Sunday, November 16, 2008 5:48 AM CST

Come on people 187 hits. I'm guessing between Archie, Oz and Nancy we'll probably have that by tomorrow afternoon. I've already taken several of the pictures, it looks like the one of me and my girl friend in Hawaii @ sunset might get rerouted to Chicago due to flight over booking during the holidays. So I'm sorry about that one. Chicago at Christmas time is fun too. Since no one has entered what they'd like to see pictures of you are leaving it up to me which might be a mistake. I'm guessing somewhere in the next 187 hits some one might have an original idea for a picture choice. Doug

Thursday, November 13, 2008 4:43 AM CST

Alright everyone, it is looking like we are in reach of the 300,000 hits mark. In celebration of your hard work and dogged persistance to following along and praying, I will commit to posting some NEW pictures on this site!!!!! What I would like from you is what you would like those pictures to be of? Suggestions of things you have heard about but to this point not seen: Riley making a kill in volleyball, a picture of Breck, Riley and I standing together so you can see how tall they are, me and my toys truck and Jet Ski,and last but not least a picture of my new girl friend and me on the beach in Hawaii at Sunset?! ................( I would like to see that one too!) Thanks again everyone for praying and encouraging me through all the dark days:) I Love All Ya'll!!!!! Doug

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 5:05 AM CST

Just to catch you up on the last month’s activities. Riley has been busy with VB and school. She is doing well in both. The Volleyball team finished as Subsection Champions for the first time in school history, they were one game away from going to state. The team they lost to, I believe finished 2nd or 3rd. As for school they had first quarter conferences yesterday, and all Riley’s teachers said she is great to have in class! If she has an issue it is getting along too well with her class mates and wanting to continue discussions during teaching times. I’m guessing she might get that issue from me. First quarter she was again able to stay on the A honor role, which with everything she had going on in her life was no small task. She is self motivated and sets high standards for herself which is awesome to see, and she seems to have fun doing it. Yeah you could say I’m a pretty proud Dad!! Another prayer request for me is that Riley is a very pretty young lady and Dad is not ready for the years ahead in the boy department, fortunately at this point she still is very grounded and making good friend and life choices, so I am trusting and praying that this continues. I’d still appreciate any prayer support I can get. Another prayer request in regard to Riley is that she could get tied into a youth group of some sort. She needs to have Christian friends that are getting together to having fun doing Godly focused activities. The school friends she has are all very great, but it would be nice to have that youth leader in the mix to keep the fun focus on God where it belongs.
Barry and I had our second great Morning Prayer time yesterday! It is exciting to think of what God can do. I’ve been praying that God could continue to give me a clear mind and the energy to keep up with daily life needs and exercising. So that is something you can join in praying for. I’ll talk to Barry and see what things from his prayer needs I can have you guys join in praying for. We might as well tap into all the prayer power we have available to us.
Steph and I decided to take the house off the market yesterday. We decided that selling the house during this down turn would not be a wise financial move, so sorry if you were just about to buy it you missed it. I guess we’ll see what God has in store for that place, I’m thinking it is something out of the ordinary.

Monday, November 10, 2008 4:54 AM CST

Hey I'm sorry about the once a month thing, but think about how I feel. I only feel good one week out of every month. I continue to pray that Dr. Richardson my neuropsychiatrist will get the medications right one of these days. I've started something that I think God is going to use in a very positive way! Barry Munson and I are meeting every morning to start each day in prayer. We are writing our specific prayer requests down and keeping track so only God can get the glory for the answers. I'll let you know what some of them are when appropriate, so you can share in the praying and the fun of seeing God at work. Sorry to hear about your kids and that driving stuff, fortunately Riley is only 13 so I still have a couple years of sanity left.

Keep hanging in there I’m not going anywhere.

Doug

Friday, October 3, 2008 9:48 PM CDT

Well as I'm sure you guessed, I haven't been doing so well for about 3 weeks or so. Riley has been doing great in VB. She's really getting the hang of her middle hitter spot. The Cross Country guys have had a super year so far. We're hoping they both can qualify for state! It has taken all of my resolve just to get myself to the games and meets lately. It is so discouraging to slide back into the pit after spending so long feeling good. I wish I could see something that is the cause of the switch. People have offered different theories, but none of them ring true. I know that God is in control of all things, and as Romans 8:28 says "He works all things for the good of those who love Him." Thanks for hanging in there!! Stephen (Oz) Thanks for faithfully lifting me up with your encouraging notes and updates, I know there are others checking in because the numbers are going up faster than Oz, Archie, and Nancy could possibly account for. Let me hear from a few of you casual checkers, it helps!

Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:48 PM CDT

Things continue to go well. I’ve been very consistent with going to the fitness center and working out. My friend Paul Schroeder and I are working to loss 20 lbs together by September 2nd. So far it is looking like my first 10 lbs are coming off pretty easy. Then we are going for our 2nd 20 by the start of October, which I’m sure things, will get tougher with each goal we meet. In addition to the fitness center, I have also been riding my bike along with the cross country team as they are doing they’re daily work outs. The first meet is on the first day of school the 2nd, so we’ll see how they measure up to the local competition. I’m not sure if I told you about Riley’s first Varsity Volleyball start on Tuesday against Park Rapids. She did awesome! I’d like to claim that she got some of that talent from me, but all evidence is to the contrary. I’ve got to give all that credit to Steph, not only did she give her the genetics for being good she’s also taught her to love the game and how to excel at it. Riley is really enjoying playing and not feeling like she has to do anything more than HER best. She is already the tallest girl on the team at 5’ 10” as an 8th grader. I’m looking forward to her abilities and instincts growing as the year goes on. Nevis beat PR, a much larger school, 25-14, 25-22, 25-14. Riley was playing as a right side hitter which means she gets to hit and she also covers for the setter when she can’t get to the ball. She really clobbered a few, I was pretty pumped and so was she! Her biggest strength is her blocking she’s coming along quickly on that. Alright I’ll stop bragging on my kid, I’m just excited and felt I needed to share. Doug

Thursday, August 14, 2008 4:51 PM CDT

A much slower week this week. I've been logging some time on the lawn mower, and I'm spending time every day at the fitness center, also on Monday Cross Country started for the Nevis school. I'm helping coach Stambaugh as an asssistant, it's kind of unfair that I make 2x's as much money as he does as the assistant.(2 X 0=0) Their are only a couple boys and one girl out this season but, it is the first time Nevis has ever had a cros country team. It should be a really fun year we might not have the numbers but we've got real quality kids. They run and I bike every day at 8:00am. I'll keep you up to date on progress. Last night Riley and I went over to Barry and Christy Munson's for our Wednesday night game night. Christy made fried chicken and corn on the cob, so needless to say we were stuffed. We then played Catch phrase with Barry and Christy and Rick and Deb Schmidt. It was guys against girls and the girls pulled out an upset in the championship match, much to our disgust. I've had some neat answers to prayer this week. The hospital where I did all of my out patient therapy when I got home sent me a letter saying they were being bought out by a new company and that if I could pay 50% of my bill right now it would take care of the whole bill. That was a huge load off of me as I hate having debt hanging over my head, now all the hospitals are paid off, it's just pay as I go with Mayo. God is good. Keep praying for the house, their is a couple that is interested, but has only mad crazy lowball offers. We've said no, but now they're going to have their bank come and do an appraisal, so we'll see if that makes any differance. As long as we are patient the market will come back and the house will eventually sell. Lake houses are still moving according to all information that we hear. Thanks in advance for those prayers. Doug

Saturday, August 9, 2008 9:52 PM CDT

I have logged quite a few miles since I last wrote. I went over to Moorehead for Breck's 9th grade orientation on Tuesday morning at 8:15, then headed straight to Mayo in Rochester for some blood work around 2:00. I stayed at Mom and Dad's on Tuesday night for my Wednesday afternoon Phych appointment @ 3:00. We found out about my cousin Carla's death on Tuesday evening so that changed plans for mom on Wednesday, she went over to spend some time at Barb and Phil's. After my appointment at Mayo I headed up to the cities and stayed overnight at my sister Darla's. I went to work with her Thursday morning and helped out with a project they were working on to send info to all the kids parents that went on mission trips this summer. It was great to be able to help. In the afternoon I spent a most of my time cleaning up the grass in front of the back parking lot, which was looking pretty bad. After that I hit the road and headed north to Nevis for a good night's sleep. In the morning I got up and drove down to pickup Riley at Camp Lebanon(2 hrs away). I got to see the closing program and meet a few of her cabin buddies, it's always fun to be back at camp. I enjoyed listening to the week's camp stories on the way home, neat to feel the excitement. It sounded like she had an awesome time. Once I got Riley dropped off at home I headed back to my place to pack for the trip down to Kenyon for Carla's funeral. I got to Mom and Dad's around 7:30, needless to say I slept well. This morning I got up and headed to Owatonna with Darla and Mom. Carla's service was very nice, Pastor Dave(from West Concord) did an awesome job! After the funeral everyone headed to Phil and Barb's for lunch and visiting, which finished up around 3:00. Once we got back to Mom and Dad's I changed clothes and hit the road to come back up here. There will be no problem sleeping well tonight. I think I'll be hanging a little bit closer to home this week, I've about used up all of my gas money for the month already. Doug

Thursday, July 31, 2008 11:01 AM CDT

Still staying pretty stable. I've had Riley with me since Tuesday. We've been hanging out here at Timberlost, Riley has met up with Doris's 12 year old grand daughter Rachael from Colorado. They went tubing and swimming, and played on raft-trampoline-slide for a couple of hours, in the evening Riley and I went to a play in a small theater in Hubbard a small village near here, with my friend Stan Grossman and his daughter Abby and son Sam. It was called Guys on Ice, it was about two guys from Park Rapids who were going to be getting onto a Cable TV fishing show. They really brought out some of the things people around here take for granted about life and winter, we all really had a great time. Today is just regular stuff lawn and laundry and hanging out with Riley. Boring days but thought I'd keep you up to date. Riley heads to Camp Lebanon on Sunday, so she's getting pretty excited. I loved Camp Lebanon too when I was kid.

