Micah and the Monster Burger

We had Mommers and Dooders over for dinner last night ~ we had a really enjoyable evening! We had HUGE hamburgers on the George Forman Grill (which Mema gave to us about a year ago ~ and we use it all the time!), chips, and Dooders made his famous baked beans! They also brought pound cake for dessert. I had to post this picture because I thought it was a great shot of Micah! (I was a little bummed that the picture I took just after this one didn't show up on our camera ~ it was him attempting to take the first bite of the huge burger! A great moment to witness).
Luckily after dinner (and getting all the dishes loaded in the dishwasher:)) my parents stayed to go on a walk with us! The weather was nice, although a bit humid. It was a nice evening and a great double-date night!!!
We are going to be spending today baking bread, cleaning and washing clothes, and tidying up our flower bed/garden outside ~ and of course picking tomatoes....since we have about 1o plants now!! Hope everyone is going to enjoy the weather this weekend and get some much needed things accomplished....whether that be cleaning, baking, relaxing, or traveling and visiting!! Keep Smiling and please keep in touch. If you are reading this we would LOVE to hear from you. Leaving a comment is easy ~ simply click on comments and then go down and click the anonymous button in the bottom right, and when you are done commenting, click publish:)

My Handsome Husband & His Monster Burger!!

19 Weeks!!

Today we reached our 19 week mark! It is so hard to believe that we have been pregnant for that long already. Time sure does fly!
We also got to go to our next doctor's appointment today. It was a pretty normal visit ~ they weighed me (gotta love that part!), took my blood pressure, a sample and we got to hear our little one's heart beat again! (We would have recorded it again, but when we got there we realized that our batteries were dead in our MP3 player). The baby's heartbeat sounded great though. That is by far my favorite part, because at this point I am still not feeling movements on a regular basis, so it's extra nice to be able to get those real reminders that our little baby is doing well!!
We should get a call in a couple of days to have our ultra sound scheduled for sometime during the first week of September. The doctor was telling us a little about it, and it sounds like it will definitely be an amazing experience! We are really excited about it, and we are also excited to enjoy each milestone of this pregnancy together!!
Our Heavenly Father has blessed us tremendously and it is overwhelming to think about at times, but it is another strong reminder that He is aware of us individually and knows our desires and our needs, and fulfills them at the appropriate times in our lives.

Me at 19 Weeks ~ by the baby's crib!!

Another shot from the other side of the room!! Do you like the wall color~ we are hoping to keep it whether we have a boy or a girl!

On the Road Again!!

We have wrapped up another weekend of traveling and spending time with family! This weekend Micah and I took the opportunity to travel down to Greensboro, North Carolina to visit with his maternal grandparents (Granny and Poppy). It was a very nice trip and we are so glad that we finally took the opportunity to go! We haven't been in 3 years! The last time we were there (and the first time I went down) was 3 years ago exactly!

We were able to get a lot of visiting in, which was nice. We had a family lunch at the nursing home with his grandparents, his mom, all his brothers and sisters, and his aunts and uncles and his cousin Jess was also there. Lunch was good, but the best part was being able to be all together with so many members of our family that we don't get to be in contact with much on a regular basis!

Saturday evening, we all made it out to dinner together (with the exception of his grandparents). That was nice treat! We were so stuffed when we got back to our hotel that evening that we couldn't even go down to swim with everyone else, which was too bad, but hopefully we will have other opportunities in the future!

Also, after our big meal Saturday evening I was able to feel the baby moving quite a bit, which is always a nice treat! I am sure there was so much food in my tummy that the baby was competing for space, but either way the baby was definitely moving around!! I think that was one of the first times I have felt movement when I haven't been laying down really still, so that was a new experience!!

On Sunday we headed for church and back to say good-bye to everyone before we headed back to Ruckersville. Our trip home was pretty smooth, uneventful, and I was able to get a good nap in while Micah, being the dedicated husband and daddy-to-be, drove all the way! That was our weekend in a nutshell!

Us with Granny and Poppy at Brighton Gardens!!

