Hello, friends. I hope you are all doing well.
Like you, my heart is breaking for the lost lives in CT. All weekend my thoughts and prayers have been with the parents, the teachers, the families, all those affected by the tragedy. Every time I think about what each parent must be going through right now, I am blinking back tears and mourning.
This afternoon while everyone was napping, I went into the kitchen and started some bread. While I listened to the gentle rain outside, I felt so very thankful for my two little girls, tucked safely in their beds. There is not a second that goes by that I am not thankful for them, but it is certainly times like this we're reminded to hug those we love a little tighter.
When Jillian woke up we thought we'd put together a light Sunday supper of bread, fruit and cheese to nibble on.
We enjoyed corralling everything together on this bread board that Justus made for me yesterday. We had some old barn wood planks laying around and one of them was just the perfect width to use for making one.
I love the patina of the old wood and the fact that it was made with a loved one's hands. I know I'll treasure it forever.
Yesterday I took some photos of Justus making the bread board... it's really quite simple if you have the tools (or at least it looked it from my end - smile) and it doesn't matter if it isn't perfect... to me that just adds to its appeal.
(I am glad with the rain today that we spent plenty of time outside yesterday playing... I love Saturdays with my sweet family.)
Justus measured the plank to desired dimensions and cut with a jigsaw. He was concerned that the board wasn't perfect, but I assured him that it didn't matter one bit to me.
Then he sanded the board until it was very smooth and applied a butcher block oil. You can see here that the plank originally might have had some water damage.
We used this butcher block oil by Watco, which is completely food safe. I plan to use this on my butcher block countertops here soon too.
We simply followed the instructions on the back of the oil and rubbed it in with a soft, clean cloth. The oil darkens the wood beautifully and shows its wonderful character.
Oh, you had such a perfect sounding weekend. I love that bread board. Lucky you to have a piece of wood for it. He did a great job on it and boy that bread looks yummy. Yes, hug those girls a little tighter.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteLovely words at a difficult time. So much sadness. Yes we need to give thanks. Thanks for our families and our children, safe at home. Life is so fleeting. Thank God for little things like blogs that we can vent and create and escape and find comfort and strength.
Your butcher block is so awesome. It doesn't seem that difficult to do. Thanks for the great photos and ideas.
God bless,
Lisa
Leeshideaway.blogspot.com
Your handmade bread board looks perfect to me. Sweet of your hubby to make it for you. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the bread board!! Rustic and perfect for a cottage kitchen :)......On another note, as a parent, it is so difficult to hear of such tragedies, all I kept thinking was the parents who found out their children were fine but what about the parents who did not have the same outcome, I could not possibly fathom the loss of one of my own and it completetly breaks my heart. I too have been praying for the lost loved ones as well as the children who witnessed this awful occurance and ways this has affected them......On another note, I wish you a wonderful holiday season, Xo, Ashley
ReplyDeleteI love your breadboard and it is all the more special because your hubby made it. Blessings to you and those babies- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to have my husband make me a bread board some day here soon. I love the rustic look of them and how special to have yours made by a loved one:) I love your simple dinner...we had almost the same thing ourselves. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI join you in prayers for the families and community in Newtown during this very difficult and sad time. I also join you in thankfulness for my own children as well as all children with whom I am privileged to know. They are a gift from above. Thank you for this beautiful post. The images and thoughts you shared are so touching and soothing to the weary heart. I will again say that the photos of your sweet daughters hands helping you in the kitchen are some of my favorites. I hope that you and your family have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post.....there are no words to describe the senseless tragedy in CT but you said it well when we need to be thankful and hold tighter the ones we love. The breadboard is beautiful and I'm sure you will treasure it for years to come. I'll have to ask my hubby to make me one :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the bread board. I'll get me some of that butcher block oil.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Just a simple Saturday with your family to enjoy and cherish the memories, as simple as the bread you made and shared. A day better than any.
