The House That Built Me...

Have you heard Miranda Lambert's new song, The House That Built Me? If not, click here. No really...you should listen to it! I came upon this song for the very first time the other day, and just broke into tears. So many memories were made at 228 Mosley Circle North in the subdivision of Maxey Acres in Longview, Texas. It's been close to two decades since we've moved, and the sight of that house never ceases to warm my heart.

-The black marks on the roof by the front door. That was from when my sister, Maria, lit the house on fire because she was obsessed with torching down wasp nests.

-The apple tree we planted in the front yard-still there.

-The steps by the second front door...many, many talks with my parents on those steps.

-The driveway-where I learned to ride my first, ten-speed bike. My grandpa bought me an aqua Huffy. And, I'll never forget my new go-cart...I rode for hours in our yard and on the driveway.

-How many times were those big trees in the front yard rolled by the neighborhood boys?

-I remember sneaking outside and hiding under cars in the driveway just to watch my sisters make out with boys.

-Mom's beautiful, Gardenia bushes (against the house) that bloomed every Spring...I can still smell them.

-My first dog, Chaz, running and playing in that yard.

-Our swimming pool and trampoline in the backyard were definitely some favorites.

Those are just a few memories from outside of the house. The inside memories I'll always hold dear to my heart, as well. Family time, cooking in the kitchen with mom and my sisters, watching soap operas with my sisters during the summer, birthday parties, the store I set up in my room, watching daddy in the office prepare for a Sunday morning sermon, the hallway (TIME OUT), so many memories of my room....I could go on forever, but you get the point.

Home is definitely where the heart is...I thank my parents, grandparents, and sisters for all the wonderful memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

If you are someone from my neighborhood reading this, and you have a Facebook account...please join, Neighborhood Kids of Mosley Circle North/South and Eitelman. We have twenty-six kids from our neighborhood as members and continue to grow.