My huge (and often crazy) family

Growing up, I had the best of both worlds. I grew up with 6 older sisters and 1 older brother. However, because they were older, I essentially became an only child when I turned 12. At that point, they were all adults and had moved out, so I got to my parents all to myself. It was lonely when they were gone!

We were the Brady Bunch, in a sense. My dad had 2 daughters and a son, and my mom had 4 daughters. They met, got married, and had me. I do not even use the "half-sibling" label to describe them. They are just as much my full blooded siblings as any other.

My siblings range in age from 34-44, and I'm 28. There are 16 years between my oldest sister and I. My siblings were always at a different stage in life than I, so relating to them was a bit difficult. Once I married and had kids, my siblings began to see me as a peer. The only downside about being the baby (or the "Caboose" as my mom likes to call me) is that my siblings always think of me as being really young.

I became an aunt at the age of 5, and now have 16 nieces and nephews, and 1 great niece, ranging in age from 5 months-23 years old. I am actually closer in age to a few of my nieces and nephews than I am to the next youngest sibling.

Life in a family this large can be stressful and chaotic, but it can also be fun and entertaining! One thing I can say: Life is never boring!