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

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 !

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 !

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 !