I built this deck here: http://deckbox.org/sets/533206 but it's been a consistent looser at FNM.

Out of the cards I have here: http://deckbox.org/sets/517812 what do you think could make it better?

So first off, if you could describe your FNM that would be helpful. Are you going to be staring down net-decked tier 1 decks each round or is it more or less home-brews?

Secondly, you're VERY divided among strategies. Cards like Akroan Hoplite belong in aggro builds while Prognostic Sphinx is for a mid-range deck, while Aetherling is almost always a control deck card (although it can be put into mid-range in a pinch). You really need to pick which plan you're wanting to go with and stick to it.

Based on how your deck looks, I could see the argument for making it American U/W/R Control, but otherwise see little reason to deviate from the U/W control builds that are out there - red really doesn't give you THAT much in this situation. The biggest problem there is that the U/W control builds RELY on Supreme Verdict and, more so, Sphinx's Revelation (Jace, Architect of Thought and Elspeth, Sun's Champion typically make appearances too). Given the dollar value on those folks, I don't know that you'd really be able to pull that deck together.

Rather, I would say to try to pick up some Chained to the Rocks, Anger of the Gods, and Assemble the Legion. These three can come in, in addition to Magma Jet, Celestial Flare, and Dissolve. Drop almost all of the creatures... you're going to want Aetherling and Assemble to be your primary win-cons. Note that you're going to have to trade for these cards if you want the deck to get better...

So simply put:
-2 Akroan Hoplite
-1 Omenspeaker
-2 Banisher Priest
-4 Spellheart Chimera
-2 Prognostic Sphinx (you could talk me out of this one as Santa Sphinx has done some SERIOUS work for me)
-1 Planar Cleansing

+1 Supreme Verdict
+2 Anger of the Gods
+2 Dissolve - Syncopate could also work here
+1 Aetherling
+2 Assemble the Legion
+1 Azorius Charm
+1 Warleader's Helix
+2 Detention Sphere

The result of this is a more controlling deck that looks to really just stall the opponent until you drop one of your bombs that just single-handedly takes over the game.

I hope some of this helps... sorry that it's not just using your inventory

Ok, I updated the deck to look like this: http://deckbox.org/sets/533206?

Would this mean I could clean up my lands/guildgates then?

It snuck past me, but drop Aqueous Form too - Aetherling can already be unblockable on its own.

For the lands, obviously you would benefit from the full slate of shocks and relevant temples - Temple of Triumph is a MUST.

Additionally, given the setup you're sitting on, I would still suggest running your Omenspeakers to at least have something to toss in the way until you drop a board wipe - might as well wait to two-three-or even four-for one them.

Ok, I updated it to look like this now: http://deckbox.org/sets/533206

This will be more competitive you think?

The mana are all screwed up at the moment... it's only showing 22 lands...

I would suggest the following mana configuration:

4 Hallowed Fountain
4 Steam Vents
4 Sacred Foundry
4 Temple of Triumph
2 Azorius Guildgate
2 Izzet Guildgate
2 Island
1 Mountain
1 Plains

Or something to that effect

Ok, all set up: http://deckbox.org/sets/533206

I've got a shopping list to get started on. Thank you so much for your help!

One last thing. This is my daughter's deck: http://deckbox.org/sets/517869

It's in the same sad shape that mine is. What could kick it up a notch so it'd be competitive?

If you're looking to go Gruul, the only really viable strategy at the moment is to go the devotion route.

For a look at a deck that's using that strategy, see the following: http://deckbox.org/sets/474989

As you'll note; however, this deck is worth $300. Perhaps a better strategy would be to move closer to the RDW strategy with a splash of green...

So that deck would look more like this: http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/deck.asp?deck_id=1171083 but again, you're looking at $180 in cards. http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/deck.asp?deck_id=1172254 isn't as tested, but is definitely cheaper.

If I were you, I'd probably go with the following:

4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Experiment One
4 Burning-Tree Emissary
4 Firefist Striker
4 Gore-House Chainwalker
4 Ghor-Clan Rampager
2 Ember Swallower
2 Polis Crusher (you could easily swap this with Gruul War Chant likely to better effect)

3 Lightning Strike
3 Madcap Skills
2 Clan Defiance

3 Hammer of Purphoros (you could put Domri, Xenagos, Garruk COB, or Chandra Pyromaster here)

4 Stomping Ground
4 Temple of Abandon
1 Gruul Guildgate
4 Forest
9 Mountain

Again, you can make whatever changes you like, but this comes to 61 cards (so you're free to drop one of something) that will rather consistently put pressure on the opponent. The lands are easily the most expensive part of the deck and you could likely make do without the Stomping Grounds but again, the Temples are pretty critical. In terms of cost, at TCG mid you could pick up the whole deck WITH the shocks for about $90. If you don't fret them, you're looking at $51 using the TCG mid-price.

The deck certainly won't be the best in the world and against tier 1 competition it will likely just lose... but against home brews and such, it probably won't do half bad. But she's going to have to play pretty aggressively.

Thank you very much you've been a lot of help and I appreciate it! I'm going to get this for her. I'm sure she'll love it. :)

I just wanted to thank you again. I got all the cards ordered this morning and they are on their way. She's turning 11 on the 22nd and this will be a great birthday present I think. I even ordered my little pony card sleeves like she wanted. :)

You've been a great help, thank you!