2010 - 2011

August 2011 Update for the year 2010 to 2011:

The last year has been a challenge and a time of growth and change for our entire family. In July 2010 we sold our home in Riverside CA, and with the help of many friends and with the grace of God we moved to a mobile home where we have been renting. With the goal of living within our means, increasing our means and finding work, we started unpacking and settling in. It was a time of pruning, cleansing, and growing a stronger faith that the Lord indeed had a special plan for us as we let go of the old. Some things were given to our neighbors, some to ministries for Mexico and the poor, some to Goodwill and Salvation Army, some was sold at garage sales, and frankly some was stolen. We practiced forgiving and trusting the Lord to heal us in our losses. In God's grace, he helped us let go, move on, forgive, and give thanks for the blessings we did receive and in the most amazing ways God showed us his love through others both friend and stranger alike. We had Christmas December 2010 with a tree, decorations and holiday cheer. We enjoyed Christmas movies and putting out Christmas cookies and milk for Santa.

As the New Year approached, we new taxes were coming up. With the new law as of 2011 for adoption tax credits requiring prood and documentation of all adopted children and receipts, we new we had a lot of work ahead of us. We were pleased to find out after finally filing that a tax refund was headed our way. And we waited, and waited for months, sent in more documentation, over 100 pages to the IRS examiner, and waited for weeks and weeks more praying that one day the funds would be released and sent to us. God's timing is always perfect though it was often hard to see why we had to wait so long.

The children have all grown. Michael grew about 4 inches on average over the last year with the blessing of Growth Homrone to replace what his body does not make, and now is nearly 5 feet. Height can be such a celebration; praise God. Joseph grew with growth hormone as well. Michael and Joseph both gained weight with additional nutritional support after really struggling and losing quite a bit of weight. The doctors were superb in getting this very medically necessary help for our boys. When authorization came through, they finally were on Boost 1.5 and Elecare formula and began to gain weight. We were even more pleased to be able to receive the formulas in palatable flavors such as chocolate and vanilla. Our doctors and nurses have become like family. Our favorite nurse is Sandra at CHOC who 3 years later still remembers us when we pass her, and we have many doctors like Ellen Schonfeld NP who is as good as they come. Joshua has grown quite tall, and

Shawna has already grown into size 6's even through she is only 5 years old with long beautiful legs. Gabriela is tall and slender with an arm span longer than mom's, which is nice when I need to reach things. Both our girls have started growing their hair out long again and now have it just past shoulder length. Gabriela started back on medication to help with her own ADD, ODD and BPD, and we have confidence in her psychiatrist and treatment as it begins to start making a difference. We started using a new math program for school this year which all the children love and are using (except Shawna because of her age) called Teaching Textbooks. It is a computer based disc based program with lectures and solutions for every individual math problem. The kids like it because they can watch and hear and practice over and over again to master new concepts unlike a traditional lecture based math class. We have seen all of the kids excel.

We were finally able to get Michael a cooling vest and cooling neck wraps to help regulate his temperatures, and at least is having less heat related problems. Michael did start having seizures again, and we are looking forward to talking with a new neurologist on Monday September 12, 2011, whom we have waited literally months for. This follow up was supposed to be for the seizure he had this past February 2011. At least none have been life-threatening, although Michael did end up in the ER with post concussive syndrome after a bad seizure in August. Joseph's heart is extremely stable and his ventricular pressures in his heart which are measured to determine how well his PH is doing are on the high end of normal for a change, which is fabulous for him (the lowest for him ever). Joshua is doing very well in 3rd grade reading chapter books and making progress in school as well. Shawna has decided she loves waterlemons (well watermelons really, but that is what she calls them).

All in all, life is good. The kids all got some new clothes and shoes since they grew. The best news of all was Scott's new security guard job. He is pleased to be with a company who is providing training for a security license, and hopes to be finished with this training soon. God bless you on your journey,Jennifer Richardson

All Hallow's Eve and Happy Halloween Also

The kids had a very happy halloween. Everyone did well in school considering today was a day full of anticipation.

