Life...or Something Like It

I am happy to report that Zach has been gone for 2 months and we only have 23 days LEFT! The time seems to be going by fast. I keep us as busy as possible. This has been an eventful summer to say the least. Addison has had 2 ear infections and a nasty skin virus. We are on our 3rd set of antibiotics, and she is also on Allergy medicine too. Poor little girl, but it doesn't seem to phase her at all. Kohen has been a GREAT kid all around. He is always wanting to help me around the house and he is such a big helper. He loves to water the grass, take out the trash and vacuum. He is really good at whatever I tell him. We are all anticipating having Zach home, especially Kohen.

Zach's uncle Denny passed away on June 29, 2009..we were all a little surprised. Thankfully John was here to take care of everything. He is an amazing person. I only met uncle Denny a few times, but seemed to be a nice person. We headed up to Evanston for a private viewing and a graveside service, it was really nice and I enjoyed seeing where John grew up. The Gerrard side of the family is always so fun to be around. At first I was worried that I would be going without Zach, but I felt very comfortable, just felt bad for Zach that he had to miss it.

Also, Zach's grandma is in the process of passing away, she is one strong lady and is hanging on for one reason or another. Hospice told us last Tuesday that she would pass within 24 hours...she is still with us. Sherie, Zach's mom has been by her side through it all. Grandma Hicks has been so fun to get know. I feel so blessed that my kids got to meet and get to know their great-grandma. She and Grandpa Hicks always have a funny story to tell and always made us laugh. Kohen and Addi loved to give them kisses. We know that Grandma will be out of pain and in a much better place...if she would just let go. I went to visit her about a week ago and was surprised at how frail she was. I told her goodbye and gave her a kiss for Zach, she squeezed my hand when I mentioned Zach. We will have lots of fun memories of her and Grandpa.

We have had lots of fun at Cherry Hill, spending time in Midway with my family and having Aunt Nicole here. Hopefully the next couple weeks fly by....we can't wait to have Zach home.

Happy Father's Day!

It is 5:42 am in Cairo Egypt on Father's Day...Happy Father's Day Zach!!! We wanted to be the first one's to tell you. We hope that you have a GREAT day at work. We are sad that you are not here to celebrate what a GREAT daddy you are.

Zach...You are amazing to me to watch you with our kids. I can't tell you how much they adore and miss you. This has been just as hard on them as it is on you and me. EVERY morning. Kohen asks me how many days til you come home. We are adjusting, but they sure miss playing with you, and playing basketball every Saturday or just taking them to E.G. King. You are making such FUN memories with them that they will never forget. We miss you lots and really hope that you have a WONDERFUL Father's day....you deserve it. Thank you for being such a great husband to me. I think I might miss you the most...although it is a toss up. We can't wait for July 29 th. It will be a GREAT day. We are half way their. We LOVE you honey....

HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!!

Fun Summer Days...

Classic Addi

Jared and Addi trying to get her to play

Koda waiting for the "Surprise Spray"

CUTE Porter...LOVE that SMile

Isabelle and Kohen exploring....

Usually one time while Zach is gone, I like to head down to Gateway and play in the fountains. This was the weekend. The Chalk Festival was Awesome, the weather was BEAUTIFUL and the company was pure bliss. We are watching our cousins Koda and Isabelle, we met up with Jared, Chel, Paisley and Porter...the kids LOVED every minute of it!

SpLish sPlAsH!!

Missing YOU daddy!!

BEFORE...the BATH...not so excited...

AFTER...why did I even bathe him...

AFTER...HE LOVES to be CLEAN...

Having a BLAST

Little Miss Attitude

Ready...Set...GO

Really BEST BUDS!

The SUN finally came out the last couple of days and we have been LOVING it! I decided today would be a GREAT and WARM day to give Broc a bath!!! The kids soaked up every minute of it...playing in the water and having a blast in the kiddie pool...

FuN PiCs

My lil' babes growing up!

Good lil GIRL and BOY

With Zach being gone, we all have our bad days and good days. Addi was getting to be a little STINKER...she was not listening, beating up her brother...making me loose my mind. I did a little research and came up with this chart. The kids get a sticker everyday if they do all of the things on the chart. At the end of the week, we get to do something fun. The first week, we went and saw Shrek, the 2nd week we went for a bike ride, and this last week, they got to each pick out a movie. SO far so good. They love the idea and it seems to be working great!

Brockman Tradition

It seems like the day that Zach leaves, I have to stay busy. My family knows this, so we always go for a bike ride with the Brockman cousins on the path behind Lagoon. It has become a fun tradition and the kids LOVE it.

And He is OFF....

Well the dreaded time of year came, Zach is gone to Egypt. We are surviving....some days are much harder than others, but we are making it. He has already been gone for 3 weeks. Hopefully the next 7 weeks go by just as fast. We ALL miss and LOVE you Zach!

Happy Birthday Kohen...

May 15, 2006 Changed our lives forever. Kohen Zachary Gerrard came into our family, and we were SO excited. What an experience to have him with us. He is such a little peacemaker, LOVES his sister and his dog, Broc. His Daddy is his best friend. He has been such a great kid to raise. He is a very good example and loves Primary. Thank you Kohen for being such a GREAT son. We love you xoxo Happy Birthday!

Pre-School Graduation

I can't believe that Kohen finished his first year of pre-school. He LOVED every minute of it and did a GREAT job. He learned so many fun and CrAzY songs, he learned, The Pledge Of Allegiance, He leaned all of the months, days and how to count. It was a great experience for us. We are excited to have him and Addi go next year. Way to GO Buddy...We are SO proud of you!