Cutie Stews

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-30T22:21:00.001-07:00

Just some pictures from Grant first Halloween!

Getting Ready for Baby

2010-07-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Grant's arrival is fast approaching. We finally got Grant's room set up, now we are just playing the waiting game!

Third Trimester Photo Op

2010-06-03T11:14:00.001-07:00

29 Weeks!

I am thinking about renaming Grant, Rockie! Is it possible to feel bruised from inside the uterus?

Just a Typical Day at the Wool Mill

2010-05-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Did I mention we (Whit) love sheep and anything that comes from them (i.e. Wool)?

We found a gem here in the Willamette Valley, an old wool mill museum!!!

See the couple next to the street lamp, they were the general audience, Whit and I were the youngest retired couple there.
Whit made me...

These are huge carding machines they use to turn the wool into thread.
Then the carded wool/thread goes to this giant weaver and is turned into fabric (I feel like Mr. Rogers.)

See ya all later, I am just going to be carding wool for the rest of the day!!

Good Times...Good Times

2010-05-24T09:58:00.001-07:00

I went to Utah last month, and Meg through me a baby shower with some of our close friends a family. I wish I had done a better job taking pictures of the whole thing. She went above and beyond. She filled the dining room table, buffet style, with beautiful artisan cheeses, baguettes, crackers, salami, short bread cookies, fruit, pasta salads, and cupcakes and cookies from Dippiddee. All of which have been cravings, especially the cheese!!

Meg, thanks for such a great day. I loved it!!

I think I was getting food out of my teeth in the picture...Beautiful

Margaret wanted to open some presents too.

Chloe and Soph...I love them!

Nan, Cris, Allie, Meg, Margaret and the back of Jaimie's head

Meg and I really loved present time..As you can see from our facial expressions. haha

Is There Any Question? Of Course Not.

2010-04-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Otis teaches Margaret all the tricks she knows.

Meet Little Grant

2010-04-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Half way there!

My Little Baby Bump

2010-03-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

17.5 Weeks

Feeling Baby move!

Our First Baby Picture

2010-01-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I had my first prenatal, doctors appointment this last week. I got to hear the heart beat and get a little peak at the peanut.

The heart rate was 175/min. It still looks like an alien but I thought it was cute. Here is the picture of the ultrasound!

Drum Role Please.....

2009-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

My silly mom hasn’t put up any pictures of her brain child, Lucille Elaine. So here are some pictures to brag on her. These pictures don’t do it justice so you will have to go take a look for it yourself!

Meg does all the management while Kimmy creates

The inspiration!

My mom has channelled not only her inner bombshell, but her late, mother, Lucille Elaine. She has brought Lucille's true personality back to life for others to enjoy and be inspired by. My mom has put her everything into this store and when you walk in you can see pieces of her throughout. The personality of the store tells you to reach for your confident, bombshell, drop all insecurity and find what makes you shine!

Mom the store is beautiful!

Thanksgiving!!

2009-12-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

Whit and I got to go to CA with our family for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the pics!!

First stop Disneyland!!!!!

Not everyone got the character they wanted...
I think Jaimie ended up being Lady from "Lady and the Tramp"

Beautiful!

I think that is fairly accurate...skinny with a big goofy head.

Katy is very loyal and sometimes she licks your face when she is happy to see you.

A BUG! What the...I wanted to be Jane form Tarzan!!

The clouds parted as we drove up to this blessed place!

Fish bowl Shirley Temples anyone!!??

Hey Brother....

Costa Mesa Swap Meet is the place to be!

Thanks everyone for making Thanksgiving so fun!!

Life is Good and We are Full

2009-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

The past month has been great. Whit has been busy with school and I with work, and we have been so fortunate! We have found ourselves in an especially happy time which is always a treat! I just wanted to post some pictures of the high moments in the last month or so.

Nana and Grandpa Bunker came to visit us.

The girls went to the Portland Japanese Gardens, while Grandpa Doug and Whit watched football.

Before Nana and Grandpa Bunker left they gave us the best gift. . . Hanova Hills Steak!!! Delicious!

Sunny days are few so we soak them up when they come!

We almost lost Otie!

What we found on the other side

We love and miss you all!!!

