Ode to my Childhood Home

It has been an emotional month for me. 

My mother sold the house I grew up in and started the process of moving into town.

I couldn't be happier for her and am in love with her new home.  The laundry room, the sun room, and the cool light fixtures are all things I would design for my dream home.

But leaving a place you've known as "home" your entire life isn't easy. 

My husband reminds me that it is just a house though.  It isn't my mom, it isn't the memories, 

we are only leaving behind the physical address.  

In fact most of the "stuff" in the house is moving with her. 

Don't know where it is all going to go, but it is packed up.

A home isn't a single address on a map, it is wherever the people you love are.

So this post is my "Ode to My Childhood Home".

The memories, the laughter, the family gatherings, and the love we had in that home for over 40 years.  

 The kitchen, always the most used room in a home, holds many memories of holiday meals and home cooked meals. 

So many birthdays were celebrated there, so many candles blown out.  

The house has changed looks over the years.  

The plaid wallpaper has been replaced, the orange/brown carpeting has been updated, the main bath no longer has a pea green bathtub, and even the Christmas tree has gotten a face lift. 

The family has really grown in this house too! 

12 grandkids who have loved going to Grandma's house.

   

  I have to be honest though, some of the hard part of leaving the house, is dad's presence there.
I walk in the front door and picture my dad sitting in the mauve chair in the living room reading a newspaper.
I see dad tinkering around with another project at his workbench in the garage.
I walk into my parent's bathroom and see my dad at the sink shaving.
 
Keeping this residence doesn't make these memories anymore real.
I will always be able to hear his laugh and picture his smile, no matter
whether my mom lives in this house or not.

So Sunday I said good-bye to the house, not the memories. 

The memories I hold onto and start making new memories at 

my mom's new house. 

Welcome to Ohio

We just spent the last 5 days back in Ohio. 

School days will be here before we know it, and I wanted to get some time 

in Kalida before school starts.  

 My mom is currently building a house in town.  

It is a way to simplify and she won't have to worry about the pond in the backyard, 

and a older house which needs some upkeep.  

 The last time I had been home the house was just a hole in the ground. 

Now it actually has walls, and doors, and a ROOF. 

The house is coming along very nicely and I am in love with her big laundry room and 

her lovely bright sun room.  

 On Monday night, we had the boys over.  

My kids have such a blast when Lincoln and Mason are over. 

My son and the boys had a slumber party all in one bed and when I sent 

them in there to get changed into their pjs there was 20 minutes of giggling, 

before mommy had to go check what was taking so long. 

They were a bundle of laughs and were having a ball being boys. 

 {popcorn and movie} 

 The next morning we were outside playing on the driveway by 8 am. 

I am surprised there are permanent ruts on the driveway from the circles they drove 

round and round.  

Even Baby Reed was enjoying all the commotion the kids were making.  

In the afternoon, the kids put on their swimsuits to jump through the sprinkler. 

It was a perfect day!   

{a bunch of lions roaring at me}

The big girls fought over holding Baby Reed.  

Not all the time did he want to be held though. 

He is getting to the stage where he wants to move. 

I took some time to shoot a few pictures of this monkey. 

Before I know it, he will be ONE. 

How fast does a year go? 

Surprise, Surprise, Aunt Kathy showed up to eat hotdogs and marshmallows with us too! 

 

Rosetta spent the night over Grandma Pam's two night, and Glorianna with her the second night. 

The girl's love staying up late and learning new things with their Grandma. 

They learned how to hand crochet and make pretty bracelets.  

And then in a blink of an eye, it was time to go. 

Gigi was pressuring me to stay just one more day, but it wouldn't make the goodbyes 

any less painful.  We packed up the van (somehow we accumulated more stuff!) and 

headed on our way.  The drive from Ohio I can almost do with my eyes closed... almost. 

Columbus Trip

Even though our Columbus trip feels like forever ago, I finally got 

these photos off my phone to post.  

My kids love hanging out with their cousins.

Can't forget Lincoln's brithday at El Vaquero.  

He was such a good sport. 

And then we celebrated in the morning with doughnuts.  

You can never have enough celebrations! 

We made it to Granville to see Uncle Dennis and Aunt Dini's new place. 

It is spectacular!  The kids loved the woods surrounding the house.  

The whole reason we went home was for this guy's 

graduation.  I can't believe he is all grown up and graduating and stuff.  

Things like this make me feel old. 

On Sunday, I just couldn't get in the spirit to leave, so I was easily persuaded to stop at the 

Zoo before we made the journey back to Iowa.  

More time with the cousins.. of course! 

Before this picture was snapped the kid's had a real education 

on polar bear "wrestling".  

What are they doing Mommy?

Beth and Scott looked like natural with 7 kids.  

I think they need to add to their crew.  

I all smiles remembering our 5 day trip. 

Easter Eggs and Bunny Ears

It's Wednesday and the kid's still have not 

finished eating their Easter basket candy yet.  

The hollow chocolate Easter bunnies are down 

to just their feet.  

(Ears are ALWAYS first!)

We spent Easter back in Ohio.  

It's always good to see all the grandparents, cousins, 

and extended family. 

We've been counting down the days to go to Ohio for the last couple weeks. 

I don't know if it was anticipation of seeing family or 

the guarantee of candy on Easter morning! 

I am glad we didn't color Easter eggs before we got there, 

because both Grandma Pam and Grandma Judy had that planned. 

The weather was absolutely wonderful. 

We even colored eggs outside at Grandma Pam's.

{Will, Bubba and Faith}

Everyone was excited for the Easter Bunny! 

Of course, Easter is not complete without Easter Egg hunts. 

Rosie was so excited to graduate to hiding the eggs this year.  

She does need some guidance for next year.  Mommy 

had to go digging in the thorny Barberry bushes to get a few that she "threw" in there.

{Grandma Judy and the grandkids -- minus 2} 

{birdwatching with Uncle Neil}

On Sunday morning, the kids were not disappointed with the Easter Bunny. 

Lil Miss couldn't wait to dive into her chocolate bunny! 

In our Easter Best! 

When we took Grandma Judy's annual Easter Picture with the kids 

she ended up with a halo on her head.  I love this picture, even if the lighting is bad. 

We enjoyed the Easter weekend.  

Time with family and friends. 

Remembering that Jesus died so we may be saved.