Oh and as a side note we get to go to our next doctor's appointment this coming Thursday, August 14th! This should be a regular visit, but we will get to schedule our ultra sound this time ~ we think it is going to be some time in the 1st week of September, but we will be sure to keep everyone "posted" on that as we find out!! Can you believe we are already 18 and a half weeks along, we are going to take our 18 week picture soon and we will probably post that too!

Celebrating 3 Years Since.......

Today, August 8th, marks 3 years since Micah asked me to be his for eternity! What a wonderful and memorable day that was for both of us! I remember it was a Monday, and Micah had stayed in Charlottesville an extra day. So he came to my parents' house and picked me up and dropped me off to work that morning (I was working at the Paramount Theatre in Downtown Charlottesville at the time). I hesitated to have him take me to work, because I knew that our view of time was a little different. So I knew there was a good chance that I would be waiting around a little while for my lunch break and for my ride home at the end of the day but I didn't care too much, because my Prince Charming (for some reason) had decided to stay in town with me an extra day, so I was happy!

Well lunch time came and I knew we were going to eat at a park nearby. So my lunch hour came and I recieved a call that Micah was running a little behind schedule, so I waited as I also watched my lunch hour pass on by and no Micah, luckily I had a pretty flexible job. I recieved a call from him, that he was running a little late ~ if I recall correctly he was about an hour late to get me for lunch. But again, I was with Micah so it was okay:) We ate lunch, it was a pretty warm day at the park, but we had a blanket under the shade so it was nice! Then he took me back to work and I re-iterated to him that I got off at 5 o'clock:) And he assured me that he would be there. Well 5 o'clock came and went and no Micah. Finally about 5:30 I got a call from him saying he was "running late" but he hoped to be there shortly. I had my suspicions that he might be up to something, but didn't think too much of it. Of course the later he was the more I thought.

Finally when he picked me up I saw Chocolates in the back of his car. So I started to get a little excited that today might be the BIG DAY. So all the way home, I kept thinking "Oh maybe he is going to turn here" or "Maybe here", but no we went right back to my parents' house for dinner. My parents were nice enough to wait. They had a suprised look on their face, but I flashed my ring finger to them (when Micah wasn't looking) to let them know there was "No Ring Yet". So then I thought, well maybe at dinner. So we sat through dinner and still no mention of anything unusual. When we got up it was almost time to for us to head out for a church activity. If we had left then we would have been perfectly on time (something I rarely ever am) so I was excited at the possibility. So Micah and I went to brush our teeth and he kept looking at me with his cute little puppy dog eyes and saying "Are you sure we don't have any time to relax just for a few minutes, I just want to give you a back scratch and talk for a minute?" He knows I am a sucker for a back scratch - it doesn't matter what time of day it is - so I consented. We sat on the couch and he gave me a quick back scratch while I was flipping through a random sale paper (as I had given up all hope at this point of a proposal today). I said, "Well if you want to talk go ahead". So he starts telling me how he loves me and I agreed that I loved him to, and how he wanted to spend eternity with me. This wasn't new talk for us so I continued to agree with him until I noticed that he was fumbling a little and his voice started to shake as he whispered in my ear, "And for Eternity, I choose you." As I turned to look at him he was holding out a ring! All I remember after that (as I was shaking) was repeating "yes, yes, yes, yes!". It was such a happy moment in life.

I love moments like these that help us remember the real reasons that we are here. I am thankful that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows each of us individually and knows what we need and when we need it. I needed to have Micah in my life, and I am so glad that my Heavenly Father knew that too! He is so amazing and I am so glad to be celebrating 3 years of "engagement" with him today! I love you honey, more than you even know! You are my best friend and I am so excited that we have shared so many wonderful memories together, and I am excited for all of the Memory Making Moments that We have Awaiting Us!!

August 8, 2005~Just Moments after the Proposal ~ As you can tell our looks of amazement and relief are still with us!!

After we told My Parents, We went outside for a few more photos!
Dooders and Us ~ He is excited to be Gaining Another Son!!!
Mom was thrilled for us and has been ever since, she is always there to help us out when we need it!

