Posts
Please check out our store at Richardson Studios. You can click on the link in the title or go to www.shop.richardsonstudios.com to see all the artwork available for sale. These are original paintings. Special order by subject is also available. For example, if you like the artwork but would love a rainbow instead of what is available, then that can be custom painted. Be sure to include the size you want and your contact information when requesting a quote.
God Bless You,
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Complications !
We ask all of you for your prayers right now !
Joseph underwent his cardiac catheterization yesterday. Joseph had local anesthesia and heavy sedation during the procedure. During the procedure, Joseph had trouble maintaining adequate oxygen levels in his blood which fell, and he required 100 percent oxygen. This complication during his heart cath was unexpected. Fortunately, they were able to stabilize Joseph and no ventilator was required. The doctors were able to complete the procedure, and had unexpected findings. Joseph’s heart is already compromised being enlarged on one side and atrophied on the other. The doctors found and diagnosed Joseph with pulmonary hypertension along with all the other problems he is already struggling with. Joseph already struggles with chest pain, fatigue especially with activity and exertion and occasionally faint blue around his mouth. Now, he may be having difficulty breathing as well and not know how to accurately describe that to us. The doctors are not sure of the cause of the pulmonary hypertension, although he probably has had it for a while. Without knowing the exact cause, we suspect it may have been there since he was little when he had a lot of lung infections. Unfortunately, pulmonary hypertension can be progressive and fatal and can lead to heart failure and often leads to death within three years. Unfortunately, this has a huge financial impact on our family. The doctors are conferencing to formulate a plan and expect several procedures may be necessary to try and find the cause. If they can find the cause, that would help treatment. Soo, more procedures (probably a sleep study, another heart cath later to recheck his pressures, an ENT, pulmonary specialist etc.). The atrial double switch surgery that we were hoping Joseph could have would have extended his life from 5 years to about 50 to 60 years old, and now is on hold indefinitely because of this newest complication. We thought we had hurdled at least the major medical problems, and were on our way to things being better with a longer and better life for Joseph, and now we may have him for much shorter than we expected as his condition just keeps getting worse. Overall, he looks okay. Praise God he still is active. As little boys go, he likes to be in the midst of everything. He has such great spunk and a joy and smile that truly are a gift from God which help him through all this tough stuff. Joseph is healing from the procedure and up and around again. Praise God the doctors found it. Without the heart catheterization, we would not even have known until he was much worse. At least this way, the doctors can give him medication to help. We don’t have any previous measures from his open heart surgery in October to compare, because LPCH didn’t do a heart cath or get those kinds of measurements. Looking back, I believe God had angels in his plan for us. It was a Godsend to be at Children’s Hospital LA where they could find the pulmonary hypertension. Praise God Joseph DID get the pacemaker in October last year when he did to help his little heart keep going, and especially since his body depends on that pacemaker more and more. It just breaks my heart to see though how it does limit him and cause him pain. Pain that I can’t fix or heal or take away. I can only hug him and tell him how much I love him and do what we can.
Michael then got some really serious headaches so badly that he was throwing up several times during the day while we were waiting for Joseph during his procedure and recovery. They have been coming pretty constant. Tylenol helps take the edge off, but we need to get him to another neurologist for a new consult to try and find the cause. The previous neurologist did not really give us any answers for his headaches. Lord, help us.
Joseph underwent his cardiac catheterization yesterday. Joseph had local anesthesia and heavy sedation during the procedure. During the procedure, Joseph had trouble maintaining adequate oxygen levels in his blood which fell, and he required 100 percent oxygen. This complication during his heart cath was unexpected. Fortunately, they were able to stabilize Joseph and no ventilator was required. The doctors were able to complete the procedure, and had unexpected findings. Joseph’s heart is already compromised being enlarged on one side and atrophied on the other. The doctors found and diagnosed Joseph with pulmonary hypertension along with all the other problems he is already struggling with. Joseph already struggles with chest pain, fatigue especially with activity and exertion and occasionally faint blue around his mouth. Now, he may be having difficulty breathing as well and not know how to accurately describe that to us. The doctors are not sure of the cause of the pulmonary hypertension, although he probably has had it for a while. Without knowing the exact cause, we suspect it may have been there since he was little when he had a lot of lung infections. Unfortunately, pulmonary hypertension can be progressive and fatal and can lead to heart failure and often leads to death within three years. Unfortunately, this has a huge financial impact on our family. The doctors are conferencing to formulate a plan and expect several procedures may be necessary to try and find the cause. If they can find the cause, that would help treatment. Soo, more procedures (probably a sleep study, another heart cath later to recheck his pressures, an ENT, pulmonary specialist etc.). The atrial double switch surgery that we were hoping Joseph could have would have extended his life from 5 years to about 50 to 60 years old, and now is on hold indefinitely because of this newest complication. We thought we had hurdled at least the major medical problems, and were on our way to things being better with a longer and better life for Joseph, and now we may have him for much shorter than we expected as his condition just keeps getting worse. Overall, he looks okay. Praise God he still is active. As little boys go, he likes to be in the midst of everything. He has such great spunk and a joy and smile that truly are a gift from God which help him through all this tough stuff. Joseph is healing from the procedure and up and around again. Praise God the doctors found it. Without the heart catheterization, we would not even have known until he was much worse. At least this way, the doctors can give him medication to help. We don’t have any previous measures from his open heart surgery in October to compare, because LPCH didn’t do a heart cath or get those kinds of measurements. Looking back, I believe God had angels in his plan for us. It was a Godsend to be at Children’s Hospital LA where they could find the pulmonary hypertension. Praise God Joseph DID get the pacemaker in October last year when he did to help his little heart keep going, and especially since his body depends on that pacemaker more and more. It just breaks my heart to see though how it does limit him and cause him pain. Pain that I can’t fix or heal or take away. I can only hug him and tell him how much I love him and do what we can.
