Way Overdue Update!

Bella and Malaena running away from me after they escaped from their bath time, PRICELESS!

Cheri and I, first one's in the pool for the summer 2009. Cheri said it was below 30, I say it was around 60...can you tell which one of us is the Northerner?

Bella just before her broviach removal, I'd say from this look she was ready.

This was a common scene, silly Malae and Ms. "I am not so sure of this girl" Bella. Two totally different personalities and they played beautifully together. Now Cheri and I...we are two peas in a pod.

This is what happens when your toddler is in your bathroom and you are busy blowing drying your hair. I knew she was playing with them, what I didnt know is that she took off with both boxes. When I realized she was not in my bedroom any more I went looking for her and this is what I found. Take note, she has the directions in her hands. I still cant look at this picture without laughing...I wonder if she will find these just as entertaining years from now?

This is one of the walls at "The Cottage". It's lined with photos of previous years. We went up to the cottage Memorial Weekend to "Open the Cottage" and my son took this picture.

My boys at the bonfire.

My boys with their "everything's bigger at Bostwick Lake" doughnuts.

This is Bella after her Broviach Removal..."Princess Quit A Lot" is all smiles and FREE!

To all my loyal blogging friends...I am so sorry, I am way behind on my blog. Why is it that every year teachers pile on every field trip and project for the last 6 weeks of the school year? EVERY YEAR! 3 kids in 3 different classes makes for a challenging schedule.

Bella and I had an absolutely wonderful time in Missouri with our friends The Harris's. Cheri and I laughed till our cheeks hurt and slept very little. We were having so much fun that we stayed an additional evening. Bella did great and thanks to her buddy Malae, she is now climbing on everything.

Last week Bella had her "broviach" (external port) removed....I cant even begin to express the immense ease this has brought to our lives and hers. For the first time in 7 months, Bella can take a bath as often as she likes and dive in as deep as she wants, she does not have to wear a "onsie" every day and she no longer has an itchy rash from the bandaid used to keep the open wound protected. As for me, I no longer have to change her bandages any more no inject her nightly with antiobiotics to keep it from getting infected. Her meds are still pretty high maintenance, the monthly 5 days of steroids can be a bit hard on our daily life, but Bella is really doing great. One of the high lights, her hair is growing back and she keeps getting stronger.

My first baby is graduating from 8th grade Monday night and moving on to High School. I know I just sent him off to Kindergarten, I remember it just yesterday. His little blonde buffey hair and Harry Potter back pack...how quickly these years go and how very much I want to let the demands of this world go so that I can just sit back and take it all in with every one of my kids. With God's grace and wisdom, I will.

I attached photo updates from the last couple of weeks and hope to be able to post soon professional photos shot by Bellabambino while in Missouri. Sheri took pictures of Bella and Malaena as well as us the four us girls.

Again, I am so very grateful that you continue to check in on us and pray. This journey continues to bless us in so many ways, your words of support and encouragement always makes my heart happy.

Blessings and love to all,

Susie