Crazy Cat Lady

I could have guessed, at some point in my youth, that I would one day be a so-called "crazy cat lady".I've always been fond of felines, great and small alike. I envy my sis-in-law who had a chance to work at a sanctuary with Lions, tigers and such. In fact, if you were to ask me what I most look forward to in the millennium I would tell you that it's to be able to ride on the back of a lion and approach the large cats; white tigers and black panthers included.
Before getting married, Peter and I each owned a cat (Bubble and Lammie); both of them black and white, ironically. For various reasons we left those cats with their respective 'grand parents'. (Living in an apartment made outdoor cats impossible to have).
After a couple weeks of marriage I found myself driving past a 'free kittens' sign. I called Peter and asked if we could get one, and he said sure. I ended up getting the 2 sisters in the litter, and B.D. named them for me; Katie Bug (the calico), and Lilly (the tabby).
A year later we moved into our first, and current, home. I was expecting our first child in October. 2 months prior to our daughters arrival, while helping family pack up for a cross-country move, we found a stow-away in our truck; and adorable, little, gray kitten. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of a new kitten considering my soon-to-be mommy-status, but Peter wanted to keep the boy, and it didn't take him much to convince me. So now we had 3 cats. Jacks was the new addition, and, I must add, is the best cat anyone could possibly have! He is wonderful, and we all love 'our boy', and he loves us; especially the baby. (Peter's also glad to not be the lone male in the house anymore).
Fast forward to present day. We have been attracting all the strays in the area somehow; it seems word has gotten out that we love and accept all cats, and there are quite a few sweet cats who have been abandoned. It's sad. But Peter and I are happy to do our part in caring for God's creatures, and feeding these sweet animals.
A few weeks ago Lilly disappeared; she was gone for a week and we were certain we'd never see her again. At the same time Peter's mom had kittens to get rid of. Wanting to help her out, we accepted a little orange one in Lilly's place, and named him Milo. 3 days later Jacks found Lilly and brought her home, upping our number to 4. A couple days later Jacks made a new friend, who Livvie named Pumpkin. The next morning when we opened the door to let Jacks inside, Pumpkin ran in right behind him and made himself at home. (Note that Pumpkin seems to have a home, and is only an occasional guest in our home).
Well, then there's Scruffy, the black and white stray who comes to our back door in hopes of a 'warm meal' and some affection, which he usually gets. His name speaks for his appearance. Scruffy always thanks be with a head-ponk to my hand before eating his kibble. He's sweet. =) Katie is especially fond of him.
Lastly, for now anyway, is Jade. He appeared a few days ago. Jade is mostly orange. He is LONG, TALL, and VERY SKINNY. The name came from his HUGE, green eyes. As with each of the strays that find their way to us, he is very sweet.
It's heart breaking to realize how many cats have been deserted by their owners. And, although it turns me into the cat-lady I was always afraid of becoming, I (we) are grateful that they have each been guided to us, making it possible for us to serve and love Heavenly Father's creations in our own unique way.