Steve's Hunting Adventures

Lately Steve has been on a hunting kick, especially ducks.  He's been going out just about any chance he has.  He first went up to Strawberry Reservoir and got some ducks there.  But now that it's been getting colder up there he's been going out to the Great Salt Lake.

Rob, up at Strawberry, w/ their first duck hunt

It was a success!

Another hunt out at the GSL, different kind of duck

And another duck.....

When we were up at my parents for Christmas he went w/ my dad and went goose hunting, and they got some (3 exact)!  They went out the next two days also and got 2 more.

More pics from their hunt, from Steve's phone.....

 

Two more

Now making jerky w/ the meat from the 5 geese

Time to dry it

Christmas afternoon they ended up calling for ducks instead

 

And got a couple

He's been having a lot of fun calling the ducks/geese.  He got some decoys and a baby mojo to help w/ his hunting.  He's hoping to go back up to my parents w/ his dad in the next couple weeks to try and call geese again.  Hopefully they'll be able to go and have success again!

December Fun

Here's a quick update on the past couple weeks of December.

On Sunday, December 8th we went up to Centerville to celebrate Lynsie's first birthday (Carrie/Ryan's little girl).  We had cake and ice cream and visited w/ each other.  Ryan's mother gave Lynsie a car to play with.  All the cousins just LOVED it, Nyles especially.  He couldn't get enough of it.  He kept going back to play with it, even if someone else was in it.  He wouldn't make a fuss or anything but just open the car door and climb in w/ them.  

Nyles playing w/ London

Nyles sitting on Cameron's lap (Cameron w/ there first)

Nyles just kicking it before leaving for the night

At work we did a Sub for Santa family with the team I’m on loan with.  We had a single mom w/ 2 kids ages 9 and 10 (boy and girl).  Since we got the family information right before Black Friday, I suggested we look online and do most of our shopping.  Since all but one on this team are all boys, they’d rather just give money and be done with it per say.  I volunteered to shop online and see if we could make our money stretch.  Kohl’s was having a really nice sale so I was able to get their wish list items and then some.  We also got Kohl’s cash back so we were able to get even more stuff for them the next week.  I also found roller-blades and Toys R’Us for the boy and was able to pick them up at the store in Murray the same day.  I also went and got stockings and candy for them. 

This Tuesday during our team meeting we wrapped all the gifts and then delivered them the next day.  We were able to give them $300 in gift cards and $400 in clothes, toys, and household necessities.  I hope they have a very Merry Christmas!  It was really neat to work together as a team and think of others this time of year to make their day better.  It felt great to help someone out.  I also felt blessed to be able to use the Internet and find good deals in order to make our money go further for them.   This was a great opportunity for me and reminded me of why I love this time of year.   It definitely is better to give than receive.

Sunday, December 15^th, I taught the lesson in Relief Society.   They said I could teach any of the last 3 lessons since we were technically on the last lesson from President Lorenzo Snow.  At first I thought I’d choose one of the other ones, but kept going back to lesson 22: Doing Good to Others.  I felt w/ Christmas next week it was a good reminder why we have Christmas and how we can give service to others.  It was a good reminder for me to on gifts we can give others.  It doesn’t always have to be a physical gift, it can also be an intangible gift.  

Here's some practical advice to help you find your ideal Christmas. Simplify the season and you may find that for every minute you spend here, you'll get 10 minutes back to enjoy this holiday more fully.

Top 15 Ideas for Christmas

• Give someone an eCard this Christmas.
• Replace some holiday decorations in your home with reminders of Christ.
• Play more Christmas music. Find Christmas music here, the Tabernacle Choir YouTube page and on the Mormon Channel. 
• Donate gently used items to a thrift store.
• Go Christmas caroling.
• Avoid “mad rush” shopping times.
• Say thank you as often as possible.
• Schedule a night to help another person or family.
• Call someone you normally wouldn't to wish him or her a Merry Christmas.
• Delegate some holiday preparations to children or other family members.
• Simplify a traditional activity.
• Find quiet time to pray.
• Write down great memories as they happen.
• Set and stick to a holiday budget.
• Forgive a grudge.
  Here's a cute video I showed as well
  The Reason Behind the Season

Monday, December 16^th, we invited the couple we home teach over for a movie, Monster’s University.  I made some white cheddar popcorn and brownies and we watched it.  It was really cute!

On Tuesday, December 17^th, we had Rob come over so we could go to the temple.  We put Nyles down to bed then went to the Draper Temple since the Jordan River was closed for cleaning.  We worked on family names (initiatories) which Rose found.  I don’t know if it was the fact that I was doing family names of the sisters in the temple were more chipper due to Christmas being close, but everyone was so happy and the Spirit was strong.  I did the 3 female names Rose gave me then did 5 from the temple.  It wasn’t very busy and I was enjoying being there so much I wanted to keep doing more.  I felt so uplifted and welcome; I just wanted to stay longer.  Unfortunately Steve didn’t have the same experience.  He said he was the only one on the men’s side, but after he got done w/ 5 family names they said he couldn’t do anymore and they were closing up.  He had 8 family names to do so I figured he’d do them all and I could do 8 also.  He ended up waiting for me about 30 minutes.  I’m glad I was able to do all of the names though.  It was a really neat experience.

