We said no to more children April 2016 when I was pregnant with number 3. I knew it was wrong, it was the worst decision we ever made and for years after I lived with sorrow and regret. Long story short, both of us had a HUGE heart to heart October 2021, and he REVERSED his vasectomy! I was pregnant 8weeks post surgery, that little soul now looks down on us, but we conceived AGAIN 3 months post miscarriage. We have “started over” 😂 and we look forward to continually building our family. Our older kids are in love with their younger sibling and seeing them with her makes my heart melt. Praise God for his work in us and never stopping loving us 😭 ❤
I'm not catholic but this truly blessed me as I recently found out I was pregnant again 8 months after the last delivery ♥️ God is in control and Family is His plan ❤️
I always said I’m glad I was “stupid enough” (in the eyes of the world) to have five children. It was a lot of work, but so well worth it. They are close with each other and are great parents, themselves.
So…2 for me 😂😂 we’re basically settled on one and done. But we know we can change our minds in the future. I’d rather foster than bring more into this world though. There’s too many babies and children out there that need love. And I desperately want to help all of them. Can’t do that if im having more of my own.
@@AandM8 pray about it and ask the Lord and both of your spiritual directors. Beautiful you have a big heart and what to help those who their parents do not want to raise. In Hong Kong, and other counties, we are not having enough children to even replace the population. Sad. Too many are using contraception. Having dogs instead of babies. They even have baby strollers for dogs in HK.
I’m pregnant with baby number 2!! I’m a SAHM and I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to be home with my children. I needed to hear this message.....Ive been fearful lately because all I hear from Christians these days are that we are in the end days and its terrifying to imagine my children might suffer in some way. I’m really giving my worries to God and just block out the outside world and just focus on this blessing. ❤
Yes it certainly is a thankless job, some times. ( then your husband comes home maybe not directly but could be indirectly why the house isn't clean or something isn't done) It's like working 100 hour week job for no pay.
I’m praying to become pregnant with baby #2. I want as many children as I can handle but my husband only wants 3. We will see. Being parents is the hardest thing we’ve ever done but it is so beautiful and I just want to experience more of this love❤ please pray for me as I recently had a miscarriage.
Three is the hardest number. Multiple women told me that and it was so true. After number four the weird dynamic between older, middle, and youngest child went down.
Thank you for this video! I have 4 children, 3 living and my fourth I had this March, he passed away during the labor and was stillborn. For awhile I thought no more because of the fear of this happening again. I can definitely feel the Lord massaging my heart and helping me through this fear. Watching this video has helped remind me what a blessing it is to have children and be open to life. Please hold all of us families who have lost children, no matter what stage in your prayers. Thank you ❤
Oh so sorry for your loss, still so fresh🥲 I am sure it's an even greater way to grow in holiness. You will be blessed and comforted greatly. Thanks be to God for this video that makes your broken heart blossom again! 💖
As parents of 11 we are now 55 and still open to life and One More Soul. Last month I dreamt I was pregnant with triplets. 😂. God has a good sense of humour cause it made my husband laugh whereas it made my heart rejoice that the goodness and beauty to love life is still a priority in our marriage.
55 and another kid? I think that would be neglectful, but I get it because what will happen in large families the Young kids are raised by the older ones and the parents really don't do anything anymore. I hope your husband' has a job (or independently wealthy) so he can work until he's 85. Because he might need need to with 11 kids anyway? Or good life insurance?
I think it's AMAZING GREAT you 2!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤ Janelle, I never could have 1. I'm 63 years old and to this day I watch all the new baby stories on You Tube. We were Blessed beyond belief to have adopted a 3 month old little boy. He is a wonderful loving man now. May God continue to Bless you both. ❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. My husband and I just got a pregnancy test on our way home from church today to confirm what we already know, which is that we are expecting our second child and our son turned 11 months old just days ago. I have been feeling quite anxious about the prospect of welcoming another child as financially we are not where we hoped we would be at this stage, my husband's immigration status is still undecided and family and friends have been asking recently about my plans to return back to work. Anyway, I prayed this morning for God to help me use this opportunity to learn to lean on Him even more and this video coming up in my recommendations this afternoon feels like an encouraging sign that everything will be well. 🙏🏽❤
Watching this video and reading the comments of couples having baby #2, 3, 4 and so on really warms my heart. It makes me sad too. I’ve been praying for years for my other half to open his heart to having baby #2. I’m still praying and waiting….
