Large Families

I am the oldest of seven.

100 pairs of earrings lost or broken: $500


150 weekends of babysitting: $3000


Three first kisses tattled on: $3 (none of them were really that great, anyway)


28 years of no privacy, sharing, sing-a-longs in the car, arguing, crashing slumber parties, making up recipes and shows, practical jokes, chasing little brothers, getting in trouble, tire swings, midnight phone calls, free baby-sitting, talks in the driveway, Sweet Home Alabama, Fourth of July, nieces and nephews, sharing friends, learning that mom and dad may know what they’re talking about after all, looking for socks, fighting over clothes, cheeseburgers and fries for the “ball”, Cinderella and Barney, anniversary parties, learning to read, sticking up for each other, and learning that, just like Mom always told us, our brothers and sisters really would be our best friends for life: PRICELESS

I am thankful every day for the large family I grew up in, and for the one I am trying to raise. Anyone who thinks that children from large families are missing out on something should spend a Sunday evening at my parent’s house. My wish for my children is that they enjoy the same type of friendship which knows no bounds, and will come to realize that black eyes and broken toys are for a time, but brothers and sisters are forever – and no matter what you think now, that’s going to be a good thing.