Monday, March 15, 2010

Moving Day !

For over a year now Amy and Greg have been living in Papa and Gran's house. Their energy and creative flair gave new life to the tired old family home. Jim's dad, Papa, built the house over fifty years ago. It was literally the "house built upon the rock"! He purchased four lots...sold two and built their home on the remaining two. It is a white frame house on a hill....now with black shutters. For about 49 years...the shutters were gold...a source on contention between Papa and Gran. Gran wanted to experiment with different colors...Papa refused to change them! The kids planted grass, painted rooms, added nice touches...and remodeled both bathrooms. But...as all young couples do, they longed for their own first home to create their own memories in their own way. 

With the government promise of a tax credit and a down payment in hand the kids went house hunting. In January they found what they felt was the perfect house. By the end of February they had completed the deal and were ready for the move. After realizing the cost of professional movers....they sent out an all call.....and friends showed up in droves. At one point in the morning I counted sixteen young strong backs! YEA! It felt like the cavalry had arrived! By noon all their belonging were in the new shiny house...and once again the old Hull House fell silent.

Jim and I have pondered whether to move there ourselves. It is a strong house, bigger....and there are many sentimental feelings surrounding its history in the family. But...we have memories invested here in our own home. Even our yard is a place where each tree has a history and a purpose for the planting. So....there is now a For Sale sign in the yard at the old home place. Potential buyers come and go....no nibbles yet. Our hope is some day a young family....with dreams of a bright future will look at it and see all the potential and once again....there will be laughter, tears, and stories to be created from the sturdy white house on the hill.

2 comments:

Mrs. Chapman's 2nd Grade Class said...

Hull house is a great house! I hope it finds great new owners. What a great day that moving day was and how beautiful is the new house!!

Amber Norris said...

While I have many memories at both houses, there are times in my life that cannot be replaced on Ransom Circle. Halloweens, late nights giggling when we were supposed to be sleeping, good food, and furniture that always seemed to swallow you up. I love the memories I have of your home.

My first grandbaby! Miss Shelby Grace...

My first grandbaby! Miss Shelby Grace...
Gabby holding Shelby...what a little baby doll!

Second grandbaby! Miss Emma Grace!

Second grandbaby! Miss Emma Grace!
More than I can say "Grace" over... :)

Shelby

Shelby
Watering Daddy Bob's tree

Princess Shelby

Princess Shelby
Castles and ponies!

Princess Emma

Princess Emma
Tutus and feathered crowns...