General Discussion

Six cats, one dog, two cockatiels, one stepdaughter, two of her friends who didn't have moms, and Grandma to stepdaughters's two girls and one of stepdaughters's friend's daughter.

My parents only had two "born" kids and around three other kids that called them Mom and Dad while we were growing up.

Taking in Tweens/Teenagers from troubled (or no) homes who wander home with the kidlet looking for a family to feel safe with and help them grow up is harder than raising your own. Especially when it's unofficial and there's no safety net or legal protection should something go wrong.
About fifteen years ago, there was a six month period where our front room was a bedroom, there was a tent in the back yard, and we were feeding three or four youngsters on a daily basis, even though we were officially renting as a family of three. But - it's the Future for them.
And being invited to a Concert, Graduation, Wedding, or Christening as Family is pretty awesome.

Haele