November Times

These past couple weeks since I was released from the Relief Society President have been interesting.  I started my "new" job at work and without having a calling things just felt different.  I honestly was feeling lost in a way, not sure what to do.  I felt like my confidence was gone, and more specifically I felt like the Spirit wasn't as strong with me.  Things that used to be so easy to me seemed a little more difficult to do.  As I started thinking about it, it reminded me of when I got home from my mission.  I know in both cases I had been "warned" about it beforehand, but you can never truly know what to expect.  The mantle that I was given both as a missionary and then as the Relief Society President was in fact gone.  As strange as it sounds I felt as if a piece of me was missing and I was definitely feeling the difference.  I didn't feel complete anymore without that extra measure of the Spirit and direction and I felt the past 3 years.  Work was "easier" as was all other aspects of my life in that I felt I was able to complete more it seemed in my "limited" amount of time.  I know the Lord in fact blessed me while serving as the president.

As I was feeling this way I decided to ask Steve for a blessing of comfort and strength.  The blessing was just what I needed to hear and also what I needed to feel.  Since then I've been feeling much better per say.  Today I also got another calling as a Relief Society Instructor.  I'm excited for this new opportunity to serve the sisters in our branch.  As I was set apart I was encourage to seek the Spirit and teach towards their needs.  In the blessing Steve gave me last week I was also encouraged to pray more frequently in order to know the Lord's will and to have the Spirit w/ me stronger.  I know these things will definitely help me feel that extra measure of the Spirit that I'm needing.

Aside from feeling this way, things are going well for me at work w/ my new position.  It's been nice being able to set my own schedule per say.  As a Portfolio Specialist you're technically salary so you can come and go as you'd like, as long as your work gets done.  Since I'm just on loan though, I've been making sure I get 40 hours in and usually 3-4 hours more.  When Steve has class on Monday/Wednesdays at 5pm I've been able to get off at 4pm in order to meet him and switch off w/ Nyles so he can get to class on time.  Aside from just getting off when I need/like, it's also been nice to have a little more daylight.

The flip side of course is that sometimes you'll need to stay late to accommodate for certain clients.  This past Wednesday I had an appointment at 5 pm and didn't get done until 6pm.  Steve dropped Nyles off at Dave/Joann's then went to class.  He actually got out of class about the same time I got off, so he headed to get them since I was jumping on the train still.  While Nyles was at Dave/Joann's place, they gave him some peanut butter and he had a reaction to it.  He's done that one other time to us also.  Around his mouth it turned a reddish-purple color.  He didn't stop breathing thankfully but it did stay that way for a little while but then eventually went away.  He's had PB before and didn't have any problem so it seems to be random at this time.  We called his Pediatrician the next day and he said to come it so he could look at him.  After learning more about it the Pediatrician felt it would be best for us to take him to an Allergy Specialist.  So next Monday, the 2nd we're going to get him test and find out what exactly he's allergic to.  In the mean time he gave us a prescription for an EpiPen in case he is given something and stops breathing.  It's a little scary but I guess we don't know for sure until after the appointment, and no matter what it is the Lord will help us to be able to care best for Nyles.  We love him so much and are so thankful to have him in our lives.

Nyles had his 15 month appointment on the 12th as well.  He weighed 21 lbs (8th percentile) and was 31.7 inches long (70th percentile), which he grew a good amount since last time he was only the 58th percentile.  His head has been a little more steady at 47.8 cm which is the 69th percentile.  The DR said he growing great, just might be a skinny kid ;)  Nyles has been doing well walking w/ his walker that is, but just hasn't quite got confident enough to go w/out it.  He doesn't like wearing shoes/sandals though that's for sure!

Taking off his sandals

Zooming past w/ his walker.  

He likes to talk my lunch bag and take off w/ it.

Just cruising around being cute!

