Court....Finally Over

The night before court Seth and I commented to each other that we couldn't believe how calm and relaxed we felt. WE had FHE and then took the kids to the rec center to swim. 

We know it was because we were being carried by so many people's prayers. 

The trail was pretty much like Rob said- anticlimactic. Which was good. Infact at times it was pretty boring. Rob did a great job of defending us and not letting Kenny off the hook. Jenna tried to twist my words and flat out lied a number of times. But Rob said I did a great job. He said he hadn't seen a room that full in a long time. We had so many people come to support us. Kelli even drove down from Boise. It was so thoughtful. Also Kenny's mom and Phil apologized to my parents for Kenny's actions. They said they tried to talk him into doing the right thing but he wouldn't listen. That was nice to hear.

Now we just wait. The judge will let us know of her decision on the 24th. 

I love knowing that now matter what she rules I told the truth and this is over. Of course it's still hard with the custody, but I know Kenny's true colors will show through and things will go back to normal.

This whole thing has strengthened my testimony and made my love for Seth and the girls even stronger.

 Me and Rob

 Our friends "heart attacked" our house 

One of the meals we received before the big day

E-mail after court

This was the e-mail we sent the day after court:

We just wanted to take a minute and say how truly thankful we are for all of our friends and family. We've felt so much love from all of you these past 2 1/2 years. You've all been through this with us. And we really appreciate it!

Yesterday was long and exhausting so I'm sorry if I didn't respond to your text or call. And today still feels like I've been hit by a car. I guess that's normal since this is what we've been working towards for 2 1/2 years.

Many people asked how it went yesterday. 

In a nutshell, I'd say it went really well. Rob gave me high praise (something he never does) about how I did answering questions. To be honest I don't remember a lot. I was nervous, but he said I sounded sure of myself and  genuine. Jenna (Kenny's attorney) came at me hard and tried over and over again to twist my words and trap me into saying the wrong answer. She tried to bring up things that aren't relevant (my work experience 10 years ago, for example). But, I was honest and the answers came easy because I didn't have to make anything up. Rob said that the way I came across was confident and when Jenna was questioning me it looked like she was attacking and bullying and that the judge would notice that.

It was hard to watch Kenny lie under oath. 

It was also hard to watch Jenna say things about custody (which she wasn't suppose to) and also make me out to be money hungry.

But I think the hardest part for me was that Seth wasn't in the room until the very end. Because he was a witness he had to wait in another room until they called him, which was towards the end of the day. 

But it was such a relief to look out and see my friends and family (and know that Seth was just outside) and also know that people at home we're praying for us and cared.

I was also very impressed with Tess. I was so scared she would seem scared and timid, which would make her seem unreliable (Rob said). But she blew me away. She sat back in the chair and answered the questions honestly and with confidence. She came across as a good reliable witness. 

Tonya was great and so was Seth. Jenna came hard at Seth as well, and he got a little tongue tied, only because she tried to get him to say the wrong things, but Rob swooped in and fixed everything.

I thought Rob's closing statement was perfect. He said "Your honor I guess my question is "why not"? Why shouldn't Mr Byron be held accountable? To himself, to his daughter and to the court".

(I'm paraphrasing but that was basically it)

So once again I was reminded that I was in great hands all along. We had some unfair things along the way; bad judges (who were fired), bad evaluators, and bad attorneys (who drug this out longer than it needed), but all of those things were out of his control. When it came down to it Rob was honest and never lead us astray. He gave us good advice, always came prepared and did a great job.

Now the hard part will be waiting. The judge will give her decision on Feb. 24th. We know ultimately she could go either way. We told the truth and honestly gave a better argument, but as this whole thing has taught me people still have free agency and the Lord can't and won't step in for everything in life. I believe this was a trial for us based on choices Kenny made. This is a good lesson that the choices we make effect more than just us. Kenny thinks this was just about money. But the night I had to hold Claire as she cried herself to sleep because she missed Bella so much, was a good reminder of the scoop of this. I'm sure he nor I even knew how many people would be effected by his choice to have an affair 10 years ago. So, if things go unfairly we'll know that we were honest and can feel good about everything. 

The night before court, Seth and I both commented to each other that we couldn't believe how calm we felt. We knew we should be nervous and scared but we couldn't have those feelings if we tried. 

We know without a doubt it was because of all of your prayers, fasts and kind words. 

Of course we still have the mess with 50/50 custody and only time will tell what will happen. But I'm positive the Lord has a plan for Bella. She has so many people who love and care about her.

So thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We love and appreciate all of you!

Love,

Seth & Amy

This Week

This week has been so rough. It started with Kenny harassing me through text. He just wouldn't give up. 

Then he threatened to file an "order to show cause" if he didn't get Bella right away on 50/50. So we had to start.

It has been awful on Bella and us.

I haven't been sleeping.

Then yesterday we met with Rob and he informed us that the judge has told him he's not allowed to bring up the statement where JEnna said Kenny would pay the child support form the day we started this process. We were just sick. That's about $900 a month for 30 months, and the judge is basically letting him off the hook. I have just cried and cried. That was the one thing we thought was a garentee. Rob says he will still say something in court. Either it will make the judge mad and we will have to apeal it later or she'll let him continue. 

