Copper Wire

While Erik was on hiatus (February-mid May). We really got into watching HGTV and DIY television. Along with this, we formulated BIG plans for our new house. Unfortunately, BIG plans usually cost BIG money. For those of you who know me well, I don't like to spend money. My dad likes to call me "Scrooge" because of my need to account for every penny spent. So, Erik and I decided that if we wanted to follow through with our BIG plans, we needed to learn a few new skills so we could spend little money. While improving our skills, we found a new hobby that we enjoy doing together. Following are a few of the projects that we've completed so far.

Painting this table and chair set for our play room.

Refinishing this toy box that my Grandpa Wahlquist built.

Put these shelves up in the garage. Erik also refinished a gun rack for his step-Dad and we are in the process of reupholstering some dining room chairs.
Along with doing things our self, we've learned to save money else where. Erik put a clothes line up in the back yard, we splurged on solar screens so we can keep the AC use to a minimum and still keep the house cool. We've also installed programmable thermostats and energy efficient light bulbs. With these little steps, we are able to save up enough for the BIG plans that still cost BIG money (tiling the front porch and getting one of these http://www.rainbowplay.com/).

As one of Erik's coworkers said, that's where copper wire comes from...two Mormons stretching a penny as far as it will go.