The way I am is a defense mechanism against what is collectively known as my family. This is a group of people all thrown together by some cosmic mishap who have somehow formed a single unit. We consist of me, my daughter Karen and two sons, Tom Jr., Mike, and three beautiful grandkids. My husband, Tom Sr. passed away on 4/30/00. We miss him terribly! Here we are in the summer of '97.

The "Kids"

Karen is married to another Tom Jr. which can get a bit confusing. She substituted for years before getting a full time teaching job and is working on her Masters in Special Ed. Her husband Tom manages a convenience store not far from the home they just bought. Here they are.

Tom Jr., his wife Shoshanna and my three grandchildren, Breanna, Hunter, and Kassidy lived WAY to far away. Southwest Missouri is halfway across the country from Saratoga, NY so I convinced my youngest son to move there with me just to be closer. I'm not a huge fan of Missouri but it's ok - I guess. Here they are.

Mike, my youngest, a cook. He has worked at Ruby Tuesday's in Saratoga NY and Joplin MO. Here in MO he has also cooked at Applebee's, Johnny Carino's and is currently at Logan's Roadhouse. He is completely addicted to the computer, an on-line game called Soldier of Fortune, a couple of chat rooms, and girls. I need to get a more current photo of him. This is Mike about 5 or 6 years ago..

Now THIS is what grandchildren are SUPPOSED to look like!!

Breanna, 11, is the picture of perfection. Her dad already has the stick to beat the boys away with. She is getting to be quite the little lady - attitude and all! Breanna .

Hunter, 8, is also perfect. He is a typical computer loving, PS2 playing, younger brother. His dad is already grooming him for sports scholarships across the globe. Hunter.

Kassidy, 3, is a ball of energy. She never slows down. She is a beautiful little girl who will tell you a very long winded story that you won't understand a single word of. Kassidy.

The REAL Babies Of The Family

Jessie and Dakota are the babies of the family. They're good company and more fun to watch that TV. Jessie and Dakota.