Our family tends to grow outward and there is always an extra chair pulled up to the dinner table. I know I've added more than a cup of water to the gravy in order to stretch the meals and so far I've not run out of extra pillows and blankets to create another sleeping pad. We've had baby skunks and o'possums, field mice and bugs, and done mouth-to-mouth life saving techniques on a baby rabbit that the dog thought we might enjoy for supper. We have a permanent burial ground for pets; some of which weren't even ours.

We agree to disagree on many topics and I really don't think our home is based on democracy. Every one has an opinion about something, but no one really listens to them anyway. I feel it safe to say that we consider ourselves quite normal--no matter what others think. One of the kids wants Barney shot and the other one loves Barney.

One kid thinks dad loves them more and all of them use what ever technique necessary to get attention--so, that must not be too important anyway. Well, whatever happens on a day to day basis, we're still here for each other. And, I kinda like that feeling.

Behind every "good woman" is a "good family." Without the individuals below, I would have a very empty life. Ken and I are active foster parents and many of our foster children have made our family their "forever family."   We are not allowed by law to include pictures of our active foster children.  However, here are a few of our boys who call us mom and dad -- forever -- after they aged out of the foster care system.

Kyle Onderdonk - is living in Austin and attending Austin Community College.  Kyle is our best example of "hanging in no matter what happens" as he has fought childhood leukemia for several years now!  We love and admire him and learn how to have appreciation for what each day brings us.  We love you Kyle!

Cody Onderdonk - our family clown and Superman heroe.  Cody joined the Army Reserves and earned a firefighter's certificate.  He is now living with Holly & Dan and attending Blinn College in Schlumberg for his Fire Science degree.  He's at home most every day by supper though!  Mom's cook'n is his favorite and Cody won't miss a meal for anyone!  For a good time - call C-O-D-Y !!!

  Kenny Blaschke is in the process of joining the Job Corps in San Marcus, Texas.  Kenny loves the outdoors, cattle and ranching.  He intends to study welding and secure a ranch position.  Kenny's favorite pasttime is playing games on his laptop!

  Our Marcus Nyberg (legally changed his name to Nyberg), and the reason we chose to become foster parents.  Marcus is now 21 years old and works for the City of Smithville.  Marcus and Stacy graduated together at Bastrop High School.  Marcus is a very caring and deeply affectionate guy....and is always joking around.  You never know when he is up to something so BEWARE!

My husband, Ken Nyberg, the greatest thing since the invention of the mouse trap! He has been a wonderful father to our children and a great husband for over 14 years now.  Ken holds everything in our lives together with baling wire and thinks friends don't let friends drive anything but Chevrolet. He has a John Deere tractor collection and still plays with them. Ken is an over-grown kid and you can find him tinker'n on something 24 hours a day.  Ken owns and operates Ken's Repair Shop located behind our home and specializes in small engine repair, automobile and tractor repair.

Part of our children still live in Illinois....the other part in Texas.  Although miles separate us physically -- distance doesn't break the bond of our love!

Our Son, Josh and granddaughter Reece - Ken's first granddaughter.  How precious can life be?  And Michele, our noble daughter-in-law who gave us all the most special gift of our little Reece.  Thank you, Michele!

Stacy Jo, our "social butterfly" is 19 years old and has red hair. The picture above is of her "love" named Ziggy!

Stacy is quite a handful and will talk your ears off. She has a beautiful smile and everyone loves her personality. Stacy graduated from Bastrop High School in 2004 because she went to Del Valle High all summer to take 5 classes required to graduate early! She is now attending college at Virginia College in Austin. 

• Holly, Dan and Stephen in 2003.  Holly is married to Dan Titus who works as an OTR Trucker.  Holly is a cosmetologist.   They live in Indian Lakes, Smithville, Texas. 
  

This is a picture of our first grandchild, Stephen Gregory Titus who was born 8-5-03.  He is the son of Holly, our eldest daughter.

Stephen is now 3 years old....and here is a picture of him at Nicole's 4th birthday party.

We adopted another little girl, Catherine Nicole.  Her adoption was final September 25, 2003.  She turned 4 years old on July 17th.  She is now attending Brown Primary as a Pre-K student.  Nicole is the mistress of the entire Smithville Nyberg Clan!

YA'LL COME BACK NOW, YA HEAR!