The House that Built Me, Last day of 6th Grade, and One-less Gall Bladder

This past month has been a busy one.  My parents sold their house, the house that I remember most.  We moved there when I was four and so I hardly remember the one in Provo.  It was sad, and yet something they have needed to do.  They will be building a one level home.  I had a good cry as I sat in the backyard and thought of all that had happened in this house.  I have always loved this Miranda Lambert song, now it has even more meaning.  I will miss our house, I hope the family that bought it will take care of it and now how much love and happiness are in those walls. It truly is the house that built me.


I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

The bleeding heart plant, I got to take this to my house.  Hope it lives, it's so pretty and is exactly what the name is, Cindy gave this to my mom to see as she did the dishes or was in her kitchen.  I will take care of it so it will live on. 

This is the tree my parents planted in memory of my sister Jody who passed away 13 years ago.  It's a beautiful red maple and will continue to grow and flourish for the new family who will live here. 

Decorated graves of all who have passed away.  We haven't done this for awhile.  We seem to always make it to the ones in Bountiful, but this year we did those in south Salt Lake, too.  This is my Grandpa Burningham

This is Jody's

This is Grandpa Kettle's, he passed away just after he was able to participate in the blessing of Caleb. 

Last day of school.  Caleb with Ms. Pizzello.  He loved his teacher this year.  Can't believe we will no longer have any kids at the elementary school.  I will miss it, kind of.  Many hours of service were given there, but I wouldn't change it.  I loved being there with my boys and participating in all the things the school and the PTA do for our kids.  Good-bye Adelaide.

Caleb's buddies, look out SDJH!

His dramatic exit out the 6th grade doors.

Oh, and I had my gall bladder out.  After a couple of attacks I had an ultra sound and it was necessary to take it out.  Glad it's over and behind me, not the worst, but I'm not the best at just laying around and doing nothing while I healed. 

Thank heavens for great family and friends, we have been very well taken care of.  Thank you so much to all who fed, sent flowers and visited.  I find it is easier being the server than being served.  I guess we all have to learn sometimes.