The Stewarts: 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

BYU Bowl Game

Last weekend Luke and I went to the BYU bowl game in Vegas. We decided to say some mulla by staying in Mesquite. It actually broke the trip up perfectly! On Friday night we drove through a wretched blizzard and I was just happy to make it to Mesquite in one piece. Saturday morning we woke up and had breakfast at Denny's with Lorna, my friend from work, and her family. I talked Luke into going to the Outlets in Vegas and needless to say there was just nothing to be had! So then it was time to meet up with Yosh and Gaye and head to the game. Who would have thought that you would freeze in Vegas- yes it is true! It was VERY chilly~ The game was pretty boring until the very end so I just stayed entertained with my Dal and Porter. After the game Luke and I hit up In-N-Out Burger. We were cracking up because you could just tell that this particular one was full of BYU Mormons! Why is it that we all (including myself) have to eat at In-N-Out Burger, Cheesecake Factory...etc. when we leave Utah? We all have the same rituals when it comes to leaving town! Too funny. Anyhow- it was a good little getaway and a nice break from our usual routines~

Friday, December 21, 2007

Finals are Over!

So I just wanted to announce the joy of my life right now- FINALS are over and I am free as a bird! I was finally able to just do a little shopping last night without feeling like I needed to be home by a certain time to get some studying done. Last night I was trying to fall asleep and I just kept feeling like I needed to study or edit a research paper. What a relief~ I am so grateful to be done. It has just been so stressful with Christmas and all! So just so you all know I only have one more semester to go and then I will get my diploma and never go to school again!

The Forgoten Carols

What would Christmas be with out The Forgotten Carols? Who doesn't love "I cry the day I take the tree down?" I DONT! But I do love all the other songs. I have been listening to this CD since I was a little girl. Some of my favorite memories is when I got to be Mary and Grammy would play "Mary let me hold her baby". So this year I decided to buy Luke and I tickets, so we invited Trina and Steve to go with us. We grabbed a bite to eat at the Goodwood Barbeque and then headed over. I was dying because I could tell that Luke was ready to leave after the first song. They do all this funny acting and what not and being the cheese ball that I am- I loved it. Luke on the other hand liked the songs but could have done without the whole story. It was just fun to take a break from homework and have a night on the town!
Christmas time is always so emotional, busy, hectic, fun, stressful, etc. You all know the feelings that we all feel this time of year. I have this problem of setting my expectations for myself and others too HIGH~ so this year I decided that I am just going to do my best at getting things together, and I am just going to be excited for what this year brings! I hope you all are ready and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and don't forget that starting Christmas day you will see pictures on our blog because hopefully "Santa" will be for putting that camera in his sleigh!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

SORRY!!!

So it has almost been a month since I have posted. Let me just blame that on a broken camera. Things around here have been crazy and let's just say in 2 weeks I will post a good one. This next week is the last week of class and then the week after is finals!!!! Then thanks goodness I will have a break for a few weeks. Until then.....I will just keep looking at everyone else's and thinking, "Man I gotta post something new!" Happy Holidays~

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

More Pictures from Cali

Thanks Yosh and Gabe for a great weekend!

Weekend Get-a-way

As you all know at our house FALL= Hunting, which means that I am a fall WIDOW?! This weekend Luke went to Idaho from Saturday- Tuesday. I don't know about the rest of you but sometimes I just need a break. I arranged to go stay with my brother and his wife and their two little boys. I have been so stressed lately and I knew that my two little nephews were the perfect fix for me! It turned out to be a great relaxing weekend. I was able to tend the boys Friday night so they could go spend time with their friends and have a night on the town. It was so fun to have the boys all to myself. We colored, read stories, and sang songs. I love getting to spend the one on one time with the little fellas because they live so far away and I want them to know who their auntie Ali is. The greatest treat of all was when the Dal man was yelling AL...AL...AL from his crib. So Dal and I had sleepovers both nights. He was too funny because when he woke up he was just so surprised that he was in the big bed with me. The poor little Pistol man was so sick~ bless his heart. The poor guy couldn't sleep good and he just was wanting his mommy! Those little guys sure love their mommy.

