THE GRAY EFFECT

Genes

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:57:00 +0000

People are always telling Louis that Braden looks just like him.

Really? I disagree.

What do you think?

Braden- 2 years, 3 months

2 years, 8 months

Me- 2 years

3 years

4 years

How is Grover not cute

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:26:00 +0000

on this little tushy?

April Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Thu, 02 May 2013 05:57:00 +0000

Louis celebrated his 36th birthday on the 8th. We had a family celebration at home. I actually cooked dinner and our friend Drew came over.

The kids helped me make an angel food cake from scratch, per Louis' request. It was quite tasty and colored Android green.

Being the cool, awesome wife that I am, I combined Louis' two loves for his gift, Android and the A's. I found an artist on Etsy that makes custom Androids. www.troymartinart.com Troy did a great job. He also does tatoos in case you are in the Modesto area. Anyone?

He created this little guy:

Isn't he cute?

Troy also made a custom t-shirt from his design so Louis' is set for this season's games.

Chocolate chips?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:09:00 +0000

You mean the ones in the cupboard? I don't know what you're talking about.

Because nothing identifies you as

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:17:00 +0000

a Mom as well as driving your mini van and wearing a Disney fairy band aid.

Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:02:00 +0000

I have a new man in my life.

He's short, pudgy, and has ears that go in different directions.

Meet Cisco, aka, "Squishy." He's one cute corgi.

My friend Diane and her husband were going to Hawaii for their 20th anniversary and managed to ditch their three kids with a friend. They ditched the dogs with us and our kids have been in "doggy heaven" all week.

This is Opal, a labradoodle. She's a sweetheart and doesn't shed. That's very considerate of her.

Squishy figured out quickly that all he has to do is lie around and at least one kid will give him some love. Life is sooooo rough.

Opal decided Disney Jr. shows are the ones to watch.

TV is always better when you have someone soft and fluffy to cuddle with.

Braden likes to share deep thoughts. Every morning, he would stand at the top of the stairs and yell, "Big white dog, where are you?"

This boy really needs his own dog.

As you can see, we put them to work protecting the patio. Squishy also blocked the bathroom door when I was taking a shower. This is when the kids like to come in and complain about a sibling, demand something, or generally whine. Instead, Squishy herded them back.

"Mom! Squishy won't let my come in the bathroom!"

Love. This. Dog.

Clear advantage position to all food that might make its way to the floor.

One thing I miss about not having a dog of my own is the unconditional adoration. No complaints about what I was serving for dinner from these two.

Craftiness

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:07:00 +0000

I love to craft and sew. Right now, three little humans make it hard to find time to do either. As we do more organizing around here, hopefully I can carve out a space that allows me to work and not have the kids getting into my stuff. I have manage to do a few projects the last few months.

Sarah wanted a bed for her stuffed animals and dolls. Most of the ones out there cost $40-$50 and are made out of plastic or some composite material and I wasn't thrilled with how they looked. I found this one at Ikea for $20 of solid wood.

I spray painted it pink (per Sarah's request) and did a little distressing to make it look more vintage. You can't tell from the picture. Then I made a stencil with my Silhouette machine and painted on the design. The blanket is one I had as a child made by a friend of my mom's. Sarah loves the bed and uses it for her variety of animals/dolls.

Sarah also needed a high chair and again the same problem of finding one as the doll bed. Way overpriced and ugly. A neighbor was giving this away. It's an actual "real" high chair but is short. Perfect for an almost 5 year old. Some sanding, spray paint, distressing, and waxing and ta da! Cost: $5 for the paint. I had the other materials.

This last one is a sign for the front door to match my other seasonal signs. Kaari made a matching one. Now I have one for each season. I love how it turned out!

Matthew's Trip to Spring Training in Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (Louis Gray) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:43:00 +0000

The Major League Baseball season is in full swing now. In our baseball-crazed home, Opening Day is a highlight of our year. But this year, baseball is even more special, with Matthew starting his first year of Little League in tee-ball. Even more exciting, he got to travel to Phoenix, Arizona, with me, and see our Oakland A's play three games in three days in the sun. But we didn't just watch baseball, we had an amazing time! Here are some of the highlights.

Matthew Gets Ready to Fly from San Jose

We started Friday afternoon, taking a plane from San Jose to Phoenix. Matthew doesn't remember the last time he got to enjoy air travel. I bet he'll remember this one. After arriving that evening, we got our rental car, hit up Mickey D's and spent the night in the hotel. Matthew was ecstatic it was both next to "Old McDonald's" and had a swimming pool.

The next day, we drove to the ballpark, tickets in hand. We got there early, and found Matthew a Spring Training themed hat, complete with a Gila Monster lizard on the cap. He loves it.

