Control Amidst Chaos

While I have five children of my own, even I sometimes need to be reminded of how to get the kids under control amidst chaos. It can be very challenging.

If you are having trouble with too much volume and chaos in your home, I would start with 2 rules. Once you have conquered obedience with those two rules you can add one or two rules at a time from there.

The first rule would be "No yelling - use quiet voices inside". The second rule would be "No running inside the house - walk". I would tell the kids that loud voices and running are for the playground. When you explain the rules to the kids, have each one of them repeat the rule back to you. Ask each one of them if they understand what the rules mean. If each of them says yes, then they are responsbile for the rule. Then, they cannot come back to you and say they did not know what the rule was.

Then, every single time a child gets loud or runs put them in time out for the same number of minutes as their individual age. Keep a timer handy. The first few days you may very well be doing nothing else except putting children in time out over and over and over. They will test you to see if you mean it, but be consistent. If they get up from time out then simply get them and put them back in time out until the time is served. Choose at least a couple of different corners or seats or rugs or spots on the floor for time out. Then, always use the same spots. If your children are in time out over and over 2,5, 10 times or on and on. That is okay. Eventually, they will get tired of being in time out. They will get tired of missing out on play time, meals, or whatever else may be going on.

If you are out in public, reiterate the rules before you have the kids go into a store with you. Stand your ground. Even in a grocery store, you can have the kids stand in time out staring at the tomato sauce or cheerios. Or they can lose the privilege of walking and be put into the cart etc. You will succeed. You are a good mom, and you will feel better for sticking to the rules you set out. Even my own daughter, who at first I was convinced time out would never work on, gets tired of going back in the same time out over and over. This method works on children old and young, special needs or on target. The consistency really is the key.

God bless your journey,
Jennifer Richardson
Academy of the Possible
Mom to 5 kids, 14 boy, 12 girl, 9 boy, 7 boy, 4 girl

Cute Questions and Witty Thinking From my 4 year old

We were driving in the ce statedar the other evening when Michael noticed the moon up in the sky. He stated "Wow. There is only half a moon in the sky tonight."

Shawna asked in reply in her four year old brilliance, "Why? What happened to the other half? Did it fall off?"

Oh my goodness. It was soooo funny.

Jennifer Richardson

Update on Joseph's heart

Joseph's aorta is the one that is dilated. This means that it is larger than normal, which means the artery walls itself are weaker under the higher pressure. His aortic valve is also leaking. When it closes, it does not close tightly. This is referred to as regurgitation. Joseph's is moderate and has slowly gotten worse. These two combined make us concerned. It is my opinion that these along with the pulmonary hypertension are the cause of his ongoing symptoms this year.

We continue to pray that the Lord heals Joseph, that the aorta stabilizes. We continue to pray that the aorta does not rupture because this would more than likely kill him. Unfortunately, the risks of surgery in Joseph's current condtion are too great.

Thank you for your prayers.

Jennifer Richardson RN

Unpacking and More Medical Challenges

The new place is coming along. In the month we have been here, we have done quite a lot as for unpacking. There is still a lot to do though. I am very proud of the kids. They have been very willing to help. Considering we lost well more than a dozen pieces of furniture, which we used heavily for storage, I believe we have done an absolutely fabulous job of simplifying our belongings. When we started, the carport was completely filled with belongings and boxes and crates. We now have only a few left along the one wall of the carport including one shelf which was damaged during the move. We hope to fix the shelf since we cannot afford to replace it right now. We have had the joy of giving some toys to our new neighbors, and a large supply of books to CHOC's reading program. We have found a recycling center that took the cardboard, and were able to bless some friends who themselves needed boxes for moving. We have meet another family here whose son may also have bipolar or adhd disorder, and our kids have made friends. We have found it necessary to put limits on how often the kids play because they neighbor kids come over so frequently. We often have children from multiple families playing at our house.

School has started again, as I mentioned before, and is going well. Joshua is catching on to spelling and math well, although he writes some of his letters and numbers backwards still. Joseph is progressing, and his favorite subject is recess. Michael and Gabriela are excited to be starting again . Shawna is learning to write.

Medically, Michael is still having seizures. His eosinophilic esophagitis seems to be responding well to eliminating his food allergies and an elemental formula. His lupus is under control on multiple immunosuppressive medications.

