10 things I love and hate about a big family

Loves
1. Never a dull moment here. Always someone to make you laugh, or to play with. (The first pic is Nathan, being Nathan!)
2. Always some leftovers (from the little kids anyway...and sometimes, that is my dinner)
3. Always someone to hug you or kiss you for no reason
4. Seeing the older ones exhibit patience with a younger child (it does happen, occasionally)
5. Always having another go 'round with that baby smell....ahh! They should bottle that one up and sell it at the wal-mart. Always having another go 'round with the itty bitty tiny baby clothes.
6. The excitement when we do something as a surprise is always great! They are so expressive and put the joy in whatever it is we are doing. (the pic is Braydon learning that we were going to an amusement park! Woo hoo!
7. Whenever I need help, there is always someone willing to pitch in with me.
8. We have a basketball team, a soccer team, and almost a baseball team.
9. I love being able to say, yep, they are all mine....or, that isn't all of them, there are (blank) more at home, and seeing the shocked look on their faces
10. Seeing each and every personality blossom and grow...

Hates
1. Laundry.. 'nuff said
2. Cooking
3. Cleaning. I have never been a clean person by nature. I am always surrounded by piles, and boxes and books...It just got worse with each kiddo. I am working on that.
4. Remembering all their names. My memory is bad enough, but when you throw in a large family and a mom trying to get the attention of a misbehaving child, and she is flustered? You get Au-Ad-Conn-NATHAN!! Stop that. :)
5. The ever pressing need to always rearrange something...a room, the toys, the homeschool stuff....it works for awhile, and then it just doesn't anymore.
6. Not getting to use the bathroom sometimes, when I really need to go!!! There are two bathrooms, back to back and sometimes, they are both occupied! Can you believe that? LOL
7. Having to always share any little treat I get, or meal for that matter. They have such cute little faces, I can't say no...
8. Getting up early. I have NEVER been an early bird....So, while I have always gotten up early with the kids, I have never liked it. Not ever......
9. Not being able to run to the store for a quick shopping trip. Someone always wants to go, and you just can't be quick, even for a couple of meals worth, when you are feeding 10.
10. Paying a small fortune for fast food. That alone has almost broken the habit. So, maybe that should be in the things I love category?

Ultimately, I love my big family....I wouldn't change it for the world. Even with all the things I dislike, there is so much more that I cherish. God has blessed me and I fully appreciate those blessings. :)