Sonlight Sale

With Christmas right around the corner I am always on the lookout for a great deal on Christmas gifts.  Sonlight is having a Christmas blowout sale of up to 70% percent off of select items.  I already know and love the Sonlight brand and am so excited to receive the order that I just placed.  I ordered a music cd, a puzzle, a book and a game--all for only $13.37!!!  These are not chintzy items either--Sonlight only carries high quality, entertaining and educational products.  These items are going to make some really great gifts for my children this Christmas.  also, if you are a Sonlight core member you will get an additional 10% percent off of your total order and FREE shipping.  Check out the sale at http://www.sonlight.com/christmas.html

Pere Marquette Field Trip

Today our family (myself, Dustin, Tristan, Kaelan and Addison--my mom and Emma too!) participated in a field trip to Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton with the RCHEC homeschooling group.  After a scenic, yet somewhat foggy drive up the river-road we arrived at the Visitor Center at Pere Marquette.  The kids immediately ran in to see the sculptured eagle's nest which they were excited to see they were allowed to stand inside of!  While we waited for the rest of the group to arrive we were able to learn about and view some of the local wildlife (stuffed, of course!) and see a large map of the topography of the Illinios and Mississippi Rivers along with the hiking trails at Pere Marquette.  Once everyone had gathered we were led into a "classroom" by Steve Isringhausen--one of the park rangers.  Steve treated us to an entertaining lesson on the local owl population along with some very realistic owl calls.  We also learned a bit about the white tail deer (our state mammal), the bald eagle (our state bird) and the misconception that we are looking at the Mississippi River, when we are actually seeing the Illinois River from Pere Marquette.  The lesson finished up with a short video on owls; their eating habits, nest building, hatchlings and pellets!  Although it was a rather cold, muddy day we still decided to go for a 2 mile hike--we were assured that the hike would be all downhill!!  We were taken up a steep winding road in a van and then dropped off at the head of the red heart trail.  The plan was to take the red heart trail to the yellow square trail.  We started out going..............uphill!!!  You could definitely tell that all of the kids had been cooped up inside, due to rainy weather, for quite a few days because they took off up the hill like it was nothing.  The rest of the adults lagged behind.  Steve was an excellent trail guide--pointing out different plants that were either poisinous or beneficial to us or the local wildlife.  We also learned that some of the hills we were climbing were actually Indian burial mounds--similiar to the ones found at Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville.  During our hike we were treated to several vistas of the bluffs and river--the fog over the valley only added to the beauty.  Kaelan definitely showed his trepidation of heights at the scenic lookouts--choosing to hang back at the edge of the trail rather than look out over the valley!  Since the trail was so slippery, Addie spent most of her time on Daddy's back, while Tristan ran on ahead.  On the yellow square trail we also got to see some really neat rock formations caused by a long-ago earthquake!  All in all the day was a great success.  Everyone left with muddy shoes, cold noses and a new appreciation for our local park, wildlife and families.  Thank you so much to Steve and everyone else at Pere Marquette who helped to make this state park such an enjoyable and educational experience for us!

Pumpkin Seeds

Well, it is that time again.  Time to start carving those pumpkins (if you haven't already) and start wondering what to do with all of those goopy seeds.  This year our family is going to try our hand at roasting the pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack.  I found a couple of yummy sounding recipes online and thought you might like to try one or two (or all) of them yourself.
First things first--you have to clean the pumpkin seeds.  Start by rinsing the seeds under cold water to remove all of the pulpy strings.  Next dry seeds thouroughly by patting with a paper towel and allowing to air dry the rest of the way.
For all of these recipes you will need to heat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.  Next, mix 1 cup of the cleaned and dried seeds with the desired ingredients.  Place the seed mixture on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15-20 min or until lightly browned.  Stir and turn seeds halfway through baking.

*Parmesan-Herb Pumpkin Seeds:
Toss seeds with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp crumbled thyme, and salt to taste.  Halfway through roasting, toss seeds wtih another 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp crumbled thyme.

