This pic is the morning of surgery. We praise God for Dr. Crawford - truly he was God-sent! Some folks flippantly use the word miracle for everything! They found a pair of shoes at Goodwill and it's a miracle (I have a daughter who loves shoes and loves to shop at Goodwill; that's why I chose that illustration :) )I guess 'to each his own.' Whatever the case, I have no doubt in the providential working of God throughout this whole surgery process. Dr. Crawford was the first African-American to graduate from the University of Tennessee Med. School some 46 years ago and is one of, if not the best in his field (sure I'm biased - I don't deny that). Furthermore, Dr. Crawford is in the process of retiring - I say process because when you are in his field, you don't just stop one day - because of the surgery schedules, follow-up visits, on-going training of other surgeons, etc. So to get an appointment was God working in and through the hearts of men/women and circumstances. After the surgery was over and we met with Dr. Crawford, he said, "I am pleased with the surgery," and "I think Natasha will be pleased with her back." We told him, we had hundreds of people praying for him and the surgery, to which he replied, "Well, then maybe that's why it went so well." Don't read negative into that comment, it wasn't meant to be negative. God has blessed this man with amazing talents and we never detected any arrogance or cockiness. He previously told us, "I do the surgery, God does the healing!" He said that because the body must fuse the bones together or a 2nd surgery will be required. To engage in such serious work as he does, you better have a little bit of confidence that you know what you are doing. I can assure you, if he would have said sheepishly and with false humility, "Well, I do my best." We would have found another Dr.! God gives us gifts, some more than others, and we are to develop those gifts to their fullest. God uses our gifts for His glory. Thank you Dr. Crawford for all of your labors to help our daughter. I have no idea what you went through decades ago to be in the position you are today, but we thank you for overcoming. I thank you for all you have done not only to help thousands of other youg people, but to help our daughter and answer her prayer. We are eternally grateful and thank God for you. God bless you!

Sorry for the delay. I, Daryl, am back full swing into school, working, and studying and Laura is taking care of Natasha. It has been two weeks now since the surgery and Natasha has made some major steps. PTL! She continues to improve although she has a long way to go yet. One of my students had similar surgery and said he felt like it was about 2 months before he began to feel like he was 'over the hump.' If that's the case, then she still has another 6 weeks; however, surgeries affect different people different ways, so we will take it week by week. Thank the Lord, on Sat. night she slept for 2 straight hours. Yes, that's what I said, that was a huge answer to prayer because Laura has been getting up with her every hour to assist her in moving around to get a little more comfortable. Occasionally, I have given Laura a break, but Natasha prefers her mother's help. Early Monday morning, Natasha slept for several hours and both she and Laura were able to get some nice rest. PTL! There are a lot of ups and downs through this and one day she can bee feeling good, then the next, her body comes crashing down. So we covet your continued prayers.

Other Wise How Are Things?
I DO COFFEE and 1st thing EVERY morning... and "someone" knowing this... was needing some "Mommy attention" and this was one way he KNEW he'd get it! I just thank him for leaving the frogs out! (Long story... see an older post about that one!)
These two lovely creatures greeted me the 1st morning after Natasha was home from surgery. Our sweet son, was who I KNEW was the culprit... sure enough when I asked him if he knew anything about some creature being in my sugar bowl, he giggled and giggled nearly falling off the bed! Kids, you gotta love them! :) Sure bring many smiles our way! I agree with the Gaither's Song... "Thank God for Kids!" Totally! We are so blessed and if I have to squirm a little b/c of a creature now and then, that's okay... I'm just glad Jesus gave us a son too! :)

Praising God for His Many Blessings!

Last evening in our family worship time, Natasha had a praise and was very broken, thanking the Lord for keeping her safe from all injury during such a serious surgery! It was a precious time! You see they had to precaution us of all the risks of such a huge surgery and many of the possible injury's were very serious. They warned her she could be deaf, blind, or even paralyzed! God is SOOOOO Good to keep her safe and have all of her senses in tact and we praise Him!
The anesthesiologist said to her as they were checking on her just before surgery, "You seem at such a peace!".... What an Awesome God we serve, who comes and gives us strength and peace to face the battles that lie ahead of us..." He never comes early," as the song says, "but He never comes late... He's ALWAYS ON TIME!" She had been SOOOOOO anxious, and had many times of tears going into surgery, but Jesus came and took all of that away so that she could go into surgery totally at peace! PTL!

Natasha and her daddy are doing a little slow dancing. This was 4 days after surgery and the first time I helped her up. She has come a long way since then - Slava Boga!

Hello Again!
Things are going okay. Natasha is still in a lot of pain, mostly due to her TMJ, now. This keeps her from being able to chew and though her appetite is increasing she can't chew things well. She is a bit bummed about this, for our dear church people are sending in delicious meals and she can't chew well. She had this trouble years ago while we were missionaries in Romania and we saw a chiropractor who adjusted her jaw and things went much better after that... now that isn't as easy to do, so we are praying about what to do to help her. Her jaw can still be adjusted, just not sure that she could take the ride clear out to our present chiropractor. She has her days and nights mixed up... as she did about 18 years ago this time!!! :) She has had a decent day, came downstairs to rest in the recliner, for the 4 walls would get to her if she stayed in her bedroom all day. Just help us pray that she will somehow be able to find some comfortable way to rest at night. You can imagine how comfortable it would be for you to sleep on your dining room table, 24/7... and that's kind of how it feels for her.
We are so blessed to have come through SO much!! Thank you for your continued prayers, they mean so much! Natasha has gotten several cards and gifts from family and friends and has enjoyed reading them... (though that is rather difficult since she must hold them up in the air to even see them, because of her brace! :) Thanks to all of you for your unspeakable kindnesses to us and your prayers... thanks even for those of you who want to comment and can't. We do get your e-mails and they mean so much!

