Potty Training and John Mayer- Who Could Ask for Anything More?

Yesterday Sam took me to see John Mayer in concert. I know you probably already know what an amazing and thoughtful husband he is, but just indulge me here. Sam is not familiar with a lot of John Mayer's songs, but he found these great tickets and spent the money that I was not allowed to spend on him, for a birthday gift to me. He did this without any hinting or prompting on my part. Fewer thoughtful things in the world have ever been done, and I consider myself the luckiest woman in the world to have him as my husband. I love you so much Sam!

Now, You have to understand that this is the 3rd concert I have EVER been to, and the other two were family concerts- one at the Utah State Fair! So, as you can imagine, I was pretty excited. I felt like I was a high-school girl again, with a wicked handsome guy at my side, and good music to enjoy. Here's a little miracle you might related to: I had prayed many times during the day that the weather would clear up so we could enjoy the concert (it's rained every day this week). Well, it was sprinkling during our drive there, but cleared up just before we got there. We had a cool breeze, and a nice spot on the lawn with our blankets and our bag of popcorn and waters (It was SO nice that we could bring it with us!), enjoyed dancing and singing together (what songs we knew anyway!), and then we left just before the encore (hey, it was late, we're old, and we had a babysitter waiting on us! :) - no joke, it began to sprinkle just as we were walking to the car, and on our way home we had to slow down because there was so much rain. My prayers were answered in a very specific way, and
made it the BEST concert ever!!

Now I have one more thing to share with ya'll. We have been trying (and trying) and trying to potty train Grace- I'm sure you know that. It's been really fun to watch her progress, and to watch her, in reality, teach herself. That is something she has an amazing gift for, is learning from her own experiences- and at her age! Fruit snacks are a blessing from heaven, and a wonderful bribe for her to want to go potty. We love fruit snacks!! :) So, we are proud to say that, though she is not fully potty trained, she had a special day (strike that- I, THE MOTHER, had a special day!) going to the potty ALL BY HERSELF- and she is so proud and excited when she does it. She went POOP (we've had struggles with #2) TWICE in the toilet, without being asked. The first time she did it (and you can picture this in your minds eye) she stands on her tip-toes to open the bathroom door, sits on her little toilet, and pushes with all her might... it worked! She was so excited that she came running out of the bathroom with poop falling from her little bum and she excitedly screams and says, "Mommy poop! See! See!" That was a little mess I was happy to clean up. :) So, we bought her first pairs of panties today. Some with horses on them. She was so excited, she would not get off the toilet to put her diaper on for bed. This is only the beginning... but such a happy ending. :)

Home again Home again, Jiggity Jig

My cute hubby posted his summary of our summer (very funny! So check it out!), so I thought I would do the same... kind of.
We are home in beautiful North Carolina. Yes, I LOVE New Jersey, and we had a great time there (Grace STILL asks when Grandma and Grandpa are coming home), but it is good to be home.
Since we've been here, our days have been filled with fun times! Like...ICE CREAM- of course! We went out for ice cream twice! Once with Grandma Susie and Grandpa Gary, and once out to the big farm to meet and visit with friends. So much fun! And...

campouts- in the comfort of our little apartment. :) With popcorn, and pillows, blankies and carrots and hummus (Grace's favorite!), and Elmo (that's Finding Nemo, in case your confused :)

And, Birthdays! Well, birthdays is another blog in and of itself because Grace's birthday hasn't come yet, and mine isn't far away- and we weren't in NC for Sam's, but I have to say a few things about Sam's birthday. He is 27 now- WOW! Old huh? :) Well, we were lucky enough to go to Boston and enjoy a great Red Sox game and see Ron and Rachel and Cadence before they made their way back West. It was a memorable weekend! Well for Sam's birthday I decided I would finally make the t-shirt quilt I have been promising him. We are what you call POOR, but this didn't cost much, just time and help by a wonderful mother in-law and talented quilter (thank you so much Susie!)- and it turned out great! Best of all, Sam is always so good at expressing his gratitude and love for the gift, and love for me- I have to say, there is NO comparison to the love I have for him! And rich or poor, I am learning more and more that my family and the gospel of Jesus Christ is worth more to me than all the riches and possessions in the world!

