Friday, May 30, 2008

Grandpa and Grandma

I spend three days in Jackson and managed to get a few things done. We got Molly to the groomers and cleaned up(she looks real good). Once again, a groomer would not do Trudy(too temperamental). I told Mom that we might as well give up and just keep her bathed. I tried hard to get her bathed, but Mom was resistant because Trudy had already been traumatized.

We had all the medications filled. Mom had one from 4/10/08, Aricept, that she had not been taking. Dad's were for back pain and something else, I forgot.
They get their medications all confused, it is very hard to get them to get it straight. I set them up with a dispenser not too long ago, but Mom did not like it, so she took all the medicine out of it. I don't know what to do. Gail's says that she will take care of it when she goes down next week.

Dad's back(according to him) is still just killing him. He has medicine from two different doctors who can't find any thing wrong, but muscle strain.

We got the family room carpet cleaned, and the traffic area in the living room. It looks real good. Mother would like to put hard surface down in the family room.

I noticed that in the front bathroom, there has been a leak or something. The baseboards are molded and in the back bathroom the side of the vanity is warped and discolored where water has damaged it. Charlie and Doyle what do you think?

Oh, another thing. When the city put in the sidewalk in front of their house they made Mom and Dad move their mailbox across the street. I don't like that at all. No better than Mom can see, I'm afraid that she'll walk out in front of a car when getting the mail. Dad talked to the mailcarrier, and he said there wasn't anything he could do about it. The carrier still comes up their side of the street. I would like to see the box put back on their side. I'm going to call the city of Jackson.

LC

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Next...

Ok, it's someone else's turn! Jo goes out of town and is gone only a few hours when we get a call that grandpa's in so much pain "he can't breathe". Mom talked to him and we decided that I would go down and see how he was. (She's on call and couldn't leave town.) When I walked in he was in his chair, dressed, waiting for me. We started talking and I made him laugh, which made him cry because it hurt too bad to laugh. In the car we got and headed to the ER. I could have gone to an urgent care I guess but I knew they would be able to do any test possible at the ER so that's where we went.
After some blood work, x-ray, and CT scan they couldn't find anything significant. They said he was anemic, but it looked like he has been for a long time. The doctor thought it might be muscular from GRANDPA PICKING UP THE BACK END OF HIS RIDING LAWN MOWER LAST WEEK!! They said it is a waiting game right now to see if it will go away or get worse. If it gets worse they might have a better chance of figuring out what it was. He was given some pain relievers and muscle relaxers which he has not had filled yet. He also has to go to his regular doctor this week as a follow up. I did learn today that Great Grandma Gertie used to work at Southeast Hospital in housekeeping, she did laundry.
I guess that's it for now, except for the fact that Grandma is interested in having her carpet pulled up in the bonus room and I am trying to talk her into to just cleaning it. I told her she could have it done or I would rent a steamer and do the whole house myself. We also need to have a "cleaning party" at the Baker's and a "let's try and sneak the dogs to the groomers" party. Hopefully I will get responses to those get togethers...

Reva

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

A week at the Kimbel's

Philip has managed to keep us busy for two weeks. We are taking him home Saturday morning. Bright and early. Then we are going on to Austin In. To meet one of Tom's buddies and from thee we are going on to New Jersey.

Philip managed to do what none of the rest of us have been able to do. He talked his grandpa into getting his bike off of the hooks in the garage and go for a bike ride. Two nights in a row.
Philip finished all of his testing before he came to MO., and they are going to start him in the fourth grade in the fall. They feel he will have very little trouble catching up. He tested very high in math. Much higher than his reading. He is going to summer school, so they also think that will be a big help. Jacob will finish school next week. Philip had three teeth pulled to make room in his mouth for his new teeth, and Jacob is getting ready for braces.

Our real estate career was short lived. The owners of the house we wanted would not except our offer, so we took our house of off the market. We are going through with refinancing our house and we will put on an addition in the back with a bathroom.

I took mother with me yesterday for a haircut. She was in bad need of one. We will take Molly over on Friday for them to watch while we are gone. Molly also had a haircut this week. She will make Mom and Dad's dogs look bad.

I'm going to go and make Philip get in the shower. (Which is like pulling teeth)

Love: Jo-D

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Oh the beautiful Florida weather...


