The Best of Both Worlds

As mayonnaise is to Americans, Olive Oil is to Italians. Best Foods Mayo now comes with Bertoli Extra Virgin Olive Oil! It tastes really good and now I have a way to enjoy both delights:)

Kitchen Creativity

In light of the ever changing economy and our family's budget, I have decided to help us out a bit more by using up all canned goods in the pantry before buying anything new. I am excited about the prospect of being creative with each meal; Craig is nervous about what he gets to eat, but is glad that I am helping us out. I will keep you posted on my creations. I might have to include some Tums as an after dinner mint. :)

Classroom Help

I had the privilege of helping in Blake's class this afternoon. I love that my job gives me the opportunity to be a Mom for school events when I need to be there. I had two concerns going in; one that I would be in the corner of the classroom with the "pet" snake that they have (seriously uncomfortable with that), or that Mr. Ritter would have me work on math with the kids. For those that know my educational history, math was quite possibly the most frustrating thing for me (BandAid can anyone - ha ha Dad!). But today I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I would be working with the kids on spelling. I love spelling! It was fun creating sentences for the words, watching the kids think over the spelling of that word before writing it on their paper, and then seeing the smile on their face when they got it right. Even if they didn't know the word, they sure did try their best. Thanks Mr.Ritter and Rm. 17 for the fun afternoon. Looking forward to next weeks adventures.

Ever Changing

When our family moved into our home here in Mesa almost four years ago, we were amazed at the beauty of the mountains and the desert behind us. It was so peaceful and beautiful in such a unique way. Well, that has forever changed. The land was sold, and in just the last 10 days it has been cleared of everything that once was; trees and cacti removed to be relocated thoughout the new home area; rocks moved, the animals are gone, and all that is left is red dirt. There will soon be about 500 homes "in our backyard". I am glad that we were able to have the view while we did, and that the boys were able to explore the desert for at least a little while. Just another change to get used to I guess.

The BIG 50! Fifty years of marriage! Congratulations Uncle Dan and Aunt Phyllis! Thank you for such a great time. It was great to catch up with family and see their little ones. The mass was good, Dans song to you two was outstanding! The reception afterward was, as Blake likes to say, 'good times, good times.' So, everyone let me fill you in on this reception.....We had name cards we had to pick up on our way in that also had our table we were to be at. My table had my cousins Matt and Aaron and their families, no room for me. So, after bouncing around from table to table for awhile, and some help from Matt's wife Jeanette, I was able to sit with my Aunt Jean and Uncle Larry, as well as my cousin Mary and her husband Brian. What a hoot that was! As Mary and I actually truly met for the first time that I can remember. As she was already out of the house by the time I would have been old enough to even remember her. I remember more of her younger siblings, my cousin Walt and Susan from my visits to Kenosha. Well, I was able to give our blog info out to some, as I remembered to hand them the business card size info sheet Sarah made for me before I left. So, I look forward to seeing and hearing from my family and as we do we may post some of those comments.

My time with brudda Brett

I want to start by introducing my friend/brother Brett. Brett and I met in youth group.....some......HOLY SMOKE....25 years ago! We have been there through thick and thin with each other. We have been able to keep a great friendship by encouraging each other, giving and getting help from each other. So, I received this invitation from my aunt and uncle some time ago. I called Brett to find out what he was doing the weekend of Sept. 12th. He said uh, I am going to St. Louis on the 13th. Well, how 'bout coming up a day early to hang out? Long story short we were able to hook up and have a great time. The next day I took off for Wisconsin, hurricane Ike was soon to follow and was in Chicago Sunday morning.

Attached is a picture of the hotel lobby we stayed at. It is a converted train station (once called Union Station). It was awesome! They had their own little mall inside and the hotel rooms were built in the portion where the trains would come into the station.

Craig's Home

Craig had a great time this past weekend in St. Louis, Missouri and Kenosha Wisconsin. He had a great time with his friend and was able to catch up with so many family members. We will post photos soon; I forgot how green it was there, and they have trees too:) It did rain quite a bit the last day, as the left overs from Hurricane Ike came to town. He was about an hour late getting home, as the Chicago airport was backed up. We are all glad though that he is back!

