ChRiStMaS EvE...

All CUTE and READY to go to Grandma and Papa's


Grandma TEACHING about Mary and Jesus


KoKo and Addi VERY excited to open gifts from Grandma and Papa

OpEnInG Christmas Eve jammies with Grandma Brockman

This SeaSon has been so great for our family. For Zach and Me it has been very humbling! With our niece being diagnosed with cancer, seeing their family struggle on a daily basis has really put things into perspective for us. My side of the family always chooses to do a SUB for SANTA..it is always much more rewarding than buying gifts for one another. We were able to help out Jen and Zane....what a HUMBLING and TOUCHING experience that was for me. My sister in law Tara, also wrote to 97.1 ZHT and submitted a letter for Jen and Zane...THEY picked her story! What an amazing experience that was for Tara and ME! She asked me to go with her to read the letter over the air...Tara you did such a GREAT job. The radio station provided Jen and Zane's family with SO much stuff. IT was SUCH a blessing to see the PRICELESS smile on Kendra's face. IT has been awhile. She is a TROOPER! She finally finished radiation and is doing great. It is a waiting game now, until she gets the MRI in 4 weeks to see if the Tumor has shrunk! Our thoughts and Prayers are with you guys!

This time of year always tugs at my heart. I HATE the fact that I don't remember the last time that I saw my dad on Christmas. I can't imagine not being with my loved ones this time of year. I am SO grateful for my Savior. I am SO grateful for my family and the Gospel....I am MOST grateful for my little family that is all MINE! I love you Zach, Kohen and Addison SO much! I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

wiNTeR wOnDeRlanD....

Today was such a GREAT day...I LOVE fresh snow and we got TONS! We made the best of it and took Kohen and Addison sledding. It was Addi's first time and she HAD a Blast!!! Kohen loved to be pulled around in the SLED and I loved watching them enjoy it!!!!

cLaSsIc

MeRrY ChRiStMaS!!!

And TaGgEd AgAiN...

Here's a gooey, romantic game of tag.Here's how it works: I will answer questions about Zach. At the end of the post, I'll tag 3 people and post their names. Then, those three people can do the same thing on their own blog and so on and so forth. Feel free to do this on your blog anyway - even if you're not tagged!*

*What is your husband's name? Zachary John.*
*How long have you guys been married? Almost 4 years*
*How long did you date? 5 Days*
*How old is he? 30*
*Who is taller? He is.*
*Who can sing the best? Definitely ME If you call it singing.*
*Who is smarter?definitely Zach*
*Who pays the bills? Zach*
*Who does the laundry? I do, but he is really good about helping out.*
*Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do.*
*Who mows the lawn? He does when he is in town, I do the rest of the time.*
*Who cooks dinner? I do on my days off, Zach does the rest of the time.*
*Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? I would say Zach*
*Who kissed who first? He made the first move.*
*Who wears the pants? Both of us*
*So now I am tagging Holly, Carrie, and Natalie

Thankful...

I love this time of year. The Holidays...Spending time together as a family...Family Parties, And with Thanksgiving in a couple of days I wouldn't feel right if I didn't jot down the things that I am thankful for....

***Most Importantly I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be a member of His Church. I am so GRATEFUL for His atoning Sacrifice for me.
***I am thankful for my husband Zach. He is the best thing that has happened to me. I would be lost without him. He truly is my best friend!! I am thankful that I can laugh and cry..just be me, and he still loves me.
***I am thankful for Kohen and Addison. They are my favorite 2 little people in this world. I love that I am their mom. They make me laugh daily. They are soooo cute...I am thankful that they are starting to be "friends" and play together.
***I am thankful for my family and Zach's family..we are so lucky to have both of our families close to us. They are all so fun to be around, and a great support to me.
***I am thankful for a warm house to have..I am thankful for Zach's job and mine to provide for us and our kids.
***I am thankful that Zach can go to school to give us more opportunities in the future.
***I am thankful for good neighbors. We love Kris and Sandy...and so do my kids.
***I am thankful to live in the USA...we are SO blessed to be free and to live in this country!!

I am SO thankful for all that I have. Happy Thanksgiving!!

SuRpRisinGlY CaLm

So just a few days ago, I was in the shower getting ready for work, I get out and I hear..."My Hands are BLUE and I Don't LiKe it"...I didn't quite know what to think and to my surprise This is what I found....

