As for the Round Rock, yep, the town is named for the formation in the middle of Brushy Creek. It was a landmark for pioneers, and a water crossing on the Chisholm Trail, the cattle drives used to stop there to let the cows and horses drink from Brushy Creek on the drive north to Chicago. There are indentions worn in the rocks all down around there, made by the wagon wheels and cattle crossing over all the years. Pretty neat. If you notice the rock footings in the background, that was the original train bridge in the area, and the old train station...and I mean cowboy-yee-haw old station, is still right up the road...it's a resteraunt now. History lesson over. Thanks again for all the nice comments gang. Much appreciated! -Mike
Thanks Mike. I love little history lessons. This also confirms what I said about cows and flat rocks. I'm sure it happened there often because it's a long way till their next pit stop in Chicago. I'll bet this is where they got that cow comment my dad used to say when it rained hard !It's rainin harder than a ------ >on a flat rock. And that's no bull !
Mike...yur a peach My parents used to take in strays all the time when i was younger...as i have too .....ie; (stovebolt).. It was always an ordeal...but we survived and grew from each experience so im thinking you got it from your parents too Mike....if you ever need anything...you ask!!....dont be shy...were all 'cyber family' here
Thats really cool. Makes me proud to see things like this and equally proud to know you. I know that it makes a world of difference in the kids' lives and the last they any kid in that situation needs is to feel alone and unsupported. They are in good hands.
Mike, There is no greater gift in life than family. You have done an amazing thing and have my utmost respect and gratitude. This type of situation is what is the foundation of my faith in humanity. Out of tragedy comes hope, love and a bright future. I am sure there will be tough things that will need to be overcome, but heck we experience that stuff in our families regarless. I am proud to know you and am certain that you and your wife will be excellent parent/role models for these children. Congrats and good luck.
Yup, I don't think there has been a more....don't know how to word it,,,selfless,caring.... thread since I have been a member
Again really do appreciate all the replies. You guys are great. We're doing ok here. Day-by-day. Kids are adjusting, so far, so good. Thanks again all! -Mike
Mike, it's gonna be like a roller coaster at times. But you guys are tough and it will level out at the bottom.
Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all coming up fast, and every one a time when having lots of family makes these times so much more memorable.
Just an update for ya'll, things are going ok. Kids are doing ok in school and are in good spirits. I bought them all new bikes and we've been riding in the evenings...which is helping my fat-self get in better shape. Had my youngest kiddo Tuck's 4th birthday last week. Fun times. Lily can eat by the way.... Last weekend we did pumpkins. My wife's friend Janna came over to help carve and asked my wife, Misty, what she was going to do to me if I brought home any more stray kids. Well a pic is worth a thousand words.... :affraid: I'm still having nightmares... All the kids had fun doing the pumpkins. Lily spent an hour on hers...it's a cat...she LOVES cats. Here's her scary-face with her cat-o-lantern Tuck was really proud of his smiley pumpkin They all can't wait for Halloween. Just what I need, 5 suger-filled kids. Haha! The weather is supposed to be great tomorrow. Low 70's is nice trick-or-treating weather! As for issues... I could not get Lily to get up again this morning. She hates to get up for school. I've warned her that if she did not get up when I told her, she'd lose her computer for a week. Well after trip #2 to her room this morning and her just laying there like she was not hearing me telling her to get up, I went and took the power cord from her system. She finally got up but would not speak to me all the way to school. FUN! The other kids are still giving my no issues, thankfully. I can deal with boys...dealing with a 12-year-old girl is a new experience. Taking it day-by-day here. Thanks for all the well-wishes and hope you folks back east are weathering the storm ok! Keep the wagons on the road folks! -Texas Mike
You are doing great. As a father of two boys plus another adopted son, and one girl----- trade the girl for two more boys!
Can your wife or your wife's friend help at all? Or any other adult female? A 12-year-old girl is going through huge hormonal, emotional, and you-name-it life changes even under the best of circumstances. With all of the added things piled on to Lily's life in recent months, it could be difficult for her. Another problem she has is that she has no sisters to share this with. She's basically got four brothers. I have two daughters and a son with the son the oldest. They're all in their 20s now and just fine, but I don't know how I would have gotten the girls through their teen years without my wife. You are amazing, though. I do like the new bikes!
