Wonderful things about a large family...

[Toomanytoomany]

I am feeling so blessed to have my large family. I'm really beginning to understand why people plan it this way - our last two have been unplanned.

My older girls are all getting a good understanding of what it means to be pregnant and raise a child. They are fabulous big sisters and will make great parents one day if they choose to have kids.

I love Christmas morning and birthdays. Even when there's not a lot to share, there are so many of us to celebrate!

Family mealtimes - they are usually a riot! And there are lots of hands to clean up afterwards.

The sheer variety of children - I'm constantly challenged and delighted by how different they all are.

The amount of love I get. At any particular time of the day, I've got at least one child wanting to cuddle me. Yes, it can get a little tiring, but I just love it, too. Someone's always in a good mood with me, to make up for the sulky ones

I'd love to hear what you love about your big families too

[halltribe]

It is never ever lonely or boring!

Will add more later....

[storm]

Definitely never lonely or boring.
The littler kids have the big ones to help them too (like when mummy can't get her preggy self up off the lounge fast enough)
There is always something going on.

Ahhh I think it's great that they all have eachother & I find that they have formed their own "special" relationship with one & other.

[StrawberryMumma]

Awww that's so sweet toomanytoomany!..So lovely to hear someone speaking positively about having a large family.

Thanks for sharing.

[Toomanytoomany]

The littler kids have the big ones to help them too (like when mummy can't get her preggy self up off the lounge fast enough)

Oh yes, I forgot that one! I do try very hard not to take advantage of the older girls, but they are all required to pitch in, and certainly the older girls will help me out doing things like running a bath for their littlest sister, or even reading a bedtime story when my hands are full. It's all swings and roundabouts for them, I guess!

(Oh and I didn't mean to imply that people who aren't from big families won't make great parents, either - I am just glad they won't go through what I went through with #1, having never even held a baby before giving birth to my own!!)

I forgot to add - the odds of at least one person in the house finding my jokes funny at any given time are raised

[alioops]

I forgot to add - the odds of at least one person in the house finding my jokes funny at any given time are raised

MAO!!!

I am not from a large immediate family but extended is massive!!

Nanna tells me that having been mum to a large family one of the best parts for her is the amount of grand children and great grandchildren!! most years there has been someone very small to cuddle!!

[KimB]

It's good to realise that our hearts have the capacity to love everyone. My kids are my greatest joy and achievement in life. If nothing else I will have raised happy and healthy boys and girls who will be an asset to our world. Who knows what they will do.
: )

[Diamond Girl]

You girls are so lucky to have big families! I am one of 6 and helped mum look after the younger ones (there is a 21 yr gap between the eldest and youngest!). I loved it! You know it was the best practice, so when I had my own I already knew exactly what to do unlike many other new mums. I felt like I was so prepared.

I guess the best part is fortnightly dinners with the family and Christmas of course. It was a crazy, exciting way to grow up. We didnt have a lot of money, but we had each other.

I would love a big family, but Ive got to work on DH who says he doesnt want anymore.

[kittykat]

What i love is on the weekend when i ask the kids what they want to do they say chill out at home. I sit and watch the girls play fairies dancing around the yard with fairy wands i made from toliet rolls and ribbon. There is always more the enough helpful hands when cooking and plenty to lick the bowl.Traveling can be tough long trips dont work so well but when we get to our destination the kids have a ball family holidays are always so much fun.

Feeding this brood can cost a fortune i have raised them to appreciate the simple things and be gratful that they have a feed on the table so when i come home from work with pizza they go mental they really love the treat. Saturday night movies lights turned down warm pop corn kids on there beanbags unders old baby bunny rugs love it the list goes on and on these great times get me through the really tough times and there are plently of them but it will be worth it. MY mother died when i was young i didnt have any sisters only brother whom im not really close to i've always wanted a tight family i never had it but that does not mean i can creatate a new one the thought of my girls being close caring and best freinds in years to come if god for bid i m gone inspires me to try harder every day family is and always should be the most important thing in your life.

thanks kath

[Inertia]

I both come from a large family - and have one. 6 siblings and soon to be 6 kids. I wouldnt have it any other way. My family is so close - would do anything for each other. I hope that by following my mums lead, my own kids can say the same when they are all growed up - lol.

I do agree that there is ALWAYS someone to say "I love you mum" and give you a hug. I have recently been down because of this flu and my broken finger, and Sam came into me and told me that my earrings looks so beautiful on me and gave me a hug. Apparently he spent all of bathtime trying to work out exactly what to say to make mummy smile.

Thats just one child! How can you resist multiplying it? LMAO!

[~Raven~]

This morning my eldest was reading stories to my 2yo. They were both tucked up in the little ones bed. It was gorgeous

That kind of stuff is the best!

[Toomanytoomany]

My family is a bit bigger now that Thomas is here, and I'm really enjoying watching all the siblings get to know their new brother! There are so many arms to hold him, so many voices to sing to him, and lots and lots of smiles for him to bask in