Back in the Saddle

 
I know it's been a while since I've graced the pages of Woman in the Man Cave. However, we are finally done with our move into our new home and things have finally settled down a bit.  It has been amazing moving from in town to the country. My sons are loving it!

I grew up in the country, so the change was something I've been looking forward to. I have never really enjoyed living only a few feet from our neighbors, and now that is not a problem. We have peace, quiet, and spiders! Lots of spiders! I love the country, but nothing can ever prepare someone for the little arachnid armies that tend to swarm country properties.

The boys have really stepped up their game and showed us that city kids can make it in the country. In the short time we have been here I have seen a change in their personalities. My oldest son, who is 13, used to be so consumed with his appearance. He wouldn't leave the house without checking his appearance more times than necessary.  Now he has no problem walking out to the garage in his comfiest pants and messed up hair. He's become a country boy and doesn't even know it.

My youngest son . . . well, he was meant for the country life. That kid spends most of his days outside. He has a new infatuation with digging holes. He's convinced that there is treasure to be had. Maybe he's right! Who am I to take him away from such an ambitious endeavor? Dig away, little man!  We have enough land that his hole digging adventures are not an issue.

Both boys have really showed us that they are invested in making our homestead dreams a reality. We are slowly working toward a sustainable property and they are willing to help us put the work in. That's just a really cool thing to see from two boys who belong to the technology-driven generation.

As for my husband, he loves it out here. He doesn't get to enjoy it as much as the boys and I do, because he is a hard-working man who provides for us. When he is home, he is always working on something. Occasionally, at night he and I will sit out in the dark under the stars. There's nothing better for the soul than peace and our new home offers plenty of it. When we are out there under the night sky, that is when we discuss our future plans. Plans for our land, our home, and just life. I am so thankful that my husband has provided such an amazing home for us.

Our home is over 160 years old and part of it is an original log cabin from 1856. It's really amazing. Once we get a few more projects completed I'm going to share some pics of the place. Then you can all see the journey to our homestead as we go.

So, that's the update from the Man Cave. I plan on posting more as soon as I can. Thanks for being so patient and take care!

MIA in the Man Cave

I know I've been slacking on the blog lately, but it's all been for a good reason. I've been cleaning and decluttering in anticipation for a move. You see, my husband and I are FINALLY going to buy our first home. No, I'm not a young un' anymore. I'm 36 and my husband is 41. We were pretty dumb in our youth and have spent years fixing our mistakes.

Honestly, renting isn't all that bad. We don't have to fix things in our home (we do though) and it's much cheaper in the long run for the most part. However, the dream of home ownership has always been enticing us from a distance.

We currently live in a small village in western Ohio. It's nice, but it is not where we have our hearts set to live. Through chance, we have found a house in the country with a couple of acres and a cherry tree. It's amazing! I grew up in the country and ever since I moved away from it in my late teens I knew I always wanted to go back. Now, we may just be doing that.

I have no desire to stare at my neighbors house which is ten feet from our porch. I want my sons to climb trees and know what peace and quiet are. I want to have chickens and eggs. I want my husband to have his little wood shop where he can saw, hammer, and create his art. This house we found will make those things possible. It's a dream come true. Almost.

We are at the part of the process where the home inspector comes in and evaluates the property for safety or habitability issues. Upon inspection, we've discovered the house has some issues that will need fixed before we can make it ours. Especially since we are dealing with a VA loan. They want their veterans in homes that won't fall down around them. Which I unerstand and appreciate. It still saddens me to know that this little dream we were creating may become a nightmare if the owner doesn't want to work with us.

I'm frustrated by the whole process. I want it all to go smoothly, but I know that for safety and money sake we need to take our time. Now, with the inspector's report it seems like our little piece of dream land may be something we must give up. I don't like it. Not one bit!

I'm hoping the next week brings some good answers on the seller's part. He's older and wants to move to warmer climates, so I really hope he is willing to get the issues remedied. We are in love with this place and would hate to have to walk away from it. Only time will tell at this point.

So, there you have it. I'm not avoiding you or giving up. I just have some big things happening that require my attention. Keep your fingers crossed that the next week brings great things for my family.

Take care!
NB

The End of 12

This is the last week my oldest son will be able to say he is twelve years old. So, I wanted to write him a blog post. I'm not sure when, or if, he will ever read it. It never hurts to leave a trail for our children to find. Here goes.

Dear Monkey,
  I hope this post finds you well. I am writing this in the homestretch to your thirteenth birthday. I want you to know that I have always been so proud and in awe of you. You weren't a planned pregnancy, but anyone can tell you that great ideas, moments, and events aren't ever planned. You were, and always have been, a great moment.

Mississippi Knows Mud

Okay, I know I had planned on overhauling my blog. I haven't had time. What with Spring arriving and all that entails there aren't enough hours in the day. I have been baking, which is always a good thing. My guys need to eat and what better way to feed them than with some homemade yum?! So, I turned to some of my vintage cook books and came across an easy and oh so delicious recipe for Mississippi Mud. It's rich, simple, and doesn't take long to make. A great recipe for those days when time is of the essence.