Taylor Swift Honored by Kennedy Family

Taylor Swift admits to a fascination with the Kennedy family, and now the famous clan is honoring her with a prestigious award. The 22-year-old is being lauded by the Robert F. Kennedy Center For Justice and Human Rights with the Ripple of Hope Award for her commitment to social change.

"Taylor Swift's dedication to advocacy at such a young age continues to inspire me, and I'm delighted to honor her as one of our 2012 Ripple of Hope Award recipients," Kerry Kennedy, President of the RFK Center for Justice says in a statement (via New Straits Times). "As a young person, Taylor has already accomplished so much, and I look forward to watching all that she will do to help build a brighter, more peaceful world for us all."

The 22-year-old's numerous charitable efforts, including her disaster relief concert following Nashville's 2010 flood, her $4 million donation to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and her advocacy against bullying among the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) community all contributed to her becoming this year's recipient.

The Ripple of Hope Award, according to a spokesman for the center, "lauds leaders of the international business, entertainment, and activist communities who demonstrate commitment to social change." Previous recipients of the award include U2's lead singer, Bono, George Clooney and former Vice-President Al Gore.

Taylor, who spent the July 4 holiday with members of the Kennedy clan in Cape Cod, will receive the award on Dec. 3, at a black-tie dinner hosted by Alec Baldwin.

The country superstar, who also received the Star of Compassion Award earlier this year for her ongoing generosity, hints that she is getting ready to release a new studio album later this year. Her next scheduled appearance is at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on Sept. 22.

Grapevine Fires (IDAHO is BURNING) & Rising from the Ashes

F I R E

These are pictures of the Charlotte Fire (as it is being called) or the Mink Creek/Gibson Jack Fire in Pocatello, Idaho aka where I live.

On Thursday, the day started out just fine and then went up in flames literally!

I was leaving work and stepped outside to see this fire! Right as I got outside the hospital doors I am facing these HUGE plumes and clouds of smoke darkening the sky. The flames raged wildly. I could see them from where I was standing. It looked like a volcano exploded or a war zone! I was in complete shock. Pocatello was burning. What was the most frightening thing was that my family live up Gibson Jack right where the fire was.

It was the worst fire I have ever witnessed in my life. I immediately pulled out my phone and called my mom. My stomach churned and twisted in knots with fear and anxiety when she answered, crying and freaking out. My heart sunk. My mother explained that the police were not letting people go up Mink Creek and Gibson Jack or anywhere near the fire. She said it was close to our house and that she and Bob (my stepdad) thought the house was going to burn down!
I raced to my grandma's house (where we had all decided to meet) listening to Death Cab for Cutie's "Grapevine Fires" and praying, praying, praying that our house would be saved, praying for a miracle in a situation completely out of control. My mom, Jordan (sister), Chrish (brother), my grandma, Madison (Jordan's friend), and my Aunt Michelle were all gathered together in the living room glued to the TV screen as the news reporters updated us on the fire.

I felt so bad for my mother who couldn't stop sobbing. She was worried because Bob went up to our house, climbed the hill, so that he could save our horses and let them free. He was taking a long time. We couldn't get a hold of him and it scared us because he has bad asthma. 

We were all incredibly relieved when Bob pulled up safe and sound in his truck. My mom ran to him and embraced him. He was upbeat, calm, and positive in the time of such a crises. I love that about him, always optimistic and hopeful. He let the horses go. They got away. He thought our home was going to turn to ashes and burn down. He took some stunning, terrifying videos of the raging inferno that was only yards away from our home.

Everyone who lived in or near the fire was evacuated. For a few hours, we sat, paced, talked, prayed, and waited ever so anxiously and nervously for the outcome. The question that hung heavier than the summer heat in the air was suffocating: will the house be burned to the ground, leaving my family homeless? Or would we be ever so blessed with a miracle, that our house would be spared?

All the while we were reminded of what truly matters, the most important thing is each other, the ones we love, family, people. Home isn't where your material possessions are stored. It isn't a place with polished hardwood floors or chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings or big theater rooms filled with every movie imaginable. Home is in the hearts of the ones we love. Home is family. Home is each other.

What a beautiful thing this life is, no matter the fire that burns all around us. If we just stick together, hold onto each other, and never take anyone or anything for granted, then I know we can make it through anything, through everything. Fire doesn't just destroy, it refines and purifies. It may hurt and burn at the onset, but the end result shines bright as the stars. Life is about thriving and triumphing after tragedy, together forever.