Michael then got some really serious headaches so badly that he was throwing up several times during the day while we were waiting for Joseph during his procedure and recovery. They have been coming pretty constant. Tylenol helps take the edge off, but we need to get him to another neurologist for a new consult to try and find the cause. The previous neurologist did not really give us any answers for his headaches. Lord, help us.
Monday, April 20, 2009
So Much - - - Richardson News Special Update / April 21, 2009
WE HAVE A COURT DATE TO FINALIZE THE ADOPTION OF OUR TWO SONS !
Joseph Noah Richardson, Age 7, AND Joshua John Richardson, Age 5 (6 on May 3rd) ON Friday, May 8, 2009 AT 10:00 am. We don’t know when court will finish because the same time is assigned to all cases, so we don’t know if we will be first, sixth or last. We will just allow plenty of time. We have been told we will be allowed to bring our camera which is nice. PRAISE THE LORD ! HALLELUJIAH !
MEDICAL UPDATE ON JOSEPH:
Monday, April 13, 2009 Joseph had a chest x-ray, echocardiogram, EKG and met with the cardiologist at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Joseph is scheduled for an outpatient heart catheterization on April 23, 2009 at 10:00 am. They go through femoral artery up to the inside of the heart to measure, take pictures, see how the pulmonary band is doing and see if Joseph’s heart has gained any strength since the surgery in October 2008. This is all in preparation for his next open heart surgery. Please keep him and us in prayers. We will be at the hospital for a very long day on the 23rd during and after his procedure and while he is in recovery from it.
UPDATE ON SCOTT’S DAD:
The very sad news came to us that Scott’s Dad died on April 18, 2009 at 1:30 pm of brain cancer. Scott will be with his mom in Indiana for the funeral and then back just before Joseph’s heart catheterization. Please pray for Scott’s Dad John, for Scott and his Mom Kitty, and all of us in our loss. LORD, BE WITH US ! Scott’s dad was ornery and sometimes difficult to understand but sweet and loving. John, we will all miss you.
A COMEDIC MOMENT and a TOUCHING MOMENT
Upon hearing that Scott’s Dad had gotten really bad and may be dying, Scott and I shared this with the kids. Shawna asked “ Can I go see Grandpa die?” It just struck us as so funny. After we shared with the kids that Grandpa John died, Shawna made a colorful picture with “lots of roses” for Grandma Kitty “so she won’t be so sad” she said.
A NEAR MISS
Earlier this week, Jennifer survived a near miss by millimeters after slamming on her breaks to avoid a drunk driver weaving in lanes, cutting other drivers off and avoid him crashing into her driver door with all 5 kids in the car. Angels were watching over our family for sure that day. After slamming on the breaks, the drunk driver crashed into the car and fences in someone’s house and then screeched his tires and sped off. The family of the house had 3 kids who all just went inside. The police caught the guy and arrested him, and not a single soul got hurt. It reminds me of the truth of Amy Grant’s song “Angels Watchin’ Over ME” ! And, not a scratch on the car from the guy.
Joseph Noah Richardson, Age 7, AND Joshua John Richardson, Age 5 (6 on May 3rd) ON Friday, May 8, 2009 AT 10:00 am. We don’t know when court will finish because the same time is assigned to all cases, so we don’t know if we will be first, sixth or last. We will just allow plenty of time. We have been told we will be allowed to bring our camera which is nice. PRAISE THE LORD ! HALLELUJIAH !
MEDICAL UPDATE ON JOSEPH:
Monday, April 13, 2009 Joseph had a chest x-ray, echocardiogram, EKG and met with the cardiologist at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Joseph is scheduled for an outpatient heart catheterization on April 23, 2009 at 10:00 am. They go through femoral artery up to the inside of the heart to measure, take pictures, see how the pulmonary band is doing and see if Joseph’s heart has gained any strength since the surgery in October 2008. This is all in preparation for his next open heart surgery. Please keep him and us in prayers. We will be at the hospital for a very long day on the 23rd during and after his procedure and while he is in recovery from it.
