Go Go Go LeeElle

Dedicated to my siblings: Kerilynn, Janae, Deandra, Weston, and Collin

The other night Mom& Dad came up to visit. They said they had something for me, I figured it was mail or decorations Mom was gettting rid of. You can imagine my surprise when they presented me with a beautiful, expensive multi-colored coat. I tried it on and I looked stunning, I looked smart, I was a walking work of art really.



That night I had a dream where my family and I were in a corn field. My portion of the corn was tall and produced many ears of delicious corn while the rest of my families stalks were short, shriveled and were leaning almost in a bow-like fashion toward mine-wierd huh? I dont know what this means. It does remind about that one Broadway musical, you know the one about the dad giving his favorite child a beautiful garment; a story so fine I've even heard it related in sunday school. I can't remember all the details but two things are for sure: (1) there are some striking parallels and (2) Andrew Lloyd Weber is a genius.


Please don't throw me in a pit! This is actually the coat I bought at the consignment store in UT. All in attendance declared it the find of the day!

Winter?

It's February.
It's 81 degrees so my AC is on!
I'm still not sure how I feel about this

UTAH

I had such a great time in Utah. I can't believe its taken me a year and a half to go back! As I was landing I looked out the window and saw everything covered in snow, it sounds cheesey but I was so happy to be there, I got a little teary. I have so many fond memories of living there and friends and family who I miss. Don't get me wrong I absolutly love Californina I guess my heart is splt in 1/2.
Josh and Leanne

After landing and barrowing G-pa and G-ma Materns suberu I made my way down to Lehi to visit the Custers. It's been so long since I've seen them. We ate deliciouse Cafe Rio chicken salads and caught up.

Here is Ethan (Josh and Leanne's little boy) he has grown up so much! He was 9 months when I last saw him! He loved taking pictures with my camera.

The Frost Family

I stayed with the Frosts till Sunday. Oh how I miss them. It was fun to see Hannah, she's quite the little lady now and Mia is adorable. She is such a good baby, I was in heaven holding her. I was able to hang out and talk with Lisa, I miss doing that in person, and go see all my friends from our old ward at Michelle's baby shower. (I forgot to take a picture). We also went to Tucano's-tasty! Plus I was able to enjoy Lisa's deliciouse cooking. She gave the BEST caramel brownie recipe.

Hannah enjoying her cupcake

Mia chilling on the bed while we picked up Hannah's room.

I saw so many friends and family member while I was up there but didn't get pictures-lame I know! Right before I went to my conference I snapped a few last photos...

Me, Grandpa, and Grandma

I have a gangster face in this picture actually I frequetnly have a gangster face because I don't want to have a double chin in picture so I lift my head up. I need to practice so I know the right angle to tilt my chin for pictures.

I loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Matern. I finally move back to CA and they move to UT-what's that all about? It was nice just to sit and talk with them. I played the piano, ate yummy food, Grandma took care of some mending for me, and we went to this cute consignment store and I got the raddest jacket(that will be its own post)!

(Back row)Allyson, Aunt Lezlee, Sherri, Bryttin, Me (Front row) Grandma & Aunt Diane

Whenever Grandma has visitors she has a luncheon. We had good food and it was fun to see some of my extended family.

A Time to Cry

**I meant to post this on the 27th but I didn't have access to a computer**
On January 27th marked one year since my grandpa passed away. This is the first close relative of mine who has died. We were close with my Grandparents, we would go to their house every Sunday night growing up. My grandpa Jex was such a wonderful man. He was wise man and loved by many. (It's strange having to use the past tense) In fact his funeral was packed! Not just in the sense of, "whoa what a big family" but it was seriously celebrity status numbers. The chapel, choir seats, cultural hall, and stage were full.

I'm so grateful we were able to stay with them for a few months when we moved back to California. It was a blessing to be able to save up some money while we looked for an apartment but more than anything it was great to have that time with Grandpa. Every night we would sit down for dinner while both of my Grandparents would tell stories.

About 6 years ago he was diagnosed with some sickness that escapes my mind right now. Towards the end the family was taking turns staying overnight to help out. Most everyone was doing there part, especially my Aunt Karyn who was over there daily. On Friday most of my aunt and uncles were over with grandpa. John and I were staying at their house that night. My grandpa was so uncomfortable and unable to move, I started reading to him form the Ensign because he said it helped calm him down. I remember my Dad rubbing grandpa's back while I read and seeing silent tears fall down his face because he knew it wouldn't be much longer.