We kept getting mixed messages from friends of our family members that our house was burned one minute and the next that it was spared. It was nerve wracking. I felt so badly for everyone in this town. Prayers for rain were on my lips. I was just in total shock and awe that the unexpected always happens. We must always remember that people are what matters. Love matters. Everything else is replaceable, but family, love and friends are irreplaceable. Look at the people struggling with this exact same situation in Utah, Colorado, and other places in the United States. It only takes one spark to ignite a fire that can burn miles in minutes. This could happen to you. 

mY miracle

This is my family's house... a safe place in the midst of disaster and destruction. Some people may believe it is luck, but I know it as a miracle. Life is beautiful no matter the fire that burns around us. Home is in the hearts of the ones we love. Home is family. Our house was saved. I wish I could say the same for others. I heard nearly 60 homes were destroyed. I can't even begin to offer an explanation. I can say God is good. I know this was a miracle.

Just because you can't see or imagine a good reason why God might allow something to happen doesn't mean there can't be one. What matters now is coming together as a community and reaching out, helping, and sending prayers to those who were affected and victims of this fire and the fires all over the country. We all need one another and should never take this fact for granted, never forget it or take it lightly. Caring is sharing. Open your hearts lovelies and lets make this world a better place one person at a time.

I also send my thoughts and prayers with a heart overflowing with love and gratitude for all the brave firefighters who risk their lives and work relentlessly and fearlessly to put out these fires and triumph over disasters. 

Live by love

<3 Charley Brooke

This is what I believe to be true: You have to do everything you can, and if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining and the moon and all the stars that light up the night sky.

Miley Cyrus & Family Enjoy A "Chicago" Night Out

Fitting in some quality family time, the Cyrus gang stepped out for an evening of Broadway entertainment in Los Angeles on Thursday night (May 24).

With former "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus leading the way, she was joined at the "Chicago" stage show production by dad Billy Ray, mom Tish and sisters Noah and Brandi.

The family time comes just after Miss Cyrus made headlines as she spoke out in an interview with Lifetime about her sexual views and her family.

The 19-year-old told “The Converstation’s” Amanda de Cadenet, "The girls that really base how much they're worth on the sexual favors they can do for somebody, that makes me really sad. Because sex is actually really beautiful. It's the only way we create, and it's the only way the world keeps going."

"It's ignorant not to talk to your kids about it or [not] make it seem as magical or cool as it actually is," she added.

Helena, Montana Wedding

A few weekends ago, the family [mom, Bob, Jordan, Chrish, & I] flew in Bob's plane to Helena, Montana for my stepbrother Jordan & his new bride to be Britton's wedding. 

McHale & Alex drove.

Helena is gorgeous. 

The view from the plane was amazing and it's overall such a beautiful place.

We stayed overnight in this awesome hotel with these huge suites that each had their own kitchens, dining rooms, & living rooms (along with bedrooms & bathroom). 

I shared a suite with Christian.

After going to dinner at the Macaroni Grill with the family & extended family members, doing some shopping, and sightseeing, we went back to our hotel.

Funny story about Chrish & I's suite: we walked in and were still just amazed at how big the suite was... we were exploring around looking at the kitchen, living room, dining room, two huge TVs, bedroom with two huge beds, and bathroom. We are thinking to ourselves "wow... this is cool!" and then we look out this window in our bedroom and see a graveyard right outside our window! No lie! Haha kinda sketchy and a little creepy. 

My stepbrother Tyler lives in Montana & when we told him about it he said, "That's Helena, Montana for you!"

Chrish & I stayed up watching "Storage Wars". It's kind of an addicting show but not as much as "One Tree Hill"! We are obsessed with "One Tree Hill"... I got all my siblings obsessed about it. I can't believe I didn't know about it until recently! I bought all the DVDs & just love love love it. We would've watched it, but there wasn't a DVD player. You should check it out if you haven't seen it because it's a-m-a-z-i-n-g. 

Anyways, the next day was the wedding--Saturday May 12, 2012--Jordan & Britton got married at the Helena Country Club outside. It was lovely and pretty outside where it was held. Britton looked stunning, like a bridal model. I am so happy for them, Mr. & Mrs. Jordan and Britton Allen. 

 view from the plane of Helena, Montana!