We are Home!

We finally got released from the hospital and home about 4:30 this afternoon. Natasha is one weary and ill girl. She said with tears in her voice on the way home.... "Mommy, I sure hope people don't stop praying for me now that they know I'm home from the hospital!" (she then confessed that she has done that, but that now she knows differently how much a patient still needs prayer!)
We made it up the stairs and into bed but she was crying by that time... so weak and in so much pain; glad to be home, but sad that she didn't even feel like greeting her siblings.
So thanks for your continued prayers as this is still a LONG journey ahead of us!
~Laura~

Baby Steps, increasing! (I typed these 3 words before 8 this a.m.... and that's all the further I got til now... nearly 12 hrs later!) Wow! Where on earth do I begin... it's been a LONG, LONG, Day! We had another night with much confusion due to meds and that is always NOT a fun thing. We have had a FULL day and quite eventful. "All things work together for the good..." is definitely been at work with us here. "Tough Love" has been in practice all day... which to be honest, I'm NOT too good at. I tried it this a.m. and Natasha ended up loosing her breakfast! That's where it ended for me, now I'm gonna just be the "NICE nurse" style, I'll leave that "tough love stuff to someone else. :) But Natasha has done therapy and done it well, learned to climb stairs, in preperation for heading home, Lord willing tomorrow. A major prayer request that I have for EVERYONE.... we have GOT to get her pain meds under control and finally through the Lord's help and understanding, I was able to start to narrow it down today. PRAISE THE LORD! The Lord sent a wonderful nurse on shift that has helped me big time, plus Dr. Crawfords nurse... to finally ask the right questions to help this all start to make sense! Natasha has been so emotional, scared, reactionary, and a whole bunch of other descriptive words that I can't spell, since surgery and I've been wondering what to do with all of that... so today we are real close to some answers. thanks for praying with us about this, for if it's not under control she can't come home tomorrow! Natasha has only wanted a quiet birthday celebration... too weepy with meds and pain and emotions to want much company etc. So we have had a quiet day as far as company, but a full day with nice presents sent from friends, cards from family, and even had a birthday cake delivered to her room from the hospital staff. They sang "Happy Birthday" to her and made her day! Have a wonderful night... and I SURE HOPE TO TOO... with some SLEEP!! :)

Overall, today has gone quite a bit better than last night. She's been drinking water, herbal tea, juices, eating applesauce, pudding, and a couple bites of potatoes and meatloaf (which was YUMMY!) Thanks to the Kennedy's for the wonderful meal they brought. She also took a little ride in the wheelchair, had a few visitors, sat in the chair, and walked a little around the bed. All of this is very beneficial for the healing process. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Last night was rough on all of us because she did not rest well. She was suffering from lots of confusion and "pain." I, Daryl, had the first shift from 10:30-3:15 and Laura had the 3:15 to morning shift. So I, was by her beside the entire time; however, she was not too happy with me because I wouldn't take the brace off and was convinced I had laid a bunch of commentary books on her chest and wouldn't take them off. She finally started resting about 5ish this morning and has been resting since then. All I.V.'s are out, thank the Lord. The last one kept beeping everytime she would bend her arm (where the IV was located). She's able to do most of the work in standing up. Last night as Natasha and I stood there facing each other, I leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead and said, "I love you Natasha!" She leaned forward and kissed my cheek and said, "I love you too, Daddy!" A special moment I cherish. Thank you for your constant prayers, last night as I was sitting next to her holding her hand, I sensed the Lord's presence in a special way. The pediatric Dr. checked her out today, everything is sounding good. He encouraged us to let her eat more to move things through (TMI). :) She must drink lots of fluids because of not having the I.V. They are monitoring the pain meds as best as possible, just trying to make sure they treat the right type of pain. She will not be pain free, and the brace will cause pain, so they want to try to alleviate the pain they can and now move her to working through the "discomforts" (major understatement). The pediatric Dr. has a real dry sense of humor and got Natasha's first genuine smile since the surgery. He was wonderful! We are trusting that today she makes another big step. We need to get her to drink plenty, eat more solids, get her up more, and engaging in activities (i.e. reading or being read to, sitting in the chair more, etc.) The purpose is to try to bring as much normalcy to the situation as possible. Thank you again for your prayers. Tomorrow is a big day for Natasha so we pray she keeps making much progress. Eighteen years ago, Laura was the one in pain and in the hospital, but the baby God gave us has been a real delight. Tomorrow at 10:56 a.m. Natasha turns 18 years of age.

