Holiday Update

I am sure that by now you are all thinking where has this woman been..........I will be honest with you and share that I've had a hard time staying positive and just getting out of bed, this whole ordeal with my back has taken a toll on me. I am starting to bounce back after these long 4 months and finally some positive news from the new neurosurgeon. He has determined that my condition has gotten worse since the MRI that was taken on 8/29 and will be doing surgery on January 10th at 4:00 PM at Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville. I should only be in the hospital for a couple of days and back home to recuperate. After a couple of weeks then I will start therapy so that we can try and get some of the strength back in my left leg.

Now onto other notes......Christmas has come and gone for another year. I think all the kids were pretty happy with their gifts. Santa brought Darryl a reed kit (it will allow him to trim his reeds and hopefully they will last a bit longer) and a metronome. Rachel received a portable DVD player and iPod Shuffle, while Isaac received a Harely Davidson remote controlled truck and a "humongo" remote controlled John Deere tractor - complete with turn signals, headlights and a variety of sounds! Rachel and Darryl received a variety of other gifts, school hoodie sweatshirts, pajamas and miscellaneous clothes items. Isaac received a wide variety of John Deere tractors and implements to go with them. He has decided that he wants to move up to "bigger" tractors. Up until recently he had been receiving smaller tractors. The one gift that did not come, thanks to a horrible experience with Best Buy (and it will be a long time before I visit their store or make an online purchase), is a keyboard. We are also getting Rachel and Darryl piano lessons. We really want to get a true piano, but right now that is just not possible. Right now Isaac has absolutely no interest in sitting still long enough to learn how to play. We are hoping that it will come in another year. He is way too happy to be outside and "working".

Both Darryl and Rachel continue to excel with their musical talents. Darryl has more natural talent when it comes to playing an instrument, while Rachel has more natural talent when it comes to singing.

Russell is registering for college this week in order to get all of his credits transferred and take a couple of classes. His goal is be able to start substitute teaching once I get better (6-8 weeks after surgery). Not only is our school district having a hard time getting enough subs, but so are a couple of other counties within 10-15 minutes of us. We are really thrilled that Russell will be able to sub and it will be enough to help us get some major improvement projects completed and allow him to be home with the kids in the summer and when they are on breaks from school.

Darryl tried out for All-District Band and made 1st Chair Oboe and made the 1st cut for All-State. Unfortunately, he did not make All-State, but like we told him it is an honor to make it to the 2nd round for a freshman. Rachel has had several opportunities to sing the National Anthem at the Middle School Boys Basketball games and then she and the Middle School Choir sang for light up Bedford.

Both Darryl and Rachel had their holiday concerts and they went really well. Rachel sang a solo and played a solo on her flute. The concerts were nicely done and well attended by not only parents but the community.

We hope that you all had a joyous and happy holiday!

Love,
Tina, Russell, Darryl, Rachel & Isaac

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Things that we are thankful for.........

• We are thankful for our families both near and far! They continue to be there when we need them the most and love us no matter what!!


• We are thankful for healthy/happy children that are capable of doing so many things


• We are thankful for each other....several years ago I never thought I could ever be this happy, little lone give my heart away and take a chance on love again. I managed to find a wonderful mate for life, who also brought me the gift of another child (Darryl). I also managed to get an awesome step-dad for Rachel and Isaac.


• We are thankful for Rachel's great report card. She brought home her mid-term on Tuesday and of course once again it was awesome.


• We are thankful for Darryl's music talent. He made the All District Band - First Chair Oboe and was also recommended for All State Band. Not bad for a freshman! Now keep the prayers coming about the academic side of things!


• We are thankful for Isaac's ability to always be happy. He is the only one of our 3 children that can go to bed happy (even if he is not happy about having to go to bed) and wake up happy.


• We are thankful for doctors (I never thought I would say that). This week proved to gain us ground in finding out what is wrong with me. The nerve study on Tuesday proved that I do have nerve impairment on nerve L5 and S1. The L5 nerve damage appears to be chronic pain (the doctor feels I have just learned to live with this pain and have actually blocked it out). The S1 nerve damage is new and was the final breaking point for my body. By adding more pain, it was more than my body and mind could handle. With this finding, a recent trip to the ER, that did not help relieve any of the pain and a follow-up appointment with our family doctor - we were able to get the Neurosurgeon appointment for January 30th moved up to December 10th.


