Making a house a home

My house growing up was huge.

Huge and falling apart.

Dad liked to save everything and Mom didn't like house cleaning.

it was the very best house to grow up in.

There was always something new to explore.

The thing that made it a home, for me,

was that a parent was always there.

I cannot remember every having a babysitter.

If mom and dad had to go somewhere an older

sister was responsible for us.

We rarely left home except to fish and go to

Theriot's grocery store for food.

Yet I can't remember using the word bored.

We were left to our own imagination to entertain.

The feeling of stable was always there.

We knew no matter what that this was our home

and we could always come home no matter what.

As an adult, HOBL and I have moved many times.

I hope that even though the house changed the feeling

of home was always there.

Giving children this feeling is a big part of having confidence

and knowing that you have a place to go to no matter what.

HOBL and I are always looking at houses, vacation homes

always thinking of where we may move one day.

I realize now that it may not be the house that gives us

security but those things that fill it that makes it a home.

Give your children a place to call home

give them memories that will fill their heart even when

they are older. Meet them at the door after they have

been gone with a smile and a hug no matter how bad

your day has been.

Sit down and play with them in this home.

Give them chores so they will be proud that they

have a part in making the house a home.

A home, every child should have this feeling inside.