Finally Ready!

We are finally ready for good ol' St. Nick. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, the gifts are wrapped, the kids are excited, vacation has started, and even Doug seems to be filled with some holiday cheer....really he is.

Tree up...check!
Gifts wrapped...check!
Holiday dance recital a success...check!
Visit with Santa...check!
Christmas movies watched...check!
Bailey's ready for Christmas morning...oh yeah!
Outside lights still working...check!
Norad Santa Tracker online...check!
A Christmas Story marathon ready to start...check!
Excited to see your family and friends...YOU BET!

All the making for a good old fashioned Griswald family Christmas! All we need is a Cousin Eddy! We probably have a few of those around! This gonna be the hap hap happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby danced with Danny "effing" Kaye! (that is from Christmas Vacation if you didn't know...my FAVORITE Christmas movie)

Watch...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk74WprmZxY

Here a few pics from our good ol fashioned Hile family Christmas...




From our family to yours:

Merry Christmas, stay safe, count your blessings and PEACE ON EARTH!!!!

Love,
Doug, Jill, Abigail and Alison

Make-A-Wish

Becky and Susie from Make-a-Wish came over last night and spent some time getting to know our family. They brought Alison and Abbi a little gift and a game for our whole family. Besides some boring but necessary paperwork, they spent their time getting Alison to dream big. She was hilarious.

I tell ya, Alison is one funny kid. She wished for the coolest and oddest things. Everything from dancing on Broadway to laying on the beach rocking out to AD/DC (her father's influence of course). We learned her favorite stores are Old Navy and Best Buy. And, that she apparently has a thing for Johnny Depp??? Who knew?

What a neat organization. They think of everything. They made Alison feel so special and made her illness seem secondary, when really they make every accommodation we could ever need. They included Abbi and made her a part of it also. After a year of lung infections, hospital visits, needles, surgery, IV's and more doctor's appointments than I ever thought one little girl could have in a year...I am so glad this is happening for her.

We should know about her wish in a couple weeks.

Rock on!

Fa la la la la...la la la la!

I am all DONE shopping!!!! Wooowhoo!!!! Thanks to Sean and Kim who offered (their crazy) to take Abbi and Alison for a few hours on Sunday, Doug and I have completed all shopping, that includes, family, kids, teachers, nurse, co-workers, etc. etc.! We are done! Now the wrapping begins! Abbi and Alison will be having a few late evenings at Latchkey so mommy can have some wrapping time! I am so excited for some of our purchases this year. It will be hard to wait to Christmas morning.

Thank God for antibiotics, so that Alison was able to be in the general population by Saturday afternoon. She danced in her Holiday show, and was fabulous! She is a natural on stage.

Sweetfeet totally dominated in their game Saturday. Abbi played well and it was a shut-out, 9 - 0. These girls have really gelled as a team.

Doug is off to Washington DC on Wednesday and will not back till Friday. At least we don't have dance this week, so we can be close to home.

I got to spend the morning unpacking all the boxes that I packed on Friday. But, I am finally moved into my new office space. It is really nice and new. It overlooks the Arena and new baseball field. I have lots more room than before.

Tomorrow I am going to spend the afternoon at the Mid Ohio Foodbank, spreading Holiday cheer and doing some volunteer work. It should be fun.

Sisters...

Abbi was being so sweet to her sister tonight. Alison doesn't feel well, and Abbi was trying to make her smile. It made me think back to when they used to get along so much better, and NEVER fought. Check out this picture from 4 years ago...

Finally!

Monday night the volunteers from Make-a-Wish are coming over to begin the process to grant my baby girl her wish. She is so excited and has been very thoughtful about this. And, believe it or not, she is having trouble thinking selfishly. We thought that would be easy for her, but its not. She feels very special and thankful that she has this opportunity. Stay tuned for more about what little Al dreams up!

And...

Alison gained weight!!!! Not a ton, but she gained just over a pound. Dr. Shell was pleased. He said if she could gain a pound a month for a whole year, she could move out of the "RED" zone.

