The Gray Effect

Another Year Older Again

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:55:00 +0000

So I interrupted my week of reading about the founding of the World Bank post WWII third world development (for school, NOT by choice) to celebrate my birthday. It was relaxing and low key this year which was just fine with me. We went out to a movie and I'll go out with friends later this week. Here are my favorite presents:

The new Macbook-cute, quick, and shiny

A new recipe book. It's like the Joy of Cooking gluten free style. It has everything. This might mean I need to start cooking more.

Halloween Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:44:00 +0000

What a great racket! We send the kids out in costumes and they bring candy back for mom and dad!

Pumpkin Patch

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:19:00 +0000

Friday my friend E and her son L got together with us to take the kids to a pumpkin patch. You can't beat 75 degree weather at the end of October.

We petted some bunnies,

and rode the train.

Then we picked out some pumpkins.

Fall is great!

Costume Day at Music Class

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Two Faces of Matthew

louisgray@gmail.com (Louis Gray) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:30:00 +0000

Lately, on most nights, one of the twins gets up after being put to bed, to spend about 30 minutes of 1-1 time with Kristine and me, while the other sleeps. We don't usually fight it, as we enjoy the focused, more quiet time. Matthew has played this role tonight and yesterday, while Sarah got up on her own Wednesday.

Thursday, Matthew was more playful (as you can see in the lower photo). Tonight, he was plenty tired and grumpy until I took him on a walk around the building outside. Thought I would share a couple of his expressions.

Matthew Sucking His Thumb, Holding a Blanket

Matthew Exuberant After Freeing a Coke Zero from Its Box

When You Live Next to a Golf Course

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Dear Jenny and Malcolm,

Congratulations on your nuptials! Since last weekend was such nice weather it made sense that you chose to have your music and dj for your reception outside on the patio of the clubhouse. Myself and all my neighbors were delighted to hear most of your reception through our windows. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but just in case there is a 'next time,' a few pointers might be in order.

1. Do not let the mic be passed from kid to kid at the beginning of the reception. Their parents might think making fart noises into the mic is cute, but for the rest of us...not so much.

2. If the maid of honor is already drunk, don't let her make a toast.

3. And as for the toast from the best man....let's just say:TMI.

4. "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone followed by "Bust a Move" are not the best choices for a first dance.

5. And finally, no matter where you are or who is at the party, polka music is NEVER a good choice.

Congrats and may you have a wonderful life together.

More Halloween Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:21:00 +0000

The next night was the Halloween party at church for the kids. So off we went to more festivities.

Blurry, but at least we are all smiling.

All ready to go.

Yum!

The ferocious Dragonosaurus.

The Mostess, who was also in charge of this party. (Great job, by the way.)

Yeah!

Running away with food.

Ladybugs are "in" this year.

Nightmare at 3540 Golden Street

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:03:00 +0000

Last Friday was Kaari and Lance's annual Halloween party which we look forward to all year. The theme this time was "Your Worst Nightmare." So thinking about who has given parents of multiples a bad rap we went as Jon and Kate.

"It's all about the kids."

"I want my money back!"

Arachnophobia

The New Moon movie cancelled? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Poor guy

You know me, have to get a picture of the dog. Logan's worst nightmare was that no one was feeding him.

Another Jon and Kate? That is a nightmare!

Thanks Lance and Kaari for another great party!

Twin Tuesday: It's A Great Big World Out There

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:18:00 +0000

It's a windy, blustery day and the twinners love watching the trees sway back and forth. They will actually hold still for more than two seconds.

Girls Getaway Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:19:00 +0000

I'm behind in my posting but here are the pics from our girls getaway weekend.

Leaving the kiddies and Blog Man at home to hold down the fort, we headed down to La Selva Beach to the townhouse we rented for the weekend. One problem: the owners had accidentally locked the dead bolt which could only be unlocked from the INSIDE!

After consultations and phone calls with the owners, we had the go ahead to break into the garage with the help of a neighbor.

Breaking the window.

Apparently The Mostess (aka Kaari) has previous experience breaking and entering(though she won't give us the details) so she volunteered to climb through the window.

YEAH, we are in!

All that was left to do was eat....

Eat some more.... (jeans still tight)

Me, Leah, Alyssa, and Sharla

Sleep in, read trashy magazines, watch movies and relax.

Foggy, but still a great weekend.

Thanks Ladies!!

Sarah Loves Her Techno: Natural Rhythm

louisgray@gmail.com (Louis Gray) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Here is Sarah Rocking Out to DeadMau5.

