Lydia spent the night at my parent’s house last night. I dropped her off about noon yesterday so we could eat lunch with Daddy. He’s on temporary disability and I figured he was kinda bored. (So bored he made Paula Deen’s spinach and bacon quiche AND brownies stuffed with a candy bar. Yeah.) Anyway, it’s always fun to go to Mama and Daddy’s house because it used to be MY house. Of course, with new floors, a newly remodeled kitchen and completely new furniture it’s not EXACTLY how it used to be when I was a kid. But still, it’s homey.
But it’s not even the inside of the house that feels familiar. It’s the outside. When I got the kids out of the car and started walking up the stairs I said, “Oh! Doesn’t it smell good here?” Mama and Daddy basically live in the woods. They bought their house when they were 20 & 21 and were much more outdoors-y than they are now. They didn’t want a house right on the street–they wanted their house in the woods. And it is! So, right now at the beginning of autumn, it just smells like a million autumns and fun memories.
Their house is surrounded by trees and bushes and leaves and animals and a creek and rocks and all sorts of delicious things you just can’t get in new neighborhoods. I love hearing the wind come through the trees, the birds, the crickets and the squirrels jumping through the trees.
I just love that even the outside of a house can feel like home.
Love this. As I was waiting for Olivia at the bus stop today, it was raining (of course). As I listened to the rain on the umbrella I thought about all those times we went camping as a kid. It ALWAYS rained, and we would sit in the tent and play cards or nap or whatever. It’s a good day to remember.
The smells are just a part of your memories. You are one of the blessed children who have memories that are good. It means more and more to you as you get older. Cherish each one of them. Your family made many people have memories they will never forget. Memories of M & M’s and popcorn, $1.00 gift exchanges, puppet awards and many more.
Some of your blogger family members don’t know you or how you grew up. They don’t have the memories we have. You are a special person with a special family.
You are a wonderful mother who is making those kind of memories to your precious children because of your legacy.
Not trying to sound sappy, just wanted to express.
Thank you for my memories, that includes your sister chicks too!
I always remember you dad cooking at the Men’s Fellowship meetings. Steak Oscar. Hm delicious. Tell him and your mom that we are praying for his recovery.
I know what you mean, Amanda! My parents don’t live in my childhood home, but I feel that way about my own house. When we’ve been gone a while and we come back, I drink in the green, and the woodsy smell! I love it!
.-= Real Life Sarah´s last blog ..Bloggers Care: Operation Christmas Child =-.