Soooo Cold!!!

Wow this month has been soooo cold!  The temperatures have stayed below freezing all month it seems.  Most of the time as I've been going out to work it hasn't even been 10 degrees.  Then when I come home its maybe 20 degrees.  Not fun!  In addition to that the air quality has been horrible.  It's been trapped by the inversion which has made it even yuckier outside.  A lot of people have been sick from it and other sicknesses going around, including all of us.

Steve was the first to get sick.  He had the flu right at the beginning of the month.  I had the 1st off for New Year's Day and the 2nd for our 4th anniversary.  We played it pretty low key in the morning since Steve wasn't feeling the best, then in the afternoon we went to Olive Garden for lunch.  We then did a little shopping.  Nyles was good most of the time, but got tired towards the end since it was his nap time.  In the evening we got Nyles ready for bed and put him down, then had Joann come sit at the house while we went and did a session at the Jordan River Temple.  It was really neat to go through a session.  With the recent passing of my Grandma Buhler, I really felt the power of the sealing power in that families can be together forever.  It was really special.

With the New Year we switched to the 11am time for church.  It's nice because I don't have quite as early meetings.  I now have PEC at 9 am instead of 7:30 am.  Since I have PEC before church we have our RS meetings usually after church so it makes for a longer afternoon.  I was able to meet w/ my 2nd counselor and RS Meeting Coordinator and we planned out the year, in terms of when we will have meetings.  Since we are in charge of munch and mingles also we decided to break it up once a quarter.  So we'll have a munch and mingle, a RS Meeting and a Branch Activity each once a quarter, to break it up more.  We've had more families move into the branch this past month also, which is nice.  Unfortunately we've also had a lot of sickness and compassionate service opportunities recently in our branch.  We're trying to keep up with it all.  

Steve was supposed to start a class at the U the week of the 7th, but after attending one day and praying about it, we decided it would be best just to take evening classes at SLCC.  Since he just graduated last semester, he now needs to take just a few more classes, prerequisites, in order to apply for PA school.  Since I'm working during the day we figured it would be best for Steve to be home w/ Nyles during the day and then attend classes in the evening.  We were blessed to get him into a College Biology class that starts at 7pm Mon/Wed then a lab for the class on Tuesdays at 7pm also.  It's not fun that we can't spend the evenings together, but we know it'll be for the best in the long run.  He's liking his classes so far.  Thankfully a lot of his classes he took for his undergrad will help him with the prereqs he'll be taking going forward.

Steve and Nyles saying Hi to me while at work

Who is imitating who?

On Wednesday the 9th, Nyles started not feeling well.  Thursday he wouldn't eat much for Steve during the day either and kept fussing, so Steve decided to take him to the Dr.  The Dr said Nyles had a cold.  He told us to set up a humidifier in his room and gave us saline drops for his nose to help clean it out.  He said he'd be tired and might not each much.  Luckily that night after I got home from work he ate really well for me.  It started to snow pretty heavily that night and continued for the next couple days actually.  Party due to the snow, but mostly for Nyles' sake I decided to stay home w/ him on Friday.  He also was up most of the night so we didn't get much sleep either.  He ate well again for me and slept a good amount, so in between caring for him I was able to get some things around the house done.

Lots of SNOW!

The next day unfortunately I didn't feel too well either. I was able to take it easy most of the day thankfully.  Steve went and helped shovel the Stake Center sidewalks for Stake Conference that night and set up chairs in the gym.  That night Steve went to Alexa's 1st bday party for a few minutes while I stayed home w/ Nyles.  He then hurried over to the Stake Center where he helped be security in the parking lot for the adult session.  He then went over to our neighbors to represent our family for a bit since they invited us over after Stake Conference. 

Nyles turned 5 months old on the 12th.  

 

Sunday I stayed home w/ Nyles again since neither of us was feeling well.  I actually ended up staying home most of the week unfortunately.  The Dr told us to watch if Nyles started to pull on his ears because he might have a ear infection.  He started pulling on them Sunday, so Monday Steve called the Dr and they got us an appointment on Tuesday.  Steve took him in while I stayed home and rested.  Besides pulling on his ears it was hard to tell he was in pain.  He was still his happy self.  The Dr was really amazed how content he was though he had to be in lots of pain.  The Dr said his ear canals are really small so they used a machine that would put sound waves to bound off his ear drums in order to test if there was an infection.  Sure enough he had 2 ear infections.  The Dr then prescribed Amoxicillin for him to take twice a day for 10 days.  It is pink and tastes like cotton candy I guess.  Luckily with a little distraction Nyles took his meds every day.  We just finished them the other day.

