It’s so easy to get caught up in a pattern of grumbling about our homes. The floors are sticky, nobody puts anything away, there are handprints all over the walls, stains on the carpet, dishes piled on the kitchen counter, dirty socks on the coffee table. . . Can you tell I’m a grumbler? I try not to be, but some mornings, I get up and can only see the mounds of work that lie ahead of me. And, I get really discouraged.
But, as we all know, the mess will always be there. So, maybe it’s just a matter of choosing what we see. My friend Melissa from The Inspired Room just wrote her first book for people like me. It’s simply titled Love the Home You Have. And, it’s all about finding contentment—and joy—in the home around us instead of wishing for better, prettier or the next big thing.
Even though I love rearranging furniture, chopping pillows and shopping for new treasures, it’s the stuff that I rarely ever show you that makes me the happiest when I stop and really look around—you know, beyond the piles of laundry and toys on the floor. I took five minutes yesterday, and this is what I found when I was looking for it:
(Another) rock my sweet boy picked up on a walk and wouldn’t part ways with. . .
A kitchen table filled with homework, snacks and noisy people.
My favorite wall, with handprints and height marks from every birthday.
Our family’s March Madness bracket challenge, that I’ve yet to ever win.
(The winner gets to pick where we go out to eat.)
An orthodontic mold on the bookshelf, as a reminder of money well spent.
Framed art and handprints going up the stairs.
A person (who just needed a little privacy) in my pantry.
Sunday school masterpieces hanging in the hallway—until next week.
A collage of framed baby faces that remind me of just how fast time is passing.
(And, an abundance of coats and bags on hooks, but mostly in the floor. Always.)
This was a good exercise in gratitude for me. I encourage you to look around your house with new eyes for a few minutes. I’d love to hear about what you “see.”
If you (and your home) could use a little more encouragement and some very practical decorating advice, Melissa’s book is officially in bookstores today (Mar. 31st) or you can order online here.
(Thanks to Melissa for inviting me to take part in the #LoveYourHomeChallenge as part of her book launch. You can visit her blog for a full list of other bloggers who took the challenge, too. Hope you’ll join us!)
Aww, love your happy accessories Emily! I have many of the same – rocks, March Madness brackets (I’ve never won either) artwork. I also love the simple everyday items I use that belonged to my grandparents ~ flour scoop, dish towels, garden trowel. : )
I was meant to read this, Emily! I just spent all of last week repainting all of the walls of our main floor, and now everything else looks dirty, old, grimy, and (ugh) the wrong color:) You post helped me “simmer down” and get perspective. At least I can say “hooray” for fresh new walls!
Thank you. New/ old house for us in quaint town on Lake Michigan . When we moved in, not even a year ago, there was excitement and love of all the quirks. Then as time passed I could see changes I wanted to make, things I wanted to have. I was forgetting gratitude. I have been trying to be more thankful each day. It’s ok to use the artistic skills we have been blessed with and I am a firm believer in the importance of an attractive comfortable home to nurture family….but gratitude should top the list! Lord, never let me forget that.
Very inspiring – I needed this today. Thank you! I love your home and the peeks we get into your life. We have four young children so it’s comforting and refreshing to see other beautiful, “lively” households!
Love this post! All the things that make a house a home!
Hi Emily,
I love this! What a great exercise and reminder of what true inspiration and happiness is all about. Thank you for sharing!
Awwww, I loved this post! Those are the little things that make a place a HOME.
Wow, Emily, thank you for this post. I’m feeling overwhelmed coming off a nasty stomach virus and taking care of two little ones while my husband’s out of town and this is just what I needed to read to put things in perspective. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your special treasures. I will definitely look for Melissa’s book. I really enjoy your blog. and your articles.
I agree these are the places, possessions and people that truly make a house a home!!! Great perspective!
PS On Wisconsin! My bracket was busted day one!
We’re nervous about the Wisconsin game… My son and husband will be there!
I think the orthodontist mold is my favorite ;) Such special memories around your house, making it a home. Loved doing this challenge with Melissa! Her book is a new favorite of mine.
This post spoke to me so much. In blog world we can so easily miss the true beauty in our homes. Your photos are precious and beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your heartfelt words and glimpses into your lovely home. I’m very honored that you are a part of this day!!
Thank you, Melissa, for inviting me to be a part of your big day. And, for reminding me to look for contentment around me.
I really loved this post! Thank you for the beautiful reminder.
My children haven’t lived in the house for years but their “decorations” still have their fixed spots on the walls and shelves. Thanks for a great post!
Loved everything in this post. When my granddaughters come to visit in June I will definitely start my own hand prints and height marks wall. Thank you so much for sharing those real life pics.
Love to see what a “real” home looks like. I write a similar post each month on what makes me happy and even though I am in a different stage in life than you are I think it is a good exercise for all of us. Thanks for sharing!
Love this. Your kids are too precious and I love all of the personality throughout your home!
Emily, I frequently say this about you, I love that you “keep it real”, anyone looking at your beautiful face and photos would think your life is perfect. Thank you for sharing your special things and places. The photo of your daughter in the pantry is adorable! I love it!
This is a great reminder that life is about attitude and gratitude!
Can’t wait to go check out Melissa’s book
Thank you, Elizabeth :) I won’t even tell you what she was doing in the pantry. . .
Love your secret happy spots, Emily! I can’t wait to read this book! BTW, this should be a good year for your bracket–aren’t you a Kentucky fan? My fingers (and toes) are crossed for my Spartans. :)
My bracket better be right or else, I’m going to have two heartbroken people in my house…
I love the areas of your home you shared! What do you do about the hand wall if you move? I actually have the moulding from our previous house where my late husband marked the boys height (now 13 & 11). I couldn’t leave it there, but I haven’t decided what to do with it and we have been in the new house for 3 years now! I’m thinking about doing the hand wall even though they are “older”…
If we ever moved, I think I’d just take a picture of it and move on. I like that it’s personal to that house :)
I love this post and posts like this are exactly why I contine to read your blog when so many others have lost my interest. Thanks for being you and letting us have a glimpse into your life!
This is my favorite post you have ever written, I loved every part of it. This is the beautiful, joyous everyday stuff that makes a house a home.
I love this post! So sweet!