Joseph had surgery for a heart cath this month, August 2010, and recovered well. We found that one of his heart valves is functioning poorly and leaking. We also found that one of his major arteries is dilated with the walls being thin and weak. Surgery is not yet imminent, and we will watch this closely. If it continues to dilate, get larger and develop into a full blown aneurysm, he will need another open heart surgery. Surgery is always such a big deal. Surgery, especially on the heart, is something that should be done only when the risks of the illness are greater than the risks of surgery. While a dilated artery is a very serious thing, the cardiologists believe waiting is the safer course. We can only pray that it does not suddenly rupture or balloon out, which would put Joseph's life in danger. Praise the Lord that the chief of cardiology is his personal cardiologist; he has the best care there is. Unfortunately, the dizziness and headaches seem to be primarily symptoms of his heart and pulmonary hypertension.

Michael and Joseph have both been having symptoms of blood sugar issues, and so are getting blood glucose checks at home. Michael's apparently are evidence of impaired glucose tolerance, which can be a precursor to diabetes due to the prednisone the physicians believe. His lupus is well enough that he is slowing weaning off the prednisone. We pray that resolves the blood sugar issues for him. Michael definitely does not need to have diabetes on top of all of his medical challenges.

Please keep us in prayer.

God bless your journey,
Jennifer Richardson

Mom to
Michael 14, Gabriela 12, Joseph 9, Joshua 7, and Shawna 4

Changes

We have had many changes in the past few weeks. We have simplified our things, held garage sales, given things to charity, slimmed down some, gone through stuff and pruned.

We have found a new house and moved. We sold our home, and the Lord has blessed us with the resources we needed to move. We have no garage as it is a mobile home, but it is slightly bigger. Thank you Lord for taking care of our family. We still live in Riverside. Having that major move behind us has even helped me.

It was a move which involved great blessings, great miracles, divine intervention from our sovereign Lord, and great pain and betrayal. We lost things we treasured and gained peace we desparately sought.

The medical challenges the children each have are still quite time consuming. We hope to make to a few more park days this year and be a bit more involved. We have started school again for the new year, and the kids are excited. Michael is starting a foreign language. Gabriela is reading Charlotte Bronte. Joseph has some new tools to help with his FAS and microcephaly and learning the funadamentals. Josh loves math, and I am excited to see how much he has progressed already. Counting by 2's and 3's and 5's were a struggle last year, and already he can do these skills now so easily. Shawna is much more interested in learning, and all the kids are excited.

I was thinking about ways I can be more organized, with grading, report cards etc. I was wondering how others did it and what works for you.

Thank you St. Rita, St. Jude and Jesus, Mary and Joseph for your intercession and divine intervention.

Praise you Lord,
Jennifer
Mom to 5 great kids
Michael 14
Gabriela 12
Joseph 9
Joshua 7
Shawna 4

"This is the trouble with secular humanism and materialism: There's noperson to love. So then the new way of the Little Flower is. fall in love.Love the Good Lord, and then you will strive to please Him. And because yousee that there are imperfections in you, you will love Him more so that theymay be washed away." -Archbishop Fulton J Sheen

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset."
- St. Francis De Sales

Happy 4th of July - Independence Day

What a fabulous day!!

It was a day that started at the crack of dawn and was filled with so much fun. The best 4th of July by far in a while.

We were honored to be invited to a Wish event which including getting up at 5am to be a Newport Harbor by 730 am with wheelchair, medication, oxygen, and medical supplies in tow with 5 kids. We were part of the Newport Harbor 4th of July Boat Parade which including a ride on a very nice large boat for many wish families. We also enjoyed breakfast off the boat and lunch back on the boat later. Being an all day affair, the Captain and Crew even accommodated the extensive food allergies of two of my kids with a stunning fruit plate. Breakfast was pancakes, eggs and ham. Later, lunch was hotdogs, chicken, macaroni and cheese and french fries. And of course, all you can drink drinks with cola, orange juice, sparkling apple cider and water. Ice cream sundaes topped it off. We enjoyed the photographers, music, magician, temporary tattoes and amazing weather with ocean breezes as we cruised down the bay. None of the kids got seasick. Praise the Lord. In fact, they (and Scott and I) had so much fun that we were all disappointed to see it end at 2:30 pm. The kids even got to visit with our friends the Buchbinders with Sherry, her husband and Doc-Barker.

Getting home about 4:00 pm after such a long day, the kids were full of energy to try and sell a few things in a later holiday yard sale. It was great to give me the chance to go through some things in the garage and do some laundry. We closed the even barbequing chicken, steak and hotdogs. We even found some gluten free soda for Michael and Gabriela.

