August Rush

I know, gone are the days of faithful blogging. I often think I should blog about something- anything! But I get busy, and these days, there seems to be little time for "free time" at the computer.
I am just listening to the soundtrack from the movie "August Rush", and thought that I would share my thoughts on the movie. Hey, I have to start somewhere, right? :)

I must make this clear, I REALLY enjoyed this movie. I think it has made it to my list of favorites. August Rush isn't much of a movie though, I must admit myself. There were so many holes, and I understand it's hard to keep interested in a movie where you have to ____ __ the _____! :)
I guess one reason why I liked it so much was just because of that- it was almost like I was reading a book, and the details were alive in front of me, while the rest was left to my imagination. For someone who thinks to much, and over-analyzes EVERYTHING, this was an enjoyable movie.

While at the movie, I also discovered how much Grace likes to explore unfamiliar restrooms... she let me know her need/desire to go potty about 10 times through the entire movie. She only convinced me 3 of those times.

For your listening pleasure, here's a little sample of the awesome music. Just click on "Enter the Site" It seems to capture the love of music in all of us! Oh, and just for a laugh (and to brag about our little girl), we went bowling over the Thanksgiving weekend with Thom and Stephanie. Grace was SO good! To convince you, Thom's blog shows proof that Grace was just excited about each frame as we were! She's such an amazing girl!

Carter Look-a- like Meter

Last night during the Red Sox vs. Rockies game Sam and I were reading blogs written by our friends and we came across this fun site our friends had posted. So we gave it a whirl. We have now tried this THREE times, and it has given us the same answer 2 of 3 times. The second time we did it we used a different picture of Grace smiling, and it just so happens that she looks 3% more like her mother. Poor girl. :) So, for all those who have ever wondered who Grace looks more like, here is your answer!
We also tried another site some friends posted (we were just trying to keep ourselves calm during the game!) that gives you a goth name; appropriate for Halloween, I think! My name is Poison Passion and Sam ended up with two: Don't Have Eyes and Cthulu's Confidante. Go to www.deadname.com and try it out!
Sam's parents are flying in today- and I am so glad they are coming. I was surprised by the abundace of energy I had yesterday, because I deep cleaned our apartment. Now I am so thankful for that energy! :) Oh, and hooray for rain, and Game 2 of the World Series! It makes this time of year even more enjoyable! (crazy huh? :)

Carolina Beach or BUST!

Sam had Fall Break last week, so we headed to Carolina Beach, NC for a little rest, repose and recuperation. Even before we left, however, in my forgetfulness and hastiness to get everything done, I forgot to strap Grace into her stroller, and when her book fell out of her lap she leaned forward to get it- and got this nice battle wound in return...
She has since earned the name of Charly Chaplin. :)
The few days we had away from home were sorely needed, and we really enjoyed just spending time together. Carolina Beach was a ghost town- literally! There were not many others there, and so we had the beach all to ourselves, and Grace could eat all the sand she wanted to! This was her first time at the Atlantic Ocean, and she loved every moment of it! She especially loved walking in the water as the waves covered her feet and the sand disappeared from beneath them.
She also learned a new sign while we were there for BIRD. (The sign is made by putting your thumb and pointer finger together in a pinching motion near your face, like the beak of a bird).We did the sign a couple of times when the seagulls and other birds would land to find food, and afterwards, wherever she saw a bird she would make the sign. Even at breakfast at McDonald's, she would drop whatever utensil she was holding to make the sign. So, you can imagine the fun time we had with that... and the attention she got from everyone who saw her!

Now we are home, and back to reality. But, the Red Sox have clinched the ALCS, and play the first game of the World Series tonight against the Rockies in Boston. It's great to be able to say: here we go again! So, reality has been placed on the back burner for now... and I am okay with that. :) Go Sox!

In a Nutshell...

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.

~Jane Howard

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? I believe these are worth more than I could ever explain, so I will let you enjoy them while I share a slice of what we've had the pleasure of experiencing:

Grace's birthday was something spectacular, now that I look back at it. She just seemed to blossom overnight! She understands new signs in ASL so quickly, and she has also recently made up her own sign for her "special" blanket. She is simply amazing!

