Sunday, October 05, 2008

My Myles ~ On His Birthday

In honor of Myles' 4th birthday (and the fact that it falls on
a Monday) there will be no Mindless Fact Monday today.
Instead,I offer a photo history of Myles so far...



Myles Reed Gray
10-6-04
9 pounds 2 ounces
5 Weeks Old
6 Weeks Old


6 Weeks Old


One Year Old





1 1/2 Years Old





2 Years Old


2 Years Old


3 Years Old


3 Years Old
aka "Buzz Lightyear"


3 1/2 Years Old
Easter 2008
3 1/2 Years Old


4 Years Old


4 Years Old
4 Years Old
Happy Birthday!!!!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Mindless Fact Monday ~ September 29, 2008

~ The difference between horns and antlers is that horns never stop growing and antlers shed and re-grow every year.

~ A giant squids eyeball is as big as a basketball.



~ A European monk invented the pretzel about 1300 years ago from using leftover bread dough.
~ The East Alligator River in Australia was mis-named. It contains crocodiles - not alligators.
Crocodile Alligator


~ 7-Eleven is the largest retail chain in the world.

~ Next to Warsaw, Poland, Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.

~ Buckingham Palace has over 600 rooms.


~ 35% of people who use personal ads for dating are already married.


~ There wasn't a single pony in the Pony Express - just horses.


~ Aerosmith's "Dude Looks Like A Lady" was written about Vince Neil of Motley Crue.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Friday Felicities ~ September 26, 2008


Things that make me happy:

~ The fact that it was not me...but the car behind me that got a ticket this morning.
~ It's Friday - and I love Fridays.
~ Friends coming over for dinner.
~ A baby shower tomorrow that Jordan is going with me. She loves that she is old enough to go with me.
~ A great report card from Jordan's 1st six weeks grading period...4 A's and 2 B's. Yeah!!
~ An email from Steph (who is keeping Myles today). It is titled: The difference between girls and boys:
Noelle: Bubby (aka-Myles), do you want to play Sleeping Beauty?
Bubby: Stinkin' Bootie?
Sooooooo Funny!!!....
Link up over at Becky's with things that make you happy.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Mindless Fact Monday ~ September 22, 2008

~ In the Sahara Desert, a town called Tidikelt did not receive a drop of rain in 10 years.

~ The stomach acids in a snake's stomach can digest bones and teeth - but not fur or hair.

~ Greyhounds can see better than any other breed of dog.



~ In 1477, the first engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximillan of Austria.
~ There was a molasses flood in Boston, MA on January 15, 1919 that killed 21 people and injured 150 more.
~ Angel Falls, in Venezuela, is the world's highest waterfall at 979 meters. It is 16 times higher than Niagara Falls.

~ The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes.

~ Every citizen in Kentucky is required, by law, to take a bath at least once a year.

~ Ohio is listed as the 17th state in the U.S., but technically, it is number 47. Until August 7, 1953, congress forgot to vote on a resolution to admit Ohio to the Union.

~ The titan arum, or corpse flower, is the largest flower in the world. It gives off a horrible odor that smells like rotting flesh when it blooms.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Friday Felicities ~ September 19, 2008



Things that make me happy:
~ I wrote this last week - but it needs repeating...Reconnecting with old friends. I found my college roommate on Facebook - I can't wait to catch up with her.
~ God - He is gracious and loving and I can't wait to get to know Him better through my new bible study
~ My dad - he's going to take Myles' 4 year pics this weekend and I can't wait to see them.
~ Old Navy - going there tomorrow to pick Myles up a new outfit.
~ My new diet - and Terrance - who is helping me stick with it.
Link up over at Becky's with things that make you happy.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Shaded Gray Daybook ~ September 18, 2008

Outside my Window … A beautiful summer/fall day. It is 81 degrees - absolutely gorgeous.

I am thinking … That some people get sooooo bent out of shape about the whole "politics" thing it just makes me crazy!!! I am all for holding fast to your beliefs and political views - but there is no reason to be hateful about it.


I am thankful for … My job. Some people here are taking advantage of things and it really irritates me - they are so good to us here - so much so that it's easy to overlook the stuff that isn't so great.


From the kitchen … I believe chicken is on the menu for tonight. I think Terrance is grilling and we're making salad out of it.


I am going … To pull my hair out if AT&T doesn't start sending me the bills!!!


I am wearing … Blue knit capri pants, blue shirt and matching jacket.


I am reading … Return To Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux and I am almost done with it. I don't like it as much as the first one so far. I have also started Less Than Dead by Tim Downs. I have only read the first chapter so far - but it looks good.


