This morning, I woke up to the sweet sound of Missy and Boom playfully wrestling on the carpet. It’s funny how the chaos they create somehow feels like home. I made my way to the kitchen, still half-asleep, and poured myself a cup of coffee. As I watched the steam rise, I couldn’t help but think about how much I adore those simple moments. There’s something so *intentional* about starting the day with a warm drink in hand, especially when I know the peace of my little home is just waiting to wrap around me like a favorite blanket.
Sometimes I catch myself dreaming about what our home might look like one day, filled with laughter and the pitter-patter of little feet. I’ve been reflecting on how I can prepare for that beautiful life I feel Heavenly Father has in store for me. I’ve been inspired to cultivate a cozy, welcoming space, even if it’s just the two of us (and our furry companions) for now. It’s the little things, like freshly baked bread cooling on the counter or flowers from the farmer’s market brightening up the kitchen, that make all the difference.
Yesterday, I spent some time on Pinterest—oh, how I love that platform! I was looking up vintage-inspired kitchen decor and found the most charming ideas for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. I can picture it now: a farmhouse table adorned with seasonal centerpieces, perhaps a few hand-knitted table runners, and an abundance of homemade treats to share with friends and family. Jake always teases me about my Pinterest boards, but I think he secretly finds joy in my dreams, even if he insists on keeping his vegan burgers. I’m *definitely* not giving up hope that he’ll come around to hearty family meals one day!
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a good steward of the home we have now. It might not be the farmhouse I dream of, but it’s our cozy little apartment in the greater Los Angeles area, and I want to make it as peaceful and welcoming as possible. I’ve started incorporating more plants, which not only brighten up the space but also remind me of the gardens I hope to tend one day. I can already imagine the children running through a backyard filled with flowers and vegetables. It’s such a *beautiful* picture to hold in my heart.
Jake and I are definitely opposites in many ways, and sometimes I can’t help but wonder how our lives will blend together. He’s an atheist, politically liberal, and a vegan bodybuilder, while I find so much comfort in my faith and the traditions I hope to create. I know he’s kind and disciplined, and I admire that about him, but I feel a longing for a more traditional lifestyle that reflects my values. I pray often about how we’ll navigate our different beliefs and how I can be the kind of wife and mother I’ve always envisioned. I believe that Heavenly Father is preparing us for something beautiful together, even if it’s still unfolding.
As I scroll through social media, I see my friends sharing engagement photos and family milestones, and it tugs at my heartstrings. I’ll be honest, there are moments when I pause and think about how different my journey has been compared to theirs. It’s not that I want their lives; I just wish to understand why our paths look so different. I remind myself that God’s timing is perfect, and I’m truly working on trusting that. I can feel that He’s preparing me for a calling that’s beyond what I can see right now.
Every time I pray about my future, I come back to the same comforting thought: it’s all part of the preparation. I may not have children asking what’s for dinner yet, but I can learn to bake bread from scratch. I might not have a bustling homestead, but I can practice gardening in the little pots on our balcony. I feel a sense of purpose in these small acts of homemaking, and they bring me so much joy.
With the holidays approaching, I’ve been thinking about the traditions I want to create. I envision cozy evenings filled with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, family dinners that linger long into the night, and laughter echoing through our home. There’s something so magical about those moments, and I want to prepare for them now. I want to be the kind of mother who makes every holiday feel special and who fills our home with love and warmth. I keep reminding myself that each day is a step in that direction.
Jake often laughs when I talk about my dreams. He might not share all of my visions, but I think he appreciates my passion for them. I hope he feels how deeply I care about creating a peaceful and nurturing environment. I want him to know that it’s not about perfection; it’s about love, intention, and *gratitude* for the life we’re building together. And who knows? Maybe one day, he’ll even embrace those hearty meals I dream of serving at our table.
As I sit here reflecting on all of this, I realize that preparation isn’t a waste. It’s a journey filled with small, beautiful moments that make life rich and meaningful. I want to keep nurturing that dream in my heart, trusting that Heavenly Father is guiding us toward a future filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of a home that feels perfectly ours. I’m so grateful for the journey we’re on, and I look forward to the blessings that are on their way.
So, here’s to dreaming, preparing, and cultivating a cozy home—one day at a time.
XOXO,
Lissa