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Saturday, January 16, 2010

MY HUSBAND - I THINK I'LL KEEP HIM!

Look what my sweet husband did tonight! (I know, you've never seen my kitchen island so uncluttered-I only see it this way twice a year!) He oiled the island countertop. I love that he does that, and that I don't have to do it. This countertop has a story to tell, and I'm going to tell it (again)! If you've been reading my blog since it's beginnings, you can skip this part, because I've told this story before (unless you're as old as I am and forget what you've read).


When we were remodeling our home, I told my husband that I wanted to try to get teakwood for the island countertop. I couldn't find it in my area, so I called my husband's uncle, who is a woodworker in South Carolina. He said he didn't have any teak, but he had a huge slab of mahogany and that it would hold up well in a kitchen. Of course, when he told me the price, I knew I was in trouble. Our remodeling expenses had added up, and I had not budgeted nearly enough to get that mahogany from him. Months later, my husband telephoned me to tell me he was at the house, and I needed to come talk to the contractor about a question he had. When I arrived, his aunt and uncle were there from S. C., and there was this gorgeous mahogany countertop on my island. It was his anniversary gift to me! (He may not have known he was going to get stuck with oiling it twice a year, but he does it without complaint.)
Tonight, as I helped my dear husband unload the island countertop (interpretation: looking for places to set all of that stuff), I remembered a couple of other times my husband had surprised me. Once, we were in an antique store, when I spotted some dishes that I thought were charming. I kept picking them up and looking at them. The store owner said they were a "breakfast" set. My husband asked if I was going to buy them, and I told him they were too expensive. They were my surprise Christmas present that year.

Another time, in an antique store (yes, my husband goes to antique stores with me!), I said, "Oh! look at that Quimper". My husband replied that he would look at it if he knew what it was he was supposed to be looking at. I showed him 6 Quimper plates and a Quimper serving dish. He was picking up the pieces as I was giving him a condensed history of Quimper as well as a history of my fascination with it. Those pieces were my surprise Christmas present that year. (The antique dealer later told me how impressed he was that my husband knew what Quimper was and especially that he pronounced it correctly!)
I think I am one lucky lady. I love him, and I do think I'll keep him for as long as he'll have me! Thank you for coming to visit my blog. laurie

51 comments:

Four Paws and Co said...

He's such a sweet & thoughtful guy but then he's married so such a sweet & thoughtful lady! ☺♥☺

susan said...

Laurie-Maybe he saw you writing "Heating Ourselves Up in the Bedroom" and thinks you have plans :)! Your counter top is beautiful. I think mahogany is the most beautiful wood--and it looks even better all oiled up! Sometimes they are listening even when we think they're not--He's a keeper!

artis1111 said...

I would love to have an island in my kitchen!!!Our kitchen is too small even for the smallest island. I have a large bowel, from my mom , that looks to have that kind of design. I will take a photo and send the photo to you to see if that is what it is. Kathy

artis1111 said...

I would love to have an island in my kitchen!!!Our kitchen is too small even for the smallest island. I have a large bowel, from my mom , that looks to have that kind of design. I will take a photo and send the photo to you to see if that is what it is. Kathy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey Laurie,
I don't think I have missed posts but I can't remember the island one. So cool, I love that mahoghany and oiling it twice a year is a job and he is a keeper for sure!!! Course, you knew that already! The top dishes made my heart pitter patter. Not that many do but those are just fabulous~ Hubby is a very smart cookie too!!!!! Hugs, Cindy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Laurie,
I just left a comment on your previous post too. Hugs, Cindy

Candy said...

Sounds like a keeper to me too!
What a rich looking island...the gift that keeps on giving...and giving...rubbing & rubbing. Bless his little heart!
And the dishes of stage coach travel are quite charming as are the others. I had never heard the word before...Quimper. I guess I've been stuck in the woods too long.
Thanks for stopping by and see ya soon. Oh yeah, loved the snow pictures. We never have it like that here...makes it truly look like a wonderland!
Warm Saturday Blessings ;-)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Girl does the BOSS know about this Husband ha ha!! Yes he's a keeper for sure Laurie...any man that can remember anything a wife tells him is a keeper...Hope you have a day day my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, he sounds like a perfect DH. I am glad he spoils you and gives you great gifts, you so deserve it. Love the island and it is gorgeous all freshly oiled. Hope you gave him a big hug and kiss. Hugs, Marty

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

He's a keeper! That island is soooo gorgeous!

Manuela

Kathysue said...

Laurie,you are one lucky lady for sure but he is one lucky man. Your counters are gorgeous, I love the patina of wood I think I would be running my hand over your counter all day. Gorgeous, Thank you for coming by my blog and leaving such a warm welcome and sweet comments, It means a lot to me, Hugs Kathysue

xinex said...

