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!