Full House

A photo story by Sarah Rohleder

This is Chuck Stoneburner. Chuck leads a family that never seems to stop growing. He and his wife, Susan, have five kids: Trey (19), Josh (17) Lexi (14), Hayley (12), and Carley (5). Two are biological, two are adopted, and one is fostered. With the brood lives Tanner, the dog, and Susan's mom.

Meet Carley. Carley is five years old. Her mother loved her, but addiction got in the way of motherhood. The Stoneburners fostered her and her brother Josh two years ago. In 2012, Carley's adoption was finalized and the Stoneburners could finally add their little girl to the family tree. Carley doesn't look like all other five-year oldsshe is tiny. She was born prematurely and wasn't always fed as a baby.

On the left is Hayley, who shares a room with Carley. Like any other 12-year old, she loves Justin Bieber, cheers for her middle school, and wears stylish hand-me-downs from her older sister. Unlike other 12-year-olds, she lived in several other foster homes until the Stoneburners officially adopted her in November 2012.

Lexi practices her drill routine in the living room for ROTC at Fern Creek. Along with ROTC, she swims, cheers, plays soccer, and serves her church. Although she has her own room, it's not uncommon to find a little sister in there because they both admire her. As annoying as little siblings can be, Lexi is always there for them without complaint.

Josh Gouker, Susan and Chuck's 17year old foster child, is on the cover of the Courier-Journal. Although there is very little evidence incriminating him, Josh is awaiting acquittal or conviction for the murder of his stepbrother, Trey Zwicker, in Jefferson County Youth Correctional Center. Evidence points to Gouker's father, Josh Gouker Sr.; however, a conviction has yet to be made. Josh Jr. lived with the Stoneburners for about a year while his father was in prison for other violence and drug-related acts, but a social worker granted Josh Sr. custody after he was released. Little Josh was in Josh Sr.'s custody at the time of the murder. The Stoneburner's oldest son, also named Trey, is at college.

Off to church in the morning! 17-year-old Autumn West plays with Carley at Louisville Church of Christ. There is something unique about many of the children in this Church roughly 25% are adopted, both domestically or internationally. Autumn was was one of the first in the Church to be adopted.

Lexi picks Carley up from the children's service and helps put on her shoes. It's time to go home Sundays are a big day in the Stoneburner family.

Every Wednesday and Sunday, Susan visits Josh in JCYC. Carley draws cards for her "Bubbie" Joshie.

Lexi reminds Carley of a picture frame Josh made Carley, with pictures of him and Carley getting their ears pierced, a picture of him in a costume, and a picture of their biological mom. Carley calls her birth mom "tummy mommy."

Carley shows off her card

Although she was eating Mac and Cheese, her favorite, Carley became unhappy when Susan got ready to leave. She adores her mommy.

At 7 p.m., Susan made it downtown to see Josh at JCYC. She gets 20minute visitations with him.

Past this door, family members could see their children for only a few minutes of face-to-face interaction. Josh waits for Susan every Wednesday and Sunday.

Mother and daughter embrace, and Carley gets sleepy. Susan isn't far behind her there. Carley knows where her mommy goes twice a week and expresses how she misses "Joshie."