Richardson Family News

Welcome Readers to the Richardson Family News ! I gave our on-going updates a name.
This is also the same post on our blog.

The kids latest likes:
Shawna likes bubbles. Joshua likes tickles. Joseph likes cars. Gabriela likes sidewalk chalk. Michael likes daddy and mommy time.

We heard from the specialist !! He believes Joseph is an ideal candidate for surgery. Normally this is a 3 stage process. For Joseph it will be 4 (pacemaker, left ventricular training, senning takedown, and arterial switch). The next step is more testing which will include an MRI to be sure the left ventricle is healthy enough for this complex procedure, evaluation in the electrophysiology clinic, and discussion with the Dr. The electrophysiology clinic will evaluate his rhythm disturbance and provide more accurate information about evaluation for a pacemaker; Joseph's heartrate ranges as low as 30 to as high as 167 with 2.4 second pauses. The Dr believes a pacemaker may significantly improve his quality of life and make a big difference right away. The other 3 parts (surgery) will prevent further deterioration of his right ventricle and tricuspid valve which are already affected. We are most concerned with the daily chest pain that Joseph has that seems to slowly be getting worse and is definitely fairly constant at this point. Joseph asks "Mommy, when doc-tor fix it? Chest hurt. " Agh, that just aches my heart. I wish I had a more immediate answer for him. Now we have to talk to the specialist about scheduling and the testing. We believe it will all need to happen up in N. Calif at Stanford. I am thrilled to have the letter; we did not expect it till at least Friday. We also have to talk with our cardiologist down here. On to the next step...

When we go up north, we will need a place for our dogs. We have three small vivacious little dogs - a rat terrier named Chip, a min poodle named Apricot, and a min poodle named Kojo. We need someone who can dogsit during our trips up North. We will have many of these over the upcoming year (3 that we know of at least, one for testing, one for surgery 1, and one for surgery 2). It could be more. The time we would need the dog-sitting would range from a few days to 3 weeks. They sleep great in small crates at night, and are fine outside in an enclosed back yard. They are both indoor and outdoor dogs, but not well potty trained. We use a dog door, and try to minimize accidents. If anyone is interested, please email me and let us know. We would love all 3 to stay together if at all possible.

We heard from CCS on our application for Michael who was denied based on our TYPE of insurance. Go figure. They said he qualifies medically though. We will appeal it, but this answer took us 3 months to get. We had been trying since his hospitalization in April. This was our second application, second denial. I am not satisfied with the answer though, and they suggested we provide MORE documentation and re-apply a THIRD time ! Very frustrating ! I will keep on until I am satisfied, have no other options, or get a yes !

We also have the results of Michael's evaluation for Autism, and he absolutely most definitely has it. It does not change who Michael is, but gives us more tools to help him. Obviously, Michael is on the higher end of the spectrum, but it is NOT Asperger's. The results were very complex. Michael struggles a great deal in all the various aspects of language, but is charming as always in a conversation. He tested as low as in the less than one percentile in some areas, and less than 5% in many areas. It does not change Michael's charming funny and vivacious self. It does give us a lot more clarify and understanding about him, how he thinks, why he does what he does, and more ways we can help. In all areas, Michael tested between Kindergarten and 6th grade (as young as 6 years and up to his age of 12) and everywhere in between. It was consistent with our own assessment and the curriculum he is using in school. We will be adding to help Michael in other areas too. It explains A LOT of hunches many many medical professionals and us have had over the years, and are glad to finally not be written or blown off. For Michael, we know it is neurological and likely caused by the abnormalities in his brain (the PVL and Hypoplasia). The neurologist eval isn't until October though, and that was the soonest we could get. On a good note, it also validated many of the things we have been working with Michael on for years. We were right on target. Michael has made so much improvement since that first day we met him. He is an amazing little boy.

Also, Michael's Evan's is kicking up again. He is slightly anemic, WBC's, hemoglobin and platelets have all dropped. Platelets are still just inside the normal range though, so we are hoping they will not drop any more. He doesn't need medication again yet. We'd like to keep it that way, but we can see the decline in his energy level, he's a little pale, how he feels, and a couple new bruises on his elbows and legs, mostly minor ones.

Please keep us all in prayers. Please pray that Michael stays healthy and out of the hospital, for Joseph and his literal heartache, and the continuing onslaught of medical bills. Praying for miracles here. Pray for the money to get Gabriela to her bipolar camp; we believe she needs it emotionally and are running out of time.

Please support our ministry for special needs children, Richardson Studios, where all proceeds support special needs children.

Our website is: www.richardsonstudios.comOur online store is:www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Our support group for parents of special needs children is:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everychildmatters/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1Or you can go to www.groups.yahoo.com and type in the search box:everychildmattersThen of course we always have our blog for what's going on at home and our personal story at:www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.comCome and check us out ! We look forward to seeing you there.