How I Spend My Days

2009-10-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been working from my little home office and keeping up the house. Most recently I have started babysitting a little boy twice a week. He is so cute, he looks like the little boy in jungle book. He might be from the jungle, yesterday he was hanging on me like a little monkey and wouldn't let go. He thought it was hilarious. I have a hard time communicating with him because he is only one. Usually its with repeated "eh","eh?"or "EH!!" We were playing peekaboo and it was so funny. I was only able to get like 2 seconds before my camera died but its pretty cute!

WE LOVE ROCKS!

2009-10-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Whit and I took part in a short hike to see a very old boulder that had been carried to Oregon from British Columbia in a huge flood, 20,000 years ago. I was expecting to find a boulder grave yard of sorts. However we reached the top of the hill to find an slightly over sized rock. The story of this traveling rock(http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_135.php,) is much more interesting than the rock in its current resting place.

Here are some pictures from our adventure to Erratic Rock, or as I like to immaturely call it, Erotic Rock.

Day Two with Jaimie-Boo!!!

2009-05-20T22:27:00.001-07:00

What a Busy Day we Had!!

First we went to Newport, Oregon and ate lunch at this great diner!

OOO...Tasty!
Then we walked around and saw some fishing boats and met a great pirate!

This friendly pirate showed us his fishing vessel.

Over the bridge to the Pacific Aquarium we go.

Jaimie swam with the fish,

While this scary Japanese Spider Crab ate some squid.

Just keep swimming....

Nap Time!!

I don't love the Octopus!

The giant crab got lose!

It got Jaimie....What will I do?!?!

Is the whale going to land on Jaimie?

After the Aquarium we went to drove up the coast.

Oty loved riding around with us today! This tree had a ton of old buoys hanging from it.

Jaimie the artist became a glass blower today, and made a glass float! Enjoy watching the artist at work!
This guy got the melted glass out of this vat just like honey, with a honey comb! WOWFirst you spin the glass to get the shape you want. You have to keep spinning it so it doesn't fall off.

Then you spin heat it up again

Just keep spinning...

WOWZA...the guy helping us said this was like 2,500 degrees. Watch out!

Jaimie twisted the melted glass to make the color in glass swirly looking.

Spin some more...

HOT!

Now shape into the perfect ball, spin and shape at the same time!

Blow!

oh, wow it got bigger!

Its beautiful Jaimie!

Now we carefully take the glass off of the rod.All done!

Now its going to dry, and Jaimie will get it in about 2 weeks.

Dinner at Moe's(Jaimie only likes to take pictures of me eating. Why!?)

I want to make babies with this Peanut Butter PIE!!

I am so full, but the pie it just soooo good.

This stunning mermaid bid us farewell as we left for home.

See you tomorrow!!

Day One of Jaimies Visit!!!!

2009-05-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Jaimies first day visiting with me and finding smiles all over the place!

Funny hats make everyone smile!

I think food does also, and for Jaimie nothing puts a smile on more than some red meat and lots of appetizers! haha. . I also was very happy. We ate like Kings(No queen would ever eat as much as we did!)

This picture is unflattering for multiple reasons: 1. Obvious reason, I am shoving a huge piece of food in my mouth. 2. My bad hair cut and lack of make-up make me look like I may be partial to women. 3. Its just awful!

Otty makes everyone SMILE!! cutie Otty!

Most of our entertainment today was found in shopping, going to the movies and COLORING BOOKS! Yes it was wonderful. Those bird things are salt & pepper shakers, and we found the coat in the next pic at this really cute boutique in Corvallis.

WHOO...

Ice cream is good for everything. Especially Tillamook!!

Jaimie Agrees...

PICTURES!!

2009-05-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here are pics from April and part of May. You will notice my cute, sister, Jaimie isn't in any of them. That is because she is M.I.A do to her love-sick, engagement. Hopefully she will come visit me soon!(hint hint James!). Miss you guys!!

Pretty Farmers Market Flowers!
This girl was playing at the market and she was amazing! I could have listened to her all day!!

Pretty Meggy!

Oh Whit! What will he do if we have girls. haha. . look how cute Zuzu is. Uncle Whit is a good pillow.

Zuzu went flying in the Spruce Goose.

