About The River

Friday, November 30, 2012

On The Road Friday

 Today, we will head back to Texas.
We visited the Alamo in March. This was an amazing adventure for us. On our ride home back to Wisconsin, we talked over and over again about the Alamo. It had an great impact on our boys. The price for freedom is definitely taught here at the Alamo.
 To start your visit, I would suggest watching... Alamo...The Price of Freedom at the Imax Theatre Rivercenter. The movie wows the kids and gives perspective on the historical site.
 After the movie, head over to the real site. The battle and the importance of this time in history, fresh in your mind.
 The city is built up around the Alamo, but once inside, you feel like it is just the Alamo...not the city of San Antonio.
Bullet holes in the rock.

 During our study of the Alamo, I fell in love with Colonel William B. Travis. It was so sad to watch him die.

 I appreciated this sign!
 Gentlemen remove hats.
Texas has made it very clear that the Alamo is a place that is to be respected. I appreciated it. It was refreshing that others did too. The men who held the Alamo, were very brave.
Remembering the Alamo!
God Bless!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Hobbit

The Hobbit
We are so excited for this movie. The boys have gotten so excited about what Lego is coming out with for this great addition to The Lord of the Rings journey.

This also might just call for a party. Get your invitations at Studio 206!
This card will make a great invitation for your Lord of the Rings party. It would also make a great Happy Birthday card for a Lord of the Rings fan!



Shelob Attacks!
 
This card will for sure make your Lord of the Rings fan smile. Yay, for Samwise Gamgee who saves the day!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Welcome Little B

Today, I introduce you to our new family member.

 Little B

 Little B
He is a sweetheart. He has a loud purrr. He loves to cuddle and is so soft. You cannot help but say "Oh, Little B"
 Well, Max our dear orange cat. He did not say "Oh, Little B." It was more like what Garfield does to his little buddy Nermal.
But, we caught Max giving Little B a bath! We knew then, Little B put his charm on Max.
Max does not get to sleep as much as he use to. He usually gets woke up by Little B. Max is getting better at finding good hiding places to sleep.
All in all, they have become good friends.
 And what about Molly? Little B likes Molly, but not as much as Molly likes him.
I think, three in a bed will be coming soon.

Little B sends you a big purrrrr.
Happy Tuesday 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Just sending a hug...

Just sending a hug...
from my heart to yours!

We have new cards!
Check out our shop for our new winter collection.

Our cards make great gifts. Each card is printed on quality paper and includes a white envelope. A free gift with each purchase.   

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Funny on Sunday

Funny on Sunday
7 year old Ellen was being punished one night by not being allowed to eat with the family. Instead, she was made to eat dinner alone at a small table in the corner of the dinning room. The rest of the family set about ignoring her completely until they heard her saying grace over her solitary supper. 

"I thank Thee, Lord, for preparing a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
I am thankful for all my blog friends. Your fun comments add a smile to my day. I enjoy reading your blogs too. Many of you seem like close friends. And I have been blessed this year to actually meet two of my blog friends in real life. That was a true blessing.
Thank You! I appreciate all the support. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Table Decorations

Each Thanksgiving I make the table decorations. Several years ago I made name tags. My mom liked them so much she continues to use them year after year. Earlier this month I shared my plan to make bags of  Pretzel Pumpkins. I also made Indian Corn Poppers. What are Indian Corn Poppers? Well, you use a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll and fill it with treats. I used Kit Kat bars, stickers and added a question. We have a fun game called Family Dinner Table Topics. I had Sam and Atticus look for some fun questions to put into the poppers. Here is an example of some of the fun questions. Which wild animal would you like to tame and keep as a pet?  If you lived during the Gold Rush would you have journeyed West to strike it rich? If you could speak another language which would you choose?

Putting it all together. Our bag of pumpkin pretzels  and our Indian Corn Popper.

Once we sit down and say our Thanksgiving prayer we open our poppers. Each year I put something new in for a prize and we put some fun fact, question or trivia inside for each family member to read out loud. We are excited to see what our family thinks of our Thanksgiving Poppers this year.

Friday, November 16, 2012

On the Road Friday

Today, we are really on the road. Traveling to my parents for our 2nd annual cookie baking time.
Last year the boys had a great time decorating cookies. They both enjoy baking and spending time with Grandma.
We plan to try some new recipes. I will be sure to share them with you, just in time for Christmas baking.

Enjoy the weekend!  