Michael dressed up as Batman to save mankind from evil criminals. Gabriela dressed up as a cowgirl to celebrate her love of animals and horses. Joseph dressed up as a policeman to celebrate his love of the law. Joshua dressed up as a 3 Musketeer. Shawna dressed up as a blue fairy to celebrate the wonderful world of the imagination.

The streets where we live do not have tons of homes, however the kids did quite well in their trick or treating and brought home a reasonable amount of candy without being too over the top. I was quite pleased, especially being the first Halloween in our own track in our new home after moving this year. It was nice to see that our neighbors joined in the trick or treating without being too gory or scary to make the evening fun for the kids.

When we got home, we had the pleasure of passing out healthy treats to the kids in the neighborhood. We had about 10 kids in all come to our house, which was more than we expected and a pleasant surprise. After an easy meal of pizza and soda (which we have not enjoyed in weeks), we had a nice evening of movies and relaxation.

I pray everyone had a blessed evening themselves with a lot of safe fun.

God bless you on your journey,

Jennifer

Handymom to the Rescue

Today, I fixed two shower heads, one toilet, one floor vent, and two burnt out lightbulbs, and put together one awesome tool kit with 95% of the hand tools you might need around the house. Then, of course, there was 5 kids, 3 dogs, medication for 3 kids, shots for 2 kids, 2 loads of laundry in the washer, 2 in the dryer, Costco, Home Depot, all 3 meals for the family, and a short moment to Thank the Good Lord for keeping me busy and sending me amazing blessings. Not too bad huh. Handymom to the rescue!!! Us handymoms would put a show like All American Handman to shame.

:) :) :)

God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good.

God bless you,
Jennifer

Seizures Again

Michael started to have seizures again. He finally was able to see a new neurologist who stated his seizures - all types including atonic, falling and balance issues were three problems:

first - actual seizures and she will do a specialized 8 hour sleep deprived outpatient video eeg
second - atonic seizures caused by complicated orthostatic hypotension involving numerous other medical issues and she will do a tilt table test and orthostatic vital signs
third - really tight tendons behind his knees causing his legs to cross, causing him to walk abnormally and an inability to move his hips causing progressive muscle weakness. She will have serial casting and botox injections done on both legs

We shall be very busy over the next few months. I am glad that someone will finally be addressing problems that have gone on way too long for him.

God bless you,
Jennifer

Shawna's First Tooth

Shawna lost her first tooth. She put it in a special box and wanted to keep it. We put it under the pillow. Wouldn't you know the tooth fairy left money for her, and she got to keep her special tooth as well! She asked me, "Mom, did you really put that money there?" My answer to her, "Do I look like I have wings?" Shawna said again, "No, really, come on mom". My next answer, "Do I look like a money tree?" Shawna said "But mom, you really put that money there didn't you?" Persistant, she was. My next answer, "Do I look like someone who owns a building with lots of teeth in it?" Finally, she went off to do something else satisfied that she would not get a better answer. Ah, the joys of childhood.

God bless you,
Jennifer Richardson

Praise the Lord

Joseph is doing better than he ever has. His pressures are the lowest they have ever been. His pulmonary hypertension is stable and improved. His heart rate at night has also been more stable and higher than in the past, which is a great sign as far as his Rhythm Disorder. He is also less symptomatic, which is fabulous.

Praise you Lord, for you are our reason. Amen.

Jennifer

Good News and Rough News

Well, it is a mystery why Michael's blood sugars go as high as 212. His HgAic is normal and lower than the last one, which have been 5.4, 5.6 and 5.0 respectively. Endocrine states it is not at all diabetes, and the HgA1c tells us that. We do know that it makes him feel quite awful though in many respects. He has not had a blood sugar lower than a 100 in a long time either. We pray his other doctors can figure it out.

Michael's pressures according to the Stress Echocardiogram he had though did come back abnormal and are high for him. The test was to rule out Pulmonary Hypertension. At least it is super mild at this point, however it does at least explain a few things.

