just cracks us up. It's like he is just having a conversation...not that we know what he is talking about and we just talk back. He also is saying some animal sounds and it is so cute!

Lily on the other hand is the total opposite of Carson. She is very needy and if she is not getting what she wants then she just screams, sometimes for 10-15 mins. She wants us to walk her around so she can see everything that Carson is doing. No laying on her back b/c then she can't see. She has been enjoying the exersaucer were she is at Carson's level, but with that comes getting hit upside the head a few times!! Ouch!

Michael has been spending a lot of his free time studying for his last phase in the training process. His boss has been so great and has been letting him take time away from work to study also. Most evenings after the kids go to bed I've been quizzing him. I think that I'm learning along with him as many times as I've read some of the questions. Also, football season is underway so we have to turn on the TV to cheer on OU! GO SOONERS!!

I'm doing well! I'm really enjoying being home with Carson & Lily and the flexibility to go and do what I want. Hard to believe that it has been so chilly this past week. It is giving me winter fever, if that even exists. However, really wish that we could have spring all year round. The kids love to be outside when it is so nice. We did go to the fair a couple times last week. It is a lot of fun. Carson really enjoyed the Hedricks animal farm and Lily loved looking at all the lights at night!

Hope that this finds all of you doing well. Talk to you all soon!

Love,
Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :0)

Carson petting the animals at the fair

Look at my pretty bow

My first ouchie but I was so tough!

Look at me I can play the piano (glad that's not at our house)

Mom, Dad, & Carson

Kaitton, Mattie, & Lily (Good work girls!!)

Mom, Dad, & Lily

BIG HUGS!

Trying on Lily's bow...I look good huh?!

I'm getting so big and love to watch brother Carson

Would you like a drink of juice?

What a long day!

Oh so beautiful! I love my exersaucer!

Back to School Already

2007-08-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it is hard to believe that summer is offically on the down hill slope. I'm not exactly sure where it went to. I was pregnant and very much miserable and them before we knew it Carson celebrated his 1st birthday and Lily was born. Now three months have passed and soon Fall will be here! Even though its not back to school for us for a few more years, Carson enjoys watching the school bus drive down the street every morning. He has some kind of fascination with big vehicles!!

Things have been busy as usual, but I not really sure with what. We stay home most days unless I'm really brave and then we maybe go to Wal-Mart. Thats the only store where both Lily & Carson will fit in one cart. Although, I'm not able to purchase many things b/c there is no room.

Well I think I can say that we are really settled into the house finally and Carson has helped by initiating it with throwing food on a couple walls! Yikes! We have been enjoying Hutch a lot and being closer to my family, but we really miss getting to see our friends in Wichita. It seems like life just happens and before you know it weeks and even months have passed without taking or seeing them!

I'm happy to report that we currently ARE NOT PREGNANT!!!! We didn't think that going for three in three years would be a very good idea!!!!!!!!!!!

We hope that all is well with all our family & friends and we hope to see/talk to you all very soon!

Love,
Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :0)

Carson clearing the couch cushions!

I'm so smilie!!

Carson eating in his big boy chair at the table! He thinks that it is so much fun!

Saying Cheese!

Help...my brothers got me!!!!!!!!

Please give me my fofo back!!

My first pony tail with my Boomer Sooner Ribbon! Go OU!!

Carson helping daddy mow the lawn!

Aren't they so cute!

I'm going to break lots of hearts!

Time to eat...AGAIN!!

Pictures of the Kiddos!!

2007-08-04T18:17:00.001-07:00

Okay so this is very quick and some of the pictures are side ways, but I wanted to get some pictures out. It's bed time so I'm trying to hurry!!

Carson & Lily are changing so much everyday especially Lily. She is sitting in her Bumbo and enjoying looking around and seeing everything. Seems kinda early but she loves it!Carson is into about everything and he really keeps me on my toes.