I am hoping... For a tantrum - free evening. Last night's was a whopper.


I am hearing … Various people talking on the phone - fairly quiet.


Around the house … Need to put some more water in the fish tank - getting pretty low.


One of my favorite things … The treadmill that Terrance fixed so I can walk without getting shin splints. Yeah!!


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week … Myles is getting his hair cut on Saturday in preparation for his 4 year pic being taken this weekend. I need to find him something cute to wear too - shopping!!


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you… This is Mr. Myles' Easter pic...if his new one is anywhere as good as this one...it will be fabulous!!!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Mindless Fact Monday ~ September 15, 2008

~ The "Megascolides Australis" earthworm - found in Australia - can grow up to 15 feet long.

~ American novelist Mark Twain was the first known author to submit a typed manuscript.


~ Ceasar salad has nothing to do with any of the Ceasars (of Rome). It was first concocted in a bar in Tijuana, Mexico in the 1920's.


~ The smallest actual country in the world is S.M.O.M. (Sovereign Military Order of Malta). It is located in the city of Rome and has an area of 2 tennis courts and, as of 2001, has a population of 80.


~ Mexico City boasts the largest taxi fleet with over 60,000 taxis running every day.


~ There are 158 verses in the Greek national anthem.


~ The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas washes an average of 15,000 pillowcases per day.
~ An office desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet.


~ The Guiness Book of World Records hold the record as the book most stolen from libraries.


~ In the 1984 movie "Scarface", the f-word was used 206 times. That is an average of once every 29 seconds.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Friday Felicities ~ September 12, 2008










Things that make me happy:

~ Amazon.com - thanks to them...birthday shopping for Myles and Noelle is finished - 3 weeks early!!!
~ Reconnecting with old friends
~ Friday's
~ Relaxing weekends ahead
~ My church (and Steph) - with it's e-mail prayer requests. I love to be able to pray for something as soon as it is needed.
~ Renewed determiniation to stick to my diet!!

Link up over at Becky's with things that make you happy!!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Shaded Gray Daybook ~ September 11, 2008

Outside my Window … It is starting to get dark...which means bed time is near!!

I am thinking … I stayed up way too long last night - I'm pooped.


I am thankful for … Friends - old and new - I am really enjoying catching up with my best friend from high school. We haven't talked in a really long time.


From the kitchen … A hodge-podge dinner tonight. Jordan had bagel bites - Myles had chicken fingers and carrots - Terrance had a sandwich and I had a frozen dinner. We have meals like that every now and then - where everyone is eating something different because I didn't plan anything.


I am creating … I think I might just take this line out...I.Don't.Create...


I am going … To take the dog out in a while and put Myles to bed in about 10 minutes.


I am wearing … Jammie pants and a tank top - my favorite kind of clothes to wear.


I am reading … I am thisclose to finishing House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe. It hasn't been too bad. I will then go on to finish Return to Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux - I started it a while ago, I just laid it down and haven't finished it.


I am hoping... For a quiet weekend. Last weekend was VERY hectic. Going - Going - Going!!


I am hearing … Hannah Montana in the background and Abby eating her dog food in the kitchen.


Around the house … We got a cedar chest today from Steph. They needed the room and I have been coveting it for YEARS anyway. I was happy to take it.


One of my favorite things … Heroes on DVD. I got season 2 for my birthday but am re-watching season 1 first with Jordan.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week … Thankfully - the week is almost over. With all the ear problems last week - I am ready for this week to be over.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you… This is from Terrance's company picnic last weekend:


This is one of MANY rounds of chicken that Terrance cooked. We had LOTS of chicken.

This is Myles - just being cheesy!!

Monday, September 08, 2008

Mindless Fact Monday ~ September 8, 2008

~ In November 1999, two women were killed by a lightening bolt. The underwire in their bras acted as a conductor, killing them and leaving burn marks on their chests.
~ A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in a single night.



~ Finger nails grow almost four times faster than toe nails.
~ There are 293 different ways to make change for a dollar.



~ The first state to give women the right to vote was Wyoming.
~ Almonds are a member of the peach family.
~ The Atlantic Ocean is saltier than the Pacific Ocean.
~ There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam to pave a 2-lane highway from San Francisco to New York.



~ It is illegal in Alabama to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church.
~ The first toy ever advertised on television was Mr. Potato Head.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Friday Felicities ~ September 5, 2008

Things that make me happy:


~ Movie night tonight with Jordan at her school - a little girl time.


~ A doctor that will fit me in to see what is wrong with my ear.


