The Pumpkin Patch

      Wow! I have one season of the pumpkin patch now under my belt and I cannot believe it! We opened the second weekend of September, following a couple weeks of getting it all set up and then we closed on October 31st for the year. It came in on a warm afternoon and left with the falling of the leaves. Overall, I cannot believe how warm the season was! We only had to turn on the heater for a few days at the end, but I can remember some pumpkin seasons with snow sitting on the ground! I was so grateful for the sunshine we had this year!

     I absolutely love the patch. I love meeting new people and enjoying old friends who pop in for a visit. I love the smell of the cider bubbling on the cold mornings when its still quiet before we open. I love the sound of the red squeaky wagons being pulled by happy children. I love hearing the train bell continuously ringing by the same little kiddos. I love hearing the barn door open behind me and the sound of the mini pumpkins getting poured into their bins. I love the sound of Ms. Gulch on her bike overhead and popcorn popping beside me. I also treasure working with my family behind the scenes!
It could definitely be the highlight of the season!

    This year marked 40 years of our sweet patch standing tall. I can remember doing homework on the counter after school, my grandfather bringing in donuts while we worked, coming home from college for a quick visit and even bringing my three babies in to work with me when they were still tiny. We have so many Kleather guests who come every year and remember each one of my children and asking about them by name! What a gift it is to me to have so many caring people return each year for a pumpkin and a visit. Goodness knows, if you know me at all, you know I like to chat and enjoy those moments so much!

Now that the season has officially ended, I can get back to my other happy place! My one and only Victorian. I keep telling myself the laundry will get caught up, and the routine will get set back into place, but I can't tell you how much I have missed my projects!! I actually started up a few new projects while the patch was still rolling (shhh! don't tell the farmer!) I just couldn't help it! I love getting my hands on fun pieces to work on or getting into a new room to flip!

As for today, I just wanted to send a huge, gigantic, colossal thank you for supporting the patch this year. If you came and bought the biggest pumpkin or simply came in to check in on us, I so appreciate you! Kleather's is a family owned and operated and sincerely appreciate the support!
I love my pumpkins, and I love the patch, but I am SO EXCITED for Thanksgiving and Christmas!! Eek! I will save all that cheer for a future post!!

Thanks guys!
Emma

Cupboards and Countertops

       I guess the paint fumes and dust bunnies have had me all tied up in their exhausting endeavors, its been over a month since my last post. No wonder I have way too many projects to fill you in on in one little blog post, so I guess I will just show you my cabinets! I wish you were here so I could feed you, but you aren't so grab your drink and pretend you are sitting at my table!

       So, Mr. S went on an overnight venture last month and whenever he leaves for the evening I have to find a project. Shocking, I know. I knew that he would be back in 24 hours, so I should've picked a smallish project. But did I? Of course not!

        I strapped the kiddos into the van, my purse full of snacks and we made our way to Home Depot. I have made great friends with the paint guy Kevin. I am totally not kidding. Not only does he know his stuff, but he is incredibly helpful and kind. If you ever have a painting debacle, and spy a gentlemen in the paint department at HD with Kevin written on the orange apron,  snag him quick!

        I knew that my paint guru had steered me toward Behr's Alkalyd based paint for cabinets when we had chatted before. He had used it about a year and a half ago on his own cabinets and just raved about them. I was determined, I knew where I was going, and I practically skipped up to the line to pay for them. Before I could get there though, Kevin reigned me in and handed me better brushes and Zinsser  primer. I am not sure if he was worried about my three children getting into the paint or my naivety when it came to painting, but he seemed nervous as he laughed and wished me luck. Oh well, no time to waste. I was on a mission.

         That afternoon while Theo was sleeping, I was able to get on most of the primer on the south side. The Zinsser brand was absolutely incredible!! It is thick but not like a pudding. It had more of a heavy whipping cream consistency. I am pretty sure Ella and Charlie were slightly concerned, but they've learned to just say "Wow mom!" and walk out of the room. Good kids those two.
 
        I did not remove the doors. Don't start booing me. I know, I know. I should've removed the doors. But I am 5'3 and those doors are huge!! I did remove the hardware. Is that good enough? No, probably not. I could hear my grandfather who had always worked so carefully telling me "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right." Well, I didn't do it the way that he would've done it because I am stubborn and wouldn't wait for help. I think maybe I got that from my grandmother.

       I waited until all three of my stinking cute babies were tucked into bed before prying open the lids off my endeavor! (I say stinking because I am not sure if they bathed that night. I love my kids but sometimes mama just gets really excited and the "bath" is substituted with the pool out back. But I promise they were fed. Really, you can ask them.)

