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)

 

September Catchup

Well September has come and gone and I didn't even get a post posted.  So I'd better get caught up, quickly.  I can't believe October is here and so if Fall officially.  The weather sure has been changing with some really cool temperatures already.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for that or not, but I don't really have a choice I guess.  So here goes nothing.......

Nyles drinking his milk like a good boy

Friday, September 6th we went down to celebrate's Isaac's birthday.  They just moved into their new house down in Lehi (Traverse Mountain right behind Cabela's), so it was fun to see their new house as well.

Conor and Nyles hanging out w/ Grandma McGrath

Saturday September 7th (Mom's bday), we had our first funeral that we had to put on in our branch.  We've had one other brother pass away the year before but they went back to Idaho for his funeral.  This brother had been sick w/ cancer the past couple years and had moved into the branch, but he and his wife hadn't really been to church so we didn't really know them.  His wife came the week he passed away and the weeks after as well.  They have a small family so we only fed about 40 people.  With the help of my mom, we decided to make lasagna and have salad and rolls on the side, w/ cookies and ice cream for dessert.  Since it was a small group we put up round tables w/ black table clothes and I put pink Gerber Daisy's on each table plus the serving tables (we had used them at our RS Birthday Dinner in March).  Thankfully we had several sisters help to make food and a couple help serve the day of.  Overall I think it turned out well.  I'm glad Steve was there to stay home w/ Nyles, otherwise I'm not sure how we would have managed.  Ironically that same week another brother passed away.  He is not a member though, only his wife who is less active, so they chose to have his funeral at a funeral home.  Unfortunately we have not been able to get in contact w/ her either to offer assistance or whatnot.  Hopefully soon though.

The next day, Sunday, September 8th, we had a munch and mingle after church.  It was actually an ice cream social.  We hadn't had one in a while so we decided to have something in order to provide opportunity to "mingle" and get to know each other again.  We served ice cream and more cookies.  It turned out well, though we planned on more attending.

Nyles helping me get dinner ready.....he's so helpful can't you tell?

Nyles has been growing and learning a lot this month.  He's sleeping well through the night, which we are SOOOO thankful for.  He's also getting more teeth.  So far his bottom right tooth has come in and the left one is on its way.  He's really good, and fast at crawling (the normal way, not his worm way), and he's also getting good at walking w/ assistance of the couch or whatnot.  He says Mama and Dadda, in most of the right context, and a few other "words."  He's learning to clap, way good-bye and hi five.  He's such a cutie.  We love him so much and love watching him learn.  He loves swings, so we go over to different parks or whatnot so he can swing every so often.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...................

 

With his teething he's been loving eating Popsicle's also.  Usually when I get home from work I give him one and let him eat it while I get dinner ready.  The first time I tried to share it w/ him, but after a few licks he wanted to do it himself.  He has really been wanting to feed himself now, which is good, but definitely more messy.  We got him some "kid friendly" utensils and bowls so he can practice better.  He's getting a lot better w/ the Popsicle and feeding himself.  Practice makes perfect they say.

Look Mom I can do it all by myself.....

He now sits in his high chair to keep his sticky fingers off the carpet and everything else :)

The cute bump came from the bench at the cabin, poor thing

Steve has been working hard on his classes.  I guess now we're pretty much at midterms.  His Human Biology is more of a review for him, which is good.  He says it's nice to be the "smart kid" in class for once ;)  We're still hoping that by Summer time next year we'll be able to apply for PA school; fingers crossed.

Steve also got a tag to go Elk Hunting, since it was on "sale".  He couldn't turn it down of course.  He was so excited for.  He hasn't gone "big game" hunting like this since before his mission.  The season just started this weekend (which I'll post about later).  When he got his tag he called his Grandpa Carl Jensen to ask if he could borrow his gun, 3-06, and for some reason he decided to just give it to Steve.  He also gave him a 22-250 why he was at it, which he uses to coyote hunt.  Steve was soooooo HAPPY, he couldn't contain himself.