*Curry Pumpkin Seeds:
Toss seeds with 1 Tbsp canola oil, 1 1/2 tsp curry powder and salt to taste.  Halfway through roasting, toss seeds with another 1 1/2 tsp curry powder.

*Sugar and Spice Pumpkin Seeds:
Toss seeds with 3 Tbsp melted butter, 3 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of kosher salt.

*Spanish Paprika Pumpkin Seeds:
Toss seeds with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Spanish paprika, and salt to taste.  Halfway through roasting, toss seeds with another 1 tsp Spanish paprika.
Enjoy!!

Almost FREE cd

I was just checking on the items in my Amazon store when I noticed that one of my favorite children's cds (Hushabye Baby Vol #4) said the price was only $0.17!! I clicked on the link and proceeded to purchase the cd--paying only $0.28 for a brand new cd still in the plastic and $2.98 shipping and handling for a grand total of $3.26!!! Click on the "my favorites" link on the right hand side of the page--then select "Great Kid's Music"--then click on the Hushabye Baby #4 cd and you can proceed to purchase it from there!! What a great deal!

Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Templates

Our family is not currently using Zaner-Bloser style handwriting, but this is a really great resource for those of you who are.  This website allows you to custom design handwriting sheets for your child for FREE.  The templates are designed to be used by children in Kindergarten to 8th grade.  You can choose to use manuscript or cursive and there are 6 different templates for you to customize: 2 different blank templates, a spelling template, 2 different vocabulary templates and a certificate template.
http://www.zanerbloser.com/educator/products/handwriting/index.aspx?id=4296

FREE pumpkin carving templates

With pumpkin carving season upon us our family is always looking for creative, cheap and fun ways to decorate and carve our pumpkins.  This site is offering 48 FREE pumpkin carving templates that you download to your computer and then print 1 or all of them out.  Each pattern prints on its own full sheet!  Better get carving!
http://www.extremepumpkins.com/pumpkin-patterns.html

October Events

I know October is quickly drawing to an end, but there are still a lot of fun things left to do this month.  For starters you can visit:
THE GREAT GODFREY MAZE: http://www.greatgodfreymaze.com/
Taking a journey through the maze has become a tradition for our family.  The maze is open until Oct 31st.  Hours are Fri: 6p-10p, Sat: 11a-10p, Sun 1p-dusk and Halloween 11a-4p.  Entry fees are $6 for adults, $4 for children 6-11 and FREE for children 5 and under.  Once it becomes dark out the maze becomes "haunted" so take that into consideration if you are planning on attending with little ones or those who tend to spook easily!

Boo at the Zoo Nights: http://www.stlzoo.org/
We get a picture of our kiddos in costume on the carousel every year!  Boo at the Zoo nights runs through Oct 30 from 5:30-8:30 pm nightly.  Entry fees are $4/member, $5/nonmember ($1 discount for each child in costume!)  This is a super special night for children at the zoo (with lots of not-too spooky fun) and events include:
*"Heads up" as you pass through the Headless Horseman Graveyard.
*Got the heebie jeebies from creepy crawlies? Then you'll want to steer clear of the Creepy Cavern and Spider Alley.
*Hold on to your loose change when you enter Pirate's Cove!
*Who's that floating in the Dead Man's Bayou? He's probably headed straight for Boneyard Park.
*Careful not to tangle yourself as you wind through Frankie's Maze.
*Peer into the past at the Old Western Cemetery and Miner Forty-Niner Mine Shaft.
*Keep your eyes peeled for the Phantom of the Zoo!
*Make a creepy craft to take home at the Kid's Craft Corner.
*Strike a pose for lots of photo opportunities.
*Wondering why your head is suddenly sprouting antlers? Prance over to the Boo at the Zoo "Ask the Doctor" Booth, sponsored by St. John's Mercy Medical Group for health information and answers to your general health questions on Fridays, October 16 and 23

Trunk or Treat at Emmanuel Free Methodist Church:
Our church is located in Alton on Fosterburg Rd.  This year we are hosting our first trunk or treat and I know that the ladies planning it have a lot of special games, crafts and treats prepared for the evening.  So, come on out on Sunday Oct 25th from 6-7:30 pm.  This event is for children age 3 to 5th grade!