      I started by applying blue tape around the edges of the glass. It is time consuming, and it stinks but your only option is to attach the tape now and peel off the paint or stand later, scraping it all off. I chose to apply the tape but it is up to you! After applying the tape, I slapped on the Zinsser primer over all of the cabinets.  (Full disclosure, I did wipe the wood down with Murphy's oil soap the week before, but I did not spend too much time cleaning them up! Yay for virtually no prep!!)

 The primer went on pretty quickly as I wasn't as detailed with the primer as I was the Behr paint. After it was completely set, I began the alkalyd paint.

        I can't believe I did it, but I got the primer on completely by early evening and had started the alkalyd paint just before 11pm. I burnt out just before 2am and melted into bed before I could fall flat into the paint tray. I had told Mr. S that I had been working on a project, and he cheered me on from afar. Oh buddy, just you wait.

        Poor Mr. S, I think he may begin to fear going out of town for the unknown of what will happen to the homestead when he leaves. However, I believe this time I hit a homerun because he was thrilled. I cannot tell you though if he likes the cabinets, or just likes that its a project done.

       When I saw these white cabinets shining and glorious, it made me want to throw on new countertops, but alas it was not meant to be for the pocketbook. So, I gambled and threw some twenty dollar Rustoleum Countertop paint on the forest green countertops to try and spread the glam. I loved the look of the pewter gray with the new white cabinets. It updated it immediately, but unfortunately the countertop paint is very temporary. Within two weeks it had spots from water sitting under dishes and a scratch or two from sliding silverware. Oh well! I have caviar taste on a peel and eat shrimp budget!

      I believe the kitchen will be on hold until new countertops can go in... but until then at least its white, clean, and read to be filled with yummy grub.... which will probably be carry-out because, lets be honest, I am exhausted!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the pictures below!
Emma

The Writing on the Wall

         We moved into this house just over a month ago and I have been a small tornado spinning from one room to another without a clear plan, just knowing I had so much to do, and leaving destruction in my path. I finally 'completed' the living room, new paint has been slapped on those walls and I needed a new project. Every time I walked through the dining room, my eyes fell to the floor, like a child who didn't want to acknowledge a messy room  that needed tending. The room was far from messy. The paper was bubbbled in some areas but mostly hung well. I had refurbished a dining room table and chairs and I was dying to tie it all together with finished walls. But where do you begin taking down wall paper? It sounded so daunting.

The first day, I prepared for a battle that hadn't even begun. I was armored with a spray bottle, a blade and high hopes. I discovered that the water and my little scraper were not up to the job that lay before me. However, when I scraped with my tiny tool I started unearthing a treasure inscribed on the walls...signatures, almost as clearly written as the day they were placed there.

The year was 1996 and the house was brimming with lights, sweet scents, and festive merriment. The West and Kleather families had gathered together, a Christmas like every other, under the Kleather roof on West Central. My uncle Larry boasted into the back door with his two fists hidden behind his back, undoubtedly bearing packages of Skittles for us kids. I could count on it as sure as I could Santa Clause. Aunt Sharon arrived parading pecan topped sweet potatoes and my uncle Bob behind her, with his arms full of red and green packages.

The rooms were full of laughter, noise, and children weaving between the legs of the adults. Everything was warm, familiar and wrapped up so tight on that December evening.

My mother had stripped the wall paper from the dining room, and my grandfather, John had called in the family members to sign the empty plaster walls. At the time, I was ten and thought it was silly but I could see the sentiment in tears in my grandfathers  eyes.
I remember asking my mother why everyone had to sign the walls that were only going to be covered up in fanciful teal and cream wallpaper. "One day, someone may find them. They will know we were all here."
Of course we were all there...my aunts, my uncles, my giddy cousins eager for the presents to be unwrapped. The concept was as foreign to me as complex algorithms. In my ten year old mind we would always be there, gathered together around the decorated tree.

But that first day when I scraped off the paper and found my families names, I had realized how quickly those Christmas' had altered. I scraped quickly trying to find my grandfathers signature: John West. It was written so beautifully, in large fanciful writing. I placed my hand on it and was overcome with tears. I was not expecting my emotions to take over my afternoon, but they washed over me as I continued to scrape until I saw each person's signature for myself.

My Grandfather passed four years later, and three of my uncles have since passed. My other grandfather, whose name is also on the wall passed only a year ago. I cried touching signatures I hadn't seen in twenty years! How can it be twenty years?

I am almost through scraping off the paper from the rest of the walls. They have proven to have been quite the opponent. I have to choose a color to paint over the naked walls, and I am sure my heart will wince when I have to paint over those beautiful names. But as my children run in to give me goodnight kisses, I know the importance is not what is written on the walls but the love that is shared within them.

