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, July 13, 2009

700...Camping...Quiz....Treatment












70o! I finally downloaded my camera tonight and there were 700 photos from the 4th of July to date. To say the least, we have been busy and I can barely see my screen after all those photos.

We are home from our 5 day camping trip. It was...well, an adjustment. It's been 2 years since we camped, last year we did not go as Bella had just come home. This time around, we have a full blown teenager, a pre-teen, and "dirt boy" and a toddler on chemo treatments. It took us about 3 days to get our bearings and then we were figuring out how to camp with the new dynamics of our family. Overall, we had a nice time and have conducted a "family meeting" as to what everyone wants out of vacation time.

Bella's counts were GREAT last week! She is no longer neutropenic and I am no longer needing to give her shots in her legs. She started back up on her chemo last week but in lesser doses. This Thursday she will be sedated for yet another Spinal Tap for chemo and blood draw and then Friday we leave again for a family get together with family. Monday we head to Cedar Point for a fun filled day of Roller Coasters!

Lastly, thank you to all of you who have visited our blog from my good blogging buddy Pineapple Princess. As promised, I have a small prize to the person who can guess what body of water we visited this past weekend. I will give you up to 3 clues.

First Clue....we were in Central Northern Michigan! I know, it looks like the Ocean. :)

12 comments:

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

The kids look wonderful. Bella is getting so big. I hate seeing the little baby faces disappear and those toddler faces appear. I look at Luca's pics and, wow, the change.

We love Cedar Point!!! I need to bring Nico in another year or so when he grows a little bit more. (I don't do the roller coasters, but I love watching the others love them). It is Disney in Orlando for us this year.

So glad Bella is doing well.

Jaimee said...

Soooo cute, love her swimsuit and we love to camp!! So, were you at Lake Michigan? That was my first guess, but then I didn't see land in your picture on "The Love Shack" and I thought it must be an ocean. Anyway, I'm so glad you guys had fun. We'll be going camping in a few short weeks...maybe I'll do a guessing game too, you have such good ideas. :-)

Cheri said...

Susie...Your post on Stacy's blog was GREAT! You are inspirational....I love seeing God's word come through you! I miss you and am ready to come to Michigan when you settle down and have time!!!! love.

Anonymous said...

I love to camp for a few days in a tent BUT i need a camper for more then that!!! im wimpy i kknow!!!

700 pics..OH MY!

Love the ones you posted!
hugs,leslie

Elisa said...

Lake Michigan!!

Vanessa said...

It was great seeing photos of the kids enjoying their camping trip!! Glad things are going well for Bella and her hair is so cute and coming it so much!! TOO CUTE!! I'm thinking you guys were at Lake Michigan as well!

Susie said...

Higgins Lake? I kind of cheated, so if I'm right I don't need the prize ;). So glad all is well--700 pics in a week? Yikes! I can't hang with that!

Mama Bear said...

I so loved seeing the pictures and that suit and hat are soooo cute on her. She is truly a doll baby. Glad everyone had such a fun time and what a beautiful family you have.

Alex and Sam said...

love the new pics... they all show what a wonderful time you had on your vacation...

Gardenia said...

beautiful Bella. love the ladybug hat. is it Lake Erie?

Maureen said...

Hi Susie-

Just stopping by to check on sweet precious Bella. I just LOVE your family...your boys are all so handsome and Bella, well, forget about it....she is adorable!!

I am wrapping up another phase of chemo/radiation and about to head up to Central Northern Michigan next week!!! Can't wait!

My guess is Otsego Lake. I grew up in Michigan and spent summers in Petoskey and Higgins Lake and Lake Michigan. So I do not think I should qualify for a prize just in the off chance Otsego was correct. :)

Praying for Bella always...and all of you,

Maureen
www.moonsfamily.blogspot.com

Taylor family: Tim, Becky, Tabitha said...

Great pictures! Love the one of Bella in her lady bug hat with a lady bug on her cheek! Lady bugs are suppose to bring good luck.
Have a blessed weekend.
Becky & Tabitha