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, October 28, 2008

As Promised...Drac's Ball Photos!


My Nate, this is what happens when you take pics after dancing. His "ice" face makeup melted off by now. Bummer, it was very cool. He also took off his wig.

My nieces and nephews


Entrance as walking into our home, yes, that is a fog machine going off. We have 3, the ground fogger is on the dance floor.


Brad, friend and "The DJ"






Cutest Baby of the Night-Yoda, my nephew Joey!


80's couple, Pam and Scott


My absolute favorite costume....Bob of "What a about Bob" (the movie), he even had a live goldfish in his jar, aka...Gill. And I kid you not, the night in shining armor is none other than "Dr. Marvin"! This is truly his name and title. They won best couple costume in my eye's. :)


Marilyn friend Suzanne, (Brad's Wife) and the Gothic Queen (ME)


40 and older group dancing to the 80's!


Brad the DJ, "You Da Man"!


Teen Dance

Everyone loves the YMCA, the adults were in the back by the fire place


My Gothic King in the Monster Mohawk wig


My Jake as a wearwolf, he took his beard off by the time I took this picture. I hand glued each piece of hair on his face.


Dave and I



This was our 7th Annual "Dracula's Ball". The first 5 years were adult parties, and we had some awesome and wacky costumes those 5 years. As the boys have grown, we decided to switch the party to a family party as I did not have the energy to do two separate parties.

We had friends and family come over Friday and Saturday to help us set everything up. I think I would like them back every year as it only took a day and a half to get up all the decorations, it takes me a week to do it by myself. It was a great night, we had so many people and everyone enjoyed the DJ talents of our friend Brad, owner of Celebration Entertainment. Thank You Brad, you totally make the party every year.

Bella stayed with my parents that night at their home as she can not be in any public environment due to her immune system. We truly enjoyed seeing so many friends and family and just laughing and dancing off the past week. Thanks to everyone who made this yearly event possible. We could never have pulled it off without your help this year. The boys loved it and so did we.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great party!!! wow what fun!

Vanessa said...

I'm so glad you guys had a great time! God kows you needed a break! HUGS!

weightlosers said...

The one year we were able to go we LOVED that party! So wishing we were able to be there and give you hugs in person! Love and prayers coming to you through cyber space! Connie, Mike and the midgets

Candy said...

OK GIRLY...LOVE the party pics, and I can't believe you can turn your house into that...how long does that take to get cleaned up ( I am dreading just putting up what all we have up for Halloween this weekend) I love all the costumes and I think we REALLY need to come up there next year to BOOGIE down with you all. I found the CUTESET BEE costume for ME this year but have no where to wear it to.

I am getting some "goodies together for Bella Boo" Can you email me your address when you get time. I need to know her head size and clothing size.

Ok so now to my point of this WHOLE comment...THE BEST PART OF YOUR PARTY...SEEING YOU SMILE!

I really can't believe its been 6 months. Bella is walking right? Jagger is not walking but is starting to talk...new words Nana, Hot and Hi! Right now he is SINGING with Mr Noodle on ELMO!

HUGS

Mary Ann said...

Wow Susie!! THat is one holloween party!!!Love all the pictures and costumes!!

Cheri said...

Like you had to post names under you and your boys. Those grins give you away!! Looks like you had a GREAT time which you totally deserved. I want to be there next year! I'll help decorate and clean up! love.

Joe and Erin said...

My sister knows how to throw a party. Erin and I wish we could have gone up to MI for the party. But, we needed to meet with Fr. Pat so we could get our celebrant solidified. Love all the costumes. Joey is so stinkin' cute as Yoda, and the Bob Wiley costume is classic

The gFamily said...

Wow! That is a party! You all looked great!!

Mama Bear said...

What fun and loved seeing all the pictures. So glad everyone had a chance to relax and party!!! Loved seeing everyone's happy smiles!

Pineapple Princess said...

Wow! Did you guys have a blast, or what?! You really go all out. Your boys must be so proud!
I see the Lord's strength in you, Susie, because Bella's sickness doesn't define your family. I see the joy and hope that comes straight from the Father.

David and Marianne said...

Oh my goodness... the last time I checked your blog, you were getting your teeth pulled! I had no idea and can't believe the nightmare you've endured these last two weeks. I am so sorry and my heart hurts for your whole family. Praise the Lord that He is never surprised and knew sweet Bella needed her chosen family to conquer her sickness. Our prayers will be with you continually... my heart is especially tendered as Bella and Sarah are almost the exact same age. May His strength, mercy and grace sustain you!

Michelle Riggs said...

I am so glad that you went ahead with the party. It looks like so much fun!