Well our Florida trip is finally over...the girl's fave part happened to be THE POOL. Can you believe it! We spent how much money for the "Disney Experience" when all we needed to do was go to the Holiday Inn down the road and let them swim! It was a lot of fun and Audrey enjoyed meeting Minnie and Mary Poppins. Shelby was too scared to go meet them in person.
Congrats to Ryan on his graduation. I have talked to him a few times and he seems good.
Congrats to Chris for taking the math position. Definitely a lot of thought was put in to that decision! I have to say that no matter where you teach Chris you will always have struggles (no parent support, too much parent "support", admin, paperwork, etc) and you will ALWAYS be a role model to your children! I wish you the best.
Looks like Ella and Keaton had fun at their parties! Pinatas are a good time...until someone gets hurt right! :)
The girls had their last competition yesterday. Audrey and her partner did really well given their are 4 and usually the only ones in their category! She has lots of plaques and 1 trophy which just makes Shelby sad because as a big group she doesn't get those. They get one for the group and it has to go to the studio.
Ok...lots of catching up to do today. When's the next time we are all getting together??
Reva

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Ryans graduation


Hey I did it. This is just one of the pictures that we took. Get aload of those glasses.

Whoa is me!

I guess I should say whoa is Grandpa Jim. I went over this morning, because I had to take Molly over so MLS could view our house today. Mom was upset because Dad told her he guessed he would just kill himself. Now don't get alarmed just yet. Dad's back is hurting because he picked up the end of his lawn mower yesterday and hurt his back. Mom does not show the sympathy that Dad thinks he deserves. She gave him some aspirins and he went back to bed, after his comment to Mother. I went in his bedroom to see how he was. I ask him what is wrong? He said he did not feel good. I ask him why he told Mom that? He did not remember telling her that. But when I went back just a while ago, he was hiding the in bedroom from me. Mom said he was on a rampage. He is mad at Mom and me.

They did not go get thier blood work, but I checked all of thier papers that the Dr. gave them where he ordered blood work. They said they would go tomorrow when they go for Mom's mamagram. She thinks they see the doctor more than they need to. I'm going to lay low for a while. Someone else might want to stretch thier neck out there. Just call and talk. "Just checking on you" thing.

We will know at 5:00 this afternoon if our counter offer has been accepted.

I'm not sure I gave everybody Ryan correct address. ryan.kimbel@us.army.mil. He called me last night to talk. His platoon has not all arrived yet, so he has not started his training yet for his MOB. He is a little depressed. After training so hard at boot camp, and now just kind of waiting around, he feels like he is wasting time.

The weather today is rainy. So maybe it has Dad down? I told Mom they need to get out and do more than just sit around the house. Maybe Tom, Philip and I can do something with them this week-end. Tom will finish his bus driving job next Friday. He can't wait. His first SS check will come the last part of June. He will continue to drive in the fall for SEMO. Has Katie bug left for Europe yet. D0yle did you get Pistol home safe?

Jo-D

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Latest on our house!

We made an offer on Monday, they came back today with a counter offer. Now we will go back and counter offer. They are giving us until 6.00 p.m. tonight. That sound hopeful don't you think? I am stressing. But no matter, God has a plan. If we don't get this house, we have decided to put an addition on the back of the house with a bathroom.
Mom and Dad went to thier medical dr. yesterday. I talked the the Dr. (because I thought it would be a routine visit) Which it was. But he wanted Mom and Dad to go for blood work today, which meant they would need to fast. Mom has an appointment on Friday for her Mamagram and Dad has an appointment for his ear on June 2nd. Dr Schoenberg says it is cancerous. When I talked to mom last night she was not clear about the blood work, fasting or who was suppose to go. She was getting a little testy, so I let it go. I have not talked to her today. But I drove by this morning on my way to work, and there sat Dad watching the progress of the sidewalk in front of the house. I'm sure they did not go have blood work. I think Mom is beginning to feel like we are hovering over them.
Ryan now has a cel phone (some of you already know that). He also gave me his e-mail address, but I can't get through with it. ryan.kimbel@us.army.mil. good luck. He does not have a lot of time to get on the computor, but I'm sure he would love to hear from you. His cel phone is 812-766-0494. He will have the most time after evening chow to talk.
His graduation was very impressive. He looks very good. He has lost a lot of weight. He had his baby face back again. The kids had a really good time with him and he was very glad to see them. When he gets home for a while in July, I would like to have a bar-b-que. Hopefully at our new house.
I will let you all know about the offer on the house. We will be leaving Friday night, May 23rd. for New Jersy to go see Tom's Veitnam buddies. We will be back on Saturday.
Jo-D

Ella and Keaton




Just birthday pictures from the weekend. I highly recommend a pinata for all of your future parties. These kids loved it.




Monday, May 12, 2008

Big Weekend at the Parmenter's

We did have a big weekend! It started with a golf tournament for Paul and Tony at the club. I went to a Go Red For Women Luncheon, sponsored by the American Heart Association, chairs with covers to the floor with red satin sashes. Very elegant.

Ella had a Princess Birthday Party on Saturday for her 5th birthday. Caroline, Keaton and I went over to help. Sara's screened in porch boasted a multitude of pink, very pink, and white tulle. Sara had done the cake in the shape of a crown(adorable). Caroline hleped with the activities and Keaton entertained Nate.
I was just there.