Much to MY surprise I didn't get mad at the little Guy!! I Left the windex out, and He got a little creative. It is a good thing that you can LOVE these little people so MUCH!!!!

PlaYiNg CaTcH uP & RaNdOm PiCs

This has been a fun and interesting week. It all started with me getting strep, a kidney infection and a LOVELY infection in my mouth behind my mucus membranes..due to strep!!!

It was a FUN birthday week for me. WE got tickets to Disney on Ice to take Kohen and He LOVED every minute of it. IT was the best birthday present to see him have such a good time. WE can't wait until Addi is old enough to enjoy it too. Friday morning I woke up to my kids and Zach singing HaPpY BiRtHdAy!! IT was SOOO cute. Zach made me Eggs Benedict..HOMEMEADE!! WHat a GREAT Husband...We love to go to Ruth's Diner for my Birthday for BReakfast, but this year he made it for me...I think that is better than RUth'S...Thanks Zach you are the BEST.

Zach and I had a night out with out the kiddies it was soooooo NICE. I don't remember the last time it was just the 2 of us. We enjoyed a movie and dinner...thanks Mom...I really enjoyed it and had a GREAT Day!! Saturday was back to work and the daily grind. When I came home from work Zach and the kids made me a BIRTHDAY cake. IT was so cute and really fun to let them just dig in..especially my Addi...she LOVES to get her hands dirty. All in all with me feeling like crap and still working it turned out to be a GREAT week and Such a FUN BIrthday!!! Thanks Zach, Kohen and Addison.....I LOVE YOU!!!

Kohen eating Breakfast with his GREEN HAT


My CUTE Boys



Kohen LOVES Cake


Addi Digging In

My Birthday Breakfast

GOING PRIVATE!!!

I have decided that it is a GOOD DECISION to take my blog down the private road. To many crazy people out there! If you would like to be invited to read my blog please post a comment so that I can invite you!! I will go Private a week from today!!!

Thanks...

P.S. I NEED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!!

CuTe LiTtLe StInKeRs

I just thought my kids looked so cute dressed up and ready for church. Zach got them ready for church, and Kohen kept telling him that he was really tired and he wanted to go to bed. (Obviously trying to get out of church) Zach put him in his bed, he stayed and ended up falling to sleep all ready for church. Needless to say this kid is way to smart and knew exactly how to get out of church...They did look SO CUTE!

LiTtLe SuPeR HeRoS

I am just a little behind on this post. Last Saturday all of Zach's family ran a 5K to support a fund raiser for kids with cancer in honor for our niece Kendra. I was really bummed that I missed out on this because of work. Zach took the kids and headed to Layton Park to start the race. I think it is safe to say that everyone had a GREAT experience. It is amazing to me how the people of this city have really stepped up to help out Kendra and her family. Kendra's school had a bake sale that was 3 days. They raised over $1200. It was such an incredible experience to be there when they presented the money to Zane. All of the 6th grade kids made a blanket for Kendra, so that when she goes to the hospital she will keep warm and feel her friends all around her.

As far as Kendra goes, I think that this radiation is starting to take its toll on her. She is SUCH a trooper. Her little face is so swollen and red, but yet underneath it all she has such a beautiful smile. Kendra is an example to all of us..she has and is enduring so much. Keep it up Kendra...You are an amazing little girl, and you are always in our thoughts and prayers!!!

When my kids got home from the race Kohen was so excited to show me his T-shirt and tell me all about the race. Him and Addison looked so cute in their SUPER HERO t-shirts.

TaGgEd AgAiN...aBoUt ZaCh

This one is about Zach...

1. Where did you meet your husband?
Zach's Sister, Cherie set us up

2. How long did you date?
Technically 5 Days...engaged 8 LONG months

3. How long have you been married?
It will be 4 years in February

4. What does he do that Surprises you?
Once in a while I will come home and my house is all clean...I LOVE IT!!

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
I LOVE his deep blue eyes

6. What is his best quality?
You can count on Zach for anything. If he says he will do it, He will

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Rita, Nancy and Jackson...

8. What is his favorite food?
He loves anything, but especially loves anything with blue cheese

9.What is his Favorite Sport?
GOLF..he will golf 7 days a week if he could..I love that he is truly passionate about it

10. When and Where did you kiss?
Date 2, and my moms front porch..that is a FUNNY story..

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Just spend time alone together..doesn't happen too often

12. Do you have children?
Yes, 2... Kohen and Addison and Zach's Pride and Joy..his Dog, Broc

13. Does he have any Hidden Talents?
Oh he can bust out a TUNE..in fact when we were engaged, his mom told me that he should try out for MOTAB...

