Some people ask if I’d do it all over again — raising a big family with all its chaos, noise, and never-ending grocery bills.
That’s a hard question to answer.

What I won’t say is that there weren’t good times — because there were so many.
Children learn so much growing up in a big family. From learning how to share, to making wise money choices, to appreciating the small things… a big family teaches everyone invaluable lessons you just can’t learn any other way.

We once had a car that only blew out cold air from the front passenger side. Every other vent worked fine, but that one — ice cold. So whoever drew the short straw for the front seat had to grab a blanket before we left the house. It became a running joke: “Front seat? Don’t forget your coat, hat and gloves!”

Then there were the big events — weddings, holidays, school dances — that all required getting ready with only two bathrooms. Everyone had to rotate through on a tight schedule if we wanted to make it out the door on time (and with hot water left). Efficiency was not optional.

And of course, you don’t grow up in a big family without learning the art of off-brand food.
We didn’t have Apple Jacks — we had Apple Dapples.
We didn’t have Pop-Tarts — we had Toaster Treats.
Our pantry was filled with all the generics, and somehow, they tasted just fine because we were together.

Vacations were their own kind of adventure. We’d cram into one hotel room that slept six, even though there were seven of us. One person always had to draw the short straw and sleep on the air mattress — but to keep it fair, we rotated nights. It was loud, crowded, and absolutely unforgettable.

In a big family, you always have built-in friends. You never have to wonder who’s up for a game, a movie, or a laugh. There’s always someone around — and there’s comfort in that kind of closeness.

I think about the Christmas mornings that filled our house with laughter and wrapping paper. One year, two of the girls each got Bratz limos and stayed up all night playing together. Another year, everyone got Rock Band — complete with drums, microphone, and guitars. They ran a full concert in our living room until the early morning hours.

It wasn’t perfect. It was loud. It was messy. And it was beautiful.
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Because what you gain in a big family isn’t just stories or survival skills — it’s love that multiplies. It’s laughter that fills the cracks, forgiveness that comes faster, and the kind of joy that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

God knew exactly what He was doing when He filled our home with more noise than peace — He was teaching us how to find both in each other.

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💛 I’m Wondering…
Did you grow up in a big family — or raise one?
What’s one funny or unforgettable “family circus” memory that still makes you laugh?
I’d love to hear your stories below.

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From my blended heart to yours 💛

Kari