The Extravaganza

Who WOULD'NT want to go to an "Extravaganza"? It sounds so....... extravagant? So the Springfield Extravaganza, let me tell you. It is a dust-lovers paradise. It is obviously in Springfield, Ohio with more vendors sprawling over the fairgrounds than you could ever see on a typical weekend. It is nationally known for having the best of the best when it comes to odd finds, vintage collectibles and about anything else you can imagine. I will tell you a couple of my favorites!

One booth had nothing but mountains of old quilts and linens. I can hear your trepidation already! Bed bugs Emma?! Are you crazy? Okay, if you are concerned (which I was not) bag it up multiple times and throw it in the wash when you get home. But if you can see through the cloud of bug spray, let me tell you why these old relics are magical.

I found quite a few pieces that were hand sewn, they included the dates on them... many like 1902, or 1910. They have so much character!! So much more than any you would find in a store today! You can frame them, make throw pillows out of them, and use them as bed spreads or throws! They even had old dresses turned into aprons! I just love aprons.. I tie them on and dance around the kitchen rolling out pies and making noodles! Totally kidding. I like spaghetti and Marie Calendars pies, but I also like aprons and channeling my inner Betty, Martha, and Julia when I make something out the box (and not the pre-made boxes... )

There are old signs in plentiful supply, old chalkboards and jars galore. There are so many crates, luggage pieces, and furniture do-dads that you cannot nearly see them all. I make it my personal mission to track down any piece of old wood that has any kind of drawers or cubbies and inspect each one. Most of the time these gems fetch a pretty penny but curiosity gets me.

Prices are really all over the place. I caught myself a few times telling the sellers "Your prices are really wonderful!" when I enjoyed their items but saw nothing I just HAD to have! Then I would be in another vendors booth trying not to breathe too heavy in fear something might break and I would be responsible for it. Yikes!

My final purchase were minimal, but perfect for my needs! I got a pair of old wooden theatre chairs, a pair of ceramic birds, a metal wall organizer, and a metal stool with the small steps beneath.

Vendors and buyers from all over the US flock to be a part of the show, whether it be to profit or pour out their pockets. Perhaps a little bit of both. But on that beautiful day in May, I went with my mom and if I had walked away with my pockets full and no relics to show for my time, it would have still been time best spent. We laughed, we ate, and my mom even entertained my crazy decorating ideas.  We went home with dirty shoes and a full van load, and a million memories. Its amazing the antiques and even the not so tangible treasures you may find in a flea market!

Love you most Mom. Thank you for the day.

Boxes, and Tape and Paper OH MY!

Move they said.. It will be fun they said. I am about a solid week in to the new-old homestead and I have just now found my hair dryer. I think my hair was about a day away from becoming permanently piled high on top of my head in a bun. I apologize for the visual.

We boxed, we labeled, we taped, and we called in the troops. We were so grateful to have the St. J crew and my parents drive in for the big haul. The kids were the major job! I don't know if I thought through to the extreme nature of moving. It all seemed so dreamy: new paint, new clean carpets, so many projects!!! But now: SO. MANY. PROJECTS.

I had these rose colored glasses on when I started taking on furniture projects. I still love them. They are like my little babies... But little did I know that this gorgeous, remarkable house would be one. giant. baby.

The house is in fabulous shape: new windows, updated electric, well insulated, two furnaces, and more! My parents poured years into this home and she shows it! There are reconditioned hardwood floors that my dad brought back to life... and beautiful decorating in every room. My parents have fully loved this home, and now it is our turn!

With every box we unpack, and every item that finds its home (at least temporarily) our dreams just keep growing. I hope if you are passing by the house you enjoy seeing the new life that is swarming around! There will be little bikes zooming on the black top again and a little girl picking flowers...Of course one giant black schnauzer basking in the sun will probably greet you with affection if you decide to stop in for a spell.

The front porch will always be open, and the swing will always be free. I can promise a glass of lemonade or tea, but give me some time on the snack.. I just can't seem to find the box that holds my desire to cook just yet. I am sure it will show up soon enough! Happy Memorial Day All!!