Monday, July 28, 2008 11:23 PM CDT

Today was a pretty busy day. I got out to the fitness center for my hour on the elliptical @ 8:00 then I did lot's of errands and piddley stuff. I went to Park Rapids and did some banking for Doris. Then did her shopping and mine at Coborn's. I then continued on to Walmart to finish Doris's shopping. After shopping at Walmart I headed back to take the groceries in then get showered up to meet up with Mike and Melanie Ackerman for supper. Mike and Melanie had just finished their annual trip to Leech Lake with friends. It was great to spend an hour or two catching up and letting them treat me to supper at Northwind's in Nevis. Man are their boy's getting big! It's great to be feeling stable for such an extended period of time. Keep praying and I'll do the same, better get to bed 6:00 bible study will come early. Doug

Monday, July 28, 2008 12:37 AM CDT

Made it through what would have been my 18th anniversary yesterday. I rode to church with Barry and Matt Munson. We met in Nevis near the Giant Muskie. Unfortunately while I was getting into the suburban my foot slipped off of the running board and I fell and smashed my elbow pretty good. We were able to get the bleeding stopped by the time we got to church and could get a couple of bandaides on it. By the time church was over I needed to add another bandaide as there was some leakage out of the ones I had on. After church I headed to the house to get the sprinklers going and throw the bloody clothes in the wash while Steph and Riley were particapating in the Carlson / Kwamme Golf Classic. Steph and I decided to go out for supper in appreciation of our understanding of the importance of keeping our focus on doing what is best for the kids, in keeping our interactions with each other enjoyable. Supper was good, then when isn't Companero's good? After supper I was switching my Jetski from the car to the truck @ the house and the hitch slipped off of the ball and I took another tumble. You guessed it my newly injured elbow took the brunt of the fall. Not good!! Riley aplied the Hydrogen Peroxide after I got the bandaides out of the hair near my elbow. My elbow by this time was swollen pretty nicely. Steph and Riley put together a bucket of first aid neccassities, and an ice bag. Once I got home, I got a movie and brought my icebucket down and watched the movie with Doris and iced. It was a rather full and eventful day. I was up to the fitness center and did an hour on the elliptical trainer and theelbow was fine. That is a good thing, it seems OK unless I bump it, the swelling seems much better today.
Keep those prayers coming, I appreciate them more than you know. Doug

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:31 AM CDT

Hello, Breck and I have been having a great weekend. Lots of Jetski rides, basketball shooting, and rides on the swings. The Doctor's appointment got moved to today at 10:30 so be praying then if you can. I have experienced all ranges of behaviors this weekend. His outburst can be a little more random than I thought. They can also come from trying to do something he really doesn't want to do, or switching from something he thought we were going to be doing next. Although we've had some wonderful well behaved meals out and other risky situations have gone well. It's been life with Breck as ussual, some awesome and some that makes you want to pull your hair out. He is 15 today, so I'm sure he'll want to go to his favorite place to eat, Chili's, and have the Molten Fudge Cake with a candle in it. We'll both be looking forward to that. He'll be coming back home with me to hang out for the rest of his birthday and then the CCRI people will come pick him up in Park Rapids on Wednesday @ 1:30. It is great to hang out with him and stay connected. Thanks for staying tuned in and for keeping us covered with prayer. Doug

Friday, July 18, 2008 2:25 PM CDT

As Archie so kindly passed on to you my computer hard drive crashed so I was temporarily without any means of communication. I have gotten a new hard drive installed and I'm up and running. My computer doesn't have my copy of Microsoft Office on it, and the discs I have are upgrades to the 2007 version of office for my pre crash computer, unfortunately your computer has to have a previous version of Office on it for it to work. I will be going through my boxes to try and find a nonupgrade version of office. Until then bare with all of my speeling mistakes. I had Breck here with me last weekend, and it went really well. So he's here again this weekend. His 15th birthday is on Tuesday the 22nd, so we'll be doing lots of things he enjoys this weekend. He has a doctor's appointment on Monday in Fargo at MeritCare, that Steph and I will both be taking him to. They are going to be looking at putting him on some type of medication to try to mellow him out during his outbursts. It is a tough subject for me because I feel if you are interacting with Breck you won't need it, but if your expecting him to entertain himself without having to watch him you're going to have trouble because his mind is very creative when he's got unsupervised time. Then when the person step's back in and tells him to stop what he's been doing he gets pretty frustrated with them and doesn't restrain himself from displaying that frustration in various rather difficult ways. It is compounded by the fact that he is getting to be a rather large young man. Thanks again for your notes and prayers.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:45 AM CDT

I had a great time hanging out with my Steve and Denise and family. Steve and I got a lot of stuff done at the house. We cut down 6 dead trees and ground off 40 stumps, which made mowing lawn yesterday go lots quicker! The house has another showing today at 10:00 so pray that this is the right connection that God has for the house. The place is looking like a park. I’m heading over this morning to straighten up some stacks of firewood that look pretty tacky. It’s all in the details you know. I’m still feeling good and trying to keep a bit more normal pace, so I can stay good longer. Thanks for all the prayers, and for your guest book entries they mean a lot. Doug

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:53 AM CDT

Journal entry as per Steve
Nice days here in MN. Doug is feeling well, and the days are sunny and mild.
We have traveled back up north to allow Riley to begin her hectic summer schedule. She is resting today with her Grandparents in Nevis before two days of basketball shooting camp in Fargo a weekend volley ball tourney in the cities and finally off to Boston for a youth leadership trip. She was packing three different bags yesterday when we stopped to see her.
Doug and I have been slowly eliminating tasks from a long list of to-do’s. Mowing, cleaning, fixing, and undone tasks in general. Mainly, we have been working around the lake house trying to make it more presentable for any potential buyers. This is a likely time of year for showings, so please keep this on your prayer list; a sale of the house would simplify matters some.
Well so little time so many tasks, we are trying to schedule as many tasks as possible with out overdoing things. Therefore better get busy on tasks if we get behind the day will be too hectic and long.
One of the tasks is to update the caring bridge website and get a new look so keep an eye on the computer we will try to wow you with a dazzling new look.
Steve

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:50 AM CDT

Yes I am still alive, and I can't believe how awesome all of ya'll are for still checking in. (just so you Northerners know "all of ya'll is the plural for ya'll.) See Archie and Fincher I didn't forget all of my Texan! Riley and I are just packing to head down to my Mom and Dad's to hang with Denise and Steve and family for the week and Father's day. We'll be headed up to pick up Breck later in the week. Just so everyone knows My sister Denise did get the librarian job, which was GREAT! Riley's 4 X 400 relay team beat their own school record in the section meet by 4 seconds, they did not qualify for the state meet, but they all did go down to watch the state meet and got a better picture of what they need to be ready for next year. I continue to fight each day to do the basics and keep trying to find God's hand and direction for me in all of this. I know He's good and I can trust Him even when it's hard to see the light some days. I hate to use one of my Dad's analogies but, he quoted Corrie Tenboon who said that "When your on a train that goes into a tunnel and everything is black, all that you can do is trust the conductor, stay in the seat you've been given, wait, and PRAY!" That's all I've got for now I'd better get some of this stuff into the car. Thanks for all of your prayers we're going to get there yet! Doug

Sunday, April 6, 2008 9:31 PM CDT

You want to talk about snow we’ve had about 14-18 inches so far since last night. Riley and I woke up to go into school for her Volleyball tournament. We had 7 inches of snow at that point, and we couldn’t get out of the driveway. About the time we were struggling with our snow Steph called, and said she had gotten stuck with her car in the driveway at the house. She was wondering if she could borrow the truck, I told her no problem if she came to get us. She was able to make it with out much problem; the truck does pretty well in the snow. We got to the school and there were already quite a few teams there so the tournament got started a bit late but in strong Minnesotan fashion life went on as normal as possible. I called Barry Munson and he picked me up for church oh his way through town. I missed the pool play in the morning part of the tournament. I got there for the last game of pool play and all of the playoff games. Riley’s team ended up getting 2nd overall, they played well, but most on Riley’s team were 14 or younger and they were playing against 16 year old teams. The maturity on the court does not look as far apart as there ages were. Once we finally got finished around 4:30 we headed out side to see that it was still snowing like crazy and there was probably another 6inches on top of the 7 we already had. Riley and I gave Steph a ride home and the bottom of the truck was scraping on the snow on the road into the house. It was also really deep on the way to my apartment, fortunately the wind isn’t blowing or we’d be in real trouble. We found out that school is already called off for tomorrow, so we’re hanging out here watching Lord of the Rings with Doris. So I don’t want to hear anymore whining about 1 or 2 inches of snow in Montana, in Minnesota we say Go Big or Go Home!! I’ll let you know how the shoveling goes. By the way Breck came to Nevis yesterday with a couple of the team at CCRI in Moorhead. He got to see some of Riley’s Volleyball games with the 14 year old team, they won the whole tournament. After playing VB was done we all headed out to the house to grill some burgers for supper and let Breck swing a bit at the house. A good time was had by all and the burgers were pretty good too. The Moorhead guys and Breck hit the road around 6:30. Breck seemed to be doing well, he did get a bit restless during some of the VB, so we headed out in the play ground to swing and shot baskets. It was great to get to hang out with him and just play, with no where to be heading to. Doug

Sunday, April 6, 2008 8:37 PM CDT

You want to talk about snow we’ve had about 14-18 inches so far since last night. Riley and I woke up to go into school for her Volleyball tournament. We had 7 inches of snow at that point, and we couldn’t get out of the driveway. About the time we were struggling with our snow Steph called, and said she had gotten stuck with her car in the driveway at the house. She was wondering if she could borrow the truck, I told her no problem if she came to get us. She was able to make it with out much problem; the truck does pretty well in the snow. We got to the school and there were already quite a few teams there so the tournament got started a bit late but in strong Minnesotan fashion life went on as normal as possible. I called Barry Munson and he picked me up for church on his way through town. I missed the pool play part of the tournament in the morning. I got there for the last game of pool play and all of the playoff games. Riley’s team ended up getting 2nd overall, they played well, but most on Riley’s team were 14 or younger and they were playing against 16 year old teams. The maturity on the court does not look as far apart as there ages were. Once we finally got finished around 4:30 we headed out side to see that it was still snowing like crazy and there was probably another 6inches on top of the 7 we already had. Riley and I gave Steph a ride home and the bottom of the truck was scraping on the snow on the road into the house. It was also really deep on the way to my apartment, fortunately the wind isn’t blowing or we’d be in real trouble. We found out that school is already called off for tomorrow, so we’re hanging out here watching Lord of the Rings with Doris. So I don’t want to hear anymore whining about 1 or 2 inches of snow in Montana, in Minnesota we say Go Big or Go Home!! I’ll let you know how the shoveling goes. Doug

Monday, March 31, 2008 11:05 PM CDT

Sorry everyone, I'm in one of my longest down times in a while. I think I've just had a little too much time to reflect on my life events lately. Being too self focused is never a good thing. Thanks for all your prayers and guest book entries, even though I don't get on the computer much in the down days it makes a huge impact when I see you still are checking in. I am praying that the dark day's can come to an end. I really don't like where my life and head is at as these days drag on. Doug

