The Place I Call Home

I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing Labor Day weekend. I unplugged from the blogging/social media world for three days, well, except for a Instagram. It was nice. I was REALLY nice.

We headed "home" to Alvin to spend time with family and friends. Small town Alvin is my "home". It is where all the molding took place. The molding of the person I am today. I grew up there and lived in the same house (my parents are still there) until I went off to college. Loving this place is an understatement, even though it hasn't "moved" forward. Actually, it has taken several steps in the opposite direction. That's okay with me because no matter what it will always will be the place I call "home". There are reminders on every corner, memories down a handful of dirt roads, stories held in so many houses that line the streets, especially in the house on Grace Street. We made the most out of small town living. And every time I go back, I smile and another moment from my childhood sweeps across my mind. It feels good. This is where I came from. Cliche' I know, but home is where the heart is.

Even though this is just the tip of the iceberg, I was able to capture a few snapshots of what going "home" means to me.

Going shopping at Baybrook Mall with my mom. She is, hands down, the ONLY person that I can shop with. She doesn't rush me and I don't rush her. Even though our tastes in clothes are on opposite ends of the planet, we always pull our hauls out of the bag and oooh and ahhh about each others purchases. And, I finally got to visit H&M this weekend. It was just as amazing as I hoped it would be, although, my heart still belongs to Forever 21.

Meeting up my my oldest and dearest friend, Erin, and hanging with our boys. This gorgeous girl and I met in the 3rd grade. We have seen each other through thick and thin. We have been called Double Trouble a time or two. Oh, the stories I could tell you about us.

Celebrating birthdays with Mexican food. I think my family has hit up every Mexican food restaurant in a 20 mile radius. It just isn't a birthday without margaritas, chips, salsa, queso and fajitas! Happy birthday, Mom! I love you!

Swimming at my sister's house. It was bittersweet this weekend because they are moving to a new house and it was our last time to swim there. You see that big blue float? Well, my girls called that their "Pontoon" and sang the song over and over again. Just more memories made.

Pulling out old family photos.  These came from a scrapbook I made my mom and dad for their 35th wedding anniversary. Dear Lord, check out my bangs and my dad's hair...heck, all of our hair. Looking at them never gets old, only better as each year passes us by. We really were and still are a very happy and close family.

Last but not least, spending quality time with my foundation, Mom and Dad. They not only gave us a house, they gave us a home. A home that overflowed with sacrifice, lessons, laughter, tears, hugs, kisses, family dinners at the table, prayer and most of all unconditional love.

What does home mean to you? Whatever it's connotation, I hope you take time and visit your "home" roots and remind yourself that that place, wherever it may be, helped shape you into the person you are today.

P.S. I am over at The Other Side of Gray today. Annie is one of my all-time favorite fashion bloggers. Hop on over and check out three basic wardrobe essentials every girl should have hanging her closet.

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I am linking up with Leeann, Dana and Sami for the Weekend Update. Go visit them!