• We are thankful that the rheumatology tests all came back negative! Praise God for no auto immune system issues!!


• We are thankful that Christ died on the cross for us and that our Saviors birth is fast approaching.


• We are thankful for our soldiers that are doing what they do best, protecting our country and fighting hard to give another country their freedom. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices that they give up that we might carry-on like nothing is different

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to our many friends and family that we will not be able to be with at this time. Every night I thank God for the wonderful blessings that you all bring to our lives and how you are all very special in your own unique way. We love you all!

The usual happenings in our family.............

Good Morning,

Just wanted to give you all a quick update.......We received report cards this week. In this house that can be a bit of a scary thing when you have two boys. We were pleasantly surprised with Darryl's report card, however there was still one grade that was not satisfactory that resulted in him losing some privileges. Isaac's was a complete shock since we started the school year with him not finishing his work at school and just thinking it was a social party. He had all "E's" which means he is making expected progress. Rachel's report was a bit of a surprise, as she had all A's with the exception of Math, and she had a B. Russell and I will be meeting with his teacher on Thursday, because we are very perplexed how her grade could go down 7% points from mid-term when she continued to do so well. We have heard that there was something that she didn't get around to giving this period and so it showed up as a zero instead of her removing the grade. Russell said that he would handle it. Rachel is handling getting a B very well. She is extremely disappointed in herself and considers it a bad grade even though she keeps trying to tell herself it is okay. We'll let you know how parent teacher conferences go later next week.

Also, Rachel has made the 6th grade basketball team and so we are starting to have to shuttle her 2-3 days a week to practice, Darryl home from play practice 3 days a week and Isaac to and from Cub Scouts on Monday's. I know that my husband appreciated that I handled all the "running" of children, but I think he has definitely learned to appreciate it even more. Besides getting kids where they need to go, he has to get me where I need to go. At the beginning of this illness the doctor stated that they did not want me driving, so I have to be chauffeured everywhere (which I really don't like).

As for me, physical therapy has done nothing to relieve any of the pain and numbness in my leg. At Friday's visit it was determined that we would stop therapy until after I see the Rheumatologist. The pain/ache had gotten so bad last week that I almost had Russell take me to the ER, but instead I reached out to my wonder Aunt who is a Pharmacist to see if I could take both medications at the same time, and she assured me I could, so that has helped take a bit of the edge off. It has been a rough week, and I am making it my goal to be back in the office the week of Thanksgiving no matter what, even if we have to get me a special parking spot and I have to use a walker or wheelchair to move around in all day. I am so thankful that work has been accommodating and letting me work from home, however I really do miss the interaction with my employees and going to work. Russell and I have decided that we want to be told what this is, even if it is not the greatest news in the world. He (he is still trying to convince me) has decided that we can handle anything that comes our way. It just might mean we have to do a bit of lifestyle changes for a while if necessary.

I know my Sister-in-Law Debbie was hoping for a post about Rachel's trip, but after trying for 2 days to do it justice, I decided that I needed the expert here to help me. Rachel and I will be working on this after basketball practice (and a shower). WE PROMISE!!

Well, I must close for now, time for me to have a date with the heating pad to see if I can get some relief. They are doing "Trunk or Treat" at the elementary school and Isaac really wants to go, so I have to feel well enough for the outing!

Getting Ready for Washington D.C.

Hello All,

This post is to ask for safe travel and safety for Rachel as gets ready embark on her trip to Washington D.C.. I know that she will be safe and that People to People has a great reputation of keeping the kids safe, however, I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous. She is anxious and excited all at the same time. We will drive to Dayton on Monday morning just so we can make sure we have plenty of time and get through security without a problem. She will be home on Sunday (10/21).

She will have a great time and will come back with many memories and friends. Just keep her in your prayers. I'll provide periodic posts to keep you up to date.

Love,
Tina

Potpourri of Events

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since I've posted. Life has been a bit hectic and I've not been feeling well.