Alton Halloween Parade:
I have only been to this parade one time in my entire life and can still remember it vividly!!  This is one of the best, longest and creative Halloween parades out there so you don't want to miss it this year.  The parade route runs on Broadway in Alton on Oct 31st starting at 7 pm (but you will need to be there much earlier to get a seat and avoid the road blocks)

Turn a photo into a coloring page!

Wow!!  I saw this offer and just knew my kids would love it.  Almost everyone already knows and loves the Crayola brand for their great crayons, markers, pencils and craft supplies, but---did you know they are online too?  The http://www.crayola.com/ website is stocked full of cool things for you and your children to do, but my favorite new addition is the ability to upload your favorite photo and turn it into a printable coloring page!!  There is a code on specially marked boxes of crayola products or you can just follow the link: http://play-zone.crayola.com/play-zone/index.htm#/LCC and borrow my code PRRVBTR2 and use all the features free for 24 hours!!

Who Am I

HI,
My name is Cristalle and http://www.adventuresinthehome.blogspot.com/ is one of my blogs.  This blog is devoted to the family.  I desire to chronicle our daily lives, whether it be about homeschooling, crafts, outings or just thoughts and ideas, joys and failures that we may experience.  I hope you will come along for this adventure with me. 
My other blog is http://www.riverbendmommy.blogspot.com/.  On that blog I strive to make people aware of how many great money saving deals are out there if you just take the time to look.  I will be offering freebies, samples, coupons and specials on a regular basis.  Enjoy!

Fall Fun

After several gray, cold and cloudy days I was thinking about how much I truly enjoy a good fall day. I love waking up to a crisp morning and having that first hot cup of coffee. I like how the mornings and evening are cool, but the sun comes out mid afternoon and warms my back--making it nice enough to throw off my jacket and enjoy being outdoors. I love all of the smells of fall--apple orchards, pumpkin pie and bonfires!! Here are some ideas to help you enjoy and celebrate this fall season.


Sticks and Stones Trail Mix:
4 Tbs butter
1/4 C frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 C brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
3 C oatmeal cereal squares
2 C pretzel sticks
1 1/2 C whole almonds
1 C dried cranberries
*Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Place the butter, juice concentrate and sugar in a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 45 seconds to melt the butter. Stir in the cinnamon.
*Spread the oatmeal squares, pretzels and almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss the pieces with the melted butter mixture to coat. Bake the mix, stirring the pieces every 10 min until the mixture is dry to the touch and the nuts are lightly toasted, about 30 min. Remove the pan from the oven, then stir in the dried fruit. Let the mix cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Make about 7 cups.

Pumpkin Dough:
1 C flour
1/2 C salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 C water
red and yellow food coloring (enough to make the dough orange)
*Combine the dry ingredients in a pan. Add the oil, water and food coloring and whish until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook the mix over medium high heat until the dough forms a ball--about 3-4 minutes. Turn the dough onto a counter and let cool slightly. Knead the dough until it has a smooth texture--about 1-2 minutes. The dough will keep up to a week in a ziploc bag!!

Apple faces:
peeled apples
your imagination
2 Tbs salt
juice of 1 lemon
*Submerge a peeled apple for about 5 min in water with 2 Tbs salt and the juice from 1 lemon. Then use a skewer or small knife or spoon to carve eyes, a nose, and a mouth from the flesh of the apple (this is a great time to pull out those playdough and clay cutters for the younger children) The bigger the features, the more dramatic the outcome. Set the carved apple in a warm spot and watch the face of your wise friend emerge over the next 2 weeks!!