UPDATE ON SCOTT’S DAD:
The very sad news came to us that Scott’s Dad died on April 18, 2009 at 1:30 pm of brain cancer. Scott will be with his mom in Indiana for the funeral and then back just before Joseph’s heart catheterization. Please pray for Scott’s Dad John, for Scott and his Mom Kitty, and all of us in our loss. LORD, BE WITH US ! Scott’s dad was ornery and sometimes difficult to understand but sweet and loving. John, we will all miss you.
A COMEDIC MOMENT and a TOUCHING MOMENT
Upon hearing that Scott’s Dad had gotten really bad and may be dying, Scott and I shared this with the kids. Shawna asked “ Can I go see Grandpa die?” It just struck us as so funny. After we shared with the kids that Grandpa John died, Shawna made a colorful picture with “lots of roses” for Grandma Kitty “so she won’t be so sad” she said.
A NEAR MISS
Earlier this week, Jennifer survived a near miss by millimeters after slamming on her breaks to avoid a drunk driver weaving in lanes, cutting other drivers off and avoid him crashing into her driver door with all 5 kids in the car. Angels were watching over our family for sure that day. After slamming on the breaks, the drunk driver crashed into the car and fences in someone’s house and then screeched his tires and sped off. The family of the house had 3 kids who all just went inside. The police caught the guy and arrested him, and not a single soul got hurt. It reminds me of the truth of Amy Grant’s song “Angels Watchin’ Over ME” ! And, not a scratch on the car from the guy.
EXPLODING TIRES
During such a stressful week, we also had two tires blow out with a day of each other. One of the tires literally exploded on the freeway. It was so bad the tire had wires sticking out everywhere, and we lost the trim panel which is part of the bumper on the rear of the car from the tire failing. We had no sooner bought a new one and put the spare away then we had to get it right back out for the other side. Now, we will have to replace the whole bumper. Ugggh ! Not where we wanted the finances to go at all. This year has had so much challenge, so much loss and stuff to deal with that it is almost comical. HEAVEN HELP US !
During such a stressful week, we also had two tires blow out with a day of each other. One of the tires literally exploded on the freeway. It was so bad the tire had wires sticking out everywhere, and we lost the trim panel which is part of the bumper on the rear of the car from the tire failing. We had no sooner bought a new one and put the spare away then we had to get it right back out for the other side. Now, we will have to replace the whole bumper. Ugggh ! Not where we wanted the finances to go at all. This year has had so much challenge, so much loss and stuff to deal with that it is almost comical. HEAVEN HELP US !
OTHER HAPPENINGS
Also this week, the termites decided to let us know they were all alive and well in our house by coming in the living room and flying around. Ewwh, gross ! Something else to deal with. I will just add it to the list.
Then, the can opener broke along with the one of the kids cooler toys, the kids pulled the towel bar off the wall, the garbage disposal broke down, and a glass broke in the sink all in one day ! Good grief ! Okay Lord, are we refined enough yet? Boy, we are going to surely be beautiful when God is done with us. I guess in these moments you have to either laugh or cry.
Also this week, the termites decided to let us know they were all alive and well in our house by coming in the living room and flying around. Ewwh, gross ! Something else to deal with. I will just add it to the list.
Then, the can opener broke along with the one of the kids cooler toys, the kids pulled the towel bar off the wall, the garbage disposal broke down, and a glass broke in the sink all in one day ! Good grief ! Okay Lord, are we refined enough yet? Boy, we are going to surely be beautiful when God is done with us. I guess in these moments you have to either laugh or cry.
Please continue to pray for us.
We love you all !
The Richardson’s
Scott, Jennifer, Michael, Gabriela, Joseph, Joshua, and Shawna
Our 3 dogs, Apricot, Chip and Kojo, our fish and frog
We are blessed and favored says the Lord !
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Richardson News: Happy Easter ! 04-12-2009
Dear Friends:
We are praising God and waiting on Him at the same time.
Joseph’s 4th open heart surgery was cancelled by Dr Frank Hanley’s office (the surgeon) without a single reason given to us as to why. The myriad of problems we have had with the surgeon, his staff and the hospital at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital over the past 3 months has been nothing less than frightening. We had communication problems, errors in scheduling, great lack of communication, refusal of the surgeon’s staff to page him for us, and many unreturned phone calls to say the least. We finally had to resort to calling patient relations and the social worker over and over and over again with our complaints. We had questions regarding our son’s care, questions regarding two procedures scheduled under anesthesia less than 24 hours apart with a third under anesthesia only a week later, and never received one call from the surgeon once we got home in October 2008. Even when we asked to have him paged, regardless of whether he was in or not that day, they still refused. After no written confirmation of anything, we left messages with patient relations and resorted to emails notifying the surgeon and hospital that we wanted to verify that all tests and procedures were cancelled. We did not want to find out later that we were charged for not showing up to something. We would not be rescheduling any of them nor rescheduling any surgical procedure with Dr Frank Hanley or Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. It has been a very angering and frustrating journey. Two weeks before we were to leave, we were called and told all the dates were changed which then required us to change all of our travel dates. We were informed that we now had to leave in a week, and after 3 months of trying to get written confirmations, we still had nothing in writing. The hospital also kept telling us that nothing was in the computer. We told the hospital, Dr and office, which phone to call us on. Except for patient relations and the social worker, no one called us on the correct phone.
