May Updates

Wow, it's been a while since I posted so I'd better get caught up (sorry this is going to be a little long, but w/ lots of pictures).  Though I am now done with school, it seems there are plenty of things keeping me busy.  I got done just in time to get ready for our trip to Hawaii (which I'll post separately).  Steve finished his Spring semester the day before we left as well so it worked out perfectly.  I also finished my campaign at work.  I'm so glad it's over, it was a LONG 10 week campaign.  The Lord blessed me in my efforts though and I actually ended up #1 overall in the whole company for my department. :) 

Steve was also kind enough to paint our 2nd bedroom in between his finals.  We hadn't painted it when we first moved in since we used it more as a storage area while we organized everything else. Here are some pics of the before and after.  More to come once we get the nursery set up officially. 

Green accent wall

Steve working hard

Zach even joined

 

Mostly done

 

The weekend before we left for Hawaii we decided to head up to the cabin w/ Dave, Joann, Stacie, London and Rob.  It was nice to have a change of scenery and the boys were happy to get some fishing in.  

Stacie and London at reservoir (throwing rocks in)

Dave, Steve and Rob fixing the toilet, the tank broke 

New bigger toilet, which the boys appreciate 

Strawberry Reservoir

Steve working his magic on the fish

Dave got a little cold out there

Come on fishy ;)

The Saturday we got back, at 10am mst, we were a little tired as you can imagine.  We took a little nap, but decided we'd better get up so we could get to bed on normal time.  Steve had a great idea for us to go up Big Cottonwood and go fly fishing in order to stay awake.  I promised him I'd go before we left to Hawaii, so I figured why not.  Steve even got me some waders to wear.  They fit well but were a little snug in the belly as you can imagine.  Steve was just "dying" to go fishing since it has been a whole week since he'd gone last.  He caught 2 right away, one Brown and one Brook Trout.

Working it

The Brown Trout

Working another spot

Now the Brook Trout, so pretty (can you see how happy he is?)

 We were only there about 1/2 hr because it was getting late, but also because I was a little nervous since there was a Moose close by. 

We then stopped by and visited Dave and Joann and tell them all about our trip.  We also gave them some yummy macadamia nuts and a cute Hawaiian turtle magnet.  We also got Dave his favorite Hawaiian t-shirts, a little early for Father's Day/Birthday ;) 

Since the next day was Mother's Day we also let Joann open her card and showed her this picture from our trip, which will be our little boys name, Nyles Willam McGrath.  They were very anxious to find out.  Steve wrote this w/ sticks in the sand on the beach, I'm sure he'll appreciate it later knowing we were thinking of him on our trip ;)

  

After we got back we were able to enjoy Mother's Day at home, for once since we always seem to be on our trips then.  Steve even had flowers ordered for me and on the kitchen table (thanks for delivering them Dave).  I really appreciated his efforts and being able to actually celebrate Mother's Day, a little more real this year for me ;)  We also went over to LuDean's for dinner w/ Steve's family; it was good to see everyone as well.

Pretty flowers for Mother's Day

The following Monday it was back to work and school for us.  Steve is now in Summer school through August and of course I'm trying to save up my last vacation days until the baby comes at the end of August.  Thankfully we have a couple Holidays in between there so that'll be nice.  Steve is taking a full load this Summer and Fall in order to get done by December.  He's working on his internship this Summer as well.  We're also getting his application for graduation in this week so he'll be ready to go.  I found a cap and gown that I can borrow from the University so I just had to order my Master's hood, which was nice.  The graduation ceremony is just over a month away!  

Picture from last week at 24 weeks

 

On Tuesday the 15th we had RS Meeting where we put together receiving blankets for Primary Children's hospital.  We had sisters donate 1 yard of flannel and put 2 together to make a blanket.  We then sewed right sides together, turned them right side out, and then put a decorative stitch around the edges.  We completed over 21 blankets; I'm sure they'll appreciate them. ;)

We went up to the cabin over Friday night to Saturday this past weekend as well.  Thankfully the weather was a little more enjoyable (sunny and warm that is), so the fishing was even better!  I slept in a little while they went out at first, then joined them at lunch.  They couldn't get to their lines quick enough the fish were biting so often.  It slowed down some in the afternoon but they still caught a LOT.  They kept 12 of the many they caught.

Good work boys!

Joann and Steve

Dave trying to multi-task....the fish were coming so quickly he couldn't finish his lunch

Success!

The view of the cabin from the boat

It got a little cold for Joann going against the wind

Another one!