Saturday, March 1, 2008 5:01 AM CST

The new wireless is still working great! It¡¦s been all up days since I last wrote. One nice thing is that now when I¡¦m up I¡¦m not too up, which is good. I¡¦m hoping my body is starting to find a new rhythm. Riley and I are having a fun weekend together. Last night we went to the ¡§Bucket List¡¨ and both really enjoyed it. Then we came home and played a game with Doris before heading to bed. This morning we¡¦re going to head down to the cities and have lunch with my uncle Jim and family, and then we¡¦ll play it by ear before heading back to Nevis so we can meet Riley¡¦s JO Volleyball team early Sunday Morning to head to their tournament. Fortunately Riley had tests in all her classes this week and doesn¡¦t have any homework for once. It has been amazing to see this difference in intensity of homework and classes from 6th to 7th grade. It is good that basketball is finally finished and Riley has a couple week break before the real sport (track) begins! :o) The 4x400 team she¡¦ll run on this year has a good chance of being very competitive. The cool part is that she loves it and is already working out after school with two of the other girls on her relay team, it just so happens they are friends from her JO volleyball as well. Things continue to go well with Doris! (the 82 year old lady who lives in the house below my apartment) Her work ethic on her exercise continues to be high, and the ulcer on her leg is healing nicely. It sounds like we might get to meet some of Doris¡¦s kids and some of her summer family as well this weekend on our way through. It might be tough because we won¡¦t be here very long. I¡¦ve done a good job keep the apartment orderly since Mom and I got it back under control, which continues to reduce the stress level. I got over to see Breck twice this last week, on Wednesday Steph and I met with his team from the house and school for his annual IEP, where they outline the plan for the coming year. Can you believe he will be in high school next year? (So far I have heard no plans for any High School musicals. ;) ) We will have a transition meeting in the middle of May and get to see his new school, and meet the teachers he¡¦ll be working with this next year. It sounds like another good group. From what we hear he will be working on allot more practical job skills in the high school than he has to this point. They seem to really do a great job with the kids. I also went back to visit Breck¡¦s gym class on Thursday. They have been doing gymnastics on Thursdays at Gold¡¦s Gym in Fargo and Breck has really enjoyed it. Well this Wednesday was going to be their last week of gymnastics before switching to swimming next week. It was awesome to see him enjoying being in the big gym. He seemed to especially like the floor exercise floor. It was nice and soft and bouncy, which seemed to be enjoyed with the music that was playing in the background. After gymnastics, Breck and I headed to West Acres and got Breck¡¦s hair cut. The gal who cut it was the best one yet, so we¡¦ve set up an every 3-4 week haircut appointment with her, of course after his haircut Breck talked me into supper at Chili¡¦s. ƒº I am really thankful for God¡¦s provision for Breck with his home and school! Being a parent of a special needs child you always are concerned about their future. I guess that¡¦s why Philippians 4 says, ¡§be anxious for nothing but in every thing with prayer and petition let your requests be made unto God, and the peace that surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.¡¨ I¡¦ve been quoting that one allot as I¡¦m going through all of this craziness. I don¡¦t think I would be making it without the peace that surpasses all understanding. Thanks for your prayers and continued support. (I¡¦d still like to get a few more guest book notes so I know your out there.) Doug

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 0:34 AM CST

Hello everybody! No I didn’t freeze up or get lost cruising in my new wheels. I’ve had some technical difficulties with my wireless internet out here at the new place. I finally just went and bought a new wireless router tonight and I’m up and running again. Thanks for not giving up on me. I did have a short down swing that lasted about a week. My mom came up to help me battle through it. I’ve found if I can keep my apartment clean and organized that I can be a bit more up on life. So when Steph was going through the house and bringing over boxes of stuff that were mine it started piling up and getting a bit overwhelming. So Mom and Dad drove up to help me get things under control. Dad drove back on Tuesday and Mom stayed up with me until we drove down together when I had my Ortho and Mayo appointments on Friday. I drove back up on my own after the appointments. I was a little down this weekend too, but seem to be coming out of it well today. Sorry I haven’t gotten any new pictures on of the truck. I’ve been working on taxes and getting the apartment back under control, but I will put it back on the list. Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

Doug

Friday, February 8, 2008 10:24 AM CST

Hello again, Things have been a wirlwind since I last updated. Mom had a great retirement party at Area 57. Lots of people came though over the coarse of 3-4 hours, it just really showed the impact she had during all of her years of service. After the party I headed up to Hamlake to spend the night at Jim and Laurie's so my drive would be shorter going to Oglvie to watch Volleyball on Saturday. Saturday morning, Jim and I got up and went tp the YMCA and worked out then we went back to their house and I showered and he treated me to Chocolate chip pancakes for my birthday breakfast. It was awesome! After breakfast I headed to VB I got there during Riley's second match. They ended up third in the Gold division, and played alright. My loving sisters came up to Nevis on Sunday evening then the three of us went to Moorhead on Monday to visit Breck at school. I think Denise and Darla were both very impressed with his teacher, class and school. After school we took Breck with us to eat an early supper at Chili's which once again was awesome. We then took the boy back to his house and the girls got to see the house and meet some of the staff, which made another good impression. I think it was good for both Denise and Darla to see the quality of people working with Breck. After our long day on Monday the girls got up Tuesday and started on their birthday present to me.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:11 PM CST

Doug here, it’s a lot less exciting week here at Timberlost. Doris is back home and feeling much better. She is actually fired up to start working harder to regain some mobility and independence. She’s been doing more repetitions on her walking course and working on getting back into her restroom off her bedroom, rather than the commode chair. I’ve been enjoying my truck and hitting the gym on a regular basis. I’ve also completely finished moving out of the trailer. Barry, Eric and Matt Munson helped me get the last of the heavy stuff tonight. Riley and I spent some time tonight getting the apartment organized. There is still work left to be done, I’d like to get it done by the time I leave for Kenyon tomorrow evening. I would like it to look nice for when Denise and Darla come up to stay on Sunday and Monday night. We are going to visit Breck at his school and house on Monday. Needless to say with all of that a 40th birthday and some volleyball on Saturday, I should be keeping pretty busy this weekend.

Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:18 AM CST

Hello again. Well we have been having an exciting week here a Timberlost (the resort I live at now). Doris the 82 year old lady who occupies the bottom floor from me has a hiatal hernia that started causing her trouble on Monday afternoon. When I got back from the fitness center around 6:00 she was sitting in her wheel chair watching TV spitting into a bowl because swallowing was causing her problems. The results had a reddish tint to it. Later after she tried drinking some water it caused her to cough up what looked to be a clot, not too fun at all. We got her in bed a bit early and I set up my camping cot in her room, so I’d be there if anything happened in the night. For the most part she slept well, with a few interruptions from her well meaning cat Shadow. In the morning we got at the normal time and got ready to head to the hospital. Doris decided to call 911 and have the ambulance pick her up and take her in to the hospital in Park Rapids, as in her weakened state it would have been a bit much for her and I to get her into and out of the car. I stopped in to see her before she got up to her room on Tuesday and they said that they were going to scope down to her stomach to see what the condition of things were. Riley and I stopped up to visit her last night, and she looked much better. It sounded like they didn’t find anything unexpected in the scope, and that she would be able to come home Friday. It sounds like her friend Bonnie will be able to get her and hang out since I will be in Rochester Friday for my Mayo appointment. My plans are to head to Fargo this afternoon and pick up some of my truck paperwork, and the extra set of keys. Doug

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:18 AM CST

Hi everyone. All is well in the northland. I’m just working through all of the details of separating bank accounts and all other things that need to be taken care of after the divorce. My ex-father-in-law and I have been taking things on one account and auto payment and deposit at a time. He really has a great talent for tracking things like that down and keeping track of who we work with at each company, it makes the process go so much easier. It is amazing how much stuff there is to untangle after 17 years of marriage. Did I mention that I’m loving my new truck?! It has been my decompression chamber as I work on all my errands. I’ve almost gotten everything moved out of the trailer, just the heavy stuff left; I’ll have to recruit some additional help on those things. I told my landlords I can be out by the 30th of this month. They already have it rented out to a new family, probably because I kept it so nice and clean. I’m headed back down to Rochester again on Friday for both a Mayo and an Orthodontist appointment. I wish I got frequent flier miles on those trips. I’ve got to come right home on Friday because Riley has a Basketball tourney in Park Rapids on Saturday. I think Mom and Dad may actually drive up to see this one too. I’ll try to let you know how it goes. That’s it for today, have a great day!
Doug

Monday, January 21, 2008 10:32 AM CST

Hey everybody, I’m still doing good! I’ve had a few changes since I last updated you. I’ve been to Rochester three times, two Mayo appointments and one orthodontist appointment. My first Mayo appointment was with my new Psychologist, Dr. Brickhouse. She is a real answer to prayer. We hit it off really well. She is a strong Christian lady, who is helping me use God’s word to get to a better place in my life again. For my first assignments she gave me a sheet of verses on grieving and had me choose five to put on note cards o carry with me. My second assignment is to take notes on the story of Ruth looking at it from Naomi’s point of view, and see how God delivered her even though it looked like He had left her without any way to be taken care of her in the years after her husband and son’s died. So even when we can’t see a reason or purpose in the things that happen in our lives, God can still work for our good and His glory.
I have a question for you, what does a man who is turning 40 and getting a divorce do to keep his spirits up. You guessed it he buys a new 4 wheel drive truck!! After much prayer and no peace on buying the house, I decided on a new direction since my Avalon has 326,000 miles on it and I don’t know when or if it will kick the bucket, I made the executive decision to get a new Toyota Tundra. I will still do the majority of my long road trips in the Avalon, but put the miles around here on the truck. It is sweet; I thought it was a pretty good 40th present to me. I didn’t really think anyone else was going to be getting me that so I thought I was safe. I will get a picture of it on for you soon; I’d also like to put on a picture of my appt as well. I’m out of the trailer as of the end of the month, so I’ll have to get you a new address. I’m thinking of doing a P.O. Box, just until life settles down a bit, I’ll let you know.
Doug

Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:47 AM CST

Hello, I’m writing this update from my apartment, overlooking the lake. It is a pretty sweet view, I can’t wait for spring. Things are going well Doris and I are figuring out our daily routines and our systems of working together to make our lives as enjoyable as possible. Tuesday we did our first outing in the car. I took her to Park Rapids for a doctor appointment. We didn’t set any speed records, but we made it safely in and out of the car twice. It is our plan to have Doris start doing some exercise in thee morning after I get back from the fitness center at around 8:30. We’re going to work on walking and just general leg strengthening exercises. She is in an electric wheelchair around the house so she can get around OK it’s just the getting herself in and out of bed that she’s a little shaky with at this time. I really some strength building will really give her back the ability to be independent at both before too long.
The next item of news is my current marital status, the paperwork is complete and just in the signature process, and then it goes to the judge to be official. Riley and I are still working hard at figuring out this new dynamic, we’ve both decided that it stinks, but we’ll do the best we can. Also I need to let you know that I am currently working with the bank to buy out Steph’s part of the house, the paperwork will go through as soon as the divorce is final. Since I can stay with Doris for free and it’s only 5 miles from the house I’m going to use dreamvacations.com to rent the house out year round. I have some friends who rent their cabin out this way and have had great success. I can use the money from renting to get some of the things that the place still needs, like a dock and a pontoon, and maybe a sand volleyball court with lights. The best part is that all improvement will be tax deductible. I’m also thinking that I might try to con the Hanson clan to add a weekend up north to the summer schedule in addition to the regular 4th of July festivities. We’ll have to start the discussions soon so people can get it into their schedules.
Doug