The sad thing is when Joseph was in the hospital itself for his surgery in October, we had no complaints in the ICU or step-down unit as far as the nurses were concerned for the most part. It’s just the ancillary services, clinics, hospital scheduling and primarily the staff at Dr Hanley’s office was so bad in our opinion that we felt it unsafe to proceed. Even after the social worker asked Dr Hanley’s office to page him, we never once received a phone call or message from him. It has become my personal opinion that the communication is so bad with Dr Frank Hanley’s office in particular that it would put our son in danger and possibly endanger his life further if we continued. I myself will never recommend Dr Frank Hanley or Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for any services based on my own personal experience. Medical care should be better. Our concerns for his medical care were never addressed.
In our deepened concern for our son Joseph, who we know needs several more open heart surgeries in the next year or so and then every 5 years or so for life, I started researching in earnest to find a well-qualified cardiothoracic surgeon who had previously and successfully performed the double switch procedure and banding procedures. We were disappointed that Loma Linda near us did not have one. We were relieved, however, to learn that Dr Vaugh Starns (the chief of cardiothoracic surgery) at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles is well qualified, and has successfully done this procedure a number of times before. Dr Starns was willing to consult with us and take Joseph’s case. We called on a Friday, and he rearranged his schedule to meet with us on the following Monday. We are proceeding with Dr Starns, and Joseph will be having testing before any surgery to see how his heart is doing today and what exactly will need to be done in surgery. He will be having an echocardiogram again as well as an EKG, and probably a heart cath and possibly CT scan of his heart. Our next appointment is Monday 04-13-2009. We expect the surgery may be scheduled in the next 2 to 3 weeks, but it depends on the results of the testing first.
Until all this happened, we had never heard of Dr Starns. When we had asked our current cardiologists office more than two times if there was anyone closer than Dr Hanley or LPCH, we were told not on the West Coast. Again, it was very frustrating. We were told by Dr. Starns, who agreed, that there were not too many surgeons who can do this particular surgery. We just didn’t know he was an option, but I am so glad we know now. We are also glad to not have to worry about where to stay in hotels or how to pay for it. Joseph overall does get tired with heavier activity, and has to pause a while before getting back into it. Overall though, he is doing okay. He does have pain at the site of his pacemaker and occasional heart pain, so those are always concerning. The testing will tell us more and show if there possibly is scarring at the site of his pacemaker from the original surgery, which could cause its own problems. As for school, Joseph is making progress with his letters and remembers 9 to 11 of them now. He has also learned same and different. We were also very pleased to see him engaging in group imaginative play with his brothers and sisters. Most of you know, Joseph is delayed, so this is an excellent sign of progress. Joseph enjoys playing house and horses with the Little People house, barn, people and animals.
Michael has been holding his own as well with not too many new bruises, is very careful in the sun, and careful to use the SPF 70 prescribed and take all his medication. Michael has become very faithful at his exercises for his Cerebral Palsy, which we are very excited to say. He has been promoted to the next grade in four of his classes as well.
Gabriela is growing into such a tall slender young lady, so much so that now many of her shorts and pants are too big around the waist and to short in the legs as she continues to get taller. She has had to start wearing belts regularly to keep her pants up. Turning 11 this year, I have no doubt that Gabriela will soon be taller than myself. She is already just past my nose. Gabriela is making really good progress with her reading as well and has not needed quite so much medication for her Bipolar and ADHD this year.
Joshua loves building and wants to be an engineer when he grows up to build cars, machines, and mechanical things. I would not be surprised in the slightest if he invented a new flying vehicle or spaceship of some sort. Joshua is our best eater and can match even my husband’s appetite, though he is so slender you would never guess it.
Shawna’s favorite games are playing house, playing doctor, and playing kitchen and party. She has decided she wants to get married and be a mommy when she is all grown up. She says that she will have long hair as a mommy. She doesn’t want her bangs cut, so we have her wearing headbands as much as we can as it grows long like the rest of her hair. She is also enjoying playing with her dollies. Shawna learned how to open the front door with two hands, something that was until today just too bit of a challenge. Our front door takes an extra tug to get open. I loved the most her blowing me kisses as she went outside to play with the rest of the kids in the backyard.
