I'm big on memories.
I lived in only two homes for the majority of my life, until college. When I think of "Home" I still often picture the house in West Jordan where my parents reside. Why? Because of the countless memories created there. I love thinking about all of the Saturday mornings I would wake up to the smell of French Toast wafting into my room and hearing Collin Ray singing on the radio in the living room. I think of the numerous pranks pulled within those walls and of all the laughter that would erupt from around the dinner table every night. I could go on and on about the millions of memories that invade my thoughts every time I walk into that old house.
And that's EXACTLY what I want for my own house. The house I'm honored to raise my kids in. I guess I should say houseS since we apparently like to build and sell over and over again. That was a huge concern of mine when Travis and I started the "Build and Sell" process. I was afraid my kids wouldn't have a place that they could call "Home". A place full of every emotion they've ever experienced, and a place where they simply felt secure because of all of the memories and LOVE etched within the walls.
However, I've come to decide that instead of having just one "Home", my kids will simply have a few. I will make it my mission to accomplish this. It's a matter of creating that type of environment. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember to not get wrapped up in the "house" part of it. It doesn't matter if it looks perfect all of the time. It doesn't matter if my decorations are slightly outdated or if I still have bare walls. I just want it to FEEL like a home.
I want the walls to be soaked with the sounds of laughter and even tears. . . . because it's where we let out sighs of relief and frustration. I guess all walls contain a lot of bickering and yelling, but I'm hopeful that my walls will contain more appreciation, apologies, and "I Love You's".
It's where we build forts. It's where we are when our new adventures start. It's where the blessings are administered and the spirit is felt. It's where our girls will make their silly movies with their friends. Where they whisper to each other about their crushes. Where dares will be accepted. Wherever it is, I can guarantee we will have midnight BBQ's on my deck just like I did growing up. It will provide a place where I can spy on my girls as they're having their awkward porch scenes with their dates!
That being said, welcome to our home! It may not be fancy, or even exactly how I want it, but it's a place that we feel secure in. Where we've already been creating so many memories!
Obviously our yard isn't done yet, and our deck hasn't been built, but we are total outside people. We love to sit out on the porch and watch the girls play in the dirt! Seriously, they LOVE to play in the dirt and bury their toes. What can I say? I have to do the laundry anyway, they might as well enjoy themselves!
That wall above our stairs is waiting for family pictures. I really love houses FILLED with family pictures and snapshots. It let's everyone else in on what you're like. It just feels cozier to me.
Kitchen:
Taylee sneaks into our pantry EVERY morning, brings me a fruit smile package, smiles really sweetly and says, "Smile Peeze!"
We have a TON of windows in this house. Unfortunately, they're all dirty but I love natural light so I'm OK with the smudges. Plus I secretly love seeing my kids face marks smeared on the glass! Ha ha, but don't tell my husband! PS: I love this tree. If my house were to start on fire, I would be tempted to run back in for this tree after my family was out!
Mud room: Somehow I am ALWAYS cleaning up toys from this room, I guess because the girls always follow me in to do laundry. I actually don't mind because I LOVE that they follow me everywhere I go. They're still in the "Mom is the greatest" stage, and I don't want that to end!
Master bedroom: I won't share memories from this room. You're welcome!
Master Bath: For some reason, this room is the most serene for me. I love listening to music as I get ready and it just feels so peaceful.
Maybe it's because I love my shower so so much. I was cussing it when we were tiling it. Stupid 65 hour shower. I love it now though.
Girls Bath: Seriously, my girls have splashed enough water on this floor to fill an Olympic sized pool. They sure do giggle a lot though!
Brielle's room: She absolutely LOVES her space!
She loves everything from the star stickers on her ceiling to the ottomans that
are often helpful with catching Taylee as she falls off the bed after jumping
on it with her sister!
Taylee's room: She thinks it is hilarious to climb in and out of her crib. I think it is hilarious when she gets high centered and has to get mom to help her!
The Basement:
We have this little competition to
see who can do the coolest trick while either jumping on or off the couch.
Taylee is fearless, but Brielle is graceful. It's fun to watch both of them.
We love to play "school"
and learn about the United
States. Actually it's basically because I
have a small obsession with maps. Not sure why, but I LOVE them so I have them
scattered all over the different playrooms!
I always wanted a map over the kitchen table. I
thought it would be fun to reminisce about all of our "travels" while
we ate family dinner. Since we have yet to accomplish "travels", Trav
just thought I was nuts but at least I got my way with the playroom!
Toy Closet. Our girls are SPOILED. I've had to
save them after getting stuck climbing on more than one occasion! Forget the
toys, they just want to climb the shelves!
Playhouse under the stairs: And I promise you,
the basement has NEVER been this clean before. I just suddenly turned crazy
today and went through everything (that's why I took the pics actually) but
this is the first time you can actually see carpet in here.
Their own little windows. Who knew so many games
could be created out of tiny little windows.
Guest bath:
One of the Guest rooms:
And that ends the tour. I love my
house and it's not easy for me to live here knowing that it'll only be mine for
a while. But to me, in a way it'll be mine forever. Same with my last house.
Travis and I put so much time and energy into building these houses, that I
can't help but look back with fondness. It means more to me that we did build
it. We put thought and energy into every inch. I guess it just adds to the
love. Because to me, leaving the house behind means more to me than just the
house. My only hope would be that the next owners would be able to feel
something just a little bit special about this house. Because as each day
passes, it's getting closer and closer to becoming my home.
Random
pics:
Breezy loves to pull little princess
poses at every turn. She's more girl than I know what to do with!
And yet she LOVES the bobcat too! She
was soaking up every second that Daddy would let her help. As much as I hate
putting in yards, Brielle's joy in this thing almost made it better. I said
almost.
Taylee's emotions more closely
resembled my own. Stupid yard work!
More
gymnastics pics:
It's so fun to watch Brielle improve
so much. I love our weekly little "date" to gymnastics. Last week, we
were the only ones who showed up for some reason so she got a private lesson,
which meant I got to snap pics.
The end.
