Now that's some sisterly devotion!

My darling sister, Keri, in a selfless act of love and thoughtfullness.....went BALD!!! That's right...her sons Isaac and Oskar cut their hair short and she decided Grace should know that she's not alone when she looses her hair. We are so touched by this amazing act!!!!! What can we say...you're one beautiful, kind, amazing baldy!

Chemo Yesterday...

Gracie had chemo yesterday. Her sweet and helpful brother, Tanner went along. It's hard for both of them, but they support each other. Grace received Vincristine and her third dose of Doxorubicin. The doctor warned that we should really start seeing strong steroid side effects (appetite, mood swings!!! etc.). The Doxorubicin is definately taking effect. Grace is pale as a ghost, exhausted, and her ANC (absolute Neutrophil count) went from 3, 100 two weeks ago to 800 yesterday. We are told it could reach 0 and we just have to cross our fingers that she'll not get a fever or any sort of infection, or she'll be back in the hospital. The nurses have told us that Grace shouldn't go to any closed in places-malls, church, movies, etc. Of course, the doctor keeps saying live life as normally as possible, and just use really good hand washing, etc. We're erring on the side of caution and sticking around home! Many people have asked if her hair is coming out. In answer to that, yes it is. It is really thin, but still there. Although, in a fit of a toddler tantrum, Eva pulled on Grace's hair this morning and a big chunk came out. Grace was, needless to say, VERY cross with her baby sister. But, through it all, Grace remains as sweet as she can be under the circumstances. She is really enjoying books, movies, drawing and laying low because she's so tired.

Tanner has had fun over Christmas break...we don't know what we'll do without him when he goes back to school. He's such a happy medium and a source of fun in our home. He's crazy about Star Wars and making up all kinds of battle scenes with his figurines.
Eva is hilarious right now. If you give her a kiss, she wipes it off and laughs at you! She loves reading books and she is constantly following Annabelle around saying "sit and good girl" (more pronounced Goog Gil). She also calls JR and me "babe" constantly. We are in for trouble!

Merry Christmas to you!

Each Christmas we relish in the fun things of the season. We love the sights, smells, excitement and love the holiday brings. But, this season...the feelings are stronger. Our love is deeper, each time we hug and tuck our little ones in at night...we hang on a little longer. And, this Christmas we are so thankful we got to be at home and not at the hospital! We got the best gift ever possible. Grace felt well and hung on until...well...what you see in the picture (and then got WAY too tired). Tanner, Grace, and Eva really loved their Christmas!
We would be remiss if we didn't express our thanks for ALL that has been done for our family! There have been so many people who have blessed our lives and who have demonstrated the good, compassion, and love that this world offers. It is you, all of you, who have taught our children what service is and how to bring peace and comfort in a time of turmoil. We are so grateful! You have changed our lives and our experience through your goodness. And, hopefully not being too candid here, I have to say that we are so grateful to our Heavenly Father. We have really had a divine hand looking out for us. On this Christmas day, we want to express how grateful we are for the greatest gift that humanity has known, the birth of Jesus Christ. And, perhaps more miraculously-the way that His life was spent and the purpose for which He came. We are grateful that because of his life and sacrifice we can be together forever and that Grace, nor any of us, ever have to wander this world aimlessly or alone. Tonight, I've been thinking of what Mary must have felt as she swadled her little child, knowing his life's course. I also have felt more tender towards Joseph, knowing in his arms was the Savior of the world, and the responsiblities he must have felt to raise him well and keep him safe. JR and I are so blessed to have three children. And, we are so blessed that we can walk hand in hand with them through the good and the bad.

The Novelty of snow....

Is wearing off! It's so fun to have snow here, being from Utah and all. But, I must say...when you are completely snowed in and can't back out of your driveway...and yet the doctor says find a way and bring her to chemo-the snow presents a challenge. Thankfully, the Sands were gracious enough to drive JR, Tanner, and Grace to her chemo appointment. The hill to the hospital was closed-so they took the tram. That was a really fun part of the experience! Despite how nervous Grace gets for her appointments, she did very well and is brave as always. She is actually feeling pretty well tonight (it usually hits her a day or two later). This is her second dose of Doxorubicin, so we are just literally on pins and needles for when her hair is going to fall out. We just don't have any clue when or how it will happen...so we wait and hope to help as best we can. Overall, we feel really blessed that with just a few days until Christmas she is doing as well as she is. And, we have to admit...it's nice to be snowed in-it let's us focus on being together and what is the most important to us.

Still more snow mixed with freezing rain..

Freezing rain makes for strong snow fort walls.