God Bless America

Well, we are safely back in New Jersey. I am still kicking myself for my poor planning- I am so sorry that we didn't get to see so many of you- I hope you are all doing well and that you know of our love and gratitude for you all.Sam, Thom and I had the lucky chance to go to a (free!) Red Sox game at Yankee Stadium. This is what we saw as we crossed into New York City over the George Washington Bridge.This was a moving sight for me as we all paid our respect to our country and its flag. It was an amazing feeling to me to see and hear thousands of people singing The Star Spangled Banner, and God Bless America (During the 7th inning stretch)- I really felt the strength and pride of everything America represents- and I feel so very grateful for the freedom of choice and opportunity that I so often take for granted.
I am especially thankful to live in a country that was prepared and founded upon freedom from religious persecution- freedom to worship as we please, and prepared for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be restored.
I am so glad to be back with my best friend, and to enjoy a classic American pastime together. We are so very blessed, and I thank God this day for America and all we have here. Oh, and the Red Sox won 6-4. A great ending to a great day. Happy Independence Day to you all!

To Daddy With Love

Dear Daddy,

I am having such a good time with Budah (Deborah) and Nanul

(Daniel) and Nonny (Johnny) and Dadid (David), and Mamma and Papa of course, but they just don't compare to you. I have found some things here though that I enjoy, to dull the pains of missing you:

I didn't even want to eat dinner after we arrived at Grandma's house from the airport- I just wanted to play in the water! Well, I ate my dinner anyway, and then Budah and I played in the sprinkler. I ran through it all by myself! Of course my day was only complete with a ride on the swing. Isn't life wonderful?! :)

On Saturday I watched my first parade! And the candy- oh the candy! Don't worry, I won't eat it all. Mom is making me save some for you, even though you know she won't let you eat it all. She's sneaky like that. It was so hot Mom took me to the splash park/fountain at the Gateway. I had my doubts at times, but I LOVED playing in the water. I just don't understand why Mom wouldn't let me stay there all day! So, reluctantly I came home (okay, kicking and screaming really, but what's the diff?) But I was glad to take a nap, and later that night we went to the park- with slides AND stairs- and get this- we brought the dog! Oh, I love the dog (from a distance, of course!) :)

Well, I am going to bed now- Mom is tired and she needs a nap (what's new?). But I can't wait to see you! I go to bed missing your songs, and your kisses and your hugs. Just one, TWWWOOO, three more days until we go on an airplane ride to see you! Oh, and Mommy says hello and she loves you TWWWOOOO!

To my Daddy with Love,

Gracie

My Buddy and Me

There is so much to share! So, here is just a bite of the fun-filled days with the cousins. In celebration of Father's Day I know it's not much, but I need to pay tribute to three men in my life that I love very much: my father, my father in-law, and Sam. I am so thankful for the wonderful fathers who do so much good, and get too little credit. Sam, I love you with all of my heart. You are the best father- you thrive on your love for your family, and it is evident in all you do. Thank you for sharing your life with me.


We celebrated the day with yellow cake with chocolate frosting, of course! So naturally, Grace and Carter both needed baths afterwards. They had SO much fun together, they are becoming two peas in a pod. Scary. :) Here is the proof:

Carter is encouraging Grace to blow bubbles. Up until now, Carter has dreaded the bath. Tonight, neither one of them wanted to get out! SO FUN!!

To Honor the Moments

I think about blogging almost everyday, and by 8pm after dinner is done and children are in bed, I give in to my tired muscles, and tired brain, and I go to bed. (Seriously, last night I was in bed by 10. The night before that, 8:45.)
We have so much fun together- children have SO much energy, it's hard to keep up! :)
Last week we had an enrichment activity (in New Jersey, in case you are all wondering) put on by Charlotte Jessop who has been a professional life coach. We did some personal life activities, but the most impressionable thing she shared was when she was asking her husband questions of things he wants to do to have a more abundant life. He concluded that he wanted to take more pictures- to honor the moment- of their children, so have a more fulfilling life as a father.
Well, that was it for me too. Too often I put off taking pictures, thinking I'll have the same opportunities another day- which, obviously doesn't happen, or I delay writing in my journal until another day, but then I lose what was important to me the day before. I have given in to laziness, and have given up the many gifts of the wonderful moments that I experience. So, to honor the moments, here are some pictures of Grace and her cousins, Emma and Carter Whiteley. From North Carolina to New Jersey, here are the some wonderful moments to share with you!
Enjoy!

