"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed."

Psalm 82 v 3

Donations and Gifting

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Our Sinks Are Fixed !!

Our plumbing broke down again, and so after Christmas we had the pleasure of hiring a plumber to fix the problem. After rotorooting the problem in all the sinks, everything drains wonderful. The Roto Rooter man was very professional. We are thrilled to have everything working again. What a pain for sure to have all the sinks backed up at once !! Uggh, and smelly too!

Well, the water is flowing and draining again, and so is life.

Jennifer

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

God works through the famous, the obscure and even the infamous in accomplishing His plan for our salvation. He continues to work out His plan through you and me.

I can't wait to see what it all looks like in the end. I imagine it is like sewing a magnificant quilt of many colors, but only seeing the back side with all the hanging threads and knots. It looks rather messy, but the other side is would be awesome to see. The darker colors are the tough and difficult times of our lives, while the lighter brighter colors are the times of joy. All are important in the final masterpiece. I can't wait.
Christ's genealogy is recounted in Matthew chapter 1 which is proof of how God's plan for our salvation was set from the beginning of time. That is reason to rejoice !
Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Family News

It has been a while since I really last posted. We finally posted pictures of the kids from Halloween and Thanksgiving on our blog. We found out the day before Thanksgiving that Michael also has Juvenile Osteoporosis among the 14 other things he has. It was very disappointing news. Michael is now on Calcium and Vitamin D supplements. We will changing to a new rheumatologist; his current rheumatologist did not even call us herself with the news. Michael deserves the best care. Juvenile Osteoporosis increases Michael's risk of fracture, so we have to be careful. Weight-bearing exercise that does not aggravate Michael's joints also has become very important. At least we have a better understanding of the bone pain that Michael struggles with. He is doing really well on his thyroid medication though and is not so tired. It also seems to have helped him not feel so hot and so cold.

All the other kids are healthy, meaning no colds. Yeah !! Joseph's heart is doing okay, and his pacemaker is such a good thing. He no longer complains of chest pain except for once in a blue moon. We hope that means his heart is growing stronger with the pulmonary band since the last surgery. Joseph says he wants to be a drummer. Joshua loves playing Clifford on the computer, and sings to the Christmas music. Shawna loves playing dollies. Gabriela is enjoying Barbies a great deal. Michael wants his own room.

Joseph and Shawna play so well together. They like to play the Mozart on the leap pad and dance together to it again and again. They also both enjoy watching Word World, which has a part in it where they jump on the beds. Of course, Joseph was jumping on his bed. Before we could get to him to stop, there was a big crack ! Nope, it wasn't Joseph. He was fine. The bed broke. We are so thankful we had an extra one (of two) in the garage. Joseph now has a very sturdy bed to sleep in. The other one is in the scrap pile and unfortunately could not be repaired. Ah well. No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed. Smile.

Scott's dad was in the hospital for a week and then in a nursing home. We continue to pray for him and as he battles Stage 4 Brain Cancer and Scott's mom through all of this.

In retrospect, this has been one of the hardest years in many ways. I am thankful to have become so much stronger through all of it. It has also had its great rewards as Joseph and Joshua joined our family. We praise the Lord for such great great gifts. I thank the Lord for His great faithfulness and strength in keeping us going. I thank all of our family, old friends, and new friends we have made for your support and helping us endure through everything.

God bless and hold each of you close to His heart of enduring love this most special Christmas season,

Jennifer Richardson

Thanksgiving 112708


Thanksgiving was fun. Joshua enjoyed playing with the Little People Airport.


Shawna snuggled with Gabriela watching movies. Shawna liked the snacks the best, especially the carrots and onion dip.


Nobody wanted to cook on Thanksgiving day, so I cooked the turkey ahead of time and brought. Everyone enjoyed eating an already to eat traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Michael liked the leg the best. Gabriela enjoyed the other leg. Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Diana enjoyed less cleanup. Scott liked the ham. I'm taking the picture.


Joseph snuggled with Grandma !

We were all thankful to be together !

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More Halloween Pictures


Michael was dashing as Walker Texas Ranger !


Dad went as the Mountain Man, long hair and all !


Joshua, who is 5 years old, went as Spiderman !


Shawna, who is 2 and 1/2 years old, went as a Princess in her pretty dress !
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Halloween Pics


Pictures from Halloween: Everyone had lots of fun trick or treating and getting candy.


