Sneak Preview

Though I don't claim to be a huge Harry Potter fan, I was very excited to be able to see a sneak preview to the newest Harry Potter movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Lance's law firm rented out a theater and let all employees and their immediate families watch the movie two days before the release for a mere $3.00 a ticket.

It is neat to see these actors grow up as their characters do. I especially liked the character of Luna Lovegood. She reminded me of Ivory - a sweet and unique 14 year old in Minnesota. There were some really good messages in this movie. My favorite was that we all have good and evil in us (a.k.a. the natural man). What is important is the side of us we choose to act upon.

I am also pleased to annouce that there appears to be a subtle romance between Ms. Grangier and Mr. Weasley. Truly the only reason I want to read the last book is to see them end up together. Oh yeah - and I want to know if Harry does overcome evil and whether or not he lives. Major message of the movie - There is always hope. I really believe that. There is always hope.

And so it begins....

Well, we found a place to lease about a mile from where we live now. We absolutely love the home and we were excited to learn of the lease-to-own option the owner is offering. If all goes well, we move on July 18th. The great news is it has a BACKYARD and four bedrooms PLUS a driveway. Yes, some people do have driveways and yards bigger than a patio here in Southern California. I plan on taking pictures when we go to meet the leasing agent on Thursday. Oh yeah....did I mentioned we will be able to stay in the same ward and my Creative Memories consultant lives three doors down?

So, our move is in about two weeks and, as you can imagine, our days have turned into a flurry of moving-related activities. I still plan on posting pictures soon of our vacation. But, that may have to wait until after our move. I hope Move #6 will go smoothly, and more importantly, it will be the last one for awhile.

Like a Good Neighbor

One of the best things about our current home is that we have wonderful neighbors. Of all of the places we have lived in our short time together, we would have to say our OC neighbors have been the most friendly and helpful. (Go figure? I am guessing this is because we don't have family around so we have lots of time to go visit and chat with our neighbors.)

From Margaret, my sudo-mother/scrapbooking partner, to the Manlers, our adopted family complete with two boys and a beagle of their own, we are going to miss seeing them walking their dogs, riding their bikes or watering their flowers.

Sofi even knows where each family lives. Sometimes, she will go over to Parker's house (Parker is a dog her age that is Sofi's best friend), scratch on the door, and Joe or Maia will let her in to play with Parker for a bit.

I don't think you could find a better group of people. We will miss living next door to our new best friends.

(Above is a picture of one of the neighborhood boys that Sofi adores. Every time they go skateboarding by, she whines incessantly until we let her out to say hi. Sofi is going to be sad when we move to another house as well!)

Settling Down

We found out when we returned from vacation that we have to move as our landlord is selling our property. (Actually, he was a major home investor in our area and has decided to start unloading his property. What does that tell you about the real estate market?)

Anyway, I am quite depressed about this forced life change. I love our neighborhood and our neighbors and our little house. I just settled into our ward and into my calling. I am finally starting to feel like I belong after feeling so lost out here.

My friend, who is a therapist by trade, told me "You know what you need more than anything right now, Kristi? You need stability. You need to settle down and stop moving. I think you would find great peace and happiness after settling down." Amen, sister.

I am SO tired of moving. My sister and brother-in-law have moved 10 times in the 7 years they have been married. I have moved 5 going on 6 in the five years we have been married. I have no desire to beat their record.

As silly as this sounds, I am desperately praying we will be able to find a house in our neighborhood and soon. AND I want to figure out where we are going to live the next five years, move there and stay. No more adventures for me. Just give me the white picket fence, the mortgage, and the kids to play in the backyard (or the patio, if you happen to live in Southern California.)

Rest and Relaxation

We just returned from the Smemoe/Richardson family reunion in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I can't wait to post pictures but, alas, find the daunting task of unloading 300 photos from our camera a little overwhelming tonight as I am still suffering jet lag from our trans Atlantic flight.

We had a great time and already miss all of the nieces and nephews and Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard. This was the most relaxing vacation I have ever had. I would wholeheartedly support anyone's decision to go on vacation there. In fact, the NC Visitor's Bureau would benefit by having me as one of their spokespersons. Anyone up to the trip next year? We would love to get a beach home and share it with you!! I will post a long, summary of our time at the beach soon.

Oh yeah...did I mention I received my acceptance into Cal State Fullerton and have decided to complete my MS degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology with them? School starts on August 18th. Here I go...onward and upward, right?

Flowering Boulevard

I have been thinking a lot about my mom lately, remembering her endearing quirks and the small things she enjoyed. She loved flowers (though allergic to most perfumes) and every spring she looked forward to the blooming of her lilac bushes. My boss at work informed me one day that we had lots of Jacaranda trees in our neighborhood and they would bloom a pretty lilac color soon.

Did they ever! Every time we take Sofi for a walk or drive to work, I enjoy the natural beauty along our own "boulevard." We are very blessed to have these little pleasures in life.

Belated Birthday Pics

As promised, here are the pictures of Lance's baked good birthday surpirse that was delivered to him on April 17, 2007. I wish I had Photoshop so I could edit these pictures. Maybe that will be on my Christmas wish list this year....

The cupcakes were scrumptious...and the chocolate chip cookies divine. Lance was nice enough to save me some.

Awww...My husband knows I scrapbook so he saved the card I sent and took a picture of it. How sweet.

Lance and his serious, GQ pose with the hideous castle box the cookies came in. Albeit, the box is more suited for a little girl, but hey, it is the thought that counts, right?