When we built our house 12 years, ago I fell in love with our kitchen island. It’s the perfect spot to bake cookies, have breakfast with our kids, and share a glass of wine during a family cocktail hour before holiday dinners. It’s everything I envisioned except for one thing…
It’s messy. All. The. Time.
It’s literally the first thing you see when you walk into my kitchen. And when it’s not picked up, I have an overwhelming sense of guilt like it’s a reflection of the rest of my house. It’s a jumbled mess of broken crayons, Play-doh chunks, mail I haven’t dealt with yet, random art projects and hopefully the start of a meal – complete with all the correct mis en plase.
It doesn’t matter how often I wipe it down or clean it up. The mail piles up, the kids’ school papers litter it like fall leaves on the ground (and most of the time as colorful, too!), and I barely have enough space to do anything.
But this year after a few minor home renovations (ahem…new HVAC and windows; isn’t being a homeowner the best?), my husband decided to surprise me with getting new kitchen countertops for Christmas. This meant a chance to redo and fix my beloved space. Working with a local company proved to be fun and walking through their warehouse to pick out our slab was a really neat process; knowing that the big unfinished piece would end up becoming a beautiful focal point in our home.
A friend commented how getting the new stone countertops is the most excited she’s ever seen me about a “rock,” with the exception of my engagement ring. I thought about her words and realized she was right. It’s funny though how many people request jewelry – earrings, necklaces, etc – for presents. Personally, I never remember jewelry; save my wedding and engagement ring that I never take off (except for running marathons and baking bread). While my engagement ring marks a wonderfully significant time in my life, this countertop does, too.
It means more memories with my kids. More meals to share as a family. More together time with those that I love having in my life. It’s a chance to enjoy our space and our time together as our kids get older.
Now, to just keep it clean… I’m sure those Play-Doh chunks and mail stacks won’t last forever, but while they’re there, at least we can be together enjoying our favorite place in the house.