Grace and I went to Utah for a few days to visit family and friends while Sam stayed behind and caught up on school work, although I don't know if "catching up" is really possible in grad school. We missed him, (and the warm weather!) but Grace found ways to keep busy, as you can see. One day we went to visit Kim and her girls: Grace now has aspirations of being a cheerleader. She also learned that day that it is possible to put something back when you take it out! In one of the photos she had taken out all of Brittin's crayons out of it's box, and then remarkably picked them up, one by one, and handed them to Brittin or Virginia. She LOVES being the center of attention!

The last day we were there we went to visit her great-grandparents, who have only seen her a handful of times. She may not remember them as she grows up, but she will always know how they lived. They are amazing people- I hope someday to be like they have become.

I couldn't leave this out if I wanted y'all to see her true character: Grace is a little flirt!
We got together with some old friends for lunch on Friday, and Sarah and Kennan Allred came. He and Grace have, of course, been friends since birth, and it seems they have been missing eachother more than we knew because when Grace crawled away, Kennan came chasing after! Grace LOVED the company she was in, and was content sitting as close as he would permit. A little too close for comfort, I would say! :)
Life is good, and we had a good time- but it is so nice to be home. I love it here.

"Procrastination is the thief of time" ~ Edward Young

No, I have not given up blogging.


I suppose the best excuse I can come up with for not keeping y'all up to date is that I am queen of procrastinating. And the longer I put something off, the more overwhelming I begin to feel. So, it snowballs, and I end up in the position I am now... so much to share, so little time.





Well, I will start small, so I can hopefully hold your attention for better blogs to come!



This month our Relief Society has initiated a book club in our ward. It's actually a book club, non-exclusive, supported by Deseret Book. All books are first approved by them, and then they give each group the opportunity to chose one of three books offered each month. Not all books are religious, so there seems to be a good variety- we will see how it goes! So this month I had the immense pressure of choosing the book. I was so nervous not many people would be high on the book, but it turns out to have been a hit!
I just finished it on the flight back from visiting in Utah, and I am looking forward to sharing the details with others that made this book so enjoyable for me. If you like history, but don't like textbooks accounts, this is a highly recommended book!

Here is the quote for the day! And I'll post again tomorrow!
"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness; no laziness; no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."
Lord Chesterfield (1694 - 1773)

Reading is to the Mind What Exercise is to the Body ~Sir Richard Steele

I think the title pretty much sums it up. I LOVE a good book!
I just finished Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. I am sorry to say that I wasn't as dedicated to reading it as I should have been or would have liked. It is not one of those books that you can simply pick up and escape reality, though it's storyline does provide that; it's as though you are in the very center of the mind of a small town preacher, with all of his struggles, joys, thoughts and even misunderstandings. I am not very articulate when it comes to accurately describing the essence of this book, but I am glad to have had the privilege of reading it. I guess that means you'll have to read it yourself.
I love how a good book can inspire, uplift and increase one's understanding, emotions and faith. "Seek ye out of the best books..." as we are taught- I think this book can be classified as a best book.
One more thing...I have always loved finding a good quote on any particular topic. Here's one that's applicable to this topic of conversation:

The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others.

William Lyon Phelps

HAPPY READING!

"Energy and Persistence Conquer All Things" ~ Benjamin Franklin

I have been trying to think of a good way to describe how things are going here- particularly for Sam in his classes. He is frustrated because one class seems very unnecessary... and yet he goes on. He may think that a particular subject is worthless at this stage in his education, but he will stay up until all hours of the night just to make sure he knows how to do what is required. He is so committed to this vision he sees of where he wants to be in the future, and not even a terrible class can sway his motivation. So, I just wanted to brag about him, and thank him for the wonderful example he is to me about not giving up. So many dreams are easily forgotten because we don't take that first step into the water and just TRY. I am very guilty of that myself- and I am thankful for the motivation you give me Sam, to just keep going. It WILL get better, or easier- it has to. :)

As for Grace and I- we are finding educational activities to fill our days instead of going to the grocery store, or Wal-Mart (Heaven forbid!) to walk around. Mondays or Tuesdays we do the grocery shopping; Tuesdays is story time at Pottery Barn. We went for the first time today, and it was great. Grace didn't necessarily pay attention to the story, but she was intrigued by the occasional bright picture, and sat contently in my lap with her board book and a cracker. Every other Friday the public library does story time also, so we are planning on that also. The weather is cooling off- so it's easier to want to go outside in the afternoons; and when it's hot a lot of women gather with their kids in the lobby of one of the apartment buildings and let them run around while we visit. That has actually proved very motivating for Grace since that is where she got frustrated enough to crawl. Now she's curious about everything! And we love it! :)

One more thing- A very good friend Tiffany Evans' father, passed away from a long battle with cancer. I was so sad to hear that; I can only imagine the heartache she must be feeling. But just so you know Tiff, he has left an indelible impression on many who don't even know him- just because I know you. You said he was always happy, always positive, no matter how bad it got, and you are the same way. Thank you for the great example of faith and happiness that you are to us. And, I love you, Dad. I love you, Sam.