This past couple weeks we've been a little sick as well. I first got sick.  I mainly was tired and a stuffy nose.  We went to the DR on the 10th and she said it was a virus so it would just have to run its course.  She suggested taking Mucinex and a nasal spray, so we went and picked them up.  This past week Steve started feeling not the best and Nyles has had a runny nose also.  When Steve took him into the DR on Friday he let him know what was going on, but also that a cousin had croup recently who we were around on Sunday.  The Dr said that sometimes kids can get croup w/out the coughing if their immune system is strong enough, so it was possible that they both had it just w/out the coughing.  He's been sleeping a little more (thankfully still through the night also), hasn't been wanting to eat us much, and has been a little more "sensitive" but overall he's doing better now.

Steve, Nyles and Conor at the Honoree Dinner

(They climbed up on the little table all by themselves!)

Last Sunday we had our annual "Honoree Dinner" where we select someone to honor.  This year was Ryan Hammet, Carrie's husband.  He's a convert to the church and with everything going on these days we felt we would focus more on the spiritual talents.  It really does take a lot of courage and strength to convert to the Gospel.  We decided to give him a picture of Christ with the saying from C.S. Lewis, "Don’t shine so that others can see you.  Shine, so that through you, others can see HIM."  We also gave him a 100 hour emergency candle with the scripture from Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."  Lastly we gave him a cake mix and frosting (ingredients) w/ this poem.

Ingredients for a Heavenly Home

First, at the very beginning, invite the Holy Ghost to your home to stay.

Crush Temptations and Sin and set them aside outside the bowl.

Blend in one Temple Marriage, one Mother (who loves Dad), one Dad (who loves Mother).

Gradually add Children.

Quickly stir in Living the Gospel: Scripture Study, Prayer, and Meeting Attendance.

Sprinkle liberally with Courtesy and Communication.

Garnish with the Word of Wisdom: Exercise, Proper Diet, and Rest.

Pour Love over everything.

Serve with Unselfishness.

Nyles being silly like usual and putting his feet up.

Helping w/ laundry...he actually took the basket and pushed it from our room into the living room, then started to take it out.  Silly kid.  I hope we can teach him to do laundry as his first chore since he likes it so much.  He likes to push the buttons on the laundry machines also.

 Eating at California Pizza Kitchen, since we had free meals.  

Nyles liked the kids menu, especially the crayons!

 

Steve is getting close to getting done w/ this semester of school.  He should be done about the second week of December w/ all his finals, so it's getting closer.  I know he'll be glad to be done with his classes, like usual.  I'm also looking forward to some time off.  I'll have Thanksgiving off and the day after (Steve's birthday).  I'm also going to have the 6th off and 4 days during Christmas week, which will be awesome!  I can't believe this year is coming near to a close already; it sure has gone fast.  

Happy Thanksgiving this week!

October Highlights

I can't believe it's November already, but before we go into this month, here are highlights from the month of October.

Steve:

• Took a couple weekends and went up to the cabin in order to Elk Hunt.  He hasn't hunted "big game" since before his mission, so he was pretty excited to be doing it again.  He hunted around Strawberry Reservoir area both weekends.  He only had a spike tag so he couldn't shoot a doe or bigger elk, so he had to pass up on a lot of the elk he saw.  Sounds like he had a couple opportunities to shoot one, but since their horns were hard to decipher he didn't want to shoot one he wasn't supposed to, so he didn't shoot at all.  Though he didn't actually get an elk, he still had a really good time.  His dad went out w/ him for a little while, and Rob Daniels went both times.  I'm pretty sure they want to get another tag next year and try again.

Steve ready for his elk

Their view while hunting

Rob and Steve staying motivated on their hunt, and maybe a little cold at times too ;)

Steve has been doing well in his classes.  He's only got about a month left, yeah!  We're looking at getting his classes signed up for next semester.

 Penny:

• Was released as the Relief Society President of the 11th Branch.  Met w/ the new RS President and tried to give her advice on things.
• Was in charge of her last Munch and Mingle the day she was released.
• Started working on a loan position as a Portfolio Specialist
• Is still working on how to use her "free time" after being released
• Has enjoyed time w/ friends and family more.
• Had a great time w/ Steve and Nyles at her work Halloween Party on the 25th.  It was fun to actually have a "family" to bring to the party for once.  They had candy and toys for all ages.  

