The Old Girl

Remember this girl?

I love my girl!  I remember the first time that I saw her.  She was a beauty!  She still is.

We don't really know how old our girl is.  On the books, she is listed as a 1890 farmhouse.  That was the year that the one story part of the house was added though.  Feeling adventurous, I went to the county and looked at plat maps.  There is a house and barns on our property  shown on the 1858  maps.  So like a true woman, we are not sure of her real age.  Crafty ole bird!

Our girl was starting to show her age though.  The roof was starting to wear.  The last winter had taken quite the toll on her and shingles were starting to blow off.

Crap....

I am a very lucky girl and married to a very handsome and talented contractor!

There he is!  My very own fiddler on the roof!  He's probably thinking what the heck did she talk me into now?!

You see.... it's not a simple but down a new layer of shingles.  Oh no....  The roof already had 3 layers on so we had to strip off the old shingles to put down new ones.  Code in Michigan is no more than 3 layers.  But look at what we found!

The original cedar shake roof!

Be still my heart!

We considered repairing the cedar shakes and keeping the original roof.  Big problem was having 3 layers of shingles nailed through made for lots of nail holes.  The above pic is actually after we painted it with Deck Restore.  Did not fill the holes....damn....  

Goodbye beautiful old cedar shake!  I loved you dearly for the short time that you were showing!

Okay, the bad news was I lost my cedar shake roof.  The good news is.....

....I guess you have to come back to see what it is....

MUAAAAH!

When Life Hands You Lemons.....

HELLO MY LOVES!!!!

Miss me?!  I have missed you sooooo much!

I needed a break from blogging.  I thought it would be a couple of months.  Life decided to hand me ALOT of lemons!  One thing after another and now....BAM!  Four years later!  I have so much to tell you about to get you up to speed too!

First of all.....my kids!  My children are AMAZING!!!  You never realize how amazing your children are until they become your lifeline and reason for living, but enough of that!

My girl graduated!  Whoopwhoop!  Such a proud mommy moment!

Now it is this one's turn!  He's such a goof,but I wouldn't want him any other way!  BTW isn't his girlfriend a cutie?

And last, but not least, Not So Bitty Anymore!

Here are all of them dressed and ready to go terrorize the neighborhood.  If the boy behind Bitty looks familiar, that is my nephew!  He grew up too!

One more pic of the nuts, then we will move on....

Remember this old girl?!

She has had major surgery!  I mean MAJOR!  You won't even recognize her!  But that is to come in future posts.  It all started innocently enough with needing a new roof....  You won't believe her now though!

This old girl got a makeover somewhat too!

When we started our house remodeling, I pulled out of alot of volunteer work,including Relay For Life.  I told them I had "no time".  I think back about that now and laugh.  I found a cyst on right breast right in the cleavage.  It didn't change or anything, so I waited  til my once a year visit with my OB/GYN.

New Year's Eve, Bitty's birthday, I got the news....I had cancer.  WTF?!  I screamed, I cried, I begged, I bargained....nothing changed the fact that I had cancer March 5, 2014 I had a mastectomy of my right breast.  Just when I thought I had no time, I found how to make time.

I hate cancer.  I am also grateful.  This experience taught me alot.  It made me realize who I am.  It brought my family together to be supportive of each other.  To come to together when one of us is down and bring them up.  This was one of the hardest challenges I have had to face but thankfully I didn't have to do it alone.  My family and friends were right there beside me ready to take over when I was weak.  I am so blessed!

Now.....bring on the remodeling!  Hope ya'll come back to see what the crazy lady has been up to  in between surgeries!

Boo!

Yesterday was Bitty One's Preschool Halloween Party!

Aren't they cute?

Bitty One thinks she is Cinderella.  Don't tell her she really is a Renaissance princess though.  Isn't she cute? This is her and her friend Tyler.  I tease her that he is her boyfriend!

Look who else is a cutie!  Heehee!  She told me she would get her revenge if I posted her pic on facebook.  She  didn't say ANYTHING about my blog though!

