BACK TO SCHOOL

Parker is now a 6th grader at Hefner Middle School. Hard to believe!


He has adjusted well and seems to like it. We had a relaxing and fun summer. Parker did 5 weeks of physical therapy at the beginning due to dislocating his knee. The doctor indicated Parker's kneecap doesn't have a cradle to sit in like most of us, his is flat so he probably has a greater chance of the knee dislocating. Needless to say, we are continuing with his therapy exercises to keep him strong!

Summer free of illness so that is a blessing. We will see the respiratory doctor in October for an Xray and checkup before we hit the winter season. He wants an Xray at the beginning to compare to "if" he gets ill.

On my birthday in August we had a fun filled day at Logumall Inn (Lake Eufaula) with our Warm World buddies. Parker went tubing and had a blast! A big thanks to Miss Ashlea for being a trooper and helping Parker hold on!



Parker has gotten to attend the first 2 OU games in Norman. Absolutely one of his favorite things to do!! I was the fortunate one who got to enjoy the 1st game and the hour & a half rain delay! We stayed and watched the entire second half. Parker & I went to the open scrimmage the day Bob Stoops was signing autographs. He had Bob sign his football that already had been signed by Sam Bradford so it now has 2 important signatures!


We hope everyone had a wonderful summer also! Love, Kay

GRADUATION, END OF SCHOOL, BIRTHDAY AND A TRIP TO THE ER!

Parker started his 5th grade year with a broken arm and he ended it with a dislocated kneecap! It was May 21st, his birthday, the next to the last day of school and 5th grade graduation in the evening but that wasn't all we did. That day by 9am we were headed to Mercy ER. I dropped him off at school at 8am and by 8:48am the school was calling to tell me Parker had fallen off the climbing wall and dislocated his knee. The ER was able to put his knee back in place (with the help of pain meds) and no broken bones. I did pray on the way to the hospital for an easy fix and my prayer was answered. Out of all our ER visits in the past few years this was minor in comparison. I'm taking it as a sign that we are coming out of the dark tunnel and maybe next time it will be a stitch or two (no more)!

Home by 12:30, propped his leg up, put a movie on for him and then I was off to get pain meds and to find a leg brace for Parker. The hospital didn't have one small enough for him. I stopped by the school to pick up his backpack and give them an update. The 5th graders were all so upset and had been crying all morning. I saw a lot of red, swollen eyes even on the boys. They love him and are so caring! When I told them how he was doing and that we were going to try and come to graduation they all cheered and clapped!!

Parker started having a meltdown around 4pm and crying that he couldn't go. I think he was just scared. Gave him some pain medicine and at 5pm we were on our way to the graduation. He did awesome! Parker picked up his walker and carried it most of the way across the stage! I think he was feeling no pain!! He paid a little for it on Thursday.

The appointment with the orthopedic doctor was Tuesday (5/27). He indicated that some of the ligaments are torn & stretched so Parker will need to stay in the brace for 2 more weeks. Then it should be mended.

Next appointment with the respiratory doctor is Thursday, a follow up to our ailing allergy season. Parker seems to be doing fine.

Have a great and safe summer!

Love, Kay

some photo explanation...

First Photo: Parker and his birthday cake he received from Aunt Penney.

Fifth Photo: Parker with Lauren. We forgot to take her picture when they brought us dinner we hope this makes up for it Lauren:)

Last Photo: Parker and his good friend Chandler at the 5th grade swim party - Chandler was on crutches because he dropped his desk on his toe last day of school so they were sitting the party out.

UPDATE 5-2-8

We may have made it through the flu season with flying colors but allergy season has Parker suffering! Three weeks ago I received a call from the school that Parker had a fever of 100. Therefore it was off to the doctor. Strep throat was going around and with all of his symptoms I felt sure that was what he had. The doctor agreed but the strep test was negative. He was already on antibiotics so they felt that may be giving a false test. Parker's 3 month checkup with respiratory doctor was scheduled for a few days later. When we arrived they didn't have us go for an Xray as usual but as soon as the doctor listened to his lungs we were headed for an Xray! Both lungs in the lower parts were full so out came the prescription pad and Parker was on the strong stuff. He responded very quickly and was doing great. Five days off the antibiotic and fever returned with all the same symptoms. Parker's follow up appointment was today and the Xray was pretty much the same. The doctor decided to switch his breathing treatments to a new inhaler so hopefully this will help and give him a little relief. His next appointment will be in a month. Parker looks great so I think we can handle and survive this roller coaster! Love, Kay

Parker and some of his classmates at the state capitol.

Pine Wood Derby

IT'S A WIN! The Sooner Schooner won 1st place! Boomer & Sooner didn't slow them down (Dad hollowed out their stomachs)! Dad's car didn't run as fast but it looked great! I think the rocks around the campground slowed it down. An architect by profession so that is where the attention to details comes from. The campfire was even lit! Robert spends a lot of time making sure that the wheels on Parker's car are balanced and running smooth so when it comes to his own car he just has time to get the wheels on.

Spring break is next week and then Easter. I think we are on the home stretch getting through the winter season of germs! Parker escaped all the germs but the rest of the family has had a couple of viruses but we are recovering fine. Parker's immune system must be strong! Praise God!

We wish a very blessed Easter to all our wonderful friends.....Love, Kay

Help Parker's School

Help Parker's school become a McReady school (via www.koco.com) the news channel of our favorite weather man, Rick Mitchell!
Send an email to mcready@koco.com and tell them you want James L. Dennis to be a Mc Ready school! Thanks for your help!

It's been a year and we are healthy!! Praise God!

Parker's 3 month checkup with Dr. Reyes (respiratory doctor) was the day before the year anniversary (1/18). He was out of the office so we saw the PA. I was explaining the cough and congestion he had been having the past few weeks, not thinking it was a big concern (at least I didn't think it was). She prescribed for us to increase his breathing treatments to 3 X day for the next 3 days, a new decongestion med and then told us that if he wasn't better by Sunday to take him to the emergency room! My heart sank and Parker's little red flags were raised quickly! I think I was in shock so I didn't really question too much about what she said and I didn't want to upset Parker anymore so we took our prescriptions and left. They hadn't been able to review his chest Xray due to computer troubles so Monday morning I phoned their office to speak with the doctor about his Xray. He indicated that it showed improvement over the last. So I don't know where "go to the ER" came from. To put my mind at ease we followed up with a visit to the peditrician later in the week to check his oxygen level and it was great.

Parker has not missed any school this year (except for when he broke his arm) due to any illness! With all the "bugs" that are hitting hard around our area the Jenkins' family has escaped them (hope I haven't jinxed it now). We are so thankful!

It's Pinewood Derby time for his scout pack. So Parker & Dad are busy making their cars. Not for sure if Parker really gets to do much of the work but he has a say in the design! This year it will be a Sooner Schooner complete with Boomer & Sooner. So all you Sooner or Pinewood Derby fans check back the 1st of March and we will post pictures of his cars and maybe a trophy. The pressure is on because Parker has won 1st or 2nd place each year! I'm thinking Boomer & Sooner might slow them down this year.

Happy Valentines to all and blessings to you & your families.......Love, Kay