What do you see when you look at this house?

I ran the tape gun over the last box, pulled it tight, and cut it. I smoothed the tape and wrote with my black sharpie: Memories.

Our house went on the market today. 

If you look it up, this is what you see: 328 Forest Meadows Drive. Partially bricked colonial conveniently located just minutes from historic Medina Square and I-71. Near absolutely everything!

But this is what I see: 

A house home, built of love and laughter, dreams and tears. Here is where we lived our best years.

I see walks to the quaint Medina square, frozen yogurt dates at Lemonberry, and fresh lemonade at the farmer’s market.

This is what you see:  Two living spaces, including a living room and a family room with a lovely beamed ceiling and wood-burning fireplace.

I see my kids’ friends playing spoons on the living room floor, and I think of the time Shobi broke a window with a die. 

I see countless family meetings, to my delight and the dread of my children. “If we all stop talking it will be over sooner!” But then one person giggles and another makes a random comment, and Greg waits with his silent smirk.

I remember when we surprised them with our unexpected vacation to Anna Maria Island, handing out paper bags with sunscreen, flip-flops, and swim goggles.

And there, in the corner is where we set up our fresh-cut Christmas trees and sang carols about the birth of our Savior before opening gifts, one at a time. Youngest to oldest.

I see the piano my kids never learned to play, but which always filled the house with music when guests came over. 

I see late-night talks with Caleb on the family room couch, listening to my son share his heart, his dreams. 

This is what you see: The dining room has the look of vertical shiplap and can accommodate a large table. 

I see our nine-foot table filled with friends and family. Question nights were always my favorite! “What sound would you use to describe your day? Which historical figure would you like to spend an afternoon with? What is your greatest fear? What are 3 of your goals for this next year?”

I see our life group gathered around for dinner, everyone drinking my terrible coffee without complaint.

I see Settlers with the Maynards, with chili dip and peanut M&Ms on the table (and a veggie tray for those who aren’t having a “Cheat Night”)

This is what you see: Many upgrades! New roof and garage door. 

I see Caleb’s window open and teenagers hanging out on the rooftop. 

“Where are the kids?” 

“They’re on the roof.” 

“Of course they are!”

I see the driveway I pulled in and out of thousands of times. Piano practice, gymnastics meets, soccer games, homeschool co-ops, spring formals, vacations, garage sales, grocery runs, bike rides, church, youth group, and a million other places.

I see a garage piled high with furniture we found on the side of the road and the birth of a business, “Beauty in the Brokenness - Furniture Upscaling”

This is what you see: New flooring throughout - luxury vinyl plank and carpet. 

I see piles of shoes spilling over one another in the entryway. I see friends, family, neighbors, summer book girls, and every person who came through our front door adding layers to the memories. 

I see hours poring over chemistry books and history lessons on the living room floor. Learning to budget and BYOF (buy your own food).

I see us working together every “Super Saturday” cleaning those floors, and all the rest of the house.

This is what you see: The spacious partially finished basement has been updated with new lighting, paint, and carpet.

But I see Friday night family nights with homemade pizza, flurries, and movies in the basement. I see us sprawled out on the huge grey sectional watching It’s A Wonderful Life, eating panzarotte every Christmas Eve. 

I see the bed in the corner where my daughter lived after college and before she got married. 

I see sleepovers with a tangle of girls and their bleary eyes coming up the stairs for pancakes and smoothies.

You see: New kitchen countertops, sink, faucet, and appliances (2013).

I see us making artisan bread, homemade peanut butter, energy bites, and Caleb’s Christmas morning cinnamon rolls. I see Gabrielle perfecting her Big-Fat-Chewy-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies, and Bre inventing her own healthy recipes.

I see the wooden “Bowl of Life” on the kitchen table. “Yes, your friends MUST put their phones in the bowl when they come over.” (Wild protestations!) 

I see Nikki curled under the kitchen counter unless of course, we’re eating chicken. Or bacon. Or carrots. Or burgers.

This is what you see: The outside is well landscaped with a welcoming front porch and a large back patio. 

I see my sister and her daughter pulling in from New York. I see months of memories with Jo and Dani, strengthening bonds of love and friendship.

I see spikeball on the front lawn, and cornhole in the backyard. And too many kids jumping on the trampoline at once.

I see picnics and parties, and friends coming and going. I see fires in the firepit and the skunk that wandered onto the back patio in broad daylight and died there. 

You see: Four-bedrooms, two and a half baths.

I see rooms where I watched children turn into adults.  In this home, we talked and prayed, we learned scripture, and watched our kids learn to own their faith

Here is where we welcomed our first son-in-law and then our first grandchild. We came with a full nest, and here it began to empty. First Alex to the Navy, then Isabella to school, and then marriage. Here was the launching pad for new jobs, mission trips across the world, summer camps, and trips to Europe, then colleges, and gap-year programs.

You see: Home warranty included for peace of mind. Schedule your private showing today before it's gone. 

I see a place to lay our heads in between the talking, growing, crying, and dreaming. I see a home where peace reigned. Here is where we came to be wrapped in warmth, comfort, love,  laughter, hopes, dreams, and a million prayers.

Thank you 328 Forest Meadows Drive. You’ve been good to me.