Bringing the boat in w/ a little Hawaii still in him

Dave, Rob and Steve cleaning the fish

This morning I had branch council at 7:30am and guess who was there?...........Borut Lakner from my mission.    He is from Celje, Slovenia.  He was baptized before I was assigned there but we taught his mom Darkina often.  She is a great lady and has 2 wonderful sons.  We taught the older son Mitja a couple time also when he was home.  When Steve and I went back to visit in August of 2009 we visited the 3 of them.  Mitja was actually baptized the year before we came and just received the Priesthood right before we got there.  He blessed the sacrament for the first time the Sunday we were there.......so awesome!  Here is a pictures of them.

Me, Darinka, Borut and Mitja in Slovenia

Borut has been out just over a year now and has finally been assigned to our Stake.  Sounds like they're just over our Stake and the YSA Ward so I'm hoping we'll get to see him pretty often.  President Thorup sent and email last night saying we got new elders and I just new it'd be him.  As I walked into branch council there he was!  I started talking to him in Slovene and learned that his mom Darinka was actually baptized 2 months ago!  Talk about a miracle!  She is incredible!  I sent her a message on Facebook letting her know that Borut is serving in my area now and that we'll be having him over for dinner next week.  I'll take a picture then and send it to her.  It was SOOO great to see him!  I'm sure he's been doing an amazing job and will do great here.  We need to make sure he stays busy that's for sure ;)

Here is a picture from our missionary reunion/get together we had just before he entered the MTC last April.  

Well, I'll get our trip to Hawaii updated as soon as I can.  Things are going well.  We're trying to get things ready for Nyles.  He's been SOOO active these past few weeks, Steve has even got to feel him a couple times.  Lots to do before he comes but we're getting more and more anxious to meet him.  Have a great week, love ya lots!  :)

Easter Time

The weekend after we found out we were having a BOY, we headed up to my parent place for Easter. Steve picked me up after work on Thursday and we headed out. We stopped to get a quick bit to eat and use the restroom then got on the road again. About an hour later I needed to use the restroom again so we stopped quickly. As we got back on the road we noticed a car in front of us which just happened to be Pauline, Chris and Charlotte. We then continued to follow them the whole way to my parents.

Friday Steve helped my dad around here and there then they ran up to Mountain Home to grab a new belt for our car and Steve picked up a light cleaner. My dad was able to change the belt pretty quickly then they cleaned the lights. Look at the difference! I think it makes them shine!

Car after lights being shinned/buffed

We also went and visited my Grandma Hegerhorst for a while. It was good to catch up w/ her. Mom made pizza for dinner then Rose showed up shortly after dinner w/ the girls.

Saturday everyone went to Easter Egg hunts in Bruneau and Grandview while I stayed home to finish up visiting teaching reports and work on my project. At 1pm everyone came over and we had lunch in my dad's new shop since it was rather windy outside. The shop is HUGE thankfully so there was plenty of room for everyone. I think we counted about 50 people there. We then had an egg hunt for the kids w/ plenty of candy. Then Daron brought his horses for the kids to ride so he supervised everyone taking turns. My grandma even took a turn. She said she hasn't rode a horse for 10 yrs and it was on her "bucket list."

Grandma Hegerhorst and Abby (Barb's girl)
...thanks for the pic Pauline

While everyone was taking turns on the horses Margie and I played Croquette a couple times w/ Mikey and Ryan. It was fun. Most of the women sat on the lawn and visited and the men were in the shop talking or playing w/ little cars. After everyone left we had yet another egg hunt. This time w/ the traditional brown paper sacks, my favorite so we all get equal amounts, then can trade what we don't want.

Dad helping Ava finding a sack, Pauline and Daron looking too

Kristi watching Steve and Ryan trading

Daron w/ his little shadow Sophia

Steve and I w/ our Easter sacks

After dinner that night we sang Happy Birthday to my dad who just turned 60!!! We love you dad! Thanks for all you do and for who you are! Dallin also turned 1 and Dakota is 7.

Dad is soooo excited to be 60!!!
...thanks for the pic Rose

The family all together, just missing Anna and her crew
....thanks for pic Pauline

Sunday we went to church w/ my parents. Rose decided to leave that morning since Sophia didn't really sleep the night before.....you might say she had a little too much candy to eat and was wired :) After church we had dinner w/ Daron, Dexter and their families then had to head out. Pauline left shortly before us but stopped in Jerome to visit her old roommate so we beat her home. It was fun to be back on the farm and have almost everyone there.