Things here are busy as usually!! How can they not be busy following around two kids! Wouldn't change it for the world! Michael is really enjoying work, especially his new boss...such a great guy and a real family man!

Carson has really enjoyed being out side with Michael and he has been quite the helper, but the sprinklers are almost finished! HA HA!

Hope that you enjoy the pictures! Talk to you all soon!

Love,
Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :)

July Update

2007-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hi to all! Sorry that it has been so long, six weeks have passed since our last update and Carson is now walking and Lily is changing so much every day. She is holding her head up and smiling and cooing when you talk to her. She has some cute cheeks and already weighs close to 15lbs. Carson on the other hand is into everything! It seems like everyday he does something new and he also has started saying thank you all the time! They just wrench my heart!! We are so blessed to have such great kids!!

We have had a very adventurous few weeks. Michael and Carson finished putting the spinklers in the ground (Carson will sit in his wagon and watch daddy for hours on end). Hopefully it will dry up soon and they can come dig our well.
We took an airplane ride to Maryland to see Michael's family. Other than carrying a million things through the airport everything went well. Both Carson & Lily did great on the plane rides...they were angels!
Spent the 4th in doors due to the rain. We were really looking forward to seeing the fireworks in Sterling. Instead, we bought a few things and shot them off at the house after the rain passed. Carson thought that is was wonderful!!

Things are going well with Michael's job. He is starting the last phase of the training process and will be done the end of October. Please keep him in your prayers as this will be a very stressful time.

I'm doing well! I'm really starting to feel like we have established somewhat of a routine. Don't get me wrong, there are days that I would like to pull my hair out. However, I'm so glad that I get to stay home and enjoy every moment with the kids.

Hope all is well with all of you, please keep in touch!

Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :)

Pictures of Our Cute Kiddos!!

2007-06-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today we got brave and traveled to Wichita to have pictures taken for Carson's 1 year and Lily's newborn shots! We had a fun time and Carson showed off for everyone (hard to believe huh?!)
So I tried to pick out just a few pictures and then I realized that I probably put in a FEW too many, but I just couldn't decide! Of course Michael & I think that they all are great, but not bad considering that we took over 100 different shots. We hope that you all enjoy them as much as we do!

Our Precious Little Girl!

2007-06-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 22nd at 7:40 am we welcomed Lily Katherine to our family! What joy to be parents for the second time! Everything went very well and she came into the world weighing 9lbs. 15 1/2 oz. and was 21 1/2 in. long! She was a big girl...bigger than Carson.
Both Michael & I are very fortunate to have had our moms come and help us out for a few days! Thanks so much to both of you!!
We have already established somewhat of a routine and Lily is a very good sleeper only getting up twice in the night and Carson has finally made the transition to his own bed! ( Thanks so much mom for your help!)

Carson is doing well! The past week and a half has really rocked his world! He is doing better know that it is the four of us and he understands that things are different! For the most part he ignores Lily but there has been a few times that he wants to help rock, well I mean shake her in the bouncer! Hope that you all enjoy the pictures! Please keep in touch...talk to you all soon!

Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :)

All Settled In

2007-04-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well, sorry its been so long...we have been a little busy. We are all settled into our new house and enjoying having more space even though the basement isn't completely finished. We are really enjoying Hutch but sad to no longer be in the big city.
Michael is really enjoying his new territory. The doctors are a lot more personable in the rural communities. Seems that Hutch has been the only challenge having to schedule things 5 and 6 weeks out.
Carson is adapting well. This has been quite a change for him and he has been very needy, but the past few days have been a lot better. He & I spend a lot of time with The Campbell's (Kim & Cole). It has been really great for him to get some interaction with someone his own age. They seem to get along well as along as they aren't hitting each other with their toys! (They both are learning to throw!)
Lily is growing and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival. I think that I'm more ready than ever! Very tired of being big & pregnant! We are scheduled to have a c-section on the 22nd of May and would love to have anyone come visit us at Wesley while we are there! I know that we will be there at least until the 24th!!
Of couse, attached are some pictures for you all to enjoy! Talk to you soon!

