Curtis Family

A long time coming...

2010-08-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Bridger at the aquarium

Bridger wants to be a crusty old cowboy in the rodeo, so he went riding on Misty, with Whitney's help.

Sheena, Dani, Sarah, Kenna, Jordan

JD and I went to Oregon over spring break, I made him get his haircut after I took the picture below. I think he looks a lot more handsome with short hair.

JD and my Dad, we went to a huge mall and had fun just looking around. My dad is so cute!

Our new house.

Shane, Gene, and Josh in Alaska

Cute little Kenna

Well, a lot has happened in the past year; some things were not particularly great, but we are dealing with it. Recently we moved to Colorado, after 19 years in Utah. Gene lost his job, thanks economy, and after a year, he now works for JBS company. He moved in March and JD and I moved in July. I quit my job, or else I would never see Gene, and I am now working at Loveland High School. I miss my friends and students and more importantly my great neighbors and my beautiful girls. When we moved to Utah all of the girls were with me, now I had to leave them behind with their spouses and kids. This has been extremely difficult for me since I adore all of my girls.

Gene works a lot of hours and so he thought it best to sell the horses even though I put up a fight. Misty was sold this past week and we are trying to sell the other two horses. We had Misty for 18years! I must really love my husband is all I can say.

In July, we celebrated 32 years of marriage. I went to a wedding for my beautiful niece Maura in New Mexico. On August 4, I started my new job. Yuck! I would have still been on vacation, darn it. I don't know why we should be living in Colorado, but I am hoping that I will learn to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Utah.

I picked Gene up from the airport today. He just returned from fishing in Alaska; the trip had been planned for two years. He went with his brother Shane and with our son-in-law Josh, Sarah's husband. For those of you who don't know, we have two son-in-laws named Josh. Gene brought home lots of fish, salmon and halibut, and we decided to try the halibut today. I don't usually like fish, but I have to admit the halibut isn't too bad.

Whitney and Dani are away at school once again. I know they will continue to do a great job! It is weird not having them with us, but I know they have to grow up. Utah has been the only home they have ever known, but I know they will adapt.

Run Like the Wind

2009-11-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

The team with the coaches, one of the coaches gets Dani mixed up with Whitney. He wondered why Dani wasn't in her SUU uniform. She told him she wasn't Whitney.

Whitney is having a great time running for Southern Utah University. She recently ran in the Summit League Championships and the girls team took 1st place. Whitney placed 11th overall and was all conference, and the greatest award, in my opinion, is the new comer of the summit league (it's like rookie of the year). We are so proud of her and not only does she run well, but she is keeping up her grades and doing fabulous. It really helps when your twin is in the same classes that you are taking. Dani is amazing and is Whitney's biggest supporter. Not only does Dani get fabulous grades, but she keeps Whitney up with all of the classes.

Whitney with her three awards, new comer of the year, 11th place, and the top team award.

Receiving the new comer award.

Receiving the 11th place award. Don't you love the porta pottys in the background?

The girls team and the first place trophy.

We always have to laugh, Whitney always has this look on her face, as if she was in lots of pain.

Skylar Riggs, one of the boys who ran with Whitney and Dani in high school is also on the team. Dani is wearing her traditional red and white pants when she is cheering on the team.

Dani, Gene, and Whitney, now if only we could get him to smile.

Dani, Sandy, Whitney, and Danny

The girls team.

This was at another meet in which Sarah, Bridger, and Kenna went with Gene to watch Whitney race. I was home recuperating from having my gall bladder taken out.

A little catch up

2009-09-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Whitney is running for Southern Utah University this year. We are so proud of her and how well she works at becoming a better runner. Both of the girls are at SUU and are taking the same classes at the same exact time. Poor teachers if they have not figured out who is who. Whitney's first race was in Pocatello, Idaho. The course was rough and rocky, so Whitney had to go see Sam the trainer, who trains. There wasn't too much of a problem because the next week she came back strong in Riverside, CA. This week she goes to Notre Dame. Warming up and concentrating before the race. We don't talk to her so she can get her thoughts together.