14. How old is he?
30

15. Who said, "I Love You" First?
That one is a toss up...I knew that he wanted to say it, but was too shy, so actually I think that I did. What the crap after 5 dates????

16. His favorite Music?
Complete opposite of mine..always a fight in the car..ROCK

17. What do you admire most about him?
Zach has the biggest heart in the world. He would do ANYTHING for anyone. He truly knows that meaning of service. He has a STRONG testimony, and is always wanting to learn more.

18. What is his Favorite Color?
Blue

19. Will he read this?
I think so

20. Who do You Tag?

Jordan, Dusty, Denise Gibb, Sandi and Carrie

HaPpY HaLlOwEeN

Carson, Me,and Braden


Brock and Friends...


Steven Sales Annual Halloween Party

Koda, Kohen, Olivia, Addi and Max

Cute ole Carrie

TaGGeD

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:

1. King of Queens
2. Everybody Loves Raymond
3. America's Next Top Model
4. Court TV
5. Any Game Show
6. Nanny 911
7. Rachel Ray
8. ER

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

1. Was up and ready by 10:00 am ( All 3 of US)
2. Took Addi to the Dr
3. Went to my Mother-in-Laws
4. Met Zach for Lunch
5. Worked
6. Went to Old Navy and bought Addi a Trick-or-Treat Bag
7. Played with Kohen
8. Put Kohen to Bed

8 Favorite Places to Eat:

1. Lorena's
2. Costa Azul
3. Olive Garden
4. Timbermine
5. Outback
6. P.F. Changs
7. Red Robin
8. The Madrin

8 Things that I am Looking Forward To:

1. Graduation Day for Zach
2. Quitting my JOB
3. Just being a MOM
4. Moving to Egypt
5.Going to School
6. Not Driving so Far to Work
7. Trip to Arizona in a Month
8. Having only 1 child in diapers

8 Things on my Wish List:

1. My MOM to be Cancer Free
2. My niece to be Healthy and Cancer Free
3. More KIDS (someday)
4. For my Kids to Never Grow Up
5. A More FIT me
6. Everybody in my family to be Happy and Healthy
7. Traveling
8. a Fairy God Mother

8 People I tag:

1. Kristen
2. Abby
3. Holly
4. Natalie
5. Anna
6. Kellie
7. Carrie
8. Liz

A FunD RaIsEr FoR KeNdRa..PlEaSe ReAd

This is a Fund Raiser for our niece Kendra...she is doing great! She completed her first week of radiation and still has 5 to go she is a TROOPER. She seems to be doing great other than she is VERY TIRED. Kendra we are so proud of you. You are such a strength to all of us...Keep it up ...WE LOVE YOU!!!

RUN WILDE
5K and Kids' Fun Run
Come dressed as your favorite SUPERHERO
and RUNWILDE
Saturday November 1st, 2008, 9a.m.
Layton Commons Park
Costume contest, and kids fun run
T shirt for the first 100 runners
Cost: 10.00 Student20.00 Family
Register the day of the eventRegistration 8:00 a.m.
Kids fun run and costume contest 9:00a.m.Race begins 9:30
Daxton Wilde foundation raises money for children with cancer and their families,
As well as provides children in hospitals world wide with a gift including the book written and illustrated by Daxton Wilde"I'M A SUPERHERO"*A portion of the earnings will go to help our local super hero's
Kendra Clement and Leah Warren

PuMpKinS PumpKinS PuMpKInS

Today I took Kohen and Addi to the Black Island Farms Pumkin Patch. It was SOOOOO Much Fun. They had the biggest slides..Kohen was in Heaven, they had a pig race, and the best part of all was the Hay Ride to the PumPkIn PaTch. Kohen, Addi and I all got to pick out our own Pumpkins. It was really fun, and well worth the MonEy..I think that we will make this a FaMilY TrAdiTiOn...

MonSters and LaDy BuGs

So Aunt Kristen gave Kohen a BIG BLUE MONSTER costume to wear for Halloween this year...What a JOKE to get him to wear it. He REFUSES...Zach even went to Granda Gerrard's to show Kohen Monsters Inc..still would not wear it. So I thought...Maybe if we put Addi in her costume...Kohen will wear his. SO we did..Addi LOVES to be in hers and looks so cute...Kohen still would not wear it! Zach and I finally had to pin him down, put it on him and give him a BIG Candy bar...YEA...He finally wore it and Would not take it off...The joys of KIDS!! They both look so cute. WE are ReAlly ExCiTeD for Halloween this YEAR...

