I haven't mentioned our house guest... Back in September, my SSs came to Loghead and I and told us about a friend of theirs that was being beaten and verbally abused by his dad and stepmom. Long story short (one which involved a gun and the county sherriff); the boy now lives with us. He's 18, so he was able to make that choice...

His father has spread the rumor around town that all the boys are gay, and we allow unspeakable things to go on under our roof. How lovely!

Anyway, the boys are the furthest thing from gay! I hear them up talking all night, about girls and future dreams. Having this other kid in our house as been a real eye opener for us all!

My SSs are still asses, but their friend calls them on it. "That's your mom! I wish my step-mom had been half as kind to me!"

On many occassions I have heard him tell them how lucky they are to having two people who care about them and support everything they do. The other night, we happened to be the only ones awake late at night and sat and had hot chocolate at the dinner table together. I was getting snacks ready for PITA to take for the ACT test the next morning; I laid out money to stop at the gas station for soda, granola bars and pencils. The kid said when he took the ACT, his dad had forgotten and when he got home, his dad beat him for taking the truck. he said no one had every cared for him the way I care for my boys. He said, "They're lucky to have a mom like you; I tell them all the time."

He helps with chores. One night PITA was being a real ass and yelling at me. I heard a thump, and a few minutes later PITA came upstairs to help with what I asked. I found out later the boy had shoved him into the wall and told him never to speak that way to me again!

Lazy Boye had one of his outbursts a few weeks ago. It was bad. Loghead sent him to stay with other family for over a week. I heard the kid "counseling" Lazy Boye on the phone one night, and talking to him and reminding him of all the things Loghead and I do for them...

And now that Lazy Boye is back, he seems to be more appreciative of what he has...

This kid is a wonder! As a teacher, I see kids from homes like this all the time, that just perpetuate the cycle., but he never lets it get him down. He's joining the marines, and wants to study psychology and work with kids who grew up like he did.

So proud of him; he's my other son!