~ A husband that told me that he would learn sign language when I (jokingly) asked him what we would do if I'm going deaf.


~ A nice rainy day - we needed one bad.


~ My blue-tooth - I thought I had lost it yesterday - and, boy - did I miss it.

Link up your Felicities over at Becky's.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Shaded Gray DayBook ~ September 3, 2008

Outside my Window … A cloudy day - hopefully we will get some rain.

I am thinking … That I need to get to work on my inventories. No sense putting them off...they'll still be there.

I am thankful for … My job. I have been here 10 years (as of next Tuesday) - and I still like it here. I like what I do, I like my boss(es), I like (most) of the people. :) Not a lot of people can say that after 10 years.

From the kitchen … Hamburgers and fries are on the menu for tonight.

I am creating … Nothing. I.Do.Not.Create.

I am going … Home after a while. Not planning on any sudden trips today.

I am wearing … Floral skirt, pink tank top and a denim vest.

I am reading … House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe. Very interesting so far.

I am hoping... To have a quiet evening. It tends to get a little squealy around our house in the evenings.

I am hearing … Law & Order: SVU - I am watching/listening to it.

Around the house … Trying to keep the house picked up. Working on having the kids pick up their own toys and not picking up for them.

One of my favorite things … Evenings at home. I've been doing homework with Myles - he's learning to read some - and it's so fun to see him reading his flash cards.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week … Terrance's company picnic is Saturday at Nashville Shores. I don't really like water parks - so this should be fun.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you… Scott (from my office) managed to catch this for me yesterday. It's a rhinoceros beetle and it's about 2 1/2 inches long - yuck!! My brother-in-law has a corkboard that he has been putting different bugs on for the kids to look at. I thought this would be an exciting addition:

Monday, September 01, 2008

Mindless Fact Monday ~ September 1, 2008


In honor of Labor Day - this "Mindless Fact Monday" will be about Labor Day facts.


~ The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882.


~ Labor Day was made an official holiday by President Grover Cleveland in 1894.


~ As of May 2008, the labor force in the United States, consisting of working people 16 and older, was 154.5 million.


~ 8% of workers work over 60 hours per week.


~ Only about 9% of workers have been with their employer for 20 years or more.


~ Approximately 5.4 million people work from home.


~ 16.7 million workers, or about 13%, leave for work between midnight and 5:59 am.


~ The national average for commute time is 25 minutes.


~ 3.1 million workers face "extreme commutes" - 90 minutes or longer to travel to work.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Friday Felicities ~ August 29, 2008











Things that make me happy:

~ A beautiful day outside (although I wish I was enjoying it instead of working.)

~ A car that is working, finally.

~ An evening out tomorrow night with friends.

~ Our meteorologist, Leland Statom - who mentioned Jordan and Myles on TV this morning, after I e-mailed him and told him what big fans they are. They were so excited.

~ Coke Zero - after resisting trying it - I actually like it.

~ Looking forward to a long weekend.

Link up over at Becky's.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Shaded Gray DayBook ~ August 28, 2008

Outside my Window … A clear morning. It's still pretty dark out so I don't know much more than that.

I am thinking … That I need to get up and get dressed. Only 2 more days until a 3 day weekend!

I am thankful for … A nice warm bed to get into when I'm really tired - and for Myles who still wants to sleep with Mommy.

From the kitchen … I think we are having some sort of chicken tonight. I took some chicken out of the freezer yesterday morning and started marinating it - we'll see how it turns out.

I am creating … hopefully, I will be creating a laundry free house this evening. Not much more to do. (I can tell I am going to have to get creative on this answer since I don't "create" things.)

I am going … To work in about an hour.

I am wearing … blue jammie pants and a black tank top. I hate to get dressed because this is so comfy.

I am reading … "Where Are You Now" by Mary Higgins Clark. I love her books but she tends to put a LOT of characters in them and it can get kind of confusing if you have to put it down a lot like I do.

I am hoping... to get the fish tank re-filled this evening. The water tends to evaporate after a while and I like it full.

I am hearing … the aquarium filter making waterfall noises...Other than that - pretty quiet. I can hear Jordan bumping around a bit.

Around the house … It's not too messed up. I tried to leave it pretty clean before we went on our mini-vacation.

One of my favorite things … watching "Lost" with Jordan in the evenings. She has become quite a fan and it is something that we enjoy doing together. ((I keep telling her to "just watch" when she starts asking a lot of questions.))

