Diana Does Domestic: February 2011

The snow just isn't stopping here in North Texas. Where I happen to live we got over an inch of ice plus 5+ inches of snow on Tuesday. Today we've gotten another few inches. A dear friend sent me a photo of her 21 month old daughter eating some snow ice cream. Of course I had to know how she made it. It's simply snow, milk, sugar and vanilla, and it is so yummy! Growing up we didn't have any traditions like snow ice cream. I did often go out and find icicles and pretend I was eating carrots or make the occasional snow angel.

It's so simple to make. It's 1 part sugar, 2 parts milk, vanilla to taste (a teaspoon to a tablespoon), and snow. Mix the sugar, milk and vanilla to combine, then add to snow. Mix until it reaches a consistency you like.

For example, I used 1/2 c sugar, 1 cup milk, 1 Tbs vanilla and I'd venture to guess 5-6 cups of snow. Keep adding snow or the milk mixture until it reaches a consistency you like. I personally dumped the milk mixture into the snow and I was happy with it.

Thanks, Mendie!!!!

Before I give an update on the walls, I want to take a moment to thank the Grahams for all they have done for us. It was Quinton who got Tony the new job and gave us the opportunity to finally build a house with our own hands. Quinton and his boys have helped us tremendously with building the house and lending us tools. Diane has been tirelessly taking care of Tony in addition to the rest of her family, doing his laundry, cooking for him, etc., and it is greatly appreciated. I can't thank them enough for all that they have done for us over the years. They have opened their home and their hearts to us, making great sacrifices to be our friends. They've never hesitated to help us even when it would have been easier or understandable not to. Our dreams are coming true because of them. I love them deeply for their selflessness and generous hearts.

While I was up on Friday running around getting our vehicles repaired, I drove past this house that used the same metal sheeting that Tony and I are intending on using. This is my inspiration, it's going to be so cute!

The place we have been buying the insulated panels at has been out of stock recently, so Tony and I decided to first put up OSB for the walls until the panels come in. For a few hundred dollars it'll add another layer of insulation and help protect against drafts that might slip through the insulated panels.

The first board is up!

The first wall! This is the north side wall for the bedroom and closet.

My utility room! I really want sky lights in our next house.

Tony framing in the bathroom window.

Exterior door and utility room.

Kitchen wall. Right now the plan is to have the sink under the window with countertops and cabinets on the left and a freestanding stove and fridge on the right.

Front of the house that looks over the view to the southeast. The living room is on the left and the bedroom on the right.

My closet. I'm trying to keep things as neat and organized as possible to make the whole process smoother.

Our table!

Exterior wall that faces northwest that is the bathroom, kitchen and utility room.

After getting the first board up, we realized how difficult it was to hit the studs without them being marked, so I marked them all, but Tony still missed from time to time, and eventually went around and filled every hole with Great Stuff. He also sealed in any gaps he found. This is one of the steps he's taking to this being Super House. If money were no object, he'd insulate the entire house in Great Stuff.