Baby Steps! Natasha was able to get up several times today and did really well. A huge answer to prayer happened this afternoon... the brace people showed up... a RARE THING, if ever on Sat... took her brace and fixed it! We are SO thankful! Without that brace we took steps "backwards" for several hours with the pain VERY INTENSE... so though we are thankful we are SO exhausted... we need your prayers, for Natasha hasn't had 1 winks sleep all day, well til now at nearly 5 pm. It's so exhausting to be ill. The Lord knew that there would be NO WAY we could have made it today without the rest that He granted last night. Please DO cover her with prayer tonight. The nights are always worse. She isn't tolerating the needed pain meds well, for they make her dream... sometimes happy dreams... but often dreams that make your heart just want to bawl for her. We DO need the precious blood of Jesus to take away the dreams and the side effects of the drugs... she has to have them, for the pain is SO intense. We are thankful for the times that she says something funny... and we usually laugh like crazy, just because we are SO weary. Thanks for all your prayers and support... for those of you checking and can't comment for one reason or another too. Your prayers mean so much right now, for we are beyond numb! Weary, Weepy, yet praising our Wonderful God for his many blessings! (I'd never make a good preacher, can't even think of a 3 point outline! :)

There is a time.. a time to sleep.... that's all I can seem to remember from Ecc. 3... and if I'm wrongly interpreting scripture... you would too if the only sleep that you've had was about 20-30min sections for the last 5 days!!! Last night.... long story short, (well, sort of...:) we felt that she MUST HAVE SLEEP! But her brace doesn't fit correctly and since it was Fri p.m. and the weekend is upon us... they told us we would have to wait til Mon for the techs to come and fix it but there was NO getting it off... she had to wear it 24/7!!!! OUCH!!!!.. was all we heard for hours yesterday! ... that's a background what we were facing last night as 11 pm came around. We had SPECIAL prayer and God came and did the amazing! He sent us two WONDERFUL nurses who knew that if she didn't get sleep, things would NOT be good today... so with that as a Duo... Jesus and great nurses... we got the 1st 2 hr section of sleep that we've had since Sat p.m. BEFORE surgery. She would awaken and take the meds that they needed her to take, say OUCH often, but then turn and go right back to sleep! Oh Hallelujah! Sleep, precious sleep!!! Thanks to ALL of you for praying... keep praying we still have lots of "steps to take" before she will be able to make the "flight of stairs" that await her at our Haus...

Second therapy session went a little better. Natasha and daddy did a little dancing as we shuffled, her arms on my shoulders and mine around her torso (from the bed to a cabinet in the room and back -a distance of about 20 feet round trip). Still pretty upset at the restrictions of the brace; however, Dr. Crawford said that she will probably come to the place where she will actually enjoy it, because it brings security and protection. She keeps wishing she would wake up from this "bad dream." Thank you for your prayers!

Physical therapy went as only it can go - slow, painful, and way too long. Natasha is not happy with Dan the Physical Therapist or the brace, or anyone requiring her to be in this crazy contraption. This is exactly what Dr. Crawford said would happen. Therapy went well though - trying to look at it objectively that is. She got up, out of bed, sat in the chair for about an hour and then back to bed. She did rest better in bed with the brace and has laid on her back for most of that time, which she didn't do previously. She emphatically told me, "If Dan doesn't get back here soon, (to put me back in bed) he's going to be headless." Now mind you, she doesn't know everything she's saying, but I have a hard time not smiling at her comments. From my vantage point, the therapist and brace folks did a very professional job today: respectful, professional, and doing a tough job well. They will be back again in a little while to try to get her up and shuffling around. P.S. Even in this digital tech world where folks post pics of everything (which I think is unwise and sometimes stupid), we are trying to be respectful to our daughter and her privacy. When she is better and will grant us permission to share a few more pics, then we will.

Natasha is progressing slowly. She had a reel rough time between approx. 3:00 and 6:00 a.m. This seems to be the pattern and it is real rough for her and her parents. Today we must get her up and moving even more today. The Dr. said she is to wear the brace 24/7 and they do want her to walk a little today. "Tough Love" is the statement used for today and tomorrow. Once she is up and moving they can gradually remove the various iv's, increase the type of food, and everything will begin to improve. She's had lots of pain in shoulders, hips, etc - the non-affected parts but this is normal because of laying around for a few days and is a good sign - "It's time to get up and moving." :) Thank you for your prayers. We deeply appreciate them. Physical Therapy just showed up so we are fixing to get her up.

She's Up and... Well... just UP! :) Not to the stage of "Up and Going" yet... but the 1st step was made this a.m. putting on the brace for the 1st time, sitting on the side of the bed, standing and then taking 2 wee baby slides (steps without having to ask "Momma, may I?:) to the chair beside the bed. She was able to tolerate sitting there happily... ok... not so happy, but doing well with it for 20 min... we coaxed her to finish the needed 1/2 hr time and then she went back to bed and is resting now! They will repeat this, this afternoon... telling us each time will get easier and easier. God is SOOOO good to give us WONDERFUL nurses, ~ so understanding. A fabulous pain team ~working with her and so sympathetic with all that she has and is facing! Can't complain... in fact we are PRAISING GOD, big time! "Little by Little, Inch by Inch" is a fun kids Patch the Pirate song a favorite of our kids ... and that's pretty much where we are right now... we aren't to the point of saying... as the song indicates that "by the inch what a SINCH"... but we are grateful for every inch taken. As it looks now, she is going to be wearing this brace for at least the 1st 6 wks... and then we'll see after that! Though its a TOUGH THING TO handle at 1st... we all think that she will actually be able to appreciate it more, when she's a little less loopy and in less pain of course. She is doing great, working hard. KEEP PRAYING the battle is not over... but at least we are starting to fight now, and not just sleep it off! :) I have NO IDEA all that her poor body has gone through, so I truly hope you will NOT think me heartless with my teasing. We have to smile to get through this... and God is helping us, big time! Natasha is still in WAY TO MUCH PAIN to joke or even smile yet... those days will come, I'm confident, but for now Keep praying for her. You all are our rock, right now. We so appreciate each one of you taking the time to check the blog, AND PRAY.. most importantly! It does help my Moma heart to hear from you from time to time. So a great-big thanks from me! ~Laura~

