Annual Family Photo
My mom started dating Harold in November 2001. He’s a photographer, so starting that Thanksgiving, we made it our annual tradition to take a family photo. This is the third time I’ve been knocked up in the photo. Let’s hear it for reproduction!
And for those of you who don’t know but are dying to find out, I’ll give you the 411 on the fam.
David – The only sibling that is 100% related to me. We have the same dad and the same mom. He had curly hair when he was a toddler. I used to dress him in girl clothes and call him my baby sister. I’m confident he loved it.
Valerie – Started dating David in high school. They got married in 2002. She thinks my brothers are weird. She is correct. But hey, she married one of them!
Ava – The spawn of David and Valerie. When she was born, I was officially given the title of Aunt. I pronounce that “Ant” and I don’t like to say it the other way. When Ava is old enough to understand, I will begin spoiling her.
Andy – The hot piece that belongs to me, as indicated by the ring on my finger. Back off, hookers. He’s mine. All mine.
Noah – My baby. For the next 6 1/2 months, anyway. He says only 3 words, but I know it’s by choice. He’s most definitely gifted and destined to be HOT.
Taylor – My firstborn. My baby girl who is developing curves in places that make me nervous. She will soon be locked in a tower and only her daddy will have the key.
Nathan – My son and the future pastor. A little naughty, a lot funny. Totally into Jesus. He’s so much like me, it’s scary.
Teresa – My mama. Cooking is her love language. In fact, she started a program at her church that delivers meals to those in need every Saturday. She’s worked full time her whole life, but just quit to go into seminary. Go Mom.
Harold – My mama’s husband. This Thanksgiving was sad for him because his sons couldn’t come to town. He likes to sing, play the guitar, and take pictures.
Rich – We have the same mom, but a different dad. He’s one of the smartest people I know and makes me feel like I should ride the short bus. He’s a senior in college, but not done yet. He wants to go to school for, like, five more years. I have no idea why.
Ben – The baby of the family. We also have the same mom, but his dad is Rich’s dad. He, too, is one of the smartest people I know. And he likes everyone to know how smart he is. Constantly. That minor detail aside, he’s probably the sibling most like me.
And now you know everything you ever wanted to know.
