BFF's

The Weekend Projects

We're buying a new computer and we decided that we needed a new computer desk to go along with it. Our old computer desk is basically a piece of crap, so we went shopping for something new. We couldn't find anything! We checked everywhere and most of the desks were between $100-$150 and they didn't even look good. I figured that I could build a desk for at least as much as the stores were selling them for and I could also customize it to what we needed, so I took on the task. Well, it's finally built. It cost a little more than expected because I didn't know exactly what I was doing, but I did learn alot (it took a little longer than expected too). Now all we need to do is stain it and put the slide out keyboard shelf on. I'll post more pictures when the project is 100% done.

A new coat rack made out of hemlock

Crochet, of course.

My latest crochet projects. I wanted a new beanie so of course, I made one. I like it. It didn't take too long - a few days. It is very warm.
Also...
I made this doll blanket. I actually just wanted to try out the stitch using two colors at the same time. It was fun. I think I will make an afghan like this - only better color choices. I am thinking white and tan.

Where's Maddie?

Boo!

The Eco Fan

My Grandparents bought us this cool little fan. It's called an Eco Fan. As the heat rises off of the stove it actually powers the fan. The more heat coming off the stove the faster the fan turns. It's really cool and works really well. It's small but it helps to circulate the heat. Before we had this fan, we used regular box fans but they sucked lots of energy. We tried putting the fans in different places but nothing worked as well as this little fan. So if you have a wood burning stove I highly recommend trying out one of these fans. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa.

The Cold

They're calling for -30 tonight. When I got to work this morning it was -25. It's a good thing that I'm working inside. All the roads are frozen over. It's so cold out that the air is filled with ice crystals. It's really quite impressive and beautiful to see. It makes me feel like I live in The Great North when I'm in town and see the roads covered with snow and ice. I don't know what we would do without a wood burning stove. The highs are supposed to be back up into the 20's by the end of the week. I love living in Montana!

Here We Go!

A snowdrift around our house

The Montana winter has officially began. Today was a very cold day. I don't think it got out of the single digits all day. We have had constant wind since yesterday, which results in really big snowdrifts and freezing (and I mean freezing) cold weather. I got to use my new grey/red scarf today while I went outside and shoveled the knee deep snowdrift that lies between my house and my car. It was about 1 degree when I was out shoveling - Brrr. Jake spent the day building a new computer desk and was outside in the nice weather cutting and sanding, cutting and sanding. He did come inside to nail it together though. He just started it today so it probably won't be done for a few weeks, but when he is finished, I will post a picture. It is going to look really nice.

Another snowdrift on our deck


This is my newest crochet project.


I made this scarf for my friend for her Birthday. She says she likes it - lets hope she really does.

Check This Out...

If we could all be M&M's...

Milestone

Maddie hit a new milestone yesterday - eating, and enjoying her baby food - sweet potatoes to be exact. Her favorite thing to eat are graham crackers. She could sit and eat those forever. It is exciting watching her grow, but it is all happening too fast. I can't believe she is 7 months already. She will be crawling fairly soon. She tries so hard to get around, but she just ends up going in circles or backwards. I think Sierra will absolutely love it when Maddie starts crawling. That only means one thing..... trouble.

Try This

Sierra has way too much energy today, so I found a way to keep her entertained and to use up that energy! My neighbor did this the other day with her little boy. She called me and said, "You gotta come over, I made a slide!" So we went over and it was a HUGE hit. Sierra is still having so much fun with it. She got out all of her dolls is putting them down the slide too. If you are going to try it, make sure your kids are wearing pants that are slippery. Sierra was wearing jeans earlier and it didn't work.

Name: Sierra Mae Schall

Age: 2

Loves: Maddie, babies and baths

Dislikes: Having her picture taken

Favorite Movie: Cinderella! (Lalella)

Favorite Books: She never turns down a Blues Clues or Princess book

Upcoming Milestone: Potty Training (I hope)

Favorite Color: Seems to be pink

Favorite Place To Go: Hastings

Next

Jake started making this scarf a while ago. One of those things where you put it down and never pick it back up. I decided to finish it. It was almost done. I just added a few rows and the tassels. I turned out pretty cute.


Maddie's beanie. It is January and Maddie still didn't have a beanie, so we thought that she needed one. I have this pattern in one of my crocheting books. It was fun to make. I actually made it twice. The first one that I made was too short. I didn't come down far enough over Maddie's forehead. So I made a second one and just added a few extra rows. It turned out perfect although she hates wearing it. I really like the colors. If you look closely at the pic - you can see Maddie's two new teeth!

Good Ol' Bill

Our neighbor Bill, aka The Farmer, aka Jake's friend The Farmer, out for a ride on his snowmobile. Notice the dog sitting on his lap. He loves (and claims Junior loves) to take Junior for rides while Lady runs behind. Just another "You gotta love Montana" moment.