What a long day!

Michael only had one seizure that lasted less than a minute at that end of the day. Not too bad. We were very glad he was feeling better today.

What amazed me most was the six Orange County sheriff's who lift Michael out of the boat for breakfast and back onto the boat to continue the cruise with Michael still in his wheelchair and no wheelchair lift. Lifting Michael was amazing. The showed strength, worked as a clear team, kept him level and safe, and lifted him smoothly both times. That was just awesome to see. Michael thought it was great fun, putting both hands up in the air and declaring "I am King" loud and clear. It was a good laugh for everyone.

Joseph went to bed on oxygen and monitors not feeling good. He has been on an event monitor for his heart, so we recorded an EKG of his heart which the doctors will review in the morning. Up until now, the recordings of his heart have been nothing to worry about, alluding to the fact that this may be his pulmonary hypertension acting up. We pray this is still the case. I will surely follow up with the doctors in the morning to see what they say about the recordings. Praying that sleep is all Joseph needs.

May God Bless Your Journey,
Jennifer Richardson

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31 'There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
'And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
'And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
'And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
'And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
'And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
'But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
'Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
'For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
'Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
'And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
'And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.'

Sometimes it is easier to turn a blind eye than to help someone you know in need. I challenge you next time you see one of those guys holding a cardboard sign to offer a bottle of water or can of soda. What would it hurt? If you know of a friend in need, offer help.

In times like these, we are challenged to be more like Christ, not less.

God bless your journey,
Jennifer Richardson

Michael's Italian Chicken - Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, Milk Free, Nut Free

Michael's Italian Chicken

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
boneless skinless chicken breast about 1 pound
1 teaspoon each of: marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil

In a bowl mix all the herbs together.
Cut the chicken in chunks.
Then roll the chicken in the herb mix.
Pour the oil into a frying pan. Turn the heat on low.
Place the rolled chicken into the frying pan.
Use a spatula to turn the chicken regularly.
The chicken comes out very tender. For crispier chicken, cook longer.
Cook the chicken until it reaches 165 degrees and is white in the middle.
Enjoy and eat.

Michael really likes this, and it is easy to eat with lots of other foods. It is also salt free and low cholesterol.

God Bless Your Journey,
Jennifer Richardson

Easy Gluten Free Smoothies

With the discovery of Michael's serious and complex food allergies, I have created my first gluten free recipes for him. We enjoyed them and found them very filling. You can easily take this recipe and pour them into either popsicle molds or ice cube trays to make juice bars or chocolate popsicles for treats.

Pear and Applesauce Smoothie:

1 can of sliced pears with juice (or for a sugar free version use 2 whole pears and cut in slices)
( I used Del Monte since the ingredients are very simple)
1 cup of applesauce or 1 whole apple cut in slices
8 ice cubes
1 tablespoon orange honey

Blend and serve. Makes about 2 small cups. For more servings, double the ingredients.

Alternatively, for a chocolate version, you can vary this recipe easily.

Chocolate Pear and Applesauce Smoothie:

1 can of sliced pears with juice
( I used Del Monte since the ingredients are very simple)
1 cup of applesauce or 1 whole apple cut in slices
8 ice cubes
2 tablespoon orange honey
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Blend and Serve. Makes about 2 small cups. For more servings, double the ingredients.

Recipes Created by Jennifer Richardson
www.academyofthepossible.com
www.richardsonstudios.com

Thank you Lord that you are not done with me yet.

Thank you dear Lord for the opportunities you give me every day to practice patience, to act more loving, to be kinder, to show greater compassion, and to learn better how to follow you.
Thank you Lord for loving me in my imperfection for who I am.
Thank you Lord that you are not done with me yet.
Amen.

Jennifer

"...most beloved, remember what the apostles of Christ Jesus, our Lord, announced to you.But, dearly beloved, build your life on the foundation of your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Remain firm in the love of God, welcoming the mercy of Jesus Christ, our Lord, which leads to eternal life."Jd 1:17, 20b-25

Dreams and Determination

Shawna was counting her money. Michael walked over to her and said "If you save your money, you can buy (something for her gameboy) at the store." Shawna assertively and clearly said, " No, I am saving all my money, so I can buy my own unicorn or a baby unicorn!"

Oh, that is so cute.

