Written by contributor Emily Walker of Remodeling This Life.

My kitchen table was given to me by my parents. It’s the same kitchen table that I ate dinner at every night when I grew up. My parents, brother and I each had our own spot at the table.

I have many memories of the meals we ate, the stories we shared, and things we did at that table. I remember sitting around that table making Christmas cookies each year. I remember the year my cousins came over, and we all made gingerbread houses together at that table. I remember getting sick at that table, laughing at that table, and crying at that table.

And today, it’s that same table where my kids are making memories—sharing meals with us, telling stories about their days, laughing, crying, getting sick, making cookies, doing craft projects.

After all these years, the table is not as pretty as it used to be. There are specks of glitter crusted to it that will only come out the day we decide to sand it down and refinish it. There’s glue stuck to it. There’s stray paint from craft projects and home renovations.

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By contributor Emily Walker of Remodeling This Life.

It was over five years ago now that my family bought the falling apart fixer-upper that is no longer falling apart and we still call home today. When we signed the dotted line that day, I had grand visions of future happiness because of this house. Once we fixed it up and sold it, we could go buy the house I really wanted in a nicer neighborhood, with a bigger yard, a screen porch, and garage. Then I’d be happy.

Does this sound familiar?

Someday, when things are a little bit better. As soon as I have that, accomplish something else, live there…then I’ll be happy.

Life doesn’t always go as planned and sometimes, right where we are is where we find we’re truly content.

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Today I’m over at (in)courage, revealing a smattering of photos from our new home in Oregon. And as I quietly think during the unwrapping of plates and breaking down of cardboard boxes, I’m also sharing a few thoughts about what home actually means. From the post:

“Where are you most at home? Is it in your home?

“I’ve thought a lot about this over the years, as my family and I have lived and traveled all over the world. And this summer, we moved yet again. This time, to a brand new town. …

“Nesting is in my blood, and I love making a home for my family. But I’m pretty sure there’s a home waiting for me that’s complete with a wraparound porch and a working stone fireplace, and it’s situated near crystal clear waters on a sapphire street — because it’s not going to happen here.”

Head here to read the rest and to interact in the comments.

Written by home columnist Emily Walker of Remodeling This Life.

The new year is here, and with it comes the end of a nice break for most of us. As much as I enjoyed the lazy mornings and fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants days of the holidays, I was really looking forward to getting back into the regular routine.

Something about a new year sparks in me a desire to establish more order and intention in all that I do, so when back-to-school and the new year came together, it was perfect timing for establishing some new, old routines to keep home life simple and days running smoothly.

I tend to dislike schedules but thrive on routine. A routine makes everyone in my household happier, everything runs more smoothly, it establishes reasonable expectations, and it makes for a saner home.

Here are some basic routines that help keep our house tidy and the people smiling around here.

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