Being a part of a large family has both its perks and its downfalls. I have been blessed with a plethora of cousins - 11 on my dad's side and 13 on my mom's side; there is no shortage of cousinly love. One of my many joys has been watching those cousins younger than I as they grow up. I have experienced the changing of diapers, first words, tantrums, and most of all, countless laughs and love they have brought to my life. My youngest cousin, a rambunctious, spirited, beautiful girl Neive, is one of the most humorous and brightest personalities I have ever encountered. Whether she's calling me a 'slowpoke' or demanding that I scratch her back, any time I spend with my little Neive is a blast. Here is what being the older cousin to Neive has taught me:

1. Sassy is classy.

This little girl has more sass in her pinky finger than I could possibly possess in my entire lifetime. She is witty, smart, and cunning, all wrapped up with pure blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and a pink bow to match. I can't imagine what trouble she'll be when she's older, but I know her heart of gold and her ability for charismatic banter will win over many hearts.

2. Dance like no one is watching.

Put on any song, and Neive is on top of the kitchen counter dancing around without a care in the world. She reminds me to take time out of my day to put on my favorite song and dance around like a kid again. Whether alone in my room or surrounded by my family and friends, Neive has taught me that there is so much joy to be had every day, and even on the worst of days.

3. Be confident.

Neive has the confidence of a supermodel. She is never afraid to admit that she looks amazing; she is never afraid to embrace her best qualities. She teaches each of us that we are all special in some way and that it is never a sin to put that part of you on show. Neive has reminded me to take pride in who I am and never hide my best self for the sake of seeming overly vain or self-obsessed.

4. Say what you mean; mean what you say.

Whatever comes to her mind, she is going to say, whether you want to hear it or not. It's one of the things that makes her so hysterical. We could all take a page out of her book - stop beating around the bush and start saying exactly what we mean. We could all be a little more honest with ourselves and with others. Whenever she says exactly what she's thinking, you can't help but to smile and realize that in her head, there is nothing wrong with the truth.

5. There is nothing that candy and ice-cream can't fix

All the girl wanted on her birthday was a huge cotton candy milkshake. Neive realizes that sometimes, sugar and sweets cure any bad day. While maybe it's just the kid in me, I also can never resist a special treat when I'm feeling down. She is the epitome of "treat yourself." She reminds me that everyone deserves a good time and a little bit of sugar every once in a while -- or, every night.

6. It's okay to get a little messy sometimes.

This princess does not like things all neat and tidy. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the small stuff: how I look, how things are organized, how everything seems to other people - that I forget to take a step back and enjoy myself. Even with all this glitter and glue on her (also, chocolate in hand,) Neive simply shows me what it means to be totally unconcerned with how others see her. I, too, strive for the same self-recognition and unawareness of judgement from others. (AND can we talk about this smile, UGH!)

7. Live a lot, Laugh a lot, Love a lot.

I have been absolutely blessed to see life through the lens of the responsibility of being an older cousin. Neive has taught me that life means nothing without family and spending time doing what counts. What's more, Neive has given me more laughs in the past four years than I could have ever imagine in a lifetime. The countless hysterical stories, jokes, and outright chaotic laughing fits she has inspired are among the brightest in my life. Lastly, she has taught me to love twice as much as I laugh. My heart is so full of love for all my cousins, including Neive. They give me drive, responsibility, trust, and joy each and every day. Thank you, Neive, and all my cousins, for teaching me the value of life from the lens of laugh and love.

It seems strange that a four year old could teach me such life lessons. She hasn't realized it yet, but Neive is capable of doing so much. I acredit her spirit and contagious energy to the love of her four siblings: Finn, Ellie, Owen, and Rhys, and her amazing, wonderful parents Kerri and Erik, one of which I am fortunate enough to call my godmother. Kerri, like she has taught me, has taught her sons and daughter poise, grace, generosity, and to love with all their hearts. Neive keeps our large family young with happiness and always on our toes. The Rail Family will continue to cherish the time we have together, and I will learn more life lessons through the lens of this four-year-old girl that God blessed me with.