Vanderbilt update Feb 1st, 2009

Here we are again at Vanderbilt... so far so good. We just had the nurse come in and give us some blood work results. Looks like Jaden's levels are dropping, and we are going to be able to go home tomorrow. Yeah!!!! :):) All smiles here!!

We have only so many days left with Daddy before he goes back to Afghanistan...so we need to make them good!! Jaden really wants to be home right now, and I can't blame him.

Thank you again for all your support and prayers!! God bless you, and keep you!!
Love in Christ
Heather
PS: If you have a myspace... add me?? This way it will help me stay up-to-date on all of you guys as well. I feel out of the loop sometimes, and when I check into my myspace it automatically tells me who has updates. I LOVE THAT!! Saves me some time, but keeps me in the mix too! lol! http://www.myspace.com/326034600
God bless! :)
PSS: Great "fiction" Christian book for all you mom's out there...THE SHACK by WM. Paul Young... I love it!! JUST FYI ;)

SNOW/ICE DAY...NO POWER! FUN!! :)

Yes; it was an ice storm…and ya there are a lot of tree limbs down. It was cool that FOX news was out back covering the storm. And of course it continued to snow while our power was out all day long. However; we got out the camping gear, had a snow ball fight, got a fire going, and snuggled around the coffee table to play Monopoly. What a great day together drinking hot apple spiced tea, grilled cheese, and time together!!

There is truly no place like home… especially since we are going in for Chemo again. God saw it fit for us to spend one more day at home together before going back into the hospital for treatment… we were supposed to be there this morning. LOL! This goes to show you… life is what you make it! The weather gave us ice, snow storms, and power outages… and we made it into a quality family day. What more could you want out of life?

Hoping and praying that you find wonderful memories everyday trials of life! The kids cherish these last few days with Daddy before he goes back off R&R to Afghanistan.
God bless
Greg, Heather, Dylan, Jaden, and Alaina Rae’
XOXOXOXOXXOX

OUR BLESSED "CHRISTMAS" IN JANUARY WITH DADDY!!

SPENDING TIME TOGETHER IN THE WORD OF GOD, HOME COOKED MEALS, COMFORT FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES, GOOD MEMORIES, AND SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY... THAT IS WHAT MAKES US SMILE THESE DAYS!

It was great to spend "Christmas" with Greg here in January. LOL! Alaina's favorite gift was her Veterinary dog book & gumball machine. Jaden's favorite gift was his neon guitar wall clock & his new games for the x-box 360. Dylan's favorite gift was his upgrade on the x-box 360!!
(And don't ya know... you are not allowed to take photos of 15 year old teens? LOL!!)

MY FAVORITE GIFT OF ALL WAS SPENDING TIME WITH THE KIDS...AND SPENDING ANOTHER CHRISTMAS WITH JADEN...AS WAS PRECIOUS TO ALL OUR HEARTS THIS YEAR!! HAVING GREG HERE IS SUCH A WONDERFUL GIFT TO THE KIDS THIS YEAR...JUST TO HAVE HIM NEAR & HUGABLE!

The kids were so thrilled to come home from the hospital, and get to spend some quality time together with Dad!! We go back in next week for more Chemo... but trust that "together" we can do all things with Christ!!

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEK, AND GOD BLESS
HEATHER, DYLAN, JADEN, & ALAINA RAE'

Greg is home on leave from Afghanistan!!! Praise God!

Greg had a long, several day trip from Afghanistan, into Kuwait, Germany, finally Georgia, and then Nashville. He met us at the hospital, and surprised Jaden before surgery. How wonderful that reunion was for us all!! This will be a short vacation at home with the family; however, we all Praise God for whatever time that He may allow the children with Greg!
We will be sure to keep you posted.
God bless
Heather
PS: Greg received a medal from the Czech officials, there was a Eagle 6 visit, and the highest 4 star ranking Army personnel visited also. Wow! They keep them hopping over in Afghanistan!!

Update on Jaden Jan. 2009

Jaden is hanging in there!! 10 months down…. 5 to go till the bone marrow transplant. Please pray that we won’t need to go that rout…

We are all patiently waiting for Greg to get home from Afghanistan on Leave. It will be a short 14 days when he gets here!! So far they got snowed in on FOB Shank…and now he is stuck somewhere else in Afghanistan at another base, waiting to go to Kuwait…to get a flight home. Try saying that three times fast!! LOL!! Anywho; when he gets here… it will be a blessing!!

We have a Military Ball coming up in May, and I am commissioned to do a painting for the event. Greg’s Brigade is going to sell off prints to raise funds for the ball. I can’t wait to get started on that…I should be able to work on it at the Hospital while I am there with Jaden.

Grandpa and Grandma Susan got to visit us at Jaden’s last poker run. (November 1st, 2008) That was really nice! Mom and Lee are getting along great, and we consider Lee a blessing to our family!!

Recently: Jordan and Josh have been able to visit, and bring a smile to Jaden’s face!! The kids really enjoy being with them…as they are not able to be too social since Jaden’s illness.

The Hansley’s were able to come for dinner and visit with us too…and we love them dearly!! When you have wonderful friends in the Lord…it is truly a blessing!! The boys are getting so big!!

Alaina and Laurana got to visit in Louisville when we got together with Frank & Lori. That was really fun!! We all had a really great time!! Also, Mr. Rex pierced Alaina’s ears. How cool is that!! Thanks Rex!!! 

We have a full schedule this coming end of month at Vanderbilt, and in February. Please continue to pray for Jaden! Also, Greg and I celebrate 18 years together in next month… how time flies by!! Hope all is well and looking forward to hearing from you soon!!
God bless
Heather
Willhiteh@yahoo.com