Christmas Time

Christmas has come and gone again........crazy I know! But the good news is that New Year's is around the corner bringing 2011 with it!

The week up to Christmas was a little crazy, but it was worth it afterwards being able to just relax and be w/ family. On the 18th we had our Branch Christmas Brunch, which I made a breakfast casserole for. We had a pretty good turn out and all who came definitely benefited. Steve had to work, so he missed out. Once it was over, I ran some errands, then went out to my sister Rose's house where my parents and other sister Pauline were. My parents came down for my mom's side of the family's Christmas Party, and while down she of course visited us 3 girls living down here. After I got there, we went to Rose's ward's Christmas Party (I know 2 in 1 day), got some food, then left. We then went and played games for a while, then I went home.

The next day Steve and I had early morning meetings. We then had a quick munch and mingle, then I had a quick meeting w/ my presidency. After a quick nap, we got things in order for my parents to arrive later that evening, then went over to Steve's Grandma's for our "Jerusalem Dinner." This is a great tradition that Steve's family started around Christmas time about 10 years ago. I guess it started shortly after his oldest sister Melanie got married. A companion from Brandon's mission (Mel's husband) showed him the tradition, which he then showed Steve's family. The tradition is basically this: you sit on the floor or blanket and eat only finger foods, foods that would be found at the time of Christ like cheese, bread, broths, etc. As we eat we have the lights off and eat by candlelight. After we eat, we blow out the candles, then we go around the room allowing each person to give thanks for the year and bear testimony of Christ. When that person is done, they light their candle, and then will light the next person when they are done and so on, until everyone gets to share their thoughts and testimony and the room is lit up. The purpose is to reflect on the past year, and realize the simple things we are thankful for in our lives, and not just the worldly possession we have. Most importantly, it's a time to hear each other bear testimony of Christ. It's a great tradition, even though I end up crying ;)

As soon as it was over, we hurried home to meet my parents. They had been visiting my dad's uncle Walter and then planned to stay w/ us for the night. I then made some of my mom's yummy Carmel Popcorn and played some games. Around 10 pm Steve took my dad to his friend's Rob's house so his dad could look at my dad's foot. My dad's foot has been hurting him for sometime and Rob's dad just so happens to be a foot doctor. After looking it over he decided that he should get a shot to help w/ the pain and to help the healing process. So Tuesday morning before they went home, Steve met them at my Uncle Stephen's house and took them to Rob's dad's office. There he got some shots in his foot, and Steve also gave him a tetanus shot. Pretty impressive for my dad considering he doesn't like shots but was willing to get 2 in one day!!! He must have really been in pain. My dad said Steve did a great job and he didn't even feel it!!

While they were gone I printed some tickets for them to attend the BYU Art Exhibit of Carl Bloch. I figured since they were going to Provo the next morning to be w/ Pauline, they my as well as stop by. They went Monday morning, then I drove down that evening and went w/ Eve. It was amazing needless to say!!! If you haven't gone yet you need to!!! I just LOVED the pictures and the interpretations of the way he painted things. We were there from 8-9 pm until it closed and I'm sure we could have been in there another hour. There is so much to see. They actually got permission to move the original paintings from Denmark so we could see them in person. A rare opportunity for sure!!! It's a spiritual experience for sure. He truly was inspired in his paintings. Here's a link to ksl where you can learn more and register for tickets. The tickets are free but you need to reserve them before you go. Check it out!
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=910&sid=13102366

Besides that, Steve and I also went and visited some people in the branch. I also made plates of cookies and we dropped them off to people we visit and home teach. We of course had several plates of cookies and treats left for us too. The only problem is trying to eat them all :)

On the 23rd, Steve met me downtown for our date night and to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. Steve had a gift card for Macaroni Grill, so we went there for dinner. To be honest it wasn't the best experience, but the waiter was nice and brought us free chocolate cake for dessert since it was almost our anniversary. Olive Garden is still our favorite; we'll probably go there closer to our anniversary since the food wasn't that great. The rest of the evening was amazing though! We then went to the SLC Temple and did some initiatories, then walked around Temple Square, looked at the lights and viewed the visitors centers. The new exhibit of the SLC Temple is amazing! You can see what the rooms look like inside the temple. It's in the South Visitors Center in case you wanted to go look. Here's a link on ksl to see what it looks like.
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=10952281&nid=148

Steve and I walking around looking at the lights......trying not to freeze ;)

Christmas Eve Steve had to work until 6pm, then we went over to his Grandma's for dinner. Dave and Joann picked me up and we rode over together. We had dinner, then played games and visited. It was fun and enjoyable to just relax and spend time w/ them. Steve and I then went home and stayed up watching "The Christmas Story."

