Back in the swing of things...

It's day two home and back to work. It's day two of not unpacking...I did start some laundry but that's as far as I've gotten. I have ZERO motivation to do anything at home or at work. Jon is still editing our vacation pictures, so as soon as they are done I'll get them posted. I broke out with a cold sore/fever blister Wednesday morning so most of our pictures have me with a fat lip. I had to strategically align myself in all our pictures to show the side of my face without the cold sore!

We had so much fun! Aliya got to meet her Great Grandma Caryl and Aunt Kim, Karen and Cousin Randy. We had a great time playing games and playing in the pool. It was Aliya's first time in the pool and she loved it! She spent half the time in the water with Joel and me and the other on daddy's lap on the side. Joel and I played a fierce game of water volleyball (which was actually us trying to bump a blue bouncy ball back and forth, no net...we weren't that good, but it was fun!) We also tried our hand a shuffleboard, Joel's really good! Me, not so much! Joel also tried rollerblading for the first time. Aunt Kim brought over some blades for him and gave him his first lesson. He did not like it and was eager to sit down and get them off! He had all the protective equipment to boot!

After dinner on Tuesday we said our goodbyes and headed to Orlando and stayed with a very nice couple that are friend's of Sarah's. They were gracious hosts and we enjoyed our time with them! And their King sized bed (Jon and I both agreed that a new bed will be our next bit purchase!) Wednesday we headed to The Animal Kingdom (thanks again Sarah!). It was a great day! Jon and I took turns riding the rides with Joel. Joel was determined to get soaked on the white water rafting ride...he rode 3 times and barely got wet! Oh well, sorry bug! The day was the perfect temperature, not too hot and a gentle breeze. After a long day of animal watching we met up with Sarah and Rachel and went to Caraba's for dinner (YUMMY)! It was great to spend some time with them! We can't wait until they move to Ohio and we can see them more often!

Thursday we were back in Tampa. Everyone decided to head to the NFL Experience at the stadium, but I just wasn't up for it. It looked like rain outside and Aliya was in desperate need of a day of nothing. I am really glad we stayed back, about 20 mins after everyone left it started raining (and didn't stop for 10 hours)! Holly, Jon's sister, came over and we worked on wedding stuff! Everyone got home around 8:30p and was soaked and frozen to the bone. Joel was excited to show me his autographs that he got and Jon shared the pictures from the day! They had a lot of fun!

Friday morning was a bit of a mad rush to get last minute plans for the wedding done and the cars packed up! Holly and I headed to the nail salon where she got her nails done and I got a pedicure...nice... We got back just in time to jump in the car and head to Fort Meyers! It was about a 2 1/2 hour trip. Aliya was ready to get out and run by the time we finally got there! We stayed at a beach front Holiday Inn and shared a suite with Jon's folks. We had our own room with a crib and Joel crashed on the sofa pullout in the living room. Our back wall was glass and over looked the ocean with a huge balcony! We spent several hours in the banquet hall going over plans for the wedding and rearranging tables and such. I probably got on the hotel staff's nerves. I asked a million questions and gave a million orders. I just wanted everything to be perfect for Holly and Chaz.

Family started to arrive later that night and we headed to Hooter's for dinner (hence the new picture on the top of the blog). The food was a bit disappointing, but the fried pickles were great! It was so nice to have everyone together in one place! Aliya started to have a melt down around 8pm so we grabbed her orange balloon and headed back to the hotel. That night as the kids slept we put the finishing touches on the bouquets and went over last minute plans for the wedding.

Saturday morning I spent a lot of time in the banquet hall before I headed out to the beach to help set up the ceremony site. It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was chilly! The wind was blowing and I was so cold! I spent about an hour out there in the sand putting on all the finishing touches on the alter when Jon yelled out that I only had 30 minutes left before we needed to be ready! HOLY CRAP! I still had to shower, shave, dress, do my hair and get Aliya ready! Oh yeah, and figure out how to cover this GIANT red lip of mine. Thanks again Aunt Terry for all your help with Aliya while I was getting ready! Both kids looked amazing! Joel carried Chaz's ring in a beautiful shell lined with lace from Syliva's vale. A steal drum beat as Holly was escorted from her room to the beach by her dad. Tom took over at the end of the row and walked her down the isle to her future husband! She looked stunning! (as you will soon see in pictures) Chaz's best friend, Mike (great guy!) was his best man and Sylvia was Holly's matron of honor. It was perfect! Aliya did okay, she hated the sand under her bare feet but didn't want to be held during the ceremony...she looked too cute to be so fussy!

After the vows, family sand ceremony and kiss Michelle announced the new couple to the group and they danced back down the isle!!! Pictures followed and then it was off to the reception! It was perfect! Jon was off with his camera and I helped cut the cake! It was so much fun!!!! I was so tired by 3:30p and ready to crash. I prayed Aliya was ready for a nap (hoping I could sneak in a few winks myself) but she wanted nothing to do with a nap! She was too involved in what was going on around her. Once the sun started to set we headed down the beach to watch the sun disappear into the water. It was perfect! Joel decided to go swimming with his cousins and Uncle after that, so the rest of us relaxed in our room until we all crashed at 11pm.

