My friend, Rajean, sent me this heart (and hearth) warming story this week while I was dealing with hospitals and other family business. As much as I complain about my home being too small for 7 of us, there are so many things that I DO love about it. I just have to remind myself sometimes so that I don’t focus only on the mess and the cramped spaces.
I need to remember back to April 1, 1998 when we moved into this house – we were first time home owners as well as first time parents just starting our family. Oh! The memories we’ve made here!
So as I get ready to celebrate 15 years in our home, I turn the time over to Rajean…
I’ve been inspired to write this sweet little story about what makes your home your sanctuary because many family and friends have recently moved or have placed homes on the market. Some are happy and some are sad about the changes. Which leads me to ask the question.
What makes your house a home?
The first thing that popped into my head is a favorite song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, “Our House.” I stop in my tracks whenever I hear it, like the other day while I was shopping. I saw other customers singing along, so I know it has the same effect on others. It is a happy tune.
That’s how I feel about my home. The people along with the stuff inside, all make me happy. I’ve chosen them well. Okay, I chose my husband. The kids are our blessings – and the things on the walls, in the baskets, in each room – I’ve chosen them all very carefully. Some items have been gifts, which also makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Some of the items are hand-me-downs or special finds I’ve collected from garage sales (a favorite hobby) or thrift stores. While they may not be new, the items are new to me and have found a cozy spot in our home.
I love my home. Yes, even on the days when my home is cluttered or I’m mad at the people I share it with or more likely, they’re mad at me (mean mom syndrome).
A good friend and her husband built their dream home recently. They hope it is the last home they will ever own. Not that they plan on going anywhere. They’ve build it ‘just right.’ Like the baby bear in the Goldilocks fable.
I vlogged about a profound moment, during a dark time in my life when I had to leave one of my homes. My mom gave me the best feedback I could have heard at the time.
As I look around the room, I know she was right. Moms have a way with words sometimes.
Personally, I never tire of our mountain views.
I love the stone on our home, the fireplaces – we have one in our great room and one in our master bedroom and I love our granite counters and alder wood cabinets. There are lots of things I have on my wish list to enhance our home. But most days I feel very fortunate.
Tell me what you like about your home. What makes it your sanctuary? Even if you dream of a bigger home or one in a different location or with a deck instead of a patio or a huge master bathroom, whatever your wish list is, what do you love most about the home you are in right this moment?
Check out Rajean’s blog at Because I Said So or stalk her on Twitter (@rajean) like I do…
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Linda, your home sounds lovely! I love the features you describe. Lolli, thanks the chance to share on your site. I love the date of this post coincides with you celebrating 15 years in your home!
I love our stone fireplace…and the Tuscan feel of our home, like the arches and the antiqued bronze iron light fixtures. I love the ten foot ceilings too, which make it feel spacious. I love the openness of the living room, dining room, and kitchen. I love the maple floors and cabinets too…and our big finished basement. What really makes it ours is the love we have put into it…and the fun we have when we have our fun family gatherings! Here in Kansas we always say…”There’s No Place Like Home!”