Picture taken from the car....back to Utah

Steve of course has been busy w/ school working on getting all his projects and homework done. He is finishing up his classes this week then will be taking finals next week and the next, right up until we leave on our trip to Hawaii. Though he's been busy w/ school, no worries he's also been able to get in a couple fishing trips. He's feeling better and is mostly over his pneumonia and since it's been getting warmer, he's somehow squeezed in the time. Many times it was raining or snowing though but that didn't bother him ;)

Steve kissing his cute little fishy

Another cute fish he caught

This past week I've been busy getting my final project done. Friday I wasn't feeling well (I felt like I was getting a cold), so I decided to stay home and get some sleep. After I woke up I decided to just take the rest of the day off and finish my project. I finally got it done and turned it in that night. Saturday we went to a sealing in Bountiful for one of Steve's cousins, then after we got back I decided to take my 3 1/2 hr final. Steve was kind enough to leave the house and went fishing ;) So since I submitted the button to my final I can now say that I'm officially D-O-N-E w/ my Master's Degree!!!! Man that feels great! I can hardly believe I won't have homework to do every night. I feel like I can now get the baby room ready and of course we can't wait to relax in Hawaii! We're leaving two weeks from Friday!

Me at 20 weeks. Sorry it was early in the morning when we took this and I'm barely awake. I feel like I'm definitely showing now and am now 1/2 way through the pregnancy w/ our cute little boy.

Yeah for the beautiful flowers being planted. I love SPRING!

Early Easter Present

This morning the Easter Bunny came early....and shared a little secret with us.

18 weeks

We went and had our ultrasound this morning and found out what we were having. He made it pretty clear that he was a BOY right from the get go. He was so cute. As we started we could see him yawning, but then he started to wake up and move all about. His heart sounded perfect and we could see his arms and legs really well too. He looked perfect! He is definitely bigger than the last time we saw him at 10 weeks. We then met w/ the PA and everything on my side looked great as well. We're so excited for him to join our family in August!

Baby Boy McGrath;)

There Goes March......Here comes April

Wow can you believe March has come and gone already? It sure went quickly, but I'm thankful that April is here now for many reasons, especially for the warmer weather!

Here are a few updates from the past couple weeks (sorry it's longer than I thought).

On the 20th we had our Relief Society Birthday Dinner. Thankfully it went really well. I went over after work and got the last few things set up: butter on tables, water in cups and pitchers refilled on tables, cake cut and put on tables, and food labels ready. I had my counselors and a few sisters from the branch also help me we it went smoothly and just in time. We got started just after seven and started the meal. We had the sisters bring soup, breadsticks/rolls, and salad. Everything was all yummy! After everyone had gotten their food and started to eat we started our spiritual message. We had 9 different sisters talk about some of the past Relief Society Presidents, some of their accomplishments and what they learned from them. It was really neat to hear their testimonies on each sister. After the sisters spoke we had President Thorup speak to us. We then had a song and a prayer and ended the evening. It whole night was about an hour, just perfect! The sisters who wanted to stay after did and those who needed to leave left. We had about 40 sisters there which was great also!

We also got Steve registered for his Summer classes and will register his for his Fall classes in a couple weeks. He is just about done......and thankfully most of his last classes will be pretty easy. They're just the last little classes he needs to graduate in December; yeah! Hopefully that'll work well for him this fall w/ the new baby and all, so he can keep up with his schoolwork.

On Friday the 23rd, Steve picked me up off the train then we went to the Jordan River temple. We were going to stay downtown and go to the SLC temple, but w/ the new opening of the City Creek Mall it was WAY too crowded downtown, so we thought it would be best to get out of there. On the way to the temple we stopped at Arby's for a quick bite to eat (I've been craving roast beef w/ au jus lately so that hit the spot). We then did initiatories then stopped at Maverick for some frozen yogurt. We then went and walked around a couple stores and looked at their king size mattresses and bed frames. Steve thinks we really need one, but I think it's more of a want at this point ;)

On Saturday the 24th I had homework so Steve took the opportunity to go fishing of course. Before I started my homework I started cleaning, doing laundry, and dishes. I didn't take my Zofran thinking I felt fine, so after a couple hours........there goes my apple I had for breakfast. I took my Zofran shortly after and felt better the rest of the day. After Steve got back and cleaned up, we went w/ Dave, Joann and Rob to Red Robin (I hadn't really eaten anything else since I wasn't feeling good, so I was really hungry by then). We then met all of Steve's sisters and brother and their spouses and watched the new "Hunger Games" movie. I had just finished the book that Wednesday, so I was pretty anxious to see it; as was everyone else. They did a really good job on the movie and the 2 1/2 hours went by really quickly. They had to leave out some parts though, as all movies do, but overall it was excellent I thought.

