Apples

We went to the orchard this past weekend. The boys loved picking apples. The fun thing that we found out was that of all of the beautiful shiny red and green apples, the ones that were not the prettiest (the ones with "scabs" on them)were the best to eat. It got me to thinking a little. It is kind of like anything from homes on to anything else, the prettiest isn't always the best. I look at our home, my mom sold it to us shortly after Steven was born. I lived in it before I was married, then a couple of years after we were married, Mike and I moved back in with my mom, then along came Steven and she sold it to us (believe me when I say that she sold it to us for what she paid for it, so she didn't make a profit, she was just like that--She would say, "I am not going to make money off of my kids"). It is not the newest, it is in need of repair in different places, doesn't quite have the room that we would like to have (especially with a growing family), but when I look at others, it is the best for us, and we thank God for it each day. It may not have all of the newest additions, newest walls, biggest closet or areas, but it is big enough that it holds a lot of memories. I remember where Steven took his first steps at in this "old" house, I remember the day Thomas first walked through that front door, I remember the wall Steven colored on and we had to take down the wall paper and paint a new color on the wall, I remember the light that Steven and my nephews broke playing ball, or the deck that my nieces and Steven played on when they were little, or the room that Steven and Thomas share and hearing them talk and laugh early on the weekends or late at night when they should be sleeping:). They may not have their own room, they probably will not any time soon or ever, but the memories of what they share as they get older, is something they wouldn't have if they had a room of their own. I also remember my mom's old room, and the many conversations that took place with her laying in her bed and me sitting on the end of it talking to each other. The place in the living room that she sit at. Her place at our table (that I kind of taken over now that she has been gone), I remember the many family dinners that were shared in our living room and the giggles from all of the grandkids when they would come over, the many faces that have walked through that door, the smiles and tears that came along with them. The new lives that also walked (or were walked) through them as well. My graduation party was held here, along with many different birthday parties. I remember both of my boys first Christmas' and the many other Christmas' with family celebrated here. The many days played in our backyard, and hurt knees, and skinned up elbows, etc. in the backyard and the front. Both of my boys learned how to ride their bikes right in front of this house. I remember the many conversations that happened with many different people in different areas from the front porch to the back. The many meals eaten and talks at the kitchen and dining room table. We have even had a couple of little visitors that have shown up in this house, a baby squirrel, a couple of baby rabbits, a baby bird (thanks to our cat) and yes I believe 2 bats have even wanted to join the family (we obviously didn't really want their company and we laughed at how Mike tried to get rid of the one bat:)). We also only have one bathroom right now. Many may wonder how we do it with one bathroom, but we do, and I always said that when we were growing up there were 6 people total in the house and we made due, so that is just what we do. Now with having a little girl coming soon, we may one day need to add another:). But for now, when things get crowded, especially at night, I thank God that we have three males in the house, the back yard at night has been used for many contest (if you know what I mean with boys-who can pee the quickest or the farthest:)) So as you can see, this house may not be brand new or have the most room, but it holds our memories, our lives and it is our house. I know many more memories will be made, just like our daughter coming through that same doorway many others have gone through to this house. One day we may have to eventually get something bigger, but for now and for anytime soon it will be "Our House"(Thanks Heidi for reminding me of that). So just remember some of the best "apples" aren't always the prettiest on the outside, but they sure are on the inside.

I have attached a couple of pictures of the boys and the orchard:)