Rachel is getting things together for her trip to Washington D.C.. She leaves on Monday (we start fall break then) and comes back on Sunday. She is going to have such a great experience. She will be visiting Capitol Hill, attending an Embassy Dinner (here is a picture of her in the formal for this dinner), go to Williamsburg, Gettysburg, the Spy Museum, Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will also have the opportunity to lay a commemorative wreath at the World War II Memorial. That will have special meaning to her, as her great-great uncle (John Bower) died in the war and we have talked about him several times. We also have family members that served in that war, including her Iowa great grandpa Barcus (Ira Barcus), great-great uncle (Jim Mayes), great-great uncle (Henry Roland), and great-great uncle (Lester Bower). I apologize if I have left anyone off the list. Their last night they have a dinner cruise on the Potomac River. I'm tired just typing all the things that they will be doing! We are so very proud of her accomplishment. Rachel also has a tried out to play a flute solo at the Christmas concert and was awarded the honor.

Report cards for the middle school (Rachel's) and high school (Darryl's) come home on Friday and elementary (Isaac's) will come home on the 24th.

As for me, I'm still trying to get a diagnosis on what is going on with my body. Today I had an appointment with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor. He gave me new medicine to address the pain, it is medicine that is directed at nerve pain versus muscle pain. He is also sending me to have consultation for physical therapy. That appointment is tomorrow at 2:00. He said that there were several tests that he would normally run, however since I am going to the Rheumatologist on the 31st he said that he would just wait to see what those results showed before doing any testing of his own. I go back to see him on November 6th.

Darryl is finished with marching band. We did not make it to regionals this year, but there is always next year. I feel bad, as there were several kids that put a lot of hard work and extra effort into the music and performances, however not everyone was as committed. He has started writing some music and the Band Instructor has told him that if he polishes it up a bit, he will have the band play it. Of course that has Darryl all geeked up!

Isaac has joined Cub Scouts......he still doesn't really get it, but all he knows that finally there is something that he gets to do! He and Russell do it together on Monday nights. Next Saturday, Russell, Darryl and Isaac will be going to Fort Knox for a Boy Scout outing and will be gone all day! I'll have the house to myself (Rachel will still be gone), I'm so excited, now if I could only drive!

Russell had a mini-vacation this past weekend. He went on his annual fishing trip with his brother's to Lake Cumberland. They had a great time and enjoyed fishing and having trout for lunch. Russell said that the fish tasted really good! They played several games of cards and enjoyed spending time together with his brothers.

Well, I think I have bored you all enough, so I will close for now. Please pray for Rachel that she has safe travels next week and has the experience of a life time!

Love,

Tina

Thanks Les...........I think!!!!

So I've been tagged! The deal is I have to list 7 random things about myself and then tag 7 other people. So here it goes......

1. I was born and raised in the GREAT state of Iowa
2. I said I would NEVER live in Kentucky and guess where I am living now!!!! (Never say never - something I strongly teach to my children)
3. I have 3 half-sisters who are older than me (1 I have met and 2 I do not know)
4. I love being a Mom (I'm not cut out to be a stay at home Mom and I have high admiration for those that can stay at home)
5. My best friend is more like a sister than a friend
6. I am right where God intended for me to be in my life (even with the latest trials)
7. Baby Copeland (born with Trisomy-18) whom I don't know or even know her family (found their blog through a friend of a friend) has taught me more in her short 8 days of life and touched mine more than she or her family can ever know. I know that one day I will get to thank Copeland myself!!

Now I have to tag 7 people.......I'm not sure that I know enough people to tag!

Also, here is a link to the blog about Copeland. I would ask for prayers for her family, as she died yesterday at 8 days old. Their family blog is an incredible testimony to a very strong faith. It touched me in a way that I cannot even begin to describe. It sure put what I am going through into perspective and doesn't make it seem nearly as bad.

Oh yeah, and thank goodness it is raining..........I am so happy and thankful for rain!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great day everyone! Love you all!

Update on Tina's Appointment

Good Morning,

It is with a bit of a heavy heart that I write this post today. As you know yesterday was the appointment with the Neurologist. Well, we didn't quite get what we were expecting (not that I really knew what to expect). He said that I do have some nerve impairment in the left leg, in fact he could get no reflex from my ankle at all, and my knee response was less than what he had gotten in the right leg. He said that due to all the Staph-MRSA infections that I've had in the last 3 months, that he could not do surgery. He said that I was assured to get an infection just from the incision alone, since I seem to get them without even being cut or scratched. So, for the time being he has referred me to Rehab Therapy/Pain Management doctor. I don't care what they do, but I just want to be rid of the pain. I feel like I could even go back to work if I didn't have this ridiculous pain that makes even getting a shower difficult! So once again I am back in a holding pattern, waiting on the Neurologist to call with my appointment to the new doctor and all I hope is that it is not 4 weeks away! Please pray that they can see me this week yet. I would love to feel even the slightest relief from all this pain.

