Thanks - and a very Merry Christmas to you, too!

After two months of blessed silence, Pinky told the kids she wants to come to our house Christmas Eve. The kids are extremely angry with her, but she didn't pick up on that (I listened in because I know she's using again.)

Her brother said he'll pick her up on the way to our house as he did Thanksgiving. She never answered her door then, and I think we're all hoping she'll do the same this time. Although my husband and my stepson think this could be the last Christmas - unless something miraculous happens she's probably on her way out.

I realize that sounds harsh, but she isn't my bio-daughter so I don't have those same loving feelings that my husband and her brothers still have. I never knew the cute little girl she once was. I only knew the rebellious, lying junkie that she became less than a year after her father and I got married.

I try to be compassionate, but it's SO hard!!!!!!

whether they are bio or not...it is hard to have those feelings for these parents...we just cannot understand how they can do this to little ones..I think that is the hardest part...I laugh at my husband because I told him if we ever thought of seperating..I was taking the grand kids..he said that they where is blood and I said your point...we both laughed...but that is the point blood does not make you a parent..the everyday battles and finding ways of dealing with things makes you a parent..I do hope that she does not answer...they are so lucky to have you...merry christmas to you...

Merry Christmas to everyone also!

I am batting 500 so far on the Christmas deal.
The 6 yr old bio mom took off out of state and wasn't even going to tell us except hubby called her up so her daughter could talk to her for the first time in close to 4-6 weeks! So at least she will not be popping up although she could still call IF she remembers.
We are legal permanent guardians for the 6 yr old.

My son is another matter. Him & Hubby are on the outs do to things that came up missing at our house. We are raising my son's 8 month old daughter for him currently.Son wants to go with us to Christmas at his sister's place about an hour away. I don't have a problem with that but I don't know if those two can behave for 4-6 hours without killing. That WOULD be a MIRACLE!!
I have no legal powers over the baby at this point in time. Son keeps threatening to take off with her from time to time which does concern me if he ever would do it.

So I can only hope we survive Christmas! The girls are getting a ton of stuff due to family and friends this year. We couldn't afford much due to a variety of issues...job, health,etc.

Hang in there everyone 2014 has GOT to be better!

Merry Christmas to you all. I know this is a difficult time, so many feelings, expectations and efforts, the search for peace. I wish you all peace, wisdom, and happy moments to store in your hearts.

KSLady, when I didn't have legal custody and my daughter tried to take the baby, I called the police and though I didn't have the right paperwork they gave the baby to me. We told them she wasn't taking her medicine and because they had picked her up before they made the call. The next day we filed an emergency petition of dependency and called CPS. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I knew I couldn't save my adult daughter but I had to protect the baby. Things have turned out okay. Mom is in her 30's now and has started making some progress. She sees the now 9 year old when she is stable and sober.

As many of you know, our gs is not grown but I come to this website in the hopes of sharing gained knowledge which was not available when he was small. Last night we celebrated with our gs (now our son), our daughter and her famiy, including our two granddaughters. Sadness and problems have been plentiful in our family but last night I felt blessed and happy. Our granddaughter who is eleven gave us a gift that could not be bought. She made us a plaque which states "We are fighters". She placed ribbons in a row designating my husband's stroke, our daughter's brain tumor and a few other things. It was such a beautiful thought from a child! It was the first gift opened and everything else paled against it. Our son (gs) helped me cook dinner and bought thoughtful gifts for each of us. He is facing a possibility of back surgery from a birth defect at age 23 but feels so confident in our love and support that he knows he will survive this. My message to all of you today is that your unconditional love for your grandchildren will give them what they need to grow into responsible adults. We may lose money and we may lose plans we hoped to fulfill but it is worth it!