The Next Chapter

We spent Thanksgiving in Hilton Head at my sister's boss's beach house that's right on the ocean. It was so beautiful there, and my sister was nice enough to give us the room with the view of the sea...breath taking sunrises! My two sisters and I made the Thanksgiving meal, giving Mom a well deserved break. It turned out fabulous, and I think I am still full from three days ago! It was so nice to be with some of our NY family, and have a good, old fashioned Thanksgiving again. What a treat for our kids to spend so much time with family...we are making up for lost time! Lily has definitely been spoiled these last two weeks, and is only content when held...a habit that we will quickly have to break , especially with all of the packing that's going to need to take place.

When we got back on Saturday, we just spent time unpacking and puttered around the house. The hunters (now our regular visitors) stopped by to tell us that the are buying our house, and accepting the terms that we felt to stick with. So, we are going to be officially debt free! What a wonderful feeling it will be to have that burden lifted off of our shoulders, and we know that only the Lord could have made this all happen so quickly. We are excited to think what the future holds. Luis's brother has offered us his house for the next month until we can make other arrangements for either moving to Anderson, or staying in the lowcountry. We are still praying and seeking the Lord for His direction, but without all of our debt looming over our heads, it will be a much easier decision to make.

Expecting the unexpected...

So, as our faith journey continues, we remain in awe of all that God is doing. After a fabulous day with my parents, sister, niece/nephew and kids, I came home to find a message from the realtor on my voice mail. I called him back, and he told me that the hunter/brothers made an offer on our place. The offer would completely pay the note on the house, all our credit cards, and both vehicles. Basically we would be debt free! Our house and land has not even been on the market for a month yet, the economy is in terrible shape, banks are tight-fisted with loans, and my three angels in camouflage (aka the hunters from Florida) are telling us they are ready to pay cash for our place. I am so thankful that God is not limited by man's economy, and when He wants something to happen, there isn't anyone or anything that can stand in His way. After praying about it, Luis and I feel like we are going to accept it. What a great feeling it would be to have zero debt, and own both vehicles. It looks like in January we would be able to relocate to Anderson for some Pastoral training. We are still praying about this move, as we only want to go where God wants us to be. But suffice it to say that debt free is surely in the will of God!! Luis said to call the realtor today and accept the offer if the brothers are willing to pay all closing costs and not ask for any repairs. Since their offer is a good bit below what we listed the house for, we feel like they will accept it. Oh Lord, you never cease to amaze me, and even though I know you can do anything, I still stand in awe everytime I see you make the impossible, possible!

God is on the move!

Here's an update on what we have been doing in the last week:
We have been enjoying our time with my Mom, Dad, sister Lisa, and her kids, Audrey and David! Yesterday our humble little home was busting at the seems with family, and I couldn't have been more happy about it! Head count: 18 for a de-lish (if I do say so myself) ham dinner. It was so nice to get to see nieces, that I haven't seen in ages, and meet their boyfriends! Luis took his final test for his first Pastor's license through the Church of God, and he passed!! He was one of only three in his class that actually passed the exam, so he is officially able to be a Pastor. Our prospective house buyers (three hunter brothers from Florida) stopped by for the third time yesterday to see our house/land again. We are going to be a little sad if this place sells because the land is so beautiful, but we hold on to that scripture in Matthew 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.", so we press on! Luis has an interview today which looks very promising, and would basically restore the salary that has was making before he was laid off. We praise God for who He is, and are eternally grateful that He is working on our behalf! There is no greater joy or excitement than following Him!

Crib passes inspection with flying colors!

She might hate her bassinet, but she loves loves loves her CRIB!! YAY!

Well, Lily is now six weeks old, and I am starting to feel like my old self again. Lily is smiling alot lately, and "talking" more and more. She sleeps through the night from about midnight to five AM...not bad for only a month and a half! It always amazes me how much you go through after having a baby...I am so thankful for a husband who loves me in spite of all the hormonal ups and downs, and irritability from lack of a good night sleep. All things considered, I have to say that Lily has turned out to be a very tranquil girl. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that she's number three, and experience has helped us to be more relaxed with her. Poor Josh got all my anxiety of being a new Mom, totally green, and knowing NOTHING about babies. I still remember when Mom called me and told me that she and Dad had prayed and felt like they were supposed to come to Arizona when Josh was due to arrive. I was excited that they wanted to come, but I didn't realize how much I was going to need Mom's amazing wisdom (after having eight babies of her own). Mom and Dad arrived in Yuma the same evening Josh was born. If she hadn't been there, I can't imagine what would have transpired in the first week. Poor Josh might not have made it...much less been properly fed and bathed! I have been truly blessed with wonderful parents!!

Fall has already hit the lowcountry, and our leaves are changing color. It's not as brilliant as a New York fall, but beautiful nonetheless. The temperatures are supposed to dip down into the thirties again tonight, but the days are just perfect! Not too hot or cold...and beautiful sunshine! I filled our home with the scents of cinnamon, pumpkin and cloves, as I prepared a pumpkin roll just for Luis. When everyone is here, he'll have to share the ones I make, and I know how much he loves them, so I thought I'd better make one in advance. Of course I have to test it, just to make sure it was good...and oh, it was!!

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Mom and Dad, sister Lisa, and possibly two of Lisa's kids. Josh and Jonathan are looking forward to a real Kellish Thanksgiving! I haven't spent thanksgiving with my parents since the November before our wedding...that's going on thirteen years! It will be so nice having a good amount (but not all...now THAT would be even better!!) of the Kellish clan together.
Well, that's about all for now. The alarm comes around much earlier these days, so I better hit the hay. Love to all!