Thursday, November 15, 2012

A new Green Bean for Thanksgiving

Green Beans with Bacon
Are you looking for something new to make  for Thanksgiving? I love the traditional Green Bean Casserole. But several other family members do not. (my sister being one) Here is something new to try.

Green Beans with Bacon
2 1/4 pounds of fresh green beans
4 slices of bacon
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 tablespoons of white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
1/4 chopped pecans

In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Toss beans in and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. 
Set bacon aside.
Toss in onion and pecans. Saute
Remove pan from heat and add vinegar and sugar.
Add green beans. Saute everything together.

Crumble bacon and toss on top of beans.

ENJOY

As you can see from my photo I added mushrooms. My son can not eat pecans (because he has braces) He loves mushrooms. It was a big hit.

What do you plan to serve at Thanksgiving? Any new recipes?
          

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Presidential Pets

Book Recommendation

Presidential Pets
By Julia Moberg

The Weird, Wacky, Little, Big, Scary, Strange Animals That Have Lived in the White House.

Bear cubs, snakes, a parrot that swore!

An alligator! Living in the bathroom!

Jackson's parrot, Poll, who whistled and spoke, had a bad habit when provoked! She swore!

Hoover owned not one, but two alligators. And both roamed the White House.
We loved this book. I hope you will take time to check it out from your local library. It is a great way for kids to learn about Presidents...in a fun way.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Autumn Leaf Craft

Autumn Leaf Craft

Canvas
Leaf
Permanent marker
Water color pencils

We had a great time with this craft. Trace your leaf on to the canvas with permanent marker. Color your leaf with watercolor pencils and paint to get the watercolor look.

My finished product. I did not use a real leaf. I used a stencil. I really wish I would have used a real leaf, because I like the look of the boys better.

I think you will enjoy this craft. It was great fun. They look great hanging up on our art wall. 

Happy Crafting!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/4 stick of butter
3 cups of all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 cups pure pumpkin puree
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
 For The Sugar Coating
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
 
Spray muffin cups with cooking spray or muffin cups. Make up batter, beating everything together. Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup and bake until toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. 
About 30 minutes.
 
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Let muffins cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Working with one at a time, remove muffins from pan, brush all over with butter, then toss to coat in sugar mixture. 
Let muffins cool. 
 
Enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate or apple cider. YUMMY! 
   
  

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Friday, November 9, 2012

Pretzel Pumpkins

Pretzel Pumpkins
Each Thanksgiving I am in charge of our table decorations. This year I will be making pumpkin pretzels.
You will need... 
 Pretzels
M&M's 
Candy Melt
Pumpkins, Yummy!!
I will put a bunch of pumpkin pretzels in a fun bag and tie a ribbon on it. Each Thanksgiving guest will receive a fun treat!

I made some pumpkin pretzels for Halloween...they did not last long. My family is happy to hear I will be making some more for Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me! How wrong this little poem is! It would be more accurate to say: "Though sticks and stones inflict great pain, their hurt will fade away. But just one sharp and biting word brings harm that's here to stay."

Our words are powerful. With them we can build up and encourage, or we can tear down and destroy.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is November 22nd.
Pick up your pen and tell that person how her or his  loving kindness has made you feel.

Check out our Etsy Store...just click on the camera at the top of the page. We have a fun assortment of photo cards perfect to send that Thanksgiving message.

All cards are printed on quality paper.

Not sure how to say it?
Here are a few helps...  
Your love and faith have comforted me. Thank you for being there for me.

Kind deeds like yours change lives. Thank you.

God's gifts to us are wondrous! Your gift to me is wonderful! Thank you for being so thoughtful.
 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Welcome November

Welcome November

November the month that brings grey and clouds.

But, do not be fooled. Beauty can still be found.

The woods holds lots of beauty.

Sometimes, we just have to stop and enjoy the gifts God has given us. Little surprises are all around us. Stop, look and let me know what you find this week.
Happy November

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Merciful

We are most like beasts when we kill. 
We are most like men when we judge.
We are most like God when we forgive.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Matthew   5:7

I am linking up with Lori at Life, Love, and Laughter in a Large Family  with think quotes.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Texas at night

We are on the road this Friday to Texas at night.
Here we go...
I love fair rides at night, they are so pretty!

I love posing for this photo.

It is so beautiful.

The boys with Aunt Sally and Uncle Paul.

I think they should have done the kissing pose. Just kidding!

That is our trip to the Houston Rodeo at night.
Have a great weekend!