What Happened to my House

What Happened to My House?

We moved into our house 10 years ago. Before we had kids, and before we had a dog.

When we purchased the house, there were nice floors, crystal dishes reflecting the vast amount of sunshine, and it was clean. It was a beautiful home.

We were able to keep it this way even after getting a dog who sheds constantly and lies on the furniture – even though she knows she’s not supposed to. And, even with a new baby, the house was still beautiful.

Now, I’m not sure what happened. Actually, I do know what happened. Kids. That and lower standards.

Have a look at my living room before kids.

Now, look at it after kids.

I walk into some people’s homes and am so envious. They are neat, tidy, well-designed, and beautiful. Some of these houses have kids, too.

Our home is not that way.

Take our hallway for example. It started when Thomas was 2. He decided to start stripping off the wallpaper. Instead of redoing it, we just hung the kids’ artwork up. Once it falls off, it gets recycled and the next ones go up. This covers the wallpaper – or lack thereof – nicely.

I keep saying that when the kids are older I will redo the hallway, and re-set up the living room. When the kids are older, I’m going to have a lot of jobs to do.

My kitchen is still covered in bows. The Elf on the Shelf put them up when he came, but didn’t bother to take them down when he left! The nerve! Again, we just wait for them to fall off or my niece to come over and pick them off!

I think a lot of this stemmed from the fact that when we were growing up, all our friends wanted to hang out at our house. We had lots of parties and gatherings.

It felt like home to so many.

We were also in constant renovation mode, so there was always a floor board or wall to sign.

It really doesn’t bother me that much. The house is tidy and clean (most of the time). It’s family friendly, and I don’t have to worry about “my stuff” getting broken or ruined.

Besides, this is a short stage of life and it will be over before I know it.

And, my house will eventually come together.

Or, at least that’s what I tell myself!

What is your house like?