Families can be different sizes. My family is made up of my partner, Maria Rodriguez, my son Ben, who is seven, and me. We also have three cats, six fish, and an ant farm. The cats are definitely considered part of our family. I'm not sure about the ants.

Families share responsibilities. There are always things to be done, like doing the dishes, picking up toys, or getting the groceries. Ben loves to shovel. I keep thinking that will change, but so far it hasn't!

Families have financial decisions. We have little decisions to make, like whether or not to get more fish for our fish tank, bigger decisions, like whether or not to replace the furnace this year, and even bigger ones, like making investments and planning for retirement.

Families have common goals and plans for the future. We're talking about bringing a new baby into our family.

Families help each other. We take turns staying at home if Ben is sick or has a snow day from school. I had to stay home this last snow day.

Families share dreams, concerns, and secrets. They help each other make important decisions. Last summer I was working part-time and going to school. Then I was laid off from my job. I had to choose between staying in school and not working, or going back to work full-time and quitting school. Maria helped me with the decision. I chose to work full-time. Her support meant a lot to me in deciding what to do.

Families have traditions. We have a birthday banner that comes out when any of us has a birthday. And there have to be balloons! We put up a Christmas tree together at Christmas. Wednesday night is our "family night." It is the one night during the week when we all plan to have dinner together and not go out or invite anyone else in.

A family may be part of a larger extended family. My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 22. So we spent the week of Christmas this year in Williamsburg, VA with them. My two sisters and their families were there, too. It was very special. At Thanksgiving we went to Maria's mom's house in Hartford. It's quite a crowd when we all get together!

Families have fun together. We are big fans of UConn basketball. We like to play miniature golf, build snowmen, and play board games.

Families have common values. We come to church together. In our family, we talk about the importance of allowing each person to be all of who they can be.

I think the most important things about families are love and commitment. Things are not always happy. Sometimes we get angry with each other. However, we always know that, no matter what, we are a family and all three of us love each other very much.