Blue Jeans, BBQ, & Blue Prints Festival

Twanesia couldn’t be more excited for her baby girl, Skylar, to receive a playhouse. The moment she told her, the bubbly 3-year-old was ready to spread the news to everyone in the family. To Twanesia, home simply means “family,” and she hopes to pass that sense of warmth and love down to her little girl.

Skylar is a girly girl through and through—pink, purple, yellow, sparkles—if it glitters, she loves it! Twanesia laughed, admitting, “It’s the total opposite of me.” But that’s what makes it even more special—Skylar is her own little star, full of wonder and imagination.

A fairytale cottage is the perfect theme for her playhouse, bringing to life all the magic she adores. Skylar loves Tinkerbell, magic wands, fairies, pixies, unicorns, and anything Disney. A Peter Pan-themed playhouse will let her imagination soar, just like Wendy flying off to Neverland.

Twanesia hopes this playhouse will be a space where Skylar can dream, play dress-up, and create her own magical adventures. Most of all, she wants her daughter to keep embracing the joy and wonder of childhood, letting her imagination run wild in her very own enchanted hideaway.

For Andreale, home means peace and realness—“you know, a place where you can be yourself,” she shared. And that’s exactly what she hopes to pass on to her daughter, Serenity.

At just 4 years old, Serenity already knows what she likes: all things girly, bright fun colors, and the cutest animals—especially kittens and puppies. But this spring, something new stole her heart: the beach. After her very first visit, it quickly became her new favorite word. “Beach, beach, beach!” she says with excitement again and again.

So when Andreale learned about Habitat DeKalb’s Playhouse Build program from a coworker whose granddaughter was receiving one, she decided to give it a shot—and was ecstatic to hear Serenity would be getting one too! A beach-themed playhouse felt like the perfect way to celebrate Serenity’s adventure with sand and sunshine, and bring a bit of that magic home.

Andreale is still soaking it all in—feeling joy, gratitude, and amazement that her daughter gets this special experience. “I just want her to have more imagination,” she said simply. “A place where she can create more and more stories in her mind.”

Now, with her very own beach-inspired playhouse, Serenity will have a little oasis right outside her door—a place to be free, to play, and to dream big.

Monique loves her daughter, Brooklyn, and, like any parent, she wants the best for her. When she shared the exciting news about a playhouse, Brooklyn was hesitant to react. At 10 years old, she thinks she’s too big for one—but Monique knows it probably won’t feel real until it’s standing right in front of her.

What Brooklyn doesn’t realize is that this playhouse will be designed just for her—with her "big kid" interests in mind. Monique wants her daughter to experience more of her childhood and enjoy it while it lasts. Brooklyn has never had a space of her own, and while it may be called a playhouse, for her, it will be much more—it will be a place to call her own.

Brooklyn loves the beach, and Monique knows a beach house-themed playhouse would be the perfect home away from home—a space where she can relax, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace being a kid just a little longer. Since Brooklyn spends more time inside than out, Monique hopes this playhouse will encourage her to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and make memories in her very own space. And with green as her favorite color, there’s no doubt this playhouse will be made just for her.

For Monique, this isn’t just about a playhouse—it’s about giving Brooklyn a special place that’s all her own, a reminder that childhood is meant to be cherished.

For Tanisha, home has always meant love and family. Growing up in a house with 13 siblings, there was never a dull moment. She always dreamed of having a treehouse, a special place just for play and adventure. But with 14 children in the house, that dream never became a reality. Now, as a mother, she is overjoyed that her youngest sons, Chozen and Chance, will get to experience something she always wished for—a playhouse of their own.

Tanisha was familiar with Habitat DeKalb but was surprised to learn about the playhouse program. When she found out her boys would be receiving one, she couldn’t contain her excitement. “They love being outside,” she said, grateful that her younger children have the opportunity to play freely in a safe and fun environment.

She remembers a time when her older sons didn’t have the same chance. Living in an area where outdoor play wasn’t always possible, their time outside was mostly limited to extracurricular activities. But now, with Chozen and Chance growing up in a better environment, she’s thankful they’ll have a space of their own to run, imagine, and play.

A fire station-themed playhouse is the perfect fit for them. Naming it “C & C Fire Station” will make it even more special—where fun is always on duty! Since Chozen and Chance are just 1 and 2 years old, the playhouse will sit safely on the back porch, where they can easily and freely enjoy it.

Tanisha hopes this playhouse will be more than just a place to play—she hopes it becomes a space for her boys to build, create, and let their imaginations run wild. Watching them enjoy what she once dreamed of will be a full-circle moment, reminding her of the joy that comes with giving her children the childhood she always wanted.

Crystal has always known about Habitat for Humanity, but she had no idea about the playhouse program—until her mom encouraged her to apply. Now, she’s thrilled that her 2-year-old daughter, Felicity, will soon have a special space of her own.

For Crystal, home is more than just four walls. It means safety, happiness, love, family, quiet time, and security. Her backyard, once filled with towering trees, has changed over time as storms have taken their toll. But now, she’s excited to fill that space with something even more meaningful—a playhouse just for Felicity.

Felicity already has a car and a bike, but Crystal wants her to have a place to sit and play in the backyard with some shade. She hopes this playhouse will give her daughter a sense of independence—a space to call her own, where she can bring her teddy bears and host tea parties. Lately, Felicity’s favorite word is “mine,” so it’s only fitting that her playhouse will be just that—hers.

Felicity has a love for nature and the solar system, which will be reflected in every detail. The outside will be painted with the sun, clouds, trees, flowers, and animals, with planter boxes under the windows for real flowers. Inside, the walls will be decorated with the moon, stars, and planets—made even more magical with glow-in-the-dark paint for a colorful, groovy touch.

