Merry Christmas

Classic Santa pics, Harlowe did not want anything to do with Santa ever. I think every time we have went she has cried, but Tryst on the other hand doesn't mind being held by strangers. 

My mom and Dustin was telling me to get out of the pic but I just couldn't let go, ha.

Taking Harlowe for a little talk because we were trying to bribe her with Dylan's candy store after the pics.

Poor Tryst and Santa were wondering what the heck was going on.

Now that's better, I think she has candy in her mouth but no smiles out of this little girl.

The Santa looks pretty darn good, really realistic.  We have gone to the Galleria for three years to see Santa and its never a disappointment. I love Tryst's little lips, I could kiss them all day.

Now all smiles away from Santa and crossing her legs and everything, I don't know where this girl gets it.

My mom and the kiddos, she has been so good to Dustin and I, she is always there to help us out.

Does he look like Dustin or me? I think he looks like my dad. My dad had white/light hair when he was little and green eyes. I know I say it in every post but I love this little guy to pieces, my last baby, boo hoo, ha. 

I have had a lot on my mind this year and am hesitant to post it because family blogs are supposed to be  uplifting and fun to look back on but reality sets in and life is sometimes hard.

The shooting of children, sickness, loss of loved one's, recession, and loss of jobs: these have been hard times for many Americans and people around the world. Our family has had its ups and downs, Dustin and I are in a good place right now but we have had our moments where I thought we were not going to make it.

Marriage is hard work and is always a work in progress, we had two children close together and neglected our marriage. Not having time to connect with each other since Harlowe was born, we have probably had a handful of dates by ourselves since the kids and that finally took its toll.

My mother hopped on a plane so Dustin and I could have much needed alone time with each other to talk and reconnect. We talked and talked for three days straight, it was nice, I forgot how nice it was to feel like normal people. And I mean that in the nicest way, we sat and drank coffee, held hands walking down the sidewalk and just walked and talked for hours.

Reflecting on everything this year, it has been stressful because Dustin has had to put his career on hold to stay home with the kids because school for both of them is more than our mortgage. We have been on a budget and I have had to work overtime a lot this year. We have both been kinda resentful because he wants to work and I want to stay home. But all in all I am so overwhelmingly blessed each and every year.

No matter what happens I am always grateful and feel truly blessed. God has given me my best friend who is my husband, despite everything, makes me laugh each and everyday. God has blessed me with two of the most wonderful and loving children who are healthy. God has sought out a path and given me a great career because there were times when I didn't know what I would do with my life. I have the greatest parent on earth who I turn to when times get tough and I need a kind word. I have the best in-laws who are funny and have welcomed me into their family with open arms. I have the greatest friends who are always willing to drop anything to listen to me or make we laugh.

Life may be harsh sometimes and the world around us may make us question, what the hell is going on? But in the end God is always with me and no matter what happens, I know somehow it is his plan and there are always better days to come.

I know this post is probably a downer but I want my children to know God is always with you and no matter what happens you are a child of God and he loves you and you have a purpose. Always feel blessed and live your life to the fullest.