Otty got his hair cut. He asked if he could have a professional do it next time instead of me.

Feel the burn. whoo! only 8 more!

As you can see we are doing well. We are blessed with a great family and a beautiful place to live. We are having fun and keeping busy. Whit just got called as Sunday School President, so now he is debating if he should shave is beard. haha. .

Poetry

2009-04-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Watermelon

The green tiger
With a ruby heart,
A light rain infused with sweet,
A summer suckling
At natures teat,
A smell as fresh as spring

Written in collaboration with Megan Bingham

I just wanted to let you all know that I am very deep and am taking poetry classes at the university. Megan and I wrote the piece of art above. Does it make you want Watermelon? Or more curious as to what Natures teat is? These are deep thought provoking questions.

So You had a Bad Day

2009-04-03T14:55:00.001-07:00

Just like everyone experiences "changes" in their bodies at one point, Otis began to experience those same changes. Accompanying those changes was a new found bravery. Otis gave us a little scare with his new bravery by trying to beat up a German shepherd, Otis only ways 12 lbs. He was neutered the next day.

What happened to me?

I am just confused...
Please no pictures
I have accepted it

A Short Photo Journal to Bring Everyone Up to Speed

2009-03-28T21:01:00.001-07:00

We spend most of our time at the sheep center workity workin'

Then we go home and teach Otty all kinds of tricks. The latest, begging...

Then in our free time we go on adventures. Our most recent was Eugene, OR. There was an awesome toy store that had a ton of coin rides.

There were multiple signs saying "Max weight 85lbs!" So I sneakly climbed on to snap a pic!

And sometimes we(Whit and Otty) sleep in. SShhh...

Then we go back to the sheep center!
And when we get home we find Otty snuck onto our bed for a nap...Bad Dog!

Our Thesis

2009-02-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

Whit and I felt we would fill you in on what we are doing up here in Oregon! Whit, or should I say we are working on his thesis right now. While I don't have the scientific vocabulary to explain the details of his thesis I can explain the tedious, twice, daily process. With pictures of course!

First, we go to the Sheep Center and pick up the blood samples Monday -- Friday. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't 9:00 to 11:00pm. Unfortunately on weekends Whit is on call for all the blood processing.

Second, We go to the lab to process the blood. We take the blood to get it ready to send to Michigan for final testing by separating the whole blood from the serum.

Third, Whit separates the red blood cells from the serum in the blood. How? He shakes it really fast. haha. . Just kidding! He puts it into a CENTRIFUGE. Its a machine that spins the blood at 2000 RPMs. While Whit does this I am busy labeling a lot of little tubes. Some times there can be up to 80 tubes to label! Yikes!!

Fourth, After all the tubes are labeled the red blood cell free serum goes into the perfectly labeled tubes, and is shipped off to Michigan.

Starting this week Whit will be "collecting" the lambs tails and for the sake of decency I wont describe this process. Needless to say they will measure the selenium levels in muscle tissue. Well that is what we are up to! Its more exciting than it seems. All of these blood samples and the science talk has really sparked an interest for me. I am going to be taking an animal science course next term to learn more about all this neato stuff.

Talk to you Later!!!

The Stewarts

Sunday

2009-02-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
Whit and I were asked to speak in church on Sunday. We were asked to speak on any of the teachings of Christ. Whit shared a beautiful testimony about how this probationary time on earth and living the gospel is about becoming full and perfect in the eternities. I wish he typed it up because I would love for all of you to have been there to hear it.
I spoke on the light of Christ that is in us. I felt like the assignment to talk was a huge blessing for me. By learning more about this topic I was able to feel closer to my Savior Jesus Christ and realize that He and Heavenly Father have instilled divinity within me and all their children. I thought I would post my talk up here so you guys could read it. I hope you like it!

