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!


Monday, March 9, 2009

Expectant Hope






Hope...."Confident, Expectancy". Genuine Hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future. (Romans 8:24-25; Heb 11:1-7-Jack Hayford)

"My hope is you Lord, show me the way, guide me in truth, in all my days". (Psl:39:7) In other words, "My confidence is you Lord, my expectation is you!". I just recently decided to look up the definition of hope. Most of us(including myself at one time) run around using the word hope as "wishful", wishful that we can "storm" heaven for God to answer our prayer . I was clearly relieved when the Holy Spirit revealed the true definition of HOPE to me. In any obstacle, circumstance or attack, I can rely on the biblical truth that "my hope is Him", I can stand in His confidence and expectation that "He is able will perform His word".

So with that said....we are blessed, every day is an adventure, regardless of the circumstance. Bella is such a trooper, the chemo she takes in large doses these next two months really effects her nerves. Our doctors are somewhat puzzled by this as most children do not respond to the "Vincristine" as she does, but we worked that out the first couple months of treatment and this time started her Narontin (a medication for children with seizures) early. This medication helps to protect her nerves. She is having quit bit of "diarrhea", but nothing alarming. She is also back on steroids, but not the high doses as the first two months. She desires lots of snuggling and attention right now, books are her favorite thing to do. She is content to just sit on our laps, not as active these days. She is not fond of the shaking and I cant say I blame her, its hard to watch her shake so uncontrollably all day, but she still remains happy and cute as ever. By this time tomorrow, it looks like she may have a new hair "doo", so check back soon.

These pictures were taken last Thursday when we had our first 62 degree day this Spring. It was a little piece of heaven and Bella loves to be outside. Our boys and the neighbor kids were trying to play a game of basketball, the Princess wanted to participate. Thinking she's going to need a little more height.

Blessings!




14 comments:

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

So Precious! Poor little thing. Prayers that little Bella can withstand all that is to come and wisdom for the doctors. It is so hard when the little ones don't know what is going on...but they learn quickly. It is good to see her smiling and snuggle time with books is always great. Maybe she'll read early :-)

Vacant said...

I don't know if I've introduced myself and I'm not 100% sure how I ventured across your blog, but I wanted to let you know who this stranger was that was prying... my name is Livy... and for some reason, just prior to my own family finding out Leukemia was amongst us, God led me this way.

Your blogs move me and I am grateful. Thank you for sharing your family. Livy

P.S. Your family is beautiful. =)

Robyn said...

What beautiful pics!! I am continuing the prayers for sweet Bella!!

Anonymous said...

Amen Sister Christian!

"And Hope maketh NOT ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5.5

As always not just praying...but PROCLAIMING victory through our Dear Lord!

Love in Christ,
Dana Burk

Courtney said...

Bella looks so yummy ....... her brothers love her so much :)

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

Sweet family - precious Bella.

Gail said...

Wonderful pictures!!! It is great to see Bella doing so well. We have an AWESOME GOD!!!

Cheri said...

I love the fact that our daughters don't know they are short stacks...their spirits are HUGE therefore they are HUGE!!! Bella doesn't look like a baby anymore. You know we pray for you, your daughter, your family daily. We are praising God for this miracle!!! love you sis in Michigan!

Vanessa said...

Continuing to pray for Bella!!

Anonymous said...

awww i love the pic of bella and her brother!! melts my heart!

My Sons are very close to Abby too!!! CUTE!

Prayers and hugs,leslie

nikki said...

She is just so gorgeous. Sorry to hear about the effects of the chemo. Continued prayers for sweet Bella, and for her loving family!

blessedmommy said...

LOVE her shoes :o)!!!!

Becky said...

I love that little smile...she is so sweet and her brothers are obviously smitten with her :-)

Praying for all of you!

Jaime said...

Love the lats photo, soooo very sweet. You have a beautiful family.