Joseph, who is 7 years old, was Tigger this year. He enjoyed pressing the button in the hand the most to make Tigger talk and grrr.


Gabriela, who is 10 years old, was a princess. She enjoyed wearing make-up at Halloween !
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Friday, November 28, 2008

"Earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way."1 Corinthians 12:31
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."Ecclesiastes 9:10
Friday, November 21, 2008 12:41 AM
Subject: Re: Richardson News

First, we will start off with a lighthearted "Shawna story". Last night, I put Shawna to bed. She got up asking for water, asking for a hug, asking for a light. All the excuses to stay up. Then, she asked for food and said "I'm very hungry. My tummy is hungry." Well, I knew she was stalling, but I also really believed she probably was slightly hungry. I gave her one piece of cheese and told her she was then going straight back to bed. She took the cheese and promptly squished it in her hair in many pieces. She really squished it good (the kind you cannot just pick out of her Loooong hair easily). She said "Mommy, my hair is dirty. I need a shower. I'm dirty." I said Shaaaawna, whyyyy did you dooo that ! She said rather matter of factly "I need you. I want to be with you. You give me a shower, and I wash my hair." Later, I just absolutely had to laugh (completely out of her earshot of course) at how completely well thought out and clever she was. She wanted time with me, and found a really great way to get it. Then, I put her straight back to bed telling her how yucky the cheese was and not to do that again but that I loved her very very much.

Okay, so here are the medical updates.

Michael's sedimentation rate (a lab test which tests for the amount of inflammation in his body) came back extremely high at 130. Normal is less than 15, and for most people 40 would be high. We have seen medical shows on TV that talk about "really high" sed rates of 68; they don't even test past 150 and checked it twice. We will speak with the rheumatologist tomorrow and see where to go from here. Michael has been having chest and rib pain on and off since June as most of you know. We ruled out his heart. It comes, then goes away, then comes back with a vengence. It is back again. Some days he is really okay, and others he can barely stand up straight. He has a bone scan coming up to be sure his bones are retaining calcium. He is walking much better since getting his new AFO braces for both legs. He is working at building up some muscle in his atrophied left leg (from the CP).

Gabriela had her medications adjusted for her Bipolar and ADHD, and is doing well. We are tackling some school issues with a weekly accountability chart to show her more tangibly how she is doing with completing assignments.

Joseph is doing very well all in all since his open heart surgery. His incision is well healed and just a nice pink line now. He only has occasional chest pain, and even less often the less than occasional blue lips (which we are very closely watching). He is still on activity restrictions for a little over a month more. Neurology wanted to rule out any genetic abnormalities and chromosomal disorders to be sure. They all came back normal, which confirms severe fetal alcohol syndrome. All in all he is stable though.

Joshua and Shawna are getting over colds.

When I got back from FMLA, my paycheck at work was screwed up, so we had NOOO money. They fixed it, and so we are ever so slowly trying to get back on track. Difficult as that is with medications coming out my ears. I feel like a walking pharmacy with all the medications and therapeutically supportive vitamins that we have to give the kids.

Michael's newest passion is practicing his guitar. It has been fixed, cleaned, strung, and tuned up thanks to his Godfather. He just loves practicing and says he has found his calling. Gabriela is learning how to scrapbook, and is enjoying making one of her own with her drawings and artwork and talks about being an animal rescuer when she is grown up. Joshua loves building with legos and wants to be a musician just like Michael. Joseph and Shawna both love to play doctor. Shawna thinks it is just a hoot when I call her Dr. Shawna Richardson.

We are all looking forward to thanksgiving this year. The kids have been working on a project. They write down an ARK (Act of Loving Kindness) that they did where they received nothing in return for it. Some of the kids get it more than others. They write their names on it, and it goes in a jar. At thanksgiving, we will read them aloud at the thanksgiving table.

Please keep us in prayers.

May Christ Our Savior Bless Your Journey and Blessings to you in Jesus name who has helped us endure, given us patience and faith, and helped us make the difference in the life of a child. We hope you will join us give a child hope and opportunity.

Scott and Jennifer Richardson
Our Business: Richardson Studios at www.richardsonstudios.com - Resources.
Our Store: www.shop.richardsonstudios.com - Support Special Needs.
Our Blog: www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com - Touching Stories about our Family.
Our School: Academy of the Possible at www.academyofthepossible.com - a school for special needs kids coming soon.