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 1:16 PM CST

Sorry for the lack of updates, for once I haven’t been down, but I have been busy. I’ve found a place to stay rent free. It’s an apartment in the upstairs of a resort north of Nevis called Timber lost. The reason the rent is free is because the 80+ year old lady who lives down stairs needs occasional help with starting the morning fire, grocery shopping, and things like emptying the dishwasher and other tasks around the house. I moved in on Thursday and Friday of last week. I still have the trailer until the lease is up in February, so I can take my time moving the nonessentials until then. All the paperwork on the divorce is moving steadily along, it’s looking like the end of this year it might be completed. Oh by the way Riley and I had a little adventure this weekend, on our way to go Christmas shopping for the day at the Mall of America we went in the ditch 4 miles north of Motley. The Lord had His hand of protection on us and the car came to rest on a field driveway and didn’t have many issues. We called for help and a trooper and a tow truck were sent. Once we got the car out on the road it was still running, but the snow had removed the belts and cracked a fitting on the bottom of the radiator, so it was dripping some radiator fluid. The trooper gave Riley and I a ride to Motley where Steph came to pick us up and take us to meet my Dad at Rice, he then took Riley and I to the MOA for our shopping trip and to meet my friend Eric and his wife Sue and Daughters Mara and Madison. Eric is also my Orthodontist and was bringing my new Invisiline braces to get fitted. It looked a little strange having him filling on my teeth in the Food Court at the MOA, but everything fit great and we were done before Sue and the girls got there. After a couple of hours of shopping with the Overby’s, Eric dropped Riley and I off at Mom and Dad’s on his way back to Austin. That’s full service, of a good friend!! Riley and I spent the night in Kenyon and went to Church with Mom and Dad. After church Riley and I loaded up with Dad in Dad’s truck and picked up Dennis Smith’s car hauler trailer and headed north, stopping in Motley to find the number and location of the tow truck guy. On Monday we got in touch with the tow truck guy and coordinated picking up the car to bring it back to my mechanic in Nevis. Everything went as smooth as possible for that type of project. We even made it back in time for Riley’s basketball game in Nevis. Grandpa stayed through both games then hit the road for home about 7:00. Have I mentioned lately how thankful I am for my Dad and my Mom!! They go above and beyond the call of duty so much they don’t even realize they are doing it. The only part of the adventure that was left was driving to Bemidji to pick up a used radiator for the car to save a couple $100 dollars, with the car only being worth a couple hundred I’ve got to save every dollar I can. I am just thankful for every day of life God gives that car on this earth. I’m thinking 324,000 is no less than a miracle, but as long as it keeps running I’ll keep driving it. Two weeks ago when I was at Faith Baptist in Park Rapids we sang this song and it hit me between the eyes and I think you’ll see why.
Jesus Is Lord of All:
All my tomorrows and all my past Jesus is Lord of all.
I’ve quit my struggles, contentment at last! Jesus is Lord of all.
Chorus:
King of kings, Lord of lords, Jesus is Lord of all;
All my possessions and all my life, Jesus is Lord of all.
All of my conflicts, all my thoughts Jesus is Lord of all.
His love wins the battles I could not have fought; Jesus is Lord of all.
Chorus:
All of my longings, all my dreams Jesus is Lord of all.
All of my Failures His power redeems; Jesus is Lord of all.
Chorus:

The third verse especially I thought was great, since at times I don’t feel I’ll have anymore longings or dreams fulfilled, but the same Jesus who saved me from dying by hitting that tree is the Lord of the future and what I’m going through right now. I have just got to stay focused on those truths.
Doug

Thursday, December 6, 2007 10:04 AM CST

Hello everyone!! Hope your Thanksgiving was great!! I know that I showed no restraint with my eating. Mom out did herself as usual. We had a pretty small group at the Hanson house this year, just Mom, Dad, and me. Darla woke up feeling not so good, so she played it safe and didn’t make the trip down, we missed her, but it left more for the rest of us so it worked out OK. I am now working hard to get back to any resemblance of what I used to look like. I don’t have the money to by new fat clothes, not to mention that the double chin thing is highly over rated. I’m fat but I’m not happy. I’m getting excited for Christmas coming up Riley and I are going to join dad, mom and Darla on a trip out to Montana to share Christmas with Steve, Denise, Jenise, and Josiah! Riley is actually going to take on the challenge of learning how to snowboard; it is never an enjoyable first day. I will make sure she is fully protected and padded. It is an awesome thing once you’re through the learning curve. That’s it for this installment; I’ve got to finish my order of French toast!!

Here is the link to the virtual tour of the house and our lot if anyone is in a house buying mood.

http://www.realtourvision.com/tour/RE/tour.view.new.php?utl=RE-3487-5IE7WF-01

Doug

Thursday, December 6, 2007 9:19 AM CST

Hello everyone!! Hope your Thanksgiving was great!! I know that I showed no restraint with my eating. Mom out did herself as usual. We had a pretty small group at the Hanson house this year, just Mom, Dad, and me. Darla woke up feeling not so good, so she played it safe and didn’t make the trip down, we missed her, but it left more for the rest of us so it worked out OK. I am now working hard to get back to any resemblance of what I used to look like. I don’t have the money to by new fat clothes, not to mention that the double chin thing is highly over rated. I’m fat but I’m not happy. I’m getting excited for Christmas coming up Riley and I are going to join dad, mom and Darla on a trip out to Montana to share Christmas with Steve, Denise, Jenise, and Josiah! Riley is actually going to take on the challenge of learning how t o snowboard; it is never an enjoyable first day. I will make sure she is fully protected and padded. It is an awesome thing once you’re through the learning curve. That’s it for this installment; I’ve got to finish my order of French toast!!
Doug

Saturday, November 17, 2007 6:24 AM CST

Hello, I’m still alive; as I’m sure you guessed I’ve been feeling not so good lately. I’ve been hanging out at Mom and Dad’s as my brother-in-law Steve told you. I’ve been being a couch potato to the point where I’m even sick of myself. Well my sister Denise had me reread an awesome story in the book of Daniel. It’s the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown in the fiery furnace because they wouldn’t bow down and worship the Golden Idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had made. They said that the God they worshipped would rescue them from the fire if he chose to. So Nebuchadnezzar heated the fire up 7x’s normal to the point that the men who threw them in were killed because it was so hot. Then from outside the fire Nebuchadnezzar asked the people with him, “didn’t we throw 3 men into the fire, why are there 4 men walking around?” Then he called out to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and told them to come out. They did and not a single hair on their head was singed. Nebuchadnezzar praised the one true God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So you ask why this story hit me right between the eyes. I think that in the same way that God protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to bring glory to Himself he can do the same in my life. I may never Run again, or have the mental abilities to do a job like the one I had before the accident, or have the big house on the lake, and the great marriage and family life that I once had, but I know that God loves me and that I can trust Him with whatever His plan is for my future. My Mom asked me a great question earlier this week about all the things in my life that I’ve lost in the last three years, she asked “what thing would you chose to keep in your life to be the basis for your happiness; House, Job, Running, Marriage, Family, Job, Mental health and ability, or knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting Him with your future?” She was right my world looked great from the outside, but it all came apart in one 30 minute snowmobile ride in the woods, but since I trust Jesus Christ with my future His plan is to give me hope and a future. He promised He will never leave me or forsake me, so even if from one day to the next I might not feel like continuing to fight. I am going to cling to those promises and get through one day at a time.

I’m heading to Moorhead to visit Breck today with Mom, Dad and Darla. Then I’ll drive back here to Nevis to hangout until I head down to Kenyon for Thanksgiving and a visit to Mayo on the 29th. Please pray that my up cycles can last longer and that the down cycles would go away or be less severe, or that I would learn to trust God sooner before spending so much time in the pit.

Doug

Saturday, November 17, 2007 6:08 AM CST

Hello, I’m still alive; as I’m sure you guessed I’ve been feeling not so good lately. I’ve been hanging out at Mom and Dad’s as my brother-in-law Steve told you. I’ve been being a couch potato to the point where I’m even sick of myself. Well my sister Denise had me reread an awesome story in the book of Daniel. It’s the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown in the fiery furnace because they wouldn’t bow down and worship the Golden Idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had made. They said that the God they worshipped would rescue them from the fire if he chose to. So Nebuchadnezzar heated the fire up 7x’s normal to the point that the men who threw them in were killed because it was so hot. Then from outside the fire Nebuchadnezzar asked the people with him, “didn’t we throw 3 men into the fire, why are there 4 men walking around?” Then he called out to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and told them to come out. They did and not a single hair on their head was singed. Nebuchadnezzar fell down at their feet and apologized, for speaking against the one true God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego . So you ask why I this story hit me right between the eyes. I think that in the same way that God protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to bring glory to Himself he can do the same in my life. I may never Run again, or have the mental abilities to do a job like the one I had before the accident, or have the big house on the lake, and the great marriage and family life that I once had, but I know that God loves me and that I can trust Him with whatever His plan is for my future. My Mom asked me a great question earlier this week about all the things in my life that I’ve lost in the last three years, she asked “what thing would you chose to keep in your life to be the basis for your happiness; House, Job, Running, Marriage, Family, Job, Mental health and ability, or knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting Him with your future?” She was right my world looked great from the outside, but it all came apart in one 30 minute snowmobile ride in the woods, but since I trust Jesus Christ with my future His plan is to give me hope and a future. He promised He will never leave me or forsake me, so even if from one day to the next I might not feel like continuing to fight. I am going to cling to those promises and get through one day at a time.

Monday, October 15, 2007 1:47 PM CDT

The great Volleyball just continued into the weekend! The Nevis JV team won the conference tournament on Saturday morning. They lost a game or two throughout the morning, but always managed to win each match (2 out of 3). It was neat to see the girls with their Medals on raising the big trophy high. Of course they were anything but calm for the rest of the day. Just to add the icing on the cake Riley and I went to Tom Stambaugh’s Sunday after church to watch the Vikings play the Chicago Bears. It was looking good with 2 minutes to go when the Vikes were up 31-17. Unfortunately they gave up two touch downs in the next minute to tie the game at 31. Then in a very non-Viking display of football they marched up the field and our kicker maked his longest field goal ever (55 yards.) to win the game!!
I’ve been feeling pretty good! I have been exercising an hour in the morning and usually try to get another 1-2 hours at night, while I watch a movie.

Doug

Friday, October 12, 2007 9:28 AM CDT

Wow!!!! Last night was some of the most amazing volleyball I’ve seen in a long time. The Nevis Tigers triumphed over the Pine River/Backus(PRB) Tigers in 5 games in Nevis. It was a nail biter right from the start. Nevis got out well and took the first game before they knew what hit them. Then PRB came out playing hard and won game two. Game three was a bit more of a back and forth battle but again PRB won the game. Now all PRB had to do was win one out of the remaining two games and they’d win the match. But in the forth Game Nevis would not go quietly away they battled there way to a close victory. Now it’s 2 to 2 heading into the 5th game tie breaker. From the opening point to the end of the game Nevis dominated game five!!! It was awesome!!!! The girls really dug in and played like a team, not perfect but like a good team they pulled each other through and covered for each others weak spots. Had I mentioned that PRB was currently rated 2nd in the Minnesota coach’s pole? I’m guessing that ranking might be coming down a notch or two today. I’ll let you know. It was so exciting a game I headed up to the fitness center at 11:00 to 12:45 to work out on the elliptical and do some weights! I love the 24 hours a day fitness center access. Another couple days of small town homecoming games, today Football is at 3:15 , and tomorrow Riley has a Volleyball Tournament in Northhome Kellar. So I’m guessing the kids from Nevis are going to be pretty wiped out. I’ll let you know if any other great things happen in the north country.

