~Home Sweet Home~

This weekend my little sister and her family came for a visit. We celebrated my nephew's sixth birthday. I can't believe that he is growing up! I feel a great connection with my three nephews and niece. I helped with bringing all three of my nephews into the world. Unfortunately, I was not in town when my niece was born. I was so bummed! My youngest sister is expecting her third baby in June. We know that this newest addition to our family is a girl!

My mom's house has been full of constant laughter, crying, screaming and visiting since Friday night. April showers filled our Saturday so the kids were locked in all day. We woke up Sunday to a yummy breakfast at my youngest sister's house. I love when we drop everything, come together and just love on each other! It is one of my favorite ways to pass the time.

I love my mom's house. She is the great collector of many things. When you are in any of her rooms, your eyes can not help but wander about to each delicate and interesting item placed neatly upon a shelf, or antique dresser.

On one occasion I remember sitting at my kitchen table with my dad. We were talking about the choices I made in picking and choosing furniture as well as color schemes. My dad pointed out to me, in a loving way, that I have basically recreated the house I lived in with my him and my mom when I was little. He said it made him happy to walk in my house and to know that I was so happy as a child that I would do this with my house as a grown up. He said he knew that I had done it unknowingly. I will tell you I have not changed anything in the seventeen years we have lived here. I have added to, taken away objects and updated, of course. However, it does have the same feel to it. Thinking about this has made me realize why I find myself making comments at times like, "I feel like a little girl playing house!" It was an 'ah ha!' moment for me. I do not want to change anything. It will never be a model looking home, with everything in its place. I call it "Hodge Podge," my mom calls it "Eclectic" (she likes it because it sounds more sophisticated). Whatever it is, it is home to me.

Here are some pictures of my moms home....



















Note: As I was taking pictures around the house, one of my favorite brother-in-laws would pipe in, " Steph! You better watch for these picture's on Ebay!"