 Another picture over Helena.

 Christian [the little brother] & I in the plane...

 Gorgeous view from the sky.

 My mom, me, & Jordan [sister] at the reception.

 Jordan creeping on me at the wedding. She's a notorious creeper!

 The twin & I 

[haha so Christian & I aren't really twins but we were both born on October 14 [me 1989 and him 1996] & look the most alike out of all of our siblings so we call ourselves "twins 7 years apart" cause in reality we kinda are!]

 My beautiful family.

Jord, Chrish, mom, Bob [stepdad], Colton [stepbrother], me, McHale [sis], & Alex [Kale's boyfriend]

 Family & Friends > Everything Else

 Most of the family... not pictured are three other stepbrothers... yes we have a BIG family. 

If we all go somewhere (dinner, movie, etc) together we often get called the Brady Bunch.

 Kiss the bride... Jordan & Britton Allen.

The happily married couple... they are the cutest. I am so happy for them!

Thanks For The Memories

Lovelies

Happy late Thanksgiving :)

I have sooo much to be thankful for.

Especially each and every single one of you.

My followers and readers.

You.

I am thankful for you.

You inspire me and this Inspiration Nation is for you.

There aren't words to describe how much room you fill in my heart. 

I think about all of you even if I don't know each of you.

I appreciate your love for me and taking the time to read what I write even if it's insignificant.

Thank you.

I am always always always here for you.

The question on everyone's mind on Thanksgiving is what are you thankful for?

My answer is a question: what aren't I thankful for?

Okay, obviously I'm not grateful, and I dislike, bad things such as war, hate, crime, indifference, pain, intolerance, suffering, etc, but in a way I am thankful for it all.

Everything.

Life.

Love.

The world.

The stars.

The universe.

Most of all our dear Heavenly Father who created it all who gave this to us and our savior Jesus Christ's atonement and example of love for all.

Without dark there would be no light.

Without suffering there would be no compassion.

Without the bad, we wouldn't know or appreciate the good.

Our Savior is the best example of all that I love, the good stuff, and pure selflessness because He is perfect and made it possible in this life for all of our suffering, hardships, sadness, and trials to be overcome. 

He gave his life to save us.

Everything happens for a reason.

All is and will be well.

I know it's cliche and I say it all the time, but it's cliche for a reason and it's true.

Life may seem unfair at times and downright impossible, but it's just an illusion. All the wrongs will be made right in the end.

Our trials help us grow, bring us together, realize we need each other, help us love and appreciate life, everyone, everything.

They make us stronger and turn us into our best selves if we do our parts, stay strong, have faith, patience, help others, and never give up but just keep pushing through with all it takes and holding on.

We will all get our happily ever after and for this I am thankful and grateful for everything... not just today but everyday with all of me.

(I know not everyone has the same religious beliefs as I do. I do not apologize for expressing my views and beliefs on my blog so freely. I speak what I know to be true. I do however respect and appreciate and love all of my readers who feel differently or have different beliefs. I am thankful for the freedom we have to be able to express our views and beliefs and practice them, this is yet another blessing.)

Continuing on...

Family is most important... you can't spell fam(ily) without ily-I Love You. I have the most amazing friends and family that I love with all of my heart and am blessed beyond the slightest comprehension to have in my life. I would give everything and do anything for them.

I love that Thanksgiving brings families and all of us together. 

Thank you lovelies.

What did you do for Thanksgiving?!

I'd love to hear about it :)

Here are some pre-Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving-Eve) pictures Imma share with you!

Me & the lovely Paige. 

Friends help friends bake Thankgiving dinner haha.

Paige & I helped my mom make the most amazing pumpkin pies ever.

Charley and Paige

Betty Crocker/housewife (my amazing mom) baking some of our Thanksgiving dinner.

Of course the boys just watched and goofed off while the girls did all the work... typical haha

My stepbrother Colton, stepdad, and stepbro Tanner.

 Okay I chopped this celery for the stuffing. I know it's random to put a picture of it but there's a story to tell.

So I got a little cocky chopping that and wanted to be all kitchen top chef baker girl and tried to chop it WAY fast like the pros do... yeah I almost cut off my finger haha. Anyways I hate celery. I think it tastes like a Christmas tree... NO I have not ever ate or tasted a Christmas tree, I just think it takes like a Christmas tree smells if that makes any sense whatsoever.

