Family Time

My sister and her boys arrived safely tonight from California. Dominic and Dante are so funny; they make us laugh. I am sure there will be plenty of photos to post soon:)

A Thanksgiving to Remember

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, our family went to Colorado for a fun, yet too quick trip.
Thanks Dad and Laurie for a great time together; Chrysler family, it was just like old times.
We love all of you!

We have much to be thankful for!

(Sorry this post took so long to be available. The photos were a nightmare to load; and there are lots to look at. Captions are below the pictures)

We woke the boys up to take this photo! Didn't want them to miss the moment:)

Amazing what you see while driving the interstate! "Mom, check out the mit and baseball" "Where?" "Out your window" :)

Decorating cupcakes with Grandma Laurie

We made our cupcakes look like turkeys

Getting ready to fry the turkey; tell me, does Blake look a little cold? :)

In it goes! 17lb. bird that cooked in 55 minutes! I was really worried about how it would taste, but it was so good. Who knew?

Craig II and Grandma "Duff"

The first family member to fall into a couch/turkey coma!

Family picture: Herrman's, Norkett's and McDuff's

Craig and his sister, Stacy

Blake and Papa riding the ATV

Craig II getting driving instructions

There he goes!


The cousins!

Aunt Pam, Craig and Aunt Sharon

Brothers riding

So cold, and having so much fun!

Falcon in the field

Family poker game

Blake and Tartan-buddies for the weekend!

Papa, Grandma and the boys

TJ, Justine, Craig II and Blake


Getting ready for a snowball fight

No gloves, but still fun

Beau Jo's pizza night

Sarah, Craig, Andy and Kara- picking up where we left off

Yes, that is the correct temperature

A very cold family!

The start of driving home in the snow

Leaving the Rockies behind

A night drive into Arizona

Gods Creation

We had our trees trimmed recently,

and this is what was left on the tree

from where a branch was cut...

Home!

We got home tonight at 8pm, after a 15 hour drive from Colorado! I will be posting photos and stories in the days to come; needless to say we have much to be thankful for.

It Has Finally Happened

13 years ago, I knew that one day, Craig II was going to grow up in front of my eyes. He always seemed to be a little taller than everyone his age. It was confirmed today, that my son, Craig II is only 1/2 an inch shorter than I am! He is 5'6" tall! I can't believe I look my son in the eye. He's not far from being taller than his dad either - I am sure you'll hear from us when that day happens!

Here are the boys pictures from school this year - Blake is not far behind his brother; he is still a skinny little thing, but is growing like a weed!

Thanks!

A big thank you to all of you who came to Holiday Palooza today! It was fun to see all of you there. For those who couldn't make it, I missed you! I even brought out Christmas decorations, and played Christmas music to help get us in the Christmas "mood". I have catalogs for the items that were available today; if you are interested in getting anything, just let me know:)

Invitation!

HOLIDAY-PALOOZA!
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008

1:00pm-3:00pm
Sarah's house

Come ready to enjoy some great yummies to eat and drink,

and the opportunity for
one-stop-shopping for yourselves or others for Christmas.

I am featuring:
Pampered Chef, Ashman Candles, Cookie Lee Jewelry,

Arbonne Skincare Cosmetics and Tobi Hancock Photography

All great ideas for gifts!
Bring a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Gotta Love Those Kids

So, today Sarah needed help in the nursery since she had a worker call in. She asked me yesterday to help out third service. I said alright I can do that. As we started the morning we had very few little ones. Then more and more showed up, I see why there is about 1:1/1:2 ratio, these little ones keep you on your toes. Although I was the only father/man in there, I think I will be missed next week. To all you Dads out there, I encourage you to be a part of the childrens ministry, those little ones need us to be around watching and teaching them as well as these mothers. Even if you only help once a month it is time well spent. Parents your children today were very well behaved.

