Home is where the heart is...

Okay, so this was never the home that I've lived in, per se. But it's always been like a home to me, since the day we first met. ;-) It was the home where I first met my father in law - Jon David Justus, and all of his children. Many hearts lived and loved in this home. It was the home where my husband and his siblings grew up. It was a home full of laughter, love, pain and heartache. And most importantly, it was the home that Daddy loved, paid for by his own hands.

My father in law passed away last October. Since then, much love and work has gone into this special home by my husband and his siblings. Then it was lovingly put on the market on a Friday in June. A neat lady and her family walked through it on Saturday and had good feelings about it, especially the beautiful tree in the backyard. She proceeded to make an offer on Sunday. And it was sold immediately. Three days!!!

In today's horrible market, who would have thought the house would sell so quickly? We were truly blessed, and I know that Daddy had his hand in this as well! It also helped that we had the sweetest and most wonderful realtor in the entire world who worked very hard for us. (Thanks so much, Mo!) Bob's family did remarkable things to this home - especially Brad who put his entire life on hold to come out to Denver from Alaska for an entire month to work in this home. Lots of love and effort has been put into this project, and many tears have been shed in the meantime. It's hard to describe the emotions that I have witnessed within Bob's family. And I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of them.

I first met Bob's father in this home while Bob was away in the Dominican Republic. He welcomed me with open arms and a soft heart, just as long as I promised to never hurt his son. After we married, we spent nearly every Thursday night here at this home, where I got to know and love Bob's family. As the years went by, many memories were created here. I loved the stories Bob and his family would share with me about their childhood. This was truly a special house, and I will miss it greatly. Just as I miss you, Daddy...

Bob and I stood in the backyard for one final pose in front of his home. This home may never be in our possession again, but it's a place that will dwell in our hearts forever and ever...

And here I am, trying to be cute in the front room, lying on the fireplace hearth that we stained a few weeks ago, and the place where I first remember meeting Bob's father. I was so nervous that night because I wanted Daddy to like me. Little did I know how close the two of us would become someday. He was so loving and kind - I never had to try hard to be somebody extra special. That's just how Daddy was. He accepted me for who I was, and never made me feel like I didn't belong in the family. I love him so much for that.

And that's all I have to say about that. I will never forget this precious house on Lee Street. It will live on in my heart forever.

Sorry this picture is so red - it was taken on Bob's cell phone. When the house was officially sold, our sweet realtor and her family took us out for lunch. Monique recently had her first baby girl named Brooke - and this is me holding her, wanting to adopt her. I love the name Brooke, Bob and I always wanted to have a little girl named Brooke. This little girl is such a sweetie and I'm honored to offically call myself her Aunt Jen. ;-) I love being an Aunt! And I've never known a realtor who cares so much about her clients by giving them gift cards and taking them out to lunch. Monique is truly one of a kind! Thanks again Mo!

And now for my final picture of the evening, as long as I'm on the subject of Bob's special family.

This is Bob's sister - Anna. (I love to call her Annie, as she affectionately calls me Jenny) When I first met her, she couldnt stand me. She was a teenager, and not willing to share the men in her life, and I was kinda obnoxious myself. So I don't blame her at all. Today she has become one of the bestest friends I've ever had. And this is her with her new sweet boyfriend who came to visit her from Texas not too long ago - his name is Billy! ;-) Aren't they cute together? They met online, and now they are officially dating. He is such a riot and he really cares about Annie. Thank goodness he does, otherwise he'd have a mess of angry, possessive older brothers coming after him LOL~ We had a huge dinner for him when he came to town. We made shish-ka-bobs, and they were yummmy! I love my sister and I'm thankful she is a part of my life. And we love Billy too!!

And that's all I have to say about this post. Home and family is where my heart is.

Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!