After reading a post on another blog by a big sister of a big family, I decided to start my own, because the author was right: A lot of people just don't get how big families work. A lot of people think that the big sisters have too much work, or act like the second mommy. But really, everyone has to work to make the house run smoothly-not just the big sister. Yes, we have to help out a lot more than, say, a family with two kids, but it's not all work. One benefit-there is always something to do, or someone to have fun with. We have seven kids, and on the weekdays two of my cousins come over while their parents work. So we have my brothers, who are 10, 6, and 4, my sisters, 10, 7, and 6, and then my two cousins, 16 months and 5 months. And, no, none are twins. The reason we have some who are almost the same age is because we've adopted two different times. Things are always happening around here! But I love it. Even if I do have more responsibility than your average 13 year old sister, God has put me in this position for a reason. Sometimes it's hard, but "All things work for the good of those who love Him". I embrace my role as a big sister, knowing that this is my God-given resposibility, to be a good role model to my younger siblings, to love them and be patient with them, and to help my mom with things like cleaning and cooking, among other things.