Oh What a Night!

Last Christmas our dear family friend and former neighbor Debbie bought us tickets to go see Jersey Boys as a family. We are huge Franky Valli fans! Every time I hear his songs I think of music blasting while doing our Saturday chores. They had sold out their LA performances so she got the tickets for Vegas! Unfortunately it landed on conference weekend.

We woke up at 4:15 am on Saturday to meet Kerilynn and Cory (who we carpooled with). Our plans were to meet at 5 am so we could make it to LV in time to watch conference at a stake center however we all weren't in the car til 6...and then there was a request for breakfast in Baker at Bob's Big Boy. I didn't even know they still existed.

Cory, LeeElle, Bob, John, & Kerilynn

We notice Bob and John had similar hair do's going on

By the time we made it to Vegas it was 10:30-so we missed conference. I was bummed.

We decided to walk around and wait for the rest of the fam. to arrive. We went to the Coke shop and had our own little international soda taste test. There were 16 soda's from different countries. Cory was the moderator

They have a ton of coke paraphernalia

The soda's



The Beverly from Italy tasted awful-bleck! It seriously tasted like Robitussin with carbonation. My personal favorite was the Smart Apple from China. I love the Chinese names...Smart Apple and Smart Watermelon. Most of the fruit ones were pretty good but there were a few that were gross. I'm not a fan of ginger soda, it makes your throat burn, I don't know how my grandma drinks that stuff!

We also hit up the M&M factory and decided to kill some time watching their 3-D movie. Word to the Wise-it's not worth your time, luckily it was free, the 3-D glasses didn't help de-blur the film much but we looked good in them!

On the strip

After stuffing ourselves at the delicious Rio buffet we made our way to the Palazzo to see...

We got there a half our early to get our seats. When we arrived there was a problem with the tickets. They said we were in row B-B. There was no row B-B. And the row Debbie had purchased tickets for (first row in the back balcony) had people in it. hmmm. The supervisor was called and explained they would figure out what was going on. The Seven o'clock start time was quickly approaching and the theater was filling up and we were still standing in the aisle seat-less. The show started so we stood by the door trying to watch the play but it wasn't really working. Finally the manager came back and apologetically explained that they had double booked the seats. She then said they had 12 seats throughout the theater so if we would split up we could still see the show and then after she would "take care of the rest". **Note: it was opening weekend of the play and the casino/hotel isn't completely open so they're new at this** We then set off to our seats. John and I were some of the last to go. We followed the usher to the orchestra level and proceeded down the stairs and we just kept going and going and going and going. He stopped at second row center! If there had been a pit orchestra we would have been sitting on the 4th and 5th chair violinists laps, respectfully. Pretty good seats eh? At intermission I made sure to find the rest of the family to rub in our seats. After gloating we decided to switch places with my brother Collin, who loves Franky Valli, and Cory. We all were on the orchestra level and had good seats so it wasn't that bad.

After the play the manager apologized more and then reimbursed Debbie for 4 tickets and then gave us 12 tickets to be redeemed at any time for any show at the Palazzo or Venitian (Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Wayne Brady, and Blue Man Group are the current shows). Not bad. So we missed the first 15 min. or so but we all got better seats and have free tickets to come back! We then took our picture in front of the sign and as we were taking the last photo some random guys came and stood in the picture with us. They just so happened to be cast members! It was a really fun night!

Overall I really liked the play. The only downside was the amount of swearing. I don't know if it's Italians or people from New Jersey, maybe it's both but they love to swear. The profanities were a bit excessive, OK, they were way over the top. But the songs were great, the actors did a fantastic job, they actually played the instruments-very impressive! I loved the way the told the story and set it up. Thank you Debbie we had a great time! So when's our next trip?

Happy Birthday!

My cousin Terina is 30! Here's the picture I never posted because I look horrible it-cest la vie! (there's my horrible french in honor of you TJ). I hope you have a great day. I'm not even going to try to compete with Shelly's post...who could?

Ahh the memories...

• When we did the Roger Rabbit in the middle of the street in front of your old house.
• Going to your Dads company party and drinking sooo much soda. Then when it was time to leave we took one or two for the road and quickly downed them. Bad Idea. Especially because your Dad wouldn't pull over and we nearly pee'd our pants.
• The camping trip you and Dawnette came on with my family. We played slug bug, they had one big open shower, I fell in quick sand, and you had a perm.

good times.

