tapiocapuddin

The degree I’m working towards is a double major in theology and education. When people hear the education part, they assume I want to be a school teacher. I do, but not in the way they’re thinking. My hope is to get married, have children, and be able to home school them. My mom and I have often discussed the possibility of it one day being illegal to home school your children without credentials, thus the degree. I never thought that would become a reality so quickly. Many of you have probably heard by now that home schooling has been deemed illegal in California by a court in Los Angeles. People like HSLDA and Roy Hanson are now working on the situation, but I think it has shocked a lot of people, like me, into realizing how much we take our freedom for granted. Please be in prayer for the people fighting this and that God would be glorified in this case.

You can find more information about the court decision here and sign a HSLDA petition to have a depublishing of the case here.

Labels: Life, Prayer Requests, School

It's amazing sometimes how God answers prayer. My family has been looking into buying a grand piano for some time now. My sister is majoring in music, and my mom and other sister play as well. We wanted at least a certain size, something built soundly with a good tone, and affordable. Well, the first two aren't hard to find, but the last one seemed to make it almost impossible. To keep the story short, my mom found a piano that seemed to fit our needs on ebay, but it ended up selling for more than what we wanted to pay. She just happened to checking ebay again and saw the same piano was up for sale again. The winner never ended up paying, and the owner needed to get rid of it, so here was a second chance for us. This time we won the bid for half the price it was sold for the first time! Our quick visit to see and pay for it was kind of unbelievable. Now a beautiful Steinway piano sits in our converted music/photography room. We say it's our miracle from God!

Labels: Life, Music, Prayer Requests

I don't know how to even begin describing the past month of my life. God is incredibly wonderful to me! My family was finally able to get broadband. Now we're not sure how we ever lived without it! On top of that, my parents bought me an iPod 80GB classic! The biggest blessing though was being able to attend the Institute of Photographic Studies (IPS) in Dallas, Texas. You ever want to do the impossible? IPS was that for me. I finally had to surrender my hopes and dreams to God believing at the time that His answer to me was "no." Then almost two years later I find myself (and my sisters!) sitting in class being welcomed to a week of intense and insanely awesome classes. This doesn't even begin to tell you all that God did in my life on that trip. His goodness is overwhelming!

Labels: Godliness, Life, Living for God, Photography, Prayer Requests, Technology, Vacations

To catch up anyone that's interested... God answered my prayers about CYIA. It was one of the best years. Everyone agreed that we had the most competent and dedicated staff ever seen. It was great working with them because they wanted to do well and took on more responsibility to do it. I was so proud of them! My classes and small group also went well. Thank you for praying.

The week before the 4th of July the Ds' mom, Cheri, had a stroke. It was scary as they could not find out right away what was wrong, and she was in a coma. My family took care of five of the children for a week as their mom was with her mom in the hospital. Cheri is now awake, but the stroke was a rare kind with devastating effects. She is aware of what is going on around her, but is unable to take care of or feed herself. She is living with the Ds while her husband makes the house wheelchair accessible. Please keep the Ds and Cheri in your prayers.

Back around January we got an e-mail from some missionary friends in South Africa inviting us camping with them. We thought it was a joke until we realized the place they mentioned was real, and they would be home this summer. My parents went camping with them way back before I was born. This time it included my sisters and me and their children's spouses and children. It was neat to spend time with them up in the redwoods at Prairie Creek. A bizarre thing was that some friends from Burney were camping there too! Just have to tell you about a hard thing we did. One morning we hiked 5-6 miles to Fern Canyon and the beach. But unless you have those extra hours to spare, driving and just hiking the 1/2 mile is a fine option in my opinion. :-)

Last week was an unexpected blessing. A local, professional photographer friend needed an assistant as he took senior portraits. I got to help him and learn tricks of the trade while getting paid!

My newest discovery has to do with my heritage. While visiting a relative, I found out I'm not as German as I thought. I posses English blood, and ancestors that came over from England to America in the 1600's!