Through out the night I would get grandpa drinks or pillows, turn him over, rub his back and legs and such. He was not able to articulate his thoughts very well so it was difficult to know what he wanted. I started asking him yes/no questions like, "Grandpa do you want a drink?" if he said yes I would follow it up with, "Do you want water? (wait for a yes or no) "Do you want apple juice? Do you want club soda?" (he had 4 drinks on the bedside table). The asking of questions continued on through the night, I was doing everything I could to make him comfortable. At one point grandpa said, "LeeElle, will not talk so much please?" As you know I'm a talker but in my defense for the better part of the night I had to ask yes/no questions, nevertheless it is still funny and my family loves that story.

About 12:30 am John came in to take over for a while so I could sleep an hour later I woke up to give Grandpa his medicine. He was so sick and couldn't keep anything down. It was hard to watch such a strong man who I loved so much wither away. He would cry out for Heavenly Father to take him. It was so sad. I started praying for Heavenly Father to let grandpa go home because it was too difficult to watch him suffer so much. Around 2 am grandpa asked me to wake up grandma. She came and sat by his side and he leaned on her and said, "I'm sorry Nancy." (the past few years were hard for my grandma. My grandpa did everything he's always been solid and their to hold it all together but with the disease taking control of him there had been a role reversal) My grandma answered, "I know Bob, it's OK." Then they told each other that they loved one another. I was in such awe of my grandpa, even in his final hours he was more concerned for his sweetheart than himself. He would say, "LeeElle close the door a little more and turn down the light in the hall so it's not in grandma's face while she sleeps" He was such a wonderful example of sacrifice and love. Around 4:30 am he finally was able to calm down and rest. I went into the guest bedroom with the baby monitor close by in case he needed something and fell asleep. I woke up every hour to check on him. Then about 8 am grandma came in and asked me to try to wake grandpa she had already tried with no luck. I can't describe the thoughts or feelings that went through me at that time. There was fear and sadness but an overwhelming peace and strength. It is times like these that 1 Nephi 1:20 comes to mind, "...I, Nephi, will show unto you the tender mercies of the Lord..." I went in, Grandpa had in fact passed away. I then proceeded to call my uncles and aunts for my grandma. It's hard telling your dad that his dad has passed away. I was trying to be brave and strong but again I had help from on high.

I am so grateful that I was able to be there that night. When we're are faced with difficult situations it really puts our faith to the test. While I miss my grandpa a lot and am sad sometimes I am comforted with my knowledge that I will see him again. I know that death is not the end and that we have a loving Savior who came to earth and died so as to make it possible to return and live with him and our Father in Heaven. I am so thankful that I have that knowledge.

Heading Out

I'm in Utah on business so see ya later!

We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet

Would You Leave Your Child With This Man?

Heath?

Can you believe it? Heath Leger is dead! He was found in his apartment today. Man he's not the celeb you hear or think of partying and O.D.-ing on drugs. Crazy. He has a two year old daughter-poor thing, although you don't want a druggie daddy. Man I really liked his movies, especially A Knights Tale. Sad really sad.

****************************************************************************

On a lighter note because our Internet is still down I haven't been able to get to my pictures so I'm stealing some from Kevin to go along with his guest post.

The Lovely Curtis Clan

Kevin, Sarah, and Simon bar-jona (in utero)

We went for a walk around lake Tempe on Sunday

Me and my still un-named pillow. After staying up til the wee small hours every night a mid-day nap was essential.

John and his mad guitar skills! I love listening to John and Kevin play (guitars) with each other.

We had such a wonderful time this past weekend in AZ. We played skip-bo, phase 10, ate, talked, ran errands, ate, saw Dan in Real Life (really good BTW), slept-not very much though, went to stake conference, talked, ate, and just had a great time. We heart you Kevin and Sarah! Thanks for the good time!

Kevin and Sarah are the Best

I just wanted to write a quick post about how great Kevin and Sarah are. After having spent a whole weekend with them, I have become very aware of the fact that John and I will never be able to find couple friends that are nearly as good as they are. I was going to post some pictures, but Blogger is being stupid right now, so you will have to check Kevin's blog if you want to see them.

...so at this point you are probably confused because LeeElle would never write something this nice about us. This is, in fact, Kevin, guest posting on LeeElle's blog. We had such a marvelous time with JohnElle seeing movies, playing games (of which I am the undisputed champion), eating donuts, running errands and staying up late into the night talking like schoolgirls (nobody's bra got frozen, although we wanted to freeze John's). Like I said, I have some pretty good pictures, but you will have to wait until Blogger recovers from his/her current malaise before you see them on my blog. You can also see LeeElle's guest post in the same location. Until next time, if there is a next time.

