Monday, August 10, 2009

Going Home...

Home.

Has a nice ring to it doesn't it? If you were to ask me where "home" for me was, I would have several answers. Of course, home is with my hubby and kids, no matter where God leads. However, if you were to ask where the "place I grew up" home was, I would have difficulty answering. I never lived one place in my growing up years for very long. I've lived in several states and countries. But the truth is, there is the town where my parents are from, the place they always called "home," which I somehow adopted as my home too. It was where my grandparents, before they passed away, lived. It is where I have tons of other relatives. It is a town full of precious memories for me. It is a place that always brings a certain peace as I drive into town. It is just Home...

Well, my sister and I went home this past weekend. We loaded up our children in her van and headed to the place that always makes me smile. Now that my parents have retired and have moved back, well it is even better. We spent four nights of good family fun and rest. Something I just need every once in a while.
Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I love my hubby and his family and I'm very blessed right now to be able to live in his "home town" as he serves our Lord. I love what he does for a living and I love my church family. Yet, sometimes I just need a break from the "fishbowl" life. I need the ability to be just me. The escape from day to day responsibilities that come with work, ministry life and school days that are soon approaching. It is wonderful to be able to just go and "hang out" again with my family and share a few laughs, while making a few memories. It provides much needed rest for the the soul...
I am an American Idol fan. One of my favorite American Idols was Chris Daughtry. He had a song a few years ago that talked about "home." This is my favorite line of the song...
"I'm going home to the place where I belong
where your love has always been enough for me..."
Thanks Mom and Dad, for letting me and my kids come and hang out with you for a time. We cherished every moment. Sis, other friends will come and go, but I will always adore you! Thanks for the laughs. Lord, thanks for blessing me with such a fun and loving family and for the much needed rest...

My parents (Aren't they cute?!)

My sister.

Kayla with Aunt Jo.

The boys. (I know you are thinking about our van ride and feeling a little sorry for my sister

and I about now?!!!)



Cousin Richard and Aunt Jo.

10 comments:

Jo said...

I'm with you. I lived away from "home" for 30 years, and in all that time, whenever I planned my vacations to visit relatives, it was always "going home". And, I'm so glad that your mom and dad chose to come "home" to retire. And, the bonus is that I get to see more of you & your family now, along with your sis & hers!

Loved the pics. Coulda done without that one of me with Kayla, though...I looked sick. Of course, Kay is very photogenic. That one of the boys lined up like a totem pole is clever, too, and the one of your mom and dad is really great.

So good seeing y'all. I had fun that night.

Luvya!

Heart2Heart said...

Mich,

Home is where you heart is and a house is 4 walls that holds your stuff.

I love these pictures and how you spent this time with family in their home.

During these pictures you shared with us, I kept hearing that Daughtry song in my head since you announced it there and it is very true.

Praying for safe journeys home and can't wait to hear more from you this week.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

He & Me + 3 said...

Beautiful post and what fun & sweet pictures. YOu and your sister are both beautiful. I love your eyes.
So glad you had a nice time "going home"

Andrea said...

Great post! Though my maternal grandparents have been dead for "many" years, home for me would be the town they lived in and the little house they lived in. I have the most precious memories there. I even accepted Christ with them in their home.
Blessings, andrea

Sharon Sloan said...

Love the pix. And I got tears in my eyes when I read that excerpt from the song. Wow...and you so blessed with the the riches of love and heritage. :) Doesn't get much better than that!

Amber said...

*sniff*

If I was wearing makeup, you'd be making it run.

I love ya like crazy, and though our weekend was full of enough headaches to last a year...I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Love you like crazy pieces.

christy rose said...

You have a beautiful family. You and your sister are gorgeous and your kids are adorable. They look like they really love and enjoy one another. Going home feels good doesn't it? No matter where it is! What a wonderful, sweet tradition that you have started with your sister and your children. Thanks for sharing this,
Christy

E @ Scottsville said...

Oh, that sounds SO wonderful! I'm glad you got to go home and go to just relax and enjoy it!!!

Love all the beautiful family shots. Especially the one of you and your sister though.

momstheword said...

After my hubby became a pastor an old family friend asked how I liked the "fishbowl life." It's funny because I don't know about you, but I'd never heard that term before.

I can't go "home" again, as my mom now lives with us since my dad died. But the town in which I grew up and our old home is still there, and I still like to see it when I go to visit family over there.

It is nice to go "home" if only for awhile and have fun and see old friends and family. Glad you and your sis had fun.

Anonymous said...

Great photos, Mich!

Good to hear you had such a wonderful break. I know; for me, home is here with my family, of course, and then home is wherever my parents happen to live. They were actually more from the Midwest, and many relatives are in the Kansas City area, however, that is not home unless my parents are there, which they are not.

♥Hope