19 Months Old....

Honestly, tell me- where does the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday that we were just coming home from the hospital, or just watching her learn to crawl, or eat real people food? AMAZING!
We are in North Carolina for one more week, and then we're off to New Jersey! So much fun and opportunity lie ahead! But, there is no time like NOW to enjoy life. :) Whenever we pass a flower bush, or a patch of wildflowers, Grace wants to stop and pick them, or smell them (though she doesn't quite understand how to smell the flowers, but she gets the general idea- she puts them close to her face, then pulls back and lets out a big "AHHH" sigh like she has just smelled the most wonderful smell in the world. It's a classic lesson for all of us- stop and smell the flowers!
By the way... is she a future triathlete, or what?! :)Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.
Eddie Cantor (1892 - 1964)

In Our Lovely Chapel Hill

I just ran from our churchhouse, to our apartment, which is about 5.5 Miles away. It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful run- flowers and trees are now blooming- the fragrance is almost overwhelming! Birds are singing (Grace is quick to notice them whenever we are outside. She teaches me so often to be grateful for the simple things!), and everyone is enjoying the spring weather here. It's wonderful!
So, to all of you suffering through more cold weather, I express my deepest sympathies. :) Wanna come to beautiful North Carolina? :) You're always welcome!

Triathlon Season in Full Swim- I mean Swing!

Okay, I am really embarrassed. It has been over a month since I have even attempted to blog. SO much has happened, so here is a sum up (through pics, of course!)
Recently, Sam decided that for a Family Home Evening, our activity would be to bake brownies and take them to our neighbors. Well, we didn't have a brownie mix, so we made them from scratch- and this is how much Grace enjoyed it- both helping AND tasting!Grace is enchanted by "Enchanted"! If you've never seen it, we highly recommend it, BUT we thought that the music was good, so we bought the soundtrack. Well, Grace has slowly gone from her obsession with just the music, to her obsession with one particular scene in the movie (the Central Park theme, if you know what I'm talking about), to the ENTIRE movie. It's all we can do to not let her watch the movie ALL day! Here she is sitting with Sam at the computer watching the scene she loves most... over, and over, and over!We went to Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago Illinois for Spring Break because Sam had a health care conference to attend- so we tagged along, and it was great! We had SO much fun with our friends in Ohio, and family in Chicago. Grace was so happy in Ohio especially because of the DOGS! That's right, not just one, but TWO beautiful and energetic dachshunds. Here Grace is doing what she enjoyed most- giving Belle and Zoey their doggy treats! Thank you Sherri and Shayne for your hospitality and friendships. We had a great time! (We will be up again for more ice cream too! :)

Okay, Now that we are "caught up" in a sense, I would like to leave you with one more picture, although slightly embarrassing, it provides me a way to share one of my loves with you-

TRIATHLONS!!

On Saturday I did my first triathlon of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina- and finished a 500 meter swim, 13 mi. bike ride, and 3.2 mi. run in 1hr. 24 minutes. Woohoo! Of course it always feels good to finish a race, but I am looking forward to more improvements and more triathlons in the ensuing months. You gotta tri it! :)

Appropriate for this blessed FLU season!

I was just searching out some good music to put on my playlist when I came across this somewhat familiar catchy tune from Guys and Dolls. I thought the information might be very helpful for all of us enduring the flu this winter... (The song is called Aldelaide's Lament ). I just have to keep reminding myself that March- Spring!- is just around the corner!

How do I tell thee? Let me count the words...