ReplyDeleteThe bread board looks great ! I think all of us that are parents looked at our precious Childern different this weekend !
ReplyDeleteReading about a mom making bread and a dad making the breadboard, then preparing a wholesome dinner with their children, is exactly what we need now. We need you to reaffirm that there is goodness and simplicity in our world. Thank you for a sweet post!
ReplyDeleteI think we all want to hug the children in our lives a little tighter today. It really is a gift to be able to enjoy quiet moments with your family.
ReplyDeleteFabulous bread board!
oooh lucky you, a homemade bread board, it's wonderful!! After this weekend, I think we'll all be hugging our families just a little tighter!
ReplyDeletelove your bread board, andrea:) hugs and prayers to ct...
ReplyDeleteYour breadboard is PERFECT, Andrea! Love how you used it to serve your delicious looking bread and fruit.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Hi - I love the bread board. I would love to have your bread receipe.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy
Your post made me sigh, and smile.... and brought peace today. Thanks for that!!! Wonderful bread board you lucky girl!
ReplyDeleteThe simple things in life are what truly makes us happy....the smell of fresh baked bread and the laughter of children...and the thoughtfulness of a loved one making something truly special for you....I loved reading this in this very sad time for us all...Just love to hear the laughter of my granddaughter....will never take that for granted!
ReplyDeletewhat a beautifle page , i like ur blogs and pictures ..
ReplyDeleteI wonder if u could tell me what lens did u use here ?
good luck and keep it up
Lovely post Andrea. You are truly blessed and the best part is that you realize and appreciate it. You know...you and Justus could go into business making those bread boards. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bread board! And what a simple, lovely supper.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to make for you, who bakes and cooks so much for your family. Hug those beautiful girls close. Such a tragic time.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Such a clever husband, he's a keeper! That cutting board is really perfect with that glorious patina. I agree that I like my girls tucked in bed or at least home, knowing they are safe, especially when bad stuff is happening in the world.
ReplyDeleteFeeling at times guilty of some of my daily or holiday pleasures, since this tragic event. My heart breaks for these families that have lost their loved ones to such a senseless act. One never knows from day to day what life might bring us. Its getting to the point where one can be vulnerable anywhere, such as a mall, a school, a rally for a candidate, a movie theatre. So sad. Through all this, alls we can do is appreciate each other alittle more, always remember to say "I love you" and pray.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your blog and all it brings. The beauty of family, home, a peek at your community, and all the beautiful photography that shows even tiny hands on a beautiful breadboard made with love. Andrea, you are truly blessed.
P.S. Is Justus taking any special orders? It looks to be good size. I love it! Thats something I still have been wanting, a good size cutting board. They make great serving pieces. Maybe next we'll see a picture of a holiday cheese array on it?
Great photos. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, handy wonderful husband, pretty girls...but yum yum in regards to the bread :) I used to make a white challah bread alot when my boys were young, and then another favorite was a honey-wheat bread. It was harder to make as the dough was stickier but it was oh so good. There is nothing like warm, fragrant homemade bread coming out of the oven, is there ? Your post made me hungry :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Andrea! Feeling so blessed for the smallest of things this holiday. Thank you for the how to for the bread board, your husband makes it look so easy:). Have a great day, Jen
ReplyDeleteI have a great idea. If he feels the need to practice anymore, let him know that I am willing to be a guinea pig for him. I think he did an incredible job and I would love to have him make me one. (I would buy it from him) Tell him to keep it in mind if he feels like making another one.
ReplyDeleteYou two are the most talented couple ever.
Showed my husband the post and now I'm going to find a board in the garage. This would also make a nice Christmas gift tied with a red bow and greens....especially if it had a homemade loaf of bread and jam.
ReplyDeleteLove this project! Thanks!!
I was just thinking the other day that I would love to find an old wooden cutting board - to use as a serving tray. This is my dream board - love the patina of the old barn wood
ReplyDeleteKelly