Twin Tuesday: Perfect Fall Day at the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

HAPPY 16 MONTHS!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:56:00 +0000

I've obviously been busy lately, hence the lack of posts. It's hard to "close down" someone's life. Having to decide what to keep, throw away, or donate is exhausting. Thankfully my dad was very organized and had everything in order for us. Finding pictures and items have triggered so many memories and Louis has been wonderful this past week as I've mourned my dad. I'd forgotten that he was an All American basketball player in high school and broke a record doing 50 free throws in a row. He was offered an NBA contract out of college but turned it down because the pay back in the '50's was nothing and he didn't want to travel all the time.

Thank you everyone who has emailed, called, or commented. It really means a lot when someone lets you know they've been thinking about you.

I love this 1930's, sandlot, baseball pic I found. My dad is second from left, bottom row.

1946 high school graduation

Twin Tuesday: errrrrr Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:58:00 +0000

It's still warm but the leaves are starting to fall.

My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Edward C. Makowski

November 15, 1927-October 8, 2009

We will tell your grandchildren all about your love of sports, reading, card playing, gardening, and all the wonderful vegetables we enjoyed every year. We'll think of you every Super Bowl and all the funny, crazy bets you liked to make. Be at peace.

Twin Tuesday: 100 Acre Wood Kind of Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:18:00 +0000

We love our Hundred Acre Wood inhabitants at the Gray house.

Here we have Pooh.

Then Piglet

Eeyore

Tigger, of course

Christopher Robin (minus the hair)

And a Honey bee Pooh? (thanks Julie!)

All we need now is Owl, Kanga and Roo.

No Biting

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:44:00 +0000

I know this has being going around on youtube for awhile but it still totally cracks me up. Louis and I are always quoting this with our fake English accents.

BOX CARS

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Who needs toys when a box is so much fun?

And they even come with diapers inside!

Twin Tuesday: Daddy's DNA

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:31:00 +0000

Louis and Matthew check their phones while Sarah gets ready to pick programs for Tivo.

Sarah, The Diminutive Bully

louisgray@gmail.com (Louis Gray) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:56:00 +0000

This is Sarah. She is 2' 7.75" and weighs 20 lbs 2oz.

This is Matthew. He is 2' 8.75" and weighs 21lb 14oz.

Sugar and sweetness, right? Cuteness and bubbles, happiness and cuddles? Wrong.

You see, Sarah has an edge, a meanness streak and is the more aggressive of the two, while Matthew is more easy-going, mellow and forgiving. This combination means that Sarah literally pushes the poor guy around, and that he is at her peril, barring his toughening up and deciding to fight back.

Matthew and Sarah may be twins, but being "similar" does not mean being "identical". That they share the same spaces and schedules means there is no shortage of opportunities for their paths to cross. Should Matthew have a toy that Sarah wants, she will do what she can to get it. Should he be in her way, or even drinking his own milk from his own cup, when she has her own, she may decide she wants to be where he is or have his things, and she will physically intervene.

If Sarah spots Matthew has a popular toy, be it a book, a block, a stuffed animal, or even the TiVo remote, she will follow him and flat-out tackle the guy. She may grab the back of his outfit and pull him to the ground. She may smack him on the head with her open palm until she gets her reward. She may push him off a chair so she can sit there. And trust me, there's no remorse, even if he ends up in tears.

Yet it's clear Matthew would like nothing more than to please his sister. Every evening, as the two are put to bed in their cribs, we run the chance of hearing Matthew cry because, of all things, he has handed his blankets and stuffed animals over to her from crib to crib, and finding her asleep, he is alone and cold - requiring our intervention to retrieve said donated blankets and put them in their rightful place.

The twins just passed the 15 month stage, which means they are old enough to walk about with ease, but haven't yet mastered the art of communication, let alone sharing. Their early age makes clear discipline difficult as well. Aside from grabbing Sarah's arm on the way to hitting Matthew's cranium, or putting her in a strapped high chair to eat separately from him, there's not a whole lot of things we can do to protect his noggin from taking a flogging. And with his fair skin, if he gets pushed around, there is sure to be a red mark.

Last week, as Sarah read a book, having it open in her lap, Matthew walked by. Spotting him, she raised the book above her head and brought the spine down on him with an audible smack. That clearly took him by surprise.

The role Sarah takes in this relationship is much like the one I took with my younger siblings. Being the oldest of five, I made sure I could push my weight around and put the kids in their place. At one point, my parents even gave the younger siblings carte blanche to hit back, but most of the time, they didn't. Now, I can see it playing out in front of me, where Sarah, the younger (by minutes), smaller (by a pound and an inch), is being the bully. So don't let her cute smile fool you. She's plotting.

