“I got an opportunity in 1970 to buy Leonard’s Meat Market — the land, building and equipment — for $25,000. I was 29 years old. And we had one of the most successful meat markets in the area. We were very lucky. Things worked out … Continue readingEmployees at the heart of Rooster’s success story
“I remember when I was young, my mom would write all of her kids’ names down on paper. She had this beautiful handwriting. She also would draw a flower over and over, the same flower. She drew only with an ink pen. It’s a pretty … Continue readingDeaths of brother and mother inspire artist
“I took a year break after graduating high school before joining the Marines. I served about 10 years. I was stationed in California and deployed twice to Iraq. “My son was born just before my second tour. I was there for his birth in October, … Continue readingMarine’s plan to focus on his family falls apart
“They sat me and my sisters down and told us they were divorcing. They said they just weren’t happy together anymore. I had an idea. But I didn’t think it would happen. “I guess it wasn’t that hard for me because I’m not that emotional … Continue readingDivorce leads to questions for children
“He’s 8 months old, and he never cries. He’s just happy all the time, smiling and playing around. “I’m lucky. Normally babies cry for everything, for no reason sometimes. The only time he cried is when he fell, because he’s starting to stand up now. … Continue readingFour sons keep mom busy and happy
“We met in high school and dated for about two years before we got married. We’ve been together now for 57 years.” What’s your secret to such a long marriage? “Well, we had five children. That kind of binds you together.” “Besides that, I don’t … Continue readingFive children help keep them together for 57 years
“We have seven kids, ages 28 to 3. He had three from a previous marriage, and we have four together. The best part about having a big family is that you have plenty of friends. “Once they’re grown, it’s awesome. My oldest daughter and I … Continue readingBig family means that you can have lots of friends
“We met on the internet. I was on AOL Instant Messenger, and he popped in one day. He said, ‘What’s up with your last name?’ At that time, my screen name was Jenny Willis. And he said, ‘Willis is my first name.’ I thought, no … Continue readingMeeting on the internet leads to love, then marriage
It’s not always easy. But as the mom in a family of six, Amanda Vela tries her best to spread the love around. “One of my biggest challenges is time,” she said. “With multiple children at different ages, it’s hard to find the time for … Continue readingDaughter with cerebral palsy inspires mom
When it comes to family togetherness, Tamlyn and Toby Hayman are experts. It’s a benefit of living with their six children — four girls and two boys — in a home that measures only 32 feet long by 12 feet wide. “Our first house was … Continue readingFamily embraces togetherness in their tiny house