September 2011

I was just telling Chubbug the other night in the car how amazing the bean fields looked last night as the sun was going down. They were a orange/pink color or a "peachy mural color as Chubbug put it" and I've never noticed that before. I guess it's because I've lived in Illinois all my life and beans and corn in the fields is normal for me to see everyday, but the other night the colors caught my eye and made me think of Fall. Speaking of Fall, Chubbug, Mason and I worked on pumpkin bars with homemade cream cheese frosting last week and they turned out scrumptious!!! The boys then decorated their pieces with sprinkles....silly kiddos! I don't have any pics of them baking away because I forgot my camera, but I plan to do a lot more baking soon and will post hopefully some awesome new recipes.

I've been working on a bunch of Fall craft ideas as well as crafts for Chubbug....I found this awesome Fall Bucket List which is currently being displayed in our house and I plan to check off each item between now and the end of November!!!!

Check out Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/pin/192483715/ for this awesome list.

I hope everyone is enjoying the Fall season as much as the Hertz's are!!!

Winter 2011

Chubbug has been enjoying spending some much needed time outside in the snow. He's been playing in the drifts that we received from the last winter storm and even made a snowman with his dad! Here are a bunch of photos of the play dates outside!!!!

Blizzard Week Projects and Fun!

Well last week was a fun week at the Hertz household, Chubbug was off school Tuesday through Friday and I was off work most of Tuesday through Thursday!!! Recently in school, Chubbug did a test to see how many letters in the alphabet he knew and there are a few that he needs to work on. So, I broke out some homeschooling information I've located on a couple of different homeschooling website and we set off learning some of the letters and working on craft projects. Last week were worked on "S for Snowman".

Since it was Groundhog Day on Wednesday, we also watched Phil's website that evening and learned about groundhog day, read a book relating to the holiday and then made our own Groundhog Phil! As you can see below, Chubbug enjoyed this craft. The only bad thing about this particular lesson is that it started snowing yesterday morning a little and Chubbug didn't understand why because Phil said he didn't see his shadow, so Spring should be here!! LOL

We've also been preparing for Valentine's Day with a few craft projects.

Saturday we spent time at Nana and Papa Hertz's house and tried a little sledding over their large drifts. Chubbug even went airborne at one point. He told us "that's how I roll"..he's watched Dispicable Me tooo many times! I'll hopefully be posting photos of the adventure soon!!

Coming soon.....this weeks adventures at the Hertz household!!!

Camping - 4th of July

It's been a really long time since I've blogged but thought this would be a great time to start back up! We've been enjoying the 4th of July weekend at Shady Lakes Campground. My sister and I were here about 18 years ago and I am amazed at how this campground has grown. We arrived Friday night at about 6:45 p.m. and set up the campsite. Grandma would be so happy because we put lights on the canopy! We grilled burgers & hot dogs and had fresh fruit! Yummy. The boys were freaking out because there are so many things they wanted to do and most of the festivities didn't begin until Saturday morning.


Saturday we started with biscuits and gravy, showers and Jeff (my husband) and Kevin (my brother-n-law) took Mason and Dalton fishing for the first time. Both of the little guys caught a Bluegill. They were so excited but it didn't last long as they were only gone about an hour. Needless to say the big guys are going fishing this morning again, so they can enjoy too!


Swimming, bag tournaments and cooking on the grill was followed with awesome fireworks at the campground!! Smores and campfire afterward left everyone exhausted and sleeping in this morning till 8 a.m.


Looking forward to another day and what adventures will come...who knows but it has been a great time with family and watching the little kids have the time of their lives!


Until next time, have a Happy 4th of July!

What kind of crafting do you do with 4 year old boys???

I have a 4 year old little boy that loves to do projects and create things, but I unfortunately don't know what kind of projects to do...therefore I'm on a mission for any mom's of little boys to give me some good ideas of things I can do!!!

Are there certain projects you've tried that have worked out well? I'm not a seasoned mother in this area and would like any help that you can give!!!

We are currently making bird feeders by using older bagels, peanut butter and birdseed! But I need more ideas to keep his imagination and creative brain juices going throughout this long winter!!!

Can't wait to hear your responses!!!

Just some random thoughts and Simple Women's Daybook

I was reading "Jesus Calling" this morning that I received as a gift from Christmas and in today's devotion there were a few statements that really caught my eye and meant something to me, so I thought I would share:



"As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze to long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. Simply call out " Help Me Jesus!" and I will lift you up. The Closer you live to me, the safer you are. Fix your eyes on Me, the one who never changes."



Have a great day!



Simple Women's Daybook



Outside my window...grey, dreary.

I really wish....work would be over and the weekend could begin.

From the learning room...working on my essay for English Comp I class.
I am thankful for my family and their support while I attend school. This first week back has been a little rough.

I am wearing...black slacks, green top and white sweater.

I am reading....The Vampire Diaries 2nd book....can't think of the name.

I'm hoping....to get my scrapbooking room put together this weekend as I need to expand and to get a desk area set up for Dalton so he can use the computer as well.

I am creating....an area for Dalton to learn his ABC's and stuff. Need to get busy with that project.

I am praying....for Victor VanUnnik, Sr., that he makes it home safely today and that he heals fast for pain sake. That his family hangs in there and that God heals him of this disease.

On my Ipod....same old stuff, need to update it majorly! I keep saying this, but it never happens!!! LOL

Around the house...laundry as usual, painting needs to be finished and general cleaning.

One of my favorite things...a weekend that has no real big plans, just staying at home!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish essay for class, go over next couple of month calendars, work in the office, work on next weeks meal plan, I have a whole like of new year's resolutions that needs to be looked at and acted upon!!! Have a great weekend!!

Simple Women's Daybook - Monday, November 16, 2009

Outside my window...grey, dreary and cold.

I really wish....it was Friday so I could be headed to Chicago!!!

From the learning room...working on school stuff, hoping to start working soon with Dalton on writing his name and recognizing the letters of the alphabet instead of just memorizing the song!

I am thankful for my friends, family, home and life!

I am wearing...black pants and dress shirt.

I am reading....Tempted by P.C. Cast, need to start reading The Fury & Dark Reunion of the Vampire Diaries Series....I just can't help myself.

I'm hoping....that New Moon will be really good as they are saying it will be on Thursday night.

I am creating....trying to finish Dalton 1st year scrapbook and the perfect holiday look for the house.

I am praying....for many things dear to my heart.

On my Ipod....same old stuff, need to update it majorly.

Around the house...painting the family room before the holidays get here!

One of my favorite things...peppermint mocha coffee creamer!

A few plans for the rest of the week...work on Dalton's scrapbook, finish painting, bring in the rest of the outdoor furniture, winterize the garage and get groceries for Turkey Day next week.