So now we finally know exactly what the brace looks like. The top left is where her chin will rest because they do not want her head/neck going forward. The velcro straps are on both sides and shell is made of hard plastic with a thin type of pad on the inside. There is a support strap for the chin, in between the two high plastic side on the left of the picture.

Brace arrived at 5:30 p.m. So tomorrow is when they will put it on and get her up.

Ok, so this is one job I can handle. Whenever Natasha is in a lot of pain and tell her to breathe through it I have to breathe through it as well - because of seeing my daughter deal with pain. So this contraption is a breathing apparatus that helps build your lungs. She is supposed to breathe through this 10 times every hour, which keeps her lungs from collapsing which will cause an infection to set in. I first encountered one of these with one of my trumpet teachers who was trying to help build by "air power" for playing the trumpet. I bought a version of one to help that process. Therefore, every time Natasha rolls over (ever 1/2 hr.) I have her do 5 reps of these. She must close her mouth around the mouthpiece and breathe in as hard as possible, which raises the little blue floating device. Sounds easy enough - try it when you are healthy, much less just after you "ran a marathon" which is how she described what she went through the first day.

Here are a couple of beautiful flower arrangements sent to Natasha. The tulips, which we love and remind us so much of Russia, were sent by the Dickinsons - Missionaries to Columbia. This arrangement of daisies, lilies, and yellow roses, with a little "Bee Well" on the little stuffed bee, to our great suprise was sent by "your Romanian friends and family." Providentially, just as the techs. came to change her dressing - which required lots of movement and pain - the arrangement came. Sally Sebo, fellow laborer to Romania shared with us that the youth and the children from the orphanage were praying for Natasha. I will add that you please pray for Sally and the Orphanage ministry in Romania that God would meet their every need.

They just changed the dressing on her back and removed the one tube that was draining the blood from the spine. The Lord helped. Lord willing this does not need to be changed for 10-12 days. That's good because she can begin to heal. The brace is to arrive sometime after 5 p.m. today. Because she is allergic to nickel, the brace takes longer to make because of using a different metal for the straps. We are not sure if she will be getting up today because she must have the brace and the Physical Therapist who are the only ones allowed to get her up leave around that time. So, Lord willing we will post as we know what's going on.

"Adversity will either tear you apart or bring you together!" - DH Aren't you glad we have a God who helps bring us together? He is the ONLY awesome one! We are so blessed and my heart just cries out in praise and admiration to our wonderful Saviour! The chorus repeats the phrase, "Lord, I stand in awe of you." Some men may say "Why me?" We could answer that questions with a question. "Why not me?" Why am I so special that I am exempt from the harships of life. Thousands upon millions, possibly even billions, have gone through hardships in life and God's holy children come through shining brighter than ever. It is through these adversities that God is refining his children and bringing Glory and honor to himself. We can either "whine," which some say "wine" is good with a little cheese, or we can praise God for what he has done. Lord, I stand in awe of you and praise you for who you are. This whole process has been an opportunity for us to be a witness to Drs., nurses, techs., other parents, some of my teacher colleques, and most importantly for God to be glorified through it all. Thank you for being a part and helping to carry the load. It is because of your prayers that God continues to help on a daily and even minute by minute basis.

What would we EVER do without Jesus? What an awesome God we serve! How I thank the Lord for His amazing care over Natasha! Last night was the roughest yet. many tears on both Momma's part & Natasha's! Today, they say, though VERY TOUGH, will do her lots of good! My devotions did my heart good this a.m. Deliverance! God watches over us. A song I sang this a.m. is... "God WILL Take Care of You"! How true and how wonderful! Sorry for the "weaker" side of admitting this... but we couldn't make it w/o your prayers! I NEED to be strong for Natasha today, but I don't "FEEL" too strong. So I'm asking Jesus, who promises strength for each new day... or could I translate that... "each new turn.. since she needs to roll every 1/2 hr. on the clock.." :) for the strength to be strong for her. So far I've been able to be strong and not break down when she sees me. THAT's ALL GOD... for I'm a very emotional Moma normally. So God is good, we are counting on Him! Natasha memorized the verse Is 41:10 this week, heading into surgery. she loves music as you know, but didn't realize that it was a song too. I sang it to her once and she had it. we'll be singing a lot today no doubt. I quote/sing, "Fear Thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I WILL strengthen Thee, Yea I will help thee... Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness!" God Bless You all, from this over-whelmed Moma's heart! ~Laura~

Just tonight as we were rolling Natasha over to her side she said, "I can't take this any longer." We got her to her side and paused to pray to our Lord and Saviour. In no time at all, she was comforted and resting. Only in heaven will we begin to understand how awesome God is!

