It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. ~Author Unknown
I find my parent’s house very cozy. I love seeing their things all around and the way the house has turned into a home after so many years of marriage; collections, necessary tools for living, decorations, things to do and admire. It’s no wonder the children all like to touch…the house begs to be touched, played with, and looked at. Their Christmas tree was, and always is, a live evergreen, and this year it was decorated with white and blue lights. Mom strung some beaded garland and hung her prettiest ornaments and the end result was magical.
Dad collects penguins and the stuffed regiment stood guard.
The way my Mom has feathered her nest inspires me. My own home always seems like a work in progress, with the emphasis on the W O R K part, not the PROGRESS part.
See, this is not a large kitchen. Yet, everything is useful and has a place. It looks cozy and when you’re in the kitchen you don’t lose your appetite, you get hungry and you want to bake….or make a pot of homemade soup. That’s what Mom and Davy were busy doing the day we visited. Dave was thrilled to help his Grandma. We couldn’t keep him away from the pot as the soup simmered. He just had to keep stirring and tasting.
Blue glass, magnets on the fridge, pictures, Holly Hobbie, morter and pestle, softly patterned wallpaper, a child’s cast iron stove, fresh vegetables, a big kitchen aid mixer to make homemade wheat bread, wooden cutting boards, sharp knives, a pretty floor that’s easy to keep clean, oils and spices out and ready.
Have houseplants gone out of popularity? I’ve been thinking about them lately. My Grandmothers and aunts, my step mother-in-law, and my mom all have lots of houseplants. My mom gave me some of her cuttings this fall when I was out for a visit. Before she gave them to me I had two plants in my entire house. When I look at old magazines, they are filled with tips for homemakers on how to take care of houseplants. It’s TIME TO BRING THEM BACK into vogue again. I remember how proud my Great Grandma was of her Christmas cactus when it bloomed. It was a worthy accomplishment. And houseplants help to make the air quality in our homes better and cleaner.
The tree you see in the picture, decorated all fancy for Christmas, is a tree grown from an orange seed that my sister Amanda planted about 20 years ago. When you rub a leaf and smell it, it smells like citrus.
Dad and E played a game of chess, with Grace watching, in the corner of the livingroom. The computer desk faces toward the window, so they can watch the birds when they sit at it. My mom found a small white cabinet at work and brought it home for the grandchildren. It has toy dishes in it, and a drawer that opens and shuts. There are toy boxes all around with matchbox cars, legos, old purses for dress up, baby dolls. Just beyond Dad are a pair of old wooden shutters that she has covered with framed photos of the grandchildren. Lit lamps also make the room cozy as well.
Grandpa was being silly with Caleb. They had made a light sabor out of an empty wrapping paper tube. It inspires them to be fierce.
But not too fierce.
The little boys were thrilled with Grandma’s gingerbread house, and we let them pick pieces off to eat.
Jacob celebrated his 14th birthday on the day we visited Grandma and Grandpa. And because Grandpa also had a December birthday, we baked a cake and sang for both of them.
Please, don’t pay attention to the fact that I just said my son turned 14.
I was thinking about houses and homes today. It truly does not matter what sort of building/house you live in. It’s the character of the people within it that makes it special. Some are warm and laid back, some are elegant and refined, some make you behave like a prim lady, some make you relaxed and sleepy, some refresh and recharge you…..all so unique and special because the people who live in them are unique and special. Mom and Dad are content and love being at home. They love the Lord and their family and that comes through in the spirit of the home…..but here are also a few concrete ideas:
Tips for homemaking, inspired by my childhood home:
Don’t be afraid to keep the things you love out and around you. Collections are fun.
A bird in a cage is a lovely pet to have. Even if it does bite curious little fingers.
Dark colors are soothing.
Lamps with pretty shades tucked here and there to light darkened corners are very homey and comfortable.
A ticking clock that also chimes the hours is friendly.
Dogs are allowed, and so are cats.
You can take your shoes off at the door, or keep them on.
You can’t have too many dishes or kitchen things.
Keep the curtains tied back or short enough to keep the windows clear and open for natural light during the day.
