Just making a wild stab in the dark here from everything the OP has said, and his responses to advice...

Personally,  Quigley...I think you're simply confused about what does what on the approach.

Simplest advice in the world for a landing approach.  Give it a try:

Throttle/motor controls altitude.  Airplane's too high?  Cut throttle.  Airplane's too low?  Add throttle.
Elevator controls airspeed.  Airplane's too fast?  Pull the nose up a bit.  Airplane's too slow?  Put the nose down a bit.

Give that thinking a try...I'd wager a round of drinks your worries about landing with the motor running will be gone in about 5-10 attempts.