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!


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Too Much Too Fast!


My treasures from God...my children.



Look what I can do now!!! Bella just squeals in delight every time she does this and always wait for the applause. Its so funny how she know's that she has done something big.






Bella;s sweet little arms and hands are so TAN!


Munching those piggys. She has such small and delicate hands and feet.


Oh My, life is going by too fast. Bella changes so much every day, she has now learned to pull herself up to EVERYTHING including her crib. She has her fifth tooth almost through, crawling on all 4's all over the place, saying more vowels and consonants, and it all happened in a matter of 10 days. One thing is for sure, Bella knows she is home. Her confidence has grown so much in the last 2 weeks, her achievements prove it. Not to mention the absolute huge smile and squeel she gives "her boys" any time they look her, the cling she has to Mommy when any one tries to take her out of my arms, and the spark in her eye's when she sees her Daddy. How I wish I could let her birth Mother know that her daughter is getting exactly what she wanted for her.

I want to stop this moment, freeze her in time. After having 3 children now 8, 11 and 13, I know how soon this time will go by. And i just want to savor every moment.

My dear heavenly Father, how I praise you for the gift of all my children. Thank you that Bella is home and adjusted. Thank you that I am not missing a single moment. Thank you for your faithfulness, mercy and grace. Thank you for loving us so much that you called us to this journey of adoption. I have no idea what you have in store for the future, but I know its all GOOD.

We are heading back to the cottage tomorrow to spend the next 5 days with my sister before she makes her move to Rhode Island from St Louis to be the "Professor". I will miss her so much, but am so grateful for the time that we have had together for 2 solid weeks. She has always been a treasure to me as are all my 5 siblings. Again, how blessed I am to have this family cottage where all 6 of us and our parents live together with all 12 grandkids for 3 months out of the year. Nate is now 13, I am wondering if will get to the age where he doesn't want to be there any more. But for now, I am savoring this special time of their childhood and enjoying watching Bella join this crazy special group of people I call "The Fam". The following weekend we will join Dave's family for a weekend of laughs and joy and I am excited to post pictures of that wonderful group of "family" as well.

Have a great rest of the week, blessings to all of you!

13 comments:

Cheri said...

I am experiencing the same kind of feelings, Sus! I thank God for each day sharing it with Malaena-Slaon and Brock-ster! Brock will be 18 on August 24, and he's never outgrown his Mama...so you're good there! I can't wrap my mind around my baby going off to college next summer. WOW! I LOVED YOUR NEW PICS! I want you to come take some of Malae as she's never still enough for me to get her feet anymore! I love the feet pics. We need to chat soon. love.

Pineapple Princess said...

What beautiful pictures of your "treasures". I know exactly what you mean about freezing time. These moments with our kids are such special gifts from God, aren't they? Enjoy these fun summer days (I know you already are!).

Robyn said...

Beautiful pics!! They definitely grow up too fast!!

Robyn

Mary Ann said...

Love, love, love all the beautiful pictures of all your kiddies!

The gFamily said...

Such beautiful pics! I love the first one of all four kiddos! They are all so precious! Time does go by so quickly and they change so fast! Enjoy this week at the cottage!

Pam L said...

What a wonderful summer! You are truely blessed! I know the feeling of wanting time to slow down (and believe me, it doesn't) Just being awake and aware of all the little gifts God gives us, helps keep them tucked away in our hearts where they can live on forever.

Laurie said...

She is just beautiful. They grow up way too fast. Now as a mom, I get it! :)

David and Marianne said...

This post just brought me such delight in the Lord! I understand your desire to freeze time but what a blessing to have the wisdom to enjoy every minute : ) She's so beautiful and so are your boys!

One Busy Momma said...

Great pics!!!!!

Glad that Bella has had an explosion of such great things!!! She's getting to that F-U-N age!!!

Denise

Courtney said...

Sweet pictures. Stella is very clingy to me now too. Courtney

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

What a beautiful family! Time does go fast. That's why I tell my mom I have to keep adopting because I miss it all so much. I love the pictures.

lovingourtwoguys said...

I so love all of your family pictures. I know you must be such a proud mama!!! Your children all look so kind and loving.

And the cottage sounds fabulous - what a gift for all of you.

I saw that you said your sister is moving from St. Louis to Rhode Island? Best wishes to her on her move. Any chance you live in St. Louis? We live in Kansas City!

Anonymous said...

OMG she is the cutest!!! Your family is gorgeous! We are blessed!