6/21/08

I Like to Think ...


I like to think that simplicity is okay.

I like to think that the simple things in life, like working in the kitchen making “Friendship Bread” are not only memories that we are creating, but that it bonds my daughter and me closer together.


Most readers have probably been given a batch of “starter” for Friendship Bread, along with the directions. These bags have come in to my home on and off for years. You can Google what the bread actually is, and the different ways of making it.

What I love about this story is that the idea of making loaves of bread for our “neighbors” was completely my daughter’s idea. I thought to myself, “are you sure? It’s one more thing to do!” (A sign of a tired mom.) But she was adamant that she wanted to do this.

So we worked in the kitchen together. I was making our son’s birthday dinner – she was making Friendship Bread.

It came out of the oven, all 8 loaves, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. She couldn’t wait to wrap it up, put a gold sticker saying “Homemade”(that she found in the kitchen drawer) on each loaf – and off she went.


Around the cul-de-sac, to each neighbor, she delivered Friendship Bread.

I like to think that being neighborly is what we are called to do. I like to think that teaching our kids what hospitality is about is what we are called to do. I like to think that when our kids initiate hospitality on their own – that they are definitely learning what we are teaching them!


I like to think that each neighbor will devour this delicious, Friendship Bread, and that my daughter will always remember this act of kindness that got its start in her own heart!

(Read Little Things Count post, here. Top photo - simple budding peony in our back yard. Other photos - Abby on the go!)

16 comments:

Jen said...

I think that s precious. Madison and I make a cake and take pieces to our neighbors on occasion..they love getting something more from her than me.

linda t said...

So glad you're back Sandy. I missed you!
Ya, this heat has me stuck indoors... not fun.
Sure getting anxious to get outta here and hit the road. We are planning to do another fall trip back to Wisconsin to see my family. Can't wait!
Hey, be sure to tell us all about your travels!

Anonymous said...

Simplicity is ok, but sometimes it gets me weird looks when I deliver bread to my neighbors. But I keep doing it because it is what my mom and I did together, just like you and your daughter.

La Tea Dah said...

Very sweet -- you have a darling daughter!

Welcome back. You were missed.

LaTeaDah

~j~ said...

What a beautiful act of kindness that beautiful girl of yours extended to your neighbors and i love,love,love the fact that she was the one to initiate it.
Sad to say i have never heard of this friendship bread and will certainly look into it.
xo j

Anonymous said...

Good for Abby! I know I don't have to tell you that you should be proud of her. :-)

Kirstin said...

Very cool! We have done the friendship bread too. Next time we'll just make up a bunch of loaves and give them away. I finally told Kaitlynn "no more" I'm tired of trying to give this starter away!!

We made it with chocolate pudding and it was yummy.

I was wondering where you've been.

girlwithmoxy said...

I found you over at High Desert Home, and came to this post. So sweet! I LOVE what you are doing to create community and "slow down" to focus on what is most important. We're planning a little block party in a couple weeks to get the neighbors involved and connected. Keep us in your prayers. I'll post about it when it's over! Love your philosophy, beautiful pics, and sweet family.

Jill said...

How sweet. Little things truly do count. I am sure your daughter, and many of the neighbors, will remember this for years to come.

OKGardners said...

What a thoughtful, caring daughter. You are truly blessed! I know she will continue this activity, because she has learned this VERY WELL in her home from you two parents. That is great!

Betty in Oklahoma

Rhonda said...

That's wonderful! You've sown good seed with your daughter. I'm sure that your neighbours are very blessed to have your family in their cul-de-sac.

Kelly said...

What a beautiful spirit your daughter has to think of giving to others, and how inspiring that you made the time to help her. These are the moments that she will remember and treasure.

Anonymous said...

I think it says so much about you and your hubby that you have such caring and giving children. It is so beautiful to see. Have a great week.
~Jen

Nadine said...

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I do believe from what I've read here you have past on more than just a love of cooking to her.

Michelle @ Sew-Krafty said...

Fantastic! I hope you (or your daughter) won't mind if we copy this idea!!
Missed you.

Becky Dellar said...

I have never heard of this Friendship bread either! I would love to make it and give it to my new neighbors here. thinking about it, I would love to receive something like that, so what a good reason to do it for my neighbors!!