It’s funny, looking back, how clearly I can remember always wanting to be a mom. I can remember being asked as a young girl, and early teenager what I wanted to do when I grew up, and my answer was simple, “be a mom”. It wasn’t until I was in high school that that answer was no longer the only answer people would accept. I would get responses like “yes you can be a mom, but what else do you want to do?” or “Of course you will be a mom, but what do you want to do for a career”. Even though their question changed, my answer still stayed the same. To the point that when it came time to start thinking about college, I boldly told my parents I didn’t need to go to college because I was going to get married and be a mom. This was without a potential husband on the scene as well. I was confident in it. I was drawn to it, and something inside me felt peace about it, contentment, almost like it settled me. Yes I had always secretly wanted to become an interior designer, but at the time going to school for that was out of reach, and I doubted myself very much. Especially seeing how I didn’t have my own home or money to decorate with.
Those skills would come in due time, but not until I had the opportunity to express them. When asked, the “mom” path always spoke loudest. It was always the first answer out of my mouth. When I think back to that time in my life when I just wanted to be a mom, I remember how I envisioned what I thought it would look like. Trust me, I was in no way picturing myself to be the Pinterest perfect moms we face today. I wanted to be a mom because I wanted to take care of my family.
I envisioned myself cooking for them, loving on them, hugging them, creating a nice home for them. From a very early age I had the desire to create a warm, inviting home for my family to rest in. It’s funny when I dreamed about my future family as a little girl, I longed to take of them. Keeping up with the laundry wasn’t a chore, it was one of the ways I could love on my family by making sure they had clean clothes.
Cooking dinner for them wasn’t a daunting task to do every night, it was serving yummy, food that would fill their bellies and hearts, knowing they are taken care of. It’s funny how those two dreams collided. Or maybe they were really both there all along co-exishting. There’s a song that reminds me of this dream often. In fact it’s titled “Dream” and it’s by Priscilla Ahn. In the song she reflects on who she was as a little girl, and the dreams she had. My favorite line in the song is when she says ” I asked God who I’m supposed to be, the stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie”, because it reminds me of all my talks with God as a kid. I would lay outside under a tree in our front yard and talk to God, and dream about who I would be when I grew up. Even though I have never heard him audibly speak back, I believe he confirms in our spirit, and there is a peace when something resonates deeply within us. 
I remember as a child, being taught by my mom the importance of taking care of a home in all the unseen duties. Even when she wasn’t teaching me something, she was leading by example. This ebb and flow of making our home warm and inviting. Having dinner together as a family, and making sure there were plenty of hugs. The details she would put into making our rooms nice, and decorating for christmas was so special. I believe as women and as moms we desire to equip our children and bless our families with our homemaking. Not a hurry do this, go there, attitude. Just barely surviving. But instilling in our children a greater calling in this life. Not to be over shadowed by media, and technology. That creating an environment in our homes that is inviting and comforting go hand in hand with equipping our families to go out and thrive. 
There are so many times I have spent doing the same chores day in and day out. Fluffing the pillows on our couch at the end of the day because they have all be sat on or thrown on the floor. Realizing that I’m not fluffing them because I want our living room to look perfect all the time, but I’m making the space inviting all over again for the next day, just so my kids will plop down and feel refreshed.
I see it in their faces when they’ve had some down time to rest in our living room. This great sense of comfort and security they feel, knowing they can be 100% themselves, and they will be loved and accepted just as they are. Or when my husband comes home from work and lets out that gentle sigh from a long day, but now he is home. A place where he can rest, relax and unwind from the day. 
Decorating our home isn’t just something I love to do. Don’t get me wrong I do love to decorate and with things that I love. Yet, the more important purpose behind it is to create an atmosphere that my family can be nurtured in. That even though I take careful thought into what goes into those spaces, our home isn’t meant to be idolized for the possessions inside it. It’s meant for a greater purpose. It’s so much more than four walls and roof over our head. God knew that I wanted to be a mom. That the desire to create inviting spaces was planted all those years ago when I was just a little girl laying under the tree in my front yard talking to the sky. 