The Start of the Weekend

Good Saturday Morning,

Our weekend started at 7:00 AM to the blaring alarm clock, and another band competition. Today's competition is very close to home, right next door practically in Carroll County. Which makes the day a bit shorter for band, and a welcome relief as the temperatures today will be in the 90's once again. Band uniforms and 90 degree weather don't really go hand in hand! Russell has already left to take Darryl to the High School and help get them ready to go. Russell and Rachel will be getting ready to leave again at 11:00. He and Rachel have to pick-up the pizzas for the band (the Band Boosters always feed our kids lunch on competition day), and then go up and feed the kids, and then head for the competition. We perform at 2:30 today. It is killing me that I can't be in the "middle" of this exciting chaos! Instead Isaac and I will be at home. Isaac has to work on his room today, as he has managed to scatter Lego's, soldiers, train pieces and Lincoln logs all about his room, not to mention the numerous socks (no wonder he has so many mismatched socks)! He has to work on his room before the neighbor boy (also named Isaac, who is Rachel's age) can come over and play. I called to see if I could "hire" him to help with Isaac this afternoon, as it is really hard to try and keep up with him when the weather permits him to be outside. He has always been able to move faster than me, but now he really goes faster than me.

I continue to heal from the face infection and now am growing more apprehensive about Tuesday and the Neurology appointment. On Friday, Russell picked up the actual "films" of my MRI and the written report. I should have never read the report, now I am trying to figure out exactly what it says and what some of the information means.....please pray that all goes well on Tuesday.

I'll try to get another post out here tomorrow to let you know how we did at the competition, if I don't it is because I am not able to sit upright long enough to type a post.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

At Long Last Darryl's Band Pictures

Hi Everyone,


After a fashion, here are the pictures I took of Darryl on Saturday at the competition. I must admit it felt great getting "sprung" from the house for several hours (it was actually all day). Russell was so wonderful to me on Saturday. We had a rough way to go just to get to the entrance, and then he graciously took me over to where the band was getting ready so I could wish them all good luck and give my son a hug (this was the first time this season I was seeing their show). He then took me over and got me situated in the stands and returned to the band to do "Pit Crew" duty. Our band did a great job and improved their performance in comparison to the week before. Okay, now it is time for me to brag about our son!!! He made me so proud of him on Saturday watching him out on the field doing something he so dearly loves to do. He looks awesome on the field and know where he should be, when to get there, all the while playing withoug missing a beat. I know I am bragging, but he is one of the few out there that really looks outstanding! I was so proud to be able to say that is my son!



Now, as for me......I'm doing better with the infection on my face. We saw the ENT today for a follow-up and they were happy with how well it was healing. He has referred me to a specialist so they can try and figure out why I keep getting staph aureus and cellulits. Maybe someone will figure it out. The trip to the Neurologist is getting closer and I'm so thankful. I really am wanting relief for the back pain. Soon, very soon, I keep telling myself.

Well, it is time for me to go and lay down for a while so I can hopefully feel up to helping a little bit with dinner.

Friday Update

Good Evening All,

As I sit and write this I am on the mend, so we hope! I saw the ENT today and he removed the drain and said it will be a good week before I see any signs of healing. It is still infected and hopefully as the infection leaves my face, the wound will begin healing from the inside out. I am feeling a bit better about it, as the scar while deep, doesn't appear to be quite as big as we originally thought.

Tonight at dinner Rachel had the honor of saying the prayer and asked God to keep reminding me that I will still be beautiful no matter what! That is my girl.

Darryl tried out for the school play, and earned an understudy part. Of course, right now I'm not the worlds greatest Mom, so I couldn't even begin to tell you what the name of the play is or the part he has. He has been dropped off for the football game, so they can march at half-time. This is absolutely killing me!!!!!!!! I never miss a performance and thus far I haven't seen one. He competes tomorrow in Louisville, and hopefully I will get to to go, we have resorted to renting a wheelchair so that I can at least get out and do somethings until the Neurosurgeon appointment on the 25th. I am so looking forwarded to going to the competition. It is in Louisville and the weather is suppose to be pleasant. I will try to get some good pictures to post tomorrow night (most likely will happen on Sunday).