Her "partner in crime" is just as cute too.  We were talking about how hard it is to find a costume that you can wear around 4 year olds without being risque.

They made crafts, listened to stories and ate food.

Lots and lots of food!

Isn't this cake cute?!  Okay, it was cuter when the legs didn't start to break and thaw.  The kids didn't seem to mind though.  I got this idea from Hungry Happenings.

I also brought these cute little mice.  Bitty One ate all the silver balls that I was going to use for eyes.  You can find the recipe for them here.

As for now, I am scooting off.  I have to bring treats for Bitty's other class today.  I found another really cute idea at Hungry Happenings that when I saw it I just knew I had to make them!

See ya soon!

Menu For Week Of Oct 24th

So.... yesterday was the first day of no hubby. I made lists of what to do this week, planned a menu and even went to the dreaded grocery store! I "lost" the kids at Meijer's. Aren't you proud?! Yup, couldn't find them. They went to look at the video games and toys while I shopped. How could you resist a deal like that? I went to go find them when I was done and they were no where to be seen. I gimped around that whole store, couldn't find them. I have gotten to know the lady who was working as a greeter since it seems I am up there daily. I told her "isn't this great? The first day my hubby leaves me alone with them and I lose them!" I did find them though, don't worry. They are safe and sound! Oh, for all inquiring minds, Stinky Pinky is gone! The doctor took it off last week. Now I just have to wear this very attractive shoe for the next 3 weeks since I am not supposed to bend it.

Oh well, onto the menu!

I am planning on sending food down with my husband on the weekends. Not a real problem since I cook like an army is coming to dinner. I also suck at reheating leftovers. How boring are leftovers?! So I will be freezing them and sending them back to Tennessee with him. Saves on groceries or cooking for him. I bought a new cookbook so I am trying out some of the recipes in it this week.

Monday

Chicken and Fall Veggie Casserole

Ceasar Salad

Chicken and Fall Veggie Casserole

3T olive oil

2 leeks, sliced and rinsed

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces

2 sweet potatoes, chunked

2 parsnips, scrubbed and sliced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips

1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips

9 0z wild mushrooms, sliced

14 oz tomatoes, chopped

4 cups cooked long grain rice

1 small bunch parsley, chopped

1 heaping cup grated cheddar cheese

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic and cook til softened. Add the chicken, stirring frequently about 5 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and parsnips. Cook til golden brown and beginning to soften. Add peppers and mushrooms and cook about 5 minutes more. Add remaining ingredients, except cheese. Spoon into an ovenproof dish. Cover with cheese and cook about 25 minutes. Serve.

Tuesday

Spinach and Ricotta Rollatini

Minestrone Soup

A total vegeterian dinner! I found this and it looked soooo good I knew it would be on the menu soon! Look for the tutorial for this later in the week.

Wednesday

Burgers on the Grill

Cream of Potato With Bacon Soup

The days are getting colder here in the North so I am taking advantage of the mild weather to use the grill. I am also doing a "fall cleaning" on the kitchen so not cooking in it is a plus! I am trying out this soup for the first time. You can find the recipe here.

Thursday

Roast Pork

Rosemary Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Roast Pork

2 lb pork loin

3T olive oil

salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pat loin dry and put into a roasting pan. Brush the loin with 1T of oil and rub with salt. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Lower temp to 400 degrees and cook for an additional 40 minutes or until pork is done. Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Rosemary Potatoes

2 lbs small yellow potatoes

4T olive oil

1 bunch rosemary, chopped

Peel and dice the potatoes. Heat the oil in another roasting pan. When hot add the potatoes and rosemary, toss to coat and cook for 40 minutes in the same oven as the pork. Remove from the pan and serve with the pork.

Friday

Margherita Pizza

Yes, it's pizza night! I love Fridays for this reason. You can find the recipe for this pizza here. I am using the canned pizza dough and precooking it for this meal though. You can also add cooked, shredded chicken to this if you like.