When I look around our home, I feel refreshed because I have created an environment that inspires me and welcomes me to come in and rest. Something, that can often get overlooked in the busy everyday life. So the next time you think it’s silly to fluff those pillows, or buy that pretty frame that makes you smile, or re-arrange your furniture for a room re-fresh, remember that as much as we serve our homes, they are truly there to serve us. That they really welcome us in for refreshment, and offer us a place to rest and regroup, so we can put our best selves forward.
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Wow! I could have written this as this is how i have always felt ! I was a stay at home mom for some years while my 3 were little and i loved making my home comfortable ..inviting and loved! Now in my 60’s with grandbabys and a new husband i love creating an ever changing beautiful home . Thank goodness my husband lets me have free rein ! Thankyou for an inspiring read !
That is so Awesome!! I love hearing how much this resonates with others, I think that’s what it is all truly about. And in some way it encourages us, and reassures our souls that we are doing what we were meant to do! Thank you so much for leaving me a comment and letting me know! ~Bre
Dear Bre,
I write to you all the way from Australia. Your blog has been an inspiration to me as I have always been intrigued with the architecture and lifestyle of your part of the United States – so very different from my home in Wollongong, a small city about an hour south of Sydney. Our lifestyle is one of constant sunshine, beautiful beaches and tends to be pretty laid back. Growing up I always wanted to have a family and was blessed with a daughter and then a son who are grown and living healthy, happy lives travelling the world with their work, having been taken far afield of the parochial environment of their upbringing – although they both love to come home to the ‘gong’. I also became an English teacher, completing my career in the role of Deputy Principal. One of the things my students and staff always commented on was that I made my classroom, then my staff room – as a head teacher – and finally my office as a DP an inviting and homely place. Just as you said, Bre, a soft place to land. I have no idea why I am telling you all of this except to say that this post strongly impacted on me at a time of change in my own life and I think you are a truly delightful person who is probably unaware of just how many lives you touch.
Thank you, Bre, and God bless you,
Donna
Thank you SO much for sharing Donna! That is an amazing story, and what a beautiful testimony of impacting the lives of others around you in your corner of the world. I LOVE that so much, and am so glad you are here!! Thank you for stopping by and sharing, God bless you as well 🙂
Love your story and your dream. Thanks for sharing. May God continue to bless you and your family.
what a wonderful tribute this story was to your dreams and their fulfillment….
how great it is that girls today have so many avenues to pursue throughout their lives…but, to me, there is no greater, nor more important job, than to love and nurture one’s children…..my hope is that every mom starts out dreaming of being a good mom!!!! thanks for your prayers to God…. lynne richmond michigan
Thanks Lynne! I love the way you put that. No matter what we dream of doing, first and foremost to a be a good mom! That is so key 🙂
Oh, I feel the same way. My soul sings when I am puttering around the house making things cozy, comfortable and welcoming for my family. It’s when I feel most centered, at peace. Thank you for sharing.
YES! Exactly!! 🙂
This made me smile…I too, just wanted to be a mom. I wanted to do interior decorating too but never went to school for it as I wasn’t encouraged to do so and I lacked the confidence to do so on my own. Later, I did go to college but got a BS degree instead…never did anything with it because it wasn’t my calling! I love being a mom and even though my children are grown, I still want home to be a place they find comfortable and peaceful.
Your home looks so cozy and welcoming. You’ve done a wonderful job for your family!
That is so awesome Cecilia!! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so glad we share the same dream!!
Well hello Miss Bre,
So happy to learn you and I shared the same dream!
I’ve always known who and what I would be as an adult.
I remember very well my 9th birthday, the lady next door to us said, now that are are almost grown up do you know what you want to be? I said A Mommy. She said you can be a mommy and be something else too. I said, not if I want to do it right! Yes, I was a very judgemental and mouthy kid. Got me in lots of trouble.
Point is…I have always loved nesting, fluffing and sprucing my surroundings. Cooking, cleaning and kissing boo boos has a very real place in this world even if the world wants to deny it.
Blessings to you,
Minnie
That is just awesome!!! It’s SO great, and just knowing others felt/feel the same way, just confirms that much more to do what God has called us to do! Blessings to you!!
Your words speak to my heart…I’ve felt very much the same way and over the years I’ve felt the greatest compliment that anyone gave me about our home was how comfortable they felt when they are here. It’s a good feeling.
That is so great Marie!! It truly is the most wonderful feeling! xo
Thanks for your thoughts and a walk through you warm and cozy home.