The adoption has been approved FINALLY !!! We anxiously wait for a court date to be scheduled, hopefully soon, hopefully before Joseph’s next re-scheduled surgery. We were disappointed that the attorney mailed the papers into the court instead of walking them in to court, which would have sped up receiving a court date. Now, we have to wait to receive the court date in the mail hopefully in the next 2 to 4 weeks.
We have officially opened our school Academy of the Possible. Please check out our website at www.academyofthepossible.com and take a look. We are always open to comments and critiques to help us grow. We are praying towards incorporating and choosing officers for our school. Please join us in prayer that the Lord leads us to the right people. We are looking for partners in our vision, and waiting for God’s provision and blessings for resources to grow. We expect to be able to add daycare services, CPR and First Aid classes this year to our list of courses. I also recently completed CA Child Care CPR and First Aid certification. Growing a business is often about celebrating the small victories, so we celebrated having our business cards this month.
We are continuing to pray for God’s financial favor to help us keep going. It has been a struggle.
Please consider a donation !
My dearest sister Kathy and their family was so kind. We were excited to receive Easter gifts in the mail for the kids. We also received brand new beanie babies for each of the kids from a nice lady in our community. It made for a wonderful Easter. I had fun making up the baskets with the gifts we received, and the candy we were able to buy. Each of the kids also got to hunt for Easter eggs and were all delighted to find pennies in them.
Dear Lord, we pray that you pour out your financial favor on our friends and their families and their loved ones. We praise you and thank you for leading us to a capable surgeon here in Southern California for our son. We praise you for the approval of the adoption, and that you allow us Lord to be instruments and care for all five of these delightful children. We praise you for your provision this Easter. We praise you Lord for helping us. We trust you Lord with all our lives and ask that you help us to see you more clearly, follow you nearly and never depart from your ways. In Jesus name, we pray that you touch our world. Amen.
Have a very Happy Easter ! Praise God for Christ is Risen !
We love you all,
The Richardson’s
Scott, Jennifer, Michael, Gabriela, Joseph, Joshua, and Shawna
We are praising God and waiting on Him at the same time.
Joseph’s 4th open heart surgery was cancelled by Dr Frank Hanley’s office (the surgeon) without a single reason given to us as to why. The myriad of problems we have had with the surgeon, his staff and the hospital at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital over the past 3 months has been nothing less than frightening. We had communication problems, errors in scheduling, great lack of communication, refusal of the surgeon’s staff to page him for us, and many unreturned phone calls to say the least. We finally had to resort to calling patient relations and the social worker over and over and over again with our complaints. We had questions regarding our son’s care, questions regarding two procedures scheduled under anesthesia less than 24 hours apart with a third under anesthesia only a week later, and never received one call from the surgeon once we got home in October 2008. Even when we asked to have him paged, regardless of whether he was in or not that day, they still refused. After no written confirmation of anything, we left messages with patient relations and resorted to emails notifying the surgeon and hospital that we wanted to verify that all tests and procedures were cancelled. We did not want to find out later that we were charged for not showing up to something. We would not be rescheduling any of them nor rescheduling any surgical procedure with Dr Frank Hanley or Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. It has been a very angering and frustrating journey. Two weeks before we were to leave, we were called and told all the dates were changed which then required us to change all of our travel dates. We were informed that we now had to leave in a week, and after 3 months of trying to get written confirmations, we still had nothing in writing. The hospital also kept telling us that nothing was in the computer. We told the hospital, Dr and office, which phone to call us on. Except for patient relations and the social worker, no one called us on the correct phone.
The sad thing is when Joseph was in the hospital itself for his surgery in October, we had no complaints in the ICU or step-down unit as far as the nurses were concerned for the most part. It’s just the ancillary services, clinics, hospital scheduling and primarily the staff at Dr Hanley’s office was so bad in our opinion that we felt it unsafe to proceed. Even after the social worker asked Dr Hanley’s office to page him, we never once received a phone call or message from him. It has become my personal opinion that the communication is so bad with Dr Frank Hanley’s office in particular that it would put our son in danger and possibly endanger his life further if we continued. I myself will never recommend Dr Frank Hanley or Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for any services based on my own personal experience. Medical care should be better. Our concerns for his medical care were never addressed.
In our deepened concern for our son Joseph, who we know needs several more open heart surgeries in the next year or so and then every 5 years or so for life, I started researching in earnest to find a well-qualified cardiothoracic surgeon who had previously and successfully performed the double switch procedure and banding procedures. We were disappointed that Loma Linda near us did not have one. We were relieved, however, to learn that Dr Vaugh Starns (the chief of cardiothoracic surgery) at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles is well qualified, and has successfully done this procedure a number of times before. Dr Starns was willing to consult with us and take Joseph’s case. We called on a Friday, and he rearranged his schedule to meet with us on the following Monday. We are proceeding with Dr Starns, and Joseph will be having testing before any surgery to see how his heart is doing today and what exactly will need to be done in surgery. He will be having an echocardiogram again as well as an EKG, and probably a heart cath and possibly CT scan of his heart. Our next appointment is Monday 04-13-2009. We expect the surgery may be scheduled in the next 2 to 3 weeks, but it depends on the results of the testing first.
