BIG Family Traditions | Christy Watson
Two Geist families with a combined 15 children talk about how they manage the chaos around the holidays.
‘Organized chaos’ may be used to describe our own successful ability to juggle somewhat hectic but ordinary life events, but it sure takes on a whole new meaning for these two Geist families. Each family is raising an extremely large family, or as some might think, a crazy amount of kids. Yes, all the children are from a single happy marriage. No, they are not home schooled, and yes, each of the couples still has “date nights.” Coleman and Rachel Gerstner are the proud parents of SEVEN children: Ellie, 14; James, 12: Jack, 10; Adam, 8; Grace, 5 ½; McKay, 2 ½; and Mark, 4 months. The Gerstners moved back to the Geist area in August after living in China and Alabama most recently. “Embrace the chaos” is a mantra Rachel uses to tackle the amazing task of raising this beautiful family, often while Coleman travels overseas. “It’s never going away, and once you’ve embraced it, it really doesn’t feel crazy or too chaotic.” Saturday jobs and nightly chores help to teach the children self-esteem while they learn and feel good about themselves. The Gerstner children are all active in sports while the three oldest take piano lessons as well. “We juggle it all with lots of planning, a big calendar and carpooling when possible.” Loading up their own Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 12-passenger van with their large family in tow is the Sundling family. Kurt and Leigh have EIGHT kids at HSE schools: Aviendha (Avi), 16; Kilarendha (Kiki), 14: Lethridge (Leth), 13; Kaylarendha (Kayla), 12; Loudenridge (Louden), 9; Landridge (Lan), 6; Ziendha (Zizi), 5; and Luxtonridge (Luxton), 3.
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The Sundlings had no plans to have a large family. With Leigh having two siblings and Kurt having four, they admit the biggest challenge in managing a large family is prioritizing activities and lifestyle choices. The
NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2013
11/25/2013 5:25:11 PM