Thanks for stopping by Marlene 🙂
Bre, I loved your story. Thanks so much for sharing from your heart. I agree with you. There’s nothing more important than being a mom who loves her children and husband and creates a home where they can relax and know that they are loved. That is a wonderful foundation that you are giving your family.
Thank you Bonnie!!
hey girl- love the post! My Mom always said that to that she just wanted to get married and have kids. And that is exactly what happened, of course she did work off and on growing up but she was always home when we were real little! Love all what you said in the post. so true. Thank you for being you Bre.
Thanks girl!!! Love having you here!!
Love this post. So wonderful to see a young woman who is so invested in her family and creating a warm, safe and nuturing space gor her family. In a world of “constantly” having a cell phone in hand, this is very refreshing.
Ohh thank you SO much Angela!! I couldn’t agree more 🙂
I can so relate to this post! I have always endeavored to make our home an inviting place to be, and I think that has resonated to my children with their own homes and families. Your home is very inviting, I just want to come over and have coffee and chat!
That would be SO much fun Lorree!!! I have a feeling our coffee chat would last well into late in the day!
Your blog post spoke to me this morning. I have had a successful and rewarding career as a teacher in our community. I was fortunate to be able to retire at a fairly young age. While I enjoyed my career, my heart first and foremost was dedicated to my family and home. Now that my children are independent young adults with homes of their own, they still enjoy coming home for family dinners and spending time together. The need to nurture and provide for my family remains a priority even in their adulthood. I believe this was fostered at a young age where home was their safe haven. Enjoy today. God bless..
That is SO amazing Kathy, and encouraging that the nurturing provided today will follow them into adulthood! Thanks for stopping by!
I love what you wrote in this post. It seems that you have a wonderful close net family. Your home is gorgeous and you make it very comfortable for your family. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Ivory!!
This is such a beautiful testimony of God giving us the desires of our hearts. Thank you for sharing your dreams with us.
Thanks Angie! It’s a blessing to share with you all as well 🙂
I love everything about this post! The idea of creating home as a haven for your family resonates with me and is something I try (not always successfully! :)) to keep as the main homemaking goal. Thank you for speaking truth and sharing your heart- much appreciated! 🙂
Ohh Thank you so much Heidi!! I love that this resonated with you as well!!
Hi, could you tell me where you got your navy and white buffalo check pillows? I don’t see them on the pillow site you mentioned. Thanks!
Yes! They are from Caitlin Wilson Design, and here is the link 🙂 https://caitlinwilson.com/products/navy-burnside-buffalo-check?variant=1219589560
Beautiful! I always wanted to be a Mom and wife. I think those things you do help the world. I have been married 46 years and have a son who is 39. A loving family this is and our 3 year old grandson is the proof! He will go far and the ripples will be felt. God bless you.
Stephanie Walters
That is awesome to hear Stephanie 🙂
Enjoyed your story. You were brave to keep your dream in your heart when so many others had different ideas. God has something for each of us and you are living your dream.
Thank you SO much Eleanor 🙂
Bre,
That was beautiful and exactly how I always have felt. I loved being a mom to four boys and making my home a comfortable and cozy place for them and anyone else who might come visit or stay with us. We didn’t have much money but being creative sure was a big help and working with what I had was kind of a fun challenge.
Now I’m a grandmother, and can pretty much do whatever I want with my home and I continue to make it their favorite place to be. God has blessed me big time and I’m so grateful!
That is so awesome Brenda!
I love this! Eloquent words that reflect my own heart. Thank you!
Thank you so much Diane!
This is a beautiful post! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Lisa!!
This was just lovely! Let me tell you, this time flies. It is good that you delight in it. My 26 years of mothering 4 boys will be over in the fall, and I realize just how quickly it went by. It was a great time, not easy, but great. God Bless you and your family. Thanks for this post.
GAH! I can’t imagine being at that stage. I feel like I’ve blinked from ages 2-6, so I’m trying extra hard to soak in every moment, and make time for them as well 🙂 xo
Love, Love, Love, this post!! I too, always wanted to be a mom. I also love interior design.! Enjoy your kids. Mine are grown and out of the home. Thank you for your pure honesty!
Thank you Nicole!! It’s refreshing to know others feel the same way 🙂