Donations are accepted at all of our sites.
Every child has a story, and every child matters.
Thank you for your generosity in advance, and Thank you for giving a child "Hope for the Heart".

For any parent with a special needs child, adopted, biological or caretaker, you are welcome to apply to join our yahoo group. Just go to www.groups.yahoo.com and type in academyofthepossible (formerly everychildmatters). We are a support system for parents and loved ones of these wonderful kids. Or click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/academyofthepossible/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1
Monday, November 17, 2008 12:27 AM
Subject: Richardson News

As many of you know, Southern California has had 7 raging wildfires. The 91 freeway is one we take often, and was closed because the fire jumped the freeway. We are okay. The wildfires are not very close to us. We have some friends that are much closer and may have to evacuate. Everyone's prayers are appreciated.

Joseph is doing just fabulous since his surgery at the beginning of October. We have had so many families and angels help us through this tough period. We are just in awe of the outpouring of comfort from the Holy Spirit. Joseph's next surgery is scheduled already for April 2nd, and he will have to have a CT with an Angio to check his heart and how it has grown. The pacemaker has made a huge difference in his comfort level, although he does have an occasional period where his lips are definitely blue when he exerts himself too much. He is no longer on pain medication except once in a while. It is just something to keep an eye on; his oxygen levels have been good each time we have had them checked. . Also, he started growth hormone injections and has grown so much already. You can tell easily when looking at him too ! Joseph can ride a two wheeled bike with training wheels. Whoo hoo !!!

Joshua is getting tall. I was so excited to find a belt for him really inexpensive, even the size slims are too big. He loves building things, and cars, and games on the computer. Gabriela and all the kids have had colds, even Scott and I. We are glad to be getting over them, although Gabriela definitely has it the worst. Shawna is almost over her cold, and shown new interest in potty training. She very matter of factly tells me "Mommy, I have to go potty very bad. I no pee pee in my pants." Yeah !!

Michael has new AFO braces on both legs which has helped his weak muscles and his walk a great deal. We have noticed him dragging his left leg, getting tired more, and toe walking more. The braces have really made a big difference in helping to normalize his walking. He also continues to have stretches and strengthening exercises to do several times a day. Michael has done some growing too, yeah !! We spent Thursday evening the 6th, and all day at the hospital at CHOC on Friday the 7th because Michael was having such great chest and rib pain on both sides. It turns out it is inflammation in his ribs and chest in the cartilage. Pretty common but apparently recurring with Michael. It has mellowed out over the week, and we can only pray it will stay away. Rheumatology had more labs done to see how he is doing overall with the Lupus, his thyroid, the inflammation, etc. Michael worked very hard and was promoted on the 14th of November from 3rd grade bible to 4th grade bible in only 4 months with good grades. We have good news. Michael tested negative for metals (lead, mercury etc.). The neurologist has not completed her review of his medical records, tests, MRI etc., but believes a preliminary diagnosis of Lupus Cerebritis with Pediatric Migraines is what is causing Michael's headaches. The other suggestion was hormone levels, but so far we have not been able to get a doctor to write the prescription. Each doctor tells us to ask someone else. Frustrating !

For Halloween, Michael went as Walker Texas Ranger. Gabriela and Shawna were our princesses. Joseph went as Tigger, and Joshua went as Spiderman. They all enjoyed so much getting candy. My sister Diana even dressed up for the occasion as Queen Elizabeth.

Please know for our friends and the many families who are struggling in such a difficult market. We are PRAYING for God's provision for you too !! We have had so many angels help us in the past weeks, and we thank every single one of you.

May Christ Our Savior Bless Your Journey and Blessings to you in Jesus name who has helped us endure, given us patience and faith, and helped us make the difference in the life of a child. We hope you will join us give a child hope and opportunity.

Scott and Jennifer Richardson

Our Business: Richardson Studios at www.richardsonstudios.com - Resources.
Our Store: www.shop.richardsonstudios.com - Support Special Needs.
Our Blog: www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com - Touching Stories about our Family.
Our School: Academy of the Possible at www.academyofthepossible.com - a school for special needs kids COMING SOON !

