Extreme Home Makeover...Kalamazoo Style

I hinted at our newest project here.


So, I guess I should fill you in. And seeing how it's a snow day... it seems as good a time as any.

Long story, lots of details....


We currently own two houses, and will in near months end up with no mortgage.


My husband began volunteering with the Edison Neighborhood Association over the summer after a number of incidents near our home. (Reminder- we live the ghet-to). During this time, he came across a house that is, quite literally, around the corner from us.




It was considered adandoned by the city and was slated to be torn down in 2010.




Which is sad, as you can see, it's really quite a potential-full house.



That wasn't quite living up to its potential.

We have been able to acquire the house, and have grants and assistance lined up to help us restore it. While working out the details, we discovered it is a historic home. Which means there are some stipulations we have to adhere too. Which is okay by us, really- how beautiful will it be once it is renovated and showing off all its glory?

Thus begins Extreme Home Makeover: Kalamazoo Style

There are 15 foot ceilings above that silly drop ceiling

Who puts formica on the walls? Or on anything really...

Where there's not formica, there's paneling in nearly every room upstairs!

Someone really liked U of M... maybe that's why they left...

One of these days, I'll post some before and afters of our house now. We'll miss it, but are looking forward to a new adventure.

Oh.... dampa

The Booger has been lucky enough to spend some extra time with his grandparents over the past month or so.

He spent time with my in-laws during my conferences, and a couple days when he was down and out sick for a week just before that. He had finally figured out how to say grandma by the time conferences were done. But he couldn't quite figure out who to call grandma- it was quite the universal grandparent reference.

This wide spread use of 'damma' continued through Thanksgiving weekend- grandpa was outside and he'd yell for 'damma'. Grandma was in the other room and he'd yell for 'damma'. Grandpa came back in and he cheered for 'damma's' return. You get the picture.

This past weekend, he stayed with my parents, so Mike and I could work on a big project. (More on the later, really, I promise.)

(Okay, so you might have to remind me...).

Annnny way.. It seems he's figured it out.

He woke up one morning asking for 'damma'.

And rode home from daycare that night saying "ohhhh.... dampa!"

Keeping my fingers crossed that these terms of endearment don't morph into another two syllable word that starts with 'dam....'

Oh the joys!

two for tuesday

I made it into a picture for once. (at least I'm pretty sure that's my hand..)

An open letter to my blog...

Hello there...

It's been a while. I know, I know.

Grab a cup of coffeee, pull up a seat. Let me catch you up.

We've done some trick or treating...

Taken a hay ride...

Hung out a bit..
Played with rainbows...

Discovered the joys of trains...

And done a bit of performing...

There's so much more to catch up on on. The Booger's grown by leaps and bounds, we've got a big project going on, the holidays are coming up....I'll be back. Don't worry. Too much.

Baby Picture Sunday

Playing together is just like holding hands, right?

highlight reel continues..

I promised the rest of the Air Zoo a bit ago. And since we're in the midst of remembering some summer fun, now is quite a good time. This building has a lot more space oriented things to explore and a lot of hands-on activties.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Looking forward to heading back there with my sister's family next month!

This is how we feel today.

Boo.

Can we have summer back please?