Right now I'm attending the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy in Chicago. I'll just say the experience has been interesting. I'm looking forward to the second music conference and hopefully seeing Abby!

Well, this summer is going by way too fast. I have been accepted to Liberty University and am all signed up for DL classes. It's exciting getting everything together and heading towards the last phase. Now I just need a Liberty nalgene bottle to replace the PHC one that got ruined in the dishwasher. :-)

Labels: Life, Music, Photography, Prayer Requests, School, Vacations

The time has come. CYIA camp is right around...tomorrow! Please pray for us. Pray for:
-safety in arrivals
-male leadership
-students' hearts to be open to God
-unity among the staff
-protection from sickness and Satan's attacks
-my classes (managing a 5-day club, counseling, demo club organization, super club)

I truly covet and appreciate your prayers!

Labels: Life, Missions, Newsflash, Prayer Requests, Young Adults

Emily's treatments have been working wonders! Because her case is so rare (there have only been roughly 4 other cases ever even similar to hers), everything is experimental. She was never expected to have come this far, especially so fast. It's all an answer to prayer! But now the hospital no longer accepts Emily's insurance. She has a treatment coming up on Monday (1/15) she can't miss. Please keep praying for Emily's recovery and now the insurance matter.

UPDATE
From their last e-mail:

Positive changes since the last treatment...
*They found a vein on the first try - thank you for praying
*She now has 100% control of her bowels
*She has more understanding, and even some ability to reason
*She continues to make more sounds with her voice
*She has more times when she acts age appropriate in areas - she just turned 7

Please pray
*She will learn to swallow her medications (taken several times a day) so that g-button can be removed from her stomach before it has to be replaced in May
*We see lots of seizure activity as she will nod and blink for several seconds at a time
*Her speech returns - we are looking for a new speech therapist
*Her brain will continue clearing from the encephalopathy - complete healing - no more seizures
*Obviously, this brick wall we are up against with the insurance acceptance

UPDATE 1/24

We took Emily to Quality Infusion Care [instead of the hospital] today for her IVIG. After 3 unsuccessful pokes for the IV, they considered sending us home to reschedule for another time. Ahhhhhh... Then...two of the other patients said a prayer for Emily and another nurse was able to find a good vein. Once the infusion started, Emily was calm and did fairly well for the next 6+ hours. The facility was very nice and comfortable. We were pleased with the staff and quality of care. Best of all...the immunoglobulins are now INSIDE of Emily!! We wait now to see if she can make more positive changes from all this.

We enjoyed the company of the other 4 patients in the room with us. Interestingly...we learned that the lady across from Emily has been taking IVIG for 28 years (not for the same reasons as Emily, of course).

There is still a potential problem for the February infusion, but at least we have this facility as a backup. She is overdue for more EEG's and that would need to be done at the hospital. She is also having several breakthrough seizures during the day and we need to address this with the neurologist.
But, one thing at a time...

THANK YOU for your prayers and support and e-mails.
Love,
Ken & Natalie

Labels: Prayer Requests

My grandma died earlier tonight.

Labels: Prayer Requests

Awhile back I requested prayer for my grandparents. The good news is that my grandpa’s cancer is in remission. The bad news is that my grandma is dying from cancer. The worst news is that they are still unsaved. My grandma’s cancer started in her lungs, but by the time the doctors found it, it had spread to her bones and crushed some vertebrae. My uncle called today to let us know she’s no longer eating and drinking and might not last much longer.

I’ve been praying for a year that God would take away anything and everything in their lives that keeps them from falling on their knees before Him. My uncle is hoping she’ll die quickly because of the intense pain she endures. But the wrath God is going to pour out on the unrepentant is going to be worse than anyone could ever imagine. While there’s life there’s hope! Please pray for my grandparents’ salvation and my family’s witness to them.

