Something big happened last week: my parents sold the house I grew up in.
They’ve been planning to do this for a while, so it’s not a shock or anything. It’s also not as depressing as it could be since they’re selling it so they can move to Richmond (right now they’re about 2 hours away in Northern Virginia). My parents are both retired and have been planning to downsize for a while now. They picked Richmond for a bunch of reasons, including that four of their five grandchildren live here. So all in all, we’re really happy about the news.
But there’s still something major about the closing of this particular chapter, so allow me to be sentimental for a moment.
My parents moved into this house in 1979 (forgive the not-so-pretty winter pic above). It was a new construction home at the time, so they – along with my two older sisters – were its first (and up until now only) occupants. If you’re keeping track that’s two years before I arrived, meaning this is the house they brought me (and later my little sister) home to after we were born. So as you can imagine, a lot has happened in this house over the 32 years they have owned it. Including my mom taking annual pictures of us on the porch for first days of school and for our birthdays (note the homemade banner taped to the storm door behind me).
When we heard they accepted a buyer’s contract early last month, we took the first opportunity to gather there one last time for a family portrait. My sister Emily even made an homage to my mom’s birthday sign tradition for us to pose next to. Here’s the “original” six Petersiks (aka, the “Petersix”)…
…and now with our expanded family of spouses and children (can you tell that it was POURING rain during these shots – fortunately my bro-in-law the professional photographer knew how to handle it).
In addition to these pics, my sisters and I wanted to honor this big moment with a gift. After debating a few things, we decided to get them a drawing or painting of the house. They already own a pen and ink sketch of it, so (thanks to some suggestions from you guys on Twitter) we landed on getting a painting of their front door from artist Kal Barteski (she calls her series T+A – tiny and awesome). So I sent Kal this pic of the door…
And a couple of weeks (and $100 – split four ways among me and my siblings) later, this arrived. Tiny and awesome indeed.
It’s actually 5 x 7″, so it’s not that tiny. Kal paints them on thin onion skin parchment paper which is why it looks a bit wavy and textured. It threw me off a little at first, but when I read that she does it so your painting looks truly like original art – not a print or a replica – it won me over as quite charming.
The onion skin paper is also translucent so she invites people to mat her paintings on colored or patterned paper to customize them and add even more texture. We had fun trying a few colors & patterns underneath but ended up going the straightforward route and putting it on white card stock since we thought my parents would like it best that way.
We finally presented it to my parents this week and they LOVED it. Woo hoo!
Oh, and since some of you might be curious – my parents got very lucky when it came to selling their house. Before it was officially listed on March 1st, they had a preview showing at the end of February and that person put in an acceptable offer on the spot. Not bad right? Since it happened a bit faster than any of us expected (including them) they have around six weeks until they can officially move into their new house in Richmond. In the meantime they’ll be bouncing around between their Delaware beach house, my sister’s house in Northern Virginia, and my sister’s house here in Richmond. But we can’t wait for the day that they can officially call our city their home.
Psst- The babyproofing adventures continue over on BabyCenter where we’re sharing how we anchored a giant wall mirror in our bedroom (thankfully it wasn’t rocket science).
Jennifer says
I adore Kal Barteski and her LoveLife blog! So glad you chose her to commemorate your childhood home in such a unique way. It does my heart good to see two of my most favorite blogs — and three of my most favorite ‘virtual friends’ — unite. xo
Alisa says
This happened to me the summer I graduated college. The house I grew up in was sold. Looking back it was tough for me as that house had so many memories however, now, I think about that house and wonder how my mom ever decided to buy it. Don’t get me wrong it was a fine house but totally not the style I would choose for myself. So interesting to be a homeowner and think back about the house you grew up in and what you loved or thought you loved about it =).
Pink Sun Drops says
I am so glad to read this post this morning. My husband’s mother is selling the house that he grew up in, and the one that we’ve stayed at when we visit our hometown for the last eleven years with our boys. I was in tears this morning thinking of her taking everything down and putting it away, now we won’t ever see it again as it was and won’t be staying in that particular beautiful, comfortable guest room anymore. This reminded me that it’s normal. Parents downsize when the children leave the house, whether it’s an ugly situation (hers is) or not. Now if only she was moving to our city as well. So happy for you guys having grandparents in your town!
heather says
Awww, I love family things like this. I have to admit I was reading my friends blog The Patriotic Baker, walked away, came back (had this up in another window) and started reading and thought “I’m pretty sure she grew up in Maine, what the…” then realized I was on your blog.
Amanda says
Your story made me tear up a little this morning. What a beautiful family and a wonderful gift to help your parents (and your siblings) remember the house they lived their lives in!