Interesting though, that even though his lupus has been well controlled for months, that he keeps getting more diseases. Some related, and clearly some not. This tells us it is not all lupus.

Michael also started having seizures again.

Lord, we pray for healing for Michael, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Jennifer

Good News!

Joseph and Joshua are doing great. We got all the kids new shoes recently as their feet are growing so fast. Several of the kids have had growth spurts. Joshua has gotten taller too. Joseph had his lowest pressures for his pulmonary hypertension that we have ever seen and is doing just fabulous. Joseph has had no chest pain, no episodes turning blue and has needed no oxygen at all for quite a while, which is very exciting to see him doing so well. Joseph is also learning words!!! We have seen him writing words in his pictures and a great desire to learn to read stories, which we are working on with him.

God bless you,
Jennifer Richardson

Remarkable Progress

I just wanted to write a note of encouragement to all of you with special needs children to keep advocating for your children. For children with behavioral, emotional, post adoption issues, neurological disorders or mental illness, I have found that consistency is extremely important. My daughter is 12 years old and is doing remarkably well. That is not to say that she still does have her issues, but I am so proud of her progress. We have not seen any major meltdowns in quite some time. She is even making good progress in her schoolwork. We homeschool, and I have never once regretted my decision to do that. I wish I had down it sooner because it really gave us the ability to target behaviors and work on improving those.

Regards,
Jennifer Richardson

Whoever humbles himself will be raised

Jesus told another parable to some persons fully convinced of their own righteousness, who looked down on others, “Two men went up to the Temple to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and said: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people, grasping, crooked, adulterous, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give the tenth of all my income to the Temple .’ “In the meantime the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying: ‘O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ “I tell you, when this man went down to his house, he had been set right with God, but not the other. For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be raised.” Luke 18: 9 - 14

I find this scripture encouraging and uplifting. Even when we struggle, God is still there.
Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com

I always knew you were sweet...

Michael also appears that he may be developing diabetes according to his endocrinologist as his blood sugars have been 188. We pray for more healing; Michael does not need this either.

Michael was also recently diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia which causes his body to overheat easily because he cannot control his body temperature well and does not sweat. This also is one of the causes of Michael's seizures.

We are selling items as part of a fundraiser to raise enough money to move to Orange County where it is cooler.

Please check out our website and blog.

Thank you for your prayers.
Jennifer
www.richardsonstudios.com

You have a large heart because you have loved large...

Michael also will be undergoing testing because the cardiologist (heart doctor) believes he has pulmonary hypertension causing his heart to race, chest pain and shortness of breath that we see after he plays and is active. The high pressure in the arteries of the lungs causes higher pressure and strain on the heart which can cause heart failure. Michael is very well aware of the symptoms and what this does as he has seen Joseph struggle with this disease as he needs oxygen to help him do simple things and playing for Joseph can sometimes be hard. We pray for healing that Michael would not have this disease.

Jennifer
www.richardsonstudios.com

Dear Michael

Dear Michael,

Thank you for allowing me to be your mom. Adopting you and being your mom was one of the best things ever to happen to me in my life. Your life has purpose because your simple presence in my life and being my son healed a part of my heart that no one else could fill.

Now that you are in my heart, you will never leave it.

Mom

The Gift of Sight

Michael had more doctor appointments today. I feel like we are constantly asking for prayers, mostly because we constantly need them. Michael was diagnosed with posterior cataracts today. Fortunately, it is in the early stages and he can still see well enough, even though he is already having symptoms such as difficulty reading and light sensitivity. Unfortunately, the particular kind of cataracts he has can make seeing the most difficult of all the types out there. Hopefully, prayerfully, Michael will retain his vision for a long time without the need for repeated surgeries. The opthalmologist (eye doctor) will keep a close eye on him with frequent checkups. Mostly, we ask for prayer for healing and peace for Michael; the prospect of losing his vision in this manner is upsetting to him.

Thank you Lord for the gift of sight that you have given to Michael.

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com
www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com

What is Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts?