Some additional thoughts and my point of view--
Brynn what a sweetie and brave, you had no other girls your age to play with today
Ryland-seriously, was daddy part of the process- you look so much like your mommy
Steven-I can now say I knew you when-once you become a fullback or a lineman of some type
Keith you are just too cute-tell mom and dad you want your swing back
Aaron you are too funny, the faces you made today were great I think you get your personality from mommy and grandma Fox
Santi-although we almost had to put the smackdown on you and have your big sister give you a flying burrito you are a joy to watch
To all of you parents, your children were wonderful and if Sarah needs help in there again I would do it in a New York minute:-)

Janet Elaine (McCormick) Pelfini

I just wanted to share this with you:

9 years ago today, our lives changed as my mom suddenly passed away. My sister and I both agree that we don't hurt as much as we did at the beginning, and are stronger today, but there are moments that suddenly spring up and emotions get the best of us; sounds, smells, the need to talk to her, family events, etc. To all my friends in Arizona, I so wish you had had the opportunity to meet my Mom. She was so funny and creative. She was always willing to serve and was a great Sunday School teacher and nurse. When it came to cooking and entertaining, she was Martha Stuart on steroids! She loved my Dad and her family. She had struggles, but every one of us has them. She has adorable grandchildren who she would have loved to get to know more (Craig II was 4 yrs. old and Blake was 6mo. old when she passed away, and Dominic and Dante weren't born yet). It is amazing though that Blake and Dante have a few McCormick traits - blue eyes, light skin and a few freckles. For all our family and friends not in Arizona, I am so glad that you knew her - I am sure you have memories and stories to last a lifetime.
I know that our life here on earth is not our own, and I am comforted in knowing that my Mom is with her Savior, and her legacy will be one to live on in all of us:)

Breakfast Just Got Fun

Did you know that for a limited time, Kellogg's is putting mini guitar hero toys in specially marked boxes of their yummy cereals?!! This is great news for us; now I can "buy" the boys a guitar hero for the low, low price of about $3.29!

Thanks Brian for letting me know about this money saving find:)

So Now We Know

Whether the outcome of the way you voted was of your liking...for city, state and country, the results are in.

Today is the day

Whether you mailed it in, dropped it

off or are ready to stand in line...VOTE!

Lots to share!

Here is our Friday and Saturday round up:

Craig has finished fall baseball. He had a rough season; not enough players to make a full team, rotating coaches, etc. His team didn't even get to the end-of-season tournament. The league just removed them from the schedule. We think he had fun, and we know he is looking forward to the next round come January.

I was able to get a photo from the last football game that Blake had - the one where he ran in for a great touchdown pass, and I held the camera in my lap:) Thanks to Coach Kelly's wife for getting the shot:)

Friday was Halloween - Blake went as a scary jester and Craig as a Rockies baseball player. Yes, even at 13yrs. old, you still want to get candy!:) Last year for Halloween we ran out of candy, and we had to run to the store to get more. So this year, I decide to stock up, and now I have tons left over. We didn't even have 30 kids stop by! So, I am sending candy with Craig to work, and the office staff at RMCC will be getting treats in the morning as well:)

Craig Alan had the exciting privilege of being part of an audio drama, "Spiritblade: Dark Ritual" last year. We went to the CD release party today. Photo is Craig and Paeter (the creator of "Spiritblade"). We are really proud of Craig and the opportunity he had to participate in this project.

If interested in "Dark Ritual", you can check out their website: http://www.spiritblade.net/

There you have it; a little look into 48 hours at the Herrman's:)

Weekend Sports Update

Has it really been 10 days since we last posted? Sorry...where do the days go? This was a full weekend of sports for our family - Blake had a football game and Craig had a double header in baseball. In true Mom fashion, I had the camera with me as Blake had an amazing run in for a touchdown, and Craig made an amazing leap and caught a ball in the outfield. I got so caught up in the moment cheering for them, that I forgot to use the camera. Ahhh; the memories will have to be in our mind.

From A Young Politician

I love the thought process of kids. Our nephew Dominic, who is five, was watching the presidential debate with his Dad Wednesday night. He was led to share that he felt John McCain was going to win. When asked why he thought that, he said "cause he's listening better".