Happy Halloween 2013!  Nyles was our little monster.

 He thought these glasses were soooo funny (he "fished" for them at a game).

Just chillaxing in his stroller eating a sucker (he loves to put his feet up)

 Steve and Nyles after the party

Nyles in his new carseat w/ his costume on.  Steve took him to the Assisted Living Center and got a couple pieces of candy.  He also took him to IHOP for a free pumpkin pancake.  Steve said Nyles only wanted to eat bacon though.  Stacie and her kids went w/ them also.  Then that night we went to the 1st Ward's Truck-or-Treat for 15 minutes, then Steve had to run to class.  Hopefully next year Steve won't have class and we can actually take him Trick-or-Treating.  We also made an appearance to a Halloween Party our neighbors put on at our club house.  We stayed about an hour until Nyles needed to get to bed.  it was fun visiting w/ everyone and seeing their costumes. 

Cute little monster

 All his candy

All done, now time for bed

Nyles:

• Has been enjoying his walker we got for him.  He was pushing his stroller around before so I decided to go get him a walker (more his size).  I found one on sale at Babies R Us and got a free train also.  He loves them both!  He cruises back and forth all around the house now.  He's gotten pretty good at turning corners and even backing it up.  He even likes us to chase him on it.  Silly kid.  

Nyles cruising on his stroller

His new train set

He loves his milk, especially first thing in the morning and right before bed.  

This is him watching me get ready for work in the morning.

                                             He loves playing w/ his toys, especially his truck.

Enjoying a fort Steve made for him out of his carseat box.  

Steve said he played in it all day ;)

Loves popcorn just like Mommy and Daddy. 

Playing at Grandma McGrath's.  

He learned how to climb up on the carseat then on to the couch, smart boy.

He loves to clap, but he has to be his idea to do so.  

Enjoying some of Grandma Hegerhorst's yummy peaches.

He loves animals, especially dogs.

Just playing w/ his toys, in the box of course.

Yummy goldfish.  Fish (his favorite word)

Finds it fun to drive the shopping cart, both wheels too!

He loves stuffed animals and his blankies.  Luckily he's not too indifferent towards any of them (yet), so we can always find another one and he's just fine cuddling w/ it.

Nyles playing in his high chair

Playing in his toy box w/ Grandma Joann's car

 He thinks his new carseat is his a recliner

Has to sit in the box 

We found out he REALLY likes suckers!

Eating a blue sucker 

October Changes

First things first, for those of you who haven't heard I was released on Sunday as the Midvalley 11th Branch Relief Society President.  President Pantuso called me into his office last Sunday the 13th before during Sunday School and asked to talk to me.  Steve wasn't there though since he had run home right after Sacrament meeting to put Nyles down for a nap.  Thankfully he came home when he did though because some time in between when he left at about 10:45am and about 12:15pm our water heater started to leak.  Steve heard a noise in the closet where the water heater was and soon found out that water was leaking through a very small hole in the pipe.  Luckily he was home and was able to replace the pipe and fix the leak.  While he was busy doing that President let me know that the time had come for me to be released.

Next month it would have been 3 years.  My secretary moved about a month ago and I was asking for a 3rd Counselor instead, but I guess instead of doing so they felt just releasing us was best.  My 1st Counselor, Laura Minson, served w/ me the whole 3 years, whereas I've had four 2nd Counselors: Tricia Baker, Ashley Dunkelberger, Patricia Lott, and Stephanie Christensen.   For Secretaries I've have Heidi Pearson and most recently Cara Short.  Since Stephanie has only been serving since May the new RS President is actually going to keep her on.  Ironically she took 2 sisters that were serving in the Primary Presidency so now the Primary President needs to fill those spots.  While I'm listing things, I've also served w/ 3 different Branch Presidents and 3 different Elder's Quorum Presidents.  I can't remember all the visiting teaching supervisors/coordinators I've called, RS teachers, compassionate service leaders, welfare leaders, other rs meetings leaders, assistants, and rs committee members over the past 3 years.  In addition to all of the other leaders and other callings we've changed while I was serving in the Relief Society.  Needless to say we've had a lot of change in the branch in a relatively short period of time.