Matthew at Phoenix Municipal Stadium

The first game was against our hated rival LA Angels. We sat in right field and talked the entire game - and I mean every flipping pitch... about what was happening. Luckily, we found a fellow 4 1/2 year old learning the game, and the pair were instant friends. The A's and Angels tied 13-13.

Matthew with his Angels fan friend.

Not content with just the game, that evening Matthew and I got tacos and then drove to the Tempe Golfland franchise. We paired up with a pair of high school girls and took on the miniature golf links. Matthew was especially entertaining, even if he wasn't the best golfer.

At Golfland, this desert frog hopped along our path.

The next morning, before game 2, against the Cubs, which the A's won, Matthew and I visited the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo featured mountain lions, zebras, coyotes, desert birds, prairie dogs and much more. While Matthew was disappointed I didn't pay $4 a passenger to take the mini locomotive at the zoo, I did spend $5 for the once in a lifetime chance for him to ride a camel. Money well spent.

Matthew smiling with a Zebra.

Matthew atop a very patient camel.

After the second game, Matthew and I came back to the hotel and went swimming for the second day in a row. Mostly Matthew splashed around in the shallow end while I did laps, until he would say, "Daddy, come here! I want to tell you something!" at which point I'd go over there and be enriched with his knowledge or be asked a question.

That evening, we met up with my friends +Tad Donaghe and +Lindsay Donaghe, Phoenix residents, and got dinner at Red Robin. The Donaghes were very fun, and you can see Tad and Matthew hit it off quite well.

Matthew and Tad imitating mutual friend +Glen Campbell.

Monday was our final full day in Phoenix. The A's had won once and tied once, and they finally had to lose once. They did fall to the Mariners, making their record with us in attendance a crisp 1-1-1. But before the game, Matthew and I went hiking up Red Rock Mountain in Papago Park by Phoenix Municipal Stadium, and we went all the way to the top, seeing the impressive view. Matthew swears that when he moves out of our house, he wants to live by Red Rock Mountain. I'm not sure why, but I like the story.

Matthew Before We Climbed Up, With Red Rock Mountain Behind

Matthew Atop Red Rock Mountain in Phoenix

After game three, we took the rental car back to the airport, and boarded a flight from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, followed by our final flight, back to San Jose, where we were picked up by Kaari, better known around here as The Mostess. When we got home, it was the first time in about four days I didn't have a four and a half year old telling me something every 30 seconds.

Matthew and Me Taking Flying Very Seriously.

The trip to Phoenix was a blast. Matthew's still talking about it, and now, he's taken to watching A's baseball on TV with me, and practicing his swings daily in the backyard. Fun all around.

Guess who lost their first tooth?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:47:00 +0000

Happy Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:04:00 +0000

Even though it's overcast, here are signs from our yard that Spring is on it's way.

Sarah decided to have a "really big" ice sale. Don't ask, I have no idea. I was just happy it kept her occupied for over an hour.

Meanwhile, Matthew practiced his baseball skills and "purchased" some of Sarah's ice.

Opening Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:16:00 +0000

Southern Sunnyvale Little League had it's opening day ceremonies. Matthew will be playing on the Red Sox with 9 other 4-5 year old boys. Adorable.

What's on your phone?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:10:00 +0000

Apparently my kids know how to take screen shots and work the camera on my phone and tablet. And isn't is great that they are all instantly uploaded to G+?

There were about 15 pics of this car.

A's Fan Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:41:00 +0000

Baseball season is upon us so at the beginning of February we headed up to Oakland for Fan Fest '13. Bruno the dog came along as well.

Sarah still hides from large mascot type figures.

Manager Billy Beane

Getting all tatted up with some spray on tattoos.

Bruno is a fan.

New Year's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:14:00 +0000

New Year's Day we drove down to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which is on the very southern end of San Jose, to take a hike. The area has quicksilver mines from the mid 1800's and now has miles of hiking trails.

We stopped for a break and random planking.

We hiked about 9 miles and most of it was uphill. The kids were troopers.

This is looking north towards the Santa Clara Valley.

Someone was pooped out by the end.

Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:07:00 +0000

Christmas Eve we hosted a party with friends and I just now realized that I didn't take any pictures of the grown ups.

We had cute little babies...

pirates,

and cowgirls.

It wouldn't be Christmas without Android gingerbread.

Christmas morning we unwrapped gifts

and enjoyed chocolate goodies from our stockings.

The following day we headed down to Gilroy Gardens to enjoy the rides and their Holiday Lights.

Fake bubble snow

We ditched the husbands at home and Kaari and Blakely joined us in some winter fun.