Just as happy as can be, even though not feeling well.  Such a cutie!

I must have caught what Steve had and didn't feel well at all.  I didn't have much energy, had a cough here and there and just felt yucky.  I went into work Thursday after lunch, then went in Friday as well.  It's days like those that I am thankful to go to work in that I have health to do so.  I'm also thankful my work has paid sick days too.

Luckily we had Monday off also due to Martin Luther King Day.  I was also feeling a lot better than the week before.  We decided to go to Burlington Coat Factory and get a new high chair for Nyles.  Since he did so well swallowing w/ his medicine we knew he could swallow food and start solids soon.  I've been reading when is the best time to start and what foods to start, but there are a lot of opinions out there which differ of course.  Nyles is definitely ready in the he can sit up, he can swallow and he's interested in food.  So today we gave him a few bites of bananas.  I don't think the loved them, but at least he didn't spit them out.  He was so funny, he'd make faces like they were sour or something.  Solid food here we come.... ;)

 Nyles at Burlington Coat Factory getting his high chair.  This is actually the exact spot where my water broke.  We were at this store getting some decor for his room (fish/turtles) when it broke (Aug 11th and he was born the next day, Sunday the 12th). 

About ready to try bananas

 Not sure if I like these

Wednesday night while putting Nyles down to bed we did our normal routine.  I gave him a bath, got him in his PJs, fed him, then went in his room to sing and have prayers.  As I sang "I am a child of God" to him he looked up at me and started to sing along with me ....well in baby talk that is.  He then helped me with the prayer also.  I think he was trying to say, "that's right mom I am a child of God."  I wish I could have recorded it, it was so cute. :)  I love precious moments like that, makes me love being a mom.

Yesterday at work I ironically had another spiritual moment and witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel to me.  I was helping a lady, who was in her 70's, open up a new account and was adding her beneficiaries.  I copied her 4 children that were listed on her other account and then verified it with her.  She then said, well I have 5 actually, one passed away shortly after birth.  She then went on to tell me her first child died after birth due to the Dr using forceps and causing brain trauma to him.  She then said, "I wish I could have raised him and got to know him.  I hope I can see him some day."  Since we're not allowed to talk religion at work I then said, "Some people believe you will be able to see him someday and even raise him."  She kindof went silent and then said, "Ya maybe."  She didn't have her husband listed on her accounts either so I wonder if he passed away already also.  I badly wanted to tell her about the Plan of Salvation and how she will see her son again and also have the chance to raise him.  I wanted to tell her that Families can be together forever.  Since we had Nyles just 5 months ago, hearing this woman's story really touched me.  There are so many things that can go wrong not only during a pregnancy but especially the delivery.  I'm so thankful we were able to have Nyles delivered properly and he's healthy.  I'm especially thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement which makes this all possible.  We are so blessed.

Last night after putting Nyles down to bed our neighbor Dave came and played a video game w/ Steve while I went over to his house and talked w/ his wife Melissa.  It was fun.

He is such a happy baby.  We are so blessed to have him as part of our family.  He truly is a joy to us.  We can't imagine our lives w/out him.  Here are some fun things about Nyles right now:

He loves grabbing his toes/socks

Steve put these pants on that have socks built in thinking he wouldn't be able to take them off....well he did ;)

These rattle socks taste good too ;)

He's officially rolled over once, but gets half way all the time.....so close to rolling over

Getting better at balancing on his belly

Likes to chew on everything, but still hasn't had a tooth break through yet 

(I'm definitely not complaining though)

Love playing w/ daddy, even video games

• He's also sleeping really well through the night.  He goes to bed at about 7:30pm each night, then wakes up about 5:30am so I can feed him before I got to work.  Then he goes to bed for another a couple hours.  
• He still takes a couple naps during the day, usually 1-2 hrs each. 
• He loves to laugh and giggle
• He thinks his dad is really funny and is glad he can play w/ him during the day.  He especially loves it when Steve rubs his hair close to his face.  
• He's always so happy to see us in the morning
• He love to chatter throughout the day
• He loves chewing on his fingers
• He's getting more hair, but still has his Dracula look
• His eyes still look hazel like Steve's eyes

Well I hope everyone has a great week.  It looks like the temperature is supposed to get a little warmer and the air is supposed to clear up.  I can't believe February will be here this week.  That means my birthday, Nyles will be 6 months old, Valentines Day, and hopefully we'll get up to the cabin, especially since Steve just spent the afternoon getting the tracks on.  Have a great week!  Love ya lots! ;)

New Year's Goals

I was looking over some of our goals from last year and wanted to report back on them and write down some of the goals we're working towards for 2013.

