I'm back!

Where have the last 6 weeks gone since I last wrote? A quick explanation in 4 words... We bought a house. Something we have hoped for and dreamed of for years! Through this process of moving to California just over three years ago, I have had a greater understanding of just how much the Lord is aware of us and how much he loves us and is just WAITING to bless us. When Talmage got his job teaching at Escalon we thought it was pretty crazy that we ended up here in Oakdale. Of course this is where I wanted to be but I really didn't expect to be this close to Oakdale. Talmage applied for jobs within 2 hours of Oakdale. I was a little surprised when he was offered the job here but I was delighted to be close to my family. Then shortly after he accepted the job, shortly meaning a matter of days, we found out that one of the houses my grandparents rent out was becoming available. Just a reminder...three years ago when we moved here house prices were CRAZY expensive. There was no way we would be able to afford a house so naturally a house to rent at a great price was perfect. We quickly felt very at home in that blue house with not much to brag about regarding a back yard. We didn't love the neighborhood but I recently learned of how convenient it was to walk Grant to kindergarten. I didn't love the walls of that home with the spacious closets but I loved the Spirit and memories that we made within those walls. After three years and three months we finally moved into this beautiful home. And I know that throughout this process we were blessed. We are part of the fortunate group that was able to capitalize on the housing crisis. When the housing market started to stumble I realized the opportunity to buy a house might actually come. I started looking more earnestly into houses but prices were still a little high and we didn't find anything that suited us. The first house we put an offer on in September didn't work out. My cousin Katie has 2 kids very close in age to Grant and Kenzie and that house was pretty close to them. Without understanding the truth in what she said to ease the diappointment, she remarked that perhaps we'll find a house closer. When I think back on my childhood, I don't remember too many memories without Katie. She was always my best friend aside from my siblings. The thought of being closer sounded fun but not likely. When our realtor, Stacy, called to tell me about another house, I said we could go look at it just to see it but I didn't think I would be that interested. I had seen pictures online and wasn't impressed. I was wrong! I loved this house! And the crazy part about it...we are SO much closer to Katie and Eric. I could throw a rock and hit their house...well maybe Talmage could throw a rock and her their house. I don't have great accuracy. Stacy needed to know as soon as possible if we wanted to write up an offer. The house had been off the market because one of her clients had a cash offer on the house contingent on the sale of their other house out of the area. She hadn't notified the selling agent that her client had to back out due to their other house not selling. The selling agent was then kind enough to work with us and not relist it until the bank had reviewed our offer. The offer went in on Friday September 26th and we found out on Monday the 29th that our offer had been accepted. The LONG process then began. I would like to say everything went smoothly, and for the most part it did. We had just a slight misunderstanding with the interest rate lock but that was all sorted out...answer to prayers!! Then another slight problem when we finally got a locksmith out to unlock the garage door only to find a big of a water softener plumbing leak. But that couldn't stop us. And come to find out there were 4 other back up offers on our house and one realtor was calling everyday to see if it was available again. But this house is now ours. We got our keys and got painting on Saturday November 8th (Happy Birthday Kenzie). Monday the 10th was another painting day so we could make the big move on Tuesday. Talmage and Grant had the days off for Veterans' Day. I love our home! I know we have been blessed tremendously! I know things fall into place and work out when you're doing what you're supposed to. I look forward to the memories we will make within these walls. I feel so at home and comfortable here. As for the kids...they love living close to their cousins. I think Grant asks almost everyday if he can play with Jack. If anyone is interested in seeing pictures...go to my mom's website. http://www.judyhousephotography.com Once you enter the site, go to proofing and type in the password "kellyhouse" These are mostly pictures of the house before we painted. They had some crazy colors! There are a few with the new paint but I'm sure we'll take more!