Saturday morning we headed out to the park. While Yosh and Gaye played Volleyball I took the little guys to the park. Dal kept wanting me to go down all the slides and just be one of the kids. I kept telling him that I was too big and he would just smile at me and grab my hand and say "No...Cmon Al." As you can tell from the picture of Porter- he just wasn't feeling up to par but he was enjoying hanging out in the swing. Gaye took me shopping and around town and then that night Yosh's company bought tickets to the NHL Kings game so Yosh and Gaye and I were all able to attend. The boy's were both really sick so they thought it would be better for them to stay home. His boss gave us $80 bucks for treats at the game- (let's be honest...3 people can't blow 80 bucks on junk at a hockey game!) So you bet Yosh bought us Drinks, Red Vines, Nachos, etc.

The Front

Um....don't mind the cheesy pose. Who doesn't feel so awkward when they are in a picture by themselves. I always think- where should I put my hands? How should I stand??? That's besides the point~ here it is from the front!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

The New AL

So for those of you who know me well there are two things about me that haven't changed for about 10 years. #1- I always complained about my weight and #2- I have had long dark hair. Those were always the two things that bothered me the most

or rather the two things I didn't know how to change. So here goes nothing! Back on May 8th I decided that I needed to loose some serious poundage- not 10-15- or 20 but I needed to take off about 46 to get to where I idealy wanted to be. I also set a goal that when I did lose the weight that I would change the hair as well. Long story short I lost the 46 pounds and I still looked the same to myself. It was then that I knew that it was time to chop the hair! So thanks to Johanna for cutting my hair and giving me the best cut I have had in a long time. I was able to donate my two piggies to "Locks of Love". So here is the new me- I thought about putting on the before and after pics but I thought I would spare you all!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Saturday Night

This past weekend Luke was able to go to the BYU game with one of his friends Zachary and my brother and his friend. Even though it was a blow out game they still had a good time. That night we went to a Wedding reception of one of their old roomates from BYU-I. I always love a good outing with the Johnson's. We ate at the good old Ruby River and boy was it tasty! I always have a hard time spending as much money on food as I would on a tank of gas but sometimes you just gotta do it! Kari has the cutest hair cut in the world so if you are looking for a great cut- hers is the one to do~

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Mom's 50th Birthday!!!!

For my Mom's birthday I wanted to make her 50th birthday extra special. So my siblings and I put together a HUGE surprise party. We had about 60 people come to her house. We had food, balloons, decor and the list goes on. We surprised her with her 4 best friends from high school coming into town and my brother Josh put them up in the Marriott Mountainside Resort in Park City for the weekend. The day just went so smoothly. Bright and early 8 am we crowned her queen for the day, next was off to the spa for a massage and a facial, then we were off to the Porcupine Grille where we surprised her with lunch with us and Jan. I had arranged for her to get her hair done because let's be honest if you were going to be seeing 60 people wouldn't you want to be looking good! So my aunt Susie styled her hair for her. I picked her up and it was off to what she thought would be the biggest surprise of the day- her friends jumped out of the shower and she was shocked!!! Litttle did she know that this was just the beginng. We told her friends to blind fold her and bring her back to the house at 6:45 so we could give her her last present before we all went to dinner (or so she thought we were all going to dinner!~). SURPRISE~ boy was it a perfect night. I am so glad that everyone could make it and help us make the day extra special for her. Happy 50th Birthday Momma- I love you.

Halloween

Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays because I am a scaredy cat! This year Luke and I decided that we would go to the Haunted Forest in American Fork and go through the forest and the psycho manor- needless to say there were 5 chain saw guys and let's be honest those things are freaky! Halloween day I decided that in my office the girls were going to be witches. We planned a favorite fall treat day at work- and it was a hit! We ate junk, dressed up and pretty much took the day off! As far as the trick or treaters go, we live out in BFE so they always just do a trunk or treat. Luke and I spent the evening cleaning my mom's house and you will see why in my next post.

