When I was about 11 years old, my mom started dating a guy who had four sons. Four sons. Add my brother and I to that and you have a whopping six kids in one house. Sounds like a lot right? Well, it doesn't end there!
In 2013, we welcomed the littlest (and hopefully the last) addition to the family: my baby brother Will. My immediate family consists of nine people, all under the same roof.
Being in a large family was nothing new to me, however-- my mom was one of six kids and my grandma was one of nine. There are so many people in my extended family, I'm not even remotely familiar with all of them.
It's a blessing and a curse being born into a family this big, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Here are just a few things I've learned from having one of the biggest, most awesome families in the world:
1. Family parties are the biggest events of the year.
It seems like there is always some kind of shindig going on in my fam, whether it be a grad party, a wedding or just some kind of get together. We go all out for these-- everyone brings food and everyone has fun. Just being surrounded by that many awesome people, it's hard to have a bad time!
2. There's always someone you won't recognize.
Aw, look at this sweet picture of my gram, my aunt, and... Who is that?
No matter how hard you try, it is nearly impossible to remember every face and name that you come to know through family connections. At every get together, you'll get the inevitable hugs and kisses from strangers you've apparently known since you were in the womb-- it never ends.
If they're hanging around with your family, though, chances are they're cool enough to receive a hug back.
3. Babies! Babies everywhere!
One of the best parts about having a ton of relatives is that there is always a new little munchkin to hold. There is nothing better than getting puked on by your fifth cousin's third daughter!
Just kidding, it actually is really cool to see just how many kids your family is capable of producing in a short amount of time. Family parties end up looking more like daycare centers, but we wouldn't trade it for the world.
4. Family pictures? Good luck.
The struggle is so real when it comes to getting a good group picture-- there's always a problem. Whether it be grandpa can't figure out how to work the camera or your littlest cousin won't stop kicking his sister, you better clear an hour of your day just to get one semi-decent photo.
AND when you do get that photo, be sure to savor the moment. Like I said, new people are coming into your family all the time-- chances are, you'll never get a picture with allthe same people again.
5. You have a huge fan base.
Your social media accounts are totally fire because your fam reacts to everything you post. Your friends from smaller families are jealous because of how many likes and comments you receive.
However, sometimes you'd rather not have them on your posts. Sorry, Uncle Dave, I'm just not sure what that comment about your cat has to do with my status about my new job...
6. The leader of the "fam" is highly revered.
We have my great- grandma (who just turned 90!) at the head of the family. She's one rockin' gram and everyone that knows her thinks she's the coolest lady ever because it's true. If you didn't know any better, you'd think she was a queen solely based on how we talk about her.
Every family has their version of my grandma-- the one person that holds it all together and inspires even the smallest of their 38 great- grandchildren.
7. The love is never-ending.
Okay, that sounds cheesy, but it's so true. Having a group of people that love and support you unconditionally is probably one of the best things anyone could ask for, and you take comfort in knowing that you always have someone on your side.
I cannot imagine having grown up with a better family, and I honestly don't know who I would be without them. Here's to the fam!