Family thankful for home to host dinner

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - For some families it's a right of passage to be able to host the Thanksgiving dinner in your very own home.
     
For one Wabash Valley family, the opportunity to feed one another means so much more.

"The kids and I have been through a lot the last few years," said Stephanie Stephens, "and to be able to sit back, rest and say we have our own is a big difference for us."
     
Stephanie helped build these walls, along with her children and family.
     
They took ownership in June through Habitat for Humanity. Today makes for their first chance to celebrate this holiday here.

"Last year, we depended on a lot of the family members to come together to help pull the holiday together. Today we're trying to make it on our own," said Stephanie.

Whether it's a holiday or a weekday, Stephanie and her family keep the door open for others, sharing their thanks year round.

"It's great because I'm the youngest girl," said Stephanie. "To be able to tell my big sisters 'come on, come over here, let's hang out,' it's great. It's awesome."
     
However, for this mom of four, It's about more than just the walls.

"They make everything here all the more better," said Stephanie. "Just having this house with the kids I got, we have a house, no we don't have a house, we have a home. We have a home, and we're going to build on this. My thoughts this thanksgiving year to come, thanksgiving in this home, it's, blessings."
     
The Stephens might be homeowners now, but they've been a family much longer. The home offers a new place for their journey.

Next door to the Stephens is another Habitat family, and on the other side, the 58th home from Habitat for Humanity of the Wabash Valley is in progress.