"Tag" game of "3's"

Micah here. You can thank Holly for begging me to complete this survey that someone has been calling a game. If it is a game for you, don't let me take away the fun.

3 joys

1. Being married to my sweet-heart, Holly Marie Gray.
2. Reading the scriptures first thing in the morning.
3. Anticipating becoming a dad.

3 fears

1. That I might sabotage my own succeed.
2. Diapers, diapers, and more diapers.
3. That I am missing out on all the fun.

3 Obsessions/Collections

I don't collect things, but I have several obsessions:
1. Minimizing my negative impact on my surroundings.
2. Hanging on to magazines because I haven't read them.
3. Brushing my teeth right after I eat.

3 goals

I have none at present. But I guess I'll take this guilt trip/opportunity to put my visions and unwritten plans into writing.
1. Compose and record my first song next month.
2. Retire by age 35. Quit my job and do what I really love.
3. Be the means of bringing some soul unto Christ.

3 Facts about Me

1. I love athleticism, martial arts, dance, and gymnastics.
2. I am patient.
3. Though it is regretful, I have a proud heart.

Since I don't believe in propogating "games" that I would rather pass up, I am going to break the rules and not tag anyone else.

Fun with 3s!!

I love these types of Games of Tag! I never was really good at the actual game of tag when I was younger and I haven't tried recently because, honestly, running just isn't my forte and running while pregnant sounds like NO FUN AT ALL, again just me and my opinion!!

Now for the game, I have been "tagged" by 2 people now, and so I guess it is my turn to post and tag!! Ready or not here we go!!!

(As a side note: Micah has also been tagged by one of our friends - not that he knows it yet - I am going to try to get him to play this game tonight, so if he is willing and able stay tuned for his answers later tonight or in the morning!!)





How To Play This Game of Tag:


Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!


3 joys

~ I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The truths and blessings that I know and have recieved by my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are innumerable! I love to read the Scriptures (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price) and I enjoy my own personal scripture study time as well as the time that Micah and I take to read the scriptures together each morning. I know that these books of scripture are true and I am so thankful to be blessed to have them as a part of my life and my family's life.

~ I am also thankful to have a Worthy Priesthood Holder as my Best Friend and Eternal Companion. I love Micah so much and am so thankful that we get to be an eternal family!! I have so much fun with him, and he always makes me smile! He is going to be the best dad in the world!! He is smart, funny, very ticklish, extremely caring and loves me with all of his heart. What more can a girl ask for?

~ Being Pregnant with our First Child - I am so excited to be a mom and to finally meet our first little baby in just about 4.5 months! Pregnancy has not been a piece of cake for me so far by any means, but I am amazed every day at this wonderful process that occurs to bring our Heavenly Father's children into this world. Heavenly Father is truly the Father of us all and that brings me great joy!!

3 fears

~MICE --- definitely #1, those little furry rodents scare me more than you can possibly imagine, and sometimes I truly think they know that and try to seek me out!!!

~ Driving During Deer Season....when is deer season exactly? All I know is that I was driving home the other day and in broad day light I saw 3 of them cross right out in front of me! We have only been in one deer related accident, but the thought of another one terrifies me!

~ CHANGE --- I hesitate to mention this one, as we are about to experience one of life's BIG changes in about 4 1/2 months!!! But mainly the ones that get me are the ones when you lose friends and loved ones, whether they pass away or move away ~ either one is extremely hard and difficult. Another big change that we will face by the end of this year is a change in our ward and stake boundaries. They are building a brand new church building (it is going to be a stake center) in Charlottesville and I know with that wonderful building means growth and change. Saying good bye to old friends, making new friends, adjustments. Such is life and life does and will move forward, and that is the beauty of it!!

3 Obsessions/Collections

1. Blogging & Blog Hopping - I love it when I find a new friend or an old friend who has decided to join the blogging band wagon!

2. Friends ~ The TV Show~ I used to watch that show faithfully each week and was crushed when the Series ended. Now I found out that it comes on from 5-6 each week night so I get to come home from work and if I plan it right I can watch the episode from 5:30-6!! Love it!

