but she's lonely,,,

Precious has been driving Toby (14 yr old dog) a little crazy, so Chris thought she needed a playmate. Actually, when we got Precious he wanted to get 2 puppies and I said "no way".

But we found a rottie/lab mix and so now we have Zeus. He's six weeks old and very cute. He has a tail and some white markings, but other than that they look very much alike. They love to wrestle and he is very fiesty. So now we have as many dogs living here as we have kids, but somehow the work load isn't distributed that way...hmmm....some things never change.

New addition...

Chris has always wanted a big dog...so here is his new puppy. Her name is Precious and she's a full bred rottweiler (both parents are 1/2 american rot and 1/2 german rot). She really is cute and is getting along well with all the kids and dogs.

Funny kid...

I took Gabriel Christmas shopping. He bought gifts for everyone, but Dad. He asked me "What would Dad like for Christmas?". I said "Peace and quiet". Gabe responded, " Let's get him duck tape!"

November 09

We finally had the chance for someone to take a picture of all of us together.
One of these days we'll actually get a family picture taken. Until then, this will have to do.

Halloween...a little late

Gabriel as "Snake Eyes"

Valerie (dark hair) and her friend, Jenna

Yvette (right) and her friends

Christopher, the Gatekeeper

With Grandma's passing, I didn't get Halloween pix posted. All the kids dressed up and had a good time. Valerie decorated the house and did a good job. She also did make up for the kids. It was a fun night.

Valerie set up a strobe light...looks cool

Happy Birthday Yvette

Today Yvette is 14...it's hard to believe. She was only 5 when she came to live with us. It's a real challenge having 2 teenage girls in the house and certainly never boring! Yvette is very talented. She's artistic and athletic. These things come naturally to her. This year she is doing cheer and is the school mascot. She will start horseback riding in a few weeks. She has a very strong will that will serve her well in the future, but is a real challenge to her parents right now. Yvette didn't have an easy start to her life and it presents challenges to her every day. Her dad and I and her sister and brothers want her to have a happy life and to be able to enjoy the world. But, she is 14 and so what that means to her and what that means to us are vastly divergent. We love you Yvette.

Grandma

December 3, 1921- October 27, 2009

We miss you.