On a lighter note, we had the awesome experience at a Concert in the Park that Riverside put on. It was free. They had 50's music, and the band was great. We brought our dinner, and the kids played at the park with other kids from our neighborhood. We enjoyed dumping sand out of everyone's sandals and shoes when we left. Scott and I got to just chill and talk and push Shawna on the swings a lot. The kids all loved playing with their friends.

Scott and I saw the most amazing sun glowing orange going down in the sky tonight. It was beautiful.

Shawna was playing "change diaper" today. She said she was "cleaning you up". She brought the pack of wipes out and proceeded to wash my hands and face for me. I laughed. It just made me smile so much to see such sweetness in our dear 2 year old. Then off she went to hug and pat our doggie statue near the front door.

News - we were thrilled to hear Bush signed in more help for homeowners. We are praying that will give us leverage in our own lousy mortgage.

More News - glad to say no damage from the earthquake from everyone we talked to, just rattled nerves. A good reminder to put an emergency backpack together just in case (shoes, socks, flashlight, batteries, snacks, water bottle).

Community Prayer:
**Pray for our beloved friend and her child who is in the hospital and was recently diagnosed as a paraplegic. God knows their many needs. We left off their names to protect their privacy, but God knows exactly who. Just pray for Jennifer's friend and her friend's child.
**For Rich who is still job hunting that the Lord would bless him with an open door to a new job that is just right for him and his family.

Please join us in prayer for Joseph, for the heart surgeon, for the money for the heart surgery, for the money for the travel (definitely), and for a speedy recovery.

If you would like to help financially towards Joseph's surgery, we would be ever most grateful. You can click on the donate button at the bottom of the posts on our blog www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com. Or you can visit us at www.richardsonstudios.com .

Prayers are always welcome ! We are praying for miracles here for our lively, affectionate, tenacious, lovable little boy.

Blessings in Christ our Lord who has helped us endure, given us patience and faith, and shown us the joy in raising FIVE very special children who I am sure will make their mark and change the world for the better.

May Christ Our Savior Bless Your Journey,

Jennifer Richardson
richardsonstudios@charter.net
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/everychildmatters

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 everychildmatters. We are a support system for parents and loved ones of these wonderful kids.

Joseph's Heart

The cardiology specialist wants to do more testing to further evaluate him. We will know more details hopefully Friday.

Jennifer

Earthquake !

We had an earthquake today at 5.4 on the Richter Scale. The epicenter was so close to us in Chino Hills, California. If you want more information click on the title Earthquake to go to the USGS.

We sure did feel it. A few toys off the shelves and rattled nerves, but everyone is fine.

Jennifer

Amazing Words of Wisdom

Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence. Pope John Paul II

Radical changes in world politics leave America with a heightened responsibility to be, for the world, an example of a genuinely free, democratic, just and humane society. Pope John Paul II

Shawna Loving her Preschool Program

Shawna is feeling like such a big girl !

Look at me, look at me !



Of course, we do all kinds of hands on, play dates, puzzles, songs, games, etc too. It is such a blast.

-- One proud Mommy !

Preschool

Shawna has officially started a Preschool Program this year. She is learning her letters, colors, and numbres. She just loves going on the computer, and is learning how to use the mouse. We have the cutest picture.

Joseph and Joshua love it just as much too.

Jennifer

Long long Mom !

Still waiting to hear from the cardiology specialist. He continues to have chest pain daily. He says "Mom, heart hurts long long. Go to doctor - fix it." Joseph is holding his own though, and we praise God for that. Although we see him sit and rest and his pauses when he is having pain, he doesn't let that stop him. He joins in the play and has fun anyway !

Joseph is a little trooper.

Jennifer

Michael's Labs

Michael's latest labwork is in - we got a call from hematology. Michael's anemic again. His white blood cells and hemoglobin were slightly low. His platelets dropped a hundred points but are still just inside the low range of normal. He does have about 3 new bruises on his elbows and leg. We are keeping an eye on him. Michael had several weeks of normal platelets so we went a month before checking again. Now were back to checking in more often to make sure his labs don't continue to go down. He's still smiley and active though. He still has tummy aches (but not as bad) and headaches (still pretty often but no more vomiting with them for a few weeks). They don't know why - it could be related to the Evan's Syndrome, but it is so rare they know nothing about it. They don't know if Evan's affects other parts of the body or not. Neurology is not until October (the first available appt, and we checked around too). So, pray pray !

Michael is doing awesome in school ! We are so happy with his grades. He loves his bible class and has been exceling in language arts !

