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