Last Minute Christmas

All the Grandkids on my Husbands side.

My Family-They're so grown up!

Me & Jullien (I'm standing on my toes to look taller)

My Hubby & His Sisters

Sister In Law Brigett & her kids

Sister in Law Erika & her kids

Stepdaughter Tashy & Niece Adrianna

Me & my Sister In Laws-I'm liking the Black & White

Anthony's Parents & ALL of us (except Josh-left for work)

Adrianna & my Sister in Law Vivian

Why does it always feel like the older you get the faster the time goes by? Christmas is almost here and I haven't even started shopping! We just barely took Christmas pictures, and got our tree last week, which is still not decorated.

Anthony's family came over to have me take Christmas pictures of everyone. We had it all planned to go down to our normal spot in Corona Del Mar, but Josh had to work and so everyone came over and we just took them at our house. Not the picture perfect area, but we made it work. Luckily my husband has our tropical back yard looking good.

It was quite a fiasco! We were pressed for time because the boys had a basketball game, someone left the door open and our husky got out, ran across a busy street, almost got hit twice. We were all chasing her down yelling and freaking out. We finally got her across the street in a shopping center and some guy started yelling at me to keep her on a leash! I've been working on my mouth so I actually kept my cool and didn't let him have it! PROGRESS...yay!

Every year I make the whole family go together to get the Christmas tree. This is always a big deal for me, I love traditions. They however don't look forward to it. I can't get just any tree, it has to be the perfect tree, a Noble at least 7-8 ft tall and perfectly shaped. This isn't easy to find and can take a few hours! LOL! The kids start getting frustrated with me after the first 30 minutes. Anthony usually has had enough after 15 min. Then it's total drama the whole time...and it happens like this every year...awwwwe traditions!

This year Anthony's kids couldn't make it...which I'm sure didn't upset them too much, but I missed them. I was happy that all three of my boys were able to go. My oldest son Josh even brought his girlfriend. It was different this year, the lot didn't have anything over 6ft., we found the perfect tree after Anthony & the boys lifted and turned them so I could carefully examine them. It only took three trees & 20 minutes...a new record! I wish it was taller though...I know, I know...I'm a freak!

As for shopping...which I can't stand doing under normal circumstance let alone in the holiday rush, I will be out Christmas Eve, this too seems to be a tradition for me. Not one I plan...just me procrastinating!

The Final Hour

In our final hour of need, God showed up and gave us the miracle that we had been praying for. We have been trying for over six months to get our home loan restructured. All the reply's we received were, "We are reviewing it." We returned home on Sunday, Jan. 4th, from visiting my dad in Utah. A letter was waiting for us stating that they had denied our request. Our home was due to be put up for auction on Jan. 7 @ 9:00 a.m.

I wrote a last resort letter to the Governor and news channels to let them know that Wells Fargo was not willing to help their customers. I decided to look for the CEO of Wells Fargo's email address (knowing that they NEVER post CEO's direct email's). I tried two times...the second time I stumbled across a random web page which stated, "Here are direct email contacts for the CEO and the top Executive Officer's of Wells Fargo." "WOW, now that's weird," I thought. I figured it would probably get rejected but sent it to all of the listed addresses.

I wrote what had transpired over the six month's and that they were our last hope. I said that I hoped they would be an answer to our prayers. Amazingly, it went through!

The next morning at 9:00 a.m., Anthony received a call stating that the the CEO had received the email and wanted to help us. We received the approval and with a 1:00 p.m. Western Union cutoff time...we sent the payment with only minutes to spare.

I want to remind everyone to NEVER give up, God will stretch your faith to the very last minute. I can tell you that he hears, cares and answers our prayers. Continue to have faith no matter how difficult or impossible your situation may seem.