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