The Main Staircase

Wow! This main staircase of ours has really been difficult, to say the least. The very first time we looked at the house I was worried about the height of the banister on the main staircase. It was only 30 inches, the standard is 36 inches. I knew that this was somehow going to have to change, but I didn't want to loose the original banister. Our very talented contractor decided that he could add the inches on the bottom of the spindles and then we could just add a 6 inch "block" to the top of the banister. Now the real trouble began! No banister for at least 2 months while trying to keep a 3, 6 and 9 year old safe. I am just so thankful we were not living in the house at the time. I think my main quote for this period of time was "touch the wall". Our rule was that anytime someone was around the staircase they had to touch the wall. Right now the stairs are just awaiting a carpet runner. It is down to the wire since we are suppose to move in less than a month!

Our Farmhouse

Well, here she. We took this picture on the day we purchased her in September 2009. I fell in love with the big front porch and columns right away. I could just imagine sitting on the porch and sipping a large glass of ice tea or lemonade.The yard was full of adventure for my growing family. Tree houses, football games and leaf forts were just waiting to be had.

When I see the interior, oh my.... big changes were made. It's been close to 18 months since our little project began, but we wouldn't have it any other way. She is beginning to look like the house that she was meant to be!

A light in the window, a wreath on the door, a mat the reads Welcome- making friends and family feel at home even before the warm hugs inside the doorway, be it twelve stories up or through a garden gate. Author Unknown

About Me

Hi there, my name is Chesnye and I am a wife and Mama to 3 young children. I am a magazine junkie, book reader, wanna-be gardener and right now a home renovator. I am a "transplant" to this small town located close to the Mississippi River, and my hubby is the hometown boy. Late last year we purchased an old farmhouse that was built in 1905. Some days have been full of challenges, but we feel so blessed to be living our dream!

Chili

With all this snow and COLD weather I thought that I would share my families favorite chili recipe. It is super easy and requested by all 3 of my boys weekly!

You'll need these ingredients:

2 lbs. of ground beef

4 T. of chili powder ( I actually use a little more)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp caraway seed

2 medium onion chopped

2 garlic buds chopped

2 T. white vinegar

2 cans tomato soup

2 cans chili beans ( I use 1 mild and 1 medium)

water

The Directions:

In a large pot brown the meat with the chili powder, cumin, caraway seeds, onion, and garlic. Drain the meat and then add the vinegar, soup and chili beans. I slowly add about 3/4 to 1 cup of water. Add more or less water, just depending on the consistency that you would like. Let simmer at least 30 minutes.

Garnish with grated cheese, onions or anything you like.

We like it with cornbread or crackers.