Where Have All the Girl Scouts Gone?

the ultimate cookie

Q: How is it that girl scout cookie season has arrived and I am without my beloved Samoas. Hello I've been to the grocery store, so, where are you little brownies?

Oh wait, maybe it's because by the time I get to the grocery store it's 10 o'clock on Saturday night. I'm just saying if there are girl scouts out there I am committed to buying at least 2 boxes of Samoas and a box of Tag-a-longs (for John).

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post script: Shout out to my mom who hooked me up with a box of Samoas last night. Ask and ye shall receive!

For Unto Us...

The long awaited day has finally arrived! Behold the child...

Simon Johnelle Curtis

7 lbs. 3 oz. 21 inches long

Born Thursday February 28, 2008 @ 8:45 pm

Although we are very honored we are not surprised that we are his namesake. Thank you.

Finally Proof that his head is in fact attached to his body.

I'm glad to see that Sarah has instituted the rule that you (meaning Kevin) must sit down before you can hold the baby.

All joking aside we are so glad you're here Simon. Brava Sarah, Brava.

Babies, Babies, and More Babies!

You may remember a few months ago I listed all the pregnant women I know. This list had something like 16 names on it. Well, we're getting to the bottom of that list. In fact in the past two days look who has come....

First Max Mantooth was born Yesterday February 27, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. weighing 6.5 lbs. and 19 inches long (Yay Charlotte!)

Max

Next is Mr Kalem Baird born at 1:48 (but their blog says 1:40??) weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz. 19 inches long.

Chelise, Kalem, & Eric

Now Chelise if you think you are excused from mutual because "you had a baby" then I think we may need to have a little talk about commitment;)

And last but not least....
Simon Curtis is on his way out as we speak! We got a call around 6:30 am from Kevin and Sarah at the hospital. I'll keep you posted! (Go Sarah-you're a rock star!)

LeeElle + Will

Take the Quiz

I'm not surprised! Our relationship started long ago in Bel Air and we've been gettin jiggy wit it ever since

I'm Excell 'n'!

I did a whole lot of this last night...like 10 hours worth and it was wonderful! I was also able to get a lot done prior to dozing off. I made an excell spreadsheet to help me track the YW's personal progress. I love excell although I'm still a novice user. (thank you John for your help) You don't understand this document is color coded (in the value colors of course) and is very user friendly. Quite the accomplishment for someone who didn't have email until late 2002.

Sorry to recycle this picture again:)

post script: yay for spell check to be working again on blogger!!

Good Reads

I recently read these two books and really enjoyed them. Both are quick and easy reads.


It is a symbolic story that urges its readers to follow their dreams.-wikipdia.org


The Red Tent is a novel by Anita Diamant, published in 1997 by St. Martin's Press. It is a first-person narrative which tells the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob and sister of Joseph, a talented midwife and proto-feminist. The book's title refers to the tent in which women of Jacob's tribe must, according to the ancient law, take refuge while menstruating or giving birth, and in which they find mutual support and encouragement from their mothers, sisters and aunts. -wikipedia.org

This Little Ziggy Wants to Stay Home

Dear Ziggy,

This is Aunt LeeElle I just wanted to give you a pep talk and play a game with you called would you rather. First let me set the mood with some music think The Final Countdown by Europe. Would you rather stay in a uterus surounded by anmiotic juices and where your movement is restricted (no thank you!) or come out and play with me?

Things to consider:

• I am really fun
• I am confident I will be your favorite _____
• You have a ton of cool stuff waiting for you
• The sooner you come the sooner you can see me

Peace out KIT & BFF

heart,

Aunt LeeElle

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Uncle John wanted me to include a thought from him...

Simon bar-jonas,

If you don't come soon I will have to subpoena you.

Govern yourself accordingly,

Unky John

*note* Ziggy/Simon is Kevin and Sarah's son who is still in utero.

The Best Caramel Brownies Ever

That's really the name of these brownies! I do however agree that they are the BEST! Here's the recipe that my friend Lisa gave me. Trust me you will not be disapointed.

1 German Chocolate cake mix
7 tbs. melted butter or margarine
1/2 Evaporated milk

1 C chocolate chips
50-60 kraft caramels
1/2 C evaporated milk

Preheat over at 325. Mix together cake mix, butter and 1/3 C evaporated milk.
Pat 1/2 of the mixture into the bottom of a 9"x13" pan. Bake for 7-8 minutes.
In a separate microwabable bowl, combine the caramels and 1/2 C evaporated milk.
Melt mixture in the microwave, stirring every 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Remove the cake from the oven & sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the baked cake.
Pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips. Sprinkle the remaining cake mixture over the top. (I take chunks of the mixture and flatten it in my hands then lay it on top of the caramel to insure the whole top is covered.)
Bake for another 18 minutes

New Calling

**By way of information for the family and anyone else who is interested**
John was released as the ward mission leader and is now the 1st counselor in the Elders Quorm presidency. He's excieted to work with the EQ pres. and I'm excited that he'll be home on Sunday mornings! Fun stuff.

Enjoyable

Obama delivered the top 10 list on David Letterman the other night. Pretty funny.

10. To keep the budget balanced, I'll rent the situation room for sweet sixteens.

9. I will double your tax money at the craps table.

8. Appoint Mitt Romney secretary of lookin' good. (amen!)

7. If you bring a gator to the White House, I'll wrassle it.

6. I'll put Regis on the nickel.

5. I'll rename the tenth month of the year "Barack-tober."

4. I won't let Apple release the new and improved Ipod the day after you bought the previous model.

3. I'll find money in the budget to buy Letterman a decent hairpiece.

2. Pronounce the word nuclear, nuclear.

1. Three words: Vice President Oprah.

My New Favorite Dessert

My Grandpa and Grandma Matern came down from Utah to visit. We all went out to dinner and after we hit up Dairy Queen. I had originally ordered the new caramel waffle cone blizzard but after tasting my grandma's cotton candy blizzard I switched my order. Oh my goodness, it was so good. Incredibly sweet but if you are a cotton candy fan I highly recommend it.

Me and my yummy blizzard

G-ma, me, & Cory with our pink blizzard

Dancing Queen

Last night our young women were invited to a Valentine's Day dance given by another ward. I drove 7 of the girls over in my aunts van while the other leaders waited for any late comers. We were some of the first to arrive and in an effort to get the girls to dance I went out there with them and shook my groove thang. It was the classic dance scene, girls on one side and the boys on the other. After much encouragment the floor was packed and all were having fun. There were some classics...Abba, Whitney, KC & the Sunshine Band, MC Hammer (yes I did the dance). and the end of the night I was dropping one of the girls off at home, as she was getting out she said, "Hey LeeElle, I really liked your old school moves."

What? My old school moves? Are you joking me? Um, hello I'm 25 which means that only 7 years ago I was at the dance as a participant! Kids these days, pfft.

Wordless Wednesday

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.

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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