I am so excited to be giving this talk right now. Whit and I were told that we had to speak on the mission, ministry, or teachings of Christ. I was nervous and excited because that left a whole spectrum of great subjects to speak on! I prayed about what I was supposed to learn and share with you today and I came across D&C 115:5. It reads;
“Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be as a standard for the nations;”
This verse is short but its words made me feel so full and energized! I knew that it was what I needed to speak on today. When I read this a few thoughts immediately came to mind.
1. We need to have the Lord’s countenance
2. How do I (we) Shine?!
a. Is it a real physical shine or is it symbolic?
3. Be Confident
4. Have Conviction
I have heard the phrase or description of someone having the countenance of the Lord, or a light about them. In D&C 110:3 it describes in beautiful words exactly what the countenance or appearance of the Lord is. Joseph Smith Jr. describes it as such;
“His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair on his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shown above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters…”
What an amazing appearance to emulate! President Faust gave a great talk at the Oct. 2005 Conference in which he talked about this light, shine, or countenance that we as saints are able to have. The address was titled, “The Light in Their Eyes.” He began this talk by explaining when the BYU Jerusalem Center was opening the brethren of the church had made an agreement with the Israeli government that the church members would not proselyte. When the center was opened one of the men the church had worked with, who was not LDS, commented; “Oh, we know that you are not going to proselyte, but what are you going to do about the light that is in their eyes?” President Faust then expanded eloquently as to what that light is. He shares D&C 88:11. It says,
“And the light which shineth, which giveth you light , is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understanding.”
D&C 93:2 supports and clarifies this verse by saying, that the Lord is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and D&C 84: 46 explains that the spirit gives light to anyone that listens or hearkens to its voice. Paul Harvey, one of the reporters who was interviewing students at the BYU Jerusalem Center said this about the students, “Each young face mirrored a sort of…sublime assurance.” What a great description of that shine that the Lord asks us to show.
Now that I understand what that Shine is. How do I do it! How do I and all of us, SHINE!? 3 Nephi helped me better understand how I go about shining. It says;
“ And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus…”
So to put in simple terms for me to understand, in order to receive that beautiful, warm countenance, I need to make my Savior, Jesus Christ, SMILE! How great is that! I am pretty good at making people smile, so what actions do I we need to do to make Him smile? I think immediately of those simple, yet meaningful primary answers like: Praying to him, keeping his commandments, loving him, following his prophets, reading and gaining a testimony in the gospel, having a conviction and hope, knowing that Christ is my Savior and redeemer, that there is eternal life. And most importantly actively looking and seeking for his light, that it may shine through me for all to see. Phillipians 2:15 explains how we shine to the world. It says,
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons (and daughters) of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
Brothers and sisters, I think that we would all agree that this verse definitely applies to our world and society today. The light that emanates through us from the savior shows others the love, hope and comfort he offers to us. We are like the stones that lit the vessels for The Brother of Jared and the Jaredites as they crossed the sea. This verse is found in Ether 3:4. It says
“…Touch these stones, OLord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in the darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.”
Be like these stones. Let the Lord touch you and prepare you to SHINE in the darkness. This SHINE or Light of Christ shown through us is divine. It is the Power of the Lord manifesting itself in us. Christ, speaking in D&C 6:21, says this about his light.
“I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
This was one of the more powerful verses to me, because that great powerful light, that Christ IS, Literally shines through me! D&C 50:24 describes what I mean perfectly!
“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, recieveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”
That shine grows brighter and brighter until the perfect day, meaning we will have reached our potential to be like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, described in D&C 88:107.
“And then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of his might, and the saints shall be filled with his glory, and receive their inheritance and be made equal with him.”
Isn’t that amazing that we are so blessed to have even the smallest amount of that light today!? That light, is Christ.
Having the Lord’s light creates a responsibility to be an example to all around us. That is what is meant by the word, “standard” in D&C 115:5; “A standard for the nations.” We need to be like Moroni in Alma chapter 46 when he so fervently raises his Title of Liberty! Brothers and sisters, have a cause and let be known. Let people see in our actions what we stand for, so that our actions can clearly state our own personal title of liberty. Shine! Be noticed for your uniqueness in the gospel. As a woman the examples of Emma Smith and Esther immediately come to mind. It is amazing to realize I have the same light available to me that inspired those women to their great heights. Think of the leaders in the church! Whether it be a Sunday school teacher or our beautiful prophet! I have been so privileged to have been raised around so many valiant members of the church that radiate that light of Savior! I know we can all think of instances in which the light of the Lord has shone out at us from the face of another.
Brothers and Sisters I want to close by encouraging you to be confident in this light that we are so blessed to shine. Don’t let discouraging thoughts dim the light that it is in your heritage to radiate. Sisters we have so much to shine for! We are daughters of a DIVINE CREATER, meaning that we have divine potential. In the May 2000 Pres. Faust gave a talk titled, Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor. I will briefly quote from it as he can explain the divine role of true womanhood with greater force than I ever could.
I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the “highest place of honor” in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.
How amazing that by simply living up to the standards of compassion and brightness innate to us, we are embracing our divine potential and reflecting the light of Christ. What else can I say? Sister’s we were born to shine!
Brothers, you have a great reason to shine! You are blessed with the Holy Priesthood! Merrill Bateman from the Q of the 70 said,
“The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man.”
To those young men here, not only do you get the Priesthood, you will also be called on Mission! You have to shine as a missionary!! You will be able to PROCLAIM the gospel and be that light that people need to come to the Savior. Isaiah 61:1 is speaking Messianically, however, I think it applies to our missionaries as they teach with the light of Christ. It says,
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
Lastly I would like to leave a word with the patriarchs of our homes. You brothers are the revelators in our homes, you provide guidance to our families, and provide a strong example, to your wives and children, as to how we may return home to our Heavenly Father! Brothers bear these things in mind and Shine!
Brothers and Sisters please keep in mind the amazing capacities that we are able to have through the gospel. Through living in a way that pleases the Lord we may be able to shine and become Gods ourselves.