Mr. Goodwill Hunting says
I think of all the memories that we created, it is important to remember the ones that were created many years ago. What a joy it is for you guys to gather there one more time. To make it last longer you captured it with a painting.
I know once the new homeowners move in it will never be the same any longer, but for you it will always be home.
This may lead me to go back to my childhood home take a picture and have it rendered.
Thanks so much guys for posting this.
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Hilary @ My So-Called Home says
It’s gonna be a sad day when my parents finally sell the house all EIGHT of us kids grew up in, but I choose not to think about it for now.
PS on the vein of Clara, I was thinking it’d be cute to get a pretty crib sheet (or just use fabric wrapped around the mattress) and take one of her weekly photos of her sleeping. I love sleeping babies especially when they get into funny positions.
YoungHouseLove says
That would be cute! We’ll have to see if we can finagle that (she usually wakes up when she hears her door creak open or the snap of the camera).
xo,
s
Lara says
Very cool! You two seem to be the masters of meaningful gifts.
Naomi says
What a wonderful gift your parents gave you and your sisters, John! The stability of a happy family is wonderful and I wish all children could grow up that way.
Carrie says
And I cried.
My parents sold the house I grew up in 8 years ago, the house my dad built when my mom was pregnant with me. It was like losing a family member… there are still times when I have a bad day that I just want to go HOME. Funny how attached to something you can be.
I wonder how I will feel when I sell my house. I am sort of bored with it now so maybe it won’t bother me at all?
Patti says
What a beautiful family you have! Traditions mean so much even though as kids we don’t appreciate it at the time. Your gift was so thoughtful. I have plenty of pictures of the home I grew up in, I may have to use T&A for myself!
rachel says
ok, i keep having this problem of not checking who the writer is of the article before i read it. So generally i assume that it is Sherry for some reason… so i was really confused as to why Sherry looked so boyish at a young age…..
Nikki says
What a great idea on the picture – and congrats on having your awesome parents move closer to y’all! I have actually spent brief amounts of time with them at various sorority events over my college years (I’m not a creeper! Carrie and I are sorority sisters!) and know that you guys will love having them close by. :)
Marie says
Adorable! One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was a pen drawing + watercolor my Dad made of our new house, purchased this past November. He’s a retired engineer who’s been taking art classes at the community college my mom works at, so it’s pretty pro looking!
carolinaheartstrings says
Oh how exciting for you and your folks. A chapter in their lives close and another one begins!!!!
Care says
Such a sweet idea!
Totally made me teary reading this – just thinking about little ones growing up :(
Vickie says
Six years ago we had the immense pleasure of buying the home my parents built in 1970 from the woman they had sold it to in 1993. I had dreamed of that moment for years. I was ten when the home was built but for my youngest sister it was the only home she had ever known. I longed to buy the home and raise my own family in it. I wrote the woman a letter telling her about the home and how it had raised four children-three girls and a boy and how I had dreamed of raising our four children-three boys and a girl in the home. I asked her to please consider contacting me if she ever decided to sell. She called me the next day. Contract was signed in five days. I can totally understand the attachment you feel.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s an amazing story! Can’t believe she called you the next day! It was meant to be.
xo,
s
KathyG says
What a beautiful story…both original post, and this one. The universe is generally unfolding as it should be. And this story is a prime example of A.S.K. – if you want something in your life ask for it…Ask politely, ask concisely, ask the right person, ask for the right reasons.
Tiffini S. says
This great article just showed up in our local paper today. It tugged a few of my own heartstrings over leaving my childhood home behind. (Warning, the PJStar has just moved to a ‘pay’ format and you only have so many free views of the articles in there per day.)
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1076644999/Luciano-Memories-make-move-bittersweet
Steph says
So glad you had the opportunity to say goodbye to the house! I was living in TX when my parents moved and didn’t have that chance…now it is torn down. I loved that house, so many memories….and more than anything want to go back “home”.
Laura says
Aw, I love the picture of the Petersix and the front door’s birthday sign.
Liz A. says
this reminded me of when my parents sold the house I grew up in. I had not lived there for over 20 years but when they told me they were moving, I felt the need to rush bakc for a few more memories…I was, lets say, not the most well behaved child and adolescent…and frequently would sneak out of my bedroom window to engage in all sorts of hijinks (nothing too scandalous, I know this is a family show) so I said to my mom “I’m coming back, I need to sneak out of my room one more time!!” She reminded me that, as a 36-year old, I was free to use the front door any time I wanted… but out the window I went (to the amusement of my neighbors). Lets jsut say it was not the graceful experience that I am sure I portrayed when I was 15, and, in better practice.