Donations are accepted at all of our sites.
Every child has a story, and every child matters.
Thank you for your generosity in advance, and Thank you for giving a child "Hope for the Heart".

For any parent with a special needs child, adopted, biological or caretaker, you are welcome to apply to join our yahoo group. Just go to www.groups.yahoo.com and type in academyofthepossible (formerly everychildmatters). We are a support system for parents and loved ones of these wonderful kids. Or click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/academyofthepossible/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1
7 "for God gave us(A) a spirit not of fear but(B) of power and love and self-control."

2 Timothy 1:7

Thursday, October 23, 2008

God is good ! All the time !

We got Michael's results back on his kidney tests. The results came back ok. We just have to keep an eye on them, so that was a relief. Michael also had his neurology evaluation which we have been waiting for for six months, and Joseph as well. The neurology has a lot of records to review before any kind of final diagnosis is made including reviewing both MRI's for the boys. She felt at least initially with Michael we should get him tested for heavy metal poisoning considering he has had headaches for the past six years. We expect those results next week. We are glad the neurologist is at least being thorough, but it could be simple pediatric migraines or lupus cerebritis that is causing the headaches.

Joseph is doing really well since his open heart surgery. He only needs pain medication about once a day now, which is really good. His incision and chest tube site are really healing well. His pacemaker seems to have helped some of the pain he was having before surgery possible from the rapid changes in pressure within his heart. His pacemaker is working just great. He will be on activity restriction for a while, so that remains a challenge for our active boy. He really likes to be in the center of everything. Joseph's neurology evaluation was also done. He will be having chromosome testing to rule out various genetic disorders which can be misdiagnosed as FAS, especially with his unique set of birth defects and delays.

Both Michael and Joseph are doing well on their growth hormone injections.

Joshua, Shawna and Gabriela are all healthy and doing well. All the kids are so excited for Halloween and dressing up. We are glad Joseph is healed well enough that he will be able to participate.

Please know for our friends and the many families who are struggling in such a difficult market. We are PRAYING for God's provision for you too !! We have had so many angels help us in the past weeks, and we thank every single one of you.

May Christ Our Savior Bless Your Journey and Blessings to you in Jesus name who has helped us endure, given us patience and faith, and helped us make the difference in the life of a child. We hope you will join us give a child hope and opportunity.

Scott and Jennifer Richardson

Our Business: Richardson Studios at www.richardsonstudios.com - Resources.
Our Store: www.shop.richardsonstudios.com - Support Special Needs.
Our Blog: www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com - Touching Stories about our Family.
Our School: Academy of the Possible at www.academyofthepossible.com - a school for special needs kids coming soon.

Donations are accepted at all of our sites.
Every child has a story, and every child matters.
Thank you for your generosity in advance, and Thank you for giving a child "Hope for the Heart".

For any parent with a special needs child, adopted, biological or caretaker, you are welcome to apply to join our yahoo group. Just go to www.groups.yahoo.com and type in academyofthepossible (formerly everychildmatters). We are a support system for parents and loved ones of these wonderful kids. Or click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/academyofthepossible/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1
"Lord Jesus, I believe and I profess that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Take my life, my will, and all that I have, that I may be wholly yours now and forever."

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Here is the latest !

Well, we have a LOT of doctors appointments in the upcoming weeks. Joseph is doing well, walking, moving around on his own, and seems to be doing just fabulous with his new pacemaker. It is such a relief to not have to worry about him waking up or his heart just stopping. He also seems to be doing okay with the pulmonary banding as well. He has activity restrictions for the next 3 months according to his discharge instructions, and some activities he will never ever be able to do because of the location of his pacemaker. Contact sports of any kind are now permanently out. The reason is if the leads to the pacemaker break from being hit or an impact to his chest, he would end up in the emergency room and back in open heart surgery or worse it could be fatal. His wounds are all slowly healing, and he has medication several times a day. He is back on blood pressure medication to manage his blood pressure, but all in all not too bad.

Michael's labs indicate he is having trouble with his kidneys. We are anxiously awaiting the results of those tests. He also has an echocardiogram, MRI and neurology appointment coming up. Michael is still having headaches and chest pain. We continue to be concerned about that. Also, Michael is not growing. His bones are getting further and further behind. Going through puberty is so important for many reasons - one being for the growth plates in the bones to solidify as we enter into adulthood. For this and many medical reasons, daily growth hormone injections are now very very important and no longer just an option but a necessity for Michael. We are supposed to start those this week.

