asks questions about how things work,” says his proud mom. He’s also into LEGOs and Cub Scouts; Marianne just helped him build his first pinewood derby race car.

Anastasia is all girl. She loves makeup and high heels and would have hundreds of purses if Marianne let her. And Anastasia is a natural nurturer. “From an early age I believe (no real proof except the government took them from their mother for neglect reasons) she was completely in charge of taking care of her little brother,” says Marianne. “She has a very strong feeling toward little babies and constantly talks about when she is big and has her own children. She has just recently stopped playing with baby dolls.” Anastasia is in Brownies and takes jazz and tap lessons.

“Anastasia is very independent and strong willed,” which Marianne attributes to the fact that she had little supervision until age five. But she’s adjusting and, under Marianne’s tutelage, learning to respect authority and obey rules “because it’s the right thing to do  —  not just for fear of punishment,” says Marianne.

School days are especially hectic for Marianne, juggling carpooling and working full-time.

“By the time we get home, I cook dinner and do dishes and do homework with them, it’s bedtime,” says Marianne. “Anastasia needs a lot of help with homework  —  she’s still working on comprehension and both her math skills and reading need extra attention.”

Marianne, who heads her library department, says her biggest challenge is “the lack of time to help my children