So glad that you were all able to get together.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s hilarious. What an awesome last hurrah.
xo,
s
Sharee A. says
Soooo sweet! As so many of us transition on to other homes, it’s a great idea to always have a a little piece of “home” with you. When my oldest daughter & son-in-law bought their first condo, their realtor presented them with a beautiful 5×7 black & white, framed photo of their new “home”, along with a basket of wine, bread, etc. A wonderful welcome-to-your-new-home surprise.
nikki says
I thought this entire post was so touching! I love the history of their house and the painting! How fun that they will be so close to grandkids now, making memories in their new house!
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
What a wonderful way to commemorate something that you aren’t able to hold on to forever! In my “decluttering post,” there’s a suggestion (for smaller items) to get rid of any unwanted items, and if they hold significant emotional/sentimental value, to take a picture and then display the picture somewhere in your house. It’s a belief that commemorating it in this way is better than dishonoring the item with clutter. :)
Ya, a little different than a house, but it’s all about commemorating something that is dear to our hearts! Though, I must say that I like your idea of the painting better than the picture. It’s a lot let literal then and more fun. :)
jenny G. says
What a nice gift, and what a lovely house! Where I live (Washington) we don’t have many houses that style, but the very first house my family lived in when we first moved to WA looked VERY much like your parents’ house! Brings back some great memories!
Joeva says
I just love how some parts of the USA are not in the real estate hell as my state (Calif)…you can barely give away your home in my geographical area:( But, I’ve often wondered if your area has not felt the real estate pinch as painfully due to your location near DC? The last time I visited DC, I was floored at the obvious extravagance and non-recession like atmosphere. It must be nice living there!
Steffanie says
Help! Where is that round mirror from that is hanging behind the painted picture of your house?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s in our living room, seen here (from Hobby Lobby): https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/03/another-round-mirror/
xo,
s
Lizz says
What a great idea! I worry that I will be torn up about moving…this is a nice way to bring a piece of the home with us!
Rachael says
That’s very exciting that they’re coming to live near you and your other siblings! My husband and I just put an offer on a house yesterday so we’re hoping to have a home for our children to enjoy just like your parents look like they did an awesome job for you!
LauraC says
What a special, emotional post! My parents still live in the house they bought in ’77 (I was 2). I’ve had great angst at the thought of them selling/moving but recently have come to terms that it will happen (when – ???) and it’s ok and just a part of life. Even though my Mom is not interested in keeping decor super up-tp-date, it’s so warm and comfortable to walk in the door. Thanks for sharing so important of an event. I enjoy seeing other close, strong, loving families out there; your parents are adorable (and you can tell them I said that)!
hollyG says
For some reason this post really tugged at my heartstrings – how sentimental. It got me thinking about my own childhood home, hometown, and having that sort of tradition for my own family that we have started. What a great post!
Melinda says
This post brought tears to my eyes. What a lovely and touching way to remember the house. I don’t know if the new owners have young children, but it would be so neat if they kept the tradition going :) Best wishes to your parents as they embark on a new chapter in their lives!
Leslie says
I can see how thoughtful traditions have been passed down to you, John. Seeing the photos of you with the banners your mom made behind you brought tears to my eyes.
I snap photos of my kids in front of the same school sign on the first day of class, and I had a flash forward moment of the day when they will be able to reminisce about all of their first days. It brought tears to my eyes too (in a good way, of course).
Time sure is fleeting, and it’s wonderful that you have some important moments captured. Clara is a lucky girl that she’ll have some important moments documented too (I can only imagine that you and Sherry have something clever planned for her weekly photos!).
bridget b. says
lol @ “the Petersix”
Jocelyn Stott says
How sweet!
Emily says
I love how the 6 year-old banner was made on that old printer paper with the tear-off edging that had holes on it! This is a sweet post – glad your parents will be so close!
lisa says
On the topic of parents/gifts/gifts for moms,etc…..check out this site today…
it is like what you did with clara’s sillouette. (spelling?)
http://www.jasmere.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Very cute!
xo,
s
Lisa @ Room by Room says
Such a weird coincidence. My mom just sold her house too (my dad died 7 years ago). They moved in when I was 2 or 3. It’s the only house I remember. My parents actually built the house themselves.
It’s like a new chapter in all our lives. And I’m excited for my mom. It will be a new start for her.