You know he'll keep you forever since you have been trying to fire you from the office and he won't fire you, lol. He sure is a keeper. What a wonderful hubby, Laurie. You are so lucky. Those gifts are so pretty and that countertop looks amazing! What kind of oil did he use?...Christine

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Oh yeah, he is definitely a keeper!! Your island is stunning and I LOVE the story behind it! And don't you just LOVE a husband that pays attention??

Have a great weekend!

Lou Cinda

Treasia Stepp said...

Yeah, he's a keeper that one. My Trucker loves to go antiquing with me as well. One of the things we have in common.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love the counter top! He definitely sounds like a keeper. :)
Have a great weekend.

Sue said...

Laurie, I do indeed believe you have a KEEPER there! I have a jewel like you and decided a long time ago I would keep my jewel too. I so enjoyed this post.
I also read your last post, and could have written it myself. I find that I am always apologizing on my blog to and have been lovingly chastised from time to time.

I also have found that people can be insensitive from time to time. since getting a comment recently about some of my previous post being non creative, I now wonder what to post about. LOL I guess you might say I have writers block. LOL

What this person didn't know was that I already felt uncreative. LOL
So I have decided to laugh instead of crying.
I do so enjoy your post, so keep it up.
Blessings,
Sue

Sarah said...

Laurie, what a thoughtful post about a most thoughtful husband. I've been surprised a few times with something that I saw and left behind. It's a wonderful feeling because it shows that one's spouse does listen and pay attention. I'm thrilled to know you have a husband like this. You deserve him! Keeping each other close even when you are apart is my motto.
Thanks for sharing this post. The gifts are fab! ~ Sarah

Cindy J. said...

I always meant to ask you about your quimperware..and now I know and the story couldn't be sweeter. What a wonderful love story..you know your kitchen is my most favorite ever! Love, Cindy

ellen b. said...

That island is just beautiful. I love wood! Hats off to your good husband!!

Decor To Adore said...

He is a keeper for sure Laurie! I hadn't heard the story and it just melted my heart!

Coloradolady said...

What a sweetheart you have.....made me smile.....

Robin said...

**swoon** Such a special husband you have!

I LOVE your countertop! We thought long and hard about a wooden island countertop, but I was so scared I would mess it up. If we ever remodel, I will definitely look into it!

{{HUGS}}

Robin :o)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, you are truly very blessed. Remember and cherish these times, they fly by to quickly. I would give anything in the world for Mr. P to remember the little things he used to do and enjoy.. You definetly have a keeper.. you are soooo fortunate.. hugs ~lynne~

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

You are a lucky lady. My husband often goes back to CB and buys me something I have been drooling over...sometimes, I have learned to control my liking of something when I know, we can't afford it...cuz he would try his best to get it for me! I love that Breakfast set...and my hubs...he does my Granite twice a year for me too!

Lisa said...

Laurie,
That is really cool!!!!!!!!!! I think your a very lucky lady indeed. I just love all of your collections. I'd love to spend a day just walking around your house looking. Lisa

vignette design said...

Laurie,
You definitely are lucky to have such a great guy! I love that he goes antiquing with you--so does mine! Your island countertop is just gorgeous and it looks like your hubby intends to keep it that way. His Christmas gifts to you are so sweet. I think he knows what a lucky guy he is too! Enjoy your weekend. --Delores

Mitzi said...

You have a very thoughtful husband. I suspect he is very lucky too. Loved reading your story.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It's a beautiful countertop. WOW!
You have such beautiful collections.

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Laurie, What a sweet, sweet man you have! :) The counter top is gorgeous!!!

I read your post below! I can't see how anyone could say you were just taking up space! I love all your stuff! You have some really neat things, and always create beautiful vignettes and tablescapes with them! And you are one of the kindest and sweetest bloggers I know! You keep right on being "you!" I do know how you feel, though. I've considered just shutting my blog down several times, because I don't really know where I fit in. And I don't feel adequate or interesting compared to many blogs! Oh me, I just don't know! And then I have many people who browse my blog according to the site meter, but don't leave comments, and I think...did they hate the post & have nothing nice to say??? LOL! But I'm going into my second year of blogging, so I keep hanging on! Hope you will too! :)
~hugs, Rhonda

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

I read one time that for a woman the sexiest part of a man's anatomy is his ears --- when she knows that he has truly listened to her! I think your post confirms that. Yes he sounds like quite a "keeper" -- although I'm certain from his loving listening he would say that you're no "throw back" yourself!

And we're all saying -- "Awwwwwhhhh! How sweet!"

Melissa Miller said...

Everything is soooo gorgeous! Laurie your husband is a wonderful man. You are a blessed couple!

Thank you for your kind words today. They meant the world to me sweet friend. :)

Lynda said...

Yes...definitely a keeper! My hubby would have said, 'Oh, don't you have enough dishes?!!' lol!!
Gorgeous island, Laurie! You and your hubby both did good!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello sweet friend...