It's Not Summer Yet

Last night as John and I were laying in bed I felt his foot brush over my leg and then I heard...

John: "Is that your leg or a sock?"
LeeElle: "My leg!"
John: "I thought I felt ridges"

Maybe I should shave more often.

Wordless Wednesday

Day Trip

John was on spring break last week and being the gem he is he went into school everyday so we could carpool. Needless to say it was not his ideal way to spend his week off school so on Saturday we decided to hike around Griffith Park and go the observatory. Our hike started out along this beautiful stream covered with 26 different kinds of ferns. It was nice and cool because of the tree coverage but that didn't last for long. Soon we were hiking up a steep hill with a ton of switchbacks in 90 degree weather and no foliage for shade. It was at that moment that I came to realize even more so than before of what horrible shape I am in. I was huffing and puffing like no body's business having to stop to catch my breath and get a drink way more often than I care to admit. I normally will persevere through or say to myself, "If John stops then I'll stop." But John didn't stop so I had to stop him. It was pathetic! We FINALLY reached the top of the hill where I practically ran into the observatory knowing that the AC in there was waiting for me.

Once inside we looked at the new exhibits ( it just opened after being closed for improvements for 6 years). They were really cool and user friendly and one of the best parts is the observatory is FREE! It's a beautiful place with amazing architecture. We hope to go back at night sometime soon.

Here is one of the really cool telescopes they use

And the two of us with the Hollywood sign in the background. It's not a flattering picture but whatcha gonna do?

It was a nice day with not so nice air quality...that must have been the cause for the huffing and puffing right? We had a blast and I'm determined to get in better shape so we can take advantage of all the amazing hikes GP has to offer. You know LA gets a bad name often but there really are a lot of things to do that are free, outdoors, educating, and enjoyable right around the corner, you just have to look.

And Runnin' Runnin'

On Saturday John and I volunteered for the annual El Segundo Run for Education. It's a 5K race around town and we were in charge of traffic control on part of the course. Not only did we get awesome yellow shirts that say VOLUNTEER on the back but we also had a great spot to do some people watching. Most of the participants came ready to run. They had their running shoes, a t-shirt, some sort of comfortable short, and an Ipod. Then there were the few who didn't get the memo. Some of my personal favorites include...

• The gentleman running in khaki shorts and a polo. It looked like he had been walking down Main St. and saw all these people running and thought why not join them?



• The teenage girl in her All*Stars, leggings, lace bottom tank top, and coordinating shirt strolling with a large purse on her shoulder. I guess you should accessorize every outfit.



• And then of course the woman who carried her small vanity dog the whole way. I don't think that's what they mean when thy say to walk your dog.

A Long Awaited Announcement

I GOT A NEW JOB!! I'm on a genetic research team at UCLA's Institute for Neuroscience Science and Human Behavior. Doesn't that sound fancy? My job title is research assistant/interpreter. I'm so excited to be working on this project, it's such a wonderful opportunity and the team is fantastic! Another great thing about it is it's a part time position with full time benefits not to mention it's much closer to home than my current full time job. The project ends in August of 2009 which is perfect timing because John graduates in May of 09! I don't mind working at all in fact I think I will always work a little here or there interpreting and teaching but I do look forward to the day when I no longer have to work full time and be the bread winner.

I'm not quitting Sorenson but going part time there as well. I will still teach at El Camino College too. So I will basically be working three part time jobs, I'll make the same amount of money but work a few hours less-good deal if you ask me.

Ever since we moved back to CA I've been looking, applying, and praying for jobs. Promising opportunities would come up and for one reason or another it didn't work out, the position was too far away (like Sacramento) or it didn't offer benefits yadda yadda yadda. With every prayer I would get a strong feeling that everything would work out. After a year and a half of praying and fasting that I would find a new job I started getting disappointed and frustrated. I felt like my prayers weren't' being heard. And then this came along. I'm reminded of the Garth Brooks song Unanswered Prayers. The chorus goes like this...

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talking to the man upstairs
And just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Heavenly Father really does know what's best for me and though I was discouraged that all of the other jobs didn't work out I am now grateful because this one is perfect in so many ways. Ever since I found out I got it I've been saying prayers all the time thanking Heavenly Father and reminding myself how important it is to be faithful and steadfast in all that we do and to trust the Lord because he is omnipotent and in being so knows my needs and wants. We are truly blessed.