You would not believe what hard work it is to figure out what to give her and how often and will how much did she eat, etc, etc, etc.

It will be hard work, but I am hoping we can do it. She had a great appointment overall!

It was high time we have some good news around here. Yeah for Alli!!!!!

Clinic Day

Today is a Tuesday and that takes Alison, Doug and I over to Nationwide Children's Hospital for CF Clinic. I am sure it will be more of the same...she is too thin, doesn't eat enough calories and more talk of another G-Tube. Blah blah blah. Haven't they caught on to her yet? I hope to be able to get them to hold off on any decision till after the holidays and her b-day. Then if things aren't better...well I can run, but I can't hide.

Work is crazy...we are packing up our office and moving to our new floor, back over to the Plaza One building, into a pretty nice space.

The house in and out is all decorated for Christmas, so the girls are really starting to get excited. I need to finish up just a few more things and then the shopping is done...on to wrapping. Anyone interested in some kid swapping for wrapping purposes please let me know.

Alison's dance recital is on Saturday. She is dancing in 2 shows this year. She is excited. It will be her first recital since joining the competition team. I can't wait to see her class on stage.

Later!

It's Monday!!!!!!!

Happy Monday???? Are Monday's ever happy?

So, today I joined Facebook after lots of encouragement from my sisters and some others. Bear with as I was not on my home computer where all my pictures are. I will post some tonight. I have lots of good ones from Thanksgiving weekend. Zach had quite a visit with his Uncle Doug and was introduced to "manhood"?? More to come on that one.

This past weekend we had a great visit with our family from Toledo and then celebrated some family birthdays, and headed to Lima. Jim took us to his Holiday Party and Paradise Island was playing. It was so fun. Sean (sp) Booker, the vocalist, remembered Doug and I and she visited with us during her set break. It was fun to catch up, she could not believe my babies were going to be turing in 8 in just 4 short weeks. Her son is 12.

Then in Sunday we just vegged out watching Football and playing with kids. Abbi took a tumble down Jenn and Jim's attic steps. She fell down the entire flight. Luckily, she escaped with just some embarrassment, a bruise and was VERY scared. But all is well now!

Jingle's the elf is back in our house and has spent a lot of time in our pets stockings. Keegan and Lilo have been up to no good!

That's all for now! I have lots of pictures to post when I get home.

The Holidays are coming...the holidays are coming...

That's right! Whether we are ready or not the holidays are upon us! This weekend, after the awesome slaughtering of the stinky Wolverines, we spent a lot of time getting ready for the Rustic clan to descend on Hilliard, OH! Once again, all 13 of us will be together for 4 days! We love it!

But first, let me just say that Abbi had a heck of a soccer game on Saturday morning. She had 2 goals and an assist. She is really improving with each week. She stays in her position, does her best to control the ball and listens to her coach. We are very proud of her and the whole Sweetfeet team! They rock!

Alison on the other hand is still not eating so great. Dance is going well. She is really a good little dancer. Her class is going to dance in a special Cinderella production in June. She is excited about that.

They both had a great conference and are doing very well in school and their teachers love having them in class. I keep asking whose children they are telling me about...

Most of you know that Keegan, our dog, is not well. He really does not seem to be getting any better, maybe even a touch worse. It's odd how all seemed fine until the vet points out all his issues, and now he seems so sickly to me. I hope he holds on through the holidays and the girls 8th birthday.

I am really starting to get into the Christmas spirit. Now, that I am wrapping up our grant cycle at work, I feel like I might be able to breathe a little. I hope to get to see our family and friends and have some fun throughout December. The last 4 months, have been work work work!

Doug is traveling a lot this year, so we have had to adjust. It's really good for his career and he seems to enjoy getting away from the 3 of us a little too much!

That's all for now! Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Appointment Results and a Busy Busy Week

Sorry, that there was just a big tease about Alison's clinic appt. As you can guess I wasn't running to post results because there just is not anything great to say. Bottom line...she is too little and it is going to eventually affect her health. Her PFT's were great, but she only weighs 38 pounds, and she will be 8 years old in less than 2 months. That is really all there is to say. I'm at a loss.