Until all this happened, we had never heard of Dr Starns. When we had asked our current cardiologists office more than two times if there was anyone closer than Dr Hanley or LPCH, we were told not on the West Coast. Again, it was very frustrating. We were told by Dr. Starns, who agreed, that there were not too many surgeons who can do this particular surgery. We just didn’t know he was an option, but I am so glad we know now. We are also glad to not have to worry about where to stay in hotels or how to pay for it. Joseph overall does get tired with heavier activity, and has to pause a while before getting back into it. Overall though, he is doing okay. He does have pain at the site of his pacemaker and occasional heart pain, so those are always concerning. The testing will tell us more and show if there possibly is scarring at the site of his pacemaker from the original surgery, which could cause its own problems. As for school, Joseph is making progress with his letters and remembers 9 to 11 of them now. He has also learned same and different. We were also very pleased to see him engaging in group imaginative play with his brothers and sisters. Most of you know, Joseph is delayed, so this is an excellent sign of progress. Joseph enjoys playing house and horses with the Little People house, barn, people and animals.
Michael has been holding his own as well with not too many new bruises, is very careful in the sun, and careful to use the SPF 70 prescribed and take all his medication. Michael has become very faithful at his exercises for his Cerebral Palsy, which we are very excited to say. He has been promoted to the next grade in four of his classes as well.
Gabriela is growing into such a tall slender young lady, so much so that now many of her shorts and pants are too big around the waist and to short in the legs as she continues to get taller. She has had to start wearing belts regularly to keep her pants up. Turning 11 this year, I have no doubt that Gabriela will soon be taller than myself. She is already just past my nose. Gabriela is making really good progress with her reading as well and has not needed quite so much medication for her Bipolar and ADHD this year.
Joshua loves building and wants to be an engineer when he grows up to build cars, machines, and mechanical things. I would not be surprised in the slightest if he invented a new flying vehicle or spaceship of some sort. Joshua is our best eater and can match even my husband’s appetite, though he is so slender you would never guess it.
Shawna’s favorite games are playing house, playing doctor, and playing kitchen and party. She has decided she wants to get married and be a mommy when she is all grown up. She says that she will have long hair as a mommy. She doesn’t want her bangs cut, so we have her wearing headbands as much as we can as it grows long like the rest of her hair. She is also enjoying playing with her dollies. Shawna learned how to open the front door with two hands, something that was until today just too bit of a challenge. Our front door takes an extra tug to get open. I loved the most her blowing me kisses as she went outside to play with the rest of the kids in the backyard.
The adoption has been approved FINALLY !!! We anxiously wait for a court date to be scheduled, hopefully soon, hopefully before Joseph’s next re-scheduled surgery. We were disappointed that the attorney mailed the papers into the court instead of walking them in to court, which would have sped up receiving a court date. Now, we have to wait to receive the court date in the mail hopefully in the next 2 to 4 weeks.
We have officially opened our school Academy of the Possible. Please check out our website at www.academyofthepossible.com and take a look. We are always open to comments and critiques to help us grow. We are praying towards incorporating and choosing officers for our school. Please join us in prayer that the Lord leads us to the right people. We are looking for partners in our vision, and waiting for God’s provision and blessings for resources to grow. We expect to be able to add daycare services, CPR and First Aid classes this year to our list of courses. I also recently completed CA Child Care CPR and First Aid certification. Growing a business is often about celebrating the small victories, so we celebrated having our business cards this month.
We are continuing to pray for God’s financial favor to help us keep going. It has been a struggle.
Please consider a donation !
My dearest sister Kathy and their family was so kind. We were excited to receive Easter gifts in the mail for the kids. We also received brand new beanie babies for each of the kids from a nice lady in our community. It made for a wonderful Easter. I had fun making up the baskets with the gifts we received, and the candy we were able to buy. Each of the kids also got to hunt for Easter eggs and were all delighted to find pennies in them.
Dear Lord, we pray that you pour out your financial favor on our friends and their families and their loved ones. We praise you and thank you for leading us to a capable surgeon here in Southern California for our son. We praise you for the approval of the adoption, and that you allow us Lord to be instruments and care for all five of these delightful children. We praise you for your provision this Easter. We praise you Lord for helping us. We trust you Lord with all our lives and ask that you help us to see you more clearly, follow you nearly and never depart from your ways. In Jesus name, we pray that you touch our world. Amen.
Have a very Happy Easter ! Praise God for Christ is Risen !
