Special Touches in My Home?

When the girls went upstairs for naptime yesterday, I started thinking, "What can I clean up around here to take a picture of as a 'Special Touch'?"

When I visit other people's homes, I always appreciate the sight of burning candles (remember, I can't smell), a beautifully decorated mantel (we don't have a fireplace), or a fancy coffee station or bar area stocked with fancy margarita glasses.

Right now, our home says "cluttered, messy family with a preschooler, a toddler, and a dog lives here."

No, this isn't a crime scene. Just the aftermath of a lively session of Polly Pockets playtime.

Small toys seem to be the main decoration around here lately.

I don't have a custom bar or a fancy coffee/espresso station, but we do have one of the best stocked sippy cup stockpiles around.

There's always a sippy cup available for our small guests.

No gourmet lemon mascarpone layer cake here today. But we will share a homemade Rice Krispie Treat with you. The girls helped make these!

I don't have any expensive artwork in my home, but I do have two budding artists who like to display their work liberally on my fridge.

So, here's the deal.

We're in a stage of life where it is really difficult to have a perfectly manicured home. As much as I'd love to walk into a magazine photo every morning, it's just not reality.

These photos might not seem like special touches to most readers, but they are reminders that God has blessed me with two sweet little girls and a husband who works hard to provide for us.

I could complain that I don't have a gorgeous fireplace with a mantel to decorate for Christmas; or I could rejoice that I have friends who like to come over with their kids so we can sip a homemade café mocha or sample an Easy Chocolate Croissant.

It makes my heart smile when I can welcome friends and family into my house (after picking up the Polly Pockets, of course), knowing that it might not be my dream home.

I can work to demonstrate a welcoming attitude, even though I might not be able to offer every neat Special Touch that I'd like. I can do my best with what I have: showing my family I'm proud of them by displaying special photos or artwork, welcoming guests with yummy treats and a listening ear, or making sure my childrens' playmates enjoy their time in our home.

Because I think warmth and friendliness are the most Special Touches that you can have!

"He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home." 

-Goethe

I hope this encourages you today if you're in the same stage of life as I am. One of the reasons I just love Richella is that she has a real heart of encouragement for moms of any age and stage. I bet she's probably been in my shoes...maybe you have too.

{Happy Friday, friends. Enjoy your weekend and share some love with your family!}

Linking to Southern Fried Dreams and Imparting Grace. They're asking bloggers to share ways they've added Special Touches to their houses to make them homes.