Farewell Good Friend

I knew this day would come I just was hoping it wouldn't be so soon. John's computer has bit the dust. So until further noticed my blogging will be limited to hold times at work which have been few and far between. RIP hp laptop-you've been good to us.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Kerilynn and Mom

Happy Birthday Mom!

This post is a little late, her birthday was Saturday but in my defense I was with her on Sat and Sun, please forgive me.

On Sat all of us got together and granted my mom's birthday wish...we painted the hall and helped take down all the Christmas decorations. (side note my parents house is beautifully intense at Christmas. they have a 12 foot tree and decorations galore-quite the undertaking!)

Then on Sunday most of us got together and made a late lunch/early dinner with her and celebrated with presents, brownies, and her favorite Golden Medal Ribbon from Baskin Robbins-yum!

• She is a peacemaker.
• She is a very self less person.
• She is great at finding bargains.
• She's a looker.
• She has a beautiful voice.
• She is trying to broaden her food horizons-she now eats at panda express (Orange chicken and white rice only)!! Quite an accomplishment for her!
• She's fun to be around.
• She's such a hard worker. She started out as the front desk secretary at her company and now is a senior software analyst-yes my mom is amazing.
• She loves movies-she is definitely my grandmothers daughter.
• She is very giving.

I love my mom so much she is a wonderful woman and I'm so grateful I was sent to her.

Out With the Old In With the New

The news is in our car was totaled from the accident. I was shocked! I thought it would just need a new front and back bumper but apparently there was more to it than that (I'm guessing the frame had some hefty damage). **for those just tuning in I was at a complete stop on the freeway in traffic and was rear ended. Not my fault!***

Luckily this time around working with the insurance company has been a relatively smooth process. So we now have to find a new car, this is the one we're going to buy. It's a 2003 Honda Accord it's been well maintained, low miles, John fits comfortably in it, and it's a fantastic price!

It Isn't Good To Be Alone

My sister Kerilynn is always looking out for me. This is what she gave me for Christmas so I won't have to sleep alone when John is up studying...

I LOVE IT!

I love how he (name suggestions welcomed) is so supportive...of my neck that is. Thanks KL!

This Makes No Sense

John pointed this out to me last week...

I don't like sour cream and I don't like onions. I DO however love onion dip.

sour cream= bleck!
onions= gag!
sour cream + Lipton onion soup mix= Delicioso!

Go figure.

San Fransisco

Our little get away started by going to a movie on Wednesday night, we saw Juno. It was so so good. It was quirky and witty, had good music, and good actors. My only issue with it is that they didn't show many consequences/negatives of teen pregnancies not that they glorified it but...yeah.
The next morning we set off for our day in the city. We opted to use public transportation because we didn't want to navigate San Fransisco's crazy streets and deal with finding parking. This was my first time riding public transportation with the exception of when I was at BYU and students got bus passes for free. Utah public transportation vs. California public transportation...very different. Oh we also got yummy pepermint hot chocolate!

This was outside the museum at Golden Gate park....it's a John sized apple.

We actually went into the museum, thought admission was free until we were asked for our exhibit ticket so we steered clear of that particular area. Then we walked into a different hall, there was no ticket booth or volunteer guard so we took a look at the art; it was a very interesting exhibit by a women who would take common things i.e. wooden legs, lockers, pieces of metal... and pile them and paint them all either black or white. We then walked into the next exhibit room where they had tons of different tea pots. I was really enjoying looking at them when we noticed everyone except us had stickers on their jackets it was at that point we realized that area was a ticketed area as well so we b-lined for the door. Funny thing is the security guard asked Joh to keep his back pack at his side but said nothing of the sticker.

Here we are at the Japanese gardens. I've been on a Memoirs of a Geisha kick for a while so was stoked to go visit one of the filming sites. It was really beautiful. I'd love to go back in the spring when everything is in bloom.

