Fall in Arizona

Just east of Payson AZ, we found these beautiful fall colors!  Aspen, oak and maples trees amoungst the pine. It was a fall treat.

Blake's Fall Update

The day before school started, Blake had a  check up at Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Blake's appointment was one of praise . He is an "over achiever" and his liver function is improving so much so, that his medication has been lowered to only 4 pills a day (down from 6 at the beginning of treatment, March 2009). Super happy for him!! If his body continues to respond to this great treatment, we could be looking at a maintenance medication program in 12-18 months!! His doctor said that he is very impressed with how Blake is handling this phase of life. There could be some changes with his diet, but we will wait and see what comes of that (waiting to hear from the nutritionist at Phoenix Children's Hospital).
One of the side effects of this disease are the possibilities of tremors in the hands. Blake does present with this issue and we are watching him closely to assure that it doesn't effect his daily functions, especially in school. The blessing in this is that this tremor is only evident through "concentrated gross motor skills" (putting the lid on toothpaste, taking the wrapper off of a straw, etc); basically meaning you don't see it unless you know about it or are looking for it.
We once again are thrilled with the team at PCH and the care that they give our son. Dr.McOmber is so invested in Blake that we have no concerns for his well being.

The best part in all of this, is knowing that there are so many people praying for Blake. It is is evident. Our God is good! Our God is faithful!

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut

Growing up, my mom used fresh nutmeg when she cooked. I never noticed the difference in taste until I started cooking on my own and I realized that the stuff in the can didn't taste the same. 
I now have my mom's nutmeg grater, and I use it as often as I can- in baking, in sauces, on salads.  It is so fragrant and fresh.  I love this treasure.

School's Back In Session!

Craig 11th grade
Blake 7th grade

School has started for the boys!  Craig is at Red Mountain High School and Blake is at Fremont Jr. High.  We are looking forward to a very busy and fun year. 

20!



"Love is a gift, so precious and rare.  There is no greater treasure two people can share"

(quote from the plate we served our wedding cake on)

July 6th, Craig and I celebrated our 20th anniversary.

God is so good and we are blessed!

Hoops Camp 2011

Another great year!  Craig coached the 4th - 6th grade kids and Blake was a player on the Jr. High team - even went all the way and won the championship! Melvin Adams was here on campus once again, leading the kids in basketball skills as well as teaching them some life lessons skills.  Each year gets better and better and we have so much fun

Our Other Boys

Dominic (8) and Dante (4) are our nephews.  I (Sarah ) had the absolute joy of spending 6 days with them last week; loved every minute.  They kept me busy and we laughed a lot.  Family is such a blessing!

Zaharis Legacy

Craig and Blake have both been a part of the story that is Zaharis Elementary (Craig 4th - 6th grade and Blake K-6th grade).  On the last day of school this year, I was able to get a photo of both boys with Mr. Oliver, the "princi-pal".  This school has been an amazing place for the boys to learn and grow. Even though Craig is going into 11th grade and Blake into 7th, this school will forever bring great memories to our famliy.

Jr. High, here he comes!

Elementary school is no more in this house.  Blake graduated from Zaharis Elementary today.  It was a very special ceremony.  In these photos are family, friends, and teachers.  We even took a photo with the school nurse who has been Blake's life line each school day for the past 2 years.  We have loved every minute of our family's 7 years at this school - we will not forget the adventure that it has been, for both boys.

Wanted!

I had the privelegde of being a part of the team that decorated for Blakes graduation today.  We decorated the stage to look like a western town.  It was a lot of work, and worth it!

Another Moment!

This past Friday, Craig II got his license!! Yes, the little boy who drove his big wheel up and down the sidewalk is now behind the wheel of a car! We are so proud of him, and can't believe this moment is upon us!

Italia

Each year, the 6th grade class at Zaharis hosts a worlds fair.  Each student chooses a country to report on, and then has 1 month to prepare this presentation.  They present to their class and then set up in the gym for the entire school and parents to come see their great work.  This year there were 90 students at the fair.  These kids were amazing.  Blake chose to present on the country of Italy.  He did such a great job!  He was able to share about his heritage (photos included), as well as bring in homemade food (my parents taught me well).  He even wore his Italia shirt and matching shoes!!  We are so proud of him and the time and effort he put into this project.  It was a lot of work and I had fun helping him. 
He found out today that "we" got an A on it!

Desert Moon

Night time in the desert is a beautiful thing



Generations!

Craig II, Derek, Blake and Cella...cousins
Louis and Alice Pelfini...great-grandparents

All Hail King Zeus

The 6th grade classes at Zaharis Elementary produced a play called "It's All Greek To Me".  It was the end to their studies on Greek mythology.  Blake played the role of Zeus, and did a great job (if I may say so).  All the kids did really well, and their hard work paid off.  It was fun to see them all working together on this project 

An American Tradition

Red Mountain High School JV Baseball Season 2011
Craig Herrman II #10

Dad's 75th birthday weekend!

A quick weekend with my Dad for his 75th birthday! 
Such a special time with family! 
 Love you Babbo!

Starting Over

After a few months of not having a computer, or software to download the camera, I have fallen incredibly behind in updating this blog.  We were blessed with a laptop this week, and I worked on unloading the camera of hundreds of photos last night, so now the creativity can begin.  There are family events, sporting events and just because things to share with you. So stay tuned :)

The Player

Play Ball!

After many weeks of hard work, and 3 intense days of tryouts, Craig has made the team! He is an outfielder for Red Mountain High School. We are so proud of him. Pictures to come for sure, as the almost 20 game schedule starts in 2 weeks!