Michael painted a picture of a car and wanted to sell it like Mom. He says he can always paint more like me. We will be putting it up in our store at www.shop.richardsonstudios.com We also have a couple new paintings of mine up with pictures. Check it out.

Jennifer

Shawna's Boogers

Shawna was so proud of herself this weekend. She walked up to me and said in her most excited high pitched voice "Mommy, I got my boogers !" I told her I was very glad. After checking for clean hands and face, off she went to play. I had to laugh. It's the little things that are so endearing (no pun intended).

Jennifer
:)

Christian the Lion - Reunited

A friend shared this with me. It is such a tender video. You have to go look.


Jennifer Richardson

Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Artists, 1999

"The Spirit is the mysterious Artist of the universe. Looking to the Third Millennium, I would hope that all artists might receive in abundance the gift of that creative inspiration which is the starting-point of every true work of art." John Paul II

Dear Lord, accept this prayer tonight that all artists would inspire faith by their artistic works in the hearts of those that receive them.

In Christ's name Jesus, Amen.



Jennifer

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags: Everyone on earth should see this. It's that important. And please pass it on ! Once in the slideshow, use the bar on the right side of the screen to scroll through.

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/MULTIMEDIA02/80505016

We are considering buying cloth bags when we have a little extra money !
I thought this was very interesting.

Jennifer

Joseph's Heart Surgery

Well, the cardiologist met with his team. We know we won't hear his recommendations before Friday at the earliest.

Jennifer

Judge Dismisses Homeschooling Credentials Case

Another Victory !!

"A controversial legal ruling that outlawed most forms of
homeschooling in California will face greater scrutiny because the
underlying family court case was dismissed earlier this week......The California Department of Education allows home schooling as
long as parents file paperwork with the state establishing themselves
as small private schools, hire credentialed tutors or enroll their
children in independent study programs run by charter or private
schools or public school districts while still teaching at home."
according to the article in the Los Angeles Times on July 12, 2008
written by Seema Mehta, a Los Angeles Times Staff Writer.

This was also posted by HSLDA, the HomeSchool Legal Defense Association.

If you would like to read the whole article, you may do so at -
http://www.hslda.org/docs/link.asp?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Elatimes%2Ecom%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fla%2Dme%2Dhomeschool12%2D2008jul12%2C0%2C777301%2Estory.

We will continue to follow the developments of this case and encourage everyone who is homeschooling to be sure you have filed your legal paperwork with the state of California.

Jennifer Richardson

Coming Soon

Our newssite at www.everychildmatterZ.com

Would you like your story published online? How have you impacted the world? Does your child have a story to share? What is your story? How did you come to the Lord? We will give you your own page on our newssite. You may include 1 photo, and title your own page. You can get published online for a donation of $50.00 at our online store at www.shop.richardsonstudios.com which will be available soon. Once you make your donation, we will be in contact with you via email. Write your story. Once your story is submitted, you are on your way.

We encourage inspirational, encouraging, Christian, life-giving, persevering, moral, ethical, and survivial stories and testimonies. We will consider all stories.

We reserve the right to edit as necessary and refuse services to anyone. If we choose to publish your story, we will try to keep the essence of your story intact.

All donations for published stories go to support the administrative costs of Richardson Studios, our online store , and newssite everychildmatterz.com and to help special needs children.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Jennifer

Joseph's Surgery

The cardiology specialist received his medical records. We received confirmation. This coming Wednesday, Joseph's case will be reviewed by the specialist and his cardiology team. Then we can anticipate his recommendations and decision within five days.

We know for sure we will have to travel up to northern California to Stanford for the surgery. It won't be down here. We also know we will have to be there for some time. Depending on how urgent it is, it could be as early as September. We are waiting to hear more.

Please keep us and our finances in prayers as we walk this path of God's grace to give the best chance at life to our 7 year old son Joseph. We know the cost will be high. Please consider a donation. We will provide more details as things are more certain.

Thank you Paul for making the first purchase at our online store towards our vision of helping other special needs kids just like Joseph!
We are honored. Thank you Mike for your generous donation towards Joseph's surgery expenses.

Jennifer
Business: www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Store: www.richardsonstudios.com
Parent Support Group: www.groups.yahoo.com/everychildmatters

New News

Please pray for us as we continue in homeschooling the children, our new ministry - website and store, and Joseph and Michael's continued healing.

Michael is doing well ! He is getting great grades in school, and his health is stable and coming along. The road to recovery for Michael has been long, and he still has a ways to go in many ways. Praise the Lord for all the progress he has made !!

Gabriela has been a great help around the house doing extra jobs for me and being a special presence. Gabriela has really been working at showing this past weekend what a great kid we all know she is. :))

Joseph is always his happy go lucky, huggable snuggable self, and has been doing as well as can be expected with modified activity. He is really enjoying learning his ABCs. He knows T, and has begun showing recognition of the letters A and B with all the repetitiion. It has been awesome to see his progress in these little steps.

