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!