Faith & Family, UncategorizedLabor Day at the Lake House September 4, 2013I’m not sure what it is, but I’m having the hardest time gearing back up from the long weekend. I mean, it was only three days, but boy did it get me out of whack. I spent the long weekend with my family up at the lake house. It really feels like life stops when I’m staying at this little place on the banks of Lake Keowee. So when you leave it and come back to the real world, it’s no fun. We had the best time catching up, taking boat rides, eating great food, and just loving being together. I came back overwhelmed by how thankful I am for my family and how much I love our little place at the lake. I know I’ve mentioned the lake house before, but y’all, I seriously love this place. I love being out on the lake and the view of mountains from almost every angle. I love seeing all of the big, gorgeous houses that have come in over the last ten years or so. This one is my favorite. Darn my finger that got in the way. I didn’t realize it until just now, but I really want to show y’all this one. But seeing all of those big beautiful houses just makes me so thankful for our little lake cottage. You see, this place is so much more than a house to us. My dad built this place in 1981 when he was dating my mom. When I say built, I mean he nailed every board, literally. It was supposed to be where they would live together once they were married. Before the time came, my mom got a job that was too far to drive from Lake Keowee, so they settled somewhere else. But thank goodness, they hung onto this place over the years. Each little corner is filled with memories and meaning. My parents built this rock water fountain together that’s out on the patio. My sister and I grew up at this place. We spent countless days floating and dreaming of the future. We had birthday party after birthday party up here. The list goes on and on… One year ago this past weekend, my sister told us in this very house that this little guy would be joining our family. This place holds special meaning to my husband and I as well. He first told me he loved me down by the lake in front of the house. Two years later, he proposed in that exact spot. We got married on the lake. We even lived in this lake house for the first three months of our marriage while we looked for a house. I seriously love this place. I love the rustic lodge feel of the wood walls and rock fireplace. I love the little bits of our history that are scattered over the walls like this sign that I made (my maiden name was Lark and my parents live on what we call “Lark Mountain). The mounted antlers are from the first buck my daddy ever killed. I’m so grateful that my sister and I get to raise our families here in this place that’s watched us grow up. Here Malachi is already enjoying the place and “helping” Papi drive the boat. Here I am cuddling with him on the porch that overlooks the lake. Man, Aunt Rosie sure loves her little man. Even though we don’t have little babies to enjoy the lake yet, Gracie sure does love it. It’s her happy place, just like it is ours. As our family is growing and changing, my parents have decided to start doing small updates and things that will make the house more conducive to a growing brood. I’m so excited to help them pretty up the place some, so y’all will no doubt be hearing more about it in the future. Even though it could use some updating and that’ll be a fun process, I was looking around the house this past weekend and thinking. Are there things I would change, add, or update? Sure. Would it be nice to have just a little more space for our family? Yeah, I guess. But I wouldn’t trade her for any other bigger, more updated, or luxurious house on the lake because not one of them could ever replace what she’s given us over the years. My parents lovingly built this house for their family and the house has watched the family change and grow. She sure is special and every time we leave, I feel a tinge of sadness. I love Greenville and our current house, but a part of me will always live in that little cottage by the lake.
Julia @Cuckoo4Design says September 4, 2013 at 9:19 pm Oh I loved reading this. It sounds like a wonderful place and you are so lucky to spend have all those memories there. We only go to a lake once a year to meet up with friends but I dream about having a place at a lake. There is nothing like it. Great post! Reply
Lindsay says September 5, 2013 at 11:40 am Thanks Julia! You are so sweet. There really is nothing like a place at the lake π I’m glad we got it when we did because there’s no way we could afford it now. Twenty years ago, that lake wasn’t the place it is today…just woods and really beautiful, but low property values. We got in at the right time for sure! Reply
Jenn @ HomeStyleReport says September 4, 2013 at 9:30 pm Oh my gosh is this place beautiful! As I read through your post it sounds like we have a lot in common. My mom married my step dad who own a lake house. We eventually moved out there and that’s where I grew up. Years later my husband (then boyfriend) proposed there (on the 4th of July under fireworks) and it’s where we got married. Life stands still when we are there. Reply
Lindsay says September 5, 2013 at 11:39 am Thanks, Jenn! I can’t believe your story! Ours is so similar π I love that! So fun to get to go back so often to a place that holds so much of your love story. Reply
cassie says September 4, 2013 at 9:37 pm what a beautiful and special place! i love the pup, and love the baby, too! π Reply
Lindsay says September 5, 2013 at 11:39 am I love the pup too π And that baby is the sweetest ever. I already miss him π Reply
Kayla says September 5, 2013 at 2:00 am What a wonderful place! It’s so nice that you get to continue to build on your memories! Also, it looks so peaceful and relaxing! What a great place to spend with your family! Blessings, Kayla Reply
Lindsay says September 5, 2013 at 11:35 am Thanks Kayla π It is definitely peaceful and relaxing. It feels like another world. Reply
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says September 5, 2013 at 6:56 am Such a beautiful meaningful place Lindsay. So many love stories taking place there, I love it! xo Kristin Reply
Lindsay says September 5, 2013 at 11:35 am Thanks, Kristin! I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you’re right! Lots of love stories π Reply
Ashley says September 8, 2013 at 12:54 pm I love the pictures of sweet Malachi π he misses his aunt rosie!! Reply