Twin Tuesday: Because I Can

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:22:00 +0000

One of the books I've been reading on raising twins says in order for them to be emotionally stable you should NEVER refer to them as "twins" and NEVER dress them in matching outfits.

So I went out and bought them these:

Please meet "my son and daughter who happened to be born on the same day," Matthew and Sarah.

Tis the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:26:00 +0000

Candy and decorations are in the stores. The Halloween season is upon us. Time to start deciding on what costume to come up with. I had one of those moms that made all our costumes. I didn't even know that people actually BOUGHT costumes until I was much older and mom was no longer around with her sewing machine.

What I have noticed is that the costumes have, to be blunt, become more and more skanky over the years. And that's becoming the norm. Teaching secondary school for years, I've seen the progression of what teenagers think is perfectly acceptable to strut around in and think is "cute."

Let's say you want to be your basic witch.

A costume like this is what you might have once come up with

THIS:

OR THIS:

But now when you go to the store, this is the common theme for that basic costume:
Skanky, skanky, skanky... (hits to this site just went up with this picture)
But let us not dwell on adult tackiness. In perusing costumes for the little ones, I've come across some that "take the cake" for ridiculous. Let us begin...

The winner for MOST POLITICALLY INCORRECT KIDS COSTUME goes to...

"MEXICAN BOY" (applause please) Because all children south of the border dress this way.

Next, we have the winner for "YES, MY CHILD CAN BE A LAWN ORNAMENT"

"THE GARDEN KNOME" (shouts of congratulations can be heard)

Our next award for "FUTURE LOUNGE SINGER" goes to...

"CARMEN MIRANDA LOOK-A-LIKE"

Lastly, we have a tie for "COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE TWEEN COSTUME OR TRYING TO LOOK LIKE A TRAMP-IN-TRAINING" goes to

"HOTTIE LITTLE DEVIL" (yes, the actual name)

AND

"SEXY CHESHIRE CAT"

Any other nominations?

UK Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:37:00 +0000

They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace-

Christopher Robin went down with Alice.

We saw a guard in a sentry box.

"One of the sergeants looks after their socks,"

Says Alice.

(this is part of the poem I read to the twins tonight before bed)

Blog Man is in London until Friday presenting for ecademy. According to them, he is the best Social Media Practitioner (SMP) in the world. Even though it's an honor to be living with the best SMP in the world I reminded him in order to not get a swelled head that even the best SMP's still change dirty diapers.

Miss you!

Twin Tuesday: Babababaababababababa

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:55:00 +0000

Matthew and Sarah have decided this past week that sleep is entirely over rated. It will be peaceful and quiet for about an hour after we put them down and then they let us know, very loudly, that it's much more fun to play with mom and dad . It could be that they both have molars coming in, but I think it's a conspiracy against us. So, the other night we sat them down for a lecture on the benefits of sleep. This is what they had to say:

Labor Day weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:34:00 +0000

On Labor Day weekend Louis and I got away for our first trip overnight from the twinners. We dropped them off in Folsom with their Nana and Grandpa and then flew to LA to celebrate our friend Ash's wedding. Louis and Ash have been friends since Jr. High School in Chico. Louis was a groomsman and so we were there for a wedding weekend of activities.

The wedding brunch for family, the wedding party, and friends.

Ash and Rob, the happy couple.

Getting fitted for tuxes.

The karaoke, coed bachelor party.

The wedding was at the historic Oviatt Penthouse in downtown LA. Think 1920's Hollywood art-deco. I loved walking around looking at the design. The rooftop where the wedding and reception were held were built with a pool and tennis court for the owner in 1927. He had sand imported from the Riviera to create a beach for his pool. The rooftop is now surrounded by LA skyscrapers but still a cool place for a wedding.(Maria, you would of LOVED the interior of the penthouse!)

Very classy

They had a traditional Jewish ceremony so Louis decided to hedge his bets and try Judaism for the night.

The ceremony was beautiful and the vows were some of the most loving I've ever heard.

Ash's mom and grandmother with Louis behind them.

"Yeah, we did it!"

Ash and his twin brother Don, the best man. These two are most identical looking fraternal twins you will meet.

Lily, the baby of a high school friend of Ash and Louis. Look at that pudge! It makes me almost want some more. (I said ALMOST.)

Romance on the rooftop at sunset.

Don and Louis

Of course it wouldn't be a Jewish wedding without the Hava Nigila.

Meanwhile.....

Our kids were with their grandparents:

Swimming with the dog,

floating in the sun,

exploring,

and having story time. Life is rough!

Thank you so much Nana and Grandpa!