What age 28 gave me

I think I have gotten to the age where you no longer tell your friends and acquaintences how old you are, or when your birthday is, unless they happen to be with you when it is required by law to divulge such information! As I was thinking how I might blog about all this, it occured to me that maybe there is something to gain from another birthday. Thanks to Laura, I cannot help but think of what I wouldn't have without having a 28th birthday; so here is what 28 has given me:
Less than a month after my 27th birthday, Grace was born. Wow, she was so tiny, and SO trusting! :)

Just two months ago, almost to the day, we arrived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Just to get here- the application process, the interviews, the WAITING... and the praying- all of it was necessary to get us where we are today. Without this past year, we would not have this: our life in Chapel Hill, to look forward to. There is much more to share about life here, but that is another blog in itself!


The older I get, the more thankful I can be for the things we have been blessed to experience and have through the past year. I may be one year older, but ah, look at all I have!

A Rocky in Training

So, I realize it's been a LONG time since I have posted anything. I feel like it's been a long time since I've DONE anything; I have felt so overwhelmed at getting settled in and concentrating with Sam on the beginnings of Grad school that I had lost motivation to do anything. Almost everyday (and Sam can attest to this!) I have set the alarm to go running, and every morning I have come up with an excuse to climb back into bed. WHY CAN'T I BE LIKE ROCKY??
So, here he is.
I am proud to say that ALL of our boxes are FINALLY emptied, and our apartment is beginning to feel like a home.

*A burst of motivation emerges!*

We were invited to dinner at a friend's house on Saturday-

*Another surge of energy is born!*

And a new friend and I decided to train for a triathlon together.
Yes, I think I am beginning to understand how it feels to be Rocky in Training.

I Love You, Sam

Today is our 3 year anniversary! We just got back from New England where we went to a Red Sox game (thankfully, they won!) and visited some friends in New Hampshire. Boston is a beautiful city, a place Sam and I love to be; and New Hampshire was a world of its own hidden by forests of trees. It's beautiful, and we had a great time. I even got up the nerve to order myself some sushi at dinner one night. New England can do crazy things to you if you let it! :)
It has been so fun to spend time in New Jersey with Thom, and Susie and Gary. It's hard to leave somewhere you are so comfortable being with people you love. We also celebrated Sam's 26th birthday here. If you want to wish him a happy birthday, visit his blog site, and leave him a comment! :)
http://papiheel.blogspot.com/
Now we are a day away from leaving New Jersey and heading back down to North Carolina to finally get settled in before Sam begins his orientation next week. Sam, you have changed my life forever- and I will forever be thankful to God for placing you in my life. I never imagined all of the places I would travel, all of the opportunities to learn and grow that I have had, and all the people that would bless my life because I have you. I love you, Sam!

A Girl of Many Talents, and Wicked is Good!

I think this picture says it all; but just for kicks I'll elaborate...
Grace turned 10 months old last Friday, and overnight it seemed she developed in leaps and bounds. As you can see, she already has a nack for music (at about 8 weeks she would try and sing along to the tune: "You are my sunshine"). She also understands the ASL signs for "milk", and "more food", and screams at the top of her lungs because she can- until we give her a blueberry, cracker, or pick her up. Yes, she is the one who wears the pants in the family.
Grandpa Gary has taught her to wink... although she can't quite do it with one eye; she practices constantly. :)
Life goes by so quickly. She is teaching me to enjoy
every moment.
I am very proud of her.



Okay, now that I am done bragging (for today, that is!),
On Friday Sam took me to see the Musical "WICKED" to celebrate our 3 year anniversary. I have to say it was WICKED GOOD! Each cast member added their own unique personalities to their character, and by the end they had us in tears- well, let's not kid ourselves: they had ME in tears! :) Wanna little taste of it? Here is a video of the song "Popular". For those who are not familiar with this masterful broadway show, I highly recommend it- and I recommend buying the music CD before you see the musical. It just makes it that much more enjoyable. And for those who have the time and desire to read (a great book, I've been told) it is based on a book by Gregory Maguire.
We head to Boston this week to watch the Red Sox play the Orioles- aah, the beautiful city of Boston! We'll keep you posted! :)

To teach a new mom old tricks...