Saturday

Baked Chicken

Boxed Potatoes

Roast Fall Veggies

Baked Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks

1/2 cup mayo

6T yellow mustard

Zest of 1 lemon

1-1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs

Put chicken in a large sealable bag. In a small bowl, mix mayo, mustard and zest. Add to bag and toss to coat. Let marinade overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Remove chicken from bag and shake off excess marinade. Dredge in breadcrumbs and transfer to a 9x13 baking dish. Bake 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve.

Sunday

BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Baked Macaroni

I am using Stone Gable's recipe for the BBQ Beef. It definitely is a family favorite and so easy to make! Thank you Yvonne for posting it! The baked macaroni is also a favorite here. I can eat this stuff til I am stuffed! You can find the recipe for it here.

I also have cooking to do for Bitty One's Preschool Halloween party and school snacks on Friday. I think I will be in the kitchen all week long! These recipes are so easy though. It's been so long since I spent time in the kitchen I am actually looking forward to it. As for now, me and Bitty One are off to the orchard to get some apples for caramel apples later in the week. Maybe even a pie or two?!

What are you having for dinner?

Posted @ Stone Gable's OTMM

Just Roll With It!

Hey! What's going on over there?

Let me go see....

....almost....there....

Whatchadoin?

Stuff....

We're just going to get to the top of this hill....

....get into this wagon and....

WWWWWEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Hahaha! Aunt Maggie look at Jeffrey!

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahaha! Mommy, Jeffrey's funny!

weeee.....

WAIT FOR ME GUYS!

Oooooookay....that was....kinda....fun....

Hey Jeffrey! There is a really BIG hill over there! Grampa falls down it all the time!

Who falls down it?

Oh to be a kid again....

Surprise!

How about something fun?! This weekend was all fun! No work, no laundry, no cleaning, just having a good time.

The best benefit about blogging is "meeting" people! I have sooooo many people that I consider my friends that I have only gotten to know through my blog. You are all my besties and I love ya all. Even better than "meeting" you all is meeting you all. That is exactly what I got a chance to do this weekend, meet one of my besties!

Do you know who this gorgeous cutie patootie is?

Yes, it is Theresa from 612 Riverside! My crappy photography does not do her justice. She is just absolutely gorgeous! When she smiles her whole face lights up and her eyes twinkle. She is so warm and welcoming I felt like I have known her for years! I snuck these pics when she wasn't looking! No pics of the two of us together cause, unlike her, I looked like the hag from hell.

She is also extremely talented! Look at the gorgeous pendants she made for the show. She also does custom work so I ordered some from her for Christmas. Yes, thinking about THAT already!

Her booth was set up so cute, just like her! Filled with all kinds of goodies too!

It was funny cause at one point, I heard my ringtone. I looked over at my oldest because I am not allowed to carry my own phone. She was standing next to Theresa's daughter, Hannah. They both pulled out our phones and checked them. Not only is she not allowed to have her phone, but we have the same ring tone! We are RINGTONE BUDDIES too! How funny is that?

I tell ya! I coulda stayed there all day just yacking with her. The kids had other plans though. So I had to cut it short, which is probably good for her since I was keeping her from her customers!

If you would like to see more of Theresa's work, visit her Etsy shop listed on her blog. I swear you won't be disappointed by her talent!

Tennessee or Bust!

Well kiddos, looks like we are bound for Tennessee! They made an offer to my husband yesterday and he accepted it. He starts October 24th.

WHAT?! You can't leave me with these kids, they are CUH-RAZY!

Well now wait a minute, what kind of trouble can I cause while he is gone? Hmmmm,,,,

Painting?

Tearing something apart with no idea how to put it back together?

Break some more bones?

The possibilities are oh so endless! I guess I should start going through the mounds of crap and paring down a bit for the move this summer. I'm hoping on some of the weekend trips some stuff can get taken down. Then one BIG load this summer. I have records to get copies of, accounts to move, addresses to change, new schools to find....

Ugh....