A bird feeder within sight of the house is always entertaining.
Decorate with lots of favorite family photos.
Glass jars of all sizes are quite handy for storing things.
Offer fresh coffee at regular times.
Mom likes Peacock fiestaware.
Dad has found his favorite online soy candle company; scented lit candles are lovely.
For an easy border around the top of a door frame, cut shapes out of pretty paper (Mom used pictures of fruits) and glue them to the wall. (decoupage)
Houseplants are timeless and always “in”. You will remember to water them.
Be thoughtful of the little ones. Toys are out and ready to be played with.
Serve home-cooked meals.
Be realistic. There truly are always works in progress. Mom is currently doing over Isaac’s room into an office. And even she has to throw out clutter now and then.
Where we love is home –
home that our feet may leave,
but not our hearts.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr
Good to be Home 
Shanda, I love this post. 🙂 I love the way a house grows into a home through the years. It’s so interesting to go to a house that has layers of memories and belongings gathered over several decades. Also, I’ve been thinking the same thing about houseplants. It’s one of my goals for the new year- add some green to every room. Thanks for a lovely blog! -Maria
Looks like a very warm and inviting home, love the family pics!
Love it!! You parent’s house does look cozy and warm.
Beautiful post–It reminds me of how I feel every time I walk into the front door of my parents’ house after being away for a while. It is important to remember that their houses were also once filled with the messy clutter and noise of children. A couple of years ago, Katie started growing some plants on our porch in January. They were wonderful to have during the winter months, and amazingly, they all survived past the twelve month mark.
Oh I love this post! Your blog is always a cozy blog and makes me want to bake and light a candle!As for houseplants… I’ve always like them. I’ll bring them back in vogue with you! I want a pretty fern to keep in my living room!My Mom and MIL, and Grandmas all have plants around their houses too.Glad you had such a nice time with your family. =)
What a wonderful and inspiring post!!!!!!!!!! Well i got something right:)….we have a pretty cocotiel in the corner of the living room. And he;s tame too!:):) On a serious note…I think of all those things when I see pictures of your home! And I loved your parents home as well. Recently I’ve been working on making my home cozier and more comfortable and realized that clutter free is not always the best option. For example at one point I put away all the couch pillows because I’d constantly find them on the floor. Now I realized that they are there to be used and not just to look pretty! So go ahead kids…and guests…use them!(but please try to remember to put them back:)
I always love when you give us glimpses of your house. : ) I think I like your mom’s house now too! Your dad collects penguins? That’s cute, my sister LOVES penguins. ; ) I am with you on the work in progress. I have ideas and dreams for my home but they seldom happen. It’s more me making do with what I have. I love love house plants too. I’ve killed my share of them, but I keep trying anyways. lol Anyhow, your parents seem like neat people and I think you must be a lot like your mom. Maybe?
You look so much like your Mom and Grace looks so much like her Dad!! Beautiful memories in a warm cozy house full of love. Best kind of Christmas!
What a warm cozy place to visit! Your boys are growing so fast and look so much older with their longer hair. Glad you had such a nice visit with your parents — thanks for sharing!
So homey. Jacob looks like your dad. I have been contemplating house plants. I am worried that I have too little space, and that little hands and paws will get into the potting soil. Maybe hanging plants are a better option for me. I always feel inspired to do things around the house this time of year. The house looks naked after putting all of the Christmas decorations away. New quilts for beds and for walls, and new curtains are on my list. I’m thinking some new paint here and there as well. Thanks for the tips!
