What Makes a House a Home

As a first time homeowner, I have been a bit behind in posting new blogs (my apologies) because I have been dealing with all of the stresses that come with moving and adjusting to home-ownership.  I have become comfortable with the layout at Lowe's, things have been broken and "fixed", paint has been applied and re-applied, address changes have been filed, appliances have been repaired, and I have a new found appreciation for yard workers. My to-do list seems to be never ending. 

Despite being stressed out beyond belief, I am in awe of the number of people who have aided with my constantly growing list of chores.  My muscle packed pals hauled tons of heavy furniture. I was provided insights as to the cheapest places to shop for home goods (and when....hello yard sales!). Fixer-Upper friends helped put in new drywall. My mom helped organize and re-organize until the placement of items made sense.  People sent me texts and emails with insights based on their pain-filled experiences, in the hopes that mine would be better. I got aid with painting, from those who had painting pointers. A good friend lent his hand (and leafblower) in helping clear out the leaf filled yard. My monetarily gifted loved ones provided financial insights about the best way to pay off a mortgage and how to best refinance. Old bosses lent tools to me. My mechanically inclined father took apart my washer so that it would be in working condition again.  I was given gift cards to aid with expenses.  Taller allies aided with insulating an area that was unreachable.  

With each word of advice, tool shared, hand held, physical labor provided, and piece of aid supplied - it quickly became apparent that I was being showered with love. My home was being cultivated in a very giving and supportive environment. Though the to-do list remains long, the stress is now replaced with such utter gratitude and amazement.  I am in complete awe of just how many people have done so many (even seemingly little) things to enable my home-ownership to happen.

When I purchased my house- it was a dark, strangely laid-out, clutter-filled mess.  It felt like a scary mistake that I had to walk into daily.  Now I sit on the sofa, feeling warm, at peace and at home.  This transition was made possible due to the friends and family that have supplied me with support and tools over the past 2 months.  The saying 'what makes a house a home..." has been ringing fervently in my ears. Its love, family, support, caring, advice, friendship, ...

You can help to build a home!  If you know someone moving - How can you help them?  What skills can you offer to aid with their stressful time?  Are you good with money? Strong?Tall? Handy? Have tools that could be lent?  Have insights from your pains? Good at painting? Know of good home repair websites?  Great at organizing? Know a good oil/moving/TV/electric company in the area?
If you don't feel like you have anything to offer- sometimes just asking "how is it going?" will make them feel less overwhelmed because someone cares.  Empathy is an often overlooked but truly lovely asset in times of stress.  
Share your skills with others and your love will really help build their house into a place of wonder.

Next time you know someone moving, remember what really makes a house a home.  
And be a part of that magical transformation.

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original post from my old blog, lovesomemore...Dec 2014..

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