My mom’s closing is April 29.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry for the loss of your father seven years ago Lisa. It sounds like an awesome new start for your mom – we’re sending her lots of happy new house wishes!
xo,
s
Ingrid says
This post hits close to home! My parents sold my childhood home in Arlington last spring. It’s so weird imagining a new family making it their home, especially because my parents pulled a “Young House Love” and completely renovated the place themselves, putting personal touches everywhere. We’ve gotten updates from our old neighbors on the house, but have yet to drive by to take a look-see for ourselves. Thanks for doing this post—it makes me feel a little less weird about being so sentimental about a building!
kelsey says
oh my gosh, why am i crying? i love the banners in the front door, that is so cool! my parents are still in their house of 30 years, they aren’t going anywhere yet. congrats on them moving closer, i bet you are so excited.
Joanne says
So Sweet! You guys are awesome at the DIY thing, but your true gift is your ability to share from your hearts. It’s such a gift to your readers. I wish you and Clara many years of happiness with your parents.
Michelle says
Oh, I grew up in Burke as well! And my parents recently moved out of that house too- it was so sad- I totally sympathize!
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says
Congratulations to your parents, J. I would be devastated if my parents ever sold our farm, which is why I was married there and plan to settle in as soon as S isn’t flying for the Navy anymore! It’s too bad you won’t be in NoVA as much anymore, we’d love to have you over for a crash when our basement reno is done. Fingers crossed that it turns out to be totally crash-able, that is!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m sure it’ll look awesome! And who knows, we might just be back in town for something – like a trip to Ikea! haha. Good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Cassie says
What a great post..I felt myself tearing up a bit!! I love the idea of the birthday banner each year..I’ll have to start that with my little one!! The painting of the front door is such a great gift. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your family:)
By the way, not sure if you were a basketball player but I saw the hoop and thought of Father of the Bride and all the games they shared together. I hope my son has moments like this with his Dad!! (even though it’s a girl in the movie!!)
Sarah@StyleandCentsability says
I love gifts like that- so meaningful but not cheesy. I frame so many things – like handwritten cards and notes -even recipts of menus.
http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com
Sara @ House Bella says
What a great idea! Except, I can’t see any images on the website or in Reader? Maybe it’s this new Firefox 4…
Sara @ House Bella says
Hmm, no, it’s on all my browsers. Are you having a cloud server issue, maybe?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sara,
Oh no! So sorry for the image trouble. Everything looks ok on our end (in a couple of browsers and after some internal checks). You’re the first one we’ve heard from who is having this problem. Perhaps you’re at work and there’s some sort of lock that they recently added (for example, some people can’t see youtube videos, etc)? That would be my only guess. And one solution might be trying to view our site from home to see if it’s all visible again. If anyone else is having this problem or can think of other explanations for Sara’s image issue please feel free to chime in!
xo,
s
hi-d says
Awh…so sweet that you guys did that for your parents. That’s got to be a strange feeling with them selling the house you grew up in. My family moved when I was 3 years old and my parents still live in the same house to this day. If they ever sell it, I’m gonna be sad, unless it’s to me! :)
Hey…on another note. I wanted to tell you that I’ve “borrowed” your idea of taking the weekly photos of my baby. I love doing this each week and photoshopping the numbers. Thanks for the tip! We are at 8 weeks right now. :)
Best regards,
Heidi
YoungHouseLove says
Aw congrats on the baby and the weekly photos, Heidi! We’d love to see them sometime if you ever feel like uploading them to our facebook page!
xo,
s
Libbie says
I can totally relate to your story and to how you and the other readers are so attached to their childhood homes. My parents lived in their house for 23 years and once they became empty nesters, they really wanted to downsize. My 3 brothers and I wouldn’t let them because we loved that house too much, so they stayed, nearing 60, taking care of a 5 bedroom home on 3 acres in rural Nebraska. We all felt guilty and knew the time would come when we would all have to say goodbye, but no one wanted to lose the house.
Last Sunday, a chimney fire burned our beloved family home to the ground. As we came together to sort through the mess, we realized that a home doesn’t define your life or your memories, home is simply where your family is.
Its important to remember that just because you don’t have that house or front porch anymore, doesn’t make your memories any less real, they still happened, and now, along with your pictures, you have a wonderful piece of art to commemorate it.
YoungHouseLove says
I am so so so sorry for the loss of your home Libbie! How terrifying. But it’s amazing that you’re being so strong and sharing the epiphany that it’s not the actual house that makes a home. Also so glad no one was hurt!
xoxo,
s
jennifer says
I LOVE that banner tradition. How cute. Glad to see they are having better luck finding something than we are. Just can’t seem to find THE house for us…
Stephanie says
Awesome pics and glad to hear the parents have something to take from all those years. Trust me it’s awesome having them around. You can just drop her off and go get nails done and such! :)
Oh and I built a house in the neighborhood across from Thomas Jefferson…rated #1 in the country this past year ya know! I love this area but real estate is tough.
Love your blog and stay sweet you two! {three}