I had to include a photo of our backyard full of leaves. I remember when I was a little girl and we would go down to the farm and rake the leaves and bury ourselves in them. Those are some good fall memories! And if I don't say so myself- this has been the best fall weather in years~

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Lunch Date

This weekend has been filled with a lot of fun for me. I had to plan a lot so that it would make Lukes trip to Idaho go by fast. Friday night I was so brave and slept at my house all alone. For anyone who doesn't know where I live- you would understand why I would be scared if you ever came out here! It is in the middle of nowhere. Anyhow, Friday was just filled with studying for yet another Midterm. Saturday I woke up, went to the good ole' BYU testing center and got a fantasitc B on the test (YEAH! I will take it~) Then I picked Mother up from the airport and then the fun began~We hit Foothill Village, Babinski's, Chicos, etc. Our goal for the day was to find a Birthday outfit for my mom because she is turning 50! Next was the Nordstrom Rack- talk about disappointing! The best part of the day was when I got to have lunch with my best friends; Abs and Roo (careoline). We ate at Pei Wei in Sugarhouse. It is always a pleasure beyond measure to spend time with them. As you can tell we thought we were so funny! The topic of Blogging came up over lunch and they decided that blogs were for married people and Facebook was blogging for singles. Too funny. After lunch we continued our shopping and were successful at Chico's by the University mall. I am so excited for Mother's birthday!

I ended up sleeping at my neighbors house last night. My friend Anja has 4 little girls so we just had a little GNO. They are the cutest family ever. Now I am just waiting for my Hubbie to get home and I can't wait!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Hunting in the backyard

Tonight was definitely a first in the life of Alicia Marie- Please believe that I got home from work and Luke was out waiting for me with his dad all decked out in the CAMO! Luke informed me that tonight is the perfect night for a beginner and that I was going with them. He had my camo out and ready. So out we headed to the corn fields behind our house. The next step in our journey was setting up the decoys- what a hoot that was. I had a hard time not getting the giggles as Luke and his Dad were getting all into it. As you can tell from the pics that my camo was really flattering- I look like a camo chunk! So being my first time hunting I didn't realize that you can't take a swig of your Diet Dr. Pepper as the ducks are flying in and you gotta hide your hair so Luke insisted that I wear the hood. It is pretty serious business. Needless to say Luke ended up getting 2 green heads and a Hend and it was a good time had by all. When we were all done we left the decoys there because they are heading out to the same place right behind our house, "They'll be back in the morning"! Bright and early at 6 am Luke and his pops will be out and ready to get some more while I will be ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Fall

My favorite time of year has finally arrived! Except that school has been keeping me so busy that I have yet to enjoy a good day of fall. This past week was full of midterms and assignments and it was a little rough to say the least. I had to do some retail therapy if you know what I mean?! First it was a trip to my all time fave Target. Then it was off to Banana and Nordy's and then to end the day I finished with dinner with my hubbie, and Dev and Hailey accompanied us to yet another favorite place of mine- Cafe Rio!!!! So although it was a rough week I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend. Today when I got ready for church I actually was excited because I had a new ensemble. Sometimes it just feels good to have a few new items in the closet. I figured it was better for me to take a little break from school and do some shopping to get my mind off of it- then to drop out. I owe a big thanks to Luke for putting up with me this week! (Man was I a BEAR!)

Today I also got to go to my old ward. It was so good to see familiar faces, drive down memory lane, and be back at "home". It was Meg's brothers farewell and he did an awesome job! I am so excited that Cannon is going on a mission. While I was in the old hood I decided to do a few drive by's for old times sake. I drove past Caroline's house, Ab's, Jara's, etc. I loved the Willowcreek area and I am so glad that I was able to grow up there! If only someone would have been in the car with me- listening to good old Sound of the Sabbath on FM 100 and going down memory lane, let's just say there were some good tears to be had!

