Our New Home

Eighteen years ago today we moved into our then brand new, current home. It was our eighth residence in almost fifteen years of marriage. The moves included college to an apartment to a new home. Going to grad school to an apartment. Graduating grad school to another apartment to another new home. Career transfer to another new home to a bigger home in the same city. A year later another transfer back to the place we grew up, where our families were and another new home.

Really wasn't sure if this one was going to take, but the chances looked good that we would stay for a while. Although this new home was grander (brick and land), minutes away from our parents when the drive before was four hours, the layout would never be like home #7. When we purchased that home we weren't looking for a new place to live but wandered in one day as we continued to do every weekend for the next six months. The builder went bankrupt after completion and was forced to sell it. The agent got to know us and finally convinced us to make an offer, ridiculously low and it was accepted.

The thing about this house that intrigued us was first, a great eclectic neighborhood and there were good schools. It was 3000 sq ft., four bedrooms, bonus room, two car garage, two staircases, a kitchen/family room, walk up attic, plus a sun room that was octagonal surrounded by a wrap around deck. This room also had sliding glass doors so we could enjoy it in winter and have a screened in porch in summer. We lived there for only eighteen months.

Our next and current home lacked the porch and the extra staircase but had everything else, plus more quality construction. We were moving back to our home town to a side of it that we had never known. We were told the elementary schools were good, we both had heard of the middle and HS's but never knew anyone who went there. The location was convenient to my husband's work. Our parents were beyond thrilled to have their two grandchildren within reach.

So on July 22, 1992 we came home with our four and six year old's. Today this house has so many memories both amazing and tragic. I have lived in this home longer than any one in my lifetime. My parent's house was purchased in 1968, so I lived there less than ten years and that was my home. Kind of grew up today as I realized this is my home.