Ch 2 p 46 #1

My family culture was largely inuenced by LDS religion, parents that were educators and
being a blended family. I grew up in the church and the doctrines and values were a part of
everyday life. There was no smoking or alcohol in our home. I was expected to say my prayers
and participate in family prayers. We sat down together for family meals which included a
prayer. We went to church every Sunday and were expected to be reverent and engaged. My
family had Family Home Evening on Mondays regularly. It was a great way to grow up, feeling
safe, included, important and loved.

My Mom was an educator all my life. Dad worked in computers but was laid off when I was
13 he went back to school and became a teacher as well. A big part of family culture included
emphasis on learning, growth and responsibility. I was expected to get good grades, though that
proved difcult with math when I was young. During the time my Dad was getting his teaching
Degree I was often on my own. Mom was a dedicated teacher and often worked longer than the
usual work day, and Dad was busy with his classes. Dad worked at a grocery store while in
school to help make ends meet. I ,like many kids, was alone a lot. I was taken care of, but
enjoyed the time to myself. I had chores and allowance. I was able to have outside pet cats , no
inside cats Mom has allergies. I also have done my own laundry since I was 11, Dad gured we
could handle it and Mom worked full time. He didnt think she should have to do it. I didnt mind.

My Dad is actually my Step-father. I dont think of him that way, I was 10 when Mom married
Ted, and was ready for a Dad. I called him Dad right off. My own father was not in the picture,
which was a blessing. With Dad came 4 step siblings, 2 older and on their own, and 2 younger
and would come to visit on weekends and holidays. I had my own room, unless my step-sister
was visiting. Ashlee is exactly 11 months younger than me, we got along great as kids, I have
great memories of our childhood. We still laugh about the silly fun things we did. The others I
was not close to, and still have very little contact. When Jared and Ash visited chores were still
expected by all of us. Mealtimes were normal too, especially Sunday dinners. I remember
having roast beef, mashed potatoes, home made rolls and some green vegetable every Sunday
for a full decade, Im not kidding. That is Dads favorite meal.

It was not always easy because my step siblings mostly were not happy about Dad
remarrying. There were times that they expected Dad to take their side in conicts. Mom and
Dad agreed when they got married, that they would stick together and be partners. Dads kids
learned quickly that they could not split them up, that really drove them crazy. I grew up knowing
they were a team and nding comfort in that knowledge. I saw them love each other
unconditionally. They were friends as well as husband and wife. Dad was the type to take care
of my Mom, which after two lousy marriages was a blessing. I think one of the reasons Im not
married yet is guys dont measure up to my Dad. He is awesome!

I am grateful for the foundations I was raised with. The family culture was comforting and
reliable. I knew I was loved and appreciated. Some of my best memories of my childhood
involved my family. We were and are close. We like to spend time together. Board games like
Pictonary, Balderdash, Taboo, and card games were our favorites. We loved to sit and enjoy
Moms homemade caramel corn and watch movies until wee hours. Despite some rough step-
family issues we had good times. My parents wanted us to be happy and healthy. Keeping our
Faith was important. I left the church for a short time and despite that we stayed close.
Unconditional love was and is a vital part of of our family culture. We are none of us perfect but
when one of us is in need the rest are there.