If I Were To Build

This writing is taken as inspiration from Oliver Jeffers' Book "What We'll Build". 
I am no Oliver Jeffers, but we are big fans. Whenever I read his book, I think of the home I want to create. While this is "if I were to build" - the truth is, this is what I want now. 

If I were to build a house, it would have a tin roof. When it rains, the TV is turned off; we make hot chocolate and light a candle, and the fireplace radiates warmth - as do our hearts. We would snuggle on the couch, listening to the rain. 

If I were to build a house, there would be a path to the front door; flowers would line it in pink, white, and yellow. Weeds intertwine with the flowers, reminding us that beauty and messiness coexist. We would remove the weeds together, proving we are committed to growth. We would remove what holds us back from growth.

If I were to build a house, it would be surrounded by trees, fairy gardens, and pinecones. It would have a little pond with fish. We would look for mini-mermaids that swim with the fish. On warm days, I would sprinkle glitter and leave love notes from the fairies. Magic always exists. 

If I were to build a house, every piece of furniture would be second-hand because everyone deserves a second chance. 
Baby photos would line with walls. Pictures of us smiling, laughing, maybe even crying - show all that has happened, giving us hope for what will come. 

The past would be stored in our hearts and minds like treasure. We would all carry hurt, but not as a burden, as our strength. There would be space to sit and showcase our strengths to each other, allowing us to celebrate all that has been accomplished. 

If I were to build a house, we would have cozy corners and loud corners because we all need moments of peace and when we need to dance. 

Lougeroom sleepovers would be regular, with movie nights and slow weekend mornings, where the only time we rush would be to get a coffee in our hands.

If I were to build a house, the TV would be in its own room. Our focus would be on each other when it's TV time; it's a time to bond, not disconnect. 
The main noises would be chatter, laughter and music. 

If I were to build a house, the doors would always be open. We'd call out to each other, declaring our love or that food was ready, telling each other that this was the happiest we'd ever been. 
Loud voices would only come from happy mouths.

In our house, we would fight to protect our family's peace. 
There would be calm amongst the chaos. 
Anger would be dealt with under a calm blanket. Insults would be foreign. 

If I were to build a house, we would be anxious to get home. It would be our soft landing at the end of a long day.
Every time we leave the house, we would feel confident because of the words spoken over us. 
No one would ever doubt their worth; they would be reminded daily. 

In our house, tissues are available in every room because tears are not only allowed but also encouraged. 

We would remember that in our house;
Triggers are real, and we can't predict them. 

In our house 
We aren't perfect
We don't expect perfect
We expect love
Respect
You can spill the milk
You can write on the walls
If you break something, we fix it
Together. 
In our house, we give second, third, and fourth chances
We say sorry when we hurt someone
Apologies are followed by action. 
In our house, all are welcome. I can't always promise the fridge will be full (because I'm still forgetful), but our hearts will be. 
In our house, we are learning to love, and we are loved.