I was blessed to raise my son - we sacrificed, so I could do that. That was my vocation. My grandson was in daycare at 3 months old! Now he’s 5 and it’s public school. All I can do is pray😢🙏 I love your videos. I’ve kind of adopted you both❤️
Of course every child is a blessing. And I agree with the reasons you state. I just don't agree that to be a good Catholic family one must try to have as many children as possible (I know you did not specifically state this - but I hear this ALL THE TIME). And it seems as a Catholic, this is the expectation. Being a GOOD parent to the children you have, ought to be the goal, while remaining open. But remaining open to having children also means being open to other plans God may have for you. And using good sense and discernment about whether having another child is in the best interest of your family. There are many ways to give glory to God! Sometimes that is growing large families and mom staying home, and sometimes it's not. My husband and I both feel called to our health professions, and they have taught us much about the sufferings of others - something we can pass along to our kids. But scheduling is at times terrible, and we want to be as available as we can be to all our kids. We have a special needs child, multiple miscarriages, on top of risky pregnancies, scary labor, and major postpartum anxiety and depression, and are just plain exhausted! I just don't think these things can be ignored. I feel blessed with 3 living children and 2 angel babies - but so far, we do not feel called to try for more, especially as we are in our mid-40s. I stayed home for 7 years with my kids, and I appreciate that time so much...but I was terrible at it! lol. I felt less capable as a mother than I did before I left work. My experience was not what it seemed other mother's experienced at home, which always filled me with shame and longing. But I find such balance being able to spend time outside of the home, and I don't think this is me being selfish - I think it's me listening to where God is calling me now and acknowledging my own weaknesses and needs. And I think our gift to the world will be both as parents, and as ministers of healing in our line of work. Maybe this doesn't resonate with others - I just think being "open" when it comes to family life means being open to many or few kids, working outside the home or not, and recognizing all the different ways you are called to bear witness to the faith with those in your life.
I think this is a very American thing to think. I am from the Dominican Republic, a VERY Catholic country, and I never hear anyone saying that or having more children because they want to be a better Catholic. My own grandma had 8 children, but she never expected to have that many grandchildren.
New subscriber! We are expecting our 9th baby January 11th as well. Congratulations to you guys. I agree with everything you said and it’s refreshing to hear other Catholic families who are like us. We are a FSSP attending family here in Canada. Pax et bonum!
Expecting baby #5 agree! You don't know what it's like to have 2+ children until you have them, expecting baby #5 and in love with babies 💕 toddlers have such an innocence and the older kids get to see and enjoy it too. Sibling love ❤️
I agree completely a man and woman as husband and wife are a team. That should take care of each other, rely on each other and be supportive of each other. And children are the blessings that they receive for their devotion to one another.
I love this episode, you really explained well why God creted families and the value of family life. Its the school for saints. God bless you Ken and Janelle.
Love this list of reasons that I don’t hear from anyone else Whilst I would love to be a mum to more kids, our standard of living in Singapore is very high and we don’t have assistance from grandparents or have a “village” It’s very hard to see past that, I hope God can show me the way to do my best as a mum
But it is very sad when you have had children, but as adults they have all turned away from you and you find yourself alone. There are way too many families like this now. It is so, so, so sad. I know that all we can do is pray for them.
I find there are two camps when it comes to this problem. The children are liberal and have turned away from the truth of the church and don’t want to be reminded about what is good and true because they see it as hatred. For this, they cut off the adult parent on the other hand, you have abusive and manipulative parents, whose children eventually turn into adults. Those adult children do not want to be controlled or manipulated and when they express their concern to the parent, the parent denies any wrongdoing, which means nothing will ever change, and that leads to a estrangement. In our case, our elderly father became inappropriate with his comments towards both my spouse and my children, and we no longer thought it was healthy for him to be around nor was it appropriate for us to bring the children to See him. His wife only enabled his abuse and made excuses for bad behavior. We are sad to cut these people out of our lives, but it’s for the safety and well-being of our family, especially our children. If you were in the first camp, where your children have been turned against you by liberal and progressive ideology, My heart aches for you and I pray that your children come to know the truth about Catholicism. If you’re in the Second camp, I pray God provides the wisdom for these parents to see their abusive and manipulative behavior so that it can be changed. I also have a deep ache in my heart for the adult children of those types of parents because it is not fun or enjoyable to cut off parent.
Praying for anyone who needs healing; emotionally, mentally and physically, but most of all spiritually ~ for I trust when our heart and soul rests in You, God, that's when true reconciliation and further rehabilitation can and will take place; through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to find Your Son Jesus...again and again and again. Momma Mary, lead us to Him, we will follow. ♡
You both are exemplary! So humble and wise. Thank you so much for all this wonderful advice that helps me to stay focused on what's important and remember what I tend to forget during the hard times. God bless you and your family ever so much!
Thanks for your messages that demonstrates your love for each other, you’re faith, your family unity, your dedication to your ministry and everything else! Thanks!