Then, our week just got crazy, with getting the girls ready to head to Grammy's and us to Chicago. We had a great time. Tom and Andrea had some great restaurants picked out for us to eat at, and on Saturday I had probably one of the best meals of my life!

The Buckeyes won and all 7 of us made to Chicago and back without voting anyone off the Island! I highly recommend the space and comfort of a Honda Odyssy. I was pretty comfortable the whole way, and there were 7 adults in the van. I hope the others feel the same way! I will post pictures once I get them off our camera.

This week will get even nuttier, Doug is currently on a plane to San Diego and will not return till late Thursday night. So, I am single parenting this week. This girls and I plan to do some bonding in the form of cleaning out closets, draws, and purging the toy room to prepare for birthday and Christmas. Anyone who wants to help is welcome to come on over! I am sure you will be running over to help!

Have a great week, and hope to see most of you on the 22nd for the OSU Michigan game, if not before.

November Clinic

Keep your fingers crossed - we are hoping for a weight gain! Alison has clinic today and will have a weight check and a lung function check (PFT). Think heavy and clear thoughts!

I will post once we are home tonight. We have a busy night, with Clinic, dance and Keegan has to go to the vet. He is just not right!

We also have tons to share, but no time to post....

Dance, Cheerleading, soccer and more!

I know it has been awhile since I have been blogged, but this is my busy time at work (500 grant requests to read) so my evenings,when I am not running have been me sitting on my butt, resting my eyes! Lots of good stuff this year, it will be another year of hard decisions.

Anyway, dance is going great for Alison. She is really pretty good, and the teachers are pleased. She went to her first dance team party, and got paired up with 2 middle school girls as her "buddies". They are very nice girls and Alison likes them a lot.

Cheerleading is going great. The girls learned their dance in 1 week, so now it is just polishing it up! The team is 3-2 now I think. But, the coaching of the cheer squad is STELLAR! The play/cheer calling is above and beyond!

Healthwise, Alison is so,so. She has a rotten cold and just is not gaining any weight. I am not sure what this will mean for her. Her next clinic appt. is tomorrow so I will post how that goes. My guess is they are going to start pressing us about reinserting the feeding tube. I think Doug and I will fight this for awhile because she seems so strong and is incredibly active. Just the other day, one of the latchkey teachers mentioned that she seems so much healthier than last spring. So, that was good to hear. I think it is hard for us to notice since we are with her everyday.

Abbi is having a great soccer season. She has played goalie twice so far this year, and has scored one goal on offense. She is really having fun. She will start her indoor season is just 3 weeks. We were invited back to Sweetfeet with Coach Heather and we could not be happier.

It is my hope to get her back in the water once Dolphin football season is over. I know she missed it - but we are just so busy right now that I could not add one more thing.

Doug and I have a date tonight. I cannot believe it. We have Blue Jackets tickets in the Nationwide Suite. It should be fun. Thanks to Jolene and Brenda for dealing with my children tonight and running CCD carpool and homework, etc. I owe you both!

That is all for now. I must get back to work and read more grants!!!!!! I will post about Alison's appt. tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that she gains something. Maybe I will stuff her pockets with rocks! Since the weather is changing she will have heavier clothes on too! :-D

OHHH! And the best news of ALL! The Browns WON! They beat the smelly Bengals!

At the Lake

Well, finally I got around to posting a couple action shots of the kiddos at the lake. Sorry this is a little dated.






Also, here is a shot of Alison on the tube!

Crazy Weekend! Need Rest!

Well, we had 4 opportunities for a mark in the "win" column this weekend and only came up with 1 as far as I am concerned and 2 if this were Doug.

Abbi's soccer team the Wildcats came through with a fantastic win! Abbi played an awesome game and also went in as goalie for 1 quarter. Her friend Emmy scored 2 goals! The team really looked good.

