A, I'm so glad that you returned to post an update. You and your children will be okay. I know it's difficult being a single parent, but you fought the good fight and learned from your experiences. Those lessons will now be w/you throughout your life.
It sounds like you and the children have now settled in and I'm happy to read that your inlaws are being supportive. Your little one will enjoy a kitten and right now, she needs something that she can call her own.
As for the ow, I'm glad you are handling this the way you are and hopefully, you will get the money back and put it in a savings account for a rainy day. It's so sad to read just how they take the mlcer to the cleaners.
I do hope that you are doing some things for yourself as well. You deserve all the very best that life has to offer. God is most definitely watching over you and your family. Take care of yourself and do not be a stranger.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.