I found information at www.cataractsurgery.com on what Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts is, and they state "Because light converges at the back of the lens (the posterior pole) as it moves through the eye, a posterior subcapsular cataract affects vision even more than other types of cataracts. Anything that causes our pupils to constrict, such as bright light or the convergence of the eyes for reading, makes it very difficult for people with this type of cataract to see. "

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

I particularly like the way the Cleveland Clinic describes what Pulmonary Hypertension is because they explain in detail what is happening in the disease process and why having this disease is so serious.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder in which the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. As a result, the blood pressure in these arteries -- called pulmonary arteries -- rises far above normal levels. This abnormally high pressure strains the right ventricle of the heart, causing it to expand in size. Overworked and enlarged, the right ventricle gradually becomes weaker and loses its ability to pump enough blood to the lungs. This could lead to the development of right heart failure."

Cleveland Clinic, Diseases and Conditions, copyright 2011,
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Pulmonary_Hypertension/hic_Pulmonary_Hypertension_Causes_Symptoms_Diagnosis_Treatment.aspx

Jennifer Richardson

Prematurity of the Brain - Not Really Bipolar

We also found after digging through quite a few of Gabriela's adoption papers that she was born premature, 6 weeks early and was only 4.9 pounds at birth. Finding this out really gives us hope that Gabriela's diagnosis of "Bipolar Disorder" was from prematurity and difficult beginnings in the orphanage and needing time for her brain to catch . We are confidient, especially with Gabriela working so hard on her behavior, being off medication for quite a while now and not losing her temper the last six months either, that her Bipolar is NOT biochemical in nature. Praise the Lord!!

I also have to brag about my very tall awesome daughter. Gabriela did extremely well on her assessment tests in school and passed all of her fifth grade assessment subjects as well. We are so proud that she is in 6th grade and doing fabulous. Gabriela has developed into such a strong reader. We thought we would share a praise report.

Please keep Michael in prayers. His blood sugar has been high (188), and endocrine is worried about diabetes developing.

God bless you all! We love you!

Jennifer Richardson

Job Interview

Scott had a job interview for a legal firm as a driver today. We believe it went well and are praying the Lord opens the doors to this full time benefits position.

Keep praying!

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com

Prednisone and Seizures / Propanolol and Seizures

My 14 year old son has been seizure free for 3 months. He was diagnosed with Lupus officially in Aug '09. Started having seizures Sept. '09 with partials. Started chemo Oct. '09 when he had a grand mal. Chemo ended Jan. '10, but seizures still increased over the next few months after Oct. Now, in the last 4-5 months he is getting better and stronger. Off Prednisone Sept. '10 and seizures stopped the same month. Off Propanolol Oct. '10.

Has anyone ever heard Prednisone causing seizures? Or Propanolol?

Jennifer Richardson
www.richardsonstudios.com

Homemade Christmas Gifts

This year all the kids made their own Christmas gifts. Michael, 14, knitted hats and scarves. Gabriela made bookmarks and necklaces. Joseph colored rulers. Joshua gave everyone a piece of candy (not homemade but very inexpensive), and Shawna colored picture frames with pictures of each person in them. It was quite a lot of work helping each child, but I enjoyed so much seeing their creations. I absolutely loved opening them.

Michael made me this gorgeous scarf with dark and bright red. I can tell just by looking at it that he took great care in making it. Each of them put a lot of thought into their gifts.

The children were also immensely blessed by the gifts they received from Santa himself (not mom and dad), friends and family alike who put many gifts under the tree. What a great blessing. The kids thought all their gifts were fabulous.

For Christmas dinner, we had cranberry sauce, applesauce, mashed potatoes, biscuits, Black Forest ham, carrots, and either cranberry cooler (half and half cranberry juice and sprite), apple soda (half and half apple juice and sprite) or coke.

Thank you to everyone who helped us come up with ideas for doing this this year. It really helped stretch the finances as well. Check out www.richardsonstudios.com as we are selling some items online because we enjoyed making them so much.

God bless you,
Jennifer
Mom to 5 special kids, Michael 14, Gabriela 12, Joseph 9, Joshua 7 and Shawna 4