What Makes a House a Home?
Today was one of those days I wish I could rewind time. You know the kind—when something small sparks a memory, and suddenly you're tumbling down a slippery slope of moments and places that feel both vivid and just out of reach.
Lately, the idea of home has been on my mind. This will be the first summer none of our children will be with us. No dirty laundry piling up. No extra meals to prepare. No towering grocery bills. No lake days watching the kids surf. No reminders to reapply sunscreen or drink enough water. No one is coming home.
I catch myself chatting with young moms more often now. I’ve become that woman—the one gently saying, “Hold on to these moments, because you’ll blink and they’ll be gone.” If that ever happens to you, know it comes from a place of deep gratitude and joy for the years I’ve lived through.
For me, home has always been more about the people than the walls around us. I’ve lived in 22 different places—apartments, duplexes, houses. Each one, in its own way, was home. Growing up in a military family and then marrying into one, change became second nature. And with each move came the challenge—and gift—of creating a space that reflected our family, honored our traditions, and offered peace, comfort, and stability. Family photos filled the walls and surfaces. Mementos from our travels reminded us where we’d been, what we’d seen, and all we’d shared together.
A little over two years ago, we sold the last home we had all shared as a family and began our nomadic, DIY lifestyle. We bought a house in Auburn, Alabama, and another in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Fredericksburg house is our latest renovation, and it’s tiny! The house in Auburn is one we use as a short-term rental, but we just spent a week there—and it felt like coming home. The moment we arrived, a calm settled over us. Even the dogs seemed to exhale. Our 23 and 21 year-old boys spent time with us during the week, and I found myself doing what I love most: feeding hungry kids, relaxing together, and simply being Mom.
It hit me then—almost everything in that home, from the furniture to the smallest accessories, came from the last house we’d shared as a family. No wonder it felt so familiar. So grounding. So much like home.
This brings me back to the question:
What makes a house a home?
Is it the people alone, or the collected mementos that hold within them the familiarity of years gone by? Or is it simply a beautiful combination of both—the loved ones, the woven memories, the favorite pieces of decor, and the hope of the future promised in each new day to come?
As we move into the summer months, no matter what that looks like for your family—whether you're chasing little ones, welcoming your no-longer-babies back from college, or simply enjoying some peaceful moments at home—my prayer for you is that you feel the love of Jesus, embrace your loved ones, and create the kind of special memories that continue to make a house your home.
And if you're looking for a little something to help set the scene for those summer memories—whether it's a cheerful new accent for your home, a thoughtful gift, or just something fun to celebrate the season—we've got some fresh new arrivals waiting for you. Come take a peek and find a piece that helps make your summer moments even sweeter.