Paige cut the onions and diced them. Poor girl! She was crying so hard because of the onions. Her eyes were red and she was temporarily blinded. What a great friend to help and get battle wounds from making Thanksgiving dinner with me. 

 Aw presh... mom & stepdad

Haha silly me showing off my new outfit (thanks mom!)

My Life Be Like...

Dearest Lovelies,

I believe there needs to be more happiness and laughter in everyone’s life. Laughing is good for you. Did you know laughter lowers the levels of cortisol in the body? Cortisol suppresses the immune system. Lowering these levels enhances the work of the immune system and may prevent disease. 15 minutes of laughter equals the benefit of 2 hours sleep.. One good belly laugh burns off 3 1/2 calories. Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your life span. Plus laughing is fun! I have been reading back on old journals and found some hilariously silly memories that I am going to share with you. You can’t make this stuff up. Here are five little stories in the life of me! I hope they make you laugh or entertain you in some shape or form…

     *MODEL MADNESS* Senior year of high school… my friends McHale, Brooke, Hannah, and I have always been fans of the TV show America’s Next Top Model. We would get together on Wednesdays and watch it religiously. So we decided to start our own little fan club. We went to the T-Shirt making shop and chose these hot pink T-shirts and had “ANTM” put on the front and the back had our names along the bottom (mine said Charley, Brooke’s said Brooke, you get the picture) and on the top we had the saying “Wanna be on toP?” If you watch ANTM you know that’s the theme song. It says that over and over. Welllll apparently creepy guys & immature high school boys didn’t understand this… needless to say we learned our lessons in the halls of our high school and on pop runs at gas stations at three in the morning when guys would try to hit on us and say comments like “I wanna be on top!” Eww. From then on, we always either wore jackets with the shirts (which we’d wear to school each Wednesday the show was on) or only wore them at home. We also got used to having to explain to all of our teachers/adults that “No we weren’t ever contestants on the actual TV show (I wish!)… we just love it!”

Brooke & I (yes my shirt says Wanna make out…almost as bad as the Wanna be on top? Shirts turned out!)

     *YOU’RE MY FAVORITE KID(S)* My dad always thought he could get away with things… such as a time about a year ago that I love. He sent me a text message that said “Don’t tell the other kids, but you’re my favorite. I love you.” Too bad my other three biological siblings were in the same room and our cell phones all went off at the same time with that same generic-supposed-to-be-heartfelt-and-personal message to the four of us! Thanks dad!

     *The Brady Bunch* FYI everyone I meet refers to my family as the Brady Bunch (little do they know it’s basically true minus the constant chaotic drama). Why you ask? I have eleven siblings… yes I said eleven! (Three biological, eight stepsiblings). Here’s the story… my mom Angie is married to my stepdad Robert Allen—he has four sons Tyler 22, Jordan 21, Colton 18, and Tanner 14. Then there’s my dad Ron who is married to Angie (confusing, most definitely)—she has two sons Kyle 19 and Jaxon 10 and two daughters Hallie 14 and Adilyn 8. Then there’s my real siblings (I’ve mentioned them numerous times but I’ll introduce them again) sisters McHale 19 and Jordan 16 and my brother Christian 14 (we call him my twin seven years apart because he was born on my birthday!). Now repeat that ten times fast!!

 STEPBROTHERS—Tyler, Tanner, Colton, & Jordan

STEPMOM & SIBLINGS—Hallie, Kyle, Adi, Jaxon, & Angie

 MY DAD & STEPMOM

MY MOM & STEPDAD

Some of the "Brady Bunch"… We got double takes everywhere we went in Vegas last November! And people were more in shock when they discovered this wasn't even all of us!

 SISTERS-McHale, Me (Charley), & Jordan at the Extreme Home Makeover VIP party.

BROTHER Christian & Me (Rude little brother won’t let me kiss him on the cheek!)

Silly Face in a Hole picture I made for my annual Christmas family newsletter last year.

(Since my parents divorce when I was 12, my parents have dated NUMEROUS people & been married & divorced quite a few times between the two of them ...I won't even get into that because I assume you are already having trouble keeping up... I still have trouble remembering everyone at times haha!)