Saturday night, Sara, Caroline, Ella and I went to the ballet. Yes, Mexico has a ballet troupe. They performed Snow White. Very nice.

Sunday, we did Keaton's birthday which was actually Saturday. All of Brian's family came to my house for lunch and the party. We had a great time with the kids and a pinata. The fact that it was Mother's Day made it special for me and Brian's mom Judy.

Ryan called last night and we talked for a long time. It was great to hear from him. He's delighted to have a telephone and a few other perks.

Congratulations to him and to Reva on their graduations. Congratulations to Ella also who graduates from pre-school on Wednesday. I am very proud of Ryan and Reva. Thanks to my brother Charles and sister Gail who called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. It was one of the best.

Chris, good for you, it sounds like you put lots of thought into your decision. I am very proud of you also. It sounds like you have a great head on your shoulders. Keep up the good work! Beth is a very lucky girl to have you.

My family is the best!!

On a more serious note, I don't like that Dr. Lee was not nice to my mother, but I too have often thought that she doesn't try hard enough to remember things. Or maybe she says that she doesn't remember before she stops to think. I don't know.

LC
LC

My Job Update

Very sorry that we were not in Jackson yesterday - Beth had to work from 10:30 to 7:30! What a terrible shift!

After much, much, much deliberation with myself, my wife, Jen and Grant, my parents, and many others, I decided to take the Math offer that was presented to me at McCluer North. I think when I last wrote I had not yet been to that interview, and so was unsure how they were going to respond after my interview.

In making the decision, there were several factors that went into my decision, and reasons I felt were valid to go to McCluer North or to the Riverview school. I was not overly worried about the "challenge" factor and ego deflation that teaching in a troubled district would have brought, and felt very comfortable with the prospect of working with the all of the teachers I met at the Riverview school. However, when it came down to it, my ultimate concern was in ensuring that at the end of the day I still had enough energy, love, and attention to give to Beth when we were home together. With the challenges of my first year of teaching AND learning math, I was already presenting myself with enough challenges for now without adding the interest of the troubled district. A large pull I felt toward Riverview I think was God showing me what a servant and role model I could be for those students. However, if I end up honoring those students and devoting myself more to them than my wife, then I would not be honoring my marriage, upon which I think God places a greater importance.

So, I'll be at McCluer North this fall teaching 2 hours of Algebra and 3 hours of Geometry. I'm also in the process of building a personal library of math related books and seeking donations if you have any lying around. I've spent the last 4 years slowly building up a pretty sweet collection of social studies based books in anticipation of using them as supplemental texts in my classes, so I've got some catching up to do!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mothers Day to all you Baker's

See, I do exist. My daughter has graduated from college once again. But the really cool thing, ( I could cry). She followed in my footsteps. How awesome is that. Being a nurse is the best, best thing my Daddy ever did for me. He came home one day and said " you start nursing school tomorrow". I just think Reva will be the best little nurse there is, (next to her mom). I love my job so much and love being a care giver. I know there are all kinds of nursing jobs, but hands on caregiver is the best. Daddy says he thinks she will use her nursing and teaching career together some day and that will be great. But for now, she wants to bring life into the world. I told someone yesterday, she is going to bring them into the world, I ease them gracefully out of the world. I am proud, I am thrilled she is done, for her and for us. I guess this is what a father fills like when his son follows in the family business. She doesn't want a party and I'm OK with that, so everyone just join me in congratulating Reva on her new endeavor of nursing.

I am cutting back my hours at Metro Heart Group as of the 1st of June, I am staying part time so that I can build up more for my retirement. I am going to enjoy part of the summer with the kids and when Shelby finishes summer school, we are going to spend some time with granny and Jim.

Oh, buy the way, Aunt Joyce is comming to town. I will be picking her up from the airport on June 5th but I won't bring her down to Mom's until the 9th. It will just be her, not Allen. She will be here for about two weeks, Jo.

Gotta finish packing, going to see Mickey tomorrow, Mouse that is. See you all soon.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Finally...

I am so glad the day is over...today was graduation! I kept thinking I wouldn't even go but I think it was therapeutic for Jamie and my mom to see that I really am DONE. Now I just get to study for boards, which is basically doing review questions for the next 6 weeks or so. They suggest to do a few hundred a day but we'll see how that goes. So anyway...I can't use the excuse "I have to study" to miss many more functions, huh?!?

Reva Birk, R.N. (almost)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Took Mom to the Dr.

