Tragedy & Hope

This life is so cruel. Friends of ours, Brian and and Kristy Gray have experienced a horrible life changing event. They need prayer, encouragement and donations. Please click the link on the side of my blog for for more information. I am also copying some information from a facebook page set up in their honor.

The Brothers of Zeta Eta Theta (ZHO) have set up a fund in memory of Helen Gray the daughter of Brian and Kristy Gray.

This is open to ANY and ALL brothers and sisters of Christ that would like to give to this lovely family...not just Brian's ZHO Brothers.

Every cent of this fund will go towards medical, funeral and other expenses our brother and sister in Christ may incur at this time.

If you would like to give please do one of the following...

By Mail:

Payable to line - In Memory of Helen Gray
For/Memo/Subject line - Acct#1002131686

Checks are mailed DIRECTLY to the bank...

In Memory of Helen Gray
P.O. Box 040002
Huntsville, Alabama 35804

Drop a donation off to the Synovus Bank nearest you:

First Commercial Bank is a member of the Synovus Banking group.
Click here to find a sister branch in your area.

Take the donations to the bank with the following information...

Payable to line - In Memory of Helen Gray
For/Memo/Subject line - Acct#1002131686
Depositing Bank Routing Number - 062203515
Depositing Bank Name - First Commercial Bank, Huntsville, AL

By Paypal:

Click here to make a donation with PayPal

Join the "Prayers The Brian Gray Family" Facebook group

Click here to Join

Information for those without a Facebook account:

**Pass the link below on to those who do not have access to Facebook**

Click here

Our thoughts, prayers and love are with this dear family at this time.

We love you Brian, Kristy & Helen.

If you have any problems please let us know...Neal F. Burch (Sonny) & James L. Burch or email us at grayfamilyfund@gmail.com

Our hearts are aching for their loss. But, time will help and we can offer love and support.

I don't understand why these things must happen to such wonderful people. All I know is
Job 1:21 "...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Helen is most definitely in a better place. We will forever miss her.

CHICKS WITH CENTS GIVE AWAY!

The "Couponator"

One lucky winner will receive the Couponator; a fun, easy to use binder to help you with your coupon organizing needs. You'll receive the Binder (which is 2 sided and zips up), 10 - 9 insert holders and 10 page protectors along with a pair of scissors and a calculator. Oh, and how about $200 worth of coupons to go along with it??

Want to enter? Visit the Chicks with Cents website for more details!!!!

Mission: Thumb Gaurds

I cannot believe how ridiculously expensive thumb guards are. I found one I think would be best for Blake at Leaps and Bounds ...$75.00, REALLY?!

Before, I purchase, I decided to throw it out there that I am looking for one of these. If you stumble across a better deal please let me know about it!

Hailey had a pacifier until she was 18 months. We had originally planned to try to put an end to little man's thumb sucking at the same age but time has gotten away from us. I have had several close friends tell me that he will stop on his own (after all, theirs did). I believe them, I really do. But, I have also met (more than I would like to admit) moms out and about that comment on Blake and then follow it up with and my kid still does it...he's 12,18, one even said 30 now! I fear the latter. I don't want him to be a sucker when he grows up!

This Old Man (A Running Story)

This morning I got out for the first time in a week and a half. Beautiful day with leaves falling all around. I decided to go to the track to run (since I haven't been anywhere to pick up some pepper spray). The last few times I have gone to this particular track there is an old man that always makes me feel really uncomfortable and psyches me out. I usually end up running a couple of laps and then leaving because he is always talking to me and I can't focus.

For example:

Lap 1 Howdy! How far you think your going to run today?
Lap 2 I can hear you breathing pretty hard.
Lap 3 Your face is getting red.
Lap 4 You sure are slowing down.
Lap 5 Your only on lap 5.
Lap 6 How far did you say you had to go?
And on and on...

I am dreading the next time I have to pass him because I never know what negative comment is going to come out of his mouth. I know that shouldn't bother me. But, if you are trying to run any sort of a distance, especially on a track, you have to kinda be "in the zone" or else you just peter out too quick.

I was on lap 4 when I came around and he made the "slowing down" comment and then held up 4 fingers (because I can't keep up?). Any way, I decided then I was going to run until he ran out of fingers. There, that was a goal! I ended up getting in 4 miles which just so happens to be 12 laps :) Silly Old Man... Now instead of being my running nemesis I will consider him my lap counter.

Dragging Our Feet...

is all we seem to be doing around here lately. The kids have been back and forth being sick. Little man has been battling "flu like symptoms" since Saturday. We have had a time trying to get him to eat. I have offered him everything I can think of that is good tasting and not going to be horrible if he gets an upset stomach again. This was him at dinner time. Not one bite went in his mouth. All he wants is to be held :(



Last week while running I was attacked by a dog in my neighborhood. That was very scary and I haven't been back out since. I hope that never happens again. The bite wasn't severe but emotionally it was horrible!


So far it is healing up pretty good but it sure is staying sore!



Halloween is almost here. This year has been a bit of a let down. Normally, I have made a trip to the pumpkin' patch with the kids, carved or painted them and had a girls night here at the house. But, I have either had sick kids or everyone else is so busy I would have had to go to the patch alone. So, we have just hung out here at the house. I have everything together but I am afraid we won't make it to church Wednesday night and that would make us miss the trunk & treating. I am praying that we can get out Friday night for the Halloween party. I still need to talk to Blake's pediatrician about that. I hope everyone has a good week. Please say a special prayer for my baby to get well soon. I know Hailey would be devastated if we missed everything.