August 6, 2015

First, we wish to apologize for the significant delay in updating this blog.  We have had a good summer so far, filled with lots of traveling and vising friends and family.  We have had several people say they have missed our updates, and especially have missed seeing new pictures of the grand kids.  Also, we have missed updating this blog as it is enjoyable and therapeutic to review events in our lives and the progress Marjie has made.  With so many things to reflect on since the last update, we will just give a quick summary of our travels and activities, followed by some pictures.

 Late May - June, 2015:

• Home to Twin Falls!  Thanks to all who watched our place for us while we were gone, and a big thank you to Steve and Lorie for getting our house ready for our return complete with groceries.
• Celebrated Marjie's 57th birthday with Dave's family!
• Attended our home church in Twin Falls.  It was an emotional and wonderful homecoming.
• Moved out of Marjie's classroom @ OMS.  Thanks Dave, Joan, Claire & Lucas for your help!
• 4K Benefit/Run/Walk at O'Leary Middle School.  Thanks to all that participated and donated!
• Trip to California to see Marjie's parents.

 July, 2015:

• Trip to Bonners Ferry, Idaho to visit Marjie's brother Steve, and his family.
• 3 Dog Night Concert in Libby Montana (Steve & Alethia, thanks for the great birthday gift!)
• To Coeur d' Alene (actually Hayden, ID) to visit our son, Dave, and his family.
• Visit from Bob & Marilee Dunklee from Raymond, Maine.  It was great to catch up with these dear friends from Marjie's Camp Wawenock days.  
• Celebrated Scott's 57th birthday in Twin Falls with special guests, Matthew, Becky, & Caleb! 

 August, 2015:

• Celebrated our 34th Wedding Anniversary!
• Traveled to Boise to visit Scott's brother's family, and listen to Steve's band.

During periods when we have actually stayed put in Twin Falls, we have enjoyed visits from many friends, those who live in Twin Falls as well as out of town visitors.  We thank you all for stopping by.  You are always welcome at our house, and these visits are a constant reminder of how blessed we are with friends and family.

Marjie's therapy continues, whether we are in Twin Falls or on the road.  When we are home, she has been going to physical therapy at CPR 3 times a week.  Thanks to Dennis, Stephanie, and all of you at CPR for the wonderful care and support you give us.

Marjie has also been receiving hippotherapy (therapy on horse back, not hippos) at Rising Stars Therapy in Twin Falls.  Marjie had worked as a volunteer for this great organization for several summers, and is now enjoying the benefits of this therapy herself.  She loves being on the horse, and it is excellent exercise and balance therapy.

Other therapy and exercise includes regular rides on our recumbent bike at home, stepping and weight bearing exercises, daily walks, and various hand and arm exercises.  Marjie has also recently started occupational therapy at St. Luke's Rehabilitation,  3 times a week.  She keeps herself and Scott busy!

Marjie continues to improve in leg strength and balance.  Arm and hand progress has been slower, and we are hopeful the occupational therapy at St. Luke's will help move this forward again.  She had an MRI in June that indicated things are quite "stable".  We will be heading to Utah for another MRI and follow up appointment with the Oncology doctor in late August.  Marjie continues with chemotherapy each month (three rounds so far this summer).  She feels fortunate that she has very minimal side effects.  This chemotherapy is in "pill form", taken 5 days each month.

We want to again sincerely thank all who contributed to Marjie's GoFundMe campaign.  The emotional and financial support we have received continues to be a huge blessing that sustains us both as we continue through this very challenging chapter of our lives. 

We hope every one's summer is going well.  We will close with some pictures of our travels, and of course grand kids!  Pictures:  (1) Marjie's Birthday, (2) Benefit 4K Run/Walk, (3) At 3 Dog Night Concert (4) Hayden Lake, (5) Lake Coeur d' Alene, (6) Caleb making chocolate birthday cake, (7) Riding Therapy.