Labels: Prayer Requests

We received Emily's EEG results and it showed epileptic spikes on both sides of her brain. Because of these results, she will be admitted to the hospital on April 18 for a four-day treatment of IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin). We covet your prayers in hopes that this treatment will work. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

Please pray that the IVIG works! The doctors are hoping that this is what stopped the seizures before, but it could have been the surguries or a medication just starting to work. Thank you my friends!

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily continues to show progress in occupational and physical therapy. Her left hand is now reaching, touching and fingering items. She can also hold an item for a short time if placed in the left hand. There is some progress with speech therapy, but it is slow. Emily is scheduled to have the g tube placed in her stomach on March 16 [morning CST]. We meet with the surgeon today. It will probably be a two-day hospital stay.
We'll keep you updated. Thank you for your prayers.

Emily is now six years old and progress towards recovering is slowly moving forward. This tube will allow food to be directly delivered into her stomach as she still cannot eat or talk. We're praying that the seizure effects have not caused permanent harm. Thank you so much for praying!

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily is scheduled to be discharged from HealthBridge Children's Hospital on Thursday, December 22. We can hardly believe it. It took prayers and a lot of hard work getting it all set up, but it looks like it's going to happen. She hasn't been home in 4 1/2 months.

She is scheduled for outpatient therapy evaluation at Memorial Hermann on Friday, Dec. 23. This will only cover OT and PT. We still have to get set up somewhere for speech therapy. She still has a LONG way to go, but at least we can work on it from home and hopefully get Rachel home in the near future.

We will keep you updated. Merry Christmas to everyone and thank you for your prayers.

I didn't really post pictures of Emily when she was going through everything, but let me tell you, she looks sooooooo much better! Her pictures used to make me cry. Praise the Lord for this miracle!

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily was "approved" for a 3 hour pass on Thanksgiving Day. We went to Stacey & Michael's house. It was a short 1 1/2 hour visit, but Emily did very well and seemed to enjoy herself. It was everything we had hoped it would be.

The two "weaning" medications are now at .5 mg. each. She seems happy most of the time and is trying so hard to make sounds. It frustrates her sometimes and she cries. This week she learned to sit up on her bottom and stay up on her own. Her right hand has some grip. Her movement disorder seems more smooth and less jerky. She can throw her feet in front of herself to walk, but cannot support her weight. She leaves at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28 for Memorial Hermann Hospital to have her MRI (scheduled for 10:00 a.m.) She will need to be sedated fort his test.

We have a very long Thanksgiving list this year and besides the obvious, we are most thankful for all you who have prayed for and supported us during this time.

Our love and thanks,
Ken & Natalie

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily continues to improve (two steps forward, one step back). Two of her medications are now just under 1mg each. We are excited about this little milestone (the weaning continues). Emily now has organized daily activities (Mon-Fri) and that keeps us busy. The weekends are slower. Emily is scheduled for an MRI on Nov. 28. She will be transported by ambulance to Memorial Hermann for that test. Emily is probably best described as an infant in most of her ways and is learning how to do things again.

Some have asked and just to let you know...Emily can have visitors of all ages. Please don't feel obligated to come. We know how far the drive and how expensive the gas. Just your prayers are most appreciated. Thank you for remembering to pray for us.

We are becoming attached to all the children at this place. We cry and rejoice with them through the good/bad times.

Ken & Natalie

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily was moved to a different hospital to receive therapy. She can laugh and cry, but cannot speak. As far as mobility is concerned, she is relearning everything.

We completed our first week at HealthBridge Children's Hospital and are settled in our latest "home". Emily continues with her movement disorder (we are concerned). Monday through Friday she receives an hour each of Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, and school. Speech therapy is on hold. This week she was able to progress from supporting her back for 3 seconds to roughly 15 seconds. We are grateful for small things. The therapy hurts and makes her cry. Please pray for her little body.

We appreciate your sincere prayers and thoughts for Emily during this time.

