Jump to Recipe

Change — it’s funny how it can feel both terrifying and exciting all at once, isn’t it? We’ve made the big decision to sell our house, and as I stand in the middle of the chaos of boxes, paint cans, and “keep or donate” piles, I can’t help but feel every emotion at once.

The other day, I told our oldest daughter that I’m ready to just get it done — get the house ready, pick a realtor, sell it, and move on. She laughed and said, “That’s so you, Mom.”

And she’s right — once I decide something, I go all in. No turning back.

Lessons From a Lifetime of Change

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 59 years, it’s that no one has life completely figured out — at any age. Life is a constant process of discovery, and even when I don’t know exactly what I want, I’ve learned to start from knowing what I don’t want.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis has only deepened that awareness. It’s taught me that time is precious and that there’s no perfect “later” waiting around the corner. There’s only now — and right now feels like the time to simplify, to chase the adventures on our list while we still can.

Our home has been a blessing, but it’s become too much for us to maintain. As bittersweet as this decision is, we both know it’s time.

A House Full of Memories

When we first bought this place, our kids wouldn’t even get out of the car. It was a wreck — 70s shag carpet, dilapidated cabinets, the works. But we saw potential, and thankfully, the kids eventually saw it too (probably because they had no choice!).

They helped us paint, lay sod, tear up carpet, and turn that tired old house into the cozy family home it became. This home has witnessed every stage of our family’s story — from scraped knees to wedding toasts, heartbreaks to belly laughs.

We even built our little cottage for our daughter and her two boys after a tough chapter in her life. What a blessing that brought us! Their dad — a builder — helped construct it, and those little boys spent their days “helping” with hammers and smiles. Later, our daughter met her husband, they had two beautiful girls, and eventually, my mother-in-law moved in after losing her husband. That little cottage became a small home but boy did it carry big love.

Our oldest and her family even lived upstairs for a while as they built their own home. Their little one learned to talk here — her voice echoing through these walls for the very first time.

Six grandkids have toddled across these floors, taking their first steps right here. If these walls could talk, they’d tell stories filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of food.

A Lifetime Around The Table

This house has hosted countless family barbecues, barn dances, and birthday parties. We’ve hunted Easter eggs in the yard, danced in the kitchen at Christmas, and celebrated more Super Bowls than I can count (even if not everyone shares my Broncos loyalty, they still come to show their support!).

We’ve cooked chili, burned a few casseroles, cried together, and laughed until we nearly peed our pants. And through it all, our home was always a soft place to land — a place where everyone knew they could walk right in, head straight for the fridge, and find love waiting there.

That’s what I will miss the most.

Looking Ahead

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we know who we want beside us — our family. This home may soon belong to someone else, but the memories will always belong to us.

So, before the last box is taped and the last light turned off, I’m cooking one more comforting pot of soup — the kind that fills the house with warmth and reminds me of all the Christmases, gatherings, and love that started right here.