Doug

Monday, October 8, 2007 3:57 PM CDT

Hey! The Nevis Volleyball team did great on Saturday the lost in the championship match to the Pine River/ Backus team that are rated in the top 5 at State! The scores were 28-30 and 24-26! Both games were point for point back and forth watches. We play them again this Thursday night in Nevis!! We are looking for a much different outcome. I’ll let you know whether we win or lose! On Sunday I got up early and ate French toast at Northwinds then headed to the 8:15 service at Faith Baptist in Park Rapids. Pastor Marty is going through a great series on biblical view of finances. I also go to a Sunday school group lead by Jim and Cheryl Sackett called “A Search for Significance. “ After church I headed over to eat lunch with Grandpa Stambaugh, which is always a good time. It was about 1:00 when I decided to head to Fargo to do some returns and some shopping. I was also going to stop in and see Breck while I was there. I finished my errands around 5:30 and went to get Breck. We headed out for supper and Breck talked me into eating at Chili’s!!! We shared the usual. Right down to the Molten Fudge cake dessert. Today was a very low key day. I am heading back up to the fitness center to get w/o #2 taken care of. I am still working on getting down to race weight, seems to be a never ending battle.

Doug

Saturday, October 6, 2007 9:15 AM CDT

Hello I’m still feeling good even after my big road trip. I really enjoyed the parents’ night VB game against Walker! Riley’s teams did awesome! She plays both on the 9th grade team and the Junior varsity. They both won in three games. I might be prejudice but I think my daughter is a pretty good player for a 7th grader, it’s fun to see her enjoy playing and being with her teammates. The varsity team won as well, a good night all around for Nevis Volleyball teams. During the day on Friday I got all my errands done (Hair cut, banking, shopping, worked out and I went along to the Laport football game with Riley and her friends) The Nevis Team won big it was fun to see a bit cold and breezy but good football weather. There is an all day VB tournament at Nevis today, so I’ll definitely be getting my sports quota in for the week.

Thursday, October 4, 2007 12:59 AM CDT

On Sunday afternoon I got the wild idea to head down to Indiana to get in one last Cross Country meet before the season was done. I called Dave Terronez on the way down to see if I could crash at his place in the quad cities. He said that it would be great, so a couple hours later we are talking and I’m sleeping on the couch for the night. I slept awesome, and then Dave and I got up and went out for breakfast. I think I was back on the road down to Indiana by 7:30-8:00. I found my way back to my Aunt Shirley’s house from memory from our earlier trip. She wasn’t home from work yet so I took a nap on the swing in the lawn. When she got home we hopped in the car and went to Madison’s Basketball game. T is always entertaining to watch as the kids start connecting the dots both mentally and physically. Of course Madison’s team won big!! For what Madison lacks in size (4’5”) she makes up in speed, determination and tenacity. Mark. Madison and Chris all ran in different races and each did very well. I continued to tagged along with Mark and the kids for supper @ Subway, and then they dropped me off at Shirley’s. I once again slept like a rock! This time I got to b e lazy and get up as I felt ready. It was a very relaxing day, I watched a movie, waxed my car, and got showered up and dressed for the Cross Country meet. On Tuesday night O drove Mark’s truck to his house from Shirley’s and spent the night at his house. We were up and on the road around 5:30. I went to Shirley’s and got my car and headed out for MN. Believe it or not I drove 12-14 hours straight from New Albany, Indian to Nevis, Minnesota. It was a beautiful day for driving and it was good to have some alone time. I had the sunroof open, and the tunes cranking, it was a good day on the road. I got home around 8:30 last night and enjoyed sleeping in my bed for a change. That’s it for today; I’ve just got to go to Park Rapids to do some banking.

Saturday, September 29, 2007 6:43 AM CDT

Still feeling good! Got out yesterday and mowed the lawns @ home and the trailer. It was one of those awesome fall days where if you were in the sun it was warm, but chilly in the shade, I’m sorry I must be demented I really enjoy spending my day doing that. Well working through our next phase of the divorce, figuring out how everything works in the schedule and how to have a part time child?! So if you could pray for Riley and I to develop a close one on one relationship. She’s used to running everything through her mom at the moment, and has to learn that she and I can decide when she’s with me. I can’t expect all of us to understand this; we haven’t had much time to practice yet. It’s looking like Riley and I are headed to Fargo to do some errands, and see what Breck is up to. We’ve got some return’s to do at the mall, so we might take him with us for those; he enjoys the Mc Donald’s and does really well in the crowds there.

Doug

Thursday, September 27, 2007 12:20 AM CDT

Hello one and all!!! It’s good to be back from our trip. My Aunt Shirley is a real slave driver; you really have to earn your oatmeal in Indiana. Just kidding we are slave drivers for our selves she had to bribe us in with food. We made lots of good memories doing a number of different jobs, none of which required too much brain power. Enjoyed the ride down and back all 13 hrs of it seemed like nothing compared with the 20+ hours for Montana. I cant tell you how much I enjoyed watching my nieces and nephews run cross-country. It brought back lots of great memories!! There is nothing like the fall weather and everyone lining up on the same line and seeing who’s fastest. It makes it kind of hard to leave behind. It would seem they are in need of a decent CC coach in Elizabeth and seeing as my Cousin Dave is the Athletic Director, I might have the inside track. I know what you’re thinking ‘”He can’t possibly be thinking about leaving Minnesota and being away from his daughter?!!!!” Well don’t worry that is the last thing that is going to happen!! Although living as a newly divorced guy in a small town is one step better than being Leprous. Sorry I’m just thinking out loud. Steph is ready to get on with her life and burned out from all the years where making a living and playing (Mountain biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, traveling for work and climbing all the corporate ladder was more important to me than she was. She was left at home to hang out by herself and wait for me to come home, and when I did once every 3-4 months I would schedule a guys get away for my fix of Extreme sports. Why couldn’t Steph come along on the Extreme sports vacations, you ask? The same reason I did well in running, school, work, and every other area I was focused on, it would seem I’m a bit DRIVEN!! I couldn’t enjoy something unless it was almost killing me, and I was too busy focusing on my pursuit to look back at the pain my wife was in, back trying to hold a house together with no small amount of issues itself. Now add me going through the ups and downs of depression, and Breck being so out of control that Steph and Karl and Barb had to find a group for him in Moorhead. Needless to say when there is still no sight of the end of the depression cycles, you can see why she would take this escape pod to try and salvage what is left of Stephanie Hanson. The Stephanie Hanson who is now a full time speech therapist at Nevis, and head Volleyball coach as well, and has now had to learn to handle all the family finances (with just a bit of help from Karl now and then.), not to mention having to make the decision to put Breck in the group home while I was in another depression cycle, which she did and it is turning out to be the perfect place. So if you’re not understanding how Steph could be leaving me when I’m in the state I’m in I thought you deserved “The rest of the story” Realize this has taken place over three painful years where I was gone to Kenyon when I was down, but once again leaving Steph with no-one to have an intimate conversation with. As you regulars know that when I am up she has too reign me in, which I don’t enjoy, and when I’m down I go to Kenyon because she doesn’t have enough hours in the day to be with me, work, coach and take her Master’s degree classes in Faribault. Thus we have had to have large amounts of time apart. After reading all that has happened in our 16 years together, I’m less surprised by her wanting to divorce me, and more surprised we are both still alive. So please do not pass judgment until you have walked 16 years in her shoes.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 2:37 PM CDT

Afternoon update

Doug is doing well,
he is experiencing the way up. After being down he tends to get way up and have to struggle with not being able to slow down. Or more importantly sleep.

Things he is up to
-Painting Aunt Shirley's house trim and sofit, along with the carport.
-washing and waxing 2nd cousing Paige's car
-traveling to x-c meets today and tomorow
today with cousin Mark to watch Madison
tomorw with cousin Dave to watch Chris, Markie, and Madison all second cousins.

Pray for rest

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 9:36 AM CDT

Doug called last night from Indiana, His voice was strong and he was feeling good again. He reports he was down for about 8 days. He is very encouraged to have been up for a longer time and down for a shorter time.

Thanks to those of you who contacted him, that helps.

Monday, September 17, 2007 7:44 AM CDT

Howdy from Montana, this is Brother in-law Steve, Doug asked me to type a quick update so you would know he is still active.

Roger went north and picked Doug up for a Mayo visit last week and Doug stayed down south for the rest of the week. Yes you guessed it these are not the best of times.

This weekend Roger Sharon and Doug Drove to Sharon's sisters house in Indiana and will be there all week. I don't know but I assume he has his computer just not reliable access at this point but I am sure he would appreciate the continued messages.

Thursday, August 30, 2007 2:28 AM CDT

God is still granting me more good days. I just got back from another Mayo visit with my Neuropsychiatrist. He is keeping everything the same, which is nice! He is thinking we’ve got the formula about where we want it. and doesn’t need to see me again until November 29th. They have set me up with a gal named Cori King for September 10th . She is the person who helps walk me through the minefield of reengaging in some type of work projects, without messing up my disability income. I’ve got a few ideas to occupy my brain, but I need to make sure they don’t cross any unknown lines with the insurance companies. My mom and dad and Darla are coming up for the holiday weekend. I am also getting Breck on Friday from Moorhead to join us for the weekend! It will be a bit cozy in my trailer, but we should have a bed for all to sleep in. I’m not quite sure what project dad and I will tackle this weekend, but I’m sure it will be outside. We might just take on teaching Riley how to water-ski; it is about time she gets that skill added to the list of things she knows how to do. When I went to Rochester I also did a little visiting on Tuesday on the trip down. I stopped in New Brighton to join Tim and Erin Martinson for breakfast, Tim whipped up some awesome pancakes from scratch. Tim was flying back to San Diego at around 4:00 in the afternoon. After breakfast I headed down to meet Eric Overby for lunch. And to pick up some things I had forgot on the boat this last weekend, when I joined Eric, Sue, Mara and Madison with my jet ski down on the Mississippi. We were just north of all the flooding. I found out an interesting fact about my jet ski, you need to be careful not to get the ski rope anywhere near the impeller intake as it will suck the rope in and wrap it around the impeller shaft. We were able to tow the Jet Ski, back to the landing and get it up on the trailer. I drove straight home to Nevis from there. I was able to take the intake guard off the Jet Ski, and cut the rope off the drive shaft, so now it’s good to go for this weekend.