Today (friday) Bella just cried and cried when Kenny came. She kept saying I don't want to go. It made Claire and Syd cry. Sweet Syd ran to her room to say a prayer. After Bella left I had everyone come in the living room and we said another prayer for Bella to feel comfort and be safe.

A few hours later when I had arranged for the primary president to pick Bella up for church Kenny told me to stay out of it and that they were going out of town.

I'm just so tired of it. PLus we found out that Seth has hit his highest point financially at work. He'll never make more. There's no way we can make it on that and pay these attorney fees since Kenny may not have to.

I just can't believe we contuine to lose over and over again. I'm tired of feeling defeated and depressed.

And I miss Bella so much it hurts.

Bella

Today while driving with all the kids Bella started talking about how babies can see angels and people from the other side of the veil. That got us talking and I told the girls the story about when Bella was only 3 weeks old. I just moved into Laura's and I was holding her and rocking in a chair. I said a prayer and was crying and a peace fell over me and just as quickly I heard her making noises I opened my eyes and she was looking at people and almost even moving her nexk like she was seeing them and speaking to them.

I told the girls that story and then Bella said "sometimes when I'm scared at Kenny's I say a prayer and I can feel the Holy Ghost and then I feel better.

I'm so glad all the kids heard it and am so thankful for what a good example she is on everyone else.

A great weekend

As we were saying family prayer tonight I thought I should probably write about what a great weekend we had. 

We had Bella so Friday we went to a Utah gymnastics meet with the Sorenson's. After that just our family went to The Training Table. Then on Saturday the kids did jobs and played with friends. That night we had movie night. Sunday after church we all played Frisbee and jump rope outside and talked with friends who were on walks. Then at night we watched Back to the Future and had brownies. 

This week school is out early all week. So it was fun to have the girls home early today. After FHE we finished Back to the Future and then played Chinese checkers. 

I'm scared for Bella to have to live with Kenny more. I don't trust him and I worry for her. 

Weekends like what we just had make me feel so good! I love my family and I'm so thankful for them!

Social Media

I don't think I've blogged about my social media jobs. 

I'm doing it for Beehive Bakery and The Judge Cafe. It's been such a blessing. Not only financially but also as a way to be creative and take my mind off of Kenny.

Here's a picture at The Judge. I went to take pictures and the girls played the Kindle, ate fries and cookies and had rootbeer. Not a bad day.

Picnic with the twins

Oh these two! So much fun! They begged for a picnic so we had one. I love having them home! It's so much fun to spend time with just them. They make me smile!

Claire's Birthday

Claire counted the days leading up to her birthday starting on New Year's. She was pretty excited. 

We started with presents and breakfast in bed (well, breakfast in bed didn't happen because of early church, but we had it for lunch).

Grandma and grandpa came over one night and brought presents.

Claire and Garrett had cake and ice cream.

She took Belle, Rowan, and Ryan ice skating for her birthday. Then they came back for pizza and cake and ice cream.

I'd say it was a pretty good birthday!

Dear Claire Bear

Dear Claire,
Happy Birthday! All day you've been reminding us that tomorrow is your birthday. Actually you've been counting the days for 11 days!
That's one of the things I love about you! Your excitement! You have such a positive attitude about life and everything makes you happy.
The last 7 years have been so much fun! You've taught us all so much! You're fun and happy but also caring and sensitive! As well as smart! You've caught onto reading and are doing so well. We also love how much you love to learn about the states. You impress everyone with your knowledge!
We all can't wait to see what this year brings!

We love you!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Zoo in January

We took a quick trip to the zoo with the Sorenson's. It was lots of fun. We'd never been in the winter. Less people and still fun in the cold. We got to see the rhinos being fed and talk to the workers. They gave us lots of fun information.

More Work

Work just keeps coming. This was for a shoot in Lehi for At Task. It was a lot of fun. I feel so blessed for all the work that keeps coming.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was great this year! Uncle Alden and Laura Lee were here from New York. When they arrived we had dinner and played games. Then after dinner it was more games followed by a quick Christmas movie the church put out.

Then for the second year in a row and maybe starting a new tradition the girls all had a sleep over. They wished Maurice goodbye, sine he would be flying back to the North Pole and then it was off to sleep. Well, not really. More like an hour and half later everyone was asleep. But they never left their room They stayed in there talking and playing. So sweet! I love these girls!

Mom & Claire

Claire and I got tickets to see the Sesame Street & Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was amazing! We both entertained the whole time. Plus it was fun to spend time with just her.  

Santa Visit

Santa stopped by for a quick visit. It was great! Everyone was so excited. I'm glad we have it on video!

Dance Recital

Claire's 1st dance recital for her Hip Hop class. She did great and loved having so much support.

Bella's Birthday

Bella's birthday was a week long event! As usual. We started with breakfast and presents in bed. The elf had her balloons in the morning too. Linda Sumsion made her a birthday cake! 

We had dinner with grandma and grandpa at Applebee's and then cake for her and Luke. She was a very happy 10 year old!