I have wanted to do this for a long time, as I thought all of you would enjoy it; As many of you know, Grace LOVES to talk! She starts as soon as she wakes up in the mornings, til she goes to bed at night... and even then we have caught her talking in her sleep!
So, to give you a glimpse into just what she might be talking about, here is a list of words that she has words for- most of which are pretty understandable! It amazes me, everyday, how gifted our sweet little girl is (the sweet part of her only slightly diminishes when she screams!:)She says:
Bird, Blanket, Water, Hurt, Thank you, Moon, Juice, More, Dad, Mom, Grace, Bread, Cheese, Dog, Duck, Frog, Horse, Baby, Book, Walk, Stairs, Elevator (it's her favorite toy!), Outside, Hot, Tickle, Bree and Lilly (her two best friends), All done, Pea, Banana (comes out as "nana"), Piano, Grandma, Grandpa, Emma, Deborah (she calls her Buddy), Daniel, Slide, Poop, Knife, Fork, Spoon, No (it's more like NO NO NO!), and occasionally Yes...

She signs:
Milk, Please, Bear, Book, Bath, Potty, Cereal, Wait, Boy, Girl, Cold (she mostly says Oooh!), You're Welcome, Friend, Dirty, Play...

And the list is growing! Just recently she has started to really try and say every word we say. WHOAH! Never have we had to pay such close attention, not only to what we do, but especially to what we say! Sam and I went on a date over the weekend thanks to our friend Ashley. And now, Grace says her name when she sees her. It's amazing! I think not only have I underestimated her intelligence, I bore her to death at home! So, we have found many activities and friends to keep us busy. It's exhausting, yes, but it's much better than hearing the sad cries of a child who wants to do SO much, ALL of the time!
P.S. I have posted the recipe for the best wheat rolls ever! Enjoy!

Let's Try Something New!

First of all, I have to say thank you so much, to all of you, for your supportive comments, and your love and friendship. It was a good experience, going out to Utah for the funeral. I really wanted to see so many friends and family, but we just spent time with family this time around. The next time we come to visit, we will make it a point to see everyone!

On another note, I have added a couple of new things to my blog. One is that I am using my camera more often, and I wanted to share my pictures with you. They are not professional, in any sense of the word, but I enjoy it, and want to get better, so I thought you might enjoy them too. Also, a couple of you crazy people wanted my recipe for the tacos we had one night. Well, since I don't have a recipe for that (at the moment!), I can't give it to you- but I HAVE decided to post a weekly recipe on my blog, for those of you who are willing to try your taste buds on my experiments. I will try to remember to change the recipe weekly- and I hope you survive them! Okay, seriously, the recipes I will post will be wicked good- in my opinion at least.

And now starts the vigorous training for two up coming triathlons- one on March 29th, and the 2nd one on April 5th! I'll let you know how the training goes!

A Tribute

I know that everyone has heard and read much about the recent passing of our beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinkley. I have struggled with my thoughts of what I could say that could add meaning and value to the flood of support and sympathy that has been offered. I decided that what I can do is offer my thanks and pay tribute to a man whose teachings and example helped me to serve as a better missionary, be a better friend, a better mother, a better companion. Because of him, I LOVE the Book of Mormon, I LOVE Germany (mind you, I promised myself I would NEVER go there, let alone to serve a mission there!), and I live in a small town just MINUTES away from a temple where I may worship and receive the blessings of eternity. So, although I never met him, and never talked to him, he knew me, and knew just what I needed through the course of his 18 years as prophet, seer and revelator. I look forward to the day when I can meet him, and thank him for helping me to stand a little taller, and be a little better.
I also want to pay tribute to my grandmother who passed away on Tuesday. I remember when I was younger she told me "Don't have any regrets". I have never forgotten that. I find myself thinking now "If Only..."; If only I could have had just one more summer evening with her on the front porch swing, making jokes and laughing about life; If only I could have just one more piece of advice on how to raise good children, and be a good mother; if only I could have just one more chance to tell her I love her...
But I would still not be satisfied. So, I love you, Grandma. I love you for your example- I hope that I can be like you someday. I know that I will see you again- I can promise you that I will do all that I can to make sure that happens. But knowing that doesn't make it any easier that you are gone. Please give Grandpa a hug and a kiss from us too. Our greatest joy now is knowing that you are together again, and that one day, we'll be home, with you.

