I want to have the type of home that Thanks God before every meal.

I want to have a cookie jar always filled with cookies and I want to see little hands reach into that cookie jar...even if I have to swat them away.

I want to have a big comfortable place for the people that I love to gather...to laugh, to cry, to share, to relax.

I want to have a home that always has a bottle of wine and an open door for my friends.

I want to have a bedroom that forces me to relax...that spoils me a little...that helps me think and recharge.

I want to decorate in teals, and pinks and purples and taupes and I want to have flowers...lots of 'em.

I want to see pictures all around my house and with those pictures, I want to stop and consciously think of the memories that follow, every chance I get.

I want to have tons of cookbooks in my kitchen, because the love that goes into trying a new recipe is worth the extra dishes and busy dinner-prep.

I want to remember Holidays and celebrate them...from Halloween to Christmas...and Valentine's Day to St. Nick's and everything in between. Because you doesn't love a celebration? And that is what makes family traditions...and my girls deserve that.

I want my home to be an open place. A place where all feelings are allowed. A place where it is safe to express yourself. For yes, times can be good. But times can also be hard and I want my home to be a place of comfort in those times.

I want big elaborate dinners with lots of dishes and fancy china for no reason.

I want pancakes on a wednesday, just because.

I want a big ol' jar to put happy memories in so that when those times are tough I can read them and there will not be an excuse in the world not to smile.

I want to drink wine from big, oversized and indulgent wine glasses and have my girl friends over for martini's and margaritas...in overly fancy glasses too, just because we can.

I want to paint and I want to paint in girly girl pastels.

I want a fridge full of pictures and and pantry full of goodies.

I want to do more things myself...like handpainting a rocking chair...or making an ottoman. It makes me feel proud to have worked hard and that's a nice way to feel.

And most importantly, I want my girls to have a home where they feel loved. Where dishes are never more important than snuggles and laundry never more important than a nice hot bath.