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week … Terrance and I are having dinner Saturday night with 3 other couples that also have anniversaries in August. Kind of a group celebration dinner.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you… This is from our Gatilinburg weekend. Terrance took us on the Cades Cove drive and this is what we saw:

Monday, August 25, 2008

Mindless Facts Monday ~ August 25, 2008

Every Monday will be "Mindless Facts Monday" with me bringing 10 completely useless facts. Here is my debut list:


~ In 1982, a man in Phoenix, AZ was killed by a cactus. He fired 2 shotgun blasts at the cactus, that ended up falling on him.
~ In New York City, approximately 1600 people are bitten by other humans annually.


~ The most overdue book in the world was borrowed from Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge, Enland and was returned 288 years later.


~ A crocodile can run up to speeds of 11 miles per hour.
~ Every single hamster in the United States today can be traced back to a single litter captured in Syria in 1930.


~ The silk that is produced by spiders is stronger than steel, pound for pound.


~ The colors red, yellow, and orange are used in fast-food restaurants because those are the colors that stimulate hunger.


~ Coupons were introduced in 1894, when Asa Candler bought the Coca-Cola formula for $2300 and gave people coupons that he had written out for a free glass of Coke.
~ Of all new restaurants, 90% fail in their first year. Of that remaining 10%, 90% will fail in the second year.


~ The "naked recreation and travel" industry has grown by 233% in the last decade.

Come back next Monday for more fun useless facts!!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday Felicities ~ August 22, 2008









Things that make me happy:


~ Going off to Gatlinburg for the weekend - just me and my hubby - for an anniversary get-a-way.


~ Kids that are excited to go to school every morning.
~ A hubby that comes quickly when my car breaks down....again.


~ A mother-in-law that came and got the kids so they don't have to wait in the hot car.


~ Clean sheets on the bed.


~ A fab sister that is willing to pick up the kids so we can leave early.

~ Sonic iced tea that my mom brought me yesterday - she must have known that I would be broken down in a hot car on an August afternoon...



Link up your Felicities over at Becky's.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Shaded Gray Daybook ~ August 21

Outside my Window … A cloudy sky - hopefully this means we will get some rain. Our yard is turning brown...yuck.

I am thinking …
That I should really tackle this pile of paper on my desk.

I am thankful for …
My dear husband - again- for arranging our weekend get-a-way that I am soooo looking forward to.

From the kitchen … I really have no idea what I am doing for dinner tonight. Terrance said he is taking Jordan to a baseball game tonight - so it will just be me and Myles...hmm...I will have to think about that.

I am creating …
a check - If you can call that creating...I am also creating quite a mess here on my desk. :)

I am going …
to lunch with the office today. We are going to Bishop's - a meat and three place for an anniversary lunch.

I am wearing … a blue shirt and blue/purple paisley skirt and blue heels. One of my new birthday outfits.

I am reading … The Cubicle Next Door by Siri L. Mitchell. I am enjoying it.


I am hoping... To get my desk cleaned off before I leave for the weekend tomorrow.

I am hearing …
not much - it's pretty quiet. I can hear Seth talking on the phone.

Around the house … I need to wash the sheets and some other assorted laundry tonight. I have to get all 4 of us packed and ready to go in the morning.

One of my favorite things … my new checkbook register. I always run out of checkbook registers and, because I never go to the bank, have to ask people to bring me one. I bought a register book at Wal-mart...it should last a looooong time.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week … Terrance and I are going to Gatlinburg tomorrow (((without the children))) for an anniversary weekend. I can't wait!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you… Mama Jean's neighbor, Mr. Ward, caught a groundhog the other day and took it over to show Myles - who thought it was the coolest thing. Now this isn't the actual groundhog - but one kind of like it.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Our 14 Year Anniversary

Today is the 14 year anniversary of our wedding...our flower girl just went off to college...am I getting that old???
In the memory of our wedding day, I thought I would remind myself why I married this man and why I love him even more today:
~ I love him...duh!!

~ He loves God and strives to be an example around his friends and family, most of whom do not know the Lord.

~ He is a great provider - even when there has been not a lot of money coming in...I know he was working as hard as he could.

~ He loves his children whole-heartedly.


~ He has recognized his faults and honestly worked on overcoming them.

~ He is everything I am not.

~ As cheesy as it sounds - he makes me whole.

~ He takes pride in his work - whether that be yard work or work-work. He does it the best that he can.

~ He has taken me on some fabulous vacations that were given to us by his achievements at work. Million dollar sales earner 3 years in a row!!!! I am so proud.



Hawaii - February 2007


Bahamas - March 2008



~ I love him...I know I already said that - but it's worth repeating.



Love ya babe!!!