Being the middle child of twelve kids is interesting, awesome and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. With having such a big family, you are able to learn different things from different brothers and sisters, older and younger.

April- the oldest. What I have learned from her is family, understanding that no one is ever ready to be a parent but it happens and you step up. From a young age I have been able to watch and witness my older sister grow and become a great mother and wife, in this day and age where divorce seems to be the normal, my sister and her husband won’t fall into that category, instead they are dedicated to each other and their children.

Donna- the morning. I have fond memories of when I was younger Donna would wake me up in countless different ways, she is a big reason why I wake up full of it and why I am a morning person. She would jump on my bed (and me) pull the blankets, sheets and everything but my pillow to wake me up, she would tickle and make jokes in my face till I got up. She taught me each day can be fun and to not waste it in bed.

Rachel- the night owl. I loved the nights that we would spend with Rachel, we would all hangout in her room late at night (of course we snuck in after our bedtimes), we would talk, do puzzles and laugh at everything it seemed. Rachel taught me that being a night owl creates countless memories, though you may struggle in the morning (which she did), but never did you regret staying up late with your siblings cracking jokes and getting mad at a game of Uno or monopoly.

Chris- the oldest brother. I have learned so many things from my oldest brother, but I think one of the most important things that I have learned and that I continue to put to practice each and every day is this, character and work ethic. He taught me to do a job to the best of your abilities, to do the job and then some. To take pride in your work and to never do things half way, Chris taught me to do things without seeking credit. To do things because it’s the right thing to do, if your deeds go unnoticed that it is alright because it’s not about the credit. I learned this from all the work he did around the house without being asked, he would always say do it to help mom and dad out.

Andy- the inventive one. What I have learned from Andy is that there is more than one way of doing things, sometimes there is a better way of accomplishing ones goal. Many times during chores and working outside he would think of a different way of moving things, different ways of handling certain tasks, in a sense work smarter not harder.

These are just a few things that I have learned from my older siblings, I am thankful for them and would not trade them for anyone in the world. Yeah, we may have had our moments and mini wars but when it comes down to it, I am thankful for them and love them all ,and without them I wouldn’t be who I am to this day or even have the certain attributes that I have either.