Our life is nothing short of an adventure...

Wind in our hair and screams of delight but also unpredictable turns and unknown outcomes. We are a family of six; Dave, Susie, Nate, Jake, Sam, and Bella.

God has been faithful in our marriage and through the birth and blessings of our boys.

God has been faithful during our adoption journey and united Bella with us in May of 2008. We were privileged to visit with Bella's birth mother; therefore, Bella's family in Guatemala will always be dear to our hearts.

On October 16, 2008, Bella was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are now battling the disease with 2 years and 3 months of treatment. We believe God will continue to be faithful!

Our family is committed to living life to the fullest...even on the hard days. Thank you for checking in and journeying with us!


Sunday, June 1, 2008

Homecoming Party!


My brother Tom's effort of claiming "favorite Uncle" status! He had these posted all over the house, every wall, cupboard, picture. Oh how he makes me laugh. They were subtle, it took me a while to notice them, and then once I did, I realized they were every where!


Here We are, family of 6! Sam (8), Dave, Susie, Bella (9 m), Jake (11) and Nate (13)


Table of deserts


Tri Fold Display of our Journey to Bella, her Certificate of Citizenship came just this week!


Bella with very cool "Great Uncle Steve"


Bella and Erin


Grandma and Grandpa Ferrick with cousins Max and Collin and Daddy.


Friends Rob and Amy


Aunt Shannon!


This was absolutely the hit gift of the evening! Our friends the Eley's brought this
Princess Car for Bella, she loves it!


Bella and her favorite cousin Joey, they are 9 weeks apart.


After a big day, I am lovin my Princess Car


"Riding in my PINK Cadillac, burnin down the street" with my new shades!

What a wonderful day! My two sister-in-laws and brothers planned a Welcome Home Open House for Bella. There are no words to describe the overwhelming gratitude we have for the outpouring of love and support we have received in welcoming Bella home to our family. We had over 100 people present at this open house, I wish I had pictures of everyone, but as people started arriving, I was on "sensory overload" and could never remember where my camera was. The open house was to be from 3-5 pm, it was 9:15 pm before we left. My wonderful brother Tom went out and purchased hamburg meet around 6 pm and cooked burgers for all the remaining family members.

Bella has now been home for 4 weeks now....I still stand over her bed in tears praising God that she is in it! For the most part, all our friends and family have now seen our sweet addition and we are ready to move on to the next fase of life with Bella. The final paper work will be done some time this summer as we must apply for her social security number and legally change her name. I will also begin to work on a new blog devoted to our family.

Please keep in your prayers all the families still waiting to bring their children home. There have been several delays in Guatemala, many families are hurting. I know that every one of those children will come home, but its the wait for the families that is so difficult. And for some children, detrimental.

Blessings, Susie






7 comments:

lovingourtwoguys said...

Oh my GOODNESS!! Your family is just so beautiful. What a PROUD mama you must be! So happy to hear that your daughter is home. She is such a honey!

Jules17 from a.com

Mary Ann said...

Looks like a great day! Bella looks so beautiful in her dress!
May God Bless your family!

Pineapple Princess said...

She is just too beautiful! I love her dress, by the way! Isn't it SO fun to dress a girl?!?!

Stacy

Gail said...

What a wonderful end to a journey and start of the next one.
Gail

One Busy Momma said...

How awesome that your family threw you such a great party!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

You have such a beautiful family!!!

Denise

Courtney said...

Looks like a fun party. I love her dress. Wow........how time flys by. Courtney

Pam L said...

What a wonderful day full of love and happiness! I know these first four weeks have flown by for you, but don't be surprised if in four years, you don't tuck in that beautiful little girl of yours and feel those same tears welling up and an overwehelming sence of God's wonderful blessings.