I told my husband I was leaving the picking out of the house to him. I just want a dining room! Could you imagine all the dishes I could stockpile if I had a dining room. Goodness! I wonder if he could find a white farmhouse down there?

How I hate moving!

I do hope to move up the stairs this weekend to get my project done. I know I keep on saying that. This cast is turning into a real PITA. The other day I got a charlie horse in my foot and rolled around on the floor in pain til it stopped. I will do my best to get it done though for you sweethearts.

For now, I have To Do Lists to make!

Time For Change

Change is an inevitable circumstance in life. Change occurs on a daily basis. Little changes go unnoticed. You change your plans for the day to accomodate your family. You change appointments and meetings to fit everyone's schedule. It seems these little changes happen atleast a couple times a week. You run out of time to fit everything in. You just roll with the punches though. Put on your big girl pants and take it in stride. They usually are not life changing, just little inconveniences.

Bigger changes are more planned and prepared for or sometimes they can take you by surprise. Sometimes they are for the good, sometimes for the worse. You may get excited, happy, scared or nervous about them. Sometimes they just blindside you and take you by surprise. You try to make the best of the worst situations. How you deal with it depends on how you deal with the change.

According to number astrology you have two numbers. Instead of being a Libra or Sagittarius, you have a life number. You can find this number by adding the month, day and year you were born together until you come up with a single number. I am a 5. A "5" means you can see both sides. You tend to stay neutral, middle of the road. You are easy to get along with. Don't like conflict. You like balance in your life. Kinda strange since I am a Libra according to astrology.

You also have a number which changes on your birthday. According to this number is how your year is going to go. To get this number you add your month, day and the current year together to get a single number. Ironically, my year number is 9. 9 means that from my upcoming birthday to my next birthday is the best time to make changes. Changes that you make in this year supposedly stick and are for the better.

Tomorrow I start my 9 cycle. There have been things happening around here that are going to result in changes, big changes. The first big change is my husband's employment. He's owned his own company for years now. He has given up his company to work for others, but has usually gone back to being self-employed. Lately, he has been miserable owning his own company. Besides things that happen outside of the business, he is just tired. Tired of fighting with customers and employees. Tired of conflict. He was called out of the blue and interviewed for a job. A company he really wants to work for. He's hoping this will resolve alot of issues and make his life alot more enjoyable. It will remain to be seen.

We have decided to have him take this job if they offer it to him. Of course, this decision brings about another change. Moving. From the farmhouse. From Michigan. To....Tennessee! Nashville area to be exact. My mother's side of the family is from here. I have always loved Tennessee. Could be because I have good memories of visiting when I was younger, waaaaay younger! Even though it is exciting to think of getting a new house, I'm sad to be leaving the farmhouse. I love this house. It is small though, at times a little too small for us. I long for a dining room, more room and a place to have friends over. I know I won't miss the winters here! Watch Tennessee get record levels of snow if we move there! I certainly am not looking forward to moving ALL THIS CRAP down there!

Another big change that this is going to bring makes me nervous and scared. Our family is going to be split up. More than likely Jeff is going to have to leave immediately. Me and the kids are going to stay here in Michigan til the end of the school year. It is only an 8 hour drive, so I see alot of weekend commuting. It makes more sense for us to stay here while he gets settled in and finds a new house. Hopefully it will make the transition for the kids a bit easier. Brianna turns 16 this year and wants to celebrate it with her friends and family. This also gives us the summer to make our move and get settled in before they start a new school year. I know at first, we will be getting together every chance we can. Living apart and having two different lives for a while will get in the way though. I'd be stupid to not expect it. I know how Jeff is when he works for someone. He gives 200% trying to prove himself. It's one of his better qualities. It also sucks because he can't just work 9-5 like a normal person. Also, the kids have things that come up on the weekends that they want to do. I know I am planning for this to be a positive thing. Hoping and praying is more like it though....

