Saying Goodbye to Our First House

Last night was our last night in this house as a family.

When we bought this house The B Man was only 6 months old. We moved from a 1200 square foot two-story town home to over 2200 square feet on one level and we were in heaven.

(hangin’ out in the room that would be his once we moved in)

There was a lot of work to do, especially since we decided to overhaul the kitchen. Never mind that it actually took about 3.5 years to fully complete.

(The kitchen in 3 stages, how it was when we bought it, after some re-do and then FINALLY complete)

As with any house, it took time ~~years~~ to get it the way we wanted it and if we continued to live here there are still a list of things I would like to change or re-do.

My biggest complaint (well, until last week anyway) with this house has been the tree issues we’ve had to endure. We had a tree fall on the back, right corner of the house just a little over a year after we moved in and one of the huge branches went right into Tim’s closet (of course the joke has always been thank GOD it wasn’t my closet or I may have been admitted to a room with padded walls…). Some people suggested we just go with it and install a sky light. Uh… no.

We’ve also had several branches fall off of the Bradford pear out front and one of them took out the original wood mailbox. But I still adore the that tree in the Spring time. Can you blame me?

And of course after last week’s foundation trauma, (warning: if you plan to buy a house in the N. Texas area MAKE SURE you check for foundation issues FIRST!) I’m a little “over” this house right now.

But despite all the craziness of owning a home, and particularly this one, our first house will always hold a special place in my heart. I have a kazillion memories here with my husband, my boys and family and friends. We brought our second son home from the hospital to this house and have welcomed so many good people through the front door, one that left a good impression on me from the first time I walked through it.

Here we have hosted our boys’ birthday parties, holiday get-togethers, and even a baby shower. I’ve spent countless hours in our driveway watching The B Man ride his bike and I’ve trekked up the hill that is our street with Little G in the wagon many a time.

I kinda knew this house was “the one” the moment we drove up, even though it was a bit of a jungle out front. I was just so excited to have more space and a yard of my own, and a place to really call “home.”

(the front yard/driveway at the time we bought the house, September 2004)

As the truck is packed up this week and we leave our first house, I may get a little teary-eyed (who am I kidding, the water works are starting as I type!). From the “blue room,” where I rocked my babies, to the den where I’ve spent the majority of my time as a SAHM, I will most certainly miss this house.

(please make note of the beautiful stone mailbox that I had someone build just a couple of months ago – no tree is takin’ that baby out!)

We have yet to put the house on the market (it should be listed week after next) but I do hope when someone buys it they are able to make as many wonderful memories here as we have. Goodbye to “The Citadel.” You’ll always be our first…

Elaine