This is a crazy steep bridge inside the garden. I patiently waited in line to go up and take my picture and then when I got up there some kids started climbing up on both sides while their parents took pictures of them. I was shocked at how rude they were, I waited for a bit for them to get down but they never did. I was so tempted to say something to the tune of no cuts, no butts, not coconuts! but I opted to bite my tongue (yes I am capable of doing that:)


I can't remember if this place is called the solarium or indoor gardens oh wait I remember now it's the conservatory. We didn't go in but took pictures outside. I felt like I belonged in a fringed dress getting ready to attend a party in the Great Gatsby.
Blurry picture (BART leaves quickly so we didn't have a lot of time to shoot) but proof of my encounter with public transportation. It wasn't so bad. We only messed up once, right bus wrong direction. BART is nice however the buses smelled like BO and dirt. Most everyone was friendly there were a few characters but what do expect in San Fransisco.
Thank you Thank you Thank you John! I felt spoiled to have you all to myself for two whole days!! This was the best Christmas gift!

Life of Pi

I just finished this book and it was wonderful. All I knew going into it is that it was a fictional story about a boy and a bengal tiger on a boat. It was fascinating! Yann Martel is a great writer who uses entertaining similes and metaphors. At first I was confused because the first few chapters seemed random yet interesting spouting off facts about various animals then jumping to chapters on religion. After that it all starts to come together and you feel as though you are working toward the destination. I definitely recommend this book, it's an easy read or listen in my case.

Happy New Year!

Last night we played with our friends Gavin & Amy Jo and Gavin's brother and sis. in law, Drew & Sarah. We had so much fun playing Settlers of Cattan, Loaded Questions, and the star of the night was the Wii brought by Drew & Sarah. It was sooo fun. I am horrible at video games but was rockin at Wii! We did bowling, tennis, and some rabbit game. My arms are so sore today from the 'running'/'tennis'/'bowling' it's quite the workout, we all broke a sweat! Of course we ate had martenelli's then played some more meaning 4 am! We are wild and crazy kids. Because of our late night activities we didn't wake up till 11! After taking down Christmas decorations and cleaning up we went the Adams house to watch the Rose bowl and eat! It's been a fabulous laid back day! Too bad I have to go back to work tomorrow-bummer.

Now for my New Years resolution:

• Learn to sign and dance with soul (after watching hairspray I was to be able to dance and sing like the Dynamites, this will take a lot of work)

Right now this is my main focus. Yes of course I want to get fit and read my scriptures everyday but those have been on my list every year. What are your New Years resolutions.

Christmas 2007 Part I

We had a wonderful Christmas break! The majority of it was spent in Sacramento (really Folsom) with most of John's family (missed ya Davis family). It was so fun playing with the nieces and nephews. We got to meet the newest member of the Tullis clan, Caitlyn, Janelle's adorable two month old daughter. We played games, ate, went to the railroad museum, the zoo, had an obstacle course race at the park, mom and dad were our guides on the Temple tour, but most of all we just chilled with the fam. The best gift came when we were leaving on Wednesday. We take the 5 freeway home and when the interchange came and we didn't get on it I knew something was up. John surprised me by taking me to San Fransisco for two days! It was fantastic! (it will be a post of it's own.) I have a ton of pictures so bear with me as I try to catch up on the past two weeks.

Here are the pictures blogger would let me upload...

Jonas

Alexis and her lego creation

Jason (John's cousin) and his fiance Carol-love the scarfs!

Uncle Bro & Aunt Sylvia...they are two of the nicest people on earth!

Here is the remainder of Doug's echa-sketch art work

Happy Birthday Collin!

Happy Birthday to my youngest brother Collin! He is 14, I can't believe it. Collin is a funny kid. He's really smart, creative, and motivated. Some have said that he looks like me with short hair...is that a compliment or a burn? Here's a few things about my little bro.

• He is a business man always trying to sell things avocados from our tree (for a killer price mind you), or his toys, even painted rocks!
• A lady in a ward used to watch him sometimes and couldn't say Collin but rather Colleen
• He loves Chuck Norris
• He plays the trumpet in the honor band
• He loves big mac's
• He plays just about every sport at school
• He loves my dad's old school music. One of his favorites is Franky Valley
• He sings all the time
• He's a snuggler. "Snuggle, snuggle, snuggle"
  
  Collin is your typical 14 year old boy, talks big and challenges everyone. Although he usually ends up like this....

Happy Birthday Jr!

Sigh

What I've been up to:
not blogging.
Why?

PHONE CALLS!

Who am I calling...

car insurance companies

dr. offices

enterprise rental car

auto body shops

AAA

enterprise again because the rental smells like smoke

more insurance companies

Why you ask?