Rachel brought home her mid-term today, I must say we couldn't be more proud of her. Considering she is in advanced placement math and most of her other classes she has been placed in the higher levels here is her grade breakdown;

Science – 98.60%; A
Social Studies – 99.65%; A
Band – 100% - A
Exploratory – 98.37%; A
English – 99.30%; A
Reading – 99.25%; A
Math – 97.00%; A

We are so very proud of her! This is what she told us tonight, that her goal this year is to have 100% in each class. We however, keep telling her that A’s and B’s are a good thing. She is not happy with her math grade, I see absolutely nothing wrong with her mid-term and spent most of tonight, as did Russell saying that she doesn't have to be perfect, her grades are awesome.

Isaac on the other hand, has his good days at school and bad. Some days he acts like he doesn't care and then there are days that he is very much into doing the reading. It is the having to sit still and listen that is going to get him in the end.

Rachel and Isaac are with their dad this weekend, so it will seem very empty and quite around the house. We miss them when they are gone, but always hope that they have a great time with their dad!

Well, my back is telling me that after the car ride to Louisville today, working at my desk all day today, and if I want to go to the competition tomorrow, I need to get some rest, so I will sign off for now.

Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the weather!!!

Tina's Surgery Update

Just a quick note to let you all know that I came through surgery just fine.........in the last 3 days we have made 3 trips to Louisville to see the ENT doctor and have surgery. Tomorrow we get to make it 4 trips in 4 days and hope to get a few days break.

I'm not sure what it will look like when the bandage comes off, but right now I have huge white looking growth of gauze and a white neoprene bandage which is hiding the draining apparatus and the ugliness.

The good news (see I can always try and find something positive) is I didn't get sick from the anesthesia and some the pain medication I received after surgery for my face pain has helped make some of the back pain more tolerable, and something even more joyous - the nurse today got my IV on the first try. For those of you that don't know I have horrible veins (thanks Mom and Dad). I have learned over the years that I have this little mole on my left arm right on the inside of my elbow. My nurse and I decided today that while God might not of given great veins he at least gave me a landmark. She was so funny and said that may we just might start a praise celebration on pre-op! Thank you God for the landmark - as long as they take my word for it.

I will keep you all updated as I know something. Thanks for all the prayers - right now I need all the help I can get.

The kids are doing great and having a great week despite the drama I have thrown in.

Weekend in Review & Start of the Week

The weekend was full of many activities, on Friday night we had a home football, and whenever there is a home football game, the band marches during half time. So, off to the football game went Darryl (to march), Russell and Rachel (to help in the Pit by bringing out the equipment). Isaac and I stayed home and watched TV together. I am not functioning or moving well since I am still waiting to see the neurosurgeon about my back (that appointment is scheduled for 9/25). Then Saturday all 3 were off again, this time for our first competition.

The competition went fairly well, according to Russell and Rachel this was the best they had performed the show, we are doing Wicked. We took 1st in our division, but before everyone gets too excited, that was because we were the only 1A band to perform, the other 1A band dropped out. So, by 6:00 Russell and Rachel had returned home since we did not make finals.

We had to still get Rachel's friend, who was spending the night as everyone (but me) was going on a family event that had been planned for months and months. So Sunday was spent with my trying to rest and forget about the pain I feel pretty much any time I move.

But on top of the back pain on Friday my face started getting a bit swollen, nothing I thought to worry about, by Saturday is was pretty much the same, but on Sunday the whole right side of my face was swollen (I looked like a Chinese Wrinkle dog). I insisted that everyone go on and that I would be fine.

So, today meant a trip to the doctor to figure out what this stuff is on my face, was it an allergic reaction to the pain medication? If so, that would mean that I was now allergic to pain meds. Well, at least that was not it, and I could stay on my medication for my back pain. But what it meant was an urgent trip to the ENT doctor in Louisville and possible hospital admission. Thank goodness for Dr. Morris. I have an abscess that will have to be drained on Wednesday morning on an outpatient basis. I go back in the morning to see him to see if the new antibiotic and the antibiotic injection that I had to get at the ER tonight are working. I'm truly hoping for a miracle, that I will wake up in the morning and the swelling and everything will be gone (so Mary Poppins of me - but pretty unlikely). So now not only do I have pain in my back but I have major pain in my face which makes it hard to swallow and causes my ear to ache......please pray that the face pain goes away and the surgery on Wednesday is successful. I have to get rid of this infection before they will even think about doing something to my back. Thank goodness I have 2 weeks before I see the surgeon. I am glad now they could not move up my appointment.