Is that enough change yet?! Well there's more.... I decided this summer to go back and get my degree. I mostly decided this to help out with the business accounting. The bitty one is going to be starting school full time next year and I can be more involved with the daily going ons of our company. This does change things a bit though, but I could either get a job or do accounting from home. I am also hoping that it will set a better example for the older two. I keep on them about their studies, now I can also show them how to study. Maybe they will see how much better things are with a college education.

I also want to make changes regarding this blog. I have gotten less interested in blogging due to certain issues. Things have come up that have made me lose interest in it. I want to start over from fresh. So, I am thinking of shutting down this blog. I am not going to delete it, just not post here any more. I started this blog to journal about this house. It's turned into more than that though and just doesn't seem to "fit" anymore. I still haven't decided this yet though. Still thinking....

Hopefully next week I will be getting "Stinky Pinky" off my foot! I am so tired of lugging around this anchor and not being able to do what I want to do. Going up and down the stairs pretty much involves me packing a bag so I don't forget anything. I am not that much of a plan ahead type of girl. My other leg has been complaining lately about doing all the work too. So here is to hoping that it does come off next week.

As for now, there is much to do. I do have an upcoming project for all you chalk paint fans that is going to blow your socks off!

Hopefully....

Adventures With White Chili!

I have heard alot of great things about white chili lately. At first I thought it was some crazy stuff. The more I thought about it though, the curiouser I got!

What the heck is white chili anyways?!

I knew I had to give this a try! Last night was a perfect time to do it too. If you use dried beans it does take a bit of preparation the night before.

White Chili

1 onion, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 pepper, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 lbs ground chicken or turkey

2 lb dried northern beans

1 large can diced tomatoes

2 boxes of chicken stock

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 can corn, drained

salt and pepper to taste

The night before soak your beans as directed on the back of the package. You can also save time by buying jarred beans, but we don't care for those.

In a stock pot, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, pepper and chicken. When the chicken is cooked throughout, add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about an hour or until the beans are soft. Serve.

I have to say, this was awesome and made the whole house smell great! My husband was drooling walking in the door. I did use a green pepper since we are wimps when it comes to spicy. If you like it spicy, use a jalapeno and a bit of chili powder.

I also made a large batch since hunting season is coming up. Half of this I froze for my hubby to take to deer camp for a quick heat it up meal. I also would recommend having your butcher grind up your chicken for you. I used my grinder to do it and what a pain! Chicken has a very thin membrane that tends to clog the machine. If I grind chicken again, I will do it after it's been cooked I think.

This makes a wonderful fall soup! I will be putting this in the keeper pile!

Now I gotta scoot! I have a little something up my sleeve that I am so excited to try out! I so hope it works. If it does, I do believe it could be compared to finding the secret for world peace!

Of course, I will be back to brag and share!

Posted @ Foodie Friday

Week 4 - Pretty In Pink

Some things are pretty in pink.

Like the roses that my sweet hubby got me after I got my foot set.

Some are still ugly even in pink.

Like my foot in a day glow pink cast! Bitty one requested the pink cast since she LOOOOOVES pink!

She is not crazy with the color of the walls in her room right now. I am kinda with her on that one. The Big one loves it!

But we needed some pink for Bitty. I fell in love with this kitchen that I found a few years ago. I just love it!

Even though it is a kitchen, I used it as a bit of inspiration for their room. Their furniture was painted white a few years ago so I left that. See the baskets on the island? I figured this was a great way to add some pink in here.

I wanted a barely there pink color and that is what I got. Now that it is on though, I am thinking I need to go and have it tinted a bit darker. It's too barely there. Like nonexistent there.

I like the stripes. It gives a playful feel to the room. I still have the monstrosity of a dresser to do though.

I did start to put a few things back in place. That ugly light needs to be replaced.

I did get the boys 2 nightstands coated with the first coat of paint. Definitely needs a second coat though. Pulls too. Makes it alot easier to get into the drawers with pulls.

So there ya go! The very little that I have gotten done upstairs. I am hoping that if I can get through the mounds of laundry that has piled up here I can get more done up there. I have a bit of a problem with stairs and the walking cast.

In the meantime, I do have the dance of the goofernut to amuse me!