Redefining Family :)

Hello friends!

For week 2 of our newest course, we had to create and/or share a collage, photograph, video, song, etc. about our childhood and family. Additionally, these items had to represent what our definition of family is and what we think of or consider to be family. I love photos and collages. I chose to make a variety of collages of varying individuals to represent what family is to me, who is most important to me, etc. These individuals have shaped my childhood or life in some way, shape, or form and continue to be a huge part of my life to some extent. Below are each individual collage I have made, as well as a description of who is in the collage, what it means, why, etc. The collages are in no particular order, just how they uploaded.

^^The collage above is of my younger and only brother, Ryan, and I through the years. He is one of my best buddies and I still remember the day I found out about being a big sister. I couldn't stop talking about it because I was SO excited! He has been my little buddy ever since he was born and the protectiveness I have over him is because I care so much. He is one of the greatest people I know. He has made my childhood and life so much better. Even though he drove me BONKERS at times, he always made me laugh, too!^^

^^This collage is of some of my cousins and I through the years. There are two quotes about cousins that I have always loved. One says, "Cousins are the siblings God forgot to give you." The other is, "Cousins are the first friends you will have in life. Cherish them always." My cousins and I have always been close and most of my childhood memories revolve around Friday nights at Aunt Sue's, summer vacation filled with swimming, Barbies, bike riding, and trips to the park with all of my cousins, family vacation to Wildwood and Sea Isle every summer, and much more. My life would have been SO different without the love, support, and laughter with my cousins. ^^

^^My immediate family is my foundation. My mom, dad, brother, and I are all close. We may drive each other crazy but we would do anything for one another. We have had so many ups and downs and been taught so many lessons through the years that formed and shaped my childhood in many ways. Additionally, my grand mom (mom's mom) was one of the most independent and strongest women I have ever met. A true role model and heroine to each of us females in the family. Always looked up to her and even though she has been gone 5 years this October, we all always will. ^^

^^Friends are truly the family we choose for ourselves, I am a firm believer in this philosophy. This collage is filled with friends through the years who have been a second family to myself and my brother and my family as a whole. Senior year of high school, going on 10 years ago, I lost two of my best friends to a brain aneurism and leukemia. I still miss them every single day and wish they could be here but am so very grateful I had the chance to have them in my lives as long as I did to shape my childhood and outlooks on life. Jessy was my very best friend from 1st grade to 12th grade before she passed. Kelli and I met in middle school but connected instantly. Other friends from college and high school who are still in my life are pictured. They continue to be my second family, no matter how much time, distance, or life gets in between we always will be there for one another and pick right up where we left off! ^^

^^ My cousin, Jacki, and I are extremely close and she is one of my best friends in the world. Her three daughters are like the little sisters I never had. Her youngest, pictured three times with just me, is my goddaughter. I was there for the birth and raising of each of the three girls. I was each of their first babysitter. I have always been like their big sister and will always be there for them, as their mom has always been for me. ^^

^^Lastly, my very best friend and love of my life, Mike, cannot be forgotten. We have been together for over eight years and he has helped me through some of my most challenging times, tough transitions, and changes within my life. He has truly shaped my life for the better. His continuous support and love keep me going even in the toughest of times. While we did not experience childhood together, he has reminded me yet again what the true meaning of family and love and support can be and reminds me daily of how we will raise a family with our own definitions and ideals together. <3 ^^