Lady Love

      So I have been busy in my new favorite place: The Garage. While we "patiently" wait for all the moving to begin I have been collecting (hoarding) so many fun projects. Some I have access to, and some are piled high in a sectioned off room at the new house. (I will see you soon, you beautiful pieces of furniture!!)
      I figured I would update you guys on the buffet!! She is not quite done yet.. but She will be soon! You might be wondering why in the world I am calling an inanimate object a she?
     My buffet, she is gorgeous (without any help from me, mind you!!) her bones were hearty, but delicate. She is like the workhorse that will silently carry all of my goodies for years to come! She is my right hand lady and I have loved working with her! Could it be the stain and paint fumes going to my head?? Perhaps, but today... she is a she.
     I love love love hosting parties. It might be a sickness. I love feeding people, I love visiting with people, I love making pretty drinks garnished with lemons and berries. I above all, love the memories made over finger foods and deli trays. In our current home, we host a lot during the summer months because we have a ginormous deck, but I cannot WAIT to host some dinner parties in the new house!!
     Alright.... here we go... The buffet. I saw her on a website for sale and contacted the lady over in Wilmington, Ohio about possibly making a trip out to pick her up. The lady was kind and said it was already spoken for, but would let me know if the interested party passed. Well, of course it sold. I was sad, but knew there was a reason I didn't end up with it... and Wilmington was awfully far. But no kidding, I took a screen shot of the sold picture because I wanted to find one JUST. LIKE. IT.

     Fast forward about 2-3 weeks and I see the buffet, but this time on a local site! NO WAY! I immediately message the woman selling her, and she said "Stop on by!".... NO WAY! I could hardly get the money out of my wallet fast enough when I saw this behemoth of a buffet screaming my name! I swear I heard her say," There you are!!! Where have you been?? Come get me!!" Like my little lost puppy.

      I also fell in love with the husband and wife that sold her to me. They are much wiser than I when it comes to refinishing these items, but they went out of their way to tell me I can do it! My naivety must have been painted across my face as I bounced around their house with excitement, but they cheered me on.
      I sent my wonderful, fabulous, dashingly handsome husband and father to pick it up. I waited like a kid on Christmas for them to pull in to the drive. "What do you think??" I asked on my tip toes. "Its gorgeous right?"
      Okay so looking back, maybe it wasn't super crazy gorgeous but I could see where we were going to take her. What did I see that stood out as being special? The small beaded woodwork on the doors has to be my favorite part... like pearls on a lady. The two fleur de lis-esque pieces on the doors... like perfect button earrings. I also love the legs and intricate wood structure underneath.
      So, now you know WHY I LOVE HER... the next blog...."How did the magic (elbow grease) happen?!!"

   

Ninety West Central Avenue

Eek! I can hardly believe this picture happened! One of my wonderfully talented friends, Tara Lewis of Tara Lewis Photography was kind enough to squeeze us in! My sister Jen currently lives in Destin, Florida (poor girl) but was in town for a quick weekend. I never say long weekend because they always pass by way too quickly when we have her home! Well, I had an idea to have Tara present to capture some pictures of all of the Kleather family eating one final meal under the roof together before my parents move out to the lake!

Needless to say, Tara Lewis is ridiculously talented and had a vision for these photos!! I will forever treasure the memories around the kitchen table, and now I have photographic evidence :) 

I have become a Tasmanian devil flying around corners and trying my best to get this house in some kind of order before the big move. Luckily the new house is literally right down the street or I might be in more trouble. I have so many big big dreams and goals for this house, I can hardly stand it. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to raise my babies in this gem that I grew up in myself! I remember many dates with Patrick that ended outside the front door, and even leaving to go on our honeymoon from the backdoor. So many memories we have had nestled within the walls and so many that lie ahead in the future. Here we go!! 

Daily Dose of Dust

I love all things dusty, vintage, and forgotten. Okay, well maybe not all things, but lots of things. Lots and lots of things. I remember dreading trailing behind my parents while they toured countless antique malls through Kentucky and Tennessee. I was always holding out for the end of the day when we were promised an evening of horseplay in the hotel pool. But somewhere between the continental breakfasts and chlorine saturated evenings, something happened! The dust must have gotten to me... because my house is filling with artifacts of yesteryear!

I have my favorite places..I have my favorite people...and like the famous Cheers song.. they know my name. Flea markets and antique stores...for some reason these have become "posh" or the "it" places to be shopping. Some people assume flea markets are full of knock off handbags and sunglasses. Which I totally agree, you will have those... but you will also have SO. MUCH. MORE. Especially if you aren't afraid to get your hands a little dirty!

About a year ago I was at a local market where I saw a regular vendor. He always has odd, cheap little goodies and that day was no different! He had a brown cardboard box filled with ancient bingo balls. I felt like they had called my winning cover-all number: B6!

