The saddest day of our lives...

For a few weeks now, I've noticed Grace has really been bruising.  I emailed her doctor and she told me to come in at some point and check her blood.  On Wednesday, as JR's wonderful siblings came into town, Grace got sick.  She vomited and couldn't get rid of her fever, and I took her in to get checked.  As I was about to leave the appointment, I felt prompted to double check her bruising.  Three hours later, her pediatrician worriedly told me that our daughter more than likely had Leukemia and we would need to immediately get to Dournbecker hospital.  We have since learned that Gracie girl, our precious little five year old, has A.L.L. or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.  We are devastated by the news, saddened by her pain, and yet hopeful for the future.  We are blessed in that this type of cancer has a high curability rate-at 85% of children being cured from the disease.  We can hardly stand to see her suffer, and we hate how this makes our other kids and our families worry and hurt, but we know there is a reason for this that doesn't yet make sense.  We have great faith that the Lord is directing us and that we will not, for one second of this terrifying journey, be alone.  We have already felt how instrumental God has been in this great plan.  For starters, it is no coincidence that we have moved to Portland, where one of the finest children's hospitals is.  Grace has received a blessing from her sweet, honorable father, and we have all confidence that our prayers will be heard.  Please keep Grace in your prayers...we will need the assistance of angels throughout this experience! -Jr, Kim, Tanner, Grace, and Eva

Grace loves anything pink and brown together, hence the cake colors. She loved her double layer cake and cupcakes!

Grace's Pony Party

Happy Birthday to our 5 year old girl!

It was G's birthday on July 24! When she was born fireworks went off (literally-it was Pioneer Day)! And, we've felt like that about her ever since. She is so spunky, joyful, intelligent and precious. She is kind, compassionate, and so capable. Some of Grace's favorites at 5 years are:
Polly Pockets
Sushi
Horses
Giggling
Dogs
Dolls
Bike Riding
anything glittery
lip gloss
BOOKS!
drawing
doing experiments (usually including all my baking supplies)
wrestling with her brother
setting up forts for her baby sister to try to get through
swimming
The library
suckers and ice breakers
Everything...she's so joyful and always excited about life!
Love you Gracie girl! You make us so incredibly happy!