Jennifer Richardson RN
www.academyofthepossible.com
www.richardsonstudios.com

Praise Report

Thank you Lord!
Joseph had a wish day and became a police officer.
Thank you Lord!
Michael had a wish trip and went to Walt Disney World in Florida.
Thank you Lord!
We all managed to get home after a tumultous adventure. (Read my earlier post on this.)
Thank you Lord!
The wish team was just awesome. We were blessed by angels who kept us safe.
Thank you Lord!
Mark and Roberta came home safely after being gone for several weeks.
Thank you Lord for the blessing of friends.
Daniel, Cecile and Brian have been incredible in keeping the worship, pray, and bible study going.
Thank you Lord!
Gabriela has taken a more active role in washing, brushing, feeding and watering the dogs.
Thank you Lord!
Michael got both of his wheelchairs, electric and manual.
Thank you Lord!
Michael's wheelchairs save him so much energy.
Thank you Lord!
We have been blessed by free boxes for packing.
Thank you Lord!
We have water, electricity, and food in the frig.
Thank you Lord!
We have clean clothes and a roof.
Thank you Lord!
We have friends who love us.
Thank you Lord!
We have SSI who helps keep the lights on etc.
Thank you Lord!
Physical therapy is helping Michael maintain the strength in his muscles, gain strength he has lost from having multiple daily seizures, and works on his balance and gait.
Thank you Lord!
We had the wonderful opportunity to give household items and clothes we no longer need to the ministry for Mexico.
Thank you Lord!
We have two beautiful daughters.
Thank you Lord!
We have three handsome sons.
Thank you Lord!
Scott and I have been married 11 years (12 in December).
Thank you Lord!
We caught a mouse the other day. Uggggh!
Thank you Lord anyway.
We shredded a lot of unnecessary paper we had been saving.
Thank you Lord!
We gave books we no longer read to the library.
Thank you Lord!
We had a garage sale, didn't make a dime, but the neighbors enjoyed receiving some items they could use.
Thank you Lord!
Thank you Lord!
Thank you Lord!

Ages

Michael is now 14. Gabriela is now 12. Joshua is now 7. Shawna is now 4. Joseph will soon be 9.

Yeah!!!! I cannot believe how big they are all getting.

Jennifer
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.academyofthepossible.com

Birthdays

Birthday are quite a feat for us because they are all so close together 6 of them plus Easter all with about 2 months of each other. Joseph is the last of the family within the calender year, so waiting is the hardest for him. We have a calender to count down the days, which really helps a lot. He is faithful at circling each day that goes by.

We gave the kids a choice this year as to what kind of cake they wanted. With all the craziness, I didn't make them. We just bought them. With so many birthdays close together, we let the kids choose a larger cake to share or a smaller cake personal sized cake just for themselves. Joshua chose a personal spiderman cake. Michael chose a large spiderman cake. Shawna chose a personal Tinkerbell cake. Gabriela chose a large chocolate cake with oreo cookies on top. It will be interesting to see what Joseph chooses.

Happy Birthday to all my beautiful kids.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.academyofthepossible.com

Clean Groomed Pooches

Our pet sitter and her friend surprised us with a gift and had all 3 dogs washed and groomed at our house. They all our nice and fresh, clean and cut. I have learned how to cut them myself, but just have not quite got the nack of their faces. It was very nice to have the feet and face of the poodles shaven, and all their nails cut. They gave us the works.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.academyofthepossible.com

Kittens in the Engine

Yes, seriously. We have 3 stray cats in the neighborhood that come in and through our yard frequently. Well, they had a lot of kittens. 10, we think. 3 of them decided to climb up into the engine of Scott's car under the engine block. We had quite a time getting them out. We asked animal control if they would help. No, they said. They don't deal with cars. Of course, the mechanic doesn't deal with cats either. We finally dawned heavy gardening gloves and lured them out with smelly fish and tuna kitten food. It took 3 solid days to catch all 3. We took them to the animal shelter who said they would be fixed, washed, fed and hopefully adopted out. They were entirely cute. The kids, of course, fell in love with them.

Jennifer Richardson RN
www.richardsonstudios.com

Possible Move to Fl.

I have not been able to reach anyone at all in the office after calling, emailing and leaving messages. My experience tells me that that means I probably didn't get the job because someone should be able to answer the phone, but maybe they are on vacation. Meantime, Scott is actively looking for full time work in computers or electronics. We are still looking for a house we can afford to live in with 5 kids and 3 dogs. Please pray the Lord will guide us and show us where he is leading us and open divine doors for where to move.

Jennifer