Steve and I have now officially gone every month his year to the temple! Our branch had a goal to go every month, so we embraced it.  It’s not always easy, especially with a baby, but I know it’s possible when we set our priorities and MAKE time for the temple, things will work out.  We also read the entire Book of Mormon together this year!  We actually finished a while ago and have been listening again to the General Conference talks together (I think we’ve just about got through them all as well).  This was another goal we had this year.  Hearing the scriptures and prophets, especially first thing in the morning has really helped me to feel uplifted and ready for the day.  The last goal we had was to attend our church meetings weekly. I’d say we also met this goal, except when we were sick or visiting others.  I know when we go to the cabin we only go to sacrament meeting, but I’d like to make a goal to go to all 3 hours even when on vacation per say.  This will be something we can work on for 2014. 

Wednesday, December 18^th Steve picked me up from work and we went over to temple square to see the lights.  It was cold outside of course, but not nearly as cold as it has been.  Most mornings the past couple weeks it has been about 7 degrees, brr!  We bundled up Nyles and got to walk around to see the lights.  It was really pretty and peaceful.  We then stopped and got a bite to eat on the way home.  It was a fun family outing.

Enjoying the lights at Temple Square

Update on Nyles

We recently found out that Nyles is ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS! 

We’d given him peanut butter before and hadn’t had any problems, but one time he did.  Steve and I were both home and I was feeding him toast w/ peanut butter (trying to give him some extra calories) and all of a sudden his cheeks and around his mouth started turning a purple/red color.  I immediately told Steve and we stopped feeding him peanut butter.   We didn’t have any problems after that (had Ritz PB crackers and what not).  Then one night Dave/Joann were watching Nyles since I had a late appointment and Steve had to go to class.  They gave him PB toast and he had the same reaction again.  He also put his hands to his mouth.  We’re not sure if he was having a hard time breathing or just simply putting his hands to his mouth (he’s been doing that a lot lately).  Dave/Joann called Steve and told him what was happening.  Steve then left class to go be w/ him.  The reaction slowly went away and was fully gone by the time Steve got there.  Steve then called the Pediatrician who advised us to bring him in.  The Pediatrician met w/ him and recommended we see an allergy specialist. 

So on Monday, December 2 Steve took him in to see the specialist.  They tested peanuts found that he did in fact have a reaction to peanuts.  The other few common nuts they tested didn’t have any reaction.  His blood work also came back which said he has a mild to severe reaction to peanuts.  Basically what this means is that we are NOT to give Nyles peanuts EVER!  We don’t know how fully his reaction could be, so they prescribed an EpiPen to carry with us at all times just in case.  The Dr said to not give him anything that was processed near peanuts or may contain them whatsoever.  This was quite a shock for us to hear, especially since Nyles is so young.  The Dr said this type of allergy usually is genetic, but we’re not exactly sure where it came from.  There is a slight chance he might grow out of it, but most likely not.  He advised us to remove all peanut type products from our house just to be on the safe side.  Looks like we’ll be giving away a bunch of PB!

We wanted to let everyone know about this so they can please be aware when around Nyles. 

 Aside from that Nyles has been growing and developing just fine.  Here are some other updates:

·         He’s 16 months old now (only 2 more before he goes to nursery, yikes!)

·         He’s getting some molars in up top

·         He’s starting to get more brave and walk on his own, still a little wobbly but getting better

·         He likes to wave goodbye to me in the morning when I’m going out to work

·         He likes to climb in the sink now while I’m getting ready for work and play

·         He loves chicken nuggets, chocolate, bananas, apples, cheese and cheese things, mom’s cookies, popcorn, suckers, mashed potatoes, meat, French fries, ice-cream, etc.

·         Prefers to feed himself now

·         He likes to climb into things (like the sink), and Grandma Joann’s toy box

·         He likes to put lids on/off things and see how things work

·         He likes to be right where I am cooking, either in his high chair or up on the counter

·         He has to sit on the couch by himself now, not on someone’s lap

·         Hates wearing socks, pulls them off several times throughout the day

·         Likes to help w/ the laundry and dishes ;)

·         Is learning to color w/ crayons, sometimes likes to eat them. ;)

·         Loves to put his feet up where ever he’s sitting

·         Says “momma” throughout the day in anticipation of when I come home

·         Likes to be swung around and tickled, loves straws

Thanksgiving/Steve's Birthday

The last week of November was pretty fun.  Friday, November 22nd we went to Red Robin's to celebrate after work.  Steve got his free birthday burger as well.

Nyles enjoying some fries

Saturday, the 23rd Steve went hunt pheasant hunting w/ his dad and brother/brother-in-laws.  They've been doing it for the past 3 years now.  They decided to go to a different place this time.  This one was closer in Lehi called Wasatch Wings and Clay.  They had a good time as usual.  And like the other place there are pros and cons, but overall they liked it.  Here are some photo's from Jeff.