Thursday, August 30, 2007 2:28 AM CDT

God is still granting me more good days. I just got back from another Mayo visit with my Neuropsychiatrist. He is keeping everything the same, which is nice! He is thinking we’ve got the formula about where we want it. and doesn’t need to see me again until November 29th. They have set me up with a gal named Cori King for September 10th . She is the person who helps walk me through the minefield of reengaging in some type of work projects, without messing up my disability income. I’ve got a few ideas to occupy my brain, but I need to make sure they don’t cross any unknown lines with the insurance companies. My mom and dad and Darla are coming up for the holiday weekend. I am also getting Breck on Friday from Moorhead to join us for the weekend! It will be a bit cozy in my trailer, but we should have a bed for all to sleep in. I’m not quite sure what project dad and I will tackle this weekend, but I’m sure it will be outside. We might just take on teaching Riley how to water-ski; it is about time she gets that skill added to the list of things she knows how to do. When I went to Rochester I also did a little visiting on Tuesday on the trip down. I stopped in New Brighton to join Tim and Erin Martinson for breakfast, Tim whipped up some awesome pancakes from scratch. Tim was flying back to San Diego at around 4:00 in the afternoon. After breakfast I headed down to meet Eric Overby for lunch. And to pick up some things I had forgot on the boat this last weekend, when I joined Eric, Sue, Mara and Madison with my jet ski down on the Mississippi. We were just north of all the flooding. I found out an interesting fact about my jet ski, you need to be careful not to get the ski rope anywhere near the impeller intake as it will suck the rope in and wrap it around the impeller shaft. We were able to tow the Jet Ski, back to the landing and get it up on the trailer. I drove straight home to Nevis from there. I was able to take the intake guard off the Jet Ski, and cut the rope off the drive shaft, so now it’s good to go for this weekend.

Monday, August 20, 2007 12:29 AM CDT

Hello everyone I’m still on the upside of life. I’m thanking God for every day and praying for more good ones. I picked up Breck on Friday from his new place in Moorhead he seems to be doing really well there. We drove back to Nevis and dumped his stuff off at my place then we went out to the house to pick up his TV/ VCR, and bounce on the trampoline and play on the swing for a bit, those are two of his favorite activities. We then went back to my place and made some supper and got ready for bed. He slept great on my futon. I put all his sheets from his old bed at the house on it. We slept in a bit on Saturday morning and then road bikes to Grandpa and Grandma Carlson’s to say Hi. After that we headed out to the house to mow the lawn, Riley had a slumber party at the house Friday night, after her friends and she watched High school Musical 2. They were just getting wrapped up when Breck and I got there around noon. It sounded like they had a great time. Riley, Breck, and I hung out for the rest of the day on Saturday, so Steph could have time to finish her last paper her Masters classes. We did fun things like shopping for groceries and shooting lots of basketball. Breck was in the mood for hanging out and watching his TV Saturday night, he actually fell a sleep on the floor in my bedroom watching. Sunday morning I got up and went to the early service at Faith in Park Rapids. Then came home and we got ready to get Breck back to Moorhead. He seemed pretty happy to get back home, so we left him with a basketball in his hand shooting hoops.
Riley and I then headed to West Acres to find her a cell phone. She had already passed the trust worthy test using Grandma Carlson’s cell phone on her Washington DC trip. So for $9.99 she got added to my plan. Of course she has the cooler phone the nice part is we have unlimited Text messaging so we can keep in touch better. That’s about all for now.

Doug

Riley’s cell # is 218-230-9757 try to keep the call length down we share minutes.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007 4:27 PM CDT

I’m settling in to life here in my bachelor pad. I’ve had to make a couple of purchases like a microwave and get the high speed internet set up. Now that all of that is done I’ve just got to get my bed over here and I’ll be set. I’m really enjoying this minimalist thing, and keeping the place clean with just me is a piece of cake. I’m working on expanding my comfort zone with cooking, beyond grilling and frozen food. It sounds like Riley is having a great time in Washington DC, she’s checked in a couple of times. She thought independence hall was really cool because of the movie National Treasure, its fun to realize that the places they have in the movies are real. I’m headed to Fargo tomorrow for Tim Martinson’s Grandpa’s funeral; there is also a meeting with the people at Breck’s house as well. It will be good to see Tim and Erin again; I do not like having Tim out in California too much. He could really help me make the most of my new toy. I guess he’ll just have to sneak back home once and a while, and help me enjoy it. My exercise routine is continuing to go well I’m getting in both in the morning and afternoon. I can’t say that I’ve noticed a large reduction in my waste line, but I am feeling much more energetic. That’s all for now I’ve got to get up and do my afternoon workout. Sorry just got interrupted by an update from Riley; they did a bunch of monuments today. Lincoln, Washington, Vietnam, and the library of congress- She was duly impressed with all of them. Now I’m going.

Doug

Saturday, August 4, 2007 10:37 AM CDT

Hello everyone, life is still going well. I’ve made an acquisition of a new toy. It is a new SeaDoo Jet Ski! Before you start with the lectures, know that it is already paid for and there are no trees currently in any of the lakes I plan to ride it in. Going to the lake as a kid are some of my best memories, and I wanted to create those same memories with Riley. Besides she doesn’t ski and she’s 12?! She’ll be on one ski by the end of this summer. As a matter of fact I bought her a ski and some ski gloves this morning at the garage sale next store for $11.00; I’ll let you know how the training goes. I think I’ll wait to teach how to Barefoot until next year or the year after (I’m not serious.). So if you ever come up for a visit we can hit the lake and do some skiing, or just cruise around and check out the sights. Well I’m going to go play with my toy. I’ll try to get a picture of me on it to share with you.

Doug

Friday, July 27, 2007 1:32 PM CDT

“My place in town” is fully moved into, with the help of Barry and Jessie Munson. I will continue to have the same e-mail address, dhanson218@aol.com. My actual street and mailing address is now:
Doug Hanson
404 Pleasant St. W.
Nevis MN, 56467

I spent my first complete day and night over there yesterday! We’re trying to get through this as smoothly and peaceably as possible. Fortunately God has allowed me to stay in a positive frame of mind to this point. This in combination with being depressed would be brutal; I do appreciate any prayer support you can offer.

Doug

Thursday, July 26, 2007 6:03 AM CDT

Well the move in process has begun. With my brother-in-law Karl’s help I’ll be moving the heavy stuff today. I’ve already got my bedroom - kitchen stuff, food, bathroom stuff and a couple of bikes in the garage. Today we’ll be moving the futon, couch, TV, entertainment center, the computer stuff, and I'll finish the food items like butter and milk. The water and Coke are already in the fridge Riley and I spent the day getting everything organized and put away, we had a great time. Say a prayer for strength and good balance while we move the big stuff.

Doug

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:52 AM CDT

Hello again. I’m still feeling good thank the Lord!! I’ve found a place to rent in Nevis within 2 blocks of the school, and a block and a half from the fitness center. So God is still busy answering prayers up here in Nevis. I will be moving in on Thursday, although I’m going over today to mow the lawn, can’t be moving into a place with a sub-par lawn, it should be fun. If your going to be near Nevis on Wednesday or the days around it come on over and I’ll fill your arms with loving hugs and boxes. I’m not hard to find 1 block past the school heading west. 404 Pleasant street Nevis MN 56467 No phone yet I’ll probably just use my cell phone and get the high-speed internet going right away. Well I’d better get up to the fitness center and get my morning workout finished, before I pick up Riley from Karl and Steph’s.( She hung out with her cousins last night.) It sounds like they like there big cousin Riley.

Doug

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 4:10 AM CDT

Hey, we’ve had a great weekend celebrating Breck’s 14th birthday!!! All of his old favorites were on the list: swimming, basketball, trampoline, eating out @ Companaro’s with Dad and Riley, picking on Riley pushing her in off the dock. He doesn’t have his swimming confidence back yet, but will soon. It sure was nice having Breck noises in the house again, Steph and Barb are running him back to Moorhead so he can get back in the grove at summer school. Steph is scheduled for laser eye surgery later today. Steph and Barb will stay overnight in Fargo so she can run in for a follow up on her surgery tomorrow, Riley is hanging out with Karl and Steph and her cousins. I will be keeping busy getting my newly rented trailer house; it’s kind of high toned for Nevis, two car garage nice trailer with new appliances with Washer/Dryer. I’ll be setting up things after the carpets. The best part is the location!! Two blocks from the school and one block from the fitness center. As always things in a small town kind of work out nice register

Doug

Saturday, July 14, 2007 8:55 AM CDT

Hello again! You’re not going to know what to do two updates in two days. Up early this morning showered packed the car and ate breakfast by 5:00. I had to get my workout in and breakfast eaten before heading down to spend the day with Eric Overby and his family on their house bout in Wabasha. I’ve already worked out and I’m typing this at Area 57 in Wanamingo waiting for my order of French toast; so much for that hour on the elliptical trainer. I’m feeling the need to confess a secret that I’ve been keeping all of you who haven’t had the opportunity to see me in a month or so. I’ve discovered another down side to my accident. Although I can no longer run 10 miles a day I still have a runner’s appetite. This combined with my depression and resulting sedentary life style I.E. laying on the couch all day has resulted in a new problem. When I look down I see a large protrusion around my mid section. I am now at highest ever body weight by over 20 lbs. I now type the scales right at 193 lbs. Unfortunately my clothes are all for the normal running me at 160 lbs. I’ve decided that I’d rather attack the problem on the Elliptical trainer instead of the shopping mall. My Aunt Barb and Uncle Phil are graciously going to allow me to use there’s for a month or two. I have a multiple stage plan to shed the small 40 lb child that has attached it self to my stomach, right now he/she is about a kindergartener and I need to attack him before he tries to get into 1st and 2nd grade. I’ve seen a few people walking around who’s child is still hanging on well into it’s 20’s. So if I see you I won’t be offended if you stair at both my chins and my brace.
Wow I feel better now that I’ve shared that. I’ll share my intense plan to shed the pounds without any running in one of the next updates.

Doug

Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:21 PM CDT

Hey everyone, yes I’ve been down in the dumper lately! Seems my limited mental capacity is a bit overwhelmed by all the specifics of the divorce. I’ve decided that the details of my divorce are personal and I won’t be sharing them on the website. I will on rare occasions still through on a quick update just to give all you faithful something to keep checking for. Don’t worry I just learned that when God is silent it could be several things. It could be to reveal sin in your life and once you’ve gone through your sin check list and sought forgiveness, and He’s still quiet you need to look expectantly for him to be doing something to bring Him greater glory in your future. So that is where I’m at I’m going through the difficult details of the divorce process looking for how God is planning to do something in my life He will be glorified by. Be in prayer for Steph and I tonight; we’re meeting at 5:30 to go out to eat and discuss things. After meeting with my attorney yesterday I’m very encouraged that we can work things out and put this process behind us very quickly. Thanks again for checking in and for all the prayers, keep praying that the good days continue and the drugs can work to balance my system.

Doug

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:28 AM CDT

Hello again everyone. Life has been pretty low key this week; I’ve just been doing lawn and clean up projects around our place here in Nevis. I went in for some blood work on Monday and should hear from the Dr. on it in the next day or so. I’m hoping that he says all is well and that I can leave things alone. It is so nice to be feeling positive and motivated again. I never realized how much I took my natural driven personality and ability to work for granted; it’s awesome to have it back. Please pray that God will continue to work out, His plan in our lives, as Isaiah 42:16 says. “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known along unfamiliar paths I will guide them and make rough places smooth. These things I will do; I will not forsake them. I am definitely on unfamiliar paths these days and would love to have the rough places smoothed a bit. I will try to keep you posted on any further developments.