Hopefully this isn't redundant. Today they came and fitted her for her 'brace.' They made a plaster mold of her entire upper torso and got plaster everywhere - of course it was men doing the job - which may account for that, or not! Anyway, then they take the mold and make some type of a plaster brace - I think! The last last two days has been information overload and hearing terms I'm not familiar with and Laura was there for the process not me. The brace is removable and I am not sure as of now if the Dr. is ok with her removing it for sleeping purposes. We will find out tomorrow.

Big day tomorrow. The Dr. has mentioned, it is when we need to get a little mean - getting her up, moving her around more - so there will be much pain involved. It has been real tough on me to see Natasha go through the pain. She rolls from one side to the other about every hour, which requires assistance from Laura and/or myself. However, the nurses, techs. and Drs. are amazed at how well she is doing. For the most part Natasha rolls over on her own, which is very unusual for patients with this surgery, at least the first 24 hours that is.

How my heart wants to thank You ALL for your prayers for Natasha, our sweet daughter. The Lord is really helping her and we praise Him! This is the toughest thing that she will have to face for a long time and how we thank the Lord for his goodness to us... totally undeserved. As I tried to sleep last night and sleep wouldn't come, my heart was SO overwhelmed with tears and praise to the Lord for his greatness to us. What an Awesome God we serve! Our experience here at Children's has been incredible! God is SOOOO GOOD! Everyone is so caring and my mind can't grasp how many ways He is watching over us and caring for our Natasha. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for her tomorrow and Thurs as those will be very rough days for her. She is to get up and walk tomorrow and pain will hit NEW levels! But our God is able to do ABOVE... far beyond all that we ask and even comprehend! As Daryl tried to pray on Monday to find release and couldn't pray... tried again and couldn't get anywhere, that is... til Jesus sweetly whispered to him... "Son, this is when I carry you!" We feel and sense your love and support and we thank you! In Christian Love, ~Laura~

We have been so blessed at how God has worked. A few years ago we were able to buy a house in Cincinnati. That house is only 5 minutes from the hospital. Then God providentially opened the door for us to get an appointment with Dr. Crawford - who wasn't taking any new patients. Dr. Crawford is possibly the best spine Dr. in the U.S in his field. To some that may be debateable, but worst case scenario - he is one of the best. We are so blessed that God opened this door. I will post a link to a few articles about his accomplishments. God is so good! http://alumnus.tennessee.edu/2008/09/a-long-way-from-orange-mound-dr-alvin-crawford/ http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/find-professional/c/alvin-crawford.htm

The casting process was quite an ordeal for both Natasha and for Laura, as she watched. Natasha had to be turned and move quite a bit which brought lots of pain. The cast is scheduled to be delivered and put on tomorrow. After the ordeal of being fitted and going through the intense pain, a nurse came in to check on Natasha. When Natasha saw the nurse she replied, if you cause me any pain, I'll send you into the next room. :) The first sign that Natasha is showing her true spirit. She's been working hard, cooperating, and a fighting spirit - a good sign. Currently, she is resting well. The Dr. came by to check on her and everything seems to be going well. Thanks again for your prayers.

Laura told me they were just getting ready to 'cast' Natasha. I don't know if they are fitting her for a cast or the actual process because I haven't made it to the hospital yet.

Natasha had a pretty good night last night until about 6:00 a.m. when she was in lots of pain. They have been trying to ween her off of the morphine so they could give her Valium, which will better help the type of pain she's having. Will try to update this a little later with more specifics. Thank you again for your prayers.

Wow! What a day! I am emotionally exhausted and didn't have anything done to me. Natasha is in her room and resting as well as possible. Thank you for your prayers and the comments as well, they mean a lot and we've passed many along to Natasha and she has been touched by them. Many times we don't see the results of God moving, we pray but never see the end result. May I encourage you tonight that our God is awesome and has answered your prayers. Yes, Natasha has a LONG way to go - approx. 2 months of recovery and 6 weeks in a brace but we serve an awesome God. We sensed your prayers! Yes, it's been tough on mom and dad but a deep peace has been there and that only comes from God. All of the Drs., technicians, and nurses who were in the surgery and that we talked too commented on how well Natasha did and how everything went well. Chance? Luck? Hardly! Not when you are a child of God and His children are praying. Thank you to our Russian, Romanian, Columbian, Canadian, "who knows what other countrian," and our dear fellow Americans who have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. You are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We love you! Continue to pray that God gives Natasha complete healing and mom and dad the strength needed to help Natasha be strong. We will try to keep posting just to keep you updated.

Praise the Lord for his help so far. Natasha's in recovery and will soon be moved to her room. She's been in a lot of pain,but doing well. Everyone involved in the surgery has commented on how well she has done in surgery. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her, but we thank the Lord for his help so far.

Thank the Lord to his help so far! The doctor was pleased with how the surgery went. However, since they had to do so much correction and straightening, he has prescribed a brace for her to where for six weeks.Thank you for your prayers! We ask that you continue to pray for Natasha that the Lord will heal her completely. WE serve an awesome God!

The most recent update is that the doctor is in the correction process, which means that they are straightening her back. The technician said this is the final stretch. He should be completed in a couple hours, and we should be able to talk with Dr. Crawford at that time. Thank you for your prayers!

