Friday, May 16, 2014

Quick Update

It's been a couple weeks since I posted last so I wanted to give a quick update on what we've been up to.

Penny:  So I started a new job/position last week.  I'm still at Fidelity and still in our Portfolio Advisory Services, but now I have my own "book of business" and can work at my leisure per say.  I went from hourly to salary and can technically come and go as I please.  Basically as long as I get the work I need to get done I am free to set my own schedule.  I also have potential for higher bonuses as well.  I've worked hard over the past couple years to get this position so I'm really stoked and feel very grateful to have finally gotten it.  My book is being built basically from California clients (which is a lot) so its going to be intense for the first couple months, but I know it'll be worth it in the end.  I'm really looking forward to being able to set my own schedule for a change and essentially be able to spend more time w/ my family.

I also just finished up my second course of my CFP class which was on insurance.  I have a couple weeks of a break, then we'll be starting our third course which is on investing.  Even though it's pretty intense, I'm learning a lot and am enjoying it.  

Nyles trying on Steve's slippers

 Steve:  Finished up his Spring classes last week, and will be starting his Summer classes next week.  It's been nice having him home at night.  Steve has been busy w/ his calling as well in the clerks office.  We just got 2 new counselors in our Branch Presidency so he's been doing some training w/ them.  Steve also went turkey hunting the weekend before w/ some friends near the cabin in Duschene. They saw some the first day, but nothing the second.  Luckily the fishing was hot at Strawberry so they were able to catch a lot of fish and still had a good time.

He's been a big help to Joann still recovering from her shoulder surgery.
It's pouring rain but the rain gutter was clogged so Steve came to the rescue.


Steve and Nyles got me some flowers and even potted them for me, so sweet :)

 I love Spring flowers

He's also been being a great dad for Nyles and taking great care of him.  He's really trying to help him learn and grow every day.  We went together to the Aquarium last Saturday.  Nyles always has a good time there.  He loves animals, especially fish.  

Watching the penguins swim

Watching them from up top


Exploring the Amazon

Cute boys

Big Arapaima 

Shark Bite

Nyles exploring Utah arches


Arapaima again w/ Steve

Saying hi to Mom at work (I love seeing pictures during the day, makes me smile)



Nyles:  He is 21 months old now and is growing every day both mentally and physically.  Every day he amazes us w/ something that he can do or a new word he says.  He is such a joy to have in our family.  We love his cute little personality.  He is growing more and more into a little boy than a baby.  

Recently Nyles has been taking off his PJ's and diaper during nap times and sometimes first thing in the morning.  We don't think he's quite ready to potty train, so Steve came up w/ a solution.  He decided to put a zip-tie on his PJ's through the zipper and around the snap going over the zipper.  This way the zipper can't go down very much.  

This afternoon Nyles climbed out of his crib during nap time.  Steve heard the "thump" then went to see what it was.  As he opened the door Nyles was at the door.  Luckily he didn't get hurt, but it definitely scared us.  Again we don't think he's quite ready to transition to a bed yet, so we turned his crib around since the back is taller than the front.  I also took off the breathable bumper pads since we think he stepped on them to get out (we should taken those off a while ago technically). Hopefully this fixed the problem for a few more months.  Silly kid.  

Steve also took Nyles into his pediatrician this week.  He has had diarrhea for a couple weeks and it wasn't going away.  From the diarrhea it was also giving him a bad diaper rash.  We tried several different ointments, but the one that finally started helping was Baby Magic because it has 40% Zinc Oxide.  It's been working like a charm so we stocked up on it.  Luckily it was on clearance at Macey's and we got a great deal on it.  The Dr said it's what is called Toddler Diarrhea and could last up to 6 weeks but isn't harmful.  It's been starting to slow down so hopefully we're past that soon.  

He also went to his allergy Dr this week.  They drew blood again and are going to test to see if his peanut allergy has changed.  We should know the results on Monday.  It's not too likely that his allergy will go away, but it does happen to a small percentage of children.  Steve said when he got his blood drawn he didn't even cry, same as last time.  He definitely didn't take after me; that's for sure ;)

Nyles waiting to get his blood drawn.
Just playing w/ his truck (thank you Aunt Diane), he takes it everywhere w/ him, even in the bath ;)

Here are some more pictures taken recently.

Pictures at the park I took of Nyles for Mother's Day




Looking for fish in the stream (don't think there were any)



 

Found a stick

Ready to go down the slide, all by himself.  Such a big boy ;)


The ducks enjoying the swimming pool at the park before it opens in a few weeks

I think these overalls are so cute ;) 


Nyles likes sitting at the table.  He's working on a buckle.  
He loves to put things together and see how they work.

Just hanging out w/ his blankey, binky, sippy cup and stuffed pig

Nyles loves playing in the sandbox at Grandma/Grandpa McGrath's house

Enjoying a Popsicle 

A new haircut (candy necklace keeping him busy while I cut)

Nyles playing on cousin Conor's car at a family get together

 Ummm Nutella on toast :)

Nyles playing at the park
 

Nyles thinks its fun to push the stroller around 

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Easter Part 2

On the McGrath side, we celebrated Easter the following Sunday on April 27th, since most of us were gone the week before.  We got together for dinner at Melanie and Brandon Lake's house, then watched a short video called "Because of Him."  I loved the message it portrayed.  Just as I was mentioning in my previous post, we all have the opportunity to repent and find a new beginning, a second chance, a clean slate.  There is no such this as the end.  It's such a beautiful message of hope.  One that we can all appreciate and be grateful for.  If you haven't seen it, I'd encourage you to watch it.


After the Easter message, we had an Easter Egg Hunt.  Each kid got a specific color of egg they were to find, which made it easier for everyone.  That way the little kids could go at their slow pace and find just as many eggs as the older much quicker kids.  It was fun to watch Nyles and the other kids get their eggs. Here are some pics from the hunt.

Nyles trying the trampoline

Working on his moves

Conor and Nyles playing w/ toys

Nyles trying to figure the bag out

There they are

Got it!



Big truck


Got another one!

Lynsie and Nyles trying to figure out egg hunting

I found a stick!


Over there?

What's this?

Lynsie and Nyles checking out the trampoline

Steve and Nyles