GeRrArD FaMiLy FUN DaY

Best BUds..Daddy and Koko

Grandma, Addi, Belle and Kohen

SOOOO Cute...Kohen and Zoe

And another one BITES the Dust...way to go Parker

Mommy, Addi, Kohen and Zoe

Papa and Grandma Gerrard took all of us to Classic Fun Center to have a FUN day before Kendra starts radiation. It was SO FUN..not only for the Kids...but all of the Adults had a BLAST!!! Thanks Papa and GRandMa...WE LOVE YOU!!! Good LUCK today Kendra...

HouStaN we Have A WalKer

My sweet little Addison is GROWING up and is all over the Place!! She is WALKING...YEA...it has been so fun to watch her get up and try...fall get up and try...fall and finally get up and start walking. She is loving that she is a BIG GIRL...

A FeW ThiNgS oN My MiNd

This last week seems like such a blure. I wish I could say this is all a BAD dream and we would wake up happy. With the news of our niece..seeing their family struggle..trying to find peace and comfort has effected all of us in so many different ways. This is throwing me back to the day that we found out that my mom was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. It was a nightmare. I was only 19 years old...the day we found out, my dad decided to pack his bags and leave. My mom is such an amazing person to me. She has the most strength of any women that I have met. She NEVER once complained while she was going through radiation or chemo. I KNOW that she was hurting, but she never let us know. She always somehow had a smile on her face through it all. She has taught me SO many wonderful things in my life. She is a TRUE example of Sacrifice. My heart is so full of gratitude. I hope that I can be of such an example to my kids and she has been to me. I love YOU mom!!!

These last few days my testimony has been strengthened so much. I am so thankful for my family. ALL of them. I am thankful for the trials that I have been through...I am SO thankful for my mom. I am thankful for the mission that I served. The sweet people of Bolivia will always have a special place in my heart. I KNOW with all of my heart that this is the TRUE Church. I am so thankful for the plan that Heavenly Father has laid out for us, so that we will be together forever. Most importantly I am SO thankful for my husband. He is the BEST thing that has ever happened to me. He has a strong testimony of this Gospel and is a true example to me. I am so thankful for his Priesthood and that he is worthy to hold it. He has amazing faith!

This last week I have been thinking of all my blessings. Especially my kids. They are the Light of my life. I am really reflecting on the joys that being a mom brings. I am trying to be a little more patient, I am trying to laugh a little more, spend less of my time being mad, and just soak up all that they have to offer me.

Last Saturday as I was a work with all of those sweet precious babies thinking...how close they are to the veil...how sweet and innocent they are...I could not help but think of my sister in law Jen. She is going through SO much and my heart is truly aching for her. She has to be one of the strongest people ..next to my mom that I have ever met. I cannot imagine what she is going through. I wish that I could comfort her in some way to take her pain...if it is only for 1 minute. One of my favorite scriptures I love to think about when I am having a hard time is found in:

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thine ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Jen, Zane, Kendra, Angie, Ryan and Raymond....We LOVE you and our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

Today...

Today has been a really hard day...We got the dreaded phone call that our niece Kendra was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. She was admitted to Primary Children's today and will be started on Chemo and steroids tomorrow.

Kendra is such a LOVING sweet little girl. She will be the first one to give you a hug and tell you something nice. She is always so patient and loving with all the babies in the family. She is always good for a laugh. One funny memory that we have of Kendra is, she was jumping on Grandma's tramp with all the little kids and her brother Ryan kept falling down, she carried him into their mom and dad and said, here mom, "Ryan has a bad case of falling down."

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kendra. You are a strong little girl, we are so blessed and thankful to have you in our family. We wish you the best of luck these next couple of days. Thank you for your sweetness and your loving heart....We LOVE you!!!

WeEkEnd FuN!!

All ReAdY to get CHOCOLATE dOuGhNuTs

DaDdy BeiNg ThE BIG Kid That he IS

AlySSa BeIng CRAZY

AfTer oNe Bad CRaSh

CuTe ElLy

Garcia Family...we had a blast on Sunday...Thanks for coming over and making us laugh till we were sick....WE LOVE YOU!!