Joshua just loves tickles with dad and goofin' around. We have been working at having him ask for what he needs to help him become more vocal about his needs instead of staying quiet.

Shawna surprises us every day with the words she picks up and can say like "backards" and "diaper change". She walked up to me yesterday patting her diaper and said "diaper change" to let me know she was wet.

Our big project this weekend was going through all the toys and slimming down some of the toys the kids just never ever play with. We have three boxes of stuff to add to our growing pile.

Another very exciting news this week: Joseph Noah was baptized. Fr. Joe from St. Thomas was kind to baptize Joseph in light of his weak heart and eventual surgery. The church was kind to take a few pictures and will mail them to us. We got a few and then our batteries died. Just figures I forgot to bring the new ones. Joseph loved all the attention and was quite content being the center of attention and hamming it up. All 75 children from the Catholic Vacation Bible School sang Michael a wonderful song about love.

We Have Our Own Website and Online Store !!!
We are Richardson Studios - dedicated to serving special needs children and their families. We are a Catholic lay ministry.

Well, our ministry is alive and kickin'! We have officially launched our new website, and we even have an online store !!Our website is:www.richardsonstudios.comOur online store is:www.shop.richardsonstudios.comOur support group for parents of special needs children is:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everychildmatters/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1Or you can go to www.groups.yahoo.com and type in the search box:everychildmattersThen of course we always have our blog for what's going on at home and our personal story at:www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.comCome and check us out !I already have corrections and changes to make, but it is very exciting.We look forward to seeing you there.

Please join us in prayer for Joseph, for the heart surgeon, for the money for the heart surgery, for the money for the travel (probably), and for a speedy recovery. If you would like to help financially towards Joseph's surgery, we would be ever most grateful. You can click on the donate button at the bottom of the posts on our blog www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com.

Prayers are always welcome ! We are praying for miracles here for our lively, affectionate, tenacious, lovable little boy.

Blessings in Christ our Lord who has helped us endure, given us patience and faith, and shown us the joy in raising FIVE very special children who I am sure will make their mark and change the world for the better.

May Christ Our Savior Bless Your Journey,

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/everychildmatters

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 everychildmatters. We are a support system for parents and loved ones of these wonderful kids.

We Have Our Own Website and Online Store !!!

Well, our ministry is alive and kickin'! We have officially launched our new website, and we even have an online store !!

Our website is:

www.richardsonstudios.com

Our online store is:

www.shop.richardsonstudios.com

Our support group for parents of special needs children is:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everychildmatters/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

Or you can go to www.groups.yahoo.com and type in the search box:

everychildmatters

Then of course we always have our blog for what's going on at home and our personal story at:

www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

Come and check us out !

I already have corrections and changes to make, but it is very exciting.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jennifer

A God Who Did Save Us

Ps 50:8–9, 16bc–17, 21 and 23
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Isn't it awesome that we have a God who CAN save us, that is WILLING to save us, and that DID save us?

Boy, wouldn't we all be in a mess if he didn't !

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord, all you have to do is ask Him to come into your heart and give your life to Him ! He WILL change it.

We are so blessed that it is that simple.

Thank you Lord.

Jennifer

Joseph is Being Baptized !

I walk straight into his room to feel him breathing and his little heart beating. He is ok, and I am relieved that he is fine one more day.

I know he has angels watching over him. We arranged for Joseph to be baptized on an emergency basis at the church tomorrow. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of baptism. I wanted to be sure he was baptized just in case anything did happen to him. The baptism is scheduled at 9:00 am July 10, 2008. Fr. Joe Felker is doing it at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, and all the kids from the vacation bible school will be there. There are 75 kids, and I got the impression they wanted to sing Joseph a song. Since baptism involves water as well as the power of the Holy Spirit, I am absolutely sure he will be just delighted. Even Jesus Christ himself was baptized in water as well as the Holy Spirit. I am planning on bringing the camera, so hopefully I will get good pictures.

He still has chest pain most days, and we know for sure his heartbeat is irregular. I can feel it through his chest. He has complained of his heart feeling too fast, but the doctor says that is expected with the enlargement of his heart and the extra strain. He is ok. We will all just keep praying that we hear back from the cardiology specialist very soon.

In Christ,
Jennifer3

My Lord, You lift my spirit and give me strength each day. One step at a time will I walk closer to you. Draw your faithful servants closer to your heart. Lord, give us wisdom in each decision and protect us each step. I do not understand your design Lord, but thank you for including me in it.
Jennifer




Debt is Satan in disquise. It is best just to avoid them altogether.