The Hilliard Dolphins played a very physical game but came up short. They looked good however against one for the better teams in the league. Our friend Ryan played for the other team and he had a good game.

I have nothing to say about the Buckeyes, other than how great it was to see everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

And, well the Browns sucked again! But, I will always be a fan for my Brownies! No fair weather fans here...that is for sure!

The wind on Sunday was more fun to watch than football this weekend. We were very lucky, unlike everyone around us. We only lost a shutter, some of the girls flower pots and a couple boards from the fence. We have our power and our roof! And Chris and Sherry's tree held strong - we were very worried about it coming down on the house! However, the house behind us had a tree come down on the corner of their house - Doug and Jason went over to help. Rob and Jolene lost a lot of shingles, their neighbor took the worst of it with all the siding coming off one side of their house. We spent some time running around chasing siding, car top carriers, lawn chairs, etc etc. The best part of all was when the trampoline came tumbling down the court! We definitely had "debris"!

I hope everyone is ok! Doug is home with the girls since there is no school and this is my busiest time of year. He is a gem!

Take care!

Hilliard Dolphins 1st game

You have to check out this video - this is their new cheer...they love it...they each have a solo!

Here are some photo's - we may have been a small squad for this game - we missed Ashlee and Allysa - but we were mighty!

Hopefully you will get out to a Dolphin game this year!

I'LL DO ANYTHING!

I am not above bribery! Let's just say the girls rooms are a mess and the fighting has been out of control. This morning there was a full blown hair pull and a punch in the gut. I was in shock.

See these 2 lovely brand spankin new webkinz?

Well, if the rooms get cleaned up, homework done w/o arguement, and no fighting...Abbi will become the proud owner of the Monkey and Alison, the alligator. They each get 3 strikes, then the webkinz are mine.

Since we have a housefull coming this weekend for the OSU/YSU game, things needed to get cleaned up. I am hoping some bribery will pay off. And, thank goodness Judy (my cleaning lady) comes on Friday!

Go BUCKS!

August CF Clinic Update

So, today Alison had CF clinic and, it was not one of her best. Her weight is still of huge concern to Dr. Shell, she only gained .2 k. Her PFT's were good at 106, but still not up to what they were pre-spring.

Dr. Shell and Alison had a heart to heart about eating, and how important it is to her health. In particular, how important it is for a dancer to keep her strength up and stay healthy.

There is a direct connection between pulmonary health and nutrician. Basically, Alison is the size and weight of a 4 year old...in case you've lost track, she is 7 1/2.

He is really concerned and talked to her about alternatives (G-tube) and told her that she is old enough to understand and be a part of the solution.

I think it was good for her to hear it from him. She was upset, but understood. So, after cheerleading we went to Kroger and she did some shopping. Here is what my pantry now looks like...

Full of Junk! All stuff he said to have her eat. I will try anything!

Finally! 1st day of 2nd grade pictures

I know, it's been a week. Well, after a somewhat rocky start to 2nd grade, we have finally settled in. Alison's hives are all gone, and Abbi is getting to know her teacher.

Alison broke out in hives 3 days before school started last week. We have no clue from what, but she goes to an allergist next week. We believe it is environmental, but really are not sure. After a week of itchy splotches and lots of benadryl, she is all better.

Abbi has some anxiety about her new schedule, teacher, hallway, lunch procedures, etc. etc. but has finally settled in and is enjoying 2nd grade. So was thrilled to be placed with her pal Amanda again, so that really helped.

Here are a few pics from the morning.

Luckily, they were able to top off their first week, with the Jonas Brothers concert...thanks to Aunt Jen! They had a great time.

Great News!

We had some exciting news in our house this week. When I went to the dance studio to sign Alison for the 08-09 dance season, I was pulled aside by the owner and Alison's tap teacher for a discussion about her "future". So, I am thinking, she is only 7 1/2 so what could they possibly be talking about? Well, Alison has been invited to be in the Competition Classes with Marjorie Jones School of Dance. I am so proud of her! They told me that they feel she has some natural abilities and that they would like her to have some more instruction on technique and that the Accelerated Competition classes are the place to do that. With all that kiddo has been through this past spring, this is some special news for her. She is so excited. Doug and I were taken by surprise, she missed 4 classes last spring leading up to recital, so we were concerned she lost some skill, but I guess not.