 Steve getting the pheasant 

Sunday, the 24th, we went down to visit Jeff/Kim for Cameron's 4th birthday.  Nyles saw this rocking horse and just had to try it.

Just horsing around....

I had Thanksgiving off of course, and the day after, which happened to be Steve's birthday as well.  My mom and came down earlier to help Pauline, then my dad came the day before and both stayed through the week since Pauline was blessing her baby Ezra that Sunday.  For Thanksgiving we decided to have dinner w/ Steve's family, especially since we've never technically had Thanksgiving dinner w/ them since we've been married.  It just so happens that my parents come down here to Utah and have the big Buhler Thanksgiving Dinner the same year the McGrath's have Thanksgiving Dinner.  In the past we've usually gone to the Buhler dinner then rushed back up to the McGrath one to catch the tail end of it.  Since we have Nyles now we wanted to not rush and just be at one place this time.  It worked well so he could get his naps in the morning before heading over to Dave/Joann's for dinner.  It also worked out since we were planning to see my parents/sisters the next couple days as well.

Wednesday, November 27th my dad actually stayed us, which was fun.  He pulled in our complex just as I was pulling in after getting a few groceries w/ Nyles.  He helped me bring the groceries in, which was nice.  Steve had a test that night but got done about the same time.  We ordered pizza and he picked it up on the way home.  After dinner Steve and Dad went out to Sportsman's Wearhouse then tried to get Steve's jacket he left at class, but the school was locked up.  While they were gone I put Nyles to bed.  We then watched  a couple episodes of "Duck Dynasty" together.  I think my dad liked it ;)

On Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, Steve went duck hunting w/ Zach in the morning while I made an apple pie.  My dad left to go down to Highland to help my mom get set up where the Buhler dinner was happening.  After Steve got back, he helped me make the mashed potatoes.  

Nyles enjoying mashed potatoes before lunch

We then got cleaned up and headed to Dave/Joann's.  It was nice Thanksgiving dinner.  The food was great and the company was even better.  Diane brought a DVD about Elf on the Shelf which we all watched, then visited for a while.  It was about bed time by then so we headed home.  

Steve and his birthday pie ;)

Nyles wanted to check out Elf on the Shelf when we got home

The next morning, on Steve's birthday November 29th, my dad came and picked Steve up where they went up to Strawberry Lake and hunted coyotes.  They unfortunately didn't see any coyotes but saw a lot of deer and elk.  Steve said they now know where to go to call coyotes for later though.

Elk about to run across the road

After they got back they got cleaned up then we went to Golden Coral for dinner w/ Rose and the girls.  Steve's parents also came, which was nice.  Pauline didn't make it unfortunately w/ the new baby and all.  It was a little more "effort" than w/ just Charlotte....can't blame her.  It was fun to visit and enjoy dinner w/ everyone.  We even sang to Steve, mostly to embarrass him ;)  Nyles had a good time, even got to enjoy some cotton candy.

Likes to put his feet up on the table for some reason......silly kid ;)

Ali, Ava and Summer

Ali, Ava, Summer, Mom, Dad, Rose, Sophia, Joann, Dave, Steve and Nyles

Nyles trying cotton candy

Steve w/ his birthday gift from Rose

After dinner we hurried home and changed so we could go to the temple.  Rob came over after we put Nyles down to bed and Dave/Joann got in the Edge w/ us.  We just barely missed the 7:30pm session, so we ended up in the 8pm session.  It was the first time Steve and I had seen the new endowment video.  With the family names that Rose has been finding we've actually done a lot of sealings lately, which as been awesome!  We tried one other time and just missed the last session so ended up doing sealings that day as well since they needed help.  Though the video is a little longer, I REALLY liked it a lot more.  I felt the characters were actually acting out the words instead of just reading it per say.  I found a lot more meaning in the session as well.  I'm excited to go back and learn some more.  It was a neat to go to the temple w/ Dave/Joann as well.  It's definitely been a while since we've done that.   We'll have to do it again soon.

Saturday, November 30th we hung out in the morning and cleaned the house.  Then in the afternoon my parents came to visit for a while.  Steve and my dad watched a movie while my mom and I made/ordered family calendars for next year.  We then left Nyles w/ my mom and took my dad to go see the new Hunger Games movie "Catching Fire," at the 5:20pm showing.  We met up w/ Dave, Diane, Melanie/Brandon and Jeff/Kim as well.  It was a REALLY good show.  Steve and I actually both liked it better than the first.  We felt that since the story was already built up from the first one, it seemed a lot more emotion was put into this one.  It would be nice to see it again sometime.  After we got back my mom/dad went back to Rose's for the night and we put Nyles to bed.

Nyles the next morning enjoying the leftover popcorn from the movie....

Somebody loves popcorn

Sunday, December 1st we drove down to Provo to see Ezra get blessed.  After the blessing we went back to Chris' Aunt Marilyn's house for lunch.  I made some pumpkin gingerbread to go with.

The crew

Nyles just hanging out w/ Ava during lunch

Family picture