Wednesday, Rachel tries out for the Middle School Chorus and I believe that sometime this week Darryl has try-outs for the play. He picked up his monologue last week and does a reading this week, getting information from a 14 year old can be challenging at best.

Well, I'm starting to hurt from sitting in this chair, so that is a sign that it is time for me to sign off....I'll try and post something on Wednesday night to let everyone know how I'm doing.

Have a great week!!!

P.S. There is a silver lining in all this, by the time I have the surgery on Wednesday, we will have met our high deductible for the year, so all other services through the end of June 2008 will be covered by insurance at 100%.....on that is something to smile about!!!! :)

The Beginning of the Week

Good Morning.....I am working from home this week and was taking a short break and thought I would post an update. We had a pretty uneventful weekend. I am somewhat slowed down right now with some back issues and just waiting on my appointment with the Neurosurgeon to see what the next steps are.

Darryl had a busy weekend, he marched at the football game Friday night, then on Saturday had a date with his girlfriend. We really like Amanda, she is a very polite and nice girl. Then on Sunday, he went and spent the night with one of his buddies and came home on Monday morning. He must not of gotten a lot of sleep, as he was pretty tired, as he was dragging!

Rachel and Isaac were to go to their Dad's for the weekend, but due to some issues at work for him, he needed to cancel. They will go in 2 weeks to see him and will then go for 2 weeks in a row. It is important to both their dad and I that they seem him as much as they can, so we try to make up the difference when schedules need changed. As you all know, kids are busy and sometimes their schedules are what dictates what happens not ours!

The kids got to swim most likely for one last time this weekend, it is getting close to time to close up the pool for the season. However, if the 90 plus degree weather stays for much longer, we will be able to leave it open for a while longer.

The hot weather has sure taken a toll on our yard, pond and garden. The pond is so low that we can let the dog get in and she has to go pretty far out to not touch bottom. I can't remember the last time Russell cut the grass (which by the way is an all day event since our yard is so big). Our garden was doing really well, we put out strawberries this year, but we picked the blooms off so the plants would grow and be bigger for next year. We have eggplant coming out of our ears. Russell says I can only buy one plant next year, not four! Our zucchini didn't really do anything this year nor did our watermelon. We were able to freeze 3 pints and 2 quarts of green beans, but even with watering, I don't think we will get much more from them even though there are blooms. We didn't get any fruit from our peach, pear or apple trees again this year. Just as they were blooming and budding out we had a hard frost, so that was the end of that.

Russell has been busy trying to build up the dam and overflow for the pond. It was something that was needed when we moved in, but due to the water level of the pond just couldn't work on it. Now, with it being so dry and the pond being so low, it is perfect timing for him to work on this. We are hoping to be able to begin stocking it next year with a few fish.

Well, better get back to working on my projects for work and making sure my team at work is doing okay. As of today, I received 2 additional direct reports, so I need to make sure they are doing alright with everything.

Hope everyone has a great day!

About Our Family

This is Rachel and Isaac at her 12th Birthday Party This is Darryl and Granny (Russel's Mom) at his 8th Grade Graduation

Russell and Tina met in late July of 2004 and were married January 19, 2006. They own a home in Bedford, KY. Russell is the youngest of 7 sibilings. 4 of his siblings (2 sisters - Pat and Brenda and 2 brothers - Hank and Brad) live in Northern Kentucky, 1 sister (Debbie) lives in Phoenix, AZ, and 1 sister (Darlene) lives around Miami, FL. Tina is the oldest of 2, and her sister still lives near her hometown in Iowa. We celebrated his Mom's 85th birthday this past May, and my Dad's 71st birthday. We were lucky enough a few weeks ago to be able to take a family picture with Mom Spencer and all of her children, Mom's daughter, Debbie and grandaughter, Dawn were in from Arizona and as well as daughter Darelene, from Florida. We also took photos of her with the daughter-in-laws (Peggy, Glenda and myself), grandchildren and great-grandchildren (as soon as I get them from my sister-in-law I will post some of them).

