When adding a little Christmas in the kitchen, I found myself mentally making a list of things I’d like to change or fix. Touch up chipped paint on the cabinets, remove the peninsula and add an island, redo the backsplash...
This state of discontent could have gone on for an hour, but for for some reason, right there in the middle of my list making, I had the thought: is my kitchen, with all her faults, really the heart of my home?
The list maker in my head quieted as I reasoned, the kitchen is the most functional room in the house, with all of it’s nuts and bolts, appliances and gadgets. But it takes more than nuts and bolts to give a room heart.
And while cooking and dishwashing and stocking a fridge are functions of the kitchen, those things are more than just functional. Preparing food is more than preparing food. It has the potential to be an expression of love, sustaining not just our bodies but our souls as well.
While adding little holly wreaths to my chalkboards, sweet memories lined up and one by one they swept me away…
All the Sunday suppers we’ve had here. I could almost see us…Mike, the kids and grandkids finishing out the weekend together.
Laughter and good food and stories…always stories.
Tiny granddaughters standing on a chair to help me finish up the cooking…
Holding my camera steady for this shot, I smiled thinking of how many friends and family manage to crowd into this small space. During our extended family get-togethers, everyone wants to be right here, cradling their mugs of coffee and having three or four conversations at one time. That sound, the laughter and talking over one another is music and here in the silence, I can almost hear it.
And this sink! Oh how I love her when she’s clean and empty like right now. But I also love washing stacks of pots and pans on Thanksgiving eve while Mike makes dressing and gravy enough to feed 35…
Here’s the peninsula, the one I’ve been wanting to remove, but come to think of it, this has been the just-right spot for lots of heart to heart talks. Me standing on one side and a daughter sitting across, while we hashed out hard things over coffee, usually ending with a prayer. I wonder how many prayers whispered at this bar, have been answered…
So many memories in this room. So much of life happens right here… With all it’s practicality, and all the imperfections, I’m loving the heart of our home a little more right now…
If you ever feel discontent with your home and find yourself making a list of things to change, give your memories a few minutes, they might just quiet the list maker in your head.
And let’s inspire each other on Pinterest! HERE!
And if you are in the mood for more Christmas I’ve got ya covered…
it’s the perfect holiday kitchen Robin. I feel quite content looking at it! 🙂
Thanks so much Laura…Merry Christmas friend xo
I think your kitchen is beautiful and perfect just the way that it is, Robin! All of your Christmas touches are just right and so sweet. Thank you for sharing your sentiments and memories with us. That’s what makes our houses a home, but I know that you already know that.
Suzy – thank you so much for your sweet words about my kitchen…Merry Christmas friend xo
Robyn, yes, it is so easy to see all the faults we want fixed. I’m so glad you saw past those and shared the memories you are making in your kitchen. I love the tiny wreaths and chalkboards on the hood.
Thank you Kim…Merry Christmas friend xo
Your kitchen is so beautiful. I dream of having white subway tile in ours. I also love your hood. So full of Christmas cheer!
thanks so much Danielle – Merry Christmas friend xo
Beautifully said Robin! So true we get caught up in wanting everything so perfect! And your kitchen looks cozy and inviting! The best memories are made in the kitchen!
Love your touches of greenery in your beautiful kitchen, Robyn! Thanks so much for joining the tour!
Jennifer, thank you so much for letting me be a part of the tour…Merry Christmas friend ox
Robin, your kitchen is gorgeous! Love the simple yet beautiful touches you’ve added!
Anne, thank you so much my friend xo
One thought came to me as I read this:
A kitchen can be a holy place.
Yours is.
xoxo
I love your kitchen ….because there is so much love that goes into everything you do
in your kitchen ! I like the way everyone gravitates to the kitchen to talk or help in some way.
I believe it stirs memories of past Holidays or other get-togethers of Family and Friends sharing
a special time together! You are always such a gracious hostess and give special attention to
every detail so the occasion is full of good food, laughter and fun ! Merry Christmas 2015 !
Brenda, isn’t it funny how we all manage to cram into the kitchen when we’re together!!!??? I can’t wait to see you Saturday xo love you~
Hi Robin, thanks for sharing your Christmas kitchen memories and decorations. No doubt the kitchen is the heart of the home and it does seem that more memories are made there than in any other room…at least in my home.
And I really love the 3 wreaths of decreasing size gracing the front of your white shelves. Lovely.
Have a great day, Lynn