Interesting Bus Ride Part II

Well, we made it through the weekend, with no incidents. The bite is still there, not as red, but starting to itch; so we wait and see. Thanks to all of you who have asked about Blake; who knew a bus ride could be such an adventure. :)

Interesting Bus Ride

Blake got home from school today and told me that while he was on the bus ride home, he thinks he got bit by something on his back. "OK, let me see". He then lifted his shirt for me to see. There was a very large welt was on his back, raised with a large red dot in the middle. I thought maybe it was a bee sting, but I didn't see a stinger. He said it hurt a lot. So I asked him to tell me what happened. He says he was sitting in the back "like I usually do Mom", when he felt something crawling up his back; he grab his shirt, and that is when he felt a sting. OK, now my skin is crawling...ooohhhh. Needless to say we have had it looked at, and I now need to measure it by circling the site with a pen every hour to watch its growth. It is a spider bite, and so we will watch for any open wounds on the site. Yes, Craig is out of town; thank you Lord for peace and friends that make things like this a little easier. Maybe Blake will think it will be cool to tell his friends he got bit by a spider; he loosened his fear knot ( check that out Brian!)

Family Get Together

Well, Craig left this morning for a very quick, less than 72 hour trip to Wisconsin. His aunt and uncle are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary! Congratulations Dan and Phyllis! He will be able to spend some time with his friend Brett -[hey there Uncle Brettly:) ] and with his extended family who he has not seen in a very long time. Unfortunately our whole family couldn't go on this trip, but the boys have made plans for us while he is gone. One of those plans is for me to cook some of their favorite foods; like some pasta dishes that their Dad doesn't really like. How creative they are! I love them for that. Craig said he will post some photos and such while he is gone - get ready for a great story! A Polish/Italian anniversary celebration - gotta love them! I love you Craig and will miss you - see you Sunday.

Oh, So Yummy!

Recently, I have been baking some goodies; more so than I have in the past. If you ask any of the guys in this house, these goodies are quickly eaten up. They are probably just glad it isn't another pasta dish:) I thought I would share my newest find. It is Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Oh so good! Warning; get it while its hot, 'cause it will be gone before you know it.


Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
2 bananas, smashed
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chocolate chips (optional - but should they be:) )
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325'. Lightly grease a 5x9 in. loaf pan
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Stir in the peanut butter, bananas, flour, and baking soda until well blended. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake at 325' for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Give it a try. Hope you like it. Let me know if it becomes one of your favorites!

Play Ball!

Well, the baseball season has begun in our house again. Craig II started playing in a Juniors Fall Ball league yesterday. Game was at 1pm and it was 108' outside. Unreal! I need to buy some stock in Gatorade/Powerade. He loves this sport, and improves with each season! We'll keep you updated as the season goes along! Blake starts flag football in a few weeks, so we'll share his photos as well.

Just Curious...

Does anyone else have a problem with their washing machine and dryer "eating" their socks? How is it possible to do all the laundry and then have an odd number of socks left over? Or what about some items disappearing? Just curious...

Week 3

Craig and Blake just finished their 3rd week of school. Craig is in 8th grade, and Blake is in 4th grade. So far, so good. :) The boys like their schools, classes and teachers. Didn't they both just start preschool a few years ago. We are really proud of them!

Big Storm

So, another monsoon storm swept through the valley late last night. Incredible thunder and lightening. It seemed that the sky was lit up for hours. So much rain was coming down so hard - looked horizontal at times. And once again, the water came into all of our garages. Seriously, will we ever move into a house that doesn't leak:) I shouldn't complain; the rain is a welcome relief from the heat. Can't believe it will be September next week. Summer is almost gone. We might get to go below 100' in a few weeks. Oh the little things that bring such joy!

We Did It!

The Herrman Family has made another step into the techno age. We have a blog! We can't guarantee a daily update, so check back often as things are always going on in our house. We want to share with you, our family and friends, a little bit of who we are, what we are are doing, some thoughts, some photos, and extra things that go along with all of that!