Surgery Update!
We just got a call from the surgery technician. The doctor is inserting the screws to attach the rods to the spine. They said she is doing fine. Continue to pray that God will guide the doctors hands and for Natasha's recovery. Thank you for your prayers... we sense God's help.
Daryl and Laura

Surgery for Natasha has started! Incision has been made.All is well so far! Before surgery Natasha was in good spirits. The Lord was giving her calm assurance and we had several good seasons of prayer with our pastors, family, and just us. Continue to pray for all involved.

Daryl and Laura

Thank you all so much for your prayers! I will be going in for spinal surgery tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. A lot of emotions have gone through me these past couple days, but it means so much to know that people all over the world are praying! Your prayers are really a comfort! Mommy and Daddy hope to keep you all updated on my progress.
Thanks for your prayers.
Natasha

Kid Smiles!
This morning I asked Bryan to bring me 2 bowls to make he and Darla's oatmeal... and he was nearly juggling them as he walked toward the kitchen with them. I said, "Bryan, please be careful!" After safely putting them on the kitchen counter he sighed and said, "I'm careful... just in a dangerous way!"

The Count-Down is on!

Please keep Natasha in your prayers as her surgery is this coming Monday a.m., Lord willing. The Lord is helping and has kept her healthy thus far and how we praise Him. Trusting our Great Physician to give her the strength to go through with this and see her through. He is Able!

The girls decided that they wanted this yummy stuff for breakfast this Saturday. And they wanted it bad enough to get up and make it themselves! They did a great job. One of them made the homemade buttermilk biscuits and the other made the Soppy Chocolate! It was delicious! Every bit as tasty as if I'd made it... no, actually it was BETTER... cause I didn't have to make it! Hee! Thanks girls, Mommy loves you MUCH and I'm also very pleased with the progress Jesus is helping you all to make. Keep up the good work!

Soppy Chocolate! A Family Favorite!

Natasha's surgery has been reset for March 28th. There was an opening - due to a cancellation for someone else. So she is scheduled to have surgery Mon., March 28th. They have kept the April date just in case she gets sick again. So we ask that you pray that all of the 'germies' stay away. She went and saw a Dr. on Thurs. and was given the go-ahead; however, she has been given restraining orders to not go out in public much - to0 much of a risk of getting sick again.

As I was standing on the ladder, trying to fix a seem that the finishers missed, my daughter asked me how I knew how to do so much. "Your a real handy-man." How did you learn all of this? You didn't go to college for it. I laughed on the inside because my attempt at putting mud on a piece of drywall would make a sheetrocker cry; it was pretty pitiful if you ask me. I replied to my daughter - "I don't have a clue what I am doing." "Anyway, it looks good," was her reply. Thanks daughter. You made me feel good because I know I probably won't be making a living doing 'mudding.' :) I told my wife a few weeks back, if I had a high paying job all of these years - I wouldn't know how to do any of this - I would have hired it out. Even though there still is a lot to do, we are progressing. Slava Boga!

The summer I worked for my Uncle Kenny, mixing mud for he brick masons, came in handy. Today, I poured the concrete in our bathroom. It's only been 2 yrs. and 7 months since we started this project - so what's the hurry. We are on a mad dash to finish this before Natasha's surgery. Next up - thinset to level the floor, sealer for the cracks, ditra, tile, grout, etc. Just for nostalgia sake - the trowels I used today were my Uncle Kenny's.

This is an old church bench Daryl picked up several years ago. Today, Brittany decided to paint it off-white to match our L.R. The bench was in pretty rough shape so it will need several coats. The only problem was, Diesel decided he wanted to get involved. So when no one was looking, he got into the paint supplies. I think this is where the story "Run spot, run," came from.

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." Corrie ten Boom

Just a note to reassure anyone who might have been tempted to think contrarily. You can't get Kyphosis by slouching in your chair or not standing straight; kyphosis has multiple causes which are out of our control. Aren't you glad that God has everything under control! The Greek meaning for "everything" is EVERYTHING! God allows difficulties to come into our life so that He might be glorified and to give us the opportunity to be a witness for our Lord and Saviour. ~DH~

Natasha update:
The surgery has been rescheduled for April 28th. Please pray that all 'germies' stay far away! :)

"There are no IFs in God's eyes." Corrie ten Boom - The Hiding Place

Happy International Women's Day!!!

While missionaries in Russia, we learned of this special holiday and it's been special to us ever since. This is similar to our "Mother's Day" in the states, only it is NOT exclusive to Mother's only, but to all women, even little girls! (I'm learning it's not just Europe that celebrates this holiday, but many other countries as well!)
So I wish all of your ladies out there a special day. Maybe you'll want to accept this holiday too, hey one can't ever be appreciated enough, huh?! Just Teasing! We may celebrate by pouring concrete in our bathroom floor. Whatever works, I'm happy!!!! :)

Update on Natasha's Surgery!

Natasha could SURE USE YOUR PRAYERS TODAY. I was very concerned about her flu like symptoms and so took her to her Dr this a.m. and they feel that due to the normal course that flu and virus must run, that she won't be well enough to face such a serious surgery. Sooooooo they have postponed her surgery and now have to FIND A NEW DATE to fit that in! We are definitely dealing with the normal let-down feelings, so do pray for her. They want her TOTALLY WELL, before such a surgery and we do too! But that doesn't make it all easy to just switch things and keep going.

