I have to admit that I was not looking forward to Christmas this year. The last few years it has become progressivly harder to provide a good Christmas for our family. Last year I had some medical issues around Christmas and this year was a thousand times worse. I was told 3 weeks prior to Christmas that I had 3 massive kidney stones and that I needed surgery, 2 to be exact. One to undo damage already started from the stones and another to remove the stones.
Bill has been the provider for as long as we have been together and for the last few months, he has been unemployeed. Thanks to a wonderful friend and our family, our kids had a wonderful Christmas despite that. They opened presents as usual and got most of what they wanted. I am still feeling a bit under the weather but am fighting to get better as fast as I can. I am hopeful that as we enter a new year, I will be healthy, my family will be healthy and Bill and I will secure new employment. We have both had some promising interviews and are waiting to hear back.
For the first time in a long time, Bill was able to have all 4 of his children with him on Christmas day. 
This is our first and only family photo with all 4 children. We were also able to capture a few other photos that have not had in quite some time which was a photo pf all of the Clark grandchildren. There are now 12 and the last time this photo was attempted, Cameron was 2.
All 12 Clark grandchildren
Despite not feeling 100% I enjoyed the holidays and was able to see the joy on my childrens faces. I am so grateful for good friends and family that have been able to help us through these tough times.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