     *My-Oh-My* A few months ago, my family on my mom’s side held a family lunch at my greatgrandparents-Fenton & Elsie-home. It was a joy to see and hug them because they are in their late seventies and we don’t know how much time they have left. They are the sweetest. It was their 67^th anniversary (now that's a true love story). That’s inspiring. Love can last forever. My grandma Annette & Grandpa Curt Selders were there, as well as my gram’s brothers Bruce and Larry. Larry flew down from Illinois. His daughter Trisha, she’s 25, came down from Idaho Falls. My mom, McHale, Jordan, and I were the only other ones there. It was a lovely lunch and nice to spend time with the family. Trisha, McHale, and I talked for hours about life, boys and everything. Well onto the craziness which is Bruce (who looks like Dog the Bounty Hunters twin).

     Right before we ate the anniversary cake, Bruce pulls out a boombox and makes an announcement. He said he wanted to play a song in honor of great grandma & grandpa. Everyone was thinking, okay maybe it will be a song they danced to in the fourties or a love song…wrong, oh-so-wrong, dead wrong.

     The room was silent and all of the sudden this hillbilly sounding song starts playing and a lady with this yodel-like voice starts singing while halfway through all these children join her in the background as a banjo plays. Bruce was standing there as serious as can be while everyone else in the room is looking around at each other, our eyes communicating a resounding “What the hell?” We all tried soooo hard not to laugh. I was literally biting my cheeks, Jordan and McHale were covering their mouths with their hands. You could tell everyone was trying their hardest to not laugh.

     My mom texted me “What the hell? Is he serious? Seriously?!”

     I texted back “Our family is BEYOND dysfunctional…”

     Then all of the sudden, these baby kids start singing “I love you! Yay!’ over and over and over again, and that’s when everyone burst out laughing. We laughed harder than I can remember laughing in the longest time. Wow. And the best part was when grandpa Fenton asked “Can we turn this off?” Haha priceless!

     I found out the song was called “My Oh My” by Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill, and the Little Hillbillies. I hope any of out there who are fans of this song/band don’t take offense! Everyone has their own taste. I am not trying to discredit their talent, I can't sing to save my life (no matter how much I wish I could). It was just unexpected and unfitting for the situation to play that song, a moment out of Napoleon Dynamite!

Listen to it for yourself! http://www.thelittlehillbillies.com/multimedia

Just scroll down the list of songs that appear after you click the above link for “My Oh My” and you will understand the hilarity of the situation.

     Wow it wasn’t even near December and I gained so much material for my annual newsletter. (For the past four years, I have been writing a family newsletter with funny moments and pictures that I distribute at our family Christmas party! It’s always a hit. We read it aloud.)

Doesn't he look like Dog? Do you see the resemblance? 

     *Don’t Throw Your Number Out The Window To Cute Boys* OKAY.... Last summer. Soooo McHale and I were driving and had the windows down, music blasting, the usual. A mosquito that was HUGE flies into the car. We freaked out and pulled over and got out to let it out. Well these two boys rode by on bikes and slowed down when they got near us and were talking about us being cute. So they waved and rode down the road. We laughed and then decided to be crazy and chase after them! Haha so we did and found them and I hurried and put our numbers and wrote "TEXT US" with a heart on piece of paper and threw it out the window as we passed them!!! Hahahaha. Oh my they were shocked and McHale and I saw them chasing after it and grab it. We laughed our heads off. Well they texted us later.... yeah they were like 15 and in high school!!! Eww haha. No bueno. So we told them they were way too young and gave them our little sister Jordan's number. Moral of this story.... DO NOT throw your number out the window at boys (even if they look old because they most likely aren't... or they could be creepers/killer/you-don't-know... and do not spend your summer in Pocatello because you will get bored and do crazy things like that!!

     I hope you are all having a magnificent summer. And I hope you enjoyed these few stories (out of the million that occur in my life).