Happy Birthday Big Stew Daddy!

2009-02-06T21:45:00.001-08:00

February 4 was Whitty's birfday! He turned 26. What the!!!!! Seeing that I didn't have monetary recources to make his birthday magical, I turned to our freezer and free lamb from the Sheep Center! We had a great leg of lamb awaiting a speacial occasion. I slow cooked it in the oven just like a delicious beef roast. mmm...mmm...(I wished it was a beef roast, don't tell Whit!) I cooked it up with some onions, celery, carrots, tomato sauce and potatoes. To add some fresh color I steamed cooked some green beans. Tasty! To top off the delicious culinary affair I made a big chocolate cake with bananas and almonds on top and in the middle. After Whit finished his dinner he shared this great one liner with me, "I'll tell ya, nothing gets to a man's heart quicker than a good meal and a skirt." haha. . Maybe thats too much insight into our marriage, but I thought it was funny and applies to all men.

I'll put some pictures up from our yummy birthday dinner.

Shave and a Hair Cut 2 Bits

2009-01-22T22:24:00.000-08:00

I have become quite skilled with scissors. Just a few more times practice with Ottie's hair, I think I can give anyone a hair cut!

I generally wouldn't have groomed my own dog but I called to see how much it would cost and it was like $45.00! What the!!!! So I gave him a bath and thought, "How hard could it really be?" So I got out some craft scissors and went to work. I think its as good as any professional. I even trimmed around his...backside. You can be the judge.

See as follows: Before. After.

I Will Never be a Ballerina

2009-01-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Growing up my mom tried to get each of us girls to take ballet. Megan had something wrong with her ankles so it didn't stick, I was too busy trying to be a boy(boys do not take ballet), and Jaimie, well she took ballet for a little bit because she had the long body of a dancer (gag). Then she decided she didn't like it. As you read, I didn't take ballet because I wanted to be a boy. Odd yes, but I found so much joy in being tough, helping dad with Saturday morning projects, and being able to take anyone who looked at me wrong. This desire to be a boy decreased when Daniel was born. When he was born I thought, "Man, he's the real deal. My dad will totally want to do boy stuff with a real boy and not a boyish-girl." Ever since then I have tried to become more of a lady and leave my boy self in the past. At times this is hard to do, I find myself trying to wrestle Whit to the ground(I always get trashed) and taking pride in carrying heavy things. To try to override these masculine qualities I decided to take a ballet class this semester. My teacher complimented me and my posture and hand position.

"That looks beautiful Lindsay," my instructor said.

I loved my ballet class and after hearing my teacher's compliment I thought I must be good. I decided I liked the class so much I would work really hard and maybe take another ballet class next semester.

