When we were debating whether or not we wanted to move houses, I knew I was making some decisions based on the heart, not just the mind. I had always said that I would be emotionally attached to this house, no matter what our decision – we built it, we came home as a married couple to it, we brought both of our babies home to it. It’s funny how a house really becomes a home.
When we decided to stay, it felt right. I knew we made the right decision (and we will be working hard to make it even more functional for us). My emotional side relaxed a little, and while a new, bigger, different home is always exciting, sometimes I don’t need excitement.
One of the things I’m most attached to in the house is the door frame where we’ve measured the kids. It’s been sporadic but we mark their height every 6 months or so. It’s more for fun than anything, but those markings mean something to me. (And as I type this, it reminds me that it’s time to do it again). Those markings tell a story, of growth and love.
Do you remember that commercial (for a bank I think) where the couple had one of those and bought a new house and the husband moved the piece of wood to the new house? I seriously thought I would do that if we moved.
But now, it stays, ready for more markings, symbolizing memories that his home continues to gather for us.
Do you have something like this? Are you attached to certain things in your home too?
It’s interesting for me now, having moved so many times through growing up and, after 22 years, divorce then re-coupling. Selling a cottage. Now a grandmother at 52 and building a new house with the “new guy” 🙂 at first I was anxious but over time knowing that each place would bring new “home” to us. It’s about making a house a home, where ever and when ever you are. You seem to have figured that all out! It bodes well for your kids resilience in future.
My in-laws still live in the same house they raised all 5 of their children! The phrase “Rich is King’ (Rich is my husband) is still carved in the pullout cutting board in their kitchen! I love that there is so much history in their house.
We started a measuring board with our boys too. But knowing that we would move from Denmark to the USA then eventually back to Canada we bought a piece of wood so we could take it with us. But I remember where it stood in every home.
We have a piece of wood, too. When we started the markings we were already planning to move, so my husband mounted a strip of wood on the wall so it would be easy to take with us. Now it’s in the laundry room and so covered with markings it’s hard to read! Still love it, though.
that’s smart to put it on something moveable! If we ever move here now I’m going to have to rip it off the door frame 😉
We have the marks on the door frame too. My kids are pretty well grown now (although the youngest is hoping to shoot up a little more) but I’m not painting it over.
The area that needs the most work in our home is probably the kitchen. It’s also the room I love most. It would be hard to leave it.
Glad you’re staying at your place.
We are slowly getting more and more done – the kids’ bedrooms were painted this weekend. But the big one will definitely be the kitchen!