The first 2 years will be technique building with 3 or 4 competitions, and then if she chooses to continue on she will audition for level 3 and higher, with options for solos and duets. She is taking this very seriously, Daddy is even going to build her a "floor" so she can practice in the basement. We told her part of the this commitment is that she has to practice. So, I guess I will be dusting off my tap shoes so that I can help her out. Scary, I know. She even has her little dance friend Sadie moving up also, so she already will have a friend with her on the first day.

If you see her this week, holler at your girl some congratulations.

This was Alison at this past springs recital!

EI Photo's (I think)

Okay, so I am just playing around trying to figure out how to do a slideshow. I think I did it wrong, but I am giving it a try. Again, I THINK. I really need that tutorial, from SOBER people.

Anyway, here goes nothing....please accept my oops if it does not work!

Indian Lake

Went to Indian Lake today and took a super long boat ride around the lake. It was a beautiful Day!!!We actually got Alison to ride the jet ski - she loved it! We are working on downloading some photos so those will be up soon! Off to go sit on the deck and stare at the lake! Later!

Happy Friday!!!!

TGIF!!!!!! Another week bites the dust! We are really looking forward to this weekend! We will be home for some of it....our first weekend home in 3 weeks. And we will also head to the Lake House for Saturday. I will post some photos of the house, boat, lake and the kids in action on the tube and jet skis. Tonight, we are getting together with the Wacko Masco's for some gourmet burgers and to watch the Olympics opening ceremonies. The kids will be back in day camp for one more week - and them back at DCE. Alison is really excited about her teacher, Mrs. Wilson. Abbi will have Mrs. Boskovska - we really do not know her but are looking forward to meeting her.

Later!

Summer...where did it go?

What??? Only 11 days till school starts? That is crazy - where did this summer go? I feel like it was just the last day of school? I did not get to do half the things on the list of things we wanted to do.
Pretty much the month of June was spent recuperating from a tough 3 months of doctors, hospitals, and healing. July was family golf outing and the beach! So I need to pack August full of friends, fun, good food and REST!

I hope that everyone is having an awesome summer. As we hurry to get in vacations, last chance dips in the pool, trips to the zoo and water park...just remember school is starting and the kids get back into a routine and BUCKEYE FOOTBALL!!!!!

Let's us know if you are interested in some last minuet BB Q's, I feel like our grill did not get much of a workout this year! I sure hope next summer brings us more time for relaxing and friends!

Abbi's New Room

Abbi is so excited that her room is really coming together. The pink walls are gone, and she has a newly lofted bed! Thanks to Daddy and Justin for putting that together. The theme is beach and flip flops. It has been so fun finding things to put in there. We brought a lot back from NC and I have been searching online. She feels like a big girl now that the awful pink is gone! I guess we all make design mistakes...right??? I would love to hear about your worst decorating decision to date....

Abbi and Alison's Photo Shoot

Well Melissa has done it again. She was able to take some unruly and very hungry girls, and make it look like they cooperated! We are so lucky to have her working with our kids to take such great pictures. Here is a look at a few!

Long time...no bloggin!

Hello...I guess I am not real good about keeping this up-to-date. Life is getting back to normal since vacation...what is normal? We headed up to Put-in-Bay last weekend for some relaxation and some sun...it was great fun. My cousin is working up there at the Brewry as the chef so it was fun to catch up with him.

I cannot believe school starts in just 2 weeks. I am not ready. So much to do...we are going backpack shopping tonight. Both girls need haircuts and sneakers. I guess I will be doing some shopping this weekend.

More to come later...time to get to work!