Steve fishing up Big Cottonwood Canyon (ya there's still lots of snow but that's not stopping him)

Steve and Carrie hiking up Little Bell

On Monday we finally got a hold of a gentleman, Rich Bennett, who we home teach, so we made an appointment to come visit him. We shared a message w/ him about Easter and the blessing of the Resurrection. We also encouraged him to watch General Conference this weekend. I then had homework to work on of course.

Me working on homework and eating Belly Flops. It's easier to get the flavor you want if you dump them all out ;)

Our new railing by our condo (so no one falls like Steve did in the snow w/ hurt knee)

On Tuesday after work I went to the chiropractor. My back has been bothering me more, especially at work since I have to sit all day. I need to get up and walk more, on my breaks and during lunch. I'm glad I'll be done w/ my classes soon so I don't have to keep doing homework during lunch. Also w/ the weather getting better it's more encouraging to go out.

That night we went to bed and I woke up at around 1:30am feeling really nauseous. I asked Steve for my Zofran, which I usually don't take until 5:30am, but was feeling so sick I thought it would help so I could get back to sleep. Well I felt a little better but still didn't sleep too well. At 5:30am I still wasn't feeling the best so I took another Zofran, then got up at 6:30am to get ready for work. I tried to make it through the day but my body was just not cooperating. I felt like I was going to throw up at any moment, despite my efforts to overcome it: I had taken my Zofran, I tried drinking tea, and chewing peppermint gum. I got up several times and rushed to the bathroom because I felt I was going to throw up, but never did. My back was also really hurting in addition to the nausea so at 10:30 am I text Steve to see if he was done w/ class. He told me he had one more, but after telling him how I was feeling he said he was going to come get me. He then picked me up from work and we headed home.

I hadn't had anything to eat since my breakfast drink, so I asked Steve to go get me a Jamba Juice. The juice was yummy but I still didn't feel good at all. Steve made me some toast w/ peanut butter, but still the same. We then decided to take a quick nap, which was good because I was exhausted from the night before. When I woke up my back was really hurting and my stomach too. Zach had come over and was tying flies w/ Steve, so after a little bit I asked them if they could give me a blessing. Zach annointed then Steve gave me the blessing. In it I was reminded of the talk I read in the April Ensign from Elder Bednar about not praying to have our circumstances changed but rather to pray for strength to change our circumstances. (It's a really good talk if you haven't read it. I actually listened to the audio of it before I left on my mission. It has some really good points about the enabling power of the Atonement as well). In the blessing I also was reassured that the baby was healthy as well, which helped put my mind at ease. Anyway, an hour or so after the blessing I started feeling better. That night I slept amazingly. I'm so thankful for the Priesthood in my life, not only for blessings, but also for the saving ordinances which we have through it which allows us to make covenants with our Heavenly Father to help us get closer to him.

I was supposed to go over home and visiting teaching that night w/ the Elder's quorum President and our assistants, but because I wasn't feeling well I asked my 2nd counselor to help me out. Thankfully she was willing and able to go on such short notice.

The next day I felt a lot better, not 100% but better. I'm guessing my back will continue to hurt through this pregnancy, but hopefully I'll at least be able to go to work and fulfill my Relief Society obligations. My stomach area has also been hurting a lot. It's usually around my scars that it hurts, from my car accident and hernia. We wonder if it hurts because things are getting moved around and there is scar tissue also. The DR said things should be fine though, just some "growing pains" apparently. He also said assuming we don't have to do a C-section things should be fine. If we do have to do a C-section we'll have to go through the same scar tissue which could be tricky. We're praying the delivery will go "normal."

Yesterday, we were going to go up to the cabin, but since the weather is supposed to get nasty tomorrow and Dave is still sore from surgery, we decided to stay here. Instead we went up and played a couple games w/ Dave. On Monday he had his foot operated on, he had 2 neuromas, so he hasn't been able to get out much. We played Ticket to Ride and Kings in the Corner. It was fun, we haven't played games in a little while.

Today Steve and I have been watching General Conference. The messages have been really good. In between the sessions I went to a bridal shower for Steve's cousin for a little bit. After the afternoon session we took an hour nap also; it was nice :) Steve went w/ his dad to Priesthood session while I stayed home and finished my homework. Only 2 weeks left yeah! I also found out my graduation ceremony will be June 30th at 11am at the Noah Event Center in South Jordan. I'll keep you posted on the details as they come. I also made pizza and breadsticks for dinner after Steve got home, yumm. I used 1/2 wheat flour and we actually really like it. Feels you up pretty quickly though.

