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