Monday, June 11, 2012

Come Visit My Humble Abode

Every so often it happens. A little snide remark, an all out question of "Why do you live here?" or passive-agressive comment of "Well my husband is doing very well." Yes, every so often over the past 10 years it has happened and I lose a little footing for a second.

But only for a second.

Then I remember I'm proud of modest living. I'm proud of what we're teaching our daughters and I'm proud of us for living in a way that has little stress on my husband and me at home every day with my kids... because that's what I so desperately want. Because of our modest living style my husband was also able to take very long paternity leaves with both girls and that's generally unheard of.

I'm not a high and mighty stay at home mom. I'm just as proud of the career moms that do what THEY want and teach their kids their way, not being forced into a homemaker role that they don't want. We're all doing damn fine jobs with our kids in our own ways. We're all, ahem, mom enough.

We've gotten a lot of questions as to why we live in the house we do and why we don't upgrade. I'm hoping to give a peek into our home and try to explain why, to me, it's so lovely. First of all, this has been our home for 10 years. It's the first home Louis and I bought, we got married here, and we've had our babies here. Take a tour with me and see if you can find its charm.

Our street is very established. Multiple generations stay in these homes and pass them down.

It dead-ends on both ends to water. The ladies LOVE to walk to the lake.

Our sweet, wee house. All of the landscaping has been lovingly done by my mother and Louis,


Our backyard has hosted birthdays, fireworks, and the ladies think it's a playground.
(Athena's pride and joy is her container garden in the background.)

The kitchen and living room are where I spend so much time with my ladies.
(I lusted after that sectional until my mother in law gave it to me.)


And the ladies' rooms were made just for them... even if we do all sleep in one bed.
Perhaps they'll want space some day? (I hope not.)
(Zofia's)

(Athena Bee's)

(I'm a sucker for 50's tile.)

(Downstairs family room. More 50's tile and comfy furniture.)

(The ladies' play room built by their dad...)

(...and creation station.)
I know I don't have to explain myself, but I just really wanted to share why I love the charm of my home. We have no financial pressure, a comfortable life, plenty of time to be together, and an adorable neighborhood. We'd love to have you over. :)

*Also, I'd like to point out that no cleaning was done for this tour.
I want you to see us in our natural states :)


9 comments:

Sassytimes said...

I am amazed anyone would put you down for where you live! Don't let them judge you and bring you down. Your house is great. (Much larger and nicer than the home I was raised in and my Dad had to work 12 hour days, 7 days a week to keep the little roof over our heads.) Sounds like you are teaching great lessons to your children. They will inevitably appreciate the value of a dollar and not be materialistic. That is WONDERFUL! Be proud!!!!

It drives me bonkers when little kids are so into material things. A little girl, 3, came to play at our house and asked Sophia where her bathroom was. She showed the girl and she said, "Ohhhh, you have to share? I have my OWN bathroom!" Really? 3 years old!!! I was disgusted. The little girl also told her she only wears GAP and never wears the same thing twice. My kids don't even know what a brand is.

I'm glad I grew up in a modest home and I will do my best to keep my kids modest/frugal as well. Family, love and kindness are way more important than where you live, what you have or what you wear!

(My dad grew up very poor. Even when he finally got a good paying auto job, he still wore Kmart velcro shoes. Everywhere. He prided himself that they were under $5 and lasted a year. He took me to Somerset mall when it opened and the mall workers were so rude to him, obviously judging him on his shoes. I was a young teen, so I was so mad. He didn't care. He said it didn't matter what they thought of him. The kind of shoes he wore didn't reflect the bottom line of his pocketbook. Huge lesson to me at the time. This whole post reminds me of him.)

Apple said...

I love it! It looks like a very cozy place to live! :)

the corbett kid. said...

i love your house too. what a lovely place for your kids to grow up. they'll have so many great memories. also: i love the bench/table in your kitchen. i've always wanted one of those.

Wendy said...

Your home is lovely and so is your neighborhood! Love that you're so near the water.

Anne said...

This made me just a little teary-eyed and I'm not sure why. The happiness shines through in every picture.

Sarah said...

I love your house and your street! Sean and I wanted desperately to move into a neighbourhood like that - but here they're spendy spendy!

Wrestling Kitties said...

I think your house is just perfect for you and your family!!

It looks like a home full of love and happiness and great memories....and really, that is ALL that matters!

We have a small home too, and while I do wish we could have a bigger place some day that we didn't have to share a wall with our neighbor....it is perfect for us right now and I love it.

And how great that you are so close to the lake. And I love the table in the kitchen!!

Unknown said...

You get it. You sooooo get it. I think I'd like your dad :)

Amber @ Backwards Life said...

I want to live on your street. I adore those big tree lined sidewalks.