The sign on the box read "Bingo Balls: $2" I approached him, ready and willing with my two dollars. But the best part of this open market, you are never fully expected to pay the full price, or so I thought! I proudly handed over the two dollars and expected to be given the box of bouncy balls. He laughed loudly and exclaimed he couldn't believe that I thought it was for the WHOLE BOX! It was $2 PER BALL! But because he got such a chuckle, he let me have the whole box for two dollars. Now, the lesson here is not to be so cheap that you cause a fit of laughter. The lesson is: make friends and be kind.

I have an obsession with visiting the markets when its warm. The sunny days bring out the winter hobbits like me chomping at the bit for a dusty bargain! But where to go when its cold?? Let me tell you... they are called thrift stores. I know. There is a stigma. But hear me out... okay?

I could quote Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" all day long... and no these are not my grandmas clothes. But this sure does look like my great grandmas buffet! And you know what? It is fabulous! I am still learning how to rehab all of my goodies but one project at a time, I can only improve!

Now back to thrift stores... stigmas are thrown out the window! Antiques and vintage finds are the items that are fueling HGTV right now! I am over filling my house with the over priced pressed wood    when well loved, quality pieces are available. Give me a shelf that has lasted 100 years over a shelf that will wilt when wet. Come on, say it with me, "I will no longer buy sawdust. I will no longer buy sawdust." Its really liberating when it becomes your mantra! Trust me!

I can almost sense your trepidation... I know, its not easy to sit down the Swedish meatballs and little pencils in those well-lit monstrous aisles. The best part is, you don't have to! My house has trinkets from the glorious "Red-Dot" store... I have frames from I-Kant-Escape-Anyway (so I must buy more).... I love their knick knack decor, but the truth is, I can find cheaper, more quality items if I keep my eyes peeled and my imagination open!

So my challenge to you, as we see 70 degree weekends on the horizon... If you dare, walk on the wild side. Browse the open air markets and see what you may find! You never know, a daily dose of dust might just be the cure to what ails you!

There's No Place Like Home...

Well, the impossible has happened! I am on the cusp of my thirtieth birthday! How does this happen? I assume it happened over minutes, hours, birthdays, graduations, late nights and early mornings. I remember when the thought of turning thirty was as absurd as thinking about home equity loans and durable wall primer. Oh how things change!

My days are filled with a car pool, laundry baskets and dishwasher loads. I love love love being a mother to my three, beautiful children. They show me valleys of love I never knew existed in my heart before. They also bring me to the brink of my sanity and with one slobbery kiss from my youngest, I remember how wonderful of a gift motherhood really is... remind me of this from time to time should I forget won't you? :)

I am pretty sure when we said our vows, Patrick and I thought our life would be predictably unpredictable. There would (hopefully) be children, a home, and we would live the American dream....very "after school special" esque. Who could want for more?!

I prayerfully and diligently sought after a full time teaching position for over two years. I just knew I would find happiness and fulfillment within the four walls of a public classroom. Although I did fall in love with each of those children in those seats when I finally had my own classroom, my heart cried for my two little ones at home. After two years in the class room I began to pray for guidance, and peace in wherever I was meant to be.

Patrick and I decided to give it over to God, and I took a leave of absence as an educator. Many peers praised me for my dedication to my family, but I was torn. Do I give up my four years at the university, and four years in the field to tend to my babies? My profession could wait, but those little people at home were growing by the day. If there was ever any question in my decision, about a week after I formally resigned, we found out there would be another St. J baby on the way! I see what you did there God...

Here I am now, two years later, with very full hands and a very full heart. We are busting at the seams in our three bedroom house, chasing a dog, toting three children and packing boxes! The St. J family is on to a brand new adventure!

I was born on a farm and was raised hand planting pumpkin seeds every summer. I grew up knowing the value of a dollar, the feel of the June sun shining on me behind the tractor, and the taste of icy well water after the seeds were sewn. I am overjoyed that my children have the opportunity to grow up in similar fashion. Patrick and I are beginning a brand new adventure; we are purchasing the pumpkin patch! With the help of Farmer Joe, who will still be the brains and braun of the pumpkin operation, and Mrs. Farmer Marsha, we will continue the wonderful tradition!

With the pumpkin patch comes many responsibilities and exciting opportunities for our little family. We will be packing up the Barbies, trucks and tiny shoes and moving into the gorgeous Victorian that anchors the barn in the center of town, where I grew up myself! My heart and imagination are soaring with excitement and ideas!

This blog will be my 'notebook' of sorts! I will be blogging about the move, the farm, the Victorian, becoming an entrepreneur, and motherhood! I am a child of Christ, a lover of antiques, a mother, a wife, and now, Lord willing, a business owner. Though there may not be a yellow brick road to follow on this adventure, I already know, there's no place like home :)