For similar but different reasons, Joseph will also be starting daily growth hormone injections to give him the best chance for his heart to grow. Joseph's growth is also very delayed, and in order for any chance to have the final surgery in a few years his heart MUST grow or they cannot do it.
Joseph is being positive and says he is going to be big like Michael.

Scott's dad needs everyone's prayers. We just found out on Sunday that he has a brain tumor. He already has a heart condition, and is having brain surgery on Thursday 10-16-08.

Lord, please help us cope. This is getting very hard with one thing after another. Please pray for our spirits, our finances, our groceries, our gas, all the medical tests and appointments. Our plumbing broke; yes, again ! Scott's car battery died, and needs servicing again.

Please know for our friends and the many families who are struggling in such a difficult market. We are PRAYING for God's provision for you too !!

If you have the means to help us out, we would be ever so grateful for a donation. We have had so many angels help us in the past weeks, and we thank every single one of you.

Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
Every child has a story, and every child matters.

10-07-2008


Tuesday morning, before heading home, we had the chance for a free parking free visit to a NASA Center less than 10 minutes from the hotel we stayed in.


We got to walk around and see all the cool things.
All the kids got a hands on field trip for science.


Then we headed towards home.
We had to take it in shorter spurts as Joseph needed more frequent breaks to stretch and move around.

Jennifer


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10-06-2008 Monday



Rather late on Monday, the doctors decided Joseph was well enough to go home.
We waited for medication, post op doctors visits galore to be scheduled, discharge orders and instructions.
Finally, we got back to the hotel.
The first thing - Joseph took a picture of all of us.


We were so glad to be back all together again.

Jennifer
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Eating regular food !!


Shawna was quite content to find a great shelf to lay on next to the little couch.


Getting a bit tired of being at the hospital, can you tell?


Joseph is on a regular diet !!! Yeah !!


Standing on his own and pretty steady now too !

10-05-2008 Sunday
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Sunday continued


Doing so well, the doctors allowed him to get up and move around.


Joseph was in good spirits.


Walking on his own, but not too steady !!


Shawna wanted a turn in the wheelchair.

God continues to amaze us.
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10-05-08 Sunday


Now, he only has two IV's. One in his right foot, and one in his left arm.


Mommy and Gabi


Shawna making sure we all new "See, it's not dark yet."


Joseph watching spiderman.
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Chest tube out and sitting up -


Sunday, 10-05-08, day3 after surgery.
Joseph was moved to 3 West to a regular room.
Yeah !!!


Now we could all visit him !


"I got my chest tube out today ! "
Look, he is sitting up !! Amazing.


Watching movies and playing games, Joseph liked this room best of all.
He even shared the room with the boy who was in CVICU next to him a couple of days ago.


Yes, God answers prayers !!
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10-04-08 continued / Day 2 after surgery


In his new room, Michael was able to visit.
Michael did great with Joseph.


Still in CVICU, but a very happy boy.
Joseph now had a TV with a decent picture.
The other bed's TV was all green AND fuzzy.
We were glad to see him smile finally.


Joseph caught a very tired mommy as he was taking pictures of everything in his room.


Joseph telling me he was going to be okay.


Jennifer

Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
Every child has a story, and every child matters.
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Moving Rooms - Doing Better


Day 2 after surgery - 10/04/08 Saturday.
Joseph was doing much better than expected and showing signs of good progress.
He is now on a full liquid diet and was moved from the Cardiovascular ICU bed with a nurse 1:1 to a room in the same CVICU with a nurse 1:4.
We thank the Lord for answered prayers as Joseph becomes less critical.


Oooh, you caught me. Ah haa.
We put Shawna's hair up in braids to keep it out of her face longer, and it worked well.
She liked them too.


The kids all playing doctor while we did laundry at one of the hospital's family lounges.


Praise God for a place to do laundry for free. The hospital even provided us laundry detergent.


Jennifer
The Lord was providing for our needs.
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I Will Be With You Wherever You Go

I WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO !
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9


We have a heart for orphaned children, abandoned children, special needs children, parents of each of these children, adoption, Liberia, Ethiopia, Africa, and the Children in Need of Loving Homes around the World and our prayers are with each of them.

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