We're more than 1/2 way done w/ the campaign at work so I'm glad for that. So far so good. Steve only has about 1 month of school left too, so that's exciting! We are getting anxious to go on our trip to Hawaii as well at the beginning of May!!!

Some random cravings lately: ring pops, Jamba Juice, and fruit. I can't wait for more fruit to get in season, watermelon and grapes in particular.

The thing we're most looking forward to is our Dr appt on Tuesday. We are going to find out what we're having, boy or girl that is. So, hopefully the baby cooperates and we can tell what it is........and fingers crossed they're 100% accurate. I keep hearing stories of people who get told one thing and once they're born it's the opposite. I guess we'll see. We'll let everyone know once we find out ;) We're also heading up to Idaho to see my family for Easter so that'll be really fun as well! Have a great week and enjoy the rest of conference!

March Updates

I can't believe March is more than half way over; it's going quick. There's a lot of fun things I'm looking forward to though, so in a way I'm kindof glad.

First, this week I'll be 1/2 way done w/ my class which is fantastic! It's going quickly thankfully. I just have my big project to work on and get done in the next couple weeks not to mention my midterm this week. Thankfully for the project my teacher has allowed me to use our decision of going to PA school, so I'm pretty excited about that.

Second, we're also going to find out what we're having in about 2 weeks, on Tuesday April 3rd, just before Easter. We're then planning to go up to my parents that weekend to spend some time w/ them.

Third, our trip to Hawaii is getting closer as well, in about 6 weeks. Steve and I will both be done w/ our school before we leave (at least for Steve until summer starts), so we can really relax and enjoy our trip. That also means that my campaign at work is getting closer to being done so I'll be happy about that as well.

Here's a couple other quick updates from the past couple weeks.

On Sunday the 4th, after church, we got together and had our "International Night." It was really fun. We had each family bring a food from another country and then tell some things about it. Dave and Joann did a great job of putting it together. We even got to load up on a "plane" and get passports w/ stamps from each country. We tried food from Italy, Brazil, India, Ireland, Slovenia, Mexico and the USA. I made stuffed green peppers and some fresh bread, since Slovene's have bread made every day. I think everyone really liked the bread, even the kids. Unfortunately Steve had to go to a class project thing, which was ridiculous, and ended up missing the whole thing. It was a lot of fun!

On Friday March 9th, my mom came down. Since I was late getting off work and Rose was running a little late after dropping off the girls, we all met at 2100 S at Sheri's, decided what we were going to do, then headed out. My mom helped me pick up our Jeep, while Rose and Pauline went and picked up food at Cafe Rio. Since it was busy there, we came back to my place and ate. We also had belly flops which we picked through and ice cream for dessert. It was fun catch up and have some good laughs.

Rose and Pauline in their matching coats after celebrating my bday

The next day I had homework, then in the afternoon we stopped by at my mom's brother's birthday party, then went down to Provo and met my friend Eve and her husband Darrell for dinner. Eve is my friend from work who is due a month before me. She found out this week she's having a girl. We went to Red Robin for dinner, then Dairy Queen for a blizzard, then went back to her place a chatted a bit. We then went back to the birthday party for a few minutes to say hi, then headed out. Since it was Daylight Saving that night I was worried about getting enough sleep in that I still had to finish up the visiting teaching report and get my Relief Society meeting agenda done. Needless to say I only got like 5 hours of sleep by the time we got home, I finished my reports, then had to get up for my PEC meeting which started at 7:30am. Thankfully after church we took a nap. We then went over to some neighbors and played games and had some snacks. I also announced on facebook that we're expecting so it was nice to finally let others know and not hide my belly :)

This past week I've been trying to get ready for our Relief Society Birthday Dinner, which is this Tuesday the 20th. We went and delivered fliers to those sisters who we didn't see on Sunday. Steve has been on Spring Break this week as well. He has gone fishing a couple times as well ;)

On Thursday we went out to dinner w/ Dave, Joann, Diane and LuDean for Joann's birthday. We went to Texas Road House. It was fun. We then went home and worked on homework. The next night we also went and hung out w/ Dave and Joann, a double date per say. Dave picked up Little Caesars Pizza which we had for dinner, then watched a movie together. We brought over our belly flops, Dave had a fun time trying all the different flavors. It was great to spend more time w/ them also.

Here we are at 16 weeks (me and baby McGrath that is) :)