A few of us who went to watch Whitney's first college race. Sheena, Kenna, Dani, and Sarah. Don't you love the up do? Sheena had bridal pictures the same day. Thanks Sarah for doing such a great job!

Coming down the home stretch. Doesn't she look terrific?

Dani and Whitney, best friends and support systems. Makes me wish I had a twin who is my best friend.Josh, Jordan, and Jordan after arriving to their destination for a 4-wheeler trip. I love the dirty goggle faces!
Kenna needed a bath and since she is so petite, she fit right in the kitchen sink with no problems at all, it was even the smaller side. She loved the bubbles and thought it was great getting a bath. She is such a good baby and almost always has a big smile on her face for everyone around her.

Jordan is now 21 and the smoke alarm didn't even go off.

Gene and Jerry tubing, it was great seeing the look on his face when Gene started pushing his tube. That is OK, we still love you Jer.

Check out the look on Jerry's face.

Marsha and Bridger.

Gene and Jer.

Jordan, Kenna, and Jordan down at the water trying to catch a fish.

Jerry and Maura, what a proud dad.

Sarah and Kenna with her typical grin for everyone. The only time she cries is when she is tired or hungry. Oh, also when you are trying to take wedding pictures.

Kenna Girl

2009-04-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Grandkids are great and Kenna is no exception. She is so cute and fun. She has big blue eyes and a huge smile that just melts your heart. For more pictures, look at the links and find Carrie Johnson Photography. She takes some great pictures! Several years ago I had another fellow teacher tell me, "Grandkids are your reward for not killing your children." He was so right.

Senior Pictures

2009-04-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

The twins have really grown up and are absolutely beautiful. I am so proud of them and the great things they have accomplished in their lives. They are incredible! For a look at more pictures, look for the link to Carrie Johnson Photography on my links.

A little bit of Caribbean

2009-04-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

We recently went on a cruise to the Western Caribbean. We went to Labadee, Haiti; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Martin; and San Juan Puerto Rico. We went with Gene's family and we had a great time. Below are a few pictures of some of the sights and scenes.

Flea Market at Labadee, Haiti. I have never experienced such pressure from so many sales people. It was crowded and a bit crazy! Each vendor had his own little space and there was no escaping them.

This is the tender boat that took us from the ship to Labadee.

This is one of the beautiful views on Tortola. This was my favorite island and the lushest.

Our ship was massive and really lit up at night. Pretty amazing to think that it floats.

St. Martin had a beautiful beach and we enjoyed the private beach at Dawn Beach.

San Juan, Puerto Rico was totally surrounded by a fort. I was amazed at the network of walls and buildings that were built to protect the island.

Burger King, San Juan Style. They even have graffiti in San Juan.

The streets of San Juan were quaint and narrow. I loved the styles of the buildings.

We were treated like royalty by our room attendant. She made these swans the night before we needed beach towels and left rose petals surrounding them. The towels were for the beach the next day.

Kenna

2008-12-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

JD and Kenna

Kenna

Dani and Kenna

Sarah and Bridger

Whitney and Kenna

Bridger, Kenna, and Sandy

Bridger and Kenna

Kenna's feet

Sarah and Kenna

Sarah had her baby on Dec. 14th. She weighed 7 pounds and was 18 1/2" long. She wasn't due until the 26th, but was having some difficulty and so she had the baby early. Kenna is absolutely beautiful and Bridger is a great big brother.

Royalty in the family

2008-10-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Whitney and Dani were nominated for homecoming royalty at school. It was a great week and the girls had a lot of fun being in the parade, powder puff game, and being presented at the homecoming game. Whitney was the queen and Dani the first attendant. It was so much fun and luckily one of the teachers was able to get pictures for me. Dani was able to complete one item on her bucket list as a result of being in the homecoming royalty, she wanted a reason to wear a tiara. If you haven't seen the movie Bucket List, you better rent it and find out what a bucket list is. I don't know what happened, but my pictures turned out terrible. Whitney has gone from homecoming queen to running region cross-country last Wednesday. Tomorrow she has state and hopefully the girls will win state again. She also made academic all state and will be presented the award at state after the meet.

summer, fall, and cross-country

2008-09-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

This summer my niece, Kami and her family came to visit. It was so much fun to see her with her cute family. I am so proud of her and what a great mom she is to her children. Annie, Kami's daughter, loved to ride our horse Misty. So Whitney took her for a ride. She had a blast and thought horses were pretty great.