Sunday we all had breakfast in the hotel restaurant then packed up and headed to the airport! It was sad to say good bye, but what a week! I finally got my Starbucks as we waited for our plane!!!! Aliya was restless on the plane ride home and we landed in Dayton to 40 degree weather and no ice on our van! Thank you Lord!!!!

We are so thankful that we had this opportunity to spend with family and friends! We had so much fun and can't wait to start planning our next vacation! (yeah right!)

we made it!

We are in sunny FL!!! We left this morning at 7:30p, it was 16 degrees and snow. Two hours later we landed in Tampa FL, it's 67 here today!! Much better! The kids did great on the plane. Aliya got antsy until she fell asleep, then was fine. I didn't get any sleep on the plane as I was her body pillow and the seats aren't that comfortable. The coffee on the plane was GROSS and I could kill for a Starbucks right now! We were picked up at the airport by Tom, Jon's step dad, then back to Jon's folk's for lunch. Jon's brother and his family arrived yesterday so it's a full house for sure! BLT's for lunch and now we're trying to get Aliya down for a nap before we head to Winterhaven to see Grandma C and Aunt Kim! I can't wait!!! It's going to be a busy week, but I will try to check in when we get a second near a computer!

Update on Aliya...and now Joel

Well, Aliya's breathing treatments started yesterday. I'm convinced now that I am to not have anything to do with her treatments. She had her first treatment at the sitter's yesterday and Jennifer said that she did great! So last night we did on before bed, Jon and I tag teamed her and she screamed the entire 15 minutes. She did sleep better last night and is breathing easier. So this morning Jon decided to give Aliya her treatment while I was up doing some emails. And what to you know, she sat there the ENTIRE time with the mask on her face and didn't scream at all. Jon read her books and she did great. So, Jon has a new job around the house here for the next few days. She's starting to come around to her silly self again!

We were supposed to be heading to Joel's basketball game this morning, but we just got a call from Tracy (Joel's mom) and he's home sick in bed. What's up with this family!?!

I hope we are all well come Monday morning, we have to be at the airport REALLY early!

Please pray...

Our little ladybug is not feeling well. We've been home with her all week. She's cut two teeth this week and has a very deep chest cough. We went to the doctor's this morning (I was having flash backs of our last appt and was wondering how today would go...she did SO well! We walked in and she got right down after I took off her coat and played with the toys, she walked around and waved at everyone. When it was her turn, she walked back to the room on her own, let me put her on the scale, and told everyone her name, but when the nurse touched her she SCREAMED) Anyway, we were given orders for a breathing machine and treatments. We will start the treatments tomorrow, as the doctor forgot to write the dose on the script and the office was closed when I finally made it to the pharmacy. She has a slight fever and is very tired. Please pray she is better soon!

Gotcha Day

One year ago today at 6:10pm the most beautiful baby girl entered our lives. She was five weeks old weighing in at 9# 12oz, 21" long and perfect! It is amazing to think a year has gone by. Aliya is our miracle and has lived up to her name as she truly is a gift from God! We love you sweetie!

"HEY"

My mommy wanted you all to know that we are still here! We have been really busy, but she'll post some new stuff soon!!! Until then, here's a quick update on me and my brother:

Me:
*I'm walking all the time now. Crawling is for babies and I'm a big girl now!
*My 4th tooth just broke through this morning!
*I love to eat (still) chips are my new fav snack, even though mommy won't let me have them very often!
*I'm talking up a storm now, my newest words are "no" (snow), I do know how to say No really well, but I say that a lot louder than snow!, "dudin" (Dustin), "meow", "football" and"yeah"
*I like to tease people, I have a great sense of humor!
*I like to shut myself into rooms then scream because I can't get out
*My hair is getting long, mommy is going to take me for my first hair appt soon!
*I love to watch football with daddy and Joel, I can sign Touchdown, No good and holding! (I'm learning to say basketball now too)
*When I'm not talking, I'm singing and dancing. Mommy sings to me a lot and I interrupt her and say "hey mommy" then grin and sing my little heart out to her!
*I am still very much a mommy's girl, I love my daddy, but there's just something about mommy!
*I came home one year ago on the 21st!

Her's what's up with Joel:
*He's in basketball again this season. He doesn't like it much (I think it's too much running for him!)
*4th grade is hard, but he's doing well. He likes spelling the best (he didn't get his skills from mommy in that subject)
*He is getting so tall, he's almost up to mommy's shoulders!
*He is the best big brother in the world!
*He is gentle and kind
*Joel is funny, he makes me laugh all the time
*Science is his next favorite subject, he likes to do experiments!
*Still loves the Steeler's (don't ask me why!)
*Is so excited to go to FL next week!!!

Looking Back on 2008

2008 was an amazing year in our family. It had its ups and downs, but in the end God showed us that He is still so faithful! Our daughter came home, our brother-in-law went to be with the Lord. Promotions were given and jobs were laid off. Money was tight, we were blessed beyond measure. Tears of joy were shed, sobs of sorrow were released. New friendships developed, lost friendships were rekindled. Surgeries were scheduled, healing were preformed. Hair was cut, wigs were made. Babies were born and a wedding was planned. God was faithful, and I am thankful.