First, a quick update. We’ll know something on Lila’s heart at some point tomorrow. They did another echo cardiogram on Ryan today and it appears that the hole in her heart (she also has a PDA) is smaller than it was originally which means she is definitely responding to the medication. She is being put on the same round of treatments that they now have Lila on and we will know more about her condition in a couple of days. Please continue to pray for Lila and add Ryan’s heart to your prayers as well!!

A good friend of mine who actually took the call from HEB about the diaper drive asked if he could “guest blog” for me to update some of the details. Since he has been coordinating everything with them, I figured that was a good idea…

My name is Dean and my wife and I are close friends of Ethan and Casey. We’ve been so blessed to see the outpouring of support from not only our church and Austin, but from around the country! For those of you not from Texas, HEB is the largest grocery chain in Texas with over 300 stores. They are THE grocery store in Austin. HEB has been so incredibly generous with how they have rallied around the Jones family with this community diaper drive, and now they want to open it up to those who can not physically get to this specific Austin HEB location. This HEB location will take phone donations at 512-336-7700. Just tell them you want to make a donation to the Jones Quintuplets diaper drive and they will take it from there and match your donation! The diaper drive goes through this coming Friday, January 30th.

On behalf of Ethan and Casey and their entire support group we want to thank, individually, the wonderful folks at HEB who have stepped up to make this diaper drive happen over the last week. Leslie, Jill, Tamra, Leticia, Xavier, Chad, Cynthia, and Jeff. Jeff actually came in at 3:30 a.m. on his day off to finish up the wonderful in-store displays. Also, a very special thank you to Mr. Charles Butt, the CEO of HEB. Mr. Butt personally got involved when he saw the story on the Quintuplets and said “We HAVE to help this family”. HEB did not have to do this diaper drive, and they have asked for no PR or recognition in the process. They did it because they are a caring organization that is made up of absolutely wonderful individuals. You can see why they retain their employees so well and maintain such a fantastic work environment.

For those of you that have already taken the time to donate to the drive, a huge THANK YOU. We’ll update everyone after the drive wrap up Friday! And again, thank you to HEB for allowing those not in Austin to be part of this phenominal event! Dean

God Bless,
Ethan
www.JonesLife.net

When I returned to class Thursday evening, my Baylor classmates had a little surprise for me – a very generous group donation! Before class began, one of my classmates stood up and was telling the rest of the group about the diaper drive that was to begin the next day (she didn’t realize that I was there at the time). After her announcement, another classmate got up, said a few good words and then presented me with an envelope filled with donations from everyone in the class. It was awesome!!

You may not be aware that Casey and I found out about the quints four days before I was to begin my orientation week for grad school. I was really torn as to whether or not I should stick with the program given the time constraints and financial burden it would become with the babies on the way. Fortunately, I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that I should wait to make a decision because I’m still with the program today and I have no intention of dropping out.

My classmates, the Baylor staff, the professors, the director, and the university as a whole have been incredible from day one! They have allowed me the flexibility I’ve needed to take care of my family, provided financial support, and have shared in the excitement every step of the way. Thank you again to Baylor University, the faculty, staff, and my classmates for all you’ve done!! To sum it up: BAYLOR ROCKS!!

For more info on the support Baylor University has provided, follow this link to a blog post I did a little while back: http://joneslifeaustinblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/baylor-rocks.html.

God Bless,
Ethan
www.JonesLife.net

I am about to head up to HEB at Four Points for the kick off of a week long diaper drive that they are doing for us. This is really cool – apparently, Charles Butt, the son of the founder, Howard Butt, and current CEO, heard our story on the news and wanted to help out. He personally set the wheels in motion to make this happen.
The drive is starting today and will continue until next Friday. HEB is going to match all donations and is planning on making a surprise donation at the close of the diaper drive!! Diapers are probably the one item that we need more than anything as it will be an on-going need for several years. We are so grateful to the HEB family for making this happen!!!!

Check the website for other details!

God Bless,
Ethan
http://www.joneslife.net/

Thank you to all who have posted comments on statesman.com as you have successfully taken the attention off of the negativity that was gaining ground earlier today! This morning almost every post was negative, but now you have to get to the bottom of the second page to get to the first hateful comment! God love you all!!

God Bless,
Ethan
www.JonesLife.net

If you have time, you can also email 590 KLBJ to request that they allow me some time to correct the inaccuracies of their reporting and the listeners’ assumptions. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.590klbj.com/

If you write, please go above and beyond to be gracious in your comments.

God bless you all!!
Ethan
www.JonesLife.net