"Neurological Stimulation"

Here's some photos from today. One week ago Nathan was in Intensive Care following his brain surgery. This morning, he was lying by the fire listening to Dania read him a story. He is sometimes frustrated by me not letting him do all the things he wants to do, like going sledding today, but I tell him that just being home is better than being in the hospital. He is eating like a horse, which makes me quite happy.

Yesterday when I told him that he should probably have a nap, he said that he had enough rest in the hospital, and besides, he had a five hour nap during his surgery. Of course I said that didn't count.

Immediately following the surgery on the way to see him, in my heart I just wanted to know that he could see, talk and think normally. He was very thirsty but the nurse would only allow him a few ice chips. As I was moving around the ice chips with a plastic spoon Nathan said, "Mom, don't try to get the smallest one."

The day after surgery while he was resting in ICU, I asked him if he wanted to watch something on the T.V. He made me laugh when he said, "That would be too much neurological stimulation", quoting our favorite character from the movie The Incredibles - Kari the babysitter.

The incision is healing up nicely.

Nathan's Surgery Before & After Pictures

Nathan got admitted to the hospital last Saturday, since they wanted him under observation and on steroids until his doctors returned on Monday. He spent his time practicing tying knots, and we walked around the hospital and met with visitors. He seemed to be getting weaker by the day. He was extraordinarily brave, and encouraged me by saying, "God will work everything out" - his paraphrase of Romans 8:28 : "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Nathan's neuro-oncologist met with us before the surgery, and told us that the best he hoped for was that the surgeon could remove enough of the tumor that it would buy us time to try an experimental drug. If that didn't work, then he would have to have radiation, which would cause some amount of permanent brain damage. We were devastated, but continued to pray and trust God's purposes. Hundreds or maybe thousands of people were praying for Nathan and his doctors. He said a few months more and the tumor would cause permanent brain damage also, and that the surgery might cause damage.

We took advantage of nice weather the day before surgery and spent the day outside. Lots of calls and texts, but didn't want them to take away from enjoying this day with our boy, not knowing what tomorrow would bring.

We prayed that God would guide the surgeon's hands and mind, and that He would do more than we could ask or think, and He did! The surgeon was able to see the optic nerve and other critical areas to stay away from, and he was able to remove 75% or more of the tumor. The morning after surgery, Nathan wanted bacon and eggs for breakfast.

When he got out of intensive care and back into a regular room, we watched one of our favorite movies, "Sargeant York". To quote a line from the movie: "The Lord takes care of them that are a-believin' in Him."

Getting ready to go home, three days after brain surgery. Aaron managed to pack all his stuff on one wagon.

Went out for a fabulous lunch at the Old Blinking Light restaurant on the way home. Our waiter's mother had passed from brain cancer, and he was very touched by Nathan.

Here is Nathan on Sunday, the day after he came home. He painted a bird house. We are realizing that keeping him down will be the hard part of recovery.

Thank you, all of you who have prayed for Nathan, and supported us through a very difficult time. We would love to hear from you.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Taking "Flat Stanley" to visit the horses.

The baby of the family is growing up.

This is what Nathan does with birthday balloons......

Frosty Times

Last week, it was mostly below zero, even down to -20! But we stayed warm inside, and the kids had to come up with ways to have fun in the house.Like dressing up.....

This is what -15 degrees in the morning looks like.

Burning off energy on the trampoline.

Jumping from the trampoline to the chair became a sport in our house.

This is Nathan today. He's gotten taller since Christmas.

Here's a cool icicle outside the front window I just had to snap a picture of.

You're Invited to a Virtual Open House

Hello Everyone,


I thought this would be a good way to give you an idea of what our new home looks like, and at least have a virtual visit. As you can see, the kids are really enjoying themselves here. Before we started work on it, the cabin looked truly horrible. Now it feels like home, cozy, but comfortable.

The sunroom.....the office, the entry, the family room, the music room, all in one.

Yes, Aaron's a year older, and he had a very happy birthday.

If the neighbors notice their horses putting on a little weight, I think our kids are to blame. They love feeding them.

Nathan's room has the BEST view!

The good thing about this kitchen is that I get exercise walking up hill and down hill on the uneven floor as I cook and do dishes. That's right - there is no dishwasher.

The livingroom.

Up yonder by the trees is where we're thinking of building a log home one day.

Another Update

I'm still undecided about continuing this blog. We may start a Caringbridge account, where I could post updates, and it would send everyone an email letting you know whenever there is a new post. In the meantime, I will send out emails or do a post here.

Here's the latest: We are supposed to temporarily move into our friends' house in a few weeks, after they move into their new house. On Friday they just learned that their daughter has a brain tumor similar to Nathan's, and she is scheduled for surgery with Nathan's surgeon next week. We don't try to understand God's providences, but trust in the wisdom and goodness of the One who gave Himself for us.

Our plan for now is to make an offer on some land just 10 minutes into the foothills, which has a "rustic" cabin on it. We are hoping to make it livable, and stay in it for a year or so while building a log home, then demolish the cabin when we're done building the new home. We're walking into the unknown, especially considering Nathan's health, but this is the direction we feel led to go. I can just picture Nathan and Dania running through the meadow and pine trees with their cowboy boots and chaps on. They have already agreed to put their coins in together to save up for a horse. I refuse to be an Eeyore and tell them just how many dimes that would be.

Yes, we really need prayer.

The Latest on Nathan, and A Closing Request

If there is still anyone who reads our blog, just wanted to let you know that I won't be doing posts here for the time being. But if you wanted to keep up to date with Nathan, please contact us by leaving a comment, or emailing us, and we will add you to those who we will email to let you know of anything important.

Please pray for our brave cowboy. He may need to have surgery in the near future for more cysts that are growing in his brain and causing trouble. We are supposed to be closing on our house and moving by the 1st of September, so we especially need your prayers.

Thank you for the love and care you have shown our family.