My Family Rocks

I was blessed to be born into a large family. Being the sixth of seven kids definitely had it's share of problems growing up (i.e. being left behind at church more than once because one of your siblings is mad at you and assures Mom that you went home with your older sister in her car). There was always a lack of personal space and privacy and the ability to keep something secret, and there was almost always at least one person with whom you were upset or who was upset with you. However, there were lots of benefits of being part of a large family. There were always playmates. There was always a bigger person around to help you, comfort you, etc (at least when you're among the youngest). There was always someone to defend and stand up for you when you're facing adversity (even if the same person who is now defending you punched you the night before). I loved growing up in a big family, and my large family continues to bless my life even now.

Case in point:
My sister's husband is a mechanic (as I have mentioned before). Since neither Landon nor I know much, if anything, about cars, we feel incredibly fortunate to have someone we know we can trust to work on our cars. Landon asked me earlier this week to take his car up to James (our BIL) for an oil change. Right before I left yesterday, Landon mentioned that his "Maint Required" light was on. I noticed that his mileage was just over 60,000, and decided the light was to probably to remind him to get the scheduled maintenance completed. Since this wasn't what I had originally scheduled, I called James to see if they'd be able to do the work that day, and if so, how long it would take. I was assured they could get it done and that they'd do it as quickly as possible.
Then my other sister arrived at the shop to pick me up and save me from having to hang out at the shop all day waiting for my car. She helped me switch over Marissa's carseat IN THE POURING RAIN. Then she took us back to her house, fed us breakfast, and entertained us all the morning long. When it was time to go get my car, my sister loaded up her kids again (in the rain) and took us back to the shop. She helped me switch over Marissa's carseat in the rain again. Then, get this, she thanks me for coming to spend time with her.
I went into the shop to pay for the maintenance on Landon's car, and my brother-in-law apologizes for the high estimate his employee gave me when I dropped the car off (it was too high?) and assured me that he charged me way less. I assured him I would be totally happy to pay what other customers pay, which is already incredibly reasonable. Isn't it enough that I know I can trust that he's looking out for me and my family every time I bring our cars to him? He laughed a little, and then still gave me a 20% discount on parts and labor (basically cutting my price to barely cover his own costs). Then he invited my family over to play at his house over the weekend.

I am grateful every day for my family. I'm grateful that there are so many people who love me and are looking out for me. I'm grateful for the many things they do for me to make my life better, easier, more joyful. And even though I often wonder what the heck my mom was thinking when she kept having all those babies (7 babies is a whole lot of babies!), I'm sure grateful she did.