It's still crazy for me to think that I served for 3 of the 4 years we've lived in our condo and in the branch.  Especially considering we've only been married for less than 5 years now.  Time sure has flown by.  I'll have to admit that the first year serving as the Relief Society President wasn't easy.  There sure was a HIGH learning curve involved.  I have definitely learned a great deal about what the Relief Society is and what we are made of.  There is a lot of areas that encompass the RS, all of which are very important.  I know my testimony has been strengthened by the opportunity I had to be able to serve the sisters in our branch.  I hope I was able to help others grown spiritually and strengthen their own testimonies in the Gospel.  I know mine has.  I've also learned how to communicate w/ others better, how to listen better, how to be more compassionate and understanding, and how to follow the promptings of the Spirit more clearly.

There were many times that I felt I was inadequate to be in this position, but time and time again I felt His strength lift me up and be able to do more.  I have a testimony of this.  "The Lord will help us in our callings, especially when we feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities. When we pray to Heavenly Father for guidance, He will direct us through inspiration and will bless us to serve well. The Lord helps those who serve Him and will add His power to their efforts (seeD&C 84:88). As President Thomas S. Monson promised, “When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”

I can think of multiple examples of times I was prompted to call/text someone for reasons I didn't know.  The sisters I called who served w/ me also were an amazing strength to me and helped lighten the burden per say that I was called to bear.  I know my counselors would ask many times what else they could do to help but I would tell them that others were helping.  As they say, "many hands make light work."  As we all served together we had a great unity and we were able to look after one another.

I know personally that we were also blessed.  At work I was able to get better positions which first allowed me not to have to work on Sundays, and second of all it allowed a little more pay in order to help pay for Steve's schooling.  This was especially true as he started at the University of Utah which is more than double what Salt Lake Community College costs.  When I look back to these past 3 years the first thing I know is that we were supposed to buy this condo in order to be in this branch and for the opportunity I was given to serve as the RS President.  I'm not sure how we were able to balance everything but Steve finished his Bachelor's Degree, I finished my Master's Degree and we had Nyles last year.  It's been a little tricky at times, but we've always been able to find a balance in order to get it all accomplished.  I know the Lord has definitely blessed us to be able to financially support ourselves, continue/finish our educations, start a family, and still maintain our home life and spend time together.

This past week has been full of mixed emotions.  I'm sad to not be serving as the President anymore, but at the same time it's a huge relief and weight off my shoulders.  President Pantuso had Steve and I come into his office last Thursday w/ Laura/Brett and Stephanie.  We talked about our feelings and expressed our gratitude for serving.  I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to serve and know the Lord has helped me to become a better person.  I know that I'll have other opportunities to serve and the skills I've learned while serving as the RS President will surely come in handy.  I'm enjoying this week of not having to go to meetings and what not, but I'm also looking forward to getting a new calling and serving again.

It worked out really well not having to go to meetings this week, for the reason that Pauline had Ezra this Monday, the 21st.  Steve ironically didn't have class on Wednesday so we decided to go down and visit them and the new baby.  Since I wasn't in a meeting or doing visits Tuesday either, I offered to make dinner for Pauline and her family.  I put a pork roast in the crockpot and made funeral potatoes and pumpkin-gingerbread.  Steve picked up some rolls and we brought green beans as well.  Steve picked me up from work on Wednesday at 4:30 (since I get off early Mon/Wed so I can get home for Steve to go to class), then we went down to Provo to visit them.  Pauline had just gotten home at noon and was just settling in.  We brought dinner and then ate together and visited.  We left at about 7pm to get Nyles back home to bed and hopefully for them to get some sleep soon too.  It was really fun to visit them.  We're so excited for their new addition and we know Nyles will love having another boy cousin about his age.  He's so sweet, we love him already! ;)

Now a family of four

(Pauline, Chris, Charlotte, and Ezra)