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

I've been tagged~

I've been tagged!
And, the topic is "My husband." :)

What is his name? Luke James Stewart

How long have you been together? almost 2 years

How long did you date? 4 months

How old is he? 26

Who eats more? Luke

Who said I love you first? I did in a text just to see what he would say- SO LAME!

Who is taller? Luke

Who sings better? Luke- although he will never sing to me~

Who is smarter? We both are smart in different ways

Who does the laundry? Luke does most of the time- He finally learned we don't dry Shade shirts
or my nice jeans!

Who does the dishes? Luke and I trade off but usually I cook so he cleans

Who pays the bills? We both do- Luke all of a sudden decided to put us on a strict budget but we will have to see how it goes.

Who mows the lawn? Luke- I did it one time and then he asked me not to do it. I couldn't follow my lines~

Who cooks dinner? Betty Crocker here~ I love to cook!

Who drives when you are together? Me- I know it sounds silly but it is for everyone's safety!

Who is more stubborn? Both but I would for sure win on this one

Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? Luke- he is just a good person in general

Who kissed who first? Luke kissed me out in front of Hailey and Derek's house. I wouldn't stop talking long enough to get a good make out in~

Who asked who out? Luke

Who proposed? Luke did, although I had everything lined up for July 28th!

Who is more sensitive? ME all the way- Luke is not sensitive at all

Who has more friends? We both keep in touch with some of our friends

Who has more siblings? we both come from a family of 4

Who wears the pants in the family? We share them!

I really am lucky to have a great husband!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

BYU Devotional

This week I had the opportunity to attend my very first BYU devotional. I have seen several of these over the years on good old KBYU but never have I been in the Marriott Center for a live devotional. This week the Prophet was the speaker. It is always such an amazing experience to be in the presence of the Prophet and to hear him speak directly to the students. Everyone was talking and it was so noisy in there, then in walked the Prophet and it went dead silent! The Spirit was so strong and it was truly a blessing to be there. It was the first time since I have been at BYU that I actually felt like a student-other than attending classes on campus. Even though sometimes I have to make fun of BYU deep down I really do love it!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Baby Hungry~

So for those of you who know me well you know that I have been baby hungry since I was about 4 years old. I have always loved kids and I always will. This is just a funny story I had to post. Here it goes: I have been bugging Luke for a baby for about a year now. Most recently it has been pretty intense! I have had no luck. I am not too pushy but I am just in the process of getting my point across to him. I decided that it has been a good thing that we didn't get pregnant because I know that I wouldn't finish school. That is besides the point~ One day before I left for work I randomly decided that I was going to go buy this Travel Set from Babies R Us. I took the truck to work which is unusual for me and sure enough I came home from work with my stroller/car seat set that I am obsessed with. When I got home I asked Luke to unload the box out of the back of the truck. Needless to say my plan didn't work. He just put the box in the garage and not much has been said. At least when we do ever have a child we will be prepared!!!! Too funny. For me just buying it and having in the garage is a comfort for me and it has helped me to be content for another few months. Isn't it adorable?

It seems as though everyone around me is pregant! My friends at work, my sister, sister-in-law, classmates, etc. I am so excited about starting our own family one day. For the time being it is so fun to just be the two of us. It is also fun to spend time and spoil our neices and nephews. But.......I will be so excited to have a baby of my own. I think it is the greatest blessing in our lives to be wives and mothers. (This post doesn't mean we are pregnant or trying-I promise)

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Back To School

So it is official....unfortunately school has started again. But I am so excited about it in a way because it is my last fall of going back to school. Today has not been a great day to say the least- starting my new classes, walking in the pouring rain, and getting intimidated by every syllabi I recieved. Hopefully all the hard work will truly pay off one day. BYU campus is a funny place to say the least. I just have to hold back my giggles because there is just so much love in the air. I always think to myself if Luke and I were both in school would I really hold hands to every class and smooch to say goodbye?! The answer to that is NO WAY~ Anyhow, I am hoping that this semester isn't too bad as far as the homework goes because this is the best time of the year. First it's fall which means beautiful weather and scenery, you can start to wear sweaters and warm clothes, then its Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!! This really is my favorite time of the year. I know Luke is excited as well because he is out training our black lab Newt every day to get him ready for HUNTING SEASON. So in closing I just wanted to wish everyone good luck who is embarking on yet another semester of school~

