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