Because I was reared ended on the freeway last Friday. It seems as though I let of the "please rear end me vibe". Seriously now two times in a year and a half! I don't think our car will be a complete loss this time, however it does make the previous accident claim a little more hairy. Yes, the last accident still has not been settled and now we get to start to dance with a new insurance company. Lovely.

On a lighter note...

I thought I'd post John's winning bag from last years Christmas craft. It is a tradition in my family to do a craft on Christmas &/or Thanksgiving. Last year we decorated gift bags and in true Jex form it became a competition. My Dad, Debbie, and Katie (a family friend who stopped by on Christmas eve) were the judges. I don't know how but John won. Am I bitter-no, not at all! Why I should I be? Just because John threw as many decals on one bag as possible? Or because some of the other bags were worthy to be sold in a Target store? No I'm not bitter:) It's just I don't think his bag was the best one, sorry hun. They say they did not know who was the creator of each bag but I still think it was rigged. Everyone related/close to me has a crush on John, I think there was some bias involved. Plus they knew how we all would react to the results...writing outraged blog posts a year later etc. Despite my bitterness (smile) I really did enjoy the night and get a good laugh when I think about it.

some of the competition...

and the winning bag...

Notice the blue ribbon he curled for the handle. Looking at it now it's really not that bad.

Happy Birthday G-ma!

It's my grandma jex's birthday today( my dad's mom, she's the one on the left:). She will probably never see this because she does not own or like computers. She is an endearing woman. I'm grateful for her generosity and spunk. It's nice living close to her. She spoils us by folding/hanging up our laundry and having it in bags for us (our washer and dryer live with her since our place doesn't have hook ups). My love for desserts is a genetic trait inherited from her:) Love ya g-ma!

(Sorry for the picture Deandra. I only had pictures from the funeral and it was the best one!)

I Heart Despair.com

Weekend Update

Sigh of relief.


This has been one loooong weekend, enjoyable and productive but long.

• 3 trips to Anaheim and back, yes I'm crazy!


• Accompanied my mom and sang in my parents stake Christmas program.


• Did laundry.


• Errands.


• Graded 19 essays (still have 5 left).


• Decorated my house for Christmas (pictures to come).


• Interpreted a fireside at the LA temple.


• Visited and had lunch with some grandma and grandpa couples in our ward after church.


• Did some scrap booking for my mom.


• Braved the mall with Kerilynn to buy me some new make up (thanks for the lesson KL. check that one off my Christmas list).


• Went out to dinner with Kerilynn, Cory, and his parents for KL's b-day!


• Saw August Rush with KL and Cory-boring! it was slow and not worth the money.


• Had a short mental breakdown Sat. night after I realised I forgot to pick up John's suit from the dry cleaners. ( I was exhausted and overwhelmed)


• Finally talked with my in-laws yay!


• Got my eyebrows threaded


• Visited with family

Let this week begin:)

Happy Birthday Kerilynn

Happy 24 KL! It was yesterday but I wasn't at the computer so here it is a day late.

My sister Kerilynn is one of the most gifted people I know.

• She has a beautiful voice and is amazing at the piano. She plays by ear! Anything and everything, really, you name and she'll play it.
• She's very crafty
• She bakes yummy things
• Phenomenal hair stylist and make-up artist
• She's a giver (generous to a fault almost)

Happy birthday toots! (you have more posts than anyone in our family-you're welcome)

Breath In, Breath Out

This is me and my to do list... possibly impossible.

Wants Not Needs

If I had one wish this holiday season it would be for all the children throughout the world to join hands and sing. If I had two wishes the holiday season I would want world peace and all the children in the world to join hands and sing. Now if I had three wishes, alright let's cut to the chase here's what I want for Christmas.

1. New Scriptures (yes, I'm spiritual)
2. Microwave
3. BBQ
4. Cute jewelry
5. Clothes
6. Black ballet flats
7. New jeans (Gap's long and lean are my fav.)
8. Can opener (the one that takes to whole lid of so it's not sharp
9. Jelly roll pans
10. A silver ring with a really thick band
11. New sunglasses
12. Curtains for the front room
13. A gym membership
14. Gift cards (Costco, Target, Old Navy, Gap, Burlington, AMC, Yummy restaurants or dessert shops)
15. New make-up and a lesson from KL on how to apply it
16. A vacation with John

No I don't expect all or even most of this, but I can dream:)

How Smart Is Your Right Foot?

This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And, you will keeptrying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot.But you can't!!!



1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor andmake clockwise circles with it.



2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your righthand ... Your foot will change direction!!!



I told you so ... And there is nothing you can do about it.