Proud Family: The Winters clan is a blended family, and they would not have it any other way

Always do your best.

This is one of the many things Rachel and Larry Winters have always expected out of their family and friends, and it speaks testaments to their entire relationship.

When Rachel and Larry first met, they were both single parents. Rachel had her son, Joe, when she was only 17, and Larry had his daughter, Lexi. During that time, they both matured a lot, and they overlooked each other’s pasts and always remained focused on their future together.

“Mom had me at 17,” Joe said. “I really got to watch my mom grow up as a person. That escalated when she married Larry. We both did a lot of growing up. I watched her grow up pretty much with me. To watch that growth was amazing.”

Being a teen mom is never easy, and to do it alone makes it that much more difficult. However, when you have the mental strength Rachel has, it makes this daunting task that much easier.

Of course, finding the right mate also makes everything better, and that is what Rachel and Larry found in each other. They crossed paths at the right time, and they are both super glad they did.

“They were both young, single parents and were struggling,” Joe said. “Larry and Alexis lived in a two-bedroom apartment, and it all blossomed once the unit got together. Then, our siblings were born, and it got even better. Just seeing the two of them grow together was amazing.”

Every relationship is unique in its own way, and the Winters marriage is no different. They are a blended family, and Rachel and Larry certainly love each other very much. They have been there for each other since day one, and both Joe and Lexi have been lucky enough to watch that through.

Joe and Lexi are also lucky enough to have great parents who love them very much. On top of that, Rachel and Larry brought them two younger siblings to complete the clan. It is a family of six that is very tight-knit, and they always have each other’s backs.

In fact, for Joe in particular, his parents have saved him more times than he can count.

“For me, I got in trouble a few times when I was younger and they never abandoned me,” he said. “They never really gave up. They helped us out no matter what.”

Through all the good and the bad in life, Rachel and Larry have been devoted and loving parents. They have supported Joe, Lexi, Sage and Duce through everything, and they love them all very much.

From all the times watching Survivor after dinner to all their family outings and Hershey Bears hockey games, the Winters clan is who they are because of having a wonderful parental foundation.

“They always put their friends and family first; themselves second,” Joe said. “They’re there at the drop of a hat. If you need them to babysit your kids, they will do it. They go the extra mile. Mom was a girl scout mom for Sage.”

Rachel and Larry are involved parents and involved friends, and they are as selfless as they come. They are personable and heartfelt, and they keep life interesting.

They are also great models of what life partners should look like. They complement each other very well, and you could say they make up for each other’s “negatives.”

“My mom is more of a laid back person. Larry is a more serious, albeit funny person,” Joe said. “Together they are more laid back.”

As individuals, Rachel and Larry are just that. They are both very caring and compassionate people, but in their own ways.

However, as a couple, their combined personality is just super special and reserved. They make for a wonderful couple and people that others want to be around, and that is just special to see.

As for their children, they all very much appreciate Rachel and Larry. They are all glad their parents crossed each other’s paths when they did, and they cannot wait to see them continue to grow together.

“I am forever grateful for Larry being a father to me. I never felt like a stepson. I know Lexi feels the same about Mom. Being the oldest, I’m so proud of all my siblings and our family. They raised us well.” – Joe