On Christmas morning we slept in, then opened our presents. I then made biscuits and gravy (one of Steve's newest favorites since my mom makes it every time we go up). After getting cleaned up, we went over to Steve's parents to say hi. Most of his siblings were there, so we chatted w/ them for a while, then headed out to Rose's for dinner/lunch. We got there just before 5pm, had dinner, then just relaxed. The boys (or should I say men) played video games while us women played some board games. It was a lot of fun! Thanks everyone ;)

Silly Bailey wanted to help......so she sat on the wrapping paper to make sure it wouldn't get away ;)
Our new clock from Dave and Joann....fits right in!!!

Steve and I after a great Christmas day w/ our families!

Yesterday after church we went back over to Dave and Joann's and played games with them. I made my mom's Carmel Popcorn again. I think they liked it! Bojam loves my mom's Carmel Popcorn, yummmm!!!!

2010 Newsletter!!!!!

Can you believe 2010 is almost over? This year has definitely flown by. In a couple weeks Steve and I will have been married for 2 years already! Our second year of marriage has been even better than the first and our love for each other continues to grow more and more. I'm amazed everyday at how much more my love for Steve grows. It reminds me of one of my favorite songs by Brad Paisley, "And I thought I Loved You Then."

Steve and I at Cornbelly's on a group date


This year Steve and I have both been busy with school and work. I took another 5 classes working towards my MBA. I have 6 more to complete so I'll probably take 5 in 2011 and my last one in 2012 since I only get reimbursed up to 5 classes (that way I don't have to pay for it myself and can have a break at least once during the year). In September I also started a new position at work called Retirement Solutions. I was in training for a couple weeks learning how to use the Institutional software. So now I actually have 2 monitors, 1 for the Institutional side and 1 for the retail side. I use both every day, mainly helping people open IRA accounts and rolling over their old employer plans to the IRA. I actually like it a lot more than my last position and have enjoyed learning the new systems and information. We also had a campaign for 8 weeks, which I ended up #1 in Salt Lake City!!!

Steve finished his Medical Assisting this summer with his internship at an InstaCare. They then said that they wouldn't be hiring, but after 2 months they offered him a part time job. It ended up working really well with his school schedule. He works Monday and Friday nights from 3 or 4 till 10 p.m. Though it stinks that we don't get to see each other much on those evenings, we're glad he's able to get more experience and the little extra income helps us to save more for further schooling. Steve just finished up his last finals to complete his Associates Degree, yeah!!! Though he completed both his Medical Assistant Certificate and Associates, he's going to continue to take classes. Right now his next goal is to get into a Registered Nurse program so he's going to take his prerequisites, chemistry and college biology, next semester while still working part time at the InstaCare.

Steve's coworker Brandi drawing his blood (in his MA classes)

She was actually the only one able to draw his blood

Steve trying to get more blood into his arms.....or is he pretending to be Elvis ? ;)

In terms of callings, Steve is still our Branch Mission Leader but will likely get a new calling after the new year. November 14th I was called to be our new Relief Society President for our branch. I was pretty surprised by the call (considering we just went in to get our temple recommends renewed), but the Lord has been blessing me in my new position. It's definitely a huge time commitment, but I've been able to find time to accomplish everything that required of me at work, home and for my calling. We're still getting organized in every aspect or the call, but with the Lord's help I know we'll be able to do well and bless the lives of the sisters in our branch.

Besides work and school, Steve and I have tried to have some fun as well. In May we went on a 6 day trip down the Grand Canyon. Steve has been wanting to go since he went after his high school graduation, so we took the opportunity when it arose. We had a lot of fun! We were both completely amazed by the beauty IN the canyon instead of ABOVE the canyon. There is wildlife and plant life that we had no idea about. We also went on hikes around in the canyons; so pretty!

In the canyon after a killer hike!

After hiking up Little Bell Reservoir

We also have been trying to spend more time with both of our families. We went up to the cabin many times and also to visit my parents. Steve really enjoys going w/ my dad and brothers to hunt or fish. My dad even bought him a coyote call for his birthday!

Rob, Steve and my dad after hunting

Steve and I at the cabin

Dave, Rob, Joann, and Steve playing pig pile at the cabin (poor Stevie is losing)

Dave and Steve showing off their catch
The whole family (my side) at Grandma's 80th B-day party


We both has surgery on our sinuses/adenoids to help clear up our breathing and to help prevent us from getting sick so often. We both had pretty quick recovers so we're thankful for that.

We've also been making some updates on our condo here and there, which are looking great. most importantly, we have a fireplace now for our Christmas stockings, yeah! We plan to live here at least another 2 years. We'll see what happens.

Our fireplace Steve and Rob built

My parents and us after Thanksgiving decorating their tree

We hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
Steve and Penny McGrath :)

After Thanksgiving until now.....