Just stopping in to say hello and see what you've been up to! Busy little bee you are...and sounds like honey (as in the two legged type) has been busy too! Hehe! What a sweet man...to have surprised you with that beautiful mahongany island countertop...it IS GORGEOUS!!! Loved the photo with it all oiled down! Now...I don't think I've ever seen your "breakfast set" of dishes...I love them!!! Sooo pretty! And of course, I have seen your Quimper...in fact, you are the first to have taught me about those fabulous French dishes!!! Anyway, I enjoyed seeing all of your pretties and I totally agree with you about your honey being the best (well, after my honey, of course!) God has really blessed us with such dear, sweet husbands! I'm very thankful!!!

Well my friend, I also read your "apologizing" post and just wanted to say that...Darlin', I love you just the way you are!!! Never change!!! You truly are one of the sweetest and dearest ladies that I've ever met! I'm so very proud to call you friend!!!

Love you,
Chari

Anonymous said...

We are so blessed with such wonderful husbands!! I don't let my DH know near enough how much I appreciate him and you just reminded me so - thank you!

blessings
mary

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie, thanks for stopping by my hobby room makeover in progress.

I love that your husband not only notices items you would like, but remembers to get it for you. A real keeper. My hubby is wonderful and does so many thoughtful things for me, but he really needs some help in the 'gifts my wife would love' area.

The Kramer Angle said...

Aww, your husband is definitely a keeper! Sweet stories!

Diane at Crafty Passions said...

That wood is gorgeous wow I love it , looks so rich !
Love the breakfast set and the stories that go with them
Your hubby he IS a keeper !!
Were going to eat applesauce tomorrow for breakfast NO juice involved !!!LOL !!!
Diane

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Oh Laurie, your hubby is a keeper for sure! What a doll to do these things for you! But, I have a sneaking suspicion that you are full of sweet surprises for him too!

Unknown said...

Laurie,
He sounds like a keeper! What a wonderful husband, it sounds like he loves you very much. You are blessed. I love your kitchen, and those dishes are beautiful.
Karen

Anonymous said...

What a guy, but he's lucky too. Great post! Sue
and ps you didnt appologize once, ha!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! Oh, what a beautiful countertop and what a very sweet and thoughtful husband you have!

Now I just read your apology post.
Oh, Laurie, you are so special to me and you DO have much to share! I love coming to your blog and love your posts! You know, I don't really remember you apologizing! :) When I come to see you, I feel your warmth and love of life and your wonderful things. Not to mention, coveting just a bit! :)
Don't ever stop blogging. Blogland needs you! I have nothing to share but my silliness, but I'm staying put!!

Thanks for being my friend and you are a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

The Painted Garden said...

Hi Laurie,

Oh my goodness - your mahogany counter top is fabulous. I loved reading about your loving husband and the lovely surprise gifts he has given you.
Sending you warm wishes for a Joyful New Year.
Blessings,
Erin

Cass @ That Old House said...

Isn't it grand to have a "keeper" of a husband? I have one of those too! Tomorrow, he's oiling our soapstone countertops again.

Your mahogany counter is stunning, and I love that little round sink; so cute! Gorgeous kitchen!

(I am not sure my husband knows what Quimper is, let alone how to pronounce it. But he's a keeper anyway, and will also go antiquing with me. we are lucky gals.)

Cass

Ginny said...

You know, I thought I had the last of the good guys, but your husband sounds a lot like mine. I have been drooling over the Johnson Bros. "friendly village" dishes for so long, that on my birthday, my hubby gave me money to start a collection. We are so blessed to have such thoughtful wonderful spouses!! Loooove the counter top.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie! What a sweet husband! And thanks for another peek at your Quimper ware...you know I love it! I have to tell you that while I was working on my black and white toile bedroom, I googled images with those words for a little inspiration and guess what came up? Your lovely bedroom! And then you featured it in your tablescape! It's famous! Happy Sunday!...hugs...Debbie

Anonymous said...

I am new to your post so I enjoyed hearing the story for the first time. I think you have a real "keeper." He sounds like a very intuitive husband...and they are hard to find!

Lisa said...

Your DH is definitely a keeper! I love the story about your countertop. What a wonderful gift and how great is it that you get to see and use it everyday!

Dawn Marie said...

its so beautiful and what a neat husband. I love your home..and I love seeing your pictures, it is such a warm loving place.

Kathleen said...

Oh, he sure is a keeper! And how DO you pronounce Quimper? I have only heard about it from you!

Now I have a question....does he read your blog?
Mine has never set eyes on mine..
So I could post about the huge diamond I just bought myself, and he would never know..(kidding of course..about the diamond..it was just a few dishes at TJMaxx..:) )

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Laurie...

I love your countertop.......but especially your sweet hubby stories. What a special fella to really listen, then buy things for you that he knows will delight you. So, so special. I love Quimper too....dont' have a single piece, but it's sooo special, isn't it?

Hugs,
Spencer

GardenOfDaisies said...

Hooray for husbands who pay attention to what you like and then go and get it for you as a surprise! He sure is a keeper!