Goals from 2012:

1.  Steve to finish his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Utah---DONE!!!  He just finished a couple weeks ago but will officially walk in the Spring when they have the commencement. 

 Yeah, all done w/ that portion of his education!

 

2.  Steve to also start taking prereqs to get prepared for PA school--Working towards now

3.  Me to finish my MBA--DONE!!! Graduation was June 30, 2012 

 

4.  Me to get a promotion at work--We decided to hold off on this after getting pregnant since I was finishing my Master's Degree and after having the baby I didn't want to spend more time in the office, I'd rather come home and be w/ Nyles and Steve.

5.  Go on a family trip, most likely Hawaii--Done!!!  Went to Hawaii in May 2012

Diamond Head hike overlooking Waikii

 Luau at Polynesian Cultural Center

 

 Personal Tour of Kauai Island

 Hula Pie, so very yummy!

6.  Continue to serve faithfully in our callings--Definitely still striving towards this.  Steve is still a branch missionary and I'm the Relief Society President.  Though we've had lots of people move in and out over the past 3 1/2 yrs, at least our callings have been consistent ;)

7.  Continue to save and add to our emergency funds--Still working on this, not doing too bad but can always improve

8.  To enjoy more time with family--Hopefully did this last year and are still working to do this for this year.  We actually get together w/ Steve's family at least once a month, which is nice (unfortunately we haven't had a family pic in a while though).

My side of the family except Rose and girls

9.  And one more, Start a family--Done!!! Nyles joined our family on August 12, 2012.  We feel so blessed to have him in our family.  We love his soooo much!

Our new family

 Cute baby Nyles

For 2013 here are some of our goals:

1. Read of the Book of Mormon by the end year
2. Attend the Temple every month together 
3. Visit family often
4. Weekly date night  
5. Penny--continue to be in top 10% of CMRs
6. Steve--continue to take prereqs to get prepared for PA School
7. Continue to save in emergency funds
8. Continue to save for retirement, 401k and Roth IRA
9. Eat healthier
10. Lose Weight  

 Here goes nothing! ;)

December Wrap Up

Happy New Year!!!!  I can't believe it's January already.  Where did December go?  This month was full of lots of things, so I'd better get caught up.  This might be long.....so here it goes.

On December 2nd we had our McGrath family Jerusalem Dinner.  This year we had it at Melanie and Brandon's house.  We had food that Jesus might have eaten, per say.  More so finger food like nuts, lamb, crackers, cheese, grapes, etc.  After the meal we all go into the living room and have a testimony meeting.  We eat go around and share our testimonies one at a time.  The first person lights their candle, but this year we used glow sticks instead since there are so many small children, then after they are done we go to the next person and light their candle.  Then when we are done the room is lit up with the light from the candle/glow sticks.  Symbolically as we share our testimonies we can share our light with others and spark their testimonies as well.  It was a really neat testimony meeting.  I felt like this year the testimonies were really heartfelt.  A couple things I shared my testimony about were:

• I've recently had the opportunity to go w/ the missionaries to teach some investigators and it reminded me again of how blessed we are to have the Gospel.  We are so fortunate to have the truth from the Gospel that I think many times we forget how precious that knowledge is.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and from God and that through our Savior we can again return to live w/ our Heavenly Father.  This is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have a living prophet again on the earth to lead us and guide us in these latter days. 
• In sacrament meeting we had a local choir come and sing different songs during the meeting.  One of them was "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant.  You can listen/watch it here.   After being pregnant and delivered a son, I've thought more about what it would have been like to be Mary carrying Jesus.  I realize how hard pregnancy can be on a woman.  I can't imagine what it would have been like to carry a child and travel on a donkey, then deliver a child in a stable.  She was an incredible woman to carry "the load" she did.  I am thankful for Mary and her role in bringing Christ to the world so he could do his part and save us from sin and death.  The words also hit me as she says, "Do you wonder as you watch my face, if a wiser one should have had my place, But I offer all I am."  I know this is a different context but it reminds me of what a huge responsibility it is to not only bear a child but especially to raise one these days.  I so want to be a good mother for Nyles and raise him well "in a world as cold as stone."  I feel so blessed to have one of our Heavenly Father's precious spirits in our home and for the opportunity to raise him.  We love him sooooo much and can't imagine life without him!

