To my regular readers – I’m interrupting my regular scheduled postings to participate in a Blog Hop today. So what’s a Blog Hop? Well – it’s kind of like an open house, or a meet and greet. Other bloggers stop by to meet me – and I hop over to other blogs to meet them. I’ve found the sweetest people on past blog hops! It’s a great way to get “out of the house” on a cold and dreary January day!
Hey everybody! Come on in – just shake the snow off! My name is Melinda and I live here with Jan, my husband of 20 years and our five kiddos ranging from 18 years down to 10.
“Here” is our homestead in the middle of nowhere in the rolling hills of southern Iowa (yes – Iowa does have hills!).
Our nearest neighbors are Amish.
We moved here from the big city 12 years ago and have been slowly making it home ever since.
We’re still renovating the big old 1920 farmhouse that we moved on to the land. It’s my “dream-come-true” home!
I love old wood furniture, thrift stores and a good book.
And I love chocolate – I mean really love chocolate – like obsessed with chocolate.
I don’t like poison ivy, laundry on the floor and slow internet.
I’ve discovered that living with teens is not for the faint of heart and that my husband gets more wonderful every year. 🙂
We like adventures, making memories, and laughing.
And food. We really like food.
We have lots of company – some for a day, some for an overnight, some for a week. 🙂
We especially love cousins!
Someday I hope to learn to take really cool pictures and find a knob that fits my bathroom door.
I collect recipes, Christmas movies, and old books.
And did I mention that I like chocolate? 🙂
I blog about life.
My life.
Sometimes it’s serious.
Sometimes it’s funny.
Sometimes it’s just plain silly.
But it’s always full of love.
Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!
I love company!
There’s always something cooking in the kitchen, some deep thought to ponder, or a funny story to share!
I’ve linked this post up with the Blizzard Blog Hop hosted by Household6 Diva.
Blue Jeans and Cotton Tees 
Hello lady, I stopped over from the Blizzard! I have been following your blog for a while now and have always LOVED your recipes (to die for: the snickers, peanut butter brownie thingies…goodness gracious….) Thank you for the wonderful insight to the homestead, I wish we could pack up and move to God’s country – maybe in life after Army 😉 Stay warm! – Shauna @Planting Shade
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You are living the dream it seems! We are so different, yet I am secretly jealous:-) Thanks for sharing and joining the Bloghop!
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Thanks for such a nice welcome. I live in a house that was built in 1910…they sure are fun to fix up aren’t they? Mostly fun…I think.
Sounds like we might have a lot in common. Nice to meet ya!
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You had me at chocolate. YUM.
And I think you have something there. honey roasted peanuts and dark chocolate?
Hmm..That could be a challenge I could do.
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I love the “LOVE” sign!
I have an apron that says, “God made all things..chocolate and coffee are two of my favorites.” LOL
Hallee
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Books and chocolate! blizzard bloghopping! Can’t wait to read more.
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Stopping by with my cup of hot cocoa to sit for a spell and chat! I love your intro, and can’t wait to read more!
Evelyn
Adventure Of Super Spice
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Hello fellow Melinda! I found you through the bloghop and thought I would check you out. I’m glad to say that I am now following you and can’t wait to read more of your posts. Stop by and say hi!
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You are so funny. That entire post describes you to a *t*.
Your fellow cleaning fairy, Janie, showed up today. That wonderful lady vacuumed my bedroom for me!! And my living room, and my entry way. It’s a good thing I don’t have more carpet than that :-0
Did you enjoy chocolate cake day today? Silly question huh?
See you Sunday at the potluck~ Cinnamon
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Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning. (Our Village is a Little Different) I am going to enjoy reading. I’m really interested in homeschooling older ones, and I love renovating old homes. Oh, and chocolate… I couldn’t live without it!
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Thank you for following! I can’t wait to get my dream home in the country!
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You are living my dream! I seriously would love to be renovating a farmhouse to live in, be still my heart!
Wonderful to “meet” you!
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Nice to meet you 🙂 I think I am jealous of your house 🙂
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I’m visiting from the Blizzard Bloghop. Renovating an old farmhouse is my husband’s dream! I’ll have to tell him about you. It’s nice to meet you!
http://www.ridingtherollercoaster.com
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That “LOVE” sign is so cute! You have a great personality. Stopping by from Blizzard BlogHop.
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Hi Melinda!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I thought I’d return the favour 🙂 I’m a country gal too! We live on 50 acres but so far just have chickens – rabbits, goats, and horses to follow in future.
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Hi, Melinda! I’m stopping over from the BlogHop and wanted to thank you for your comment. Your house is absolutely gorgeous! I love the character and the architecture.
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Glad to find you on the bloghop, it’s been fun reading everyone’s introductory post and following! Have a great weekend and nice to meet you!
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As always, when I stop by I get a lift and a blessing. And, you always send me chasing other blogs. Now I’ll just HAVE to check out BlogHop. For a little country gal, YOU have broadened MY horizons and I love it! You’ve inspired me to write and post my story about baby rabbits. lol
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Stopping over from the BlogHop. You seem like a fun person – can’t wait to read more!!
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Hi, I followed you back over from my blog. Your life sounds so interesting to me. I’ll definitely be back (and now I can see why the picture of the California beach looked so good to you – stay warm). Nice to meet you.
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Thank you for stopping by my blog during the Blizzard Blog Hop! If you ever get tired of that house, I’d be more than happy to take it off of your hands! (I’m a sucker for anything from that time period!)
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Just stopping by from Locomotion of Expressions! Found you on a blog hop!
I’m a navy wife (submariner) and I am a pull no punches kinda girl. I say whats on my mind, and that’s just me!
Ty for reading this, have a great night!
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