10 Random Things

In the early days of Facebook there was this really fun "chain post" where once you were tagged you were supposed to write and post a note containing 10 random things about yourself. I loved them! In that same spirit here are 10 random things I've learned about having a big family.

1. Finding a babysitter who is willing (and able) to care for five kids is hard. Affording that babysitter is even harder.
2. Our oldest kids have a unique skill set.  They can swing a baby up on their hip, take a toddler to the bathroom, and fill sippy cups among with many other things. This used to make me feel guilty.  Now I'm thankful for the amazing relationships my kids have with each other.  Physically caring for one another forges bonds. 
3. We will never be able to rent a single hotel room again. I had no idea that our family exceeded the room occupancy limit until trying to book a vacation for spring break. Renting a house in our destination would be cheaper.
4. Shopping for a car is now the ultimate game of Tetris. Frank and I ended up bringing our potential car home and arranging and rearranging infant seats, car seats, and booster seats until we found a combination that worked.  After driving that car for six months I now understand the appeal of a 9 passenger van.  The possible arrangements are endless and nobody is touching.
5. Everyone assumes we homeschool.  I have been asked multiple times which co-op I am a part of and which curriculum we have chosen. In Costco I was stopped by a man who engaged me in a conversation about my family. At the end of our talk he commented that "You can always pick out homeschooled kids because they are so well behaved." Yay for homeschooling families! You're obviously doing a great job if people are automatically assuming any mannerly children must not attend public school.
6. Any outing causes a Bigs vs. Littles situation.  It is rare to find an activity that will please all of our kids at the same time. The Littles are forced to sit through soccer games and school performances. The Bigs are tired of splash pads and indoor playlands.  This is another situation that used to make me feel guilty (See number 2), but I've chosen to spin it.  Now I'm thankful that my children are learning early that part of being in a supportive relationship (of any kind) means putting others needs and wants first.
7. We are constantly playing Chinese Fire Drill.  Not at red lights but in our sleeping arrangements and in our seating at the table and in the car.  Having so many kids means that the social dynamics in our family change constantly.  As kids grow, interests change, and conflicts occur I have found that shuffling kids around keeps the peace. 
8. Anytime we enter or leave a restaurant the people we pass automatically count heads. While at times I feel like a spectacle usually I'm relieved to hear "5" because I know that I haven't lost someone.  Being on display is a safety feature!
9. Piggybacking off of number 8... When eating out we always have to wait for a table and usually gratuity is already added to our bill.  We are a large party!
10. Drive thrus have forever been slowed.  Now that the twins are eating regular food we always have to sign our debit receipt. I've gotten really good at balancing the tiny clip board, pen, and drink carrier.