Monday, September 3, 2007

Labor Day Weekend

The entire Hansen side of the family spent the weekend up in Midway at Grammy and Bompa's new Gathering Place. It really is a big house with 7 beds/baths. We all had a wonderful weekend and we are excited to spend more weekends up there in the years to come! On Friday Hailey, Dev, Grammy and I were the up and at um at 7:30am to hit the booths at Swiss Days. This was my first experience and I am sure it is going to be a tradition. That afternoon a bunch of us went to Park City to go for a ride down the good old Alpine Slide. This was Dallin B's first trip down and we are pleased to announce that we had no accidents! Of course on Saturday it was the first BYU football game-so a load of the fam headed down to Provo. GO COUGS! We just spent the entire weekend relaxing, reading, playing tennis, riding bikes, walking and eating, and then some more eating. It was the perfect way to end the summer. While we were up there Hailey announced that she is expecting in April!!!! I am so excited to have another niece or nephew! This month is also Devree and Porters first birthdays so we thought it would be fun to celebrate all together. It was just a fun weekend to have Yosh and Gaye and their family in town and to be able to be in Midway altogether~

Monday, August 27, 2007

I love a good weekend~

Luke and I had a pretty eventful weekend. Friday we just went on a little date and then watched a movie- if any of you know me I am not one to just sit down and watch a movie. So I decided that I would make some banana bread. Well it all went great until I went to put the two loaves in the oven. Please believe that I dropped the banana bread all over the oven! Mind you it was pre-heated and hotter than you know what. Let's just say I salvaged all I could and then spent the rest of the evening cleaning the darn oven! I have also been reading those great books-I am almost finished with Eclipse now so that has occupied my evenings!
Saturdays are my favorite days of the week. I usually make it up Tai Pan, Rod Works, and Target. Those are my staples. Luke went to a horse auction and thank goodness he didn't come home with a horse!!! Well at the last minute we decided to go to the Owlz game. Suprisingly it was a very enjoyable time. It got pretty crowded and it was perfect weather. It was quite the exciting game- especially at the very end of the game when they hit a home run for the win!!! GO OWLZ! T
This coming weekend is going to be the highlight of my summer. My family and I are spending the weekend up in Midway at Grammy and Bompas new house. There will be tennis, bike riding, swimming and eating. I am pretty sure that I will be making a trip down the Alpine Slide as well. Josh and his family are coming into town and I am really looking forward to spending some quality time with Dal, Po, and little Dev~ I will be poting some fun pics next weekend. I think this is the perfect way to end my freedom, starting September 4th I will be a prisoner at the good old BYU!!!!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Summer Nights

There is something about summer nights that I just love. Although they aren't the same now that I have a full time job and school. Last night I took some of the little neighbor girls to get a sno-cone and it was the most beautiful night. I don't think anyone's summer would be complete without a good old sno cone! Despite the little rainstorm we encountered we had such a fun night. I had to take a picture of the rainbows. Living out in the country you can literally see the end of the rainbow. I get so excited for the end of summer because I love FALL. This fall will be the best fall of my life because it will be the last one that I have to go so school. I am actually finally graduating!!! Who would have thought? Fall is also Lukes favorite season because he is an avid hunter. He always has a few little trips and a few big trips planned and I have learned that this is the best time of year to get all my shopping done because there are no excuses!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

1st Anniversary!!!

Our first year was quite the journey for us. It all started out with the adjustment to living down on a farm, new job, new school, new husband, new ward etc. Everything was new and I am not one who likes change. So now fianlly after a year it just keeps getting better everyday! I talked Luke into watching our wedding video this morning and he was so embarrassed about how cheesy it was! I explained to him that all wedding viedos are like that. Anyhow it was just fun to think about that day~ it really was the best day of my life!