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!


Saturday, July 25, 2009

Waiting for 80


My Dad


Johnny


Morgan


Gracie


Emma


Kathleen (aka Teenie)


The infamous and never boring....Joe Joe!



See that little scar on Bella's chest...that is where her port used to be. Sometimes, I forget all about that thing. It is absolutely wonderful not to have the noodle any more and Bella tolerates all her "pokey's" so well.

Were waiting....waiting for summer to come and let Spring be till next year. For all you living in the 100 degree states, I know you think differently, but when you get 6 months of winter, you live for 3 months of summer. We have had a well below normal temp summer as well as many clouds. June was good, but July has been a bit disappointing. Looking on the good side, the skin is staying shiny white amd we are spring cleaning around the house after being gone for 7 weeks. Of course, our break as brief as we have 2 more camping trips planned as well as my brothers wedding in Chicago and hopefully a visity from Cheri and Malaena!

Bella is back on track with her chemo and doing well. Little bit challenging last week as her steroid dose was doubled, a bit grouchy and emotional to say the least. It seems as though we have been at this for so long now, I cant believe we still have a year and half left! Overall, its gone great and we just give God the glory daily for His healing Word.

For those of you that have been wondering, we were camping in Higgins Lake in Michigan a couple weeks ago! Suzi, you got it! :) Need your address sweet friend.

The attached pictures are my family, other than my own kids, I think my nieces and nephews are the most amazing and beautiful children in the world. I love being with the summer and miss them all winter long, so do my kids. They just reflect God's joy. All of these pictures were taken at the cottage a couple weeks ago.

Love to all,



8 comments:

Vanessa said...

Glad Bella is back on track. We're continuing to pray for you guys:) HUGS!

Cheri said...

Glad for the update....I check daily! I miss you!

Mama Bear said...

Gorgeous pictures. SO happy to hear how well Bella is doing. Thinking of her daily and sending many prayers for continued health and treatment.
Blessings, Rhonda

Joe and Erin said...

Sus, Bella is looking precious as ever! I'm finding I have a reason to cry every 5 minutes these days (mostly good, sometimes not...) but just now looking at the beautiful faces of my soon-to-be nieces and nephews makes my eyes tear up again...joyfully of course! :)
See you soon!~Erin

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

What a beautiful family!

Missouri weather has been strange lately too. We just had our pool cleared up and it dropped to the
70's during the day and 50's at night..Crazy! We did have a few weeks of 100 degrees (I love it!) Give me the heat!

So glad to hear Bella is doing so well.

Continued prayers

Brian and Jenifer said...

I loved your update! I am glad to hear that you are all doing well. What a beautiful family! It sounds like you all have so much fun together! Once things settle down, I'd LOVE to get together with you. Bella looks so cute... and SO much older!
I so miss you, friend...
Love, Jenifer

Mary Ann said...

Hey Susie, I am so glad to see sweet Bella doing good!!! She looks great! Sorry I have not commented in a while. Summer is crazy with 5 kids home!!! BUZY!!!!
I have some running q's for you. Like how much were you running a wk. after 2 1/2 mo. How many days a week do u run? What is the best running shoes. My sole is falling off mine. How much r u running a day now?
you can leave me a message on my blog if ya want. I also have new hair bows/ band ready to ship.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Hang in there! I have raised 3 kids and am helping with 2 grandchildren with serious medical problems. Miracles happen all the time, and kids can get well. I have added Bella (and a link to your site) on my blog list of special people to pray for you. God be with you!