We love you all,
The Richardson’s
Scott, Jennifer, Michael, Gabriela, Joseph, Joshua, and Shawna
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What's Up With The Kids !
Joseph has another open heart surgery coming up - his fourth of many to come. Please keep Joseph and all of us in prayers and consider a donation to help with travel expenses.
Joshua is doing wonderful. He is a happy chatty boy who loves to talk about everything going on around him. Joshua is doing well in school especially in reading.
Shawna is so fun. She likes to play hide and seek with a blanket where she pretends to find me or I pretend to find her. Her giggles are just delightful. She also likes to play "party" where she pretends to cook at the "beach" on a playmat we have.
Michael was recently promoted to the next grade level in his Prayers and Scriptures class.
Gabriela is growing into quite the lovely young lady.
To God be the glory !
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Academy of the Possible
www.academyofthepossible.com (under construction)
Blog
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
Joshua is doing wonderful. He is a happy chatty boy who loves to talk about everything going on around him. Joshua is doing well in school especially in reading.
Shawna is so fun. She likes to play hide and seek with a blanket where she pretends to find me or I pretend to find her. Her giggles are just delightful. She also likes to play "party" where she pretends to cook at the "beach" on a playmat we have.
Michael was recently promoted to the next grade level in his Prayers and Scriptures class.
Gabriela is growing into quite the lovely young lady.
To God be the glory !
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Academy of the Possible
www.academyofthepossible.com (under construction)
Blog
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
Monday, March 2, 2009
Small Miracles
We surely have a great God ! Scott and I have been praying in faith for the Lord to help us, especially in the current financial market. One of our smaller bills was cut in half by those who we owe. The adoption fee was reduced to $500.00 from the substantial $2950.00. We sold a piece of furniture for a little bit of money. I may have sold a piece of pottery which I handmade.
Shawna was sick earlier this week with nearly a 102 fever. Praise the Lord, she was well in 3 days. Scott and I have also been down this week with some sort of weird flu whatever thing. Not your normal flu. We are all feeling closer to our normal selves.
Thank you Lord. Keep the small miracles coming !
To God be the glory !
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Academy of the Possible
www.academyofthepossible.com (under construction)
Blog
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
Shawna was sick earlier this week with nearly a 102 fever. Praise the Lord, she was well in 3 days. Scott and I have also been down this week with some sort of weird flu whatever thing. Not your normal flu. We are all feeling closer to our normal selves.
Thank you Lord. Keep the small miracles coming !
To God be the glory !
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Academy of the Possible
www.academyofthepossible.com (under construction)
Blog
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
Great is Our Lord
"Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:5, NASB
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Academy of the Possible
www.academyofthepossible.com (under construction)
Blog
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Academy of the Possible
www.academyofthepossible.com (under construction)
Blog
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com
Friday, February 20, 2009
www.mklawrie.etsy.com
Check out this wonderful site by Mary Lawrie at http://www.mklawrie.etsy.com/ .
She sells items like scarfs and hats etc. They are all completely handmade and really good quality. They make wonderful gifts.
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios at http://www.richardsonstudios.com/
Online Store at http://www.shop.richardsonstudios.com/
School at http://www.academyofthepossible.com/
She sells items like scarfs and hats etc. They are all completely handmade and really good quality. They make wonderful gifts.
Jennifer Richardson
Richardson Studios at http://www.richardsonstudios.com/
Online Store at http://www.shop.richardsonstudios.com/
School at http://www.academyofthepossible.com/
Sunday, February 15, 2009
God has made such awesome promises to us !
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
We know that God is making all things work together for good in our lives as well as yours. Christ is our hope, our Good Shepher, our Provider, our Healer, our Redeemer, and our Savior. Please consider a donation to help us carry out the work the Lord has set before us.
Psalm 41:1 says "Blessed is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble."
Than you for your faithful support and earnest prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Jennifer Richardson
We know that God is making all things work together for good in our lives as well as yours. Christ is our hope, our Good Shepher, our Provider, our Healer, our Redeemer, and our Savior. Please consider a donation to help us carry out the work the Lord has set before us.
Psalm 41:1 says "Blessed is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble."
Than you for your faithful support and earnest prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Jennifer Richardson
Scott is Home Safely !
Scott is home safe. His flight was on-time, so that was nice. All the kids missed him and made a point to tell him how much. Shawna was a sweety, and came up to Scott and said "Daddy, I missed you so much.". Then she came up to me later, and said "Mommy, you my best friend." Ahh, it makes a mom's heart melt.
Scott's dad was doing better Thursday and sat up in a chair. Saturday, he was discharged from the hospital. He moved back to the nursing home. When Scott came home today, he was doing poorly again. It was a good visit. We will continue to keep both of Scott's parents in prayer.
Jennifer
Scott's dad was doing better Thursday and sat up in a chair. Saturday, he was discharged from the hospital. He moved back to the nursing home. When Scott came home today, he was doing poorly again. It was a good visit. We will continue to keep both of Scott's parents in prayer.
