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!


Friday, March 26, 2010

Then and Now


This is Bella today! Full thick head of soft curly hair.


This was Bella a year ago, she had just lost her head of hair.

Through it all, a 2 year adoption process, missing the first 8 months of her life here at home, Leukemia diagnosis 5 months after getting her home and today, a thriving 2 1/2 year old walking in the Glory of God, its all been good! Someone said to me today that life is how you look at it, for us, it's how much trust do you put in God. This whole experience start to finish, has been more good than bad. Yes, we would rather have had her home at birth, and yes, we would rather have completely skipped the Leukemia diagnosis, however, God has turned all that to good over and over again. We know we live in a fallen world, sickness, disease, lack are not of God, but His Word prevails, His promises are true and we are a walking testimony of it. When I think of this entire experience since 2006 when we first started the process of adoption, I am brought to me knees in complete awe of what God has done. Not just in the physical, more importantly, our Spirits. We could start our own "Never the same Camp" with all we have experienced. It's all good, it's truly all good.

Bella wrapped up steroids this week, she and I are re-cooperating. Let's just say I hold very strong to God's promise of "He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world". Steroids are not only physically tough on Bella, but Mama too. Chemo in April includes spinal tap chemo and intervenous, but Bella is such a pro and it truly is no big deal now. It's a a half day spent at the hospital, but it feels so normal to us now...how crazy is that. Next year at this time, it will be OVER! We have 9 months left and are waiting for her "Make-A-Wish" paperwork to arrive so that we can apply for her wish. According to Bella, she want's to eat at "Cinderella's Castle", so looks like we will be heading back to Orlando after Christmas rather than a cruise. It's Bella's wish and none of us are complaining.

Have a blessed weekend, so much excitement as we prepare to celebrate and remember that "He has Risen", and therefore, so are we!


Monday, March 15, 2010

Bella and Disney





















(UPDATE on Make A Wish Trip....fyi, Bella is absolutely healed and we know and believe with every part of our being and spirit that Leukemia is gone forever and will NOT ever return! However, the medical industry considers Leukemia a"terminal" cancer, so therefore, she will be granted a Make A Wish trip.)

We just returned from a trip to Orlando, FL to spend a week with Grandma and Grandpa. While visiting them, we spend two days at Walt Disney World touring Magic Kingdom, Disney Studios and Epcot. Phew.....3 Disney Parks in two days was a whirl wind, but wonderful. Bella was so sweet and her absolute high lights were meeting Mickey and Minnie and riding the Goofy Barnstormer Roller Coaster.

This was NOT Bella's "Make a Wish" trip, we are waiting to apply for that trip in December as Bella will be done with Chemo January 2011!!! Bella is completely healed by the Power and Victory of Jesus, this trip will by celebratory of our finished accomplishment of Medical Treatment. We are hoping to take the Disney Cruise, our other thought is the Nickolodean Cruise (Bella's first character love is still Dora and then Disney)...it will be totally up to Bella and at 3 1/2, she will be more apt to make her desire known.

Inter-venous chemo this week and steroids, all will be well.

Blessings to all of you.