Big Accomplishment

I just wanted to write that today, for the first time probably ever, I got up on time, did two loads of laundry, made my bed AND set up two tables downstairs all before 7:15 a.m. For those who know me well, I am lucky if you can get me out of bed by 7:00 a.m., much less accomplish multiple tasks. It must be Summer Solstice (Juhannus in Finnish). Whatever it is, I am here at work by 8:00 a.m., happy as a lark.

Mini family reunion

The snapshot above shows a scene from a birthday party that was thrown on June 13 at my brother Chris' house. The little happy girl back in the kitchen is my niece Arianna. Starting from Arianna and moving right, the picture shows Chris, my brother Ryan, my sister Lisa with her son Gordon, my yellow-jacketed mother Beverly, me, my brother Loren, and Chris' roommate Chad. Daddy Ray, whose birthday we celebrated, operated the camera.

Note that the food present includes homemade pizza, root beer, and german chocolate cake. Now that's a bona fide Smemoe-hosted birthday party!

Last Wednesday, I accompanied Ryan to the MTC. The MTC, or Missionary Training Center, is a facility that prepares people to perform full-time volunteer church service for a term of years. Ryan is serving a 2-year church mission, and his training includes learning the Spanish language, which he will use during his assignment in the Phoenix, Arizona area. At any given time, a couple thousand volunteers are instructed in over 40 language at the MTC. The duration of the training at the MTC is between 3 and 12 weeks.

About 7 years ago, I began learning the Finnish language in the MTC in preparation for my service in Finland. It was one of the most memorable parts of my mission experience. I am excited for Ryan and am very proud of him!

Currently, I'm staying at Chris' house and preparing to take the California bar exam during the week of July 24. Today, we finished our review of criminal law and procedure. Now I have only one more subject to review before I take a practice bar exam this Friday. Let's hope all goes well.

Magna Cum Laude

Lance, goofing around with the Mac laptop we had for a month or so while his old laptop was being fixed. His next challenge? Jay Leno look alike contest.

Lance just got his grades back from his last semester in Law School. He graduated Magna Cum Laude. Congrats Bubba! I asked him to post this great news to the blog but he didn't want to do so. He was afraid he would sound prideful. So I decided to brag about him instead! He is always diligent about studying.

Saw the puppies last night. There is a little girl puppy that is exceptionally docile and cuddly. I think she may become part of the Smemoe family in five more weeks. I will post a picture of her next time I go over there. Now deciding on a name for her...Any ideas? I think she is just the medicine I need.

Buy or Rent?

We are still trying to decide if we should buy or rent when we move to CA. The housing prices out there are UNBELIEVABLY high. Anyone have an extra half a million hanging around they want to donate so we can afford to purchase a townhome???

We vacillate back and forth...Renting is just as expensive as buying. Buying out there can be risky, especially since most first time buyers have to have a mortgage where they are paying interest only. Hopefully we can come to a decision together and soon. Lots to think about!!!

I am excited for this adventure, though. It will be nice to take walks on the beach in the winter.

My friend's beagle just had puppies. They said they were going to give us one as a moving away gift. They aren't lemon beagle puppies but I am sure they are still cute. We have six weeks to make a decision. Let's see if I can change Lance's mind so I can get my puppy. How can you say no to the cute baby puppy above?

How to Cope

It has been three, difficult, long weeks for Lance and myself. In the early morning hours of this past Friday, hospital staff confirmed I have an ectopic pregnancy. Luckily, I haven't had to have surgery yet (we are praying I won't have to have surgery) and was given strong chemotherapy drugs to help end the pregnancy.

I know many of our family and friends want to help but don't know how and have noticed that I am haven't been myself lately. Many of you are probably thinking...what is going on with Kristi? Why won't she call us or return our calls? I found a great group, RESOLVE, that has lots of educational and helpful resources about infertility/ infertility related problems.

I found a good page that helps put into words how I feel and what I want others to understand: http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_tainf_jffaf

There is also a page of common "myths" about infertility. I have heard many people say certain things about infertility that just aren't true (I bet if you cut down the stress in your life you would get pregnant, you should adopt first and then you will get pregnant, etc.) Go here for more info: http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_demis_home

Feel free to take a look around. We will be okay. We just need some time to deal with this physically and emotionally.