Grace broke out in a rash this morning after taking a nap. It is on her face and neck, stomach and back, but nowhere else, and doesn't seem to bother her. So after panicking slightly this morning, I am down from obsessed with worry, to a little less than overly concerned. I suppose I am just being reminded, and taught yet again, that I DO NOT know everything, and I have SO MUCH to learn. I guess one can get comfortable when our children are healthy and happy- and impatient and critical when they are not. Patience is an old trick of the trade I have never been very good at. I appreciate the opportunity to acquire such a virtue. :)

My sister in law Kim, and her three girls left for their home in Utah last night. It is quiet in this big house, but we miss them. And although Grace may enjoy being the center of attention, she sure had a good time with them while they were here:

She is a never-ending clapping machine with her cousins constantly entertaining her!

And, she loves the camera almost as much as they do!

We were both tuckered out by the end of the day. I love that!

Ah, the joys of being a mother. :)

Do you remember...

When you were fourteen? It seems like forever ago, and thankfully I look like I've grown a little since then. We were cleaning out our car the other day and I came across a copy of this picture from the summer I played football on an all-boys team because there was no girl's team around; Powder Puff came a couple of years later.

I think about all that has happend since then, and I am amazed at how much has changed, and how naturally those changes have come. I would have only dreamed at that age that one day I would marry such a wonderful, funny man who would take me places I never thought I would go; and that we would have such a great time raising such a beautiful and spirited (don't you think?) little girl, and make such wonderful friends, and have such wonderful family. Dreams DO come true... even more so because God knows better than I, what is best.

I also must give my congratulations to my sister Avery. She and her husband- as of 1:30pm today are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl whom they will name Brea Adelle Pince. Children are witnesses to us that there is a God in heaven- and he trusts us- US!- to raise HIS children and bring them back to Him. I will step down from the pulpit now. Avery this blog's for you. :)

These times, they are a changin'

We are spending time in the good ol' state of New Jersey for a few weeks before Sam begins grad school at UNC. It has only been since March that we have all been together, and yet so much has changed since then.

Grace now proudly imitates almost any sound or facial expression that is done in her line of sight. She is also known everyone here as "Bobblehead Grace". She is so rythmic; and we love every second of it.She is not the only one who is constantly growing and changing. Brittin, Virginia, Emma, and on occasion Annika, jump off the diving board like they are competing in the olympics... and swallowing pool water like it is going out of style. It is really fun to watch.

Last but not least, Carter is not left without his share of adventure ( or pool water!). He is, however, a little sensitive to Grace's company as she is constantly trying to take his binki from him, or happily screaming at him. We're hoping that he eventually gets used to her incredible amount of energy, or that his calm and casual personality rubs off on her. I doubt the latter will happen.

Life is made up of constant changes. Without them, life would be dull and void of learning. With them we find beauty and meaning in the simple opportunities we have to welcome them.

Michigan's Adventures

We are in Midland Michigan right now with Sam's sister Laura, her husband Sean and their two kids Emma and Carter. It's beautiful here; the town has much more to offer than I thought it would. I guess that's often the case wherever I go: I realize that there is so much to see, and so much that's good to be found outside of my comfort zone.

Grace, Carter and Emma are having loads of fun together. Grace and Carter are pretty content just rolling around on the floor, and Grace loves watching Emma. Kids are so smart!

We leave here on Friday for North Carolina where we will move in to our new apartment on Saturday. It's such an exciting thing to live somewhere new, and yet overwhelming at the thought. Which reminds me: Sam and I study the manual for the driver's test in order to get NC driver's licenses. Wish us luck!

The First of Many

I am very new to this, so you'll have to bear with me. It has taken me forever to come up with a blog title (I am not the only one who has spent time brainstorming like mad for some sort of creative name). So, after much deliberation I have gladly given in to fatigue and frustration; we are excited though, to share our adventures and experiences of North Carolina.

Well, this one is short, but there will be more to come. I will get pictures up as soon as we find our camera too. That might be helpful.