Changes at the Farmhouse

WOW....I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted anything on this little blog of mine. I have a good excuse, really I do. And I know all of you can relate. Sometimes Life just happens. I started a new job in March, working at the local hospital and I LOVE it! My schedule is graveyard, which really has discomboobalated this gal! Limiting my time to blog, create, visit friends or be able to see the sunshine. Also in March I moved my dad from California to Idaho to live with me. He is 82 years old and his health is fragile. He had his latest round of chemo in February that really knocked him for a loop and he still hasn't gotten his strength back.

My son, Cody joined the army in August and my youngest son and I drove across the US (literally covering 9 states) to Georgia to watch him graduate Basic Training in October (that's another post). But in between working, taking care of my dad, driving to Georgia, we found some time to update our little farmhouse. I first shared my little Home Sweet Home here.

We rent this house and it has been in my landlord's family for many, many years. I believe my landlord first acquired it around 2000. The first three pictures are what this little farmhouse looked like when they first purchased it. (Sorry for the small photos, my landlord sent them to me via email).

Definitely not a pretty sight. The inside was even scarier, but I'm thankful to say my landlord did a GREAT job remodeling the inside and outside and getting the yard back in shape. There was no yard to speak of, unless you call weeds and overgrown bushes a yard.

The next 3 photos are what the house looked like when we moved in. Blue metal roof with a light blue/grey paint and a darker version for the trim around the windows and doors. Much better than her prior state....she looked pretty good, but I definitely pictured her white from the moment I saw her.

See how nice the yard looks :) Beautiful lush green.

Closer inspection shows that she was in need of paint.

So...after scraping (Gotta love having tall sons!)

And scraping.....

And even more scraping (that's my sweet little daddy)

We power washed. Okay, if truth be told, I didn't power wash anything, my job was to be the supervisor ;)

Here is the front with a fresh coat of farmhouse bright white paint.

The side of the house the boys were scraping in the photo above, with a new coat of paint....

And here she is with her shiny new white coat. Of course she will be getting some new accessories, as in black shutters to complete her new fresh look.

We have plans for next spring to add some color to the yard with flowers, shrubs and treasures.

I love, love our little farmhouse.

Participating in LaurieAnna's Farmhouse Friday

Until Later,

~Toni~

Happy Thanksgiving

Today as with everyday...I'm Thankful for my three wonderful sons, who bring such joy to my life each and every day, to God for giving me the gift of being their mother, for family and friends, our good health and all God's blessings.

Here's wishing to all of you, that your tables are surrounded with family and friends, wonderful food shared by all, good health and happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Until Later,

Toni

Thrifty Treasures

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was great. After I slept for a couple of hours (I had just worked a graveyard shift) I awoke to a wonderful cake, baked by my youngest. Strawberry cake with chocolate frosting. He is definitely the cake baker in our house and he wanted to try something different. He thought it would taste like one of our favorite desserts, chocolate dipped strawberries. I have to admit it tasted pretty good. And the best part of my day, other than relaxing and getting waited on... was not having to cook dinner. My family took me out to eat at Red Robin's and the pasta I had was delicious!

Wonderful relaxing day spent with the ones I love!

Now for some thrifty treasures.

I picked up this little sweetie for a song. No, really I had to sing

for this one ;)

I know she is missing her bottom drawer but I have

an idea (which includes using the bucket you see in the photo below)

Sweet little vanity, I have the mirror that attaches also.

What I have in mind for this gal........any little girl

is going to want her after I'm done.

The little cart in front is going to get lined and ruffled

with some painter's drop cloth.

the long basket with a handle is going

to have a little work done and

hopefully will sit on top of a locker

I purchased that I will be using as

a mini pantry. I have a back "porch"

just off of my kitchen that is a mud/laundry room.

And that screen that's in back....well I have an idea

for it also.

Hopefully I can find some time between my crazy work schedule to finish these projects and share them with you. Right now, I'm participating in:

Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures

Until Later,

Toni