There’s No Place Like Home 🏡

Something that I have learned over the last month is that a home is not just a roof and four walls. It’s so much M O R E than that. It’s exactly where you make it. Home is a person and/or a feeling. Home for me? Being with family, no matter where we are. Home is being with my husband Geoff and knowing that no matter what happens, I have someone who will be right next to me each step of the way. Home is feeling safe and loved by those who surround you. Home is anywhere I want it to be. 💕

My childhood home will be going on the market in a week. It’s a tough pill to swallow because it’s the only ‘home’ I’ve known for the last 20+ years. (If you’re new here, I currently live in Las Vegas and my family is from Washington State.) To think that when I come back…I won’t be going to my childhood home anymore. It will be occupied by hopefully some new family. Granted yes, my in-laws still live in Washington and we (my husband and I) have their home to go too. But I’m just talking about MY childhood home.

Here is something I would like to share with the new family:

Dear New Homeowners,

Congratulations on the purchase of this beautiful home! I am very happy for you. It was occupied by my family for the last 20+ years and our family hopes it will serve yours for just as long, if not longer. This home has been amazing to grow up in. It has seen love, heartbreak, celebrations, retirement, death, fits of laughter till we cried, and sorrows. Some of my most favorite memories are in this home and I wish nothing but the same for you. Remember, that while you may be leaving behind a home you also love, I know that if you let it, this home too will capture your heart.

The cherry tree in front blooms every late April/early May. It is gorgeous and was always a constant reminder that a) my birthday was around the corner and b) that there is beauty amongst the grey. The street/culdasac is perfect to learn how to ride a bike and go just a little too fast down the hill. The roses in back were a love of my mothers and grandmothers. They too are gorgeous and smell delightful. My favorite thing was to smell them when my mom cut the blooms and put them in a vase. The hill in backyard makes for great sledding when it snows and this year we had quite a bit. Over by the stone patio section there is a bush of lavender. The honey bees love it and towards the end of the season, you can cut and dry the lavender which make for great sachets (bags of lavender that you put in your intimates drawer).

We have a few hummingbirds that love to stay around as well. Get a humming bird feeder and fill it with a mixture of 4c water and 1c sugar (boil the water and sugar mixture and then let it come to room temp before pouring into the feeder). It’s fun to watch the hummingbirds come feed in the morning while drinking coffee at the table in the breakfast nook.

From the vent in the bedrooms the top of the stairs and to the left (it used to be mine), if you put your ear down close, you can hear what’s going on in the family room below. The same goes for the vent in the other bedroom, but you can hear what’s going on in the kitchen. The vent in the dinning room right by the door that leads to the kitchen is great to sit on in the winter and warm your butt/back. My mom and I did it all the time. The living room is perfect for a Christmas tree, one that stands 7-8 feet tall, and sits proudly over by the fireplace. I would lay on the couch in the dark, with only the lights from the tree illuminating the room and be in complete peace. Don’t forget to open the blinds when it’s sunny as the house gets a lot of natural light and brings warmth into every room.

I hope you’re excited for the new memories you and your family are going to make. I hope you love living there as much as I did. Don’t forget to ‘just be’ in the house from time to time. For it is a blessing I am thrilled to now pass along to you.

Love, Michaella