We are in training as we learn to put on her feet/leg splints, use the feed pump, administer medicines and other care for Emily.

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily is being treated with a second round of IVIG (Intravenous immunoglobulin - 5 day treatment). Tonight [10/30] she moved out of ICU again... Her breathing seems better, but she is still struggling with stomach pains. On Thursday, Emily was having withdrawal issues, so they have held off on making any decreases to her medicine until Monday. Aunt Stacey is staying with her tonight. Your continued prayers are much appreciated.
Love,
Ken & Natalie

Labels: Prayer Requests

On Monday, Emily was taken off the ventilator. She has some periods of apnea, but her saturation levels are good and is breathing fairly well on her own. It was so great to see most of her face again. She only has the feeding tube through her nose now. PT & OT (Physical & Occupational Therapy) are coming daily to work with her. She has not been vertical in almost 3 months. She has to be supported in every way to move. Although she tries at times, she cannot speak. It's possible she does not know how to speak. We will learn more about that in time. Her voice sounds hoarse.

Last night around midnight [10/26], she was moved to a regular room just outside the PICU. The ICU received many critical patients last night and she had to be moved out (good news/bad news). She is still under the care of the ICU, but not directly in the unit. ... She has shown improvement in the last two days, however, today she struggled a lot with pain and withdrawals. As they continue weaning meds, they also talk of sending her to HealthBridge Children's Hospital...for her rehabilitation. Not sure of when she will go. She is on a waiting list for a bed. ... Thank you again for your prayers. We don't say these words lightly.

Love,
Ken & Natalie

EDIT: Emily was taken back to ICU [10/27] because she keeps holding her breath and setting off the monitor alarms.

Labels: Prayer Requests

God has certainly been working! Just a couple of weeks ago, the doctors started giving Emily's parents information about taking out her feeding and breathing tubes. Ken and Natalie said that's not their decision to make and wouldn't even consider it, but it just goes to show you how bad the situation was. Now, though, Emily's responding to the occupational therapist and sometimes other people! Yesterday her breathing tube was taken out and she was able to breath on her own! If this continues, they won't need to put a trache tube in her. They're still slowly weaning her off different medications and her body is going through withdrawal, so prayers are still appreciated!

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily & Rachel


Since I last updated, Emily has been way down and a little back up. She's not responsive to her parents, her eyes are usually rolled back in her head, she has seizures 24 hours a day, the doctors pretty much don't know what to do, and the two month mark has come and gone. Yesterday her body started to rest a little from the seizures since the forced rest of a coma. Her parents have finally been able to go home at night for the first time since she's been in the hospital. A praise! They are so worn down, though. Ken has been trying to keep his business going throughout all this, and Natalie's sister is so tired from helping them that she's gotten sick. Besides taking turns watching Emily in ICU, she has her own five children at home. It's times like these when my family really wishes they could be there. It's hard yet inspiring watching them go through this. They are leaning on God for support and said they would never deny God, even if Emily is taken away from them. Wow. Thanks for uplifting them in your prayers!

Labels: Prayer Requests

Several days ago, Emily started showing definite signs of seizures again and this was confirmed by an EEG. She is basically seizing most of the time. It was decided yesterday to take her back to surgery. Wednesday, she will have a partial corpus callosotomy. The hope is to stop the cross over seizures. This will be followed by another MEG study to try and help pinpoint the seizure origin. She will be monitored for several days after surgery and will probably undergo at least one more surgery in the next week or so.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support.

Labels: Prayer Requests

Emily had her surgery on Tuesday to remove the wires from her brain. They placed plates in her head to fuse the bone back together. These plates should dissolve in 2 years. Today she was finally removed from the breathing machine. We are so thankful that she is off the ventilator and out of surgery before this huge hurricane hits. [They live in Houston, Texas] This storm will cause a lot of damage. Thanks for your continued prayers.
Ken & Natalie

Labels: Prayer Requests