Well, school has started and that means that cross-country has started once again. Whitney and Dani ran at the American Fork Grass Relays. It was a lot of fun to watch the girls run 2 miles and jump over hay bales in the process. I am glad it was them and not me. The twins will be graduating this year and this will be their last year to run. I will treasure what little time they have left to finish high school. They are great girls and I am so proud of them.

Beautiful Lake Powell

2008-07-02T19:42:00.001-07:00

Bridger with a cheesy smile and the famous hat and sunglasses. All 21 of us at Rainbow Bridge.

Dani on the kneeboard, waiting for a ride.

Josh sitting on a ledge in a little cove.

JD smiling for the camera.

Whitney, Sarah, and Sheena.

Horseshoe Bend.

A dinosaur print by Rainbow Bridge.

Whitney learned to slalom ski and enjoyed the ride.

A beautiful scene at Lake Powell.

It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful the scenery is at Lake Powell. We spent a week at Powell and we had a total of 21 people on two boats and camping at Wahweap. It is a fun place to visit, a bit hot at times and of course it is always nice to come home. I am glad we went but even more glad to come home. The only thing that I hate about coming home is the unpacking and cleaning the camper and boat.

Life Has Been Crazy

2008-06-11T18:55:00.001-07:00

Life has been crazy since my last posting. May always brings so many activities into our lives. The twins ran region and Whitney ran state. Dani and Jordan had a dance review and competition. Since it was the end of school, I had a lot of work to finish up. I had to attend graduation at my high school and to complete some papers for my graduating students. Soon, it will be time to post new pictures from Lake Powell. The time sure flies as you get older. Don't you love the look of Jordan's hair? Pretty scary! It was all a part of the her hip hop performance where they girls danced as if they were zombies. It was great. I hope to stay up more on my blog now that it is summer.

Dani at the dance review.

Jordan after her performance as a zombie.

Jordan and another teacher after review.

Whitney took 3rd in 1600 meter run at region.

Whitney took 2nd in the 3200 meter run at region.

Whitney on the podium during region.

5 Little Monkeys, I Mean Boys, Bowling on the Lane

2008-04-29T17:12:00.001-07:00

OK, so I don't necessarily recommend it, but we had a lot of fun with JD's friends at the bowling alley. It was crazy and I would not recommend it to the faint of heart. I had a major headache after taking 5 little boys to the bowling alley for a birthday party for JD. They got so excited and they yelled and whooped, jumped, and screamed for joy. Overall, it was a success for the boys even if I came home with a headache.

Prom Season

2008-04-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of year again where school is coming to a close, students have senioritis, and prom. Yes, PROM. Whitney and Dani were invited to prom by two very nice young men. Yes, Dad even approved. The theme of the prom was Cinderella and since Cinderella wears a blue dress to the ball, Dani wore Whitney's blue dress and had her hair and make-up done so she looked like Cinderella. I think it worked. Sarah did her hair and Jordan did her make-up. The girls even printed a picture from the computer so Dani would more closely resemble Cinderella. Don't just take my word for it, see for yourself.

One great thing about having a twin that wears your size is the trading of your clothes. Whitney and Dani wear the same size. It saves me money and a lot of headaches. Whitney wore Dani's dress to the prom and I think she looked absolutely beautiful. Once again, I think Sarah and Jordan did a superb job with the hair and make-up. Just take a look and you will see what I mean. It was hard trying to get Whitney ready because she had a track meet the same day as the prom. We knew she would be pressed for time, but it was worth it. Whitney won the 3200 meter race and had a blast. It made her day!