When Felicity sees her playhouse for the first time, Crystal knows exactly how she’ll react—her face lighting up with pure joy as she exclaims, “Mommy! Playhouse!”

Jazmine and Bryten have long admired Habitat for Humanity’s work. They know the difference it makes, and to them, home is more than just a place—it’s where family gathers. "It’s nice and cozy," Jazmine says. "Somewhere I can go and unwind, to disassociate from the chaos."

But right now, they’re keeping a special secret. They haven’t told their 4-year-old son, Prosper, that he’s getting a playhouse. They want it to be a surprise. And when the moment comes? Oh, for sure, his eyes are going to get very big. "He’s going to be so excited, saying, 'Mommy! Daddy! Thank you!'"

Prosper has a big heart for animals and dreams of caring for them. He already loves visiting his grandmother, who’s getting a few barn animals of her own—ones he’ll soon be able to interact with. That’s why a classic red barn-themed playhouse, complete with animals, grass, and flowerbeds for pops of color, will be absolutely perfect.

For Jazmine and Bryten, being able to do this for their son means everything. Finances are tight, and they often wish they could get him more toys to play with, especially since he loves being outside. But with this playhouse, he’ll have something even better—his very own barn, a space for endless adventures, and plenty of playdates with friends.

And the best part? Seeing the pure joy on his face when he realizes it’s all his.

Kaiden, 10, couldn't contain his excitement. He yelled and screamed with pure joy when his mom, Kawauna, told him that he and his younger brother, Knowledge, were getting a playhouse. For their family, Habitat for Humanity isn’t just an organization—it’s a legacy.

“It started with my grandma when I was five,” Kawauna shares. “Then my aunts, my big brother, my uncle—even my friend. One day, I’d love to own a Habitat home, too.”

For Kawauna, home means family. It means stability. It means hard work. It means ownership. And now, with a playhouse, she hopes her boys will experience the simple joy of being kids—of letting their imaginations run wild.

She encourages Kaiden to embrace the moment. “Many people look at a 10-year-old and think he’s too big for a playhouse, but he’s still a kid at heart,” she says. “He gets to be the big brother, the big kid, and I think a playhouse will keep that fun and bond between them alive.”

Kaiden and Knowledge share a love for Snoopy, Roblox, TikTok, football, baseball, basketball, STEM, and PS5 gaming. And when it comes to their favorite color? The whole family agrees—navy blue is the best.

Now, with their new playhouse, their Habitat story continues—one filled with laughter, play, and the joy of childhood.

Shenika can hardly contain her excitement. She’s holding onto a big secret—one she knows will bring pure joy to her sons, Sanquail, DeShaun, and Jason. Soon, they’ll have a playhouse of their own. And when they find out? She’s sure they’re going to scream with excitement.

For Shenika, home means one thing: safe. A safe place to be your most authentic self. A place where her boys can run free without worry. Having experienced homelessness when her oldest was younger, she’s determined to give her children the carefree childhood she once wished for—one filled with fun, imagination, and laughter.

Her boys are obsessed with all things trucks—especially pick-up trucks and fire trucks. “Oh! A fire station playhouse would be amazing,” she says, picturing the joy on their faces. And right now, they could really use that joy. Just four months ago, they lost their grandfather. Shenika hopes this playhouse will bring them comfort, giving them a special space to play, dream, and just be kids.

She is beyond grateful to Habitat for Humanity DeKalb for making this moment possible. Because for her, this isn’t just about a playhouse—it’s about giving her sons a place where they can create memories they’ll cherish forever.

Destiny has been dropping hints about a surprise, but six-year-old Sage has no idea just how big this surprise will be. Destiny can hardly wait to share the news—soon, they’ll have a playhouse where they can play together, laugh, and create special memories.

Sage is all about Barbie, pink and purple, flowers, butterflies—everything girly and fun. She recently fell in love with playing in the dollhouse Destiny put together for her, but this time, it’s different. This isn’t just a dollhouse—it’s a house she can actually step inside, bringing her Barbies along for real-life adventures.

For Destiny, home means being surrounded by family, loved ones, and simply having a good time. And this playhouse? It’s more than a place to play—it’s also a way to teach Sage how to care for her own space (since she tends to leave her toys everywhere). What more could a six-year-old ask for?

Destiny is beyond grateful for this opportunity. She knows this playhouse will bring so much joy, imagination, and fun into Sage’s world—turning playtime into something even more magical.

Sevyn is about to have a playhouse of her very own, and her family couldn’t be more excited! Her aunt Kowanna, who’s no stranger to Habitat DeKalb—subscribing to the newsletter, attending last year’s Blue Jeans, BBQ & Blueprints Festival, and signing Sevyn up for this special surprise—is definitely earning the title of Aunty of the Year!

When Hugh and Jennipher found out their daughter was chosen, they were surprised and thrilled. “It’s actually nice,” Hugh said. “We didn’t expect it, but we’re so grateful.”

For Sevyn, this playhouse is more than just a space to play—it’s her little world. She’s a huge Sesame Street fan, so naturally, her playhouse will be named Sevyn’s Street in honor of her favorite show. With Elmo and Abby as her favorite characters, this space will be filled with joy, imagination, and learning.

Hugh and Jennipher are true homebodies, and they love it that way. Their home is their bubble—a safe, warm place where family comes together. As Sevyn grows, they hope she holds onto the values Sesame Street teaches—kindness, caring, and friendship—lessons that will serve her well as she welcomes friends into her new playhouse.

The family enjoys watching Sesame Street with her, knowing it’s helping shape the kind, thoughtful little girl she’s becoming. Now, Sevyn’s Street will be a place where those lessons come to life, where she can learn, grow, and share the magic of childhood with those around her.