Wednesday and Thursday at EI

Well, we were so busy enjoying the beach that I did not have time to log in! We are still having a great time, eating fantastic seafood and getting our rest. Today, we booked next year's trip...you have to get your house 1 year in advance. We are upgrading again...hopefully for the last time. We picked a really nice newer house, with extra bathrooms! Every bedroom will have its own bath - which will be really nice. The kids will have a larger game room and a media room. Not that we should need the media room. It is called A Tropical Dream.

Doug and I also looked into to staying a little longer next year - about 3 days to overlap with some friends of outs who also vacation at EI the week after us. There are lots of options - so it looks like we will have about 10 days in 2009!

Alison is turning into a swimmer, and Abbi is so tan and her hair is white. They are having a great time -asleep everynight by 8:00pm.

Last night the adults had a mean game of Dominos! The beer was flowing. Grammy won!

Well I am going to go get my sunscreen on and head to the beach while the gettin is good. Alison is on a shopping advernture with Jen and mom, so I only have 1 little darling to keep track of at the beach - so I am out! We will be heading back to O-H-I-O on Saturday. :-(

Later!

Monday on EI

Oh my, was today a beautiful day! Not a cloud in the sky and hot! But it was breezy on the beach. We had a great day. The waves were incredible, so the boogie boards got quite a work out. Now all the kids...including my brother-in-law Brian...have their own boards. There will be no sharing among these kids...go figure. After a few hours on the beach, we were at the pool - our house has its own pool - which was really nice. Alison is getting much more brave - she will go in the deep water, but only on her own, she does not want to be forced! Abbi has learned rotary breathing! Yah! I bribed my niece Becca with a new outfit from Justice. I told her if by Friday, Abbi is breathing on the side w/o lifting her head the whole way across the pool - then I will take her when we get home. They are working hard and it is showing...she almost has it.

Monday night, Doug, Brian and Jim drank a keg...I think. They were up late, in the hot tube and down on the beach. There were empty beer cans all over - I had to clean them up - then Doug had a hard time finding his bed - go figure. I swear we get to EI and they turn into Frat house idiots. At least they had fun.

Tonight I made Lobster Ravioli with a sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce. With salad and garlic bread. It was one of my top beach meals yet! I am really getting good at this. It was super yummy! Doug and the kids had spaghetti. I just can not get him to try any of it. His loose, our gain! Tuesday...my favorite - Crab cake melts.

Till tomorrow...

More EI

Good News...Tropical Storm Cristobal headed for the open Atlantic late Sunday as forecasters discontinued tropical storm warnings along the Carolinas.

Today turned into a beautiful day! Hot but gorgeous! We had a blast at the beach, no swimming, since the red flags were still up - but say lots of sea life that washed up. We learned from a local about Sea Hare's I have a picure but will have to post tomorrow. I cannot find my adaptor for the camera and Doug is asleep. Well actually I think he passed out...

Anyway, we got lucky and the weather really turned.

Aunt Bethy took Alison to see Momma Mia today...the heat got to Alli and she needed a break. It was about 96 today. They said it was really good. The rest of us will see it Sunday when we get home.

Until tomorrow!!!!!!!

Emerald Isle 2008

Sunday...

Well, we are here and safe despite Tropical Storm Cristbol! He came in with us as we crossed the bridge into EI, but he has not caused us too much trouble. While Jen and I did out least favorite thing (the grocery shopping), the kids got to swim for awhile. Apparently, Alison was swimming with and without her "backpack" on. I will believe when I see it....!

Today is Sunday, and after church I have started this blog and cracked a beer. So far I have only bothered Christa 3 times.

The sun is starting to come out, so after lunch we should be able to get outside. Not to the beach unfortunately. The Red flags are still up, which means no swimming in the ocean. The waves are incredible...I have never seen them so big - but with that comes rip tides....not good!

Tomorrow our buddy Cristbol should be long gone up to Virginia Beach, so we should be able to comfortable into our normal routine of reading, drinking ALOT, swimming and sunning.

I am in my HAPPY PLACE! Boy did I miss it!

...till tomorrow!