Trick or Treat

I better get the Halloween post up before Thanksgiving hits or I'll really be behind.  This year's Halloween was really fun because Nate got to go trick or treating for the first time.  He dressed up as a lion and he does a pretty scary "roar" impression.  Papa and Pops took him to our neighbors' houses and he got his first loot of candy (yay for mom and papa who got to eat it all!).  I think Nathan was more interested though in the kids that came to our door.  It's not every day that kids in costumes ring our doorbell a bunch of times.  He was fascinated!  Along with a Halloween party the week before (see costumes below) and a party at his school, it was a really fun Halloween this year.

James carved this awesome pumpkin in about 30 minutes!

Cutest lion ever!

Ready to go trick or treating

The Spaulding circus!  (our costumes for our Halloween party)

Team Becca

I need to post photos from Halloween.  But it was more on my heart to do this post today instead.

Since I primarily write this blog as a means of keeping a journal or as a "scrapbook" for our family, I feel like it would not be right to only focus on the happy things going on in our lives.  I want this blog to be a real account of what we're experiencing and feeling.  So today is more of a bittersweet post.

First the bitter part.  Our dear sweet friend Becca has bravely been battling stomach cancer since March.  It has been a brutal few months, but Becca has handled it with so much strength, grace and perseverance.

And the sweet part.  Her amazing husband, son, and family have been so brave and it has been an honor for us to witness their servant hearts as they care for Becca.  It has also been special to watch friends, extended family and even people who don't know the family well rally together to contribute meals, yardwork, and other service. 

Last weekend a couple hundred people gathered to put on the Team Becca event to raise money that would go directly to the family.  The event was planned in correspondence with Stomach Cancer Awareness month.  James, my brother and I had the honor of helping to put on the event through photography, handing out auction tickets and organizing the donations/auction prizes.  The awesome friends in my life never cease to amaze me.  Heidi, Leslie and Vanessa worked so hard in the weeks prior to the event in making plans, ordering food, collecting auction items, ordering t-shirts, and involving volunteers.  As each person arrived and came around the corner to check in, my eyes filled with tears to see old high school friends that I hadn't seen in years and to witness so many people coming together to support Becca and her family.

Halfway through the event we got the wonderful surprise that Becca was getting discharged from the hospital and was actually going to be able to attend the event.  It made me so happy that she and Carter got to personally witness the event and see all their loved ones gathered in their honor.  Becca looked so beautiful and had this glowing smile.  Needless to say I was pretty much in tears the whole day.  To feel the love in the room and witness the generosity and support of others.  All told the event raised over $30,000 for the family.  Simply amazing.

Our hearts are heavy and we pray for miracles every day that Becca would be relieved of this suffering.  We are so inspired by her courage and strength.  Becca, we can't even describe how much you mean to us.  We love you and are always here for you.....as are many others.  In the midst of pain and suffering, it's always amazing to me how God somehow shines a little bit of light.