Today I took Mom to the Dr., Dr. Lee was very rude to Mom, I thought. So I switched her over to Dr. Mellise, Which is who Dad sees. I made her appts. for the same day as Dad's. Mom did very well answering his questions. But he thought Mom "did not use her brain" in answering some of them. He ask her to spell "watch", which she did very well. But then he ask her so spell it backward, she had to think about it a little, and he thought she should have been able to rattle it off just like that. He ask her over and over and over to spell it backwards. She got very agitated and could not remember the three word he gave her earlier. Spider, Nail and Africa. So she just told him, "I don't know". So he thought she did not do as well and wanted to have her tested agian. I told hime no. We are going to switch Dr. Done.
We'll be back to blog after Saturday.
Jo-D

Monday, May 5, 2008

Our House!!

I am so glad you all went and looked at the house. We meet with the realator tonight, and he said there had been 33 hits on the house. That means 33 people had looked at it on line. I just laughed, and told him I was not worried, at least 13 of them was my family. We took Mom and Dad over tonight. Dad made himself comfortable on the front porch. He said the porch alone was worth the money. So when we get back from S.C., we are going to make an offer. Pray that they will except what we offer them. I can see myself in that house. There is a room off of the living room, Lana, that would be used as an office like yours. I love the sunroom.
Linda, we have not talked about Mothers Day, but we will just be getting back from S.C., so going out would be good. I am thinking it will only be you and Doyle? Would love to see you all. Gail, I think has to work. We are going to have Philip. He is coming home with us. Cooking out would be good too. Mom and Dad's birds will be gone by then. They think they will get bored without the birds.
Jo-D

Sunday, May 4, 2008

It's me...Linda!!!

My first time to post:-)

Doyle and I worked out in the yard all day today getting some much needed work done. It seems every time we wanted to get out the weather wasn't very cooperative. Hopefully we'll be able to get some deck flowers soon!

Kate was home a few weeks ago and we celebrated her 21st birthday. Hard to believe it's almost 21 years that we first brought her home. She leaves in a few weeks for her school trip to Ireland, Scotland and England. She found out when she went to the bank to get US dollars changed to Euros and pounds just how weak the US dollar is in Europe..."Mom I lost half my money!"

Paul and Lana, glad you had a good time. Doyle and I did Tunica last month and had fun. It's amazing how long you can play with $20 on the penny slots. We've decided we wouldn't mind going back sometime if nothing else just to visit our money!!!

We'll be going to Jackson for Mother's Day...JoD do you know what the plans are? If we're cooking let me know and I'll plan on bringing something down.

Linda

We Have Returned

We left HHI yesterday morning with the intentions of stopping somewhere around Nashville for the night. The further we drove, the more we wanted to be home. So we drove until we got here. I estimated that we would be at home by 10:30. We stopped in front of the house at 10:31 pm. The drive was really quite good.

Our trip was great, although we wore ourselves out. The biking was wonderful, and we rode for long distances every day but one. We golfed at a course called Island West. Very nice. I took pictures of some of the wildlife on the course, including an alligator. We spent one day in Savannah, a beautiful city! Very historic. I could have spent more time there. We ate at Paula Deen's restaurant.
Great food, but I have to say that my banana pudding is better.

When I get my pictures on a disk I'll post a couple. Thanks to Carrie, I have pictures. I forgot my camera, so she loaned me on of hers.

We spent the night with the Kimbels of Alabama. The girls were sooo glad to see us. They thought I would never come again after our last trip. I did their nails while I was there and told Jodie that she would have to go again in two or three weeks to do them again. They like really bright polish on their toes.
Hannah is such a doll, she loves attention.

Now we have to work in the yard. Tony mowed while we were gone, but the fertilizer Paul put down before we left has down the job. The yard is lush and in need of a trim. Caleb is coming over to help.

LC

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Has everybody gotten tired of Posting? I realize Lana and Paul have been out of town, but think of how disappointed they will be to come home and the first thing they do is run to the computor to read the Baker happenings while they were gone. I'm sure they will be full of pictures and exciting reports of their trip.
Tom and I, for the first time in our 33 years of marriage, signed papers to put our house on the market. We are looking at a very large, old home on Bellueve in Jackson. It has 5 bedrooms and two baths. We are taking Mom and Dad over Monday to look at it. You can view it at www.houseviewonline.com. Top 10 listing. 108 Bellevue.
We will be leaving Wednesday for South Carolina for Ryan's graduation from bootcamp. After he graduates, he will be able to have access to a computor, providing he has time. He will be at Fort Lee Virgina for AIT. I will get his address for everybody again. Thanks to all of those who wrote him. We will be taking Cheri and the kids with us. Pray for Tom and I! Libby does not travel well!!
Tom will retire at the end of May from School bus driving. Yeah!!! He turned 62 on April 28th. He will draw his first SS check in June. His plans are to continue to dreive, Part time, for the Southeast Mo. State U. shuttle. College students are much easier to handle than 65 screaming grade school kids.
Have a great day. Love you all.
PS. I talked to Ashley this morning, She had a ball game this week and earned the Game Ball! She had 3 RBI's. She was very proud. Her Dad put the ball up for her, "Way High".

Jo-D