Ode to Tacos

Following in Laura's footsteps, I thought I would post my appreciation for good, creative tacos with this picture:Last night I decided to go out on a limb and make homemade soft shell tacos, AND the meat inside (which actually contained virtually no meat at all!). The meat consisted of black beans, left-over chili, green peppers, and carrots, with a dash of taco seasoning. Well, I was worried how it would be received at the dinner table, but as you can clearly see, it was a hit! Thank you Grace, for making your mom feel good about her experimental cooking!

Hit the Ground Walking

It's true- Grace is officially walking... and she would be running if her little body kept up with the constant moving of her legs!

Sam began his 2nd semester classes on Wednesday, and then had a 4 day weekend! We were told about this playground in the mall called Kid's Stadium: a play area full of soft stairs, slides and activity boards all representing sports.

Grace walked right to a large baseball- definitely her father's daughter! :) She has so much fun walking around and going down the slides that after about 45 minutes she walked right out the entrance of the play area to her stroller and said "all done!"

We got the picture, and went home. We had a wonderful, FREE, family play day.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

I am not posting this picture because of it's incomparable beauty (that was sarcastic in case you didn't know- so just laugh!), but because of the point I wanted to make. I am holding in my hand a new (to me) refurbished Vivitar SLR professional film camera. This was Sam's gift to me for Christmas. I have wanted to, for a long time, really learn the art of photography, and try my hand at portraits, landscapes, and whatever else catches my eye. Sam provided me with the opportunity to do this. His gift was more thoughtful and more unexpected than I could have imagined. I didn't even drop any hints or anything. So, it's not the gift, but really the thought that counts. I love him more today than ever. :)

We are home again in the beautiful and WARM state of North Carolina. It was 70 degrees today. Unreal! We are all also just getting over being sick. It is a relief that it happened over the Christmas break and not during the semester for Sam. And just when I thought it had passed over us and I remained the lucky one, it hit me. Life happens when you least expect it I guess! I am just thankful to have a husband who is ready to wait on me and my every need. 2008 is already full of blessings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As a result of my New Year's Resolutions, I am going to blog more often. I know, I know- it's big talk... but it's 2008. Anything can happen. :)

So, Merry Christmas! I still have a stack of Christmas cards to send out, so if you haven't received one yet, you'll get one eventually. I guess it's better late than never. And if I don't have your address or didn't get a chance to send one your way, here is the photo, and the poem that we wrote to remember 2007. We love you all and hope that your CHRISTmas season has been wonderful! The Carter’s Christmas Poem

T’was
the year 2007 when
at Baity Hill, the fire alarms at 3am
let out a deep shrill! And so this year has been
full of surprises, just as this poem it simply summarizes:
Jan & February Sam traveled the globe to interview in many states pursuing his
academic robe
In March Spring Break was a welcome retreat;
going to Disneyworld was really neat! Everyday some-
thing new inside Mickey’s Park; Belle and Buzz Lightyear truly left their mark!
“Finding Nemo” the Musical was something to exclaim, and Epcot Center was anything
but lame! In April came a long-awaited celebration
when Amy’s diplomas finally came- and feelings of pure elation
Were shared by all again in May, when Sam graduated- Hip, hip hooray!
June was filled with
sorrow and joy, as to family and friends we said our
goodbye A month filled with somuch to see, first off to San Diego, then to UNC.
July and August we traveled the East, Coast that is and we 3 had a feast!Of Red Sox,
and “Wicked” And summer in full swing, then school started again, where Health care was king.
September was special, Grace turned the big ONE! So much cake and presents- she had so much fun!October we traveled to
Carolina Beach, The Red Sox won the World Series-
They’re #1! ( a figure of speech),Grace n’ Amy went to Utah to see family
and friends while Sam had to stay home tending to school’s odds and ends; Halloween
came and Halloween went,
Grace was a doggie at a social event! November was filled with Thanks-
giving preparation; With bowling and Stephanie Grace had a fascination! December
brought finals
we’re so glad we’re through, and we want to share
this letter with you! To share all the joys of this Christmas season;
We know that Jesus Christ is truly the reason! Merry Christmas, Frohe Weinachten…
and that’s just
a starter; Happy New Year!
Love,

Sam, Amy, and Grace Carter

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!