Last time I posted we were going to head out from my parents place in Idaho. Well it was snowing then, and my the next morning when we called the traffic reports they had closed ALL roads at the Utah/Idaho border.....so we were stuck. We waited a couple hours hoping they would reopen, but nothing changed. So we picked my grandma up and went to sacrament meeting. There were a couple other people visiting our home ward from Utah that got stuck too.

So, that afternoon/evening, we decided to go over to Daron and Kristi's to play games w/ them and visit. Daron made some yummy stroganoff while we played pictionary. I then made some kettle corn and popcorn which we all ate while playing "I'm thinking of an animal." It was a lot of fun and good to visit w/ them some more.

Playing a game and Riley showing us his jumping skills


Mom and Dad


Riley and Haley


Daron had also cut down some Christmas trees and gave one to my parents, so we took it home and decorated it. It was fun! It's been a while since I helped my parents decorate the Christmas tree. Steve even got to help! I also put together these mind puzzles. Once I got one I just had to finish all of them. Trust me ..... they are NOT as easy as they look.

Taking the Christmas Tree Home


It's a BIG Tree!!! Steve and my dad are putting on the stand...where are they?


Steve helping to decorate


All done!


My parents, Steve and I


My dad and I working on the puzzles
Tadahhh....got them all done!!!


Monday morning for Steve's birthday, my dad took Steve out one more time to call some more coyotes. This is Steve in his gear and his new coyote call. My dad just couldn't resist getting him one for his birthday. He loves it; thanks dad!


We then left around 10 a.m. I called the traffic report and they said I-84 to Utah should be open at noon, so we figured that would give us plenty of time. As we got closer (it was still snowing btw) I called the traffic report again and they said it wouldn't reopen til 1 pm now. And we got right up to it there was probably 2-3 miles of cars backed up waiting for it to reopen. I then called about I-15 going from Pocatello to Utah and it said was open, so we decided to go that way even though it would take us an extra hour. The roads were dry and fantastic once we got to Pocatello so I'm glad we took that route.

When we got home, we hurried and unpacked things then headed out again. Steve went to work and I went to watch my sister's kids in Stansbury Park while they went to Jared's work party in SLC. We both got back around 10 p.m., then went to bed.

I also got together w/ Rose and Pauline on the 4th for lunch. We went to Sweet Tomatoes then went to the mall to shop. We got some great deals on wrapping paper at the Hallmark store. It was fun; thanks!!

After we got back we've been trying to get into the swing of things. Our campaign is over now so I'm glad. I was #1 in SLC and #6 in the nation for net flows, yeah!!! I also qualify for a gift card, which will probably take a couple months to get, but I'm still glad I'll get it (makes the hard work worth while). I've also been busy w/ my new calling as Relief Society President. We've been trying to visit the new sisters that move in, get things organized, make callings, and keep track of sisters expecting and having babies (we had 2 that just had them, 1 tomorrow, and 5 on the way)....kinda expected since we're mainly a young newly-wed branch.

I also gave the lesson last Sunday on Charity, based on President Monson's talk from the General Relief Society meeting. It went well I think. I also found this quote from Marvin J. Ashton which goes well with it. He said, "Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

This week Steve has been busy getting all his papers and projects turned in (and I've been staying up w/ him of course). Thursday night he finished his online stuff right before it was due at midnight then we went to bed shortly after. Around 4:30 a.m. I felt Steve move and then realized he was shaking. I asked him what was going on and he said he was freezing! I then tried to cuddle w/ him, put more clothes on him and blankets, we even had him get in the bath w/ warm water and hot chocolate but he just wouldn't stop shaking. Finally at about 6 a.m. we went back to bed, then I had to get up at 7 a.m.

I called his dad on my way to work and he said he'd better go to the DR, so I called his mom and asked if she could take him. They ran some tests and xrays and think he has or was on the verge of getting pneumonia. Luckily he didn't have any classes so he was able to stay home and rest. We slept in Saturday also and he took it easy. Dave and Jeff came over and gave him a blessing also which was much appreciated. He wasn't feeling well this morning so he stayed home from church. The drugs are helping, but I'm sure it's still going to take some time. He doesn't have school tomorrow, just work. Then a final on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday then he'll be done w/ his associates, yeah!!!!! We're still figuring out what he'll do next, but nursing in the most likely choice. So he's going to take the prerequisites.

We have a fireplace mantle this year.....I'm sooo excited for it. Here are some pics w/ our stockings.

Yeah for our mantle!!! So much more fun to hang the stockings ;)
Well we hope all is well. Just remember the true meaning of Christmas and to show charity to those around you. Love ya lots.
Steve and Penny ;)