Siblings to be Thankful for

I am the oldest of 11. That's right 11. I am the oldest of a blended, his, hers, ours, theirs, whoevers kind of family. And really, I could add more to that number but this is the number I grew up being the oldest of so I pretty much stick with it. It can get pretty confusing. Just the other day I tried to explain it to my friend Suzanne and I'm pretty sure she gave up even trying to figure it out. So, this post is for her and for anyone who is confused by my family situation and for journaling purposes in general. I can see my progenitors now trying to figure out this dynamic situation. Try to follow along...

My mom (Becky) and my dad (Albert) were married and had two beautiful girls...

They divorced.

Albert has Dustin with Debbie...

...While  Becky marries Billy and has Cody, Ryan and Jordan. They divorce and Becky marries Scott who is the father of Krissa and Chayson. Together they have Chandler

Albert later marries Angela and has Gehrhart and Louis

Following along? There are a few more marriages and few more step-siblings but they all happened after I was an adult with children of my own and so I don't really consider them part of my brothers and sisters. I only have one full blown, full blood sibling; my sister Melissa. However, I consider all the rest of the brood my siblings as well. Full, half, step...it doesn't matter to me. I am thankful for them all. We couldn't all be more different! Of course, I am the older, more mature of the bunch but that comes with being the oldest I assume. Each of us has something special to offer. Most of my siblings have started families of their own and it's fun to watch this next generation. I love you guys, and so thankful to be your big sis!