That Friday, December 7th we had our Branch Christmas Party.  The Relief Society was in charge of it again.  I took the day off to make sure we'd get everything done in time. Since we did it the year before we had a head start on what we needed and how to get things done.  I felt like we were a lot more organized and knew what to do, but unfortunately since we had so many people leave this summer we didn't have nearly as much help as we did the year before.  I felt we basically pulled it off by ourselves, that RS Presidency that is.  Our "committee" all bailed on us last minute so I hurried and called some sisters who are reliable and thankfully they helped out, which was much appreciated.  We'll definitely want to make some changes for next year if we're in charge again.  The RS shouldn't have to do it all by themselves.  Those who attended though said they enjoyed themselves and felt the Spirit of Christ, which was what we were wanting.  I was just so busy w/ the food getting it out and ready that I didn't get to enjoy the program.  We'll have to change that for next year also so everyone, even those who help, get to enjoy it more.  Since we barely had enough food last year I planned for more and we had plenty of food this time.  We had so much ham, funeral potatoes and salad left over that we decided to hold a munch and mingle on Sunday so we could get rid of it.

Carrie, Steve's older sister, was induced on Saturday, December 8th and had her little girl Lyndsie Lee Hammett.  We went and visited her on Sunday after church and the mingle.  She has a lot of hair and looks a lot like her dad ;)

 Me, Nyles and his cousin Lynsie

The next week Steve was busy w/ getting finished with all his finals and projects.  It was a REALLY busy, stressful week for both of us, we we are very happy to get it behind us.  Steve did such a great job balancing all his classes and responsibilities this semester.  He had 25 credits this semester plus with having Nyles at the beginning of the semester and ended up getting only 2 B-'s and the rest well A's.  I'm very proud of him!!!  He's officially done w/ his Bachelor's Degree, now the plan is to finish his prereqs for PA school then apply.  

On Friday the 14th I took the day off.  I had a Dr appt first then we went to have Nyles' 4 month appointment.  He weighed 14.55 pounds and was 24.21 inches long, average.  He then got some more shots, which he didn't like so much.  But thankfully with some Tylenol he was doing much better.  That night we went and hung out w/ some neighbors in the branch.  It was fun to spend time w/ them outside of church.

He sure loved the crinkle paper though; it was so much fun to stomp his feet on. ;)

The next morning it was snowing crazy, but we met my parents, Rose and Pauline's family at IHOP off 21st south for breakfast.  My parents were down here for my mom's family Christmas party.  It was fun to see them and get together, even for a short time.  Nyles is sure getting more interested in food, but not quite ready to start solids.  We'll most likely wait until he's 6 months old to officially start solids.

 

 Breakfast at IHOP w/ Mom, Dad, Rose, Pauline, Chris and Charlotte

 

Nyles wanted a waffle too ;)

The next week we mainly were getting ready for Christmas.  After work on Friday the 21st Steve picked me up and we headed up to Idaho.  We went up to Centerville and got something to eat while I fed Nyles, then got on the road again. Thankfully Nyles slept pretty much the whole time so we made good time.  We got there a little after ten, got Nyles to bed, then got ourselves to bed.  

Pretty sunset in Bruneau

Pauline, Chris and Charlotte came up the next day.  Steve went out w/ my dad and Daron to hunt coyotes the next morning also.  While they were gone I went over to visit Marla and Margie.  I forgot to go over the last time we were up.  They wanted to see Nyles.  It was fun to chat for a while.  Chris, Steve and my Dad went out again that afternoon to call some more coyotes.  That night we had dinner w/ Grandma Hegerhorst and got to visit w/ her also. 

The "hunters"

Sunday we had church, then that night we had our annual Hegerhorst Christmas Party.  We had it at the church this time since we are getting so big.  We had dinner, our program, then did our white elephant exchanges.  Our whole family was there except Rose and her girls.  Anna of course was there.  It's nice now that she lives much closer. 

 

The whole family (minus Rose and girls) at Hegerhorst Christmas Party

Nyles loving life in his cute Christmas outfit from Aunt Diane

The next morning Steve went out w/ my dad to call in some more coyotes.  We then went over to my grandma's for breakfast w/ Daron/Kristi and their kids, Marla, Mark, Margie, Katie and my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Rick.  Elaine and Rick made us all breakfast, eggs Benedict.  We then looked up the weather and it was snowing the whole way, so we decided not to leave until the next day.  Since we weren't going anywhere, we decided to go back to mom and dad's and played a couple games w/ Kristi and the kids.  While we did that Steve and my dad went out and called coyotes again.  We then drove up to Mtn Home to get a few last minute things for Christmas.   That night we played games then Charlotte and Nyles acted out the Christmas story.  Charlotte was Mary and Nyles was baby Jesus.  They were so cute.