While in class one morning practicing first position I noticed it was difficult because my knees were touching. I looked around and no one else's knees were touching. Whats wrong with mine? I want to be the best little ballerina in here! I went to the next class a little early to get the instructors help. I told her my knees touch when I am in first position. She looked at my stance and notified me that I was quite knocked kneed. She then went on to say that the slight curvature in my spine would make it difficult to do pleas correctly.

One blow after another! My dreams to be a ballerina were dashed. So, sorry mom it just wasn't meant to be.

If you wanna get the rabbit out the LOG you got to make a cold motion like a DOG.

2009-01-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Its a great Waylon Jennings tune and fine reason to not let me update the blog-scattered thoughts and random titles. Never the less it is Whit writing this weeks update. Corvallis was a much brighter place this last week. Sunshine and a steady routine made our second week here in Corvallis feel more like home. School for both Lindsay and I is great. I am taking two real classes this term with the bulk of my time spent on research. I was told to keep my course load light this first semester due to the time I would be spending drawing blood and dosing sheep with Selenium. Starting the 8th of February I will be spending noon to midnight at the sheep research center. Yes under normal circumstances employees would take care of this but I have to draw blood samples on new-born lambs before they nurse. And apparently graduate research assistants have no limits on how much they can work. Fortunately these long hours will end on the 15th of March. Overall the benefits of free tuition and stipend out weigh the cons of being the head errand boy.
This week Lindsay received a calling. Laurel co-advisor!!!! We both laughed when she was asked, moments earlier in sacrament meeting I leaned over and jokingly commented she would be called to young women. My fingers are crossed that I will be the microphone coordinator in Sunday school but for now Lindsay is the only one with a calling. The ward is great! It is a nice mixture of older and younger members all of whom have been very welcoming. We feel blessed to be where we are.
The long weekend was nice to spend together. We explored Corvallis and surrounding areas and enjoyed plenty of sunshine. After the first week of rain and fogg the Sun was a welcome sight. We took a long ride on our bikes. Lindsay's countenance quickly changes when we have a hill to climb. Since we live on a hill I'm not sure how often we will ride bikes together. Or maybe we will catch that outdoorsy granola spirit and love those heart healthy hills.
Are you falling asleep yet? Well that's all I can think of. Saludos to everyone far away. Thank you for your support. Whit

Courtney's Taggity Tag

2009-01-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

random-facts-about-me tag.
rules: Post the rules on your blog List Post 6 random things about yourself

Random Facts: about yourself.
1.I love fairs & expos of any kind (really truly! I think its the best way to spend a Saturday)
a. good people watching
b. lots of fried food
c. all kinds of things to buy for you display shelf!
2.I have a funny looking dog
3.I love cured meats (preferably hot dogs. mmm...)
4.I like Tom Sellack (what a man!...that stash. ooo baby!)
5.I relate to the character Meg Ryan plays in the movie "French Kiss"
6.I knew all the words to the song "Body Language" from little Mermaid. Ursula sang it. I wanted to be her not Ariel. I don't know why it was weird.

Definition of Spagetti:

2009-01-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

It is a more delicious, much better version of spaghetti. Pronounced spa-je-tee.
(I meant to spellit that way, and Whit didn't have to point out I spelled Spaghetti wrong)

Drum Roll Please..............SPAGETTI GRILLED CHEESE!

2009-01-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

You know you want this! Take three thick slices of chedda and place them on two pieces of bread. THEN heap a generous amount of left over spagetti onto one of the bread slices, close the sandwish and butter each side. Place into the pan/panini maker like an ordinary gilled cheese until the cheeze is perfectly melty. Sizzle and Dizzle, Save the Flava!

Welcome to our Itty Bitty Crib

2009-01-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

We are all moved in! Well, almost. We are getting to be really comfortable in our new home. Whit and I were actually really lucky to get this apartment. The exact same floor plan is found in high-end, shire, cottages of middle earth. Whit was worried that we would have to rent another apartment to fit all of my kitchen appliences. Luckily that wasn't the case and everything fits. Our bed almost reaches from wall to wall. If you have seen Barefoot in the Park our bedroom is a similiar set up. Otis, our puppy has also become comfortable. He has made sure to mark his territory on my clean floor. Damn Dog!

