My Personal History in Depth: Birth & Family

A bit of time ago, I saw this 'This Is Me' challenge and pinned it on Pinterest as one of those 'wishlist' blog things that I'd one day like to accomplish. I haven't got the guts to start the real 'challenge' yet, although it looks like a lot of fun, but I love the Personal History in Depth questions and thought I would start there. I love the idea of documenting your life for your children and grandchildren to read one day, it's like leaving a bit of yourself behind for them. My husband and I are huge on history, including family history. We believe in traditions and carrying on those traditions and creating new ones that will always have a meaningful place in our homes.

Usually I think you would break up this first group of questions. But honestly, I don't know a lot about my birth so... I think I can tackle them all at once.

Your birth and family: 

*What is your full name and how did you get that name?  Do you have any nicknames?

My first name is Jennifer, middle Marie. The only nickname that anyone really calls me is 'Jenn', aside from Jeremy who occasionally calls me 'Genevieve'. I have no idea how I got my name, although I think I recall someone saying one time that 'Marie' is a family name.

*What are your parent's full names and birth dates and places?

My father's full name is James Steven Cowden, but he goes by Steve. His birthday is May 12 and I couldn't tell you the year. He was born in Rosehill, Virginia - one of my very favorite places in the world. My mother's first name is Ronda and last name is Hensley, I have no idea what her middle name is, or when her birthday is. I'm pretty sure she was born in Miamisburg, Ohio - but I may be wrong about that as well.

*What is the date of your birth?  Where were you born?  What are some of the circumstances (when your mom went in to labor, how long, her doctor, your dad fainting, etc.) of your birth?

I was born on October 23, 1987 in Kettering, Ohio. I have no idea what my birth was like, who was there or any other details.

*What are your sibling's full names and birth dates?

I have 1 full blooded sibling and 4 half. I consider them all family just the same and they all carry my dad's last name.

Robert James Bradley - December 7, 1988

Brandon Lee - February 5, 1991

Levi James - February 29, 1996

Sierra May - March 11, 1999

Dakota Ray - March 11, 1999

(Today is their birthdays!)

*How was your relationship with your siblings and parents?

I love all of my siblings. My brother Robert and I grew up watching out for one another constantly and we had a lot of fun together. We don't see each other a lot now, but I still love him. Brandon is one of my best friends and while he's been away in the Army, I have missed him terrible. Levi has always been (and always will be) my baby. He was born about two years before my dad and step-mother split and I spent a lot of time with him when he was little. Sara and Cody are wonderful kids and I love hanging out with them now. Sara and I have grown increasingly closer as she's gotten older but I would say my relationship with the two of them is the weakest as they were born and were raised away from me a good part of their lives. I love my dad, but I don't see or talk to him very often. I don't speak to my mother. My relationship with her is non-existent and my relationship with my dad is close to the same. I see my step-mother, Theresa, most often just because I go to see my siblings usually once a week. I don't agree with a lot of her decisions in life either, but  she's always been there for her kids and that's something that I have to respect her for.

*What are some lesson s you learned from you parents?

Life is what you make it, not what you THINK it has to be. You can rise above your surroundings and you should learn from other's mistakes, not follow them into them.

*How did you help in your home?

When I lived with my dad, I did dishes and laundry and helped as much as I can. But I won't lie, we pretty much lived in filth. If it didn't get cleaned, my dad didn't care. When I moved in with my grandmother, my life completely changed and I learned how to do ALL house chores, cooking and even little things like manners. My life really changed when I decided to leave my dad's home and ask to live with her.