Nyles laying on Bailey's old bed and playing w/ her old chew toy.

Joann assures me they've both been washed ;)

On Friday, September 13th we went up to the cabin.  Steve picked up Rob then met me at 2100 South, off the train, then we headed up.  Stacie and Phill and family also met us up there.  After we got up there pretty much got a fire going to get the cabin warmed up, then put kids down to bed and just relaxed.  Since going to Bear Lake we decided that Nyles would sleep better if we weren't in the room, so we put him in our regular room and we slept in the one across from him.  He did pretty good thankfully.  The next morning we had breakfast, then went out and fished for a while.  We caught a decent amount.  We then came back in for lunch and to put the babies down for a nap.

Steve and London catching a fish

Nyles, not sure what to think of this life jacket

Rob showing London the fish we caught

Peaceful

 Just hanging out

 Happy fisherman ;)

Rob, Stacie and Conor

Another catch

Rain clouds coming in, time to get off the water

Cleaning the fish

Steve and Rob then went back out and fished a while.  After the baby boys got up we walked down to the gully where they picked us up.   Steve and Rob hadn't caught too many fish before and the wind had picked up, but when we got on the boat ironically the fish starting biting and the wind went down.  It was a great afternoon on the lake.

Cute baby Nyles....waiting patiently to get the boat off the water

Conor found Nyles' cow and couldn't put it down.  Nyles playing Yahtzee ;)

The next week we had a pretty full week.  I had my home and visiting teaching meeting on Wednesday.  I also make treats for work.  I decided to make different kinds of popcorn, my favorite.  I made marshmallow popcorn, and kettle corn, then brought microwave butter popcorn as well, but everyone was pretty content on the other two.  I made the kettle corn in my Whirly Pop, which everyone loved and asked how I made it.  It was a big hit to say the least.  I sure do love the Whirly Pop!

Thursday, September 19th Nyles and I went to the library and got some books.  I got some from Dave Ramsey and others on estate planning.  I'm considering getting my CFP and want to look more into it before I make the commitment to do so.  It's interesting now that I've been out of school a year I'm wanting to do something to work towards, another goal that it.  We're working on getting our budget more under control as well as a goal.

Friday, September 20th we had a potluck at work, which I organized.  It was fun.  I also had an interview for a PS (Portfolio Specialist) position.  We found out last week that I didn't get it, but they did offer me a loan position which I'll start October 28th through the end of the year while another lady is out on maternity leave.  Though it's not exactly what I wanted, it will give me the opportunity to "practice" on someone else's book and really get a feel for what it's like to be a PS.  The PS position is an exempt position so you can come and go as you please technically.  The bonuses are also potentially better too, which will be nice as well.  So hopefully after doing the loan position I'll be able to apply next time and actually get the full time position for good.

Look what Nyles found....

That night we tried to go to the temple but didn't make it.  We actually had Rob come over and we were about ready to go but Nyles was being a little tricky getting to bed so we didn't want to just leave him (He has been teething).  So, Rob went home and we watched a movie.  We then asked him to come back the next night to try it again.  Saturday we made it out the door with over 45 minutes to get there and get out the door, but as soon as we got on the freeway there was an accident and we were bumper to bumper.   There was no where we could go, no exits of course, so we were just forced to SLOWLY move through it.  By the time we got to the temple they were closed for the last session at 8pm, but they did need some help doing sealings, so we were able to go up and help w/ those.  Sealings are always nice to do.  We still haven't seen the "updated" endowment session so hopefully this month we can do so.  Ironically I text Rose as we were coming out and she called back after we got home; she was in the last session at the JR temple.  So had their not been an accident we would have been in the same session.  Next time we'll have to coordinate better.

Sunday, Septebmer 22nd I had a RS meeting in the morning then a HT/VT meeting after church.  Both went well and were needed.  I also went w/ my 1st counselor and visited a couple of the new sisters on Wednesday.

After church we went to the park, to of course go on the swings.  

