A house is a house until a family makes it a home.

Throughout our childhood, we always dream of the day we get to move out of our house and be on our own. To do whatever we want when we please, and make our own rules. Always dreaming of the future, but never living in the present.

What we never realize is it's this house that creates us. It holds our most cherished memories, our fondest stories and sets the standard to all other houses. Each house has its own story of what lies inside. Whether it be a new couple that just bought their first house, a young family in the suburbs, or an elderly couple that has lived in the same house for over 50 years.

House /noun/, a building for human habitation, especially one that is lived in by a family or small group of people.

Home /noun/, the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.

Many people aren't as lucky as others when it comes to family. Coming from a bad household can make your "home" feel no more than a house, a building, nothing important. Or you can be lucky enough to come from an amazing family, that shares memories, creates memories, and is your whole world.

Growing up with my family there was never a dull moment. With my parents, two brothers, dog, and myself that doesn't come as a surprise. We moved into our current house right after I was born. It's the only home I know and want to know. It's the foundation that holds our family together as one.

From Christmas mornings, birthday parties, learning to ride a bike, family dinners, and my favorite our measuring wall.

Having a measuring wall in our house is one of the little things that means more than just the measurement it displays. It depicts all the accomplishments we've achieved, all the life lessons we've learned, and how we've grown into the young adults we are today.

Having a home to come back to after a long day is a really special thing to have because not everybody has it. It's a shame that not everybody realizes how lucky they are to have a home until they've rushed to get out.

"Home is where the heart is" is one of the most accurate quotes out there. No matter how far away you are physically or emotionally from your house, as soon as you return you feel peace, and at one with yourself. A house is much greater than just a concrete building; when filled with your loved ones, it's way, way more...it's a home.