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A house is only brick and mortar. A home is where families come together — that’s what brings that brick and mortar to life. Home is where families and friends share all the events of life, the smiles and laughter, the accomplishments. It’s where we usher in new generations with strong foundations. Family, friends, food, fun…some of the most important things. – Calvin Kramer, Store Director, Thibodaux, LA

When I think about home, I think of my family and friends spending time together, caring for each other. My parents instilled values in me and my sibling that I carry with me to this day; now I pass those values down to my kids, nieces and nephews. I loved celebrating the holidays, when all my friends were welcome to gather at my parents’ home. – Stanley Duplessis, Store Director, New Orleans, LA

A true home is one of the most sacred places in the midst of the world. Home is a kingdom of its own. It’s the place where you can be yourself, kick your shoes off, get away from world stress, to do the things that you really love doing and to spend time with your family. It’s the place where you find true peace. – Michael Cooper, Store Director, Daphne, AL

When I think of home, I think about showing my family how much I love them through my cooking. I grew up in a family where my aunts and maw-maw would cook our family favorites for every event. We may not have had money or material things, but we always had love and good food to eat. What I wouldn’t give to walk in my maw-maw’s kitchen one more time and smell her famous gumbo simmering on the stove. – Donna Madere-Dickerson, Store Director, Baton Rouge, LA

Home is a place where you create a paradise, say in your backyard. Whether it’s hot, cold or warm, it feels just right. Home is where you can sit back, enjoy a breath of fresh air and admire God’s creation. When I was growing up all the social events and family gatherings were at our house. It was great waking up to the holiday smell of turkey cooking each year — and my grandmother’s blackberry dumplings. Now I’ve started hosting some of the holiday gatherings; my sister is cooking my grandmother’s famous blackberry dumplings; my mother whips up the rice dressing — all keeping the family traditions alive. – Brian J. Naquin, Store Director, Houma, LA

When I think of home, many things come to mind. First and foremost, my family. The love my wife, our boys and I share makes our home complete. Home is where I can set my worries aside and relax. Then there are the daily chores around the house: mowing the lawn, minor house repairs and even “honey dos.” Things others view as an obligation, I view as accomplishments. Home is my happy place; it’s where I always look forward to being at the end of the day. – Gary Watts, Store Director, Saraland, AL

Our house was clean when I was a kid but it always had toys on the living room floor. My daughter Sheena has two children. She keeps her three-year-old Rowan’s little slide and trampoline in the living room. She says after a long day at work, she enjoys watching Rowan jump and slide in the living room — just like I did with my kids. ( Her husband Bradley had to learn to accept toys in the living room — ha ha.) Life is too short not to enjoy the little things. Stop and play with the kids. The chores are not going anywhere, but your kids will grow up way too fast. – Belinda Long, Store Director, New Iberia, LA

We have two kids: one’s in college and one’s married and gave us a grandchild. They all come over for the holidays, one of the few times of the year we’re all together. Home to me is family. My wife decorates for each season starting with fall; it’s nice to come home to. The best part is relaxing with the family and just us all spending time together, usually followed by a special meal. – Robert Strahan, Store Director, Gulfport, MS

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