Whit and I are getting into the swing of school and work. We go to school at 7:30 and then get to eat lunch together almost everyday! Lucky us! After lunch Whit goes back to school until about 5:00 and I work at home. I'll take a break from work by taking Otis on walks, vacuuming, reading, and then I finish my day by making dinner. Eventful, eh?! I have had fun making dinner each night, it makes a great end to the day. We have been feasting on meals such as:

hamburger patties, green beans, mashed potatoes

chili with cheddar cheese

spagetti, corn, and toasted sourdough with Olive Oil (ooo...fancy)

Although I must say my favorite is a by-product of the spagetti, GRILLED CHEESE W/ SPAGETTI!

Whit and I love it here and hope you enjoy our bloggedy blog!

I Dedicate this to Megan, Riley, Tay, and Katie

2009-01-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post these priceless photos to show the Bingham's in Utah how great Oregon is! I was priviledged to see the awe-inspiring FALLS!!!

Just some pictures to catch everyone up

2009-01-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Got Married, Got a Puppy, Moved Out of State

2009-01-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

The title of this post lists the three big changes that have occurred for Whit and I since my last post....5 months ago. Rather than writing multiple post to illustrate each of these great, stupid, adventurous changes I thought I would just write one broad one and include pictures.

The first really super big change. We got MARRIED!! Whit and I have had a great time. It doesn't feel like we got married though, I just feel like I moved in with my best friend. The first few weeks we were married were interesting. Since we dated long distance we weren't together in many social situations and only spent short, blissful weekends together. We (I) had to get used to being with each other all the time. Like every second of the day! So that was new, but good. Whit has gotten used to my opinionated nature and "impractical" grocery shopping. Our first excursion to the grocery store was full comparing prices, and Whit explaining that I had been paying for the packaging and name brand rather than the actual food. I quickly replied, "When I grocery shop I pay for quality not quantity." This is still an issue we are working through.

We also had a new addition to our family. We bought a dog. His name is Otis and he is really cute. Whit and I decided that he looked like Tummy Gummy for Disney channels Gummy Bears. The first day we had him was an experience. We took him home and loved playing with him and cuddling with him. At the end of the day I put him in his kennel while we made dinner. After dinner we went to get him and were greeted with disgusting mess! He looked like a chocolate bear instead of a gummy bear. It was awful. I took the dog to give him a bath and curse at him until he understood that he had done a very bad thing, while Whit cleaned the kennel. There have been other mishaps since then but for the most part we have been happy we got him. As long as Whit takes care of the unpleasantries I love the cute little, mop. If I have to do it then Otis is threatened with a new owner or worse. Aside from Otis' puppy faults we do really love him.

Our most recent change is our move to Oregon. We are currently staying with family friends in Salem, Oregon, which is about 45 minutes away from school. So we start our days at 6, which really isn't bad, but it feels so early! Whit has jumped into his classes and is working with sheep a lot. He is really busy and a little worried about he will weather biochemistry in the coming terms. We are happy here and adapting to our new home. This is only our fourth day here. We can't wait to move into our apartment and make a home in Corvallis, Or. There isn't much more than that. I am sure I will add more once we are more settled. We will let you know how moving goes next time!

-The Stews

A trip to the far north east!

2008-08-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

My family went with me to meet Whit's family, and attend a great open house for Whit and I. The trip was great, and we got to visit tons of church historic sites. One of the days we went to Amish country. We went site seeing to all kinds of great places. I will post the picuters tonight. I got a ton of great ones.

The BIG Day is Getting Closer

2008-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

We have a little less than two months before we get married, and we can't wait. Plans are being finalized and dresses are being fitted. What a happy time! Whit and I have decided to get sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, and have our reception at McCune Mansion just up the street. It is going to be so fun. We are going to have a great sit down dinner followed up by roasts, toasts, cake, and dancing! Woohoo!! Dinner is going to so yummy, it will be pulled pork and shrimp gumbo served with delicious sides. Ridin' the Fault Line is the bluegrass band who will play all kinds of down home delights. We look forward to having everyone come and share this special special day with us. Can't wait to see you there!
Take a look at some of the great fun we have to look forward to!

www.mccunemansion.com
www.culinarycrafts.com
www.altamodabridal.com