Ken and Janelle, what a beautiful meditation. Thank you so much for sharing. I see so many people that are unable to have children with a sincere desire to do so and it makes me very sad and also makes me realize what a miracle and a blessing it is to be able to have so many children. God bless you and I pray for you always.
I'm so touched and struggling with this. I want to honor God with the intimacy we share.. but only he knows how I'm exhausted, not sleeping well for weeks now and at my limit trying to fix the baby's routine while taking care of my 3yo. It has come to the point where I can feel resentful with my dear husband for wanting intimacy when I don't even know how to handle 2 and thrive with the most simple needs for everyone 😢
I resonate with you 100%. I am in your same position. My husband is hardly home, so he is not able to help out with chores or our children 6/7 days a week. It’s a challenge for sure to keep up with cooking every night, cleaning, tending to the kids and my husband. God help us all. 🙏🏼
Have courage! God gives us the grace we need WHEN we need it, not before. As your first children get a little older, they will become more helpful, and the beautiful community life of mutual love and giving in your family will grow ❤ In all your needs with your family, call upon the graces of the Sacrament of Matrimony- God has a treasure trove of graces there for us if we only ask 🙏
I just want to say I've been in that situation and it's okay. It's okay to not have more children right now. It doesn't mean you'll never have more. God has made each family different and it's best to pray for his will for you and your family. There's a 7 1/2 year gap between my 2nd and 3rd. It would have been 4 years but I had an unexpected pregnancy and then miscarriage. My toddler just turned 3 and we are expecting a 4th! My point is your mental well-being matters and for right now maybe God wants you to focus on the two little blessings you have right now. God will make all things beautiful in HIS time. If and when the time comes for more children God will let you know.
Can I ask for a prayer for my husband to open up his heart and his mind about welcoming more children? We are young, we have the space and we are healthy. Unfortunately hearing his father say thar 2 children was the perfect number really had an effect in him and that is how many children we have.
Two isn't th best because they can have a weird dynamic and three is the hardest. After three is when it starts to get easier. Four children is an excellent number... I want more though.
@@lovetobe6118 I have seen how beautiful and virtuous big families can be if both parents are committed to work together to raise children right, nourishing them in every way that they may need. Small families can be the same way of course but when we start with the premise of "2 is the perfect number" we are limiting God to what we believe to be best and that is selfish. Raising children with a selfish ideal in mind will without a doubt be detrimental in some way, like in my husband's case, he chooses not to trust God and surrender to Him because of a selfish idea that got drilled into him, same thing goes to his Sibling's family, choosing comfort and the world over God as far as I can see. I hope God blesses you with as many children as possible, for His glory.
Thanks for sharing the article!! Congratulations to the emite family and blessings to Janelle in her pregnancy! We are expecting baby #6 and I was so moved by how excited our kids were… when we told them… siblings are truly the greatest gifts. I pray the Lord grants me the strength to have a good pregnancy so I can continue striving to be the best mom I can be. Not a natural homemaker 😅 but I surrendered my life to Gods plan and it’s been a beautiful journey! 🥰
Thank you for this. I didn’t realize I needed this .i am currently pregnant with my second and have a chronic health issue. I have been struggling with having another I always wanted one bc I felt I couldn’t handle more and my health has been declining since having the first. I asked the Lord to heal me if He desires me to have more children .
Thank you for this. I recently had a child and was contemplating the logistics of having another child - mainly because we currently have a lot of family support but will soon be moving away and child care without family when I return to work scared me a lot. But I cannot deny my daughter the blessing of a sibling if it is within my power. Your video opened my eyes so much to this. Thank you
A blessing to find this video. Just the answer I was expecting nobody could give me. I have one boy with me,the second one in Heaven. Pray for my husband and I, we are open for life but we are worry because both of us have already health problems and advanced age. Thank you for this lovely video and your testimony. God bless and you have a new subscriber.❤
My husband and I don’t agree on having more children. We have two little boys. I want to be open to more children and my husband does not. I want to honor my husband but I want to follow God and be open to His will. Thank you for creating this video, I will show this to Him.
