Happy 4th of July

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 Declaration of Independence

 Happy 4th of July! We wish you a wonderful time celebrating America! God Bless!

 

I am teaming up with Lori  with  Think Quotes , check it out and join us to share fun quotes.

On the Road Friday

We are back inside the Texas Capitol building. I enjoyed this story about this young lady, who helped fight for Texas freedom.

Johanna Troutman

Sam Houston - a true Texas hero!

Several flags were on display from the many battles Texas fought for freedom.

Rules

My boys 8 and 6 years old, 2008.

The children worked long and hard on their little clubhouse. They could play together and have fun. Since a clubhouse has to have rules, they came up with three:

Nobody act big.

Nobody act small.

Everybody act medium.

Not bad theology!

Give preference to one another in honor.

 Romans 12:10

Message by: Charles R. Swindoll

The 1 question I ask when I’m afraid. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

The 1 question I ask when I’m afraid. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff



Today I am sharing a great post by Jon Acuff. My husband introduced me to Jon, and I find  him to be a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy this. Let me know if you walk away feeling stronger. I did, it was a good reminder for me.
Have fun reading.

Kabobs

Our boys love making Kabobs. We like to add red, yellow and green peppers. Pineapple, chicken and some of us like mushrooms.

Jeremy brushes Raspberry Vinaigrette (with poppyseeds) dressing on as the Kabobs grill, this dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil

Yum, Yum, ready to eat!

 

Think Quotes

Hi, today I am teaming up with Lori at Life, Love and Laughter with Think Quotes.

Have a great Monday!

On the Road to Texas part 2 - inside the State Capitol

A fun water fountain. Atticus had to try it out.

Inside the Capitol's Library!

Look what I found.

I thought this was amazing...they had every state!! I checked to be sure. Some of the states had rows and rows. We loved the Library.

Yes, another Texas star!

On the Road to Texas part 1

Our goal as a family is to visit all the State Capitols! We had the blessed opportunity to visit my Aunt and Uncle who live in Texas. March 2012, we got to visit Austin, Texas.  It was interesting at how busy the Capitol building was with protesters, field trips and  out of state visitors. We had to go through security, which was something new for us. At our  other Capitol visits, visitors have been able to just walk in. 
Austin is a beautiful city and the Capitol is amazing. We had a great time....and we would love to visit again.

So off we go...Lone Star State...here we come!

The Texas Capitol anchors the four blocks that surveyors designated as Capitol Square in 1839.

 The first Capitol structure on this site was completed in 1853. The three story, limestone building measured 140 feet by 90 feet and cost approximately $150,000 to construct. In early 1881, officials held a nationwide compition for the design of a grand new Capitol and declared Detroit architect Elijah E. Myers the winner. The 1853 Capitol went up in flames in November of 1881, and a temporary Capitol was built across the street from Capitol Square to house state government during construction of the new building. The ground breaking ceremony held on February 1, 1882. Three years later, builders had finished the foundations and basement walls and the 12,000 pound cornerstone was laid on March 2, 1885, Texas Independence Day.
For over a century, the Sunset Red granite Capitol has stood as a symbol of the legendary spirit of Texas. It is the seat of government...the place where Texans meet to enact laws for the state.

Security!This was a first for us when visiting a State Capitol.

We love the character each Capitol building has. Sometimes you need to look close, like at the door hinges!

Door knob...cool. Lots of stars in Texas!

Beautiful hallway.

The star in the dome, approximately 218 feet above, was installed in 1958 and measures eight feet from point to point.

Stayed tuned...we will be back on the road to Texas tomorrow.

Happy Birthday

Do you need a fun card for an upcoming Birthday?

A fun Happy Birthday photo card just right for a young lady.

Do you have a boy's birthday coming up? He will love this speeding in the city photo card.

Biker Man...great for that young man or biker dude in your life.

Star Wars anyone? A fun card for the Star Wars fan in your family.

A beautiful card full of flowers just for her!

For that little girl dreaming of the Secret Garden. A great way to say "Happy Birthday"

All of our cards are one of a kind! Send something special!

Check out our store at Etsy

Studio206 

A new kind of S'more

I forgot my camera at my parents house, so I do not have photo's of this delicious S'more we tried. Yum, Yum! Graham crackers, roasted marshmallows and a York Mint melted in the middle. Just in time for something fun to try during the Fourth of July. For other fun camping ideas, check out  Camping treats and Preparing for camping

My new mower

I got a new mower this spring. I have always wanted one of these mowers...yes an o'l fashioned mower. Last year we were on a drive and saw one for sale on the side of the road. We said we would stop by on our way home...lesson learned...always turn around if you see something you want to check out! Let me tell you, it will be gone if you do not.

 We did some research and found a good deal on this new reel mower. Jeremy put it together in a few minutes, it was easy.

My new mower. A reel mower.

We do not have a very big yard...due to most of it is garden, flower garden or the boys play area. I was tired of spark plugs, oil and gas. I can just take this baby out of the Yard Barn, and off I go. And yes, off you got to go...you need to walk fast and push hard with this mower. I think it is well worth the extra work out I get mowing.

I love to mow lawn. I had several lawn mowing jobs growing up. I love to be outside, and this was a great way for a girl to be outside.(I grew up a farm girl, so I was outside a lot. I just liked getting lawn mowing jobs, over babysitting jobs) We just finished our outside work for this evening, I did not get to mow the lawn. Our son Sam has taken a liking to mowing lawn and he loves the reel mower. It is fun to see the blades cut the grass. He likes to see how high he can get the grass to fly.

How about you, do you like to mow lawn? Or the smell of fresh cut grass?

On the Road Friday

Porcupine Mountains

 Ontonagon, Michigan

Jeremy and I enjoyed our 15th wedding anniversary camping in the Porcupine Mountains. 

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was established in 1945 to protect the last large stand of uncut hardwood hemlock forest remaining in the Midwest. Hiking, camping, mountain bike trails, rustic cabins and winter sports are all found with in the park.

We set up camp and then took a hike down to Lake Superior. People are always creating with the rocks.

The Presque Isle River flowing down into Lake Superior. I will have more photos next week of the falls. It is amazing. The water was high due to the good rain we have received.

The river flowing out into Lake Superior. The foam is proof of the raging falls.

Not sure what kind of bird this is, but I love his hair do!

My own creation with  Lake Superior rocks...2012.

Beautiful Lake Superior!

Sun tanning bug.

Our view from our campsite.

A hike down to the water for a peek at the sunset.

My rocks are washed away.

Back to camp, for a fire and hot chocolate. Then to bed...more fun photo's next week from the Porcupine Mountains.

Have a great weekend!

Prickly Pear

Our 2012 Road Trip took us to Texas! We went in March to visit my aunt and uncle. I loved the prickly pears my aunt had in pots around her home. She told me I could take some home, plant them and yes, I would have a prickly pear!

Prickly Pear 

At home in Wisconsin, I planted my prickly pear babies.

The babies are growing!

Getting bigger!

A surprise!

A beautiful bloom!

Rhubarb Vinaigrette

Rhubarb Vinaigrette

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup water

4 stalks rhubarb (about 2 loosely packed cups), finely chopped

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Zest of one lemon

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Coarsely ground pepper and sea salt

Combine water and honey over medium heat. When the mixture begins to boil, add rhubarb and boil five minutes more, stirring often. Stir in vinegar and lemon zest, and cook five to 10 more minutes, until dressing is reduced by about half. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Whisk the olive oil into the dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or cold over fresh salad greens.