Doug

Saturday, June 9, 2007 1:15 PM CDT

It’s been pretty busy since I last wrote. Two of the Nevis tricksters made it to state! Jessica Shunk a 9th grader made it in the 100 meter and Bryon Shult a 7th grader made it in the 2 mile. As far as we can tell Bryon may be the first 7th grader to ever qualify in the 2 mile. I had an appointment with Dr. Richardson my Neuropsychiatrist on Thursday at 1:00. He was quite happy with how I’m doing on the Lamictol. I’ve got to go in on Monday to Park Rapids to get some blood work done and sent to Mayo. He is thinking I can just leave my meds where they are at if my blood levels are in the right range. After Mayo I went up to New Life Church and helped with the weekly cleaning, and went for coffee with the guys (I drink Coke not coffee.) Then Mom and Dad and I met Uncle Todd and Aunt Louis for supper at Area 57, it was good to get caught up with them. I spent the night at Mom and Dad’s then headed up to the State Track meet at Hamline to watch Jessica and Bryon run. They both did great! Jessica ran her fastest time of the season, but didn’t make it into finals which are today. Brian had the slowest seed time coming into the 2 mile. There was one 9th grader, 16 juniors and seniors and Bryon the lone 7th grader. He finished 17th of 18, but ran a smart race, and gained some amazing experience. It will be neat to watch him progress over the years. I drove home after the meet and got in around 11:00. It was nice sleeping in my own bed. I’m working on outside projects today. I have been spraying weeds in the lawn, filling in stump holes with dirt and cleaning up some junk piles. I’d better get back at it I don’t want to lose my momentum.

Doug

Saturday, June 2, 2007 6:59 AM CDT

I am half way through the sports weekend. I'm in Fargo with the Nevis track team getting ready to head to Ada for the section meet. Nevis has 9 girls and 3 boys going to sections this year. All three girls relay teams made it Kera Gustuvson made it in the discus, Megan Stambaugh made it in the 800, Maggy Lindow made it in the 100, Sophie Shogren made it in the mile. The boys have Brian Sholt in the 2 mile, John Gunkel in the shot and Cassie Sharmolley in the 400, not too shabby for a tiny little school like Nevis. We'll see how today turns out for the kids. Then it's on to Duluth for some Volleyball.

Doug

Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:09 AM CDT

The weekend went off as planned. We got to spend some great hang out time with Tim and Erin at the Martinson place in New Brighton catching up on California life. Breck seemed to be very happy to be around familiar faces and familiar places, he just seemed to be happy being close enough to the conversation to listen, but far enough away not to feel like he wasn’t free to bolt if he wanted to. When Tim and Erin took off we went up to Darla’s to drop her off then Mom drove us back to Kenyon. When we were at Mom and Dad’s the kids pretty much played outside nonstop. Breck was shooting baskets and jumping on the trampoline with his sister. Riley stayed very busy Choreographing elaborate productions on the trampoline, which I got to help with creative direction. Of coarse multiple showing of each of her two shows was required so each of us could pick our 1st, 2nd and 3rd favorite moves. Some of the moves were quite imaginative. We hung out at Mom and Dad’s until Monday around 11:00 when we headed for Fargo to drop Breck back off at the CCRI house. Once Breck was safely at Home we loaded up the trampoline that we had purchased for the CCRI house that they wouldn’t put up for insurance reasons and headed back to Nevis. On Tuesday Dad and I worked on multiple projects around the house- Lawn, Lake pump, moving deck furniture, and starting to set up the trampoline. Dad took off Wednesday at around 2:00 so he would be in Kenyon before it got too late. Riley and I continued working on the trampoline project and were doing great until the safety netting that goes around the tramp threw us a curve. We will not be discouraged, the SHOWS MUST GO ON. We stayed in and watched a movie last night, and I got up and hit the fitness center this morning. Steph headed into school to do some stuff for the Volleyball tournament this weekend, and I’m sure Riley is fully enjoying sleeping in! It is full sports weekend of sections track at Ada, followed by Junior Olympics Volleyball in Duluth. It’s no wonder my car has 308,000 miles on it!
Pray for safe travel and good family times.

Doug

Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:47 AM CDT

The Darla Hanson Park project is in full swing today! Gorgeous day for working outside it is great mind and body therapy. I’m just in for a break, just baked fresh cinnamon rolls. We’ve got a big weekend planned. Friday night we’re going to a Graduation party for one of Steph’s relatives, then Saturday morning we’ll head to Moorhead to pick up Breck and drive to MSP, where we’ll meet Tim, Erin, and Darla at Rollie and Sharon Martinson’s house. We will hang out and visit there until around 5:00 when Tim and Erin have another family get together planned. We will head over to Darla’s place to hang out and wait for Dad to come get Riley, Breck and myself to go down to Kenyon until Monday. Steph is heading back up to Nevis, because she is helping with a fund raiser pancake breakfast on Sunday Morning for Riley’s trip to Washington D.C. in August.

Doug

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:40 PM CDT

Well Riley did great in her track meet! She finished first in her heat of the400 and the 200 her times were a little slower than the last meet, but they were bucking a 20+ MPH head wind coming down the home stretch. We should find out tonight how she placed over all, since there were multiple heats in both events. After the bus got back Riley and I headed over to Grandpa and Grandma Carlson to chat then we tried going to Companaro’s for supper- not open, so we decided Subway would hit the spot, but when we got there it was closed for remodeling. During the big Park Rapids Street project! Well I’d better head out side and get some mowing done. I’ve been rained out twice already this week, so it’s needing it big time.
Doug

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 4:08 PM CDT

It was a regular night at home last night. Steph had to go chat with her Mom after school so Riley and I headed home after track practice and started making taco’s. Riley did the browning and seasoning of the hamburger and I washed and prepped the lettuce. Steph was home long before we were ready to eat. It was a nice rainy evening so we ate out on the screened in porch listening to it rain, and when it stopped the birds were going nuts. The smell of the spring rain in the pine trees is one of my favorite smells. After supper the three of us played a couple of games sequence and a new game called fact or crap. Both were pretty fun, then we played a couple of games that Riley created. You will have to ask her how stairs hacky sak is played, and her Bed diving for a cush ball is played, not to mention the complicated point system of each.
I was up early and in town for the men’s bible study, we started the study of the book of Joshua today, it seems like a pretty manly book so far. After Bible study I headed to the dump to drop trash, then spent 2 hours getting the truck “Hanson Clean”. Start praying that God would send the right buyer, that truck needs a loving home (Maybe yours?).Well I’d better get headed to Riley’s track meet in Park Rapids. She should have fun at this meet she gets to run against people in 6th grade not the 7th-8th graders she’s been running against in all the other meets.

Monday, May 21, 2007 10:55 AM CDT

Well it was a very crazy weekend of Volleyball and fun. We were up Saturday morning and on the road at 6:30 heading to Pierz for a Junior Olympics volleyball tournament. All together Nevis had 4 J.O. teams in the tournament on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday the 14’s team Riley is on competed and the13’s team did as well. The 13’s got 3rd in their tournament, 14’s got 2nd in theirs. Riley headed home with her friend Katie to stay for the rest of the weekend. I headed home as well and Riley and Katie come over to do smoores, yes we had a camp fire! Legally. It was in a new fire ring that met with current regulations. Riley stayed over at Katie’s and hung out there for Sunday morning activities. Steph and her folks stayed down in Little Falls and went out for her dad Karl’s birthday. I got up on Sunday morning and headed into Faith Baptist in Park Rapids for the 8:15 service and men’s group class afterward. The Lesson was GREAT it is on why God prune Christians to bear more fruit. It said pruining though painful is the primary way to make a branch more fruitful. Pruining puts pressure on your main priorities and stimulates you to relocate your primary resources more effectively. I’d say He definitely did some major pruning on Feb 3rd 2004. He cut back my job, running, active lifestyle, house & possessions, and eventually family. Now if any of it comes back it is because God has restored it and He’ll get the Glory, it’s kind of cool how he works it out that way. It doesn’t make it any less painful when the pruining is going on though, and we need to make sure we don’t confuse pruning with discipline. Pruning is the stripping away of things that take our resources away from where God can use our talents best. Needless to say God really used it to speak to me. After group I ate at McDonald’s and headed out to go back to Pierz for day two of the tournament. I pocked my head in at White Oak Bible Chapel and caught all of pastor Chris’s message and said hey to everyone. When I got to Pierz both teams were doing well again the 16’s team actually ended up winning the whole thing! It was awesome they beat Grand Rapids a much bigger school, who should have killed us. Worth the drive!! Steph and I got to ride back to Nevis together and spend some time just hanging out and getting caught back up.

Doug

Friday, May 18, 2007 8:28 AM CDT

It was a busy day yesterday! I was all over the map. I started out early in the morning getting the mowing at Darla’s going. I went back to eat breakfast with the girls before they headed to school, after breakfast I called Deb Stambaugh to see if she would help me plant some flowers I got the other day. She said she’d be glad too; they are looking great on the front step already today. After the plants were done I headed to Park Rapids for some errands and a visit to Windoworld to say Hi to the Munson’s. I ate lunch I n town then headed home to shower and change clothes and head up to the school. I rode the track bus to Riley’s track meet in Northome- Kellar. She did the Long Jump, the 4x 100 and the 4x 200 relays and her first open 400, which if you ask this prejudice dad she ran really well for her first one! 400 is such a tough race especially if you go out too fast, Riley listen too her Coach Mr. Stambaugh and went out under control, she came through the 200 in around 34 seconds, she was right next to the girl in the lane next to her. She put her head down into the wind and kicked it down on the home stretch and won by about 10 feet. For her first open 400 finishing at 69 seconds is pretty great for a 6th grader. Karl and I rode the bus home getting supper in Blackduck on the way home. It was an awesome day I even got some mowing done on Hanson Park, and I potted some plants with help from Deb Stambaugh as I mentioned above the neighborhood floral expert. They turned out pretty good I did very little other than buying the stuff and bringing it to Deb’s then bringing it home to water and put on the front step, of coarse I will take full credit for how nice they look. A busy but great day I even put a bit more time on the mower after we got back home.
Doug

Friday, May 18, 2007 8:27 AM CDT

It was a busy day yesterday! I was all over the map. I started out early in the morning getting the mowing at Darla’s going. I went back to eat breakfast with the girls before they headed to school, after breakfast I called Deb Stambaugh to see if she would help me plant some flowers I got the other day. She said she’d be glad too; they are looking great on the front step already today. After the plants were done I headed to Park Rapids for some errands and a visit to Windoworld to say Hi to the Munson’s. I ate lunch I n town then headed home to shower and change clothes and head up to the school. I rode the track bus to Riley’s track meet in Northome- Kellar. She did the Long Jump, the 4x 100 and the 4x 200 relays and her first open 400, which if you ask this prejudice dad she ran really well for her first one! 400 is such a tough race especially if you go out too fast, Riley listen too her Coach Mr. Stambaugh and went out under control, she came through the 200 in around 34 seconds, she was right next to the girl in the lane next to her. She put her head down into the wind and kicked it down on the home stretch and won by about 10 feet. For her first open 400 finishing at 69 seconds is pretty great for a 6th grader. Karl and I rode the bus home getting supper in Blackduck on the way home. It was an awesome day I even got some mowing done on Hanson Park, and I potted some plants with help from Deb Stambaugh as I mentioned above the neighborhood floral expert. They turned out pretty good I did very little other than buying the stuff and bringing it to Deb’s then bringing it home to water and put on the front step, of coarse I will take full credit for how nice they look. A busy but great day I even put a bit more time on the mower after we got back home.
Doug

