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, September 21, 2009

Meet Number 13!




This the newest member to my family, not only is He the 13th grandchild, but he was also the tie breaker! His name is Nikola Peter and he is PERFECT in every way. This is my sister Mary and her husband Dejan first baby. They live 15 hours away...its so hard not to be with them and too hold this precious bundle. Bella calls him "Nee-toe".

Sunday, September 20, 2009


"Be still and know that I am God"
That is Lake Michigan as I seen it this evening. Large bodies of water and the mountains, those of my spiritual physical places in God.









We packed up the kids and headed out to Lake Michigan this evening...40 minutes away, so love that. It was a 75 degree fall evening with over cast skies and the lake was beautiful. Boys and Dave had a great time playing football in the sand, Bella was content to just stroll the beach with me and pick up anything and everything in the sand as well as play in the chilly waters of the low tide. A year ago at this time, Bella was beginning to show signs of Leukemia and we had no idea. Today, she is healed, cancer free, strong, healthy and happy. How faithful our God is to His Word. She will continue chemo treatment for another year and a half, treatments are every 4 weeks, with spinal taps every 12 weeks and daily oral chemo. We see life so differently than we did 3 years ago when we just started the adoption process. The little things just don't get to us very often, my saying around the house "if it's not eternal, it doesn't matter". Sometimes, I get off track but the boys are quick to remind me.





Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Luv You Me


This is how Bella sings her new favorite song...from Barnie (thanks in large to Malaena). She walks around the house singing this all day to anyone who will listen including her dolls. It's so darn cute. She also loves to say "BABA do", meaning "Bella do". Ms. Very Independent right now and in to EVERYTHING! As soon as I get something cleaned up, she's on to the next project "helping Mommy" as she says...some how i dont think folded laundry scattered all over the floor and back in baskets is helping Mommy. Bella had intervenious chemo last week and this week was the lovely and ever emotional "Ms Steroid"!!!! With praise and thanksgiving, its only 5 days every 4 weeks.

Technically summer has come to an end, but no one told our weatherman and I would like it to stay that way. It's been beautiful the last few weeks, so I predict an "indian summer".