 Aunt Muffin getting Nyles to giggle on the way to town

 Charlotte as Mary and Nyles as baby Jesus

On Christmas morning we all got up and opened some gifts, then had breakfast and packed up.  My mom was planning to come down to Utah to visit her mom since she wasn't doing too well, health wise.  Pauline and my dad decided to go over to Daron's house for lunch.

  

Opening gifts

 

Our borrowed Christmas stockings since we didn't bring anything w/ us

My dad w/ Maggie, aka Sienna (Steve's brother Jeff's old dog)

 

Nyles helping me w/ my presents

We headed out by about 10am and stopped at Anna's house in Jerome to drop off some stuff for her and feed Nyles.  We got to see her new place and chat for a while.  It was good to see her again.  A few minutes after we left I got a message that Grandma Buhler had passed away.  I notice my mom tried to call also so I called her back and for sure she had passed away a little after noon.  My mom was sad that she didn't make it down in time.  Pauline suggested that she ride down w/ her then my dad would come down later when the funeral was.  So Pauline and my dad came back to the house where they helped my mom get packed up and then left to come down to Utah.  We got home by 5pm, unpacked then hurried over to Steve's sister Melanie's place for his family get together.  They had a very nice meal for us then we opened a few gifts and played a game then came home.  It was pretty late once we got home so we just got ready for bed. 

I went to work Wednesday and Thursday, but decided to take Friday and Monday off.  We ended up opening our gifts Wednesday after work.  Steve went and got a new Carhartt coat that he's been wanting, and I ordered a camera from my perk points at work.  Some of these pictures are from it though I'm still learning how to use it.  It was fun having Nyles to share Christmas with.

Nyles new crinkle book and Elmo toy from Christmas

  

 Nyles new trick grabbing his toes ;)

 

Friday night my dad came down w/ Anna and her boys.  They stayed at Dave and Joann's house.  Steve and I made chicken and steak fajitas for dinner then root beer floats for dessert.  We also played a game of Apples to Apples while the boys played down stairs.

The next morning we had the funeral in Highland at 11am.  The funeral was really nice.  She was a very special woman who showed a lot of compassion and love towards others.  We are definitely blessed to have had her in our lives.  The more I learn about her the more I learn where my mom got a lot of her wonderful traits ie compassion, love, service, great cook, loves kids, sewing skills, etc.  After the funeral we went to the burial grounds where her grave was dedicated.  We then went to another church where they had food prepared for us, which was really good. 

Mom w/ her all brothers and sisters at burial grounds

They all arrived in a limo

Me, Wade, Kristi and Daron

The program for funeral

Grandma and Grandpa Buhler

 Pauline, Nyles and I after the funeral

All dressed in purple :)

 

Mom and her kids (except Barbara)

Sunday we had church but after we had the sacrament Nyles wasn't feeling well so I took him home, fed him then put him down for a nap.  He really must not have been feeling well since he slept 3 hours.  Steve went and helped pass the sacrament at an assisted living center while I was taking care of Nyles.  After he got back I made some Autumn Soup and cornbread then took it down to Dave and Joann's for lunch.  We then played a new Ticket to Ride that Dave got for Christmas from Diane.  It covers Germany but has a few new rules which make it a little tricky.

Monday Steve went fishing w/ Dave Thomas and Zach Hanney up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  Needless to say they got cold, but caught fish so they had fun.  After he got back we got ready and went to LuDean's house for the New Year's Eve party her and Diane were putting on, Mexican Theme.  We had tacos and played bingo.  Nyles was tired by this time so I went down stairs and fed him and got him to go to sleep.  After everyone else had left we played the Ticket to Ride again w/ Rob Daniels.  It's pretty fun, though we're all still getting used to the new rules.  

 Nyles enjoying the Party w/ Great Grandma LuDean

Pinata time

I've been back to work for 8 weeks now.  I asked my boss and director to see if there would be a part time option, but unfortunately in my department there is not.  So, if we do want to do a part time thing I'll have to switch to a different department, like retirements or service or something.  For now our plan is for me to work full time and Steve take his prereqs classes and take care of Nyles during the day.

Happy New Year!  May we all do better this year that last! ;)