“The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.”
~Harold B. Lee
Lauren and I have a new obsession. Have you guys watched HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” yet? Oh my. We can’t get enough! With Joanna’s talent for design, which includes her stunning use of shiplap, subway tile and French doors, and Chip’s instinct for real estate and knack for renovation – together these two transform the ugliest duckling of a house into the belle of the ball. To watch this adorable couple work their magic leaves us with churning stomachs and the inevitable desire to knock down walls and hang Joanna’s best-loved horizontal wood paneling in every nook and cranny of the house. Yet as fun as it is to watch their renovation come together, the real charm is in watching the family’s reaction to their new home.
We have lived in our home now for more than two decades. Moving from the north to the west side of town when Nick was just 10 months old, Chelsea a tiny toddler, and Lucy in kindergarten, we were nervous but confident that this was the right move for our young family.
When we first stepped inside and stood in the foyer with its high ceiling and handsome staircase, we knew we had found ‘home’. This home, from day one, has made its job of protecting and comforting our little family seem easy…it’s like a favorite soothing soundtrack that quietly plays behind all the days of our lives.
And I love it.
I love the way the morning light floods the back of the house to reveal the subtle colors that fill the rooms (which happens to be the same wash of light that reveals the dancing dust particles, but let’s keep our focus on those subtle colors, shall we…). I love the den that houses the books that have done as much for my happiness as any other wonderful things in my life have done. I love the front room that houses the piano and the sweet memories of the kids jamming on their instruments amidst stacks of sheet music that covered the floor. I love our quiet portico for morning coffee with Dom and the back patio for special meals. I love hearing the kids’ voices through the walls and the sound of their cars in the driveway at the end of the day. I love seeing the kids’ shoes by the door and how little Miss Dolce scatters her toys about.
There’s a quote by Samuel Johnson that I have adored for many years, “To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.”
I am quite sure there are no truer words.
What’s a favorite memory, observation or revelation you have of ‘home’? I’d love to know.
I love that quote, and I love Fixer Upper! I watch it almost every Saturday while the kids are napping. You’re right – they’re a dynamic duo. I wish I could have Joanna decorate my home!! Have a great weekend Annie!
So so good! Both of them! 😉 Thanks, friend! 🙂
Annie, This is pure poetry! So much fun to read and so spot on!
Love you,
Dad
Thank you, Dad! Love you! 🙂
I’ve been binging everything on HGTV this summer. I can’t get enough of fixer upper :). I’ve only been in my house for a few months at this point, but my favorite thing about it is watching my dog race back and forth in the upstairs hallway. It makes me laugh and melts my heart at the same time. Have a lovely week, Annie!
HGTV is my new fave! It joins me for all my trips on the treadmill! I can imagine the sweetness of your dog racing in the hallway! Love it! 🙂
So lovely to hear about all the memories of your home and family. Chris and I are a little bit home restless. We love to travel and create more experiences. We have moved so much over the last few years – a lake house, a small house perched on a hill with mountain views, then a house in an actual neighborhood, in a town with stores, lol. The longest we have owned a home was 6 years. For us cooking together and a wood burning fireplaces makes a home. I cannot imagine becoming attached to a certain house, but perhaps we haven’t found the right one yet:) The shoes though…yes, I’m with you. Absolutely do not mind seeing shoes all over the floor in the entry area or mudroom. Maybe some biking helmets..
Wherever you are is home…. Your adventures sound amazing! And I agree on the wood burning fireplace! 🙂
Boy and I LOVE fixer upper! We always have it streaming on the TV while we make dinner on the weekends, and I basically stream it whenever I’m in the kitchen (so, quite often). I think I’ve seen every episode at least 10 times. lol. As you know Boy and I just built and moved into our dream home, so I completely understand the feeling of stepping into a house and just feeling “home”. It’s the best feeling ever. Homes are like partners, when you find the one for life, it’s just a sensation that can’t be described. (<– Or when you build the home for life… it's like getting to fully design your partner. lol) 😉 I hope you and the family have a wonderful start to the week! Cheers, doll! XOXO
You are truly living it! This is a very exciting time for you and Boy! Putting down roots is a beautiful thing! Isn’t that show the bomb – you may have beat! I’ve got some watching to do! 😉 Have a great week, sweets! XOXO
I love Fixer Upper, the chemistry Chip and Jo have is fun to watch and their family is adorable. Love hearing the things that make your house a home. I always feel like our house hugs us when we walk in the door, like “welcome home”. We also have windows everywhere to take in the view and sun, home feels like heaven on earth. The hubby and I knew the moment we walked in.
I love that – your house hugs you when you walk through the door…that’s some beautiful imagery… The more windows, the better, I always say! Thanks for stopping by, my friend! 🙂
I walk into my kitchen and I feel that all the worries and concerns evaporate. I am totally relaxed and feel that here anything is possible. This isn’t the home our kids grew up in, it’s our down-sized home and we’ve lived here for 14 years. We are planning another move — our final, hopefully. One where we are just a few minutes away from our kids and grandsons. a house where they can drop by anytime and have a cup of coffee, beer, wine, a sandwich, or an entire meal. We may live a few hours away now but it’s still too far for an impromptu visit. Although our house now is nice, our next house will feel like home. Love your post!! xoxo
I think about the day that we’ll move from this home…that will be a DAY. But thankfully memories travel wherever we go and home is what we make it! I can imagine your next home will be a very special one, as well! I love the sound of the kids dropping by for a cup of coffee…or more. 😉 Thank you so much for stopping by with warm remarks. My kitchen has that effect on me, too… Kitchens are great, aren’t they?! xoxo
Love this post Annie! Your home sounds fabulous! I feel the same about our home too. So many wonderful memories of the kids growing up and of family and friends joining us here for good food and fun! My husband Tom and I are huge fans of Fixer Upper too! Chip and Joanna are hilarious together and so talented at what they do! Happy Monday. Hope your week is wonderful!
Thank you, Mary Ann! Isn’t that show awesome! They are so cute together and so talented! It’s a quality show! I know you had a major renovation recently! Love it!!
Such a lovely read, Annie, and both of those quotes are spot on. I actually love being home and would prefer a ‘night in’ with hubby and fur baby any day over a night out. Some of my favourite times is just cooking, having the record player on and just enjoying ourselves. Nothing major going on, just knowing that there’s nowhere else we’d rather be than right there with each other. Thanks for another lovely post! Have a wonderful week, my friend! XOXO
I love the stuff you post to your Insta Story on the weekends…I can sense the joy you guys feel from cooking together and playing with sweet Riley! So happy you like the post. Thank you, dear! XOXO
What a great Monday post! Sounds like your house embodies everything it should for a family. I love your description and feel the same towards my house too, minus the kids! 🙂 We just bought our house last summer and have had a blast so far fixing it up and putting our own touches on it!
I remember when you moved in and got your sweet puppy… It’s a wonderful time in life! Nothing like making a house a home! Thank you, my friend!