Another Statement

While getting Blake ready for school this morning, he tells me this - "Mom, memorizing my Bible verse for KIDS Rock is so easy - even a cave man can do it!" He said this an hour ago, and I am still laughing about it!:) And then Craig II says "Hey Mom, you should make that your new KIDS Rock logo". Seriously, where do they come up with this stuff:)

Could It Possibly Be!?!

Fall? I mean, could it really be here?!? It is only 74' right now and it is gorgeous outside. I wish my windows opened at work! It is supposed to be in the 90's again by the middle of the week - don't put the summer clothes aways just yet, but this little break is really a welcomed relief!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sweet husband, and to the world's greatest dad to 2 awesome boys!

We love you!
(Craig at age 4)

Could It Get Any Better Than This!

While looking at Food Network's website (almost a daily occurance), I came across this unbelievable recipe; they even included a photo.

Smore's Brownies http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/smore-brownies-recipe/index.html

I can't say that the one I made looks like this, but it tastes incredible! Let me know if you make this for you and your family. Caution- a diabetic coma could ensue, and a trip to the dentist might be in order:)!

Special Memories

Today would have been my mom's 72nd birthday (Sarah) . Wish she was still here to see the boys grow up and only be a phone call away when I needed her. Happy Birthday, Meemers!

Another Day On The Field

Blake had his second flag football game today. He plays defense so far, and really goes after it! He is having a lot of fun, and we are so glad he wears a mouth guard to protect the metal investment on his teeth:) Craig II had a double header today; wasnt able to get a win from either game, but did really well in his out fielding. Promise to take more pictures next weekend.

Only From Blake

While having dinner tonight, Blake mentioned that when he gets older he wants to open his own restaurant. Sounds interesting. "What will you call it Blake?" "Jalapenos" he said. "Why that name?" " 'Cause there's already a place called Chili's, sooo..." Oh he cracks us up!

Just Some Dust

On Saturday, a storm pulled together in the late afternoon. Our hopes were quickly dashed when all we got was lots of wind, a small rainbow and only dust:( It will rain again soon - in December. (photo from our backyard)

Fantastic Family Friday

Have you ever had one of those days when you are so thankful for the blessings that you have been given? Friday was just that for all of us. Craig II received his quarterly progress report; he got straight A's in all classes! We are so proud of him. Blake won a contest in his class, and got to go out to lunch with the principal from his school. The principal then took him to Barnes and Noble to get 2 books of his choice (thanks Mr. Oliver!). The day ended for all of us by going to a baseball game; AZ Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies! The boys received tickets to this game for their birthdays in the spring - we have waited all summer for this game! We were all decked out in purple and black. The Rockies lost, but we all had so much fun anyways. The boys were able to get baseballs signed by some of the players, and even caught a game ball tossed up to them by Todd Helton (1st baseman). The game ended with an awesome fireworks show. I think we will all remember today for a long time! (Sorry if the photo is a little hazy - fireworks had just ended)

Fall Amoungst Us

Seasonal change is the biggest thing I miss living here in Arizona. It is the third official day of fall and it was 104' today; no leaves changing, no sweaters to wear, no crisp cool nights. It will be here but not until December and January. But the bonus is, we don't have to shovel driveways or scrape windows:) Fall is my favorite season to decorate. I hope to start soon; 2 tubs to bring in from the garage to make this happen. I also got in the fall mood by baking a yummy treat yesterday. The boys loved it; extra whip cream made it even better (recipe to follow). Hope that your fall is exactly what you want it to be.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 - 29oz can pumpkin puree
1 - 12 oz can evaporated milk
3 eggs

1 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 - (18.25oz) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter

1 cup chopped pecans

Whip Cream

Preheat oven to 350'

Lightly grease a 9x13 pan
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Melt the butter, and drizzle it over the cake mix. Sprinkle pecans over the top.

Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until done.

Let cool slightly before serving; serve with whip cream on top!