When we blended our families, I gained a son (Darry) and he gained a daughter (Rachel) and son (Isaac). We were also given an opportunity to add one additional child to the mix for 2 years, Brooke. She came to live with us in August of 2005, she is Darryl's half-sister by his mother. Brooke left in June of 2007 to go back and live with her mom. She taught us alot about giving, tolerance, and patience (something I'm still working on). Brooke was at times a challenge, but she was a very loveable child. Just has had a few too many bumps in the road that all of our love couldn't fix.

We decided early on that it was really important for one of us to be able to stay home with the children to help us blend. With that decision in mind, we (mostly Russell) was be able to figure out how to make our budget work on my salary. This was truly a blessing for us all. The goal is for Russell to go back to work/school once Isaac is in all day school. That happened this school year (2007-2008). He is looking for the right job to fit our situation, as the children are very busy, especially Darryl and Rachel.

Darryl just started high school and is in the 9th grade. He has awesome musical talent. He plays the oboe for concert band and the tenor saxaphone for marching band. He can pretty much pick up a piece of music and just play it! I am in so much awe of his talent. He has finally (we think anyway) gotten that grades are important for college. He had the opportunity this summer to attend Stephen Foster Band Camp at Eastern Kentucky University, for 2 weeks. He was home for about a week and then went to Puerto Rico on a Youth Group Mission trip with our church to work at an orphanage. We are beginning the marching band competition season and will be busy on Friday nights, as the band performs at half-time and then again on Saturday's for competitions. We won't have our Friday's or Saturday's back until after October. He is also going to be trying-out for the fall high school play.....I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Rachel just started middle school and is in the 6th grade. She too is gifted with music, she has a wonderful voice. She is trying out for the middle school choir and also plays in the band. This is her first year in band as they don't start until 6th grade in Trimble County, and plays the flute. She received several awards during the 5th grade promotion ceremony, as well as achieving straight A's for the entire year. She also started playing basketball last year and seems to really like, at least enough to sign up during middle school orientation to play on the 6th grade team. She too was busy this summer, she attended basketball camp that was hosted by our high school basketball team and attend 4-H camp for a week, went to spend a week with Grandma Hattie in Cincinnati, our very good friend in Cincinnati, Leslie (and her husband Scott and 4 boys, who by the way think of Rachel as their sister, and she thinks of them as her brothers). She also spent several days with her Grandma and Papa Schwarz in Cincinnati and while she was there spending time with them did some really fun stuff with her Aunt Nancy and cousins (Molly and Pete). She will be traveling to Washington, DC this October for a week to attend a Leadership Forum sponsored by People to People.

Last, but no way least is Isaac, he in the first grade this year. He is the child who spends the majority of his day in constant motion. He loves to be outside playing and working on his John Deere tractor. He has a pedal tractor that has a scoop on it and can play on it for hours. Give him a shovel, rake, dirt and sand and he is one very happy little boy. He can pretend like no other child I have seen. He and his big brother can spend hours building with his legos.....they come up with some pretty awesome creations. Isaac didn't have near as an exciting of a summer, but did several things in his own right. He attend "Pep Week" at school and got to learn about running and making fun things to eat. He also spent several days with his Grandma and Papa Schwarz in Cincinnati and while he was there spending time with them did some really fun stuff with his Aunt Nancy and cousins (Molly and Pete). He also got to spend a week with Aunt Laura in Cincinnati and went to the Newport Aquarium while he was there, and got to spend 2 days at college (Aunt Laura is program chair at Cincinnati State). School for Isaac is something that he has to do. He doesn't mind it, but is in way too big of a hurry to get everything done.

Okay, now that I have about bored you to sleep, I will close for the evening, but will be back in the next couple of days to add something new. Stay tuned for our next adventure......

The Beginning of our Blog.......

Good Morning everyone......this is my first attempt at putting a blog together. I must admit that I stole this idea from my friend in Cincinnati, Leslie. I had been thinking about it, but never put my thoughts into action. So this morning after Russell and I had made and cleaned up from breakfast, I decided to put my thoughts into action. There will be many more posts, and I will probably come back today at some point and add more posts to get this thing started, but wanted to "test the waters" before getting to deep into this. I hope you all find this enjoyable and great way to stay in touch!