Time is going by quickly and time is going by slowly. I imagine you know exactly what I
mean. It is amazing to think that we’ve been here almost 3 months, but when I think of some of the painstaking days, it seems to crawl by. As I tend to do, I have made a goal of getting out of here. I’m planning on us loading up and driving out of town by the last day of this month. I’m really hoping that that coordinates with the timeline my doctors have for me. From my understanding, the main items I need to check off of my list are: being able to stay hydrated and to keep my magnesium level up (with oral supplements). Sounds easy enough, but the medicine that prevents 
Graft Vs. Host Disease depletes the body of magnesium in a pretty severe way. So, every day I have to have an infusion of magnesium and, at the same time, I’m increasing my oral supplementation of the mineral as well. Oral magnesium is hard to tolerate in high doses, so it is a slow, steady increase to about 10 tablets per day – I’m at 4.
Late this week, we will be switching out parents – my parents are heading home and Jonathan’s parents are arriving. My in-laws are brave to join our demanding apartment/childcare routine – 
but, they are thankfully rested and up for the challenge. My parents have done an amazing job and deserve a nice, long break.
I’ve posted some pictures from the last couple of weeks. The highlight, was Elizabeth’s award. She was awarded “Most Christlike” on the track team. There is no greater compliment ever, and we are so proud of her. Harrison is taking swimming lessons at the YMCA and is loving each class as well as the other children who are easily distracted by his antics. Amber has started tennis coaching, and really enjoys it.
Last weekend we were hosted to another beautiful getaway. This time we went to Lake Livingston, north of Houston. The couple who runs the church condo that Jonathan and I stayed at the first few weeks in February hosted our entire family at their lake home. We had wonderful home cooking, beautiful views of the lake and fun with the boat, jet ski, fishing, swimming, etc. Of course, I couldn’t participate in all of the that – but the kids savored every moment.
Thank you for all of the celebratory comments on my good scan results and for the birthday wishes! I’ll keep you posted on my departure goals. I’m hoping to find out this week if I’m on track or not. I’ll let you know. 🙂
A belated Happy Birthday, April. I’m praying for you to be able to come home (TN home, that is – home is wherever you’re planted), because that means victory in everything else your body needs to do. You’re family has had some amazing opportunities to spend special time together. May we onlookers use your example of prioritizing what is important in life and start doing it now, not wait until some extreme life circumstance forces us to examine our lives. Thank you for being open and vulnerable with us during your journey. And thanks for the privilege of praying for and with you all. Love, Linda Cianci
Thinking of you all and hoping things are going well! Happy belated Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Praying for healing and getting back home soon.
Happy Mothers Day, April. I hope you get to return Nashville soon. Wish Donna & Everett a Happy 50th Anniversary .
Love to All.
The Millers
Praying you get to come home on your schedule, and that you are having a wonderful Mother ‘s Day — I am so happy you get to spend it with your children! Thank you for the update and the pics.
Adding our prayers that the blood tests and other markers required to get you home soon are met! 🙂
Great photos!! Looks like everyone is having fun. I will pray about your goal of going home at the end of the month but in the meantime, blessings on you and the whole family in TX.
We will be so glad to have you home in TN!!! Continuing to pray for all of you!
We love you and we’re praying for your goals to come home. Can’t wait to put a visit to TN on the calendar. Love you all! J and fam
All this talk of Lake Livingston makes me homesick! I’m so glad your scans are all clear. I hope you guys meet your deadline – the frogs miss you terribly! They say so everyday.
Our family will be praying you all can head home on your goal date! Thanks for sharing all of the photos. You have an amazing family, and we look forward to having you back in Tennessee.
Dear April, Jonathan,Amber, Elizabeth and Harrison
We have loved being with you here in Houston and although
going home will give us some physical rest our hearts will
remain there with you! We are so blessed to have you as our
children! With much love, Mom (Mormor)