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, August 29, 2009

The Princess Turned 2 !!!!





I can't say it any better than my Mother did in the email she sent out to our family today.

"Good morning dear family,

This morning I am so filled with emotion as I look at the pictures of my grandchildren at the cottage two years ago and then last year. Two years ago, our youngest grandchild was Donnie, last year Joey and Bella were added. In 2007 even on this day we did not even know that Bella had been born. In 2008 we had secured Bella and we did not know the challenge that lay ahead. The picture in 2008 is so happy. And praise the Lord if we were to take another picture today, it would be even more happy. She has been secured to our family twice. And it has to be the Lords work. He chose her for us knowing all her needs. And I believe our needs also. All of us have experienced the strengthening of our faith as well as His love poured out to us through this very gentle, demonstrative, loving child. Happy birthday to Bella. Happy day to our entire family on the remembrance of the wonderful day that Bella came into the world. Let us not forget to pray for her birth mother, Elida, who gave her life.

With a big smile on my face, pride in all of you, and believing in God's continued favor and blessing, XONance"

We had a Dora Birthday today for our Dora lover, everything Dora, even her gifts. She was beyond excited. Speical thanks to my siblings who came out to help us celebrate the gift of Bella. It was a great day, and I admit, an emotional one for me. Just amazed and awed always by God's faithfulness to His Word, provision and plan.




24 comments:

Cheri said...

I'm so thankful we shared our time together last week but would have loved to share in Bella's celebration!!!! I love her and am celebrating her life with y'all. Your Southern Adopted Family....Harris gang!

Vanessa said...

Happy belated birthday!! You're such an inspiration already!!

Shari said...

She is a beautiful miracle! That email was very moving. Thank you for the lessons I have learned from this very blog! :-)

Mama Bear said...

Ahhhh, happy special birthday Bella. Blessings, Rhonda

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

OH what a Happy birthday to BElla!!!!! how exciting.
Off to give blood again next week.

Gardenia said...

a beautiful gift. your mom said it beautifully. I love the hoodie with the little ears on top. Bella looks full of joy.

Pineapple Princess said...

Happy birthday, beautiful Bella! What an amazing family you have!!

Susie, your mom's prayers are SO powerful! I always get a giant lump in my throat at her precious words. I feel the Holy Spirit SO strongly in her prayers!

Gail said...

So thankful Bella was able to enjoy her special day. Johanna is a BIG Dora lover too and had a Dora birthday party complete with lots of Dora gifts.

David and Marianne said...

Happy Birthday BELLA!!!

Robyn said...

Happy Birthday Bella!!

Mary Ann said...

Happy Birthday you sweet girl!!!! Mine is tomorrow. I can't believe how much her hair has grown so quickly!!! Love all the happy pictures!!!!

Blessings!!!!!!

Stacy said...

Happy Birthday Bella! Can't wait to see you again! You are aDORAble!!:)
Praising God for the gift of Bella,
Stacy

Danyele Easterhaus said...

she is so precious...and 2!! wow! happy bday bella!

One Busy Momma said...

Happy Birthday Bella!!!!

What a beautiful birthday girl!!!!!

Enjoy being two Bella!!!!

Alisha said...

Happy birthday Sweet Bella!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Bella!

Margaret Christine said...

happy belated birthday sweet Bella!! Love you sooooo much! Praying for you everyday..

nikki said...

Happy Birthday sweet Bella!!!!!
At only 2 years old she has touched so many lives!!!!

ch said...

Happy Belated Birthday to beautiful Bella!
You are all an inspiration. What a beautiful family!
Cindy

Amanda said...

Happy Birthday Angel!!! May your third year of life bring even more happiness, fun and love. We love you and are inspired by your strength. Many hugs and kisses to you so far away.

Love,
Amanda, Ed and Gabi

Alex and Sam said...

yankees1Happy 2nd birthday sweet Bella!!!!
the dora party looks like it was a hit with the birthday girl...

The gFamily said...

Happy Birthday precious Bella! I can't believe our girls are two! Loved reading the letter from your mom! Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Awww... such a beautiful birthday Princess! Forever God is faithful!

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then they said among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for us! The Lord hath done great things for us and we are filled with joy!"
Psalms 126:2,3

We share in your heartfelt Praises to a wonderful Lord and Savior!

Love, Dana

PS Bella, Reni loves Dora as well, but she especially LOVES your Minnie Mouse hoodie!! Happy late birthday sweet miracle girl!!

Ashton said...

Happy Birthday Princess Bella! I love the skirt!