Friday, May 18, 2007 5:49 AM CDT

It was a busy day yesterday! I was all over the map. I started out early in the morning getting the mowing at Darla’s going. I went back to eat breakfast with the girls before they headed to school, after breakfast I called Deb Stambaugh to see if she would help me plant some flowers I got the other day. She said she’d be glad too; they are looking great on the front step already today. After the plants were done I headed to Park Rapids for some errands and a visit to Windoworld to say Hi to the Munson’s. I ate lunch I n town then headed home to shower and change clothes and head up to the school. I rode the track bus to Riley’s track meet in Northome- Kellar. She did the Long Jump, the 4x 100 and the 4x 200 relays and her first open 400, which if you ask this prejudice dad she ran really well for her first one! 400 is such a tough race especially if you go out too fast, Riley listen too her Coach Mr. Stambaugh and went out under control, she came through the 200 in around 34 seconds, she was right next to the girl in the lane next to her. She put her head down into the wind and kicked it down on the home stretch and won by about 10 feet. For her first open 400 finishing at 69 seconds is pretty great for a 6th grader. Karl and I rode the bus home getting supper in Blackduck on the way home. It was an awesome day I even got some mowing done on Hanson Park, and I potted some plants with help from Deb Stambaugh as I mentioned above the neighborhood floral expert. They turned out pretty good I did very little other than buying the stuff and bringing it to Deb’s then bringing it home to water and put on the front step, of coarse I will take full credit for how nice they look. A busy but great day I even put a bit more time on the mower after we got back home.
Doug

Thursday, May 17, 2007 5:57 AM CDT

It was a very long day of driving yesterday. I was driving the lawn mower @ Darla’s trying to get that first cut finished. I’m headed back there today to trim mow and weed eat, we’re taking it up to “Hanson Park Status” today. I’m even thinking of asking Darla for permission to set the tent up on the hill, so we could roast marshmallows and star watch before going to sleep. After Hanson Park North is completed, I’m needing to get my lake pump in for watering the grass. Yesterday after I finished mowing and getting ready to go I hopped in the car for that 4 hr trip to Rochester. It was a beautiful day to be on the road, all the traffic was moving great and I was bright eyed and bushy tailed. I had a great OT session with Stephanie, after our last session when I was down in the dumps, she was thinking she might need to continue our therapy. But seeing how much better I’m doing with the Lamictal doing it’s job she didn’t see the need for me to be paying for therapy where we didn’t have any urgent things to address.
After my session I got a message from Dad that he was working on replacing the windows in the living room, and that having me pick up a Saws All at Home Depot would make it much easier.(It looked like a good early Father’s day gift to come from the 3D children.) When I got home Dad already had the Southside living room out and was looking for my help to lift the new one into, it fit like a glove! I think he’ll be trying the North living room window in the next couple of days. After the window was in and I grabbed my computer I was back in for the another 4 hours of drive time, Once again it went great, I got home around 8:30 with enough ambition to work on the lawn at Darla’s I mowed until around 10:00, the lights on my mower are a great thing!! Once again I slept rather soundly until 4:30 when I was ready for my day to start. Thanks for your prayers, I felt very alert for all 8 hours of driving, and the traffic in the Cities was in very good shape that had to be a direct answer to prayer! I’ll up date later.

Doug

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 4:39 AM CDT

Thank you for the feedback everyone it is appreciated! I’m definitely in the “not getting a divorce” camp myself, but I know God can do all things, so I need to have a little patience and let Him work. I have a praise in another area of life. Whenever I’m in Nevis I go to a men’s Bible Study @ 6:30 on Tuesday Mornings. We meet at the Wind-World store west of Wal-Mart on Bollinger. We normally have from 5-16 guys there on a typical Tuesday Morning @ 6:30 a.m. that’s saying something! We are currently going through some material on the Search for Authentic Manhood, it is a CD series describing how the current world view makes it difficult to be a man of God and take a stand. The Lord has really been putting it on my heart to help get the right group of guys there to hear what he is planning to do in the Park Rapids Area in the years ahead.
I had a very productive day yesterday working on my Nevis To-Do list. I got the cracked windshield replaced on the Toyota, and visited with Grandpa Stambaugh, then rented a stump grinder in town and got help from Kevin Hedvit to grind out about 12 stumps all afternoon, unfortunately that is only the first day of many to come behind the grinder, I’m hoping Kevin is as willing to help in the near future. I was also able to meet with Eric Wolf the realtor yesterday while I ate my lunch; He’s getting set for the Summer push that always comes in the summer in the “up North Lakes Area”. I shared with him yesterday that I’m still hoping the Lord changes His mind on the selling, before Eric is able to find a buyer. After we took the Stump grinder back to Utke’s in Park Rapids, I headed home, so I could mow grass on my sister Darla’s property, I mowed until around 10:00 pm (The new Mower has great lights!) Then noticing the time, and date I thought I’d better call my Sister Darla and wish her “Happy Birthday”. No one home, but I got the “Honest Effort Points” for leaving the message. Oh yeah did I mention I squeezed a back massage at Pleasant Hands Massage, it felt great. I didn’t realize how sore my feet and neck were, a massage has a way of letting you know that without bringing you to tears. Well I obviously slept great last night; it’s nice to be feeling a bit more optimistic and normal. I’m trying not too get my hopes up too high, that the down days could be a thing of the past. That would sure be awesome.
Another day on the road today, I have a 1:00 pm OT session with Miss Stephanie Ritter for OT today in Rochester. So you could send up some payers for safe travel and alert mind.
Doug

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 3:36 AM CDT

Welcome back everyone. Did you all take good care of your mother’s? As you know we had a fun day yesterday, after church and our visit to Grandpa Stambaugh we went home to say Happy Mother’s Day to Steph, and give her, her cards and gifts. Riley scored big with ipod shuffle for Steph to wear while working out, my gift came in a close second with a gift card for a Pedicure, Manicure, and 1 ½ hour massage at Park Salon. Steph deserves a little pampering with all she is going through.
Well since the beginning you’ve prayed us through from hour to hour up dates in the E.R. to selling our house, there is one more prayer request I’d like you to take before the Lord for us. This whole brain injury recovery process had been brutal to go through for each of us. I’ve been running back and forth to Rochester and Kenyon for therapy leaving Steph all alone to handle- School, House, Breck Riley, Volleyball, Household upkeep and just plain survival. She has done an amazing job trying to keep all of those balls in the air at once, without her Dad Karl’s help on the finances, Paperwork for SS, Medical assistance, taxes, and following up on LTD updates, not to mention all of her Mom’s help with meals, scrap booking ,and keeping Riley busy, survival wouldn’t have been possible. Still going it alone takes it’s toll on a person. Then let’s through in the wild card pf a husband with a Traumatic Brain Injury, when he’s feeling up he wants to be involved in as much as he used to, but when he feels down makes off hand suicidal comments. This is combined with the fact that during the process of my recovery God has been giving Steph some training time as well. She’s now working at the school as well as keeping up with the house, interfacing with Breck’s team in Moorhead, Riley, Volleyball, did I mention what great job she’s doing. I guess it seems like part of the new independent, decision making Stephanie will have to be lost for the healthy, somewhat controlling in nature Doug to resume his place in the family. Then the world starts showing us that if we have cooperative friendly Divorce, that would let Doug focus on getting better, and Steph and Riley stay up in Nevis going to school and coaching volleyball and doing sports and stuff, everything will work out fine if we keep all of our decisions for the best of Breck and Riley. Once the house sells we each down size and simplify our lives and get on with whatever comes next. Sounds great, right? Well what would Jesus Do, is the question? If we could get our focuses onto Him instead of us maybe we’d see that He plans to use what he’s teaching us at some point in the future. He knows the future we just need to trust that He knows who we’ll need to be when we get there to do the work and bring Him the glory. The hard part of Faith is following Christ when you have no idea where the road is heading.

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them and make the rough places smooth. These things I will do; I will not forsake them.

It’s nice to know who’s got us covered. Thanks for your prayers and for praying us through to this point, I know God isn’t finished with us yet.

Doug

I'm really hoping to get some feedback and some encouragement for Steph. Just let her know that she is being prayed for. You can even drop her a note at school telling her she has just been prayed for.

shanson@nevis.k12.mn.us.

Monday, May 14, 2007 7:22 AM CDT

Welcome back everyone. Did you all take good care of your mother’s? As you know we had a fun day yesterday, after church and our visit to Grandpa Stambaugh we went home to say Happy Mother’s Day to Steph, and give her, her cards and gifts. Riley scored big with ipod shuffle for Steph to wear while working out, my gift came in a close second with a gift card for a Pedicure, Manicure, and 1 ½ hour massage at Park Salon. Steph deserves a little pampering with all she is going through.
Well since the beginning you’ve prayed us through from hour to hour up dates in the E.R. to selling our house, there is one more prayer request I’d like you to take before the Lord for us. This whole brain injury recovery process had been brutal to go through for each of us. I’ve been running back and forth to Rochester and Kenyon for therapy leaving Steph all alone to handle- School, House, Breck Riley, Volleyball, Household upkeep and just plain survival. She has done an amazing job trying to keep all of those balls in the air at once, without her Dad Karl’s help on the finances, Paperwork for SS, Medical assistance, taxes, and following up on LTD updates, not to mention all of her Mom’s help with meals, scrap booking ,and keeping Riley busy, survival wouldn’t have been possible. Still going it alone takes it’s toll on a person. Then let’s through in the wild card pf a husband with a Traumatic Brain Injury, when he’s feeling up he wants to be involved in as much as he used to, but when he feels down makes off hand suicidal comments. This is combined with the fact that during the process of my recovery God has been giving Steph some training time as well. She’s now working at the school as well as keeping up with the house, interfacing with Breck’s team in Moorhead, Riley, Volleyball, did I mention what great job she’s doing. I guess it seems like part of the new independent, decision making Stephanie will have to be lost for the healthy, somewhat controlling in nature Doug to resume his place in the family. Then the world starts showing us that if we have cooperative friendly Divorce, that would let Doug focus on getting better, and Steph and Riley stay up in Nevis going to school and coaching volleyball and doing sports and stuff, everything will work out fine if we keep all of our decisions for the best of Breck and Riley. Once the house sells we each down size and simplify our lives and get on with whatever comes next. Sounds great, right? Well what would Jesus Do, is the question? If we could get our focuses onto Him instead of us maybe we’d see that He plans to use what he’s teachin