Our Family and God's Blessings

This past year Steve and I faced our toughest trial yet. While I reflect on the days past which are now but a memory, I remember some being more difficult then others. But there were a few days sandwiched in between some tough weeks and months where we could almost forget Steve had cancer. And during that time and even today we are surrounded by the love of our children, our friends, our pastors and our extended family members. All God's blessings! That old saying comes to mind "Stop and smell the roses!" We can't stay in the place of suffering while we suffer, we must stop, we must enjoy God's blessings. Blessings come in many forms, people, prayer, God's favor, God's Word, kindness of others, trials (yes, trials)....the list goes on. These blessings are given to us for encouragement, strength, hope and most importantly for God's glory! We thank you Lord for your many blessings in our lives!

This past year brought us two new family members, our daughter-in-law Erika, and our first born grandchild, Gabriel. Here is at just 3 months, looking more and more like his beautiful mother.


This is Steve just before his transplant, still smiling!
Steve and his son Dane have not been able to see each other very much since he got sick. With all the treatments and complications we were not able to drive to Reno as often as we would like. Since July, 2009 he has only gone to see Dane three times. Here he is with Dane just a few weeks ago. Two very happy people! And look, for the first time ever, Dane's hair is longer then his Dad's!Papa's first time holding Gabriel (Gabriel is 5 weeks old).Gabriel and his mommy and daddy, Erika and Daniel.
All "my" kids, Daniel, Andrew, Me, Gabriel, Stephanie, Erika and Timothy!
We know that life will bring us more challenges. But we also know God is going to bring us more blessings!. His word tells us he will! Please keep praying for Hayden, Tim, Kryslynn & Ray, Marlene, Natalie & Dave and my beloved husband.