Lately...

This is somewhat of a random post. There's just a few pictures that I wanted to share, so here they are...

Here at one of our favorite restaurants, Lupe Tortilla,

they have an amazing kids' play area.

Great when you have to wait awhile for a table!

Taking off down the ramp...

(Daddy was there in case he de-railed)

The boy reads everywhere!

Even when we're working in the kitchen...

he comes in a plops down with a book!

On another note, some of our good friends,

Brian & Erin, just had a baby girl - Lucy Joy!

Congrats on a beautiful baby girl!

Happy Mother's Day

It's hard to believe it's Mother's Day, and my little guy is almost TWO!!! It seems like just yesterday that I went to church, 8 months pregnant, enjoying the first time I could say I was (almost) a Mommy. Being a Mom has brought so much laughter, exhaustion (yes!), a deeper trust in God, learning (like a sponge!), and so much joy! Brayden has brought so much life into our home, and I am so thankful I have the privilege to be his Mommy.

When Brayden was only hours old...

Jonathan was SO sweet to bring me breakfast-in-bed...

complete with Brayden's picture and the ceramic 'MOM'

Brayden painted me (a post on that one later!).

Good Ole Momma Lovin'

There are no pictures in this post, because I was too busy enjoying the moment. Today, while outside working in our yard, Brayden came up to me and kept tugging on my shirt. Finally, I bent down to see what he wanted, and he just crawled up into my arms and laid his head down on my shoulder. He sat there for quite awhile, just wanting to be held. It was a moment. We went over and sat in the chair on our porch, and he just laid there in my arms. It was amazing.

So often, I get busy doing things around the house or on the computer, and it's easy to not even realize Brayden is chasing me around wanting to play or holding a book for me to read with him. I try my best to get rid of the distractions and really intentionally spend time with him...good, quality time. To love on him and show him I value time together.

I realize these moments are probably not going to happen as often as he gets older, and I need to savor every second. This moment is definitely one I will remember.

Where's Ruffy?

Check out this hilarious video of Brayden hiding his stuffed dog, Ruffy, from me. He was so serious about it and really thought I had no idea where it went...

YUM!!!

Saturday morning, we decided to get up and head to the donut shop for breakfast. This was a first for Brayden, and WOW, did he love it! He was so eager to bite into that donut!

YUM!

Sweet Boy...

Newness

It's been a GREAT day, but I am definitely ready to go to bed.

Our day began at 6am this morning when our friend, Erin, went into labor. We kept her two kids for awhile while she and her hubby were at the hospital. Baby Lucy Joy Harris was born at 2:15 this afternoon and weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. She is a beautiful baby from pictures we've already seen, and we can't wait to meet her!

Then I decided it was such a beautiful day that I would work in the yard and plant the new plants and flowers I had. It definitely was a beautiful day, but I feel like I'm getting old when my back is all achey and my strength was zapped after 2 hours digging in the dirt.

Then I was off to church to help with Youth Weekend prep. This coming weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year at church, because our seniors lead the entire service. We work with several seniors throughout the week to prepare a message to share in the service. They always work so hard and so many hours and always share an amazing message of what God has done and is doing in their lives. I can't wait!

So it was a long day...but one that was full of BEAUTY and witnessing the NEW LIFE and PURPOSE that God so abundantly gives.

Little Slugger

It's baseball season, and we are very excited here in the Gray household. Not only do we look forward to heading to Astros games and watching the games under the lights, but it is also a fun thing for Jonathan to take Brayden to the local high school games. They are actually at a game tonight. It cracks us up when a ball is hit, because typically Brayden will yell out and clap no matter who it was who hit it.

Brayden also loves it when he finds a bat, because he heads straight for a ball and hits it as hard as he can (like a golf club hitting a golf ball...the mid-air thing hasn't been figured out yet). We've already ban bats from being in the house from close encounters with the TV...yikes! But outside it's a fun sport...one that he already loves!

Let's play ball!

Cool Dude

The 80's are coming back, folks! Luckily, it's in just a few ways. I couldn't stand to tie my shirt to the side or make my own puff paint tshirts anymore. However, I did find some pretty sweet shades for Jonathan that bring back memories of the black shades with neon sides that I used to wear when I was about 8. They look pretty good on him, I think!

Brayden wanted to wear Daddy's new shades also.

He looks pretty cute in them too!

Meet Priya

Our good friends, Wes & Kasey, just adopted a precious little girl from India. Priya is almost 4 years old, and she is just so precious. They just got back a few days ago, and we were able to go over and meet Priya today. Brayden had so much playing with Priya. They are going to be great friends!

Priya pushing Brayden on the trike.

Now switch! Brayden's turn to push Priya.

Brayden getting his first taste of PopIce!

(or as Jonathan calls them...Otter Pops)

We are so thankful that Wes, Kasey & Priya are back from India safely as they are ready to begin this new adventure of parenthood & being a family. We know God has great plans for Priya and are excited to have her a part of all of our lives.