We don't understand such things, but we do know that HIS TIMING is what we want ALWAYS and forever! We have been praying for God's perfect timing through all of this; however, do keep her on your prayer lists, as this is no small feat to get this all worked in and her well enough in time to march in June for her H.S. Graduation. I know that JESUS CARES about such things and so we are trusting Him with this whole outcome! We want GOD'S PERFECT TIMING in all of this, not ours!

Love to all,

Laura and Family

Prayer Request

We would like to request your prayers for our daughter, Natasha. This past summer, she was diagnosed with Kyphosis, or humpback, a genetic deformity. We have been very concerned about her back needs and have been trying to get help through physical therapy for 3 years now, but to no avail. The Lord totally opened the door for us to get in to see a spine specialist here in Cincinnati. Natasha is scheduled to have spinal surgery on March 14^th, Lord willing. Currently, she has a cold – if this persists they will not do surgery.

They will be inserting rods in her back with a procedure known as bone-fusion. This is a very BIG deal. Totally out of our hands, but we serve a faithful God who has had Natasha in the palm of his hand for years now. And though this is tough for her to have to face, it is no surprise to God, the great physician; we would covet your prayers in her behalf. The surgery they are telling us will take up to 7 hrs total. We are SO thankful for the experienced Dr. that the Lord has provided. In the words of Natasha’s Dr., “I do the surgery, but God does the healing.” We’ll try to keep you updated as we are able.

Sincerely,

Daryl Hausman

The gospel song says "I want to be just like You, cause he wants to be like me."
These are powerful words that challenge me to be more like Christ! There are little eyes watching, little ears listening, and little feet following the path I take! May God help me to be just like Jesus, cause he (our little boys) wants to be just like daddy! We have a great responsibility dads. What message(s) are we teaching/preaching to our kids?
We've been enjoying our time on the slopes and if we get anymore cold weather or snow, it's because I've been wanting it, even asking God to give us some cold weather and snow. :) So now you know who to blame! Please pray for a couple more weeks of COLD weather and lots of SNOW! :)
Whenever I would play ball as a kid, my mother would tell me to stop sticking my tongue out; someday I'd bite it off. Of course the action was totally subconscious; therefore, I wasn't making a choice to do this. After looking at the picture below and zooming in - what do you know? My son is doing the same thing. I couldn't help but laugh! Mom, there's no hope! :)

This is the Sunday that we celebrated Daddy's Birthday.
Ready...Aim.......

FIREWORKS!! ( This is a candle from Colombia, S.A. Thanks Dickinson's, we loved it!)

AND.....Happy Valentines Day!!

(Bryan was sick with a bad cold, so thus the reason for the fake smile.)

THE HAUSMAN'S~

Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart!!! (Doing what he does best... studying!) :)
Sweets, I want you to know how much I love you. We are so pleased with all of your accomplishments in life. You are a wonderful provider, a compassionate man, so loving to both the children and to me. I am SO blessed to be your wife! Thank you for all your hard work to make ends meet and for taking whatever time you have to help our hearts, to paint and remodel our "Haus", or just to take the time to talk with us. You are amazing! You are God's special gift to us and we are so glad! We all love you! XOXOXOXO from all of us! ~Much love, Laura~

The smile says it all! I have thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with my son on the slopes. Last summer I bought a pass for both of us even though he didn't know how to ski and I'm just a novice. Why? Well, I didn't have the extra money, I knew I wouldn't have the money come winter, and I definitely knew I wouldn't have the time. So why did I buy it? Well, I purposely made the sacrifice - both financially and time wise - knowing there are things in life that are definitely worth the sacrifice! Connecting with my son and he with me is important - not just quality time, but quantity as well! This reminds me a little of The Father and His child (little me). God desires not just quality time but quantity as well. Do we go to Him with our onslaught of requests, cares, fears, or concerns, without giving him the time to talk? Personally, I love the times when I have a dialogue with my Savior; I talk, He talks, (that means I must shut-up and be quiet) and back and forth the conversation goes! That's relationship, bonding, and growing! May I, on purpose, seek those times as diligently as I find the time to get out and enjoy "the slopes."

Thanks Uncle John! You are a great teacher!

Fried Okra! This is the last pickin's from my Daddy's garden that he so graciously shared with us! Umm! Umm! Ain't nothin' better than a pot of Beans, Fried Okra, Buttered Potatoes and a big skillet of Cornbread... throw in some Cucumber/Onion salad and that's a feast very few of we Hausman's can resist. This is a DELIGHTFUL meal to us! :)

Happy Birthday, Brittany!

Brittany's Birthday Cake! ( sorry, Daryl's too busy to help us learn how to turn the pics right side up) So again you'll have to endure another neck cramp to see the pics above!
The neat thing about your kids growing up is the differences it brings. This year after taking a cake decorating class, Brittany asked if she could please make and decorate her OWN Birthday cake! Part of my heart was a tad sad... but that only lasted for a few minutes and I was breathing a sigh of relief... "One less thing to do that weekend!"

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"
- Corrie Ten Boom

Collage of Pictures!
Here are some of the pictures from our busy weeks.
Hope you enjoy!