We're Back

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:10:00 +0000

My FIL mentioned I haven't updated the blog since Christmas. There have been several reasons.
1. It's my annual hibernation, sleep before any activity period.
2. Those cold, 50 something degree days make it hard to function.
3. I had my annual sinus infection.
My Dr.: " You were here last year on Feb. 25th with a sinus infection."
Me: " I like to be consistent."

Anyways, this is where we left off back in December:

Google's Developer Relations had their annual family retreat at Carmel Valley Lodge Resort. It only took two words to get me there: FREE BABYSITTING.

Here is the view from our deck.

Rosie the resort dog.

Braden made a fast friend.

We dropped the kids at the Kids Camp and went to an Italian cooking class put on by the resort's chef.

We made homemade ravioli.

We left a little early to be able to watch the kids on their pony rides. Google had arranged for a petting zoo and pony rides. How cool is that?! Braden grabbed his helmet and got in line with the big kids.

That night we dropped the kids off again at their Kids Camp pajama party and went to the Mad Men themed party for the adults. The food was amazing. They have a huge organic garden on the property and grow most of their produce.

Everyone crashed

The next morning we played around, ate a huge breakfast and headed out to Monterey.

Time for a stop at the Aquarium.

Thanks Google!

Misc. Happenings and Random Things

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 05:59:00 +0000

Anyone else excited?

Last day of swim class for this session.

Celebrating a friend's birthday.

I tried to convince the kids that their horse should be a reindeer.

This is the latest maternity shirt at the Google store. Next friend to get pregnant, it's yours!

Parent's Day at dance class.

Will dance for candy.

The house next door was tented since it just got sold.

Anyone else thinking Breaking Bad?

Mommy-daughter date at San Jose Ballet Nutcracker with friends.

Android gingerbread

Sarah droid

Santa's Tree Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 01:53:00 +0000

Thanks to a livingsocial.com deal we headed towards Half Moon Bay with out friends for some holiday activities.

Mrs. Claus read Christmas stories to the kids.

Kai likes the one about the cat.

Sarah is ready to ride the train.

We made new friends.

Waiting in line for the train!

All aboard!

We had a picnic after our ride and let the kids run around and burn off energy.

3rd annual Vasona Lights Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:17:00 +0000

Our one opportunity to throw all safety concerns to the wind.

Until next year...

I Believe!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 07:13:00 +0000

in Christmas miracles.

After 8 long years, I finally placed in Kaari's annual cookie exchange. I was starting to feel like the Susan Lucci of the yearly event.

My adorable 2nd place prize!

Here is my winning entry. A lemon crinkle cookie. Gluten free goodness.

I truly suffered for my art. Check out this scratch from a thorn on our lemon tree when it attacked me while picking fresh lemons.

And with this lovely assistant, how could I go wrong?

If anyone wants the recipe, let me know. It is the perfect light tea cookie.

Meet Phineas

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:48:00 +0000

I might live to regret this, but we are trying Elf on the Shelf. Effect on behavior so far? Zero.

But they are very fascinated by how he gets to the North Pole every night. Neither twins accepts "magic" as an explanation.

elfontheshelf.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:41:00 +0000

We got crafty this year to keep the kids occupied.

Thankful Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 06:50:00 +0000

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we've been reading stories about the pilgrims and teaching the kids what it means to be thankful and appreciative. I cut out a tree with some craft paper and bought foam leaves and Michael's. Every day we go around the table at dinner and come up with one thing we are thankful for. I write it on a leaf and then we tape them to the tree.

Guess which ones came from Louis?

Goodbye to the Twinkie

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:21:00 +0000

Did snacks look like this when you were a kid?

Well, snacks for me looked like this. Yes, dad was the one home in the afternoons and the one that did the grocery shopping. So gross when I think about it.

Goodbye Hostess. Thanks for the memories, the sugar, the artificial flavorings and colors, the preservatives. We had some good times.

While the Right Wingers...

noreply@blogger.com (Kristine Gray) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:06:00 +0000

are stockpiling weapons, food, signing secession petitions(because that worked out so well the last time), and digging doomsday bunkers, because OMG, THE WORLD IS GOING TO END! since Obama got reelected, the rest of us are living our daily lives. I think the same was said when Chester Arthur was elected, but the country is still standing.

Even though Bill O'Reilly is mourning the lost of the "white establishment" some of us think it's a good thing that Congress is starting to reflect the people it represents. Now, don't get me wrong, I know some "distinguished" (it's just rude to say "old) white males who are some of my favorite people(I plan on being married to one in a few years), but others might know a thing or two about governing our country. Radical, isn't it?