Thank you for this video. I’m protestant, but everyone knows catholics are the front runners for biblical family values 😊 My husband and I have three little ones, our youngest being 6 months old. I stay home with them and homeschool our eldest. I really want another one, but my husband thinks we are done, mostly because he worries about finances. This video is helpful information straight from God’s Word- I’m going to send it his way 😃
Amazing video!!! Thanks for sharing such valuable insights about family. I am expecting baby number two after many years of questioning and fear about another pregnancy but God made my doubts vanish and I realized the blessings He gave me in being a mother. God is Great ❤❤
I am 3 months post partum with baby number 7 and I believe I may be pregnant. I was just telling my husband that I need to remember the many many blessing God has given us through our children and That he feels we are worthy. I cannot believe that he thinks I am worthy of his blessings! Me! 😮🥺🥰 It is hard to remember when I'm so tired and still healing from 4 babies in 5 years. But man these kids are so cool and our home is so full of love! Thank you for this video. It came in God's perfect timing. 🥰
CONGRATULATIONS, KEN AND JANELLE .... YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, GOD'S ELITE .... YOUR GUIDANCE IS A BLESSING ... YOU, YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY 'LIGHT UP OUR LIVES' WITH FAITH & JOY ... THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU ❤
My parentes had 8 kids, one of them get a postvaccine encephalitis. I wast the youngest. I am pregnant for first time. They started at 25 years old, I started at 43 it is sad how things are changing. I want 1 more my husband doesn't want. Hopefully he found the peace with his anguish and God bless us with tow babies.
Thank you so much for this great video! It came at a great time for me! In a world where families are frowned upon, these points you make ring true to me!
If anyone here in the comments is having problems with conception, please look into natural sources of vitamin E and what vitamin E does for the reproductive system. Also make sure your vitamin D l, iodine and iron levels are in good order. Make sure you’re eating enough meat and vegetables and dairy products for their nutritional content. I suspect many people are infertile as the result of poor nutritional status. If you’re having problems conceiving, please learn about vitamins and minerals and see if that doesn’t help you. Also, UA-cam is full of videos that will teach you how to determine when you ovulate and clear blue and other companies make these convenient strips that help you track your ovulation. Even if you ovulate late or early, you can find that out by tracking and still get pregnant with an irregular period. Some people would be surprised to know that an irregular period can be made more predictable with vitamin D3 and K2 or iodine, etc. Also make sure you have good sleep hygiene. Make those babies! 🥰🥰
I adored my mother watching her taking care of 5 children. I thought I can't follow her example do I didn't. I stayed single. Greatest regret if ever had a regret. I wished I have honored God and the body He gave me by having a child or children of course always through marriage and natural procreation not artificial. Praise be to God. Amen.
How do you overcome all the fears and anxiety about having another child? I was experiencing some chronic health issues for a few years now in addition to the fact that one of my children is special needs and will be having a surgery next year or the year after (she’s doing very well in general but taking care of her needs requires more time, finances, etc.). At the same time, I’m almost 40. It’s been difficult to discern God’s will for our family…
That's the question I have too. I don't have any kids (not married). But I'm curious about what parents do when they have special needs child. It's all well and good to have six or seven or ten kids when they're all hail and hearty. But what to do if one or more are sick or disabled?
I'm also struggeling with this question... Our first-born daughther is special needs (a sweet little 5-years-old), the doctors don't know what is going on with her, last year our second child is born in heaven very early in the pregnancy, my body is complete upside down, i'm very tired every day... It's really hard to discern God's will for our family as well...
I know all five of those points. I also hate when I hear “We can’t afford another kid” because plenty of people around the world live in huts made out of palm leaves or metal slats and have children. I am currently finding it hard in my own life to say “yes” to life because we have no more beds, only one more open seat in our van, and we are in debt. Especially these days we know not the day nor the hour, all of those reasons seem so trivial. For my justly practical husband is nervous, but he’s responsible for caring for us. That’s why I never judge a family for how large or small. God has a different plan for each family, but it does feel wrong whenever we say “not yet.” We will see.
No way, the first best moment is feeling the first kicks and being one with my baby. Now she’s out, we will never be one again. When I talk scoff something that makes me mad, she will never kick back as though she’s feeling the same thing again. Now she’s a whole separate vein who has to face the world instead of being safe and only knowing the feelings I have
Hello Ken & Janelle ❤❤ I agree completely. Congratulations🎉 ❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤on baby #8 boy or girl? I am very happy for you both. We have been married since 6 years and I cannot have any biological children. yes I do miss it sometimes, but I have Peace within, understanding God’s will for my husband & I, for our lives. With Prayers for the both of you & your children and baby on the way. May God Bless You Both & Your Family All the Very Best with Prayers and Love Gilbert & maria
I have two grown sons one beautiful daughter and two granddaughters. U have beautiful family. U're very blessed with ur family congratulations on number eight. Maybe number 9??? Prayers for healthy pregnancy and birth. Blessings always. Love ur videos. Great example I'm starting to share ur videos. Love blessings always❤🎉
I am glad to see you back. Your last Wednesday Message was 3 weeks ago, & I was concerned for the 2 of you. Glad to see you. I was laughing at your stories. I too had a Suburban for 17 1/2 years, until a deer jumped out from a bush and smashed it. The deer ran off okay but the insurance refused to do anything but total it because it was so old but yes the handles didn't work and the seat didn't