Jennifer
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday – well, it certainly has been a roller coaster of a week. While Scott is out of state, I was relieved to find out that I was excused from jury duty ! We are all excited when Scott will come home, are enjoying his frequent calls home, and are praying his safe return. Michael has really stepped up and been such a helper. He cleaned the whole kitchen yesterday; it was absolutely beautiful ! Me, I just really wanted to write all this down and share it with all of you. Thank you for the continuing prayers.
CHECK OUT THE ARTWORK AT WWW.SHOP.RICHARDSONSTUDIOS.COM
CHECK OUT THE ARTWORK AT WWW.SHOP.RICHARDSONSTUDIOS.COM
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
We received a call that the state APPROVED a reduction in the adoption fees from $2950.00 to $500.00 !!! With all the fees we have paid for the adoption already and the medical bills, we are really thrilled. This will help so much. I was so happy that of course I called Scott right away. WOW !!! That is just awesome ! God works in miraculous ways.
Later today, we received an email from a dear friend who told us she was praying for our finances. The timing of course was perfect, and we so appreciate that.
Again, thank you God.
Well, the kids are all missing Scott. Shawna wants daddy to come home. Joseph keeps asking why daddy is gone. Joshua has been asking for extra hugs. Gabriela has been sharing a lot more with me as she grows into a beautiful young lady, and our relationship is closer than it ever was.
Donations are welcome at www.richardsonstudios.com . Thank you !
Later today, we received an email from a dear friend who told us she was praying for our finances. The timing of course was perfect, and we so appreciate that.
Again, thank you God.
Well, the kids are all missing Scott. Shawna wants daddy to come home. Joseph keeps asking why daddy is gone. Joshua has been asking for extra hugs. Gabriela has been sharing a lot more with me as she grows into a beautiful young lady, and our relationship is closer than it ever was.
Donations are welcome at www.richardsonstudios.com . Thank you !
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Please consider a donation or donate for our featured child Isaac at our website www.richardsonstudios.com
Thank you in advance for donating generously.
Thank you in advance for donating generously.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
We got up at 3:00 in the morning only to find the car doors had frozen shut, and the windshield washers had literally frozen to the windshield. We managed to get all the doors but one open, and started the car to defrost the front window. The last door opened finally after we had plenty warmed up the car. We never had that happen before. We dropped Scott off at the airport a little after 4:00 am to be sure he had plenty of time to get through security, especially since it was a last minute flight.
Scott flew out on the first flight Tuesday morning to go see his dad bright and early on the 6:00 flight. The plane had ice on it, and the airport (being California and all) had no de-icing equipment. The plane was delayed an hour, and then because of that the airline missed his connected flight at 10:20 am in Salt Lake and had to rebook him on the next available flight at 2:00 pm. The end of all this was an extremely tired Scott who finally got in at 7:18 pm to Indiana instead of 3:50 pm as scheduled.
Scott flew out on the first flight Tuesday morning to go see his dad bright and early on the 6:00 flight. The plane had ice on it, and the airport (being California and all) had no de-icing equipment. The plane was delayed an hour, and then because of that the airline missed his connected flight at 10:20 am in Salt Lake and had to rebook him on the next available flight at 2:00 pm. The end of all this was an extremely tired Scott who finally got in at 7:18 pm to Indiana instead of 3:50 pm as scheduled.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday was a heartwrenching day. Scott found out his dad is in the hospital. He had a small heart attack and pneumonia along with stage 4 malignant brain cancer. He is not doing well, and we just don’t know if he is going to make it. Grandpa John is well loved by all the kids, and we keep Grandma Kitty in our prayers through all of this.
I also have new paintings at our online store. Come look.
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
I also have new paintings at our online store. Come look.
www.shop.richardsonstudios.com
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday was a very exciting day. We have been immensely blessed with a Kurtzmann 1902 piano. It is 107 years old, and is in really good shape. All the keys work. Of all of us, I am sure I am the most excited. I wanted a piano for as long as I can remember. When I say that, I am talking about a traditional piano. A family blessed us with this wonderful gift; their mom used to play, and the kids all loved to listen to her. I am so thrilled to pass this treasure on to my kids. All of them had their very first basic piano lesson and each with their own personality. Michael dove right in and practices regularly on his own. Joshua is quiet but wants to be like Michael. Joseph likes making his own songs. Gabriela tries very hard. Shawna is the rocker with shakin’ her head and waving her hair everywhere. Thank you Lord for such a HUGE gift, not to mention the fact that it was FREE !
Praise God !
Praise God !
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thursday was very disappointing as the reconsideration on our waiver of fees was denied – AGAIN. We talked with the attorney, and have decided to appeal it in court and challenge the state guidelines. We hope to hear more on this next week. All of the paperwork for us is completed though, so now it is just a wait.
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