In the midst of our summer happiness in Southern California, Al returned from the stress of work in Houston and looked me in the eye while he said, "I have a new idea, and it may seem a little crazy at first." If those words don't make you sit up and pay attention to your spouse I don't know what does. His idea was simply to move. Or not so simply. So after a big gulp and a lot of discussion, we decided the first step would be to come home and ready our home for sale. Hence the decluttering I've been tackling. But that isn't all that happened. Immediately we found the right spot for us in California -- a straight-forward, one-story home with land and gardens for me to do my vegetable thing -- oh and it has a sprawling chicken enclosure. All this in the incredible air that has no mosquitos, horses nearby, beach just a few minutes away, and lots of fresh produce every day.
The ball kept rolling and picking up speed. Suddenly we had a contract on our home from one of our friends. Now the only remaining piece of the puzzle was the new abode for H-town. So we thought we'd temporarily house our crew in a high rise or something along those lines. But before we could sign any paperwork, Al took a good look in our neighborhood and found the perfect home right here, just a few blocks away. So we will have our roots in Houston, still, but branch out and become Californians, too. With a lovely newly renovated public K-8 school just on the other side of the golf course, we will have a simpler life out there.
To paraphrase James Caan "Bada Bing Bada Boom!" We are moving.Did I mention I've always dreamed of living in Southern California? All Graham may want for Christmas is his two front teeth, but I'm getting my biggest dream come true. And, yes, we're happy to have visitors!
14 comments:
Wow! I had to re-read that over a few times to process it all! You have been busy! How do your parents feel about you leaving although you will still have a home there? How do the kids feel? I saw that they loved CA and I know you always have. Will they transfer in mid year in school? What part of So. Cal> will you be in? Do you ahve extra rooms for East Coasters visiting? Speaking of East Coast...will that be it for ACK too? So many questions! Your weather will now be to die for always....but won't you miss your friends in Houston? Did Katy Perry's song, "California girls" really get you that bad??
Good luck in all of your moving....a big project to move but exciting about all of the newness of a new place is worth it...isn't it?
Best Wishes,
Sara
PS. Are you really going to wear a Lakers tee??? Yikes!
I am the happiest person for you -- I know lots of folks are going to be wearing black arm bands upon your departure
but the place is MAGICAL - I too have always wanted to reside there. If all goes as planned we will see you June thru August just a few miles away
God bless!!!
KK
Whoa! Et tu? (*looking for my black arm band from when Jenny, Erika, Keri left... *) Well, you can still be on my "Things I Love About Houston" list if you keep a house here!
I'm so excited for you, but I am a little sad that just when I moved back to Texas...
But I can't wait to come visit!
Sara, we are 'over the moon'
Not.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you are moving, but it makes sense on so many levels. I can't believe how quickly its coming together, either! You married a smart man!
WHAT!!! you are leaving that beautiful house?? I cannot believe it,Steph. oh my goodness..you will all be missed so much (sorry for putting the damper on) I can tell you that i would love to live in California even though I have never been..looks a healthy place to be. So I DO wish you all the very best and know that you will make your Home there as lovely as you made the one in Houston.
Aunty Norma.xxx
Wow Steph. What a bit of news. All this time I thought I'd get a chance to see you again next time we make it to H-town. I think California is a great place to live and glad you found a wonderful home there.
We're still here in Houston, and we'll still have a home here. Let me know when you are coming Lauren; we'd love to see you and yours!
Congrats Steph! Sounds like it all worked out perfectly!! :)
So happy for you and your family. Girls and I love SoCal and will live vicariously through you for now. I am determined to move there upon getting my book published! Until then, when we visit SoCal again we will come see you too! Much love to you sweet one!
Xoxo
Jenn
That will be a change from Texas! The beaches ar gorgeous and I'm sure you'll do great! I still don't get the two houses thing - will you spend most of the school year there or Texas? I assume you are settling somewhere between Orange County and San Diego?
Who knows, maybe we will actually meet one of these days, you are about to get a lot closer!
My mom will be visiting you and your chickens. And I told you to wera a PURPLE arm band, Heather! For The Artist Formally Known As...
xo and see you in the "9210's"
xo
J
New house pictures please!
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