With love,

Charley Brooke

Like the Kardashians

When I say "Like the Kardashians" I am referring to my family.
Okay... so not really like their family, a lot different actually, but with enough drama, craziness, rumors about us that spread around like feathers in the wind in this town (because most people in this town have nothing better to do than gossip), fighting, always changing/something new and shocking happening, and everything else that makes for a hit reality TV show. I should call up E! because my family would be reality TV gold. 
I am not exaggerating in the slightest. Seriously! 
We've moved at least 18 times... in the same city. 
My dad has been married 4 times. He married his fourth wife this year, and I am not sure that is going to last very long due to his own issues.
My mom got married last year and then divorced this year (after 3 months) and is now remarrying the same guy. 
This is just scratching the surface of the calamity.
I will have a total of 8 step siblings as of next week. And three real siblings. 
My family is beyond dysfunctional. We put the fun in dysfunctional. Seriously. Haha but it's in a good way. No one's family is perfect. A lot of people try to act like their families are perfect but everyone has problems. We don't try to hide them. We should have a reality show like the Kardashians with all the drama, craziness, never ending chaos, and unexpected twists and turns. Except it would be Idaho version which is not so glamorous, but my family is entertaining enough and there's never a dull moment. Things may not always be good but it's never boring. I love my family oh-so-much though. I wouldn't trade them for any other family (most days...kidding!) But honestly it can get stressful and hearing the crazy rumors people spread doesn't help. Although I must admit some of them make me laugh because of how out there and untrue they are (I don't know how the truth gets so twisted until it's an outright lie, but it can) and some are even crazier than the reality of the situation (which seems impossible). 
My life is like the weather in Pocatello, as in it's constantly changing out of nowhere from sunny, to a storm, to snow, without a days, minutes, and sometimes, seconds notice, and I'm just left awestruck because it's all upside down and everything I knew is no longer, and I'm struggling to figure out how to adapt to the changes although most of the time I don't like them at all and would do just about anything to go back to when things were wonderful and right, or to jump to this amazing future ahead of me. 
I am in no way trying to complain whatsoever. I am just being honest and maybe some people will think I am sharing too much, but you have no idea how much more there is. What I have discussed is nothing compared to what else I could say. I have kept a journal since ninth grade and continue to do so today. I want to publish them someday. I think people shouldn't judge because you have no idea what is going on, why people are the way they are or why they make certain decisions. Although my parents and some family members have made decisions I absolutely hate, I love them unconditionally and always will. 
I believe all the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. It's one of my favorite quotes of all time. In life, you have to learn when it's time to let go and when you have to hold on for dear life and never let go. Despite the chaos and unstableness of my life, it's made me a stronger person. I've learned from it. I may have no control over anything that happens around me, I have control of me and how I react to situations. I can be stable and try and keep it together when things are going wrong. Because I have faith and hope that everything will work out in the end. In the darkest times, there is light to be found. 
I have been through more than most people in the twenty one years I've been alive. I became an adult at the age of 12 when my parents divorced. 
I will never lose hope. I have a Heavenly Father that is always available 24/7 I can pray and get strength and help. You are never ever alone. God is there and loves you. Without Him, I couldn't make it. I am blessed to have a family that is healthy and safe. I am blessed because they love me beyond comprehension (and vice versa). I know that Heavenly Father will never put you through anything you can't handle, but sometimes He will take you to the limit but never to the breaking point. 
Stay positive and realize that life is beautiful, even when it doesn't feel like that. 

 Charley

21.

This is me. I am the oldest in the family. I am the peacemaker/perfectionist. I try to act proper and am well behaved for the most part. If you read my blog, you know me! I like to inspire people and accomplish my goals and make the best of life. But I am far from perfect!

McHale

19.

She is gorgeous! She is such a sweetheart but you don't want to get on her bad side because you will most likely never get off it. She loves the outdoors and having fun. She likes to pull crazy pranks on people.

 Jordan

16.

She is the troublemaker... she does things like steal my mom's car with her friend in the middle of the night (she doesn't have a drivers licence by the way) to go visit boys, for example. She is a dancer on her high school dance team. She's pretty and knows it.

 Christian

14.

I feel sorry for him haha being the only boy with three sisters. We spoil him, but also drive him crazy. He is a Ladies Man. All the girls love him. He is so personable. He gets along with everyone and loves to talk. He plays baseball. He has a temper and fights with all of us. He can also be super helpful. He is my twin seven years apart because we were born on the same day.

Angie (mom) (and me)

42.

My mom is incredible. She's absolutely beautiful inside and out. She is an RN and loves helping others. She is the hardest worker I know. She worked three jobs and went to school full time after the divorce to take care of us. She has had a horrific, hard life, but has remained optimistic and hopeful. She doesn't let anything or anyone bring her down. I admire her even though sometimes she acts like a teenager haha!

These are family pictures that were taken in November 2009.