He thinks its funny to hold onto Steve's hair while getting a piggy back ride.

Steve trying out the Duck Dynasty beard......I don't think so honey ;)

Nyles playing at Grandpa/Grandma McGrath's house while Steve gets things loaded for their fishing trip.

Nyles working on his walking skills....

he's getting better but not quite confident to step by himself yet

 
Friday, September 27th my parents came down w/ Anna in order to be here for Pauline's baby shower.  As soon as they got here my dad went w/ Steve and headed up to the cabin.  My dad showed him where to go around the cabin to call coyotes that night.  They then had pizza and watched Star Trek 2.  The next morning they went fishing all day!  Dave also came up to join in on the fun.  Dave's brother Mike also joined them in the afternoon and stayed until they went in at about 5:30pm.  Needless to say my dad was having a good time and didn't want to come in.  I'm glad he was able to enjoy some time to relax, Dave too.  Those two work too hard I tell ya :)

Steve enjoying the water/sun/fishing life

Good job Dad!

Dave and Dad just relaxing.....finally :)

Nice work guys

Cleaning up the stinky fish 

When they left, my mom and Anna stayed at our place to watch Nyles.  He was down for a nap and woke up a little while later.  Anna said he pooped, which she had a fun time cleaning up she said ;)  I then got home from work and we went and picked up Cafe Rio for dinner, then played a card game and chatted.  The next morning we went down to Provo for the baby shower.  I drove our Edge and used our GPS (which comes in handy).  Pauline got a lot of fun and useful gifts for her baby boy.  Nyles will be so excited to have another boy cousin close to his age.

Me, Nyles, Pauline, Rose, Mom and Anna

Pauline opening gifts

Nyles loving the Dum Dum suckers ;)

Nyles, Me and Chris' Aunt Marilyn

We then went back to Pauline's house and hung out a little while.  Nyles wouldn't go down for a nap so we went to the park to play for a while.  We then came back, ordered pizza, then went and picked it up along w/ a couple things at Smiths.  Thankfully Nyles slept a couple hours in his car-seat during this time.  After we ate pizza we watched most of the General Relief Society Broadcast, then headed out because it was getting late and it was getting to be bed time.

Nyles loving the swings again

Mom, Pauline and Nyles at the park

Anna, Rose, Mom and Pauline just soaking in the sun

Nyles playing by Summer and Ali

He thinks it's so funny to climb on people, especially their bums ;)

He thinks hairbrushes are interesting.....

Sticks taste good mom

Nyles loves animals, especially dogs so he was just loving playing w/ Charlotte's toy dog

Ava and Nyles enjoying another Dum Dum sucker 

 Yumm Kettle Corn

Playing w/ Grandma

And another swing....just can't get enough of them

That night Steve and Dad came back.  My mom, dad and Anna then went out to Rose's to stay the night.  The next morning I had a 7am Stake Ward Council Meeting at the Stake.  It was really good, but I was tired when I got home so I took a nap.  I wasn't feeling too well though so I ended up staying home from Sacrament Meeting while Steve went w/ Nyles so I could sleep some more.  When they got back we went out to Rose's to have lunch together w/ everyone.  It's been a while since we've done that so it was nice to be together for a little while.  We put in the new movie "Ephraim's Rescue" and chatted.  My parents then had to head out in order to get back in time for bed.  We then played a game of "Apples to Apples" then headed out ourselves since it was getting late and Nyles was getting kinda cranky too.  It was a great day weekend!

The crew....minus Steve and Nyles (he had a poopy diaper), and Charlotte and Sophia were on the kids table and Summer had sprained her ankle so didn't make it down til later. 

Nyles ready for some lunch

Nyles attacking Steve on the grass

Nyles just being silly ;)

Nyles eating mom's dried pears, yumm

Nyles playing w/ some packaging, silly kid

We picked up some Try Me Free Frosting at Smiths, Cookies and Creme.  I made chocolate cup cakes to try it out.  Needless to say they were good and Nyles really liked them ;)