3. Can you believe I am out of obsessions....I have been thinking about it for about 5 minutes now and everything that comes to mind is either scrapbook related, blog related:) Sorry to leave you hanging:)

3 goals

~ To Strive to be a better wife, and be able to meet the needs that Micah has. I want to be sure to always do my best so that he can always feel of the love and appreciation that I have for him! Thanks for being my best friend honey, I LOVE YOU!

~ To Be Able to Keep our Scrapbooks up to date. I love to scrapbook and my goal has always been to do one family album a year and with the help of SHUTTERFLY I have still been able to do that! Scrapbooking is something that is really important to me and between and blogging those are my ways of journaling for our family! So hopefully in the coming months and years I will be able to follow through with this goal!

~ To ride in a Hot Air Balloon!! Seriously this has been on my top 3 list for a LONG TIME! And one day I hope I am able to meet that goal!

3 Facts about Me

~ My favorite food is Macaroni & Cheese - doesn't matter if it is home made or from a box. When I was little and I stayed with my Mema during the day while my mom worked, she would fix mac & cheese for me every day! She would always tell me that I better be careful or I would turn into a macaroni noodle one day! So far, I'm still good!

~ I LOVE my neices & nephews! I have always said that being an Aunt or Uncle is like being a grandparent only in your younger years!! You get to spoil the little angels and send them back home to mommy & daddy for the serious business and discipline:) I guess our days on the other side of this equation are coming soon though!!

~ I actually enjoy the Harry Potter Series! Micah and I started reading the first book over a year ago and have FINALLY made our way to the 4th one! It is hard to imagine, but I am actually enjoying them! And am always looking forward to what happens in the next chapter! Of course (I mentioned this in an earlier post) I do enjoy hearing Micah imitate the different voices ~ Harry, Ron, Hermoine, all the Professors and my favorite is probably Hagrid~ Now who's impressed that I actually remembered all of those names??

That about wraps up my post of 3s! It has been fun and a great opportunity to reflect on the simple pleasures in life and the basic truths that make me who I am! Now I suppose it is my turn to tag 3 people.......Here are my choices:

1. Dooders

2. Katrina

3. Ellie

HAVE FUN!!!

We LOVE to Celebrate!!!

We had another Action-Packed, Fun-Filled Saturday! We got to take another day trip up to NOVA. On this trip we had the opportunity to have lunch at Olive Garden with our friends Raman & Vidhu (they were the couple that invited us to their wedding in India ~ sorry no pics of them this time). After lunch they took us back to their house and we got to see their wedding album and reminisce about their wedding and our time in India ~ Oh the memories!!
Later that evening we were able to go over to Nathan and Sarah's house to Celebrate! This time we were celebrating Mary (aka Mummis) birthday (August 10), Micah's Birthday (August 31st) and Rachel who is about to embark on a new adventure to live in California ~ she is going to try to further her career in Voice Overs.
It was so nice to be all together as a family. It seems like forever since we were ALL able to make it to a gathering on the same day! We had a really nice time. Ruth and Matt made a yummy dinner for us to enjoy (Lasagna, Bread and Green Beans with no salt:)) and then I made the birthday cake ~ which Micah chose a few days earlier (chocolate cake from scratch with whipped cream topping which was a Gray Family Recipe~ and cherry filling in the middle). We were all well fed and grateful to have time to spend together.
Families are such an important part of our Heavenly Father's plan. I know that we are grateful for each of the members of our families and the relationships that we have with them, even though we don't get to spend nearly as much time together as we would like. The time is precious and the memories are great! We are looking forward to making more next weekend as we head down to North Carolina to visit Micah's Grandparents (Mummis' parents).

Here I am Attempting to get the top layer of cake out of the pan! (Thanks Mom for letting us borrow the cake pans and carrier!!)

Uncle Micah Looking Cute with Joseph on his Lap ~ we thought Joseph looked so grown up wearing this shirt! Mummis & Micah Opening Gifts Together!!
Enjoying Couch time with the Girls as Joseph continues to Read!!!
Family Photo ~ Families are Forever! Little Lydia had just been awakened, and the other children were given candy afterwards for changing back out of their pajamas.