What a sweet lovely visit with your parents Shanda! And you make me happy to hear the things you like. I remember when we moved from the big house to our little place here by the ocean, Daniel came and said, “Oh, OK, it is still home with all of your things arranged the way they are”. It is just so much cozier here that things get piled up awfully easy. We badly need to weed out now we have added some treasures from Nana and Grandpa.I read that it is healthy to have house plants, as well as lovely to look at. They take our Carbon dioxide and give us the oxygen we need. My best ones are the pothos that grow and trail all the way from the top of the bookcase to the floor. I am honored that we make your list on a lot of points Your Jacob is looking like quite the young man! OH my, time flies! Your parents make me look forward to being a grandmother so much!!
this is a great post! i find that whenever i’m in my parents home, i find myself waxing nostalgic…and, wanting to be more like them?! i’m right there with you on the house plants! i have thought about it recently too that you do not see that very often. but i simply Adore my houseplants, and after being in my parents home last week, i realized where i get that strong adoration; my mom has some Awesome houseplants! this year, i kept my hanging ferns from my front porch, and even tho’ they are messy and can be frustrating because of that, i do enjoy the ‘aliveness’ they bring to my living room. and, i must say that i get quite a few compliments on them!i say it often, but, always, always a pleasure to come and read your blog!happy weekend to you!♥
wow hard to believe your kids are getting that big. 😉 love that you could have time with your family! looks like a grand time.
What a warm and inviting post. It goes along with our Pastor’s sermon Sunday night about our homes and Christ as the center of our homes. I actually do have a plant that I got at Costco for $14 a couple months ago…so far it’s growing! It does perk up the house to have some green plants.I love your mom’s idea of putting the old wooden shutter to good use. Very anthro.
jacob is almost as tall as his grandpa!
I love your comment about the character of the people shaping what the home feels like. My parents’ house is old, run-down, with hideous carpet and wall paint (because they both work and have never had time to do more than get the place livable!), and yet everyone loves to come by and visit, just because they are so warm and welcoming. I used to stress over having everything perfect in my house before people came over. Learning from my parents, I put more focus now into making sure they can be comfortable, not impressed with how clean my home is!
I think I already work on most of your hints for housekeeping. I think we all learned early on that a house is just a house but a home is where you live and feel comfortable. And it should be lived in! Thanks for sharing – I still want to get together again…maybe in the spring. I have now changed my work schedule so that I have every Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. So a quick trip out to CT for a long weekend (or a whole week) would be nice.Love You!
You are right to end by saying that there are always changes in any home and it is never DONE. It took me a long time to realize that, and I’ve made my peace with the idea that there will always be things to change, improve, move and redo. It really is the spirit that inhabits a home that gives it the qualities you admire and that comes from the inhabitants, not the contents. A homemaker can receive no higher compliment that to hear that her home is warm and welcoming, never mind the curtains and furnishings or even the level of cleanliness.P.S. Your mom looks TOO young to have a grown-up daughter, much less a houseful of grandchildren. Your parents are both very good-looking!
Your parents home looks so warm and inviting! I love how the kitchen brings people together to:) Thanks for sharing! Now I need to go buy some plants.
Love this post, Shanda!Did one on houseplants after reading this.Happy Friday!!!!D xo
I love this post. Your parents house is very inviting. Reminds me of when I spent time at my Grandparents when I was young.Especially spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother. What wonderful memories your children will have. They all look so happy and content. It’s what home is about.Love the tips at the end. Angela
@Angela – Thank you Angela!
hi shanda…….beautiful post. thanks for the visit to your mom and dad’s house!
LOVE this Shanda and I just recently discovered Holly Hobbie at a Bargain Box around the corner from where I live. They are such whimsical plates–>I paid $4 each for them, was that a good deal? I love that your father has a penguin collection–>LOL It brings me a lot of joy for you to feel so cozy and warm at your mother’s. I want that for my girls one day, I want them to always feel like they are coming back to the comforts of a warm, loving home 🙂 Have a wonderful day and thanks for sharing 🙂
Your mom and I have a lot in common: 1) Same glass dome cake plate; 2) Same soup pot, but hers is taller than mine; 3) The same water goblets (the grooved “plaid” look); 4) The same “Good Seasonings” glass salad dressing bottle; 5) The same wooden cutting board (same color of wood, same size, and with grooves around the edge); AND . . . the best of all . . . 6) Y. O. U. !!!! : ) xo xo
You described her house so well, I remember going there with Julie and feeling totally at home, part of it is your parents, they are kind and real. The photo of your father with the light saber made me laugh!
@mymeanderings – I’ll never ever forget you and Julie coming to see me. It made me feel SO special. love ya.
My heart aches for home~