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11 Reasons My Big Family Is An Even Bigger Blessing

You call it chaos, we call it family.

Kaitlyn Gieske

Apr 30, 2019

University of Kentucky

1068

11 Reasons My Big Family Is An Even Bigger Blessing

Kaitlyn Gieske

Growing up with a big family has been one of the craziest yet most incredible experiences of my life. My mom has 13 siblings, which has given me a ridiculous number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins. I have near 40 cousins just on her side, and there are about 70 of us at any given holiday. My family has taught me so much and I still have so much to learn from each and every member. As my family continues to grow, I will be able to make so many new memories in addition to all of the crazy memories I already have. Here are 11 reasons why I love having a big family.

There is always something to celebrate

Whether it is a wedding, a birth, a baptism, graduation, or even just a birthday, there is always something to celebrate in the Gieske family. And you bet every single one of us will show up for that celebration.

I have automatic best friends

I am lucky enough to have about nine cousins around my age and we have all been so close since day one. We have had countless sleepovers, spent the best days at amusement parks, fought with each other, and been the best friends there ever were. I am so grateful for the best cousins, best friends, and the best future bridesmaids I could ever ask for.

Holidays are CRAZY, but awesome

Holidays with my family and any big family are INSANE. The house is always packed with too many people to count and enough food to feed an army. Christmas is so big, my cousins and I have started a gift exchange to ensure we don't completely drain our bank accounts on presents. We have a stocking for every person in the family, and pretty soon we might have to build a longer shelf!

So. Many. Babies.

When someone asks how old my youngest cousin is, I don't even know how to answer. There are so many babies in my family and at least one of my aunts or cousins is pregnant. At any holiday, you are guaranteed to be handed a baby at some point. It can get hectic, but I'll always have the babysitting experience that rivals a pro-nanny.

Free clothes

Growing up, I had tons of hand-me-downs from my older relatives. I accepted anything from t-shirts from my older male cousins to my aunt's entire college wardrobe from the '90s. As a toddler, most of my clothes were just a little too big (like the pink jacket above). Needless to say, I had some pretty creative outfits.

Cousins are like siblings, second cousins are like cousins

Look at this picture. This has my siblings, my cousins, and my second cousins in it. Even I can barely tell who is who anymore. All I know is that we're all related.

"Are you related to [insert any possible relative]?"

Yes, yes I am. I have had just about every teacher in my high school, middle school, and both of my elementary schools ask if I was related to countless relatives. I have never met someone with my last name that I was not related to, so I can say yes before the question is even finished.

Family vacations are truly an experience

This picture doesn't even do justice to the number of people on our family vacations. Imagine 30 people strolling up to the same mini-golf and go-cart establishment that every good beach has. It is absolute madness - fun madness.

Bringing your S.O. home for the holidays is terrifying...for them

There are too many names to memorize, too many babies being put in your arms, and too many uncles trying to intimidate you. My aunt once told us a story of how she wanted to dump her boyfriend but didn't know how so she brought him home and he broke up with her the next day. It can be a scary experience, but if they can handle the Gieske family, they're a keeper.

They made me super competitive

Growing up with tons of cousins and siblings can definitely foster some healthy competition. I remember countless games of capture the flag, kick the can, tag, and every board game you can imagine turning into full-on wars for victory. Even standing on a paddleboard became a game of trying to push each other off. Although we are all overly competitive now, we gained a strong sense of determination and motivation for everything we do.

They are my biggest support system

My family may be overwhelming at times, but I know they will always be there to (literally) pick me up when I'm down, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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11 Reasons My Big Family Is An Even Bigger Blessing

You call it chaos, we call it family.

There is always something to celebrate

I have automatic best friends

Holidays are CRAZY, but awesome

So. Many. Babies.

Free clothes

Cousins are like siblings, second cousins are like cousins

"Are you related to [insert any possible relative]?"

Family vacations are truly an experience

Bringing your S.O. home for the holidays is terrifying...for them

They made me super competitive

They are my biggest support system

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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