OKINET

Common errors in the English language...

All intensive purposes-wrong
For all intents and purposes- right

I could care less -wrong
I couldn't care less - right
When I hear people say I could care less the brat inside of me wants to respond, "Ok, then care less"


Don't worry I too have been a victim of hear say (hear something then saying it)

When I was growing up we had this piece of furniture called an OKINET (pronounced o key net). You know that big wood thing that holds the TV/stereo/videos/the basket with the flower arrangement courtesy of homemaking/a picture of two? Yeah that thing. So about a year and a half ago I suggested to John that we buy a new okinet. the convo went something like this...

L: I think we should get a new okinet
J: A what?
L: An okinet.
J: What is an okinet?
L: You know...like an entertainment center, an okinet.
J: I've never heard of an okinet before?
L: My family has an okinet.
J: Is it maybe an oak unit?
L: Hmmm, that probably makes more sense seeing as how it is a unit made of oak.

My mom had been saying OAK UNIT all this time while I was hearing okinet.

Yes I went through 24 years of my life referring to entertainment centers as okinets. My family is still laughing at me.

a picture of our okinet taken during Thanksgiving

Weekend Trip

We had a great time in AZ. We left Thursday night and came back yesterday-too short! While we there we.....

Met this little guy.

Simon Castelton Curtis

He is so precious! I loved every minute with him...oh yeah, his parents were there too-they're alright I guess;)

John, Kevin, Sarah (who looks amazing for just having a baby BTW), and Simey

John looks like he's posing-he's not however he is very handsome.

John and Simon bar-jonas

It's no secret that John is not a baby enthusiast. Give them a few months when they're a little more interactive and he's all about them. He does have some valid points-

1. Babies look like tiny wrinkly old men when they're first born
2. They are kinda boring in the beginning all they do is eat, sleep, and poop
3. See #1 & #2

He did however warm up to Simon (some encouraging was required) he actually held Simon because HE wanted to, was able to pick him up out of the swing, was able to hold him in more than one position, AND walked/stood up while holding him. He liked it all so much he thought he'd give nursing a try...

Don't worry Simon is not under there. My husband is so good at hiding his hooters. (That's the name of that contraption, I'm not trying to be offensive)

John, Kirk (who carpooled with us), David, & Kevin

The boys went to a spring training game and had a blast apparently many touchdowns were scored or was it baskets. (that was straight from John and Kevin's mouths, we all know that I have more sports knowledge in my pinky than the two of them. but hey, it was about the company not the activity) Meanwhile I did this....

Please forgive the scary eyes.

Again I loved, loved, loved doting on sweet Simon and I'm thinking I'd like one of my own, I'm going to look into the details of it all. It was great seeing Sarah and Kevin and David and Kirk and John too:)

Easy on the Eyes

I am a LOST fan.
I think he is dreamy...

I'm waiting for the twist in the plot when we find out the this guy (who I also think is dreamy) is Jack's real dad...

Beautiful, simply beautiful. Do you think they look alike?

My New Obsession

After neglecting my blog this week I have forced myself to update you all with what we've been up to.

Here my current obsession...

I am loving hot chocolate with this Torani's sugar free caramel flavoring! It is soothing to my sore throat and is a highlight of my evening!

Wednesday night we had a missionary activity for mutual. A few members of the ward came in and talked about their mission, John was one of the presenters and he did a great job! He wore his MC Hammer pants hoping to score some cool points with the youth, OK so there really some traditional garb from southern Brazil, although the young women were loving the leather boots. It was a great activity and I think the youth enjoyed it.

On Saturday I went to a birthday party for this cutie patootie...

This is my friend Shannon's son Mateo. I can not believe he is one! I remember holding him in the hospital when he was born and that was like 5 months ago-or so I thought. Happy b-day Teo!

Now for an update on a goal I've set for myself about 10 thousand times...to stop biting my nails. I've bitten my nails ever since I was little. I've always had to keep short for water polo so instead of wasting time to get the nail clippers from their little bag in the drawer under all the other crap at the end of the hall it was easier to bite them. However biting caused many a hang nail or rough edge that would get caught on things-so annoying. So a few weeks ago I recommitted myself and decided to do it. My reward for letting them grow out would be a manicure. I am proud to report that it has been almost a month since I've chomped away at my fingers! 21 days to break a habit right?

blurry picture of my smooth edged nails!

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).

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

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

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

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.