July 19, 2015

Hey Chris!

How's it going?  It was GREAT seeing the pictures that Sandy Powell sent to Jessica.  You sure look happy.  That makes me happy!! I bet it was nice seeing Abe and his wife getting sealed.  I bet it was even cooler to see their baby get sealed to them. :)

We saw the Lung Dr for gpa.  He really didn't say a whole lot.  He thinks it may just be an acute case of Valley Fever.  He will have him another CT scan in August to see if there is any improvement… if not, or if it is worse, they will do a biopsy.  He is hoping that it is just the Valley Fever…if not, it is probably lung cancer.  They also had him give more blood, if the results are normal, they may do the biopsy sooner.  I guess it is to see if his body is actively fighting an infection.  I have not heard back yet about those results.  He also got an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)…he should hear the results on Tuesday.

Ryan went back to the Dr. He is on a new medication.  So far, it has not caused him to become extremely aggrivated and angry.  This has been a SLOW process.  We got a little upset with him Saturday night.  He got upset with dad--we have been pushing him harder when it comes to homework, anyhow, he decided to go for a bike ride to blow off steam.  Well, he ran into someone who asked him how to get to Academy (they were on Austin Bluffs and Meadowridge)  Anyhow, this guy told him that his brother kicked him out of the car and he needed to get back to Manitou Springs.  He told Ryan that he was probably just going to sleep in the ditch.  Ryan called to tell us that he was going to come back home and then take this guy to Manitou.  We started asking question…I was panicking…He said this guy looked like a hippy or transient.  All I could think about was that he would get this guy in the car, the guy would hurt him and steal the car.  Maybe I am not very trusting…It was dark out and his story just wasn't adding up.  He told Ryan that he was going to WALK to Manitou Springs (yeah right!)  When we kept questioning Ryan, I guess the dude walked away.  I am so grateful!  Later that night, we had a "come to Jesus" meeting with him.  Basically, concerning school, he needs to "poop or get off the toilet".  We told him that he had to choose to GO to school and put effort into it, or he needs to find some job that will enable him to take care of Siera and eventually their children.  I think it woke him up.  He actually did homework today AND he did not complain about it!

Tiffany is doing real well.  I think she is finally stable.  She still needs to get her art homework done--she is such a procrastinator.  I worry that she is setting herself up to fail!  I wish you kids would realize the importance of doing your homework EARLY so that you could go to school prepared.  I'll get off my soap box. :)

So, do you remember the Day family.  Ryan used to hang out with Taylor but they moved to Washington.  Anyhow, Justin moved into our ward and his wife had an accident, she fell down the stairs and broke her neck and died.  We had Justin, his children and his brother, Jared over for dinner.  Well, they invited us to go to this outdoor lazertag.  It was AWESOME!  It is called Battlefield Colorado.  We played for 1 1/2 hours.  I was dying, but had so much fun.  We definitely need to go when you get home! Here are some pictures…

We started a project this weekend…we are fixing up the kid's bathroom upstairs.  It has been so disgusting!  We have painted it and recalked everything so far.  We have a new toilet, but we want to get the trim in first--I am changing the wood trim to WHITE.  It already looks so much better.  I'll give you a few pictures. Next week, I'll send you the completed project….

Ryan told me that I had to send you this one…

It should look real nice when it is done.  Did you notice that the closet had NOTHING in it.  Miracles happen!!

So, this week Dad and I are going on a mini vacation alone.  We leave Tuesday and will return on Friday.  We are going to Durango.  We will visit Mesa Verde…there are lots of Indian ruins there.  Then we plan on taking a train ride up to Silverton.  I'll have to let you know how that goes.  I really need to get away.  Between gpa constantly needing my attention and Ryan having difficulties, I just need a break.  Even Ryan and Gpa have not been getting along very well.  Sometimes, Gpa is down right mean, yet so is Ryan.  It has been very trying for me!  Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Here is you weekly dose of Danny. :)

Oh, that saying that was on the Gossner Building doesn't really have an author.  It just says  "Old Swiss Proverb".  Did you need me to type up what it says?

Anyhow, I need to get to bed…I have to get up early in the morning so that we can finish that bathroom before we leave on Tuesday.  I sure love you!  I am so proud of you.  I know that serving a mission is not always easy.  I do know that it will be worth it.  You will be a better man, husband and father for it!

Keep your head up.  Always remember who you are.  Mind your p's and q's.  Be strictly obedient.

Love ALWAYS!

Mom