Carson's favorite shirt that 'Paps' also known as Grandpa Gray & Aunt Marj got for him when they came to visit!

My favorite toy that cost Mom & Dad a lot of money!! $26 to be exact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Helping Mom & Dad put things away!

I meant to say...helping clean out the drawer!!

Carson & his friend Cole causing trouble at dinner!

Carson getting Daddy's attention!

Carson helping Daddy work on the computer!

Moving Day

2007-03-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has come and we officially have a moving day. Our last days in Wichita will be spend just Mom and Carson while dad is out on business in St. Louis. Thursday the 29th the packers will be here to pack everything up, Friday the 30th they will load up the big moving truck, and then we are off to Hutch. We will spend Friday night at the great Holiday Inn in Hutch and then the movers will unload and unpack everything for us on Saturday the 31st.

We are so very excited about this new opportunity that we have been given. Of course we are very sad to leave the comfort of Wichita and all the many friends that we have made while being here. It was only 4 short years ago that Michael and I came here not knowing anyone and we now have so many wonderful memories and we want to thank each and everyone one of you for being a part and sharing in our lives!

I will email out or new address! We would love to have visitors any time!

Our New Home

2007-03-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been very crazy at the Gray house. Michael has spent many nights on the phone with numerous people working on our relocation. This past weekend we were in Hutch and found a place to live! Yeah! We are so excited about our new home! It has three bedrooms upstairs with a huge living room area and the basement is partially finished. Michael is excited to get the opportunity to finish the bathroom and two more bedrooms in the basement. The basement is also wired for the projector TV on the wall and surround sound, so you know that is probably one of the first things that we will be purchasing.

Attached are the pictures of what the house looks like! I also added some of Carson...of course I couldn't leave him out. He is doing really well babbling all the time and getting into everything possible. He now has eight teeth which seems hard to believe and he wants to eat everything!

Lily is growing a lot and very active, she like to play when I want to sleep, go figure!

We close on our house on the 2nd of April and we are seeing about the possibility of moving in the last weekend of March, if not the first week of April so our time in Wichita is quickly coming to an end! We are sad but excited about what the future has in store!

Talk to you all very soon!

Michael, Amber, Carson, & Lily :)

The kitchen

Master bedroom

Master bath

basement

Front

Back of house and patio

Living room

Kitchen

Feb. 21st - A Day at the Zoo

2007-02-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today we got to enjoy the beautiful 60 degree weather and we went to the zoo for the first time with our friends Annika & Tamrin. We had such a great time and Carson really enjoyed looking at the animals. Especially the animals in the petting area!

Carson with his friend Annika at the beginning of the day!

Carson all ready to see the animals!

Carson checking out the fish!

Carson trying to pet the sheep!

Carson and the chicken!

Lily weighing in at 2lbs.

2007-02-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

On Friday Michael and I went to Baby Waves and had 3/4 D pictures taken of Lily. We think that she looks so cute of course! She looks so much like Carson with those big squeezable cheeks and the Glover nose! It's hard to believe that she will be here in about three months. We are so excited to meet her and make our family complete with this precious little girl plus having a playmate for Carson! I tried to pick out pictures that were easy to see. We hope that you all enjoy the pictures as much as we have!

Profile of Lily

Lily's face

Her upper body with arm to the side

Her hand up to her face

February 5, 2006

2007-02-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome family and friends to The Gray's Journey! My friend Jill convienced me that I needed to start a family blog with the happenings in our lives! My hope is that each week (or two) I will update you with pictures and events that have taken place! Please feel free to visit our website as often as you would like! Attached I have added a picture of Lily! Her first sonogram picture that was taken on the 11th of January! Also, Carson & daddy spending some quality time together before Michael went to work and Carson taking his first swing ride in San Marcos, TX on our family vacation with my parents over the Christmas holiday!