Elena 
1.Finally took the pictures from my Pentax onto my computer – to share Izzy’s cake masterpiece!
As delicious as it was beautiful!
2. Izzy’s MRI for her foot is scheduled for this coming Wednesday. I’m very excited about moving forward with this because Izzy is having a hard time finding footwear that doesn’t irritate her bump. I know that our out-of-pocket expenses are going to be considerable so I’m bracing myself. However, the man who is doing my taxes for me this year told me that I should consider setting up a medical savings account. Apparently I can put the money into that account and then take it out as I need to and it takes the money right out of my taxable income. Definitely something to consider. Apparently it will also work for all of my expenses last year, as long as I make a deposit before April 15. Pete is going to check to make sure that our insurance plan allows for this, and if it does I think I will spend next week working on this.
3. Since Izzy’s MRI is scheduled for mid morning, and since art classes are mid afternoon, I think I will use the “mid” time between these two events to have Noah take the test to get his driver’s temp.
Teaching a kid to drive has been one of the most challenging parts of parenting. I have to ride along with my student driver, hanging onto the door, looking for that brake pedal that isn’t on the passenger’s side of the car and praying to St. Christopher for safe deliverance ! It’s very, very stressful. And next year I get to do it again with Izzy! Thankfully there is a six year break before Rosie will be driving. My nerves should be just about settled by then.
4. One of the questions on the practice driving test was about what to do if you hit a deer! I guess that’s a valid question, but it certainly threw me for a loop. Apparently the correct answer was D – all of the above. You have to contact the authorities, you get to claim the meat if you want it, and you should approach the deer cautiously!!
I remember a few years ago when Gabe took the test there was also a question about the penalties for driving under the influence. So I told Noah he should definitely know all of the basic driving stuff, but he should also explore some of the other parts of the driving manual, because they can take questions from any part of it.
5. Calvin could use some prayers from now until Tuesday morning. He is doing the final challenge that he need to complete before he is fully on the payroll as a Cleveland Paramedic. I thought just graduating from the program was his last big hurdle, but apparently the Field Training Officers have the final say. Calvin drives with his tonight and tomorrow and I am praying for his success.
6. I have been asked to give my girl’s confirmation speech to the 8th graders this coming Saturday, and I have been asked to cut it back to about 30 minutes. Apparently the high school students want to be able to address the 8th graders as well because they thought my speech was too long when they heard it and because they couldn’t remember much of what I said except the four B’s (These are the 4 B’s of what to keep covered when dressing modestly and they stand for breasts, back, belly and butt.) I also talked about sex and how to avoid getting raped, so I’m a little surprised that this is ALL they remembered. I’ll be interested to hear what the high schoolers have to say and then tweak my speech accordingly in the years to come.
7.My talk from two years ago.
