Isaiah, morning and night

I'm not very good at uploading a quality video to this blog, but Isaiah was just being so cute that I had to share! The first is a giggle video from yesterday morning, and the second is him running the couch before bed last night. Love this little man :c)

A Thankful Thanksgiving

It's a week later, but Happy Thanksgiving! Ray, Isaiah and I went to Kansas to visit the Beckers and Shiracks (I'm still a bit sad about missing out on New Mexico with the Hakes- someday I'll master being in 2 places at once!). Most of the family was able to make it this year (family being my grandpa and his kids and their families). I love how we just keep growing!
This was my sweet baby last year

Now look at the crazy kid!

And now Kolby is here!

This cutie was in his mom's tummy this time last year..

And it feels like only yesterday when it was my sister, the 2 moms you see above, and I were "the high school crew" like these girls are now! I know, even that statement makes me old..

But so happy to have these 2 men as a part of my life now :c)

 I'm sure it won't be too much longer and this will be Isaiah and I

Such a pretty day to be around family

This was the madness inside the house (we had 34 people there!)

Isaiah by the infamous 'kids table'

And Mr. "I Can't Sleep Unless I'm Lying Down"...

There were plenty of girls to dote on the small ones

But this one we had to be careful with!

We didn't get a family shot this year, but Ray and I did get a pic with our sweet goddaughter! Kolby is only 2 weeks old here and so precious!

After the Becker's, we traveled to the Shiracks where we got some nice downtime and good food (and I found a sweet new chair I'll be showing you soon)! Here's Lindsey and Isaiah

Isaiah has a way of getting people to do what he wants, so he had aunt Lez take him to each of the 3 deer what felt like 100 times.

And like any good dad, Ray decided to get us one! (or he was just shooting pumpkins, since we're moving on to Christmas now...)

But it's not quite winter yet! We put up lights and raked leaves on Sunday (it was such a beautiful day) and this little man was happy to help :c)

Even though thanksgiving is over, I have so much to be grateful for. Our God is amazing, and I enjoyed taking this month to recognize all the things I'm thankful for on facebook. We are called to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ."- 1 Thessalonians 5:18. And so many times scripture says Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. So beautiful

Mia Rings the Bell!!

You guys know this sweet face :c) I'm so happy to be able to post the pics form Mia's bell ringing ceremony (It's a ceremony they do at Childrens Hospital when cancer treatment is complete and scans are clear!) She is one happy girl to be living the cancer free life :c)

Isaiah was happy to just wash his hands...

Mia loves her some Sydnie (can you believe their gorgeous blue eyes!)

The bell

One prayer of many said over the past 15 months

It's official!

Such a sweet staff who supported the family the entire way

Isaiah took notes during the ceremony

Mia's beads of courage, each one stands for something; chemo, a transfusion, a night in the hosp, etc

Here's the list of what this precious girl has been through in a little over a year

But now it's time to celebrate!!

We enjoyed a post party complete with a balloon release

Bye bye balloons, bye bye cancer

I can't express how much we love this family, what an awesome example of faith they've been in these tough times. The McDowells have been an inspiration to many other cancer families and anyone who's heard their story. A bus of highschoolers came to the bell ringing because they have been praying for through this entire time. Mia's Transplant Smiles made it on the news, her picture was on the Today Show, and soon she will be part of a commercial for Joy Jars. I love that they can take a devastating diagnosis, like cancer, and kick it in the butt! Thank you for all of your prayers, and please keep it up that she remains in remission!

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