I have moved a LOT in my life! 5 times in my first 5 years of life while Daddy was in the Army, then I lived in the same small Indiana town in the same house till I flew the coop for college (living in 5 different dorms/apartments during this time). After my college sweetheart and I married, we have moved 8 times and are getting ready for our 9th (and final) time!I think that I could qualify as an "expert"!! :) LOL!!!
So, what makes a HOUSE a HOME?
When you first move into an apartment or house, it can be exciting! You look around at bare walls, start to wipe out cabinets, and begin to unpack those brown moving boxes, excited to re-discover all of your belongings again underneath the bubble wrap and newspaper. You may dream of a new decorating scheme, thoughtfully arrange your furniture just so, and begin rolling fresh paint on the walls. This house begins to feel more comfortable with each passing day...more "you"...more "homey".
Family heirlooms and artwork from your kids or grandkids get placed about and hung with care. A birthday is celebrated with candles and cake! First steps are taken, a tooth is lost, and lively dinners with friends and extended family occur. You decorate a little more, plant a tiny garden, and watch the neighborhood children play in your yard! Friends are welcomed with open arms for pie and coffee and great conversation. You may be sad sometimes here, or filled with joy here, or be gone for a while and realize that you miss being here. You live and laugh and love here.
And before long, you realize that you are HOME!
"Home" happens when memories are made.
When you love and are loved by friends and family in return.
When your shelter from the elements becomes a "shelter" for the heart!!
Next time, in Part 3 of our little series, I'll share some more specific ideas on making a HOME for your family! :)
19 comments:
I have that sign...I love it!!! Lately, through some stressful situations...I have thought about this a lot.
My struggle...a clean spotless house doesn't always feel like home!
sandy toe
I've never understood those who have lived in the same house their whole life and have had the same friends since kindergarten. (I'm an Army brat, too).
You are right...home is where your story begins.
I just found you and I'm enjoying your blog much, especially this new series of posts on making a home. I'm a grown up preacher's kid who moved often - I married a preacher and we made several moves before arriving in this sweet home we have now. It is home and quickly becoming even more 'homey' as we redo and make it more and more ours each day. Thank you for your thoughts and for sharing from your heart. ~Adrienne~
So true...I've come to enjoy those first few months after a move where you get "centered" back in as a family. Where you may or may not know a lot of other people so your focus is easier placed on those who mean the most.
I always have this image of these different events you mentioned, and the people who cross my doorstep, as almost "baptizing" my house into a home. Like the walls can somehow absorb the events and people and then, one day, like you said, you are home! :)
Carrie
We've moved a lot too and it is fun and stressful all at the same time! We told friends and family when we moved the last time that this was it! No more moving, we are staying put....errr...but don't hold us to it and no, we won't sign anything in blood. lol
~Michelle
Very true! :)
Very well said! I love that sign!
~Dawn
Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I actually don't think I've ever visited yours before. I can't wait to read more.
Have a great evening!
Lovely post. I can't wait to read what comes next!
Happy spring,
Debbykay at Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm
Great post, can't wait for part 3. I'm in processing of fixing up our next home and this helps keep things in perspective. Thank you.
I just have a feeling I am gonna love this series...you could maybe write a book?? :) Looking forward to #3! :)
Stacey,
Thank you so much for your blog today, just what I needed. I have recently been asked by my landlord to move after 6 years of caring and loving for an old farmhouse and making it a home; as his grandson is adament about moving into the house, he won't look for anywhere else to live, (has nothing to do with centimental feelings either). I am faced with moving to a place I really don't want to go to, big big changes for me. This blog has hit me today, and I have realized no matter where I go, I can be home as long as family comes along with visits and memories will be made w/grandkids. Thanks for helping me see the rainbow after the storm.
PS, I don't have a blog, but enjoy reading yours and others on a daily basis.
You have such a gift for words...
It will be nice to move to a place that feels more like home (for both of us).
By the way, those ice cream sandwiches look super good. Yum!
Wonderful thoughts! Thanks for sharing from your heart. Making my house feel like a home has been my passion for 25 years this May! We moved 7 times the first 7 years and then two more since. My husband was able to build my "dream home" 6 years ago (River Rock Cottage). Going through the process taught me a lot. A house is just a house, but a home is what a family makes it.
I have been in an apartment for 5 years now, as we are still in "transition"... I used to never do anything to much since we always moved... but now that getting a "house" looks closer now, I decided just to go ahead and make our apartment a home. I agree it isn't about what you have or not, but making memories and having it cozy!
Hi Stacey, :)
I can relate to this. Not only growing up in a military family but now my husband is as well.
Lots of moving in my lifetime. I think my last count was nineteen.
I am a new reader and follower to your blog and I'm really enjoying it. I'll be back often.
Have a wonderful and blessed week.
~Melissa :)
Love this...
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
As the daughter of a minister, we moved several times growing up. The most difficult move was before my junior year of high school. I didn't like leaving my friends and starting over in a new school, but looking back I was blessed with new friendships and opportunities that broadened my world. And now I can reconnect with friends in different parts of the country through Facebook!
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