JD's Birthday

2008-04-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

On April 15, JD turned 10 years old. We didn't do a lot, but Jordan did make Rice Krispie Treats with him and Dani made a cake. He is having a party on Saturday with some of his friends. Oh, we ran out of candles, so Dani put 1 + 9 instead of 10 candles.

Spring Break at Zion National Park

2008-04-14T12:34:00.001-07:00

After Angel's Landing, the twins were tired, Gene cooked dinner, JD chased lizards, and Belle slept.

During Spring Break we went to Zion National Park for a hiking and camping trip. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed our time together.

Jordan Dances at the Rec Center

2008-04-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Gene and I were able to go to the Rec Center and watch Jordan dance with Starrsteppers. She looked great and it was a lot of fun watching her dance.

Happy Birthday Gene

2008-04-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we celebrated Gene's 51st birthday with all of our kids and their families. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the day.

Track Meet Season Once Again

2008-04-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

It is track season once again and so it's off to the track meets to watch the twins run. We have not had very good weather so far this year, but today was a great day. The twins ran well considering it is only the second race of the season. I love to watch the girls run, but I hate to eat the pasta! YUCK!

Pine Wood Derby

2008-04-03T17:08:00.001-07:00

JD had the Pine Wood Derby Tuesday. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed watching the cars race. He had a good time even though he did not win. Every boy came home with a certificate and a medal. Sheena came to support JD and Gene helped with the starting of each race. I waited and watched. I can't say that is my idea of fun, but JD enjoyed it!

Spring Flowers

2008-03-25T19:49:00.001-07:00

You know it is spring when the flowers you find in the store are beautiful and dyed all sorts of colors. I bought these for Easter and I loved the colors. I hope you enjoy them too!

A Sad Day

2008-03-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a sad day for our household. Gene and Whitney love to hunt pheasant together. Whitney convinced her Dad to get a dog so they could hunt together. Sunny, the dog, apparently had hip dysplasia and she could not put any weight on her back legs. Sheena and I had to take Sunny to the vet's and we had to have her put down. Luckily we were a little prepared and so we took some pictures Saturday of Sunny. We all loved her and we hated to see her suffer, so we did what we had to do. It wasn't easy because she was by far the best shorthair that we have had.

Sunny loved to chase the cats and tree them. She never hurt them, but she love to bark at them!

Uncle JD reads to Bridger

2008-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

JD was reading to Bridger this past summer. He thinks it is cool being an uncle. Not that he is that much older than Bridger. There is only 7 years difference between JD and Bridger.

Crazy People!

2008-03-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Best Friends.

2008-02-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

The Twins at the homecoming dance...aren't they beautiful. the best thing about having twins who go to dances...they can wear each other's dresses!

A Weekend of Relaxation and Laughs

2008-02-18T16:09:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Sarah, Josh, Bridger, Gene, and I went to Island Park for a little relaxation and fun. We had a lot of laughs from Bridger! I don't know how many different names he thinks that I have, but he called me Mom, Sandy, Honey, and my favorite, Grandma. When we arrived at the cabin it was 1am and the snow was deep and it was about 4 degrees. Brr! We trudged through the snow and made it to the cabin. We were so glad to get inside. Josh and Gene had to bring all of our supplies up on a sled. It was crazy, but worth the time away from home.

The previous weekend, Whitney and Dani went to the Sweethearts Dance with the Morrill twins. Twins taking twins, it is just a little insane. Watch for pictures of the twins with their dates on later blogs. The pictures have not returned yet.

2008-01-27T22:01:00.001-08:00

2008-01-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

A New Year

2008-01-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

Well, 2007 has been interesting and long. We had a lot of strange things happen and go wrong, but we went out with a bang. Jordan married Jordan Dec. 21. It was a beautiful wedding! Jordan looked absolutely stunning. Her husband, Jordan, is a great guy and we are so lucky to have him in our family. It does get a little crazy trying to keep the two of them straight! I am so lucky to have a great family. As you can see, the twins are so beautiful and turned 17 in December.