My DH's mother,Annie, on the left, her brother and his wife.
My DH's mother had eleven children. They all lived to be grown and married, with families of their own. She never mis-carried and they were all healthy.
My DH was the 7th one and he and the 6th were twins. Girl and boy. We've never heard of twins where the girl was not born before the boy....Has anyone heard of the boy being born first?
One weighed 8.5 lbs and the other 9.5 lbs. She didn't know she was going to have twins! (????) She had 4 more children after the twins...two more girls and two more boys.
FLASH BACK:
The year was 1930. She was alone when her 5th one (her first girl) was born except for her four little boys, ages 8, 6, 4, and 2. Thankfully, they were all asleep. I believe the reason she was alone...her husband had gone to get the doctor, but the babe was born while he was gone.
Times were rough back then on everyone. She was the kind of woman you would call great!
Following is a letter profile of her that I wrote about two years before she passed away. What a role model she was!
ANNIE
Annie: One of the beautiful people. What can I say...that your life has not already conveyed to others? I can only remind us of it. A mother, sister, grandmother, aunt,mother-in-law, friend, Christian sister and confidant. (I could tell you anything and feel that it was safe. Now it would be doubly safe because of our lack of memory.) (Smile)
You and your wonderful mate, Grady, have succored many since I have known you...and I have heard many years before that, but I'll just cover what I have observed.
I have observed you as a mother-in-law always willing to help, being there with advice when you were asked for it, but never trying to interfere in the lives of your children.
You took many into your home in their "low" times...many of your grandchildren, sometimes with, sometimes without their parents...whatever the circumstances warranted and sent them to school many months at a time.
A new baby due in the family...illnesses, accidents...if you were needed...you packed your bags, left your own home and the obligations there, and were off to help.
I remember you postponing having surgery for years that you needed so desperately, because Grady was so scared for you to have it. He was so afraid he would lose you. No one wanted to tell you his fears, so you probably did not know until now why he gave you such a hard time about it.
You had the patience of Job, to your own detriment at times. You gave up things for yourself to supply what others needed. You gave your energy and strength when you had little left, but it probably did not surface in your mind as sacrifice, because you were in your domain, doing what you loved to do for the ones you loved so much!
I know that many of your children and grandchildren are aware of this and appreciate you so very much! Your interest in and love for Grady's people reminds us of a great lady in the Bible who had these qualities. Your real name isn't by chance...Ruth...Is it?
Thank you, Annie! For being such a good role model for the rest of us! Love you forever!
One of your daughters-in-law
Update on little dog. Mange is getting better. We are glad it isn't an allergy to grass, however this mange is pretty bad. She can't keep from scratching with those long toenails and she bleeds from the sores. Today she was more active though and her appetite is really good. We take her back to the vet the 2nd of January, so we are hoping he can cure her. We have heard that the red mange can not be cured but the vet said he could. 
