Merry Christmas!

I know it has been a while since I blogged last, and I want to thank everyone for their love and support. It is good to know what great friends we have in this life.

We had a great Christmas this year. Very simple and spoiled by the grandparents. Money was very tight for us this year and we have survived with a lot of support. The boys woke up at 6:45 and I held them off by taking a shower to give time for Caden and Katy and dad to wake up. It was really hard to make them wait. In our house, Santa still comes and they loved their gifts.

We had gone to our ward Christmas party and I had told the boys beforehand that if they misbehaved we would not stay for the whole thing. It is hard when it is just me and the 4 kids. (Jake was at home and yes he is still living with us.) We made it through the dinner and then had to leave. They were very upset that they did not get to see Santa. I guess he made a special appearance there. The next week we were invited to go to my parents' ward's Christmas breakfast. Santa was coming and I thought we would try it again. This time with a little help and back up from nana and papa. They did better and were so anxious that they were the first in line to see him. As you can see in the pictures, Christopher is getting a bit big for this. And the picture of Katy with the binky was her face after we tried to introduce her to Santa and she refused.

This season has been busy with family visiting and parties to go to and shows to do and see. It has made the time fly by very quickly. But this is my favorite time of year when I remember how blessed I am and how grateful I am for everything and everyone in my life. It is a very humbling time for me. I am especially grateful for everyone who has expressed concern for me and my family right now. This time is not easy, but I know that soon peace will be in my home and my life. The divorce is not final yet, but we should have the stipulation signed by both of us this next week and then it is a waiting game for the judge to sign it. I think I will relax slightly when Jake has signed the stipulation and it can't be changed without him getting a lawyer. Then I will know we will be on the path to finalize everything. I am sorry that this has had to happen. I am seeing the effects it has had on the kids. But it just isn't meant to work out, not when both are not willing to put in 100%. Again everyone, thanks for the love and support. I look forward to a new year where we can move forward and have positive experiences.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!

(if anyone can help me with how to make a slide show on a post I would appreciate the help, until then sorry about all the pictures.)