South Dakota

Andrew accepted a Youth and Missions Pastor position in South Dakota in the early fall of 2010. We moved out here in the end of September 2010. It's been tough getting adjusted to a completely different way of life, but it's been really good for us. The pace is much slower out here, so we are learning to sit back and just enjoy life. Chloe continues to grow and learn more every day. (She will be turning two soon)
Every situation God has placed us in has been a learning experience and we continue to learn and grow as we go. Maybe this church isn't our "ideal", but they need Jesus, just as much as any other place. We only pray that God will use us to preach Jesus and bring His love to the people of Western South Dakota.
God has brought some amazing people into our lives to help encourage us and fellowship with outside of church. You can never have too many friends!
We have been fortunate enough to visit IL a couple of times so far in 2011. On one of the trips Andrew and I were each able to attend a conference...both were amazing. God taught us each so much from those. Andrew's parents and Grandparents (Mooney) were able to visit us shortly after we moved in October of 2010, and my parents were able to visit separately in November of 2010. God definitely has been good to us! We are looking forward to where our ministry will take us in the coming months and years. Andrew has already seen growth in the youth ministry and has been able to expand the missions ministry a little...although we are looking to do much much more in the near future. Please pray for us as we try to follow God's leading in our lives. Again, check out the link for "Our Gray Family" for more photos!

Chloe

Click here to view this photo book larger

Wow! How Time Flies!

Sometimes I forget I have a blog to update and other people out there who want to know how we are doing! :) Chloe was born June 6, 2009 so she is almost 1yr old now! She is so cute and wonderful! She has 8 teeth and counting. Her hair is finally long enough to put into pigtails, and she is growing like a bean!
Check out the link to Gray Family Photos to see pictures...
I have opened my own music Studio and have a few students! Check out the link to Studio Gray...
Andrew is looking for a full time position at a church and will be graduating college in July!
Meanwhile, we just live our crazy lives in Rockford serving at Temple and loving life!

Preggo PIcs

D-Day is coming!

Wow it's hard to believe that I'm actually almost through with this pregnancy - although I can't say I'm too sad about it. I can't wait to meet our daughter and I know Andrew feels the same way! I'm getting quite uncomfortable, but I'm sure it will get worse before it gets better. :)
Now I can't stop thinking about what it will be like to finally go into labor and then see that precious bundle of joy for the first time in person...to hold her in my arms...to watch her daddy pick her up oh so tenderly and cautiously...to see him look at her - eyes full of wonder, amazement, love...to hold her close and have her know me as mommy...craziness! I can't wait!
Many moms say that they desperately missed having their baby/babies inside of her. Will I do that? How will I feel? Will I go through he horrible postpartum depression? How will I feel the first time I see her?....
So many unknowns, but it will all be worth it! Right now I can't see myself getting really depressed or wanting her back inside of me, but you never know. Sometimes we surprise ourselves.
Everyone says your lives change forever and you'll never be able to do anything again, and I take that warning or piece of advice - whichever it may be. However, I think of it as a new beginning. Of course things are going to be different and our priorities are going to change - I'd have to be an idiot to think I will still have the same freedom and ability to be as selfish as I am now. We will just take it as it comes - plan ahead and be smart, yes - but take life as it comes to you. After all, isn't that the best way to deal with life anyway? Why worry about tomorrow, when you still don't know what today will bring.
Anyway, just a little glimpse inside my head.
I know that whatever happens, we are going to love our daughter and embrace the new life we will lead as parents.
The journey and crazy adventure just goes on...

My Baby Bump

Six months and counting...

It's a Girl!

We had our ultrasound last week and found out that we were having a girl. We decided to name her Chloe Andrielle. We hope to receive lots of the essentials at our baby shower! We'll see what happens before we buy things. :)