Brittany and I had the privilege of taking a cake decorating class with a bunch of other girls from our church. Here is our instructor Melissa, along with our cousin Kimberly.
We had a blast, and are enjoying getting to use the techniques that we learned.



Here is our first lesson at decorating. We had to decorate cookies.

Sorry, you will get a neck cramp from this picture. I don't know why it uploaded it sideways. It is supposed to be a fish.

Our first cakes that we made. The cupcake one was Brittany's cake. The reason her "icing" on her cupcake looks like a brain (as she put it) is because she mixed her yellow and blue together to come up with the peuky (extremely nauseating) brain color.


What is supposed to be a shaggy mum flower on a cupcake.


The Final product! A lemon cake with lemon meringue pie filling. This was my cake. Brittany is using hers as her birthday cake. So a picture of her cake will come later.


Meeting our new cousin: Mary Grace!

Sorry, another neck cramp! :)
Brittany and I are taking a Family Consumer Science, or Home Economics, class this semester. This class is a tough one!!! ;) The picture above is the breakfast that we made for Lab one day.

Natasha~

Greetings all you bloggers! Always follow your mother's orders! My mother told me to update this, so I'm following orders!

Love you MOM and thanks for keeping me on my toes.

Daryl

The following questions were taken from a 'place mat' at a McDonald's:

"Why don't we say onety-one for the number 11?"
"Is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes?"
"If we evolved from apes, why are there still apes?"

I finally was allowed the privilege to post something on this blog that I bequeathed to my family. I recently wrote the following for a class that I just took. It's not perfect, and like all writing, needs some revision, but .... here it is. It is was it is! ~ Daryl

"I am from"
I am from the pre-historic dark ages with no i-pods, i-pads, i-phones, or 'I'-gadgets.

I am from rotary telephones but no internet, gas stoves but no microwaves.

I am from Tinker Toys, Tyco racetracks, Big Wheels, and Geronimo Indian toys.

I am from an ill-advised time of living within your means, paying your bills, and not anticipating a bail out.

I am from twisted parents who said, "This hurts me more than it does you," disciplining me in love never anger.

I am from parents who brain-washed me into thinking honesty, integrity, self-control, kindness, and respecting others are important character traits to live by.

I am from a mother who was quiet, yet strong, until she began talking with siblings; then she was like New York City at rush hour.

I am from a mis-guided father who instructed me that Pepsi was the one and only soda and drinking Coke was a sin.

I am from parents who believed missing church was breaking the 11th commandment, like bees to honey, so to were we with church.

I am from a family whose motto is: loving, caring, helping, praying, and worshiping.

Daryl
7/10

"We have this Moment,Today!"
"We have this moment to hold in our hands
And to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand.
Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today." ~by Bill Gaither



This song always makes me think how fast time flies! God has blessed our family with treasures on loan from Him! Are we doing our best? Are we coming before God's throne often, begging God to give us the wisdom He has promised? Are we loving them enough, praying for their souls salvation? Can They See Jesus in Us?! Our heart's cry is that our entire family make Heaven. That they learn to LOVE to follow after God and His way of heart holiness! If you have room to add us to your prayer list, we'd love that! We want to be all that makes Jesus Smile!

World's Easiest Cake - Racetrack style per request!



This was Bryan's request, that I make a Racetrack Cake for him this year. As I knew that we would be celebrating early in TN with relatives, I wasn't sure how to make it all happen. I found the Cake Idea on Tasteofhome website (I think)... however I tweaked the recipe a bit to fit our needs and made a Racetrack out of the topping. This is an IceCream Sandwich Cake... SO EASY! Then I used the Hot Fudge Topping to make the track... crushed up Heath bars (a favorite of mine) as the "gravel" and added the cars that were also one of his gifts from family. He was ONE happy Kid!

Look who's 40! The Lord has been sooooo good to me. I've so many blessings to count! He placed me in a Holiness family that loves God and trained me to do the same! God sent me the most wonderful, caring husband 20 years ago, and has blessed our Union with 4 wonderful children! Blessed beyond measure... not depressed at all to be 40... just thankful for the very rich life that God has given me!

First Ever Hausman Reunion! What a blessing this was to us all! This is the place that we rented for a week! Perfect setting for those who LOVE the Mountains as we do. Just close enough to the Mtns to make you feel ever-so-close to God as you had your quiet time on the back porch. And yet just close enough to the city for fun and shopping and of course Go-Cart riding! :) How thankful we are to the Lord for giving us a great time together there!
This is the entire Hausman Crew! We spent time hiking together, Go Carting, Celebrated LOTS of birthdays, Shopping, Horse Back Riding, Fishing, cooking, & eating (of course... who has a reunion without WAY-TOO-MUCH Food?!) What a memorial week! Dad and Mom look what you all started! We love you all and would do it again... well after we've saved up for a few years again! :)

Our Graduates!!!
Brittany finished the 8th Grade and Bryan finished Kindergarten!
Up close and personal! A side of our kids that you all rarely ever get to see. I may be a "grounded Momma for this" but it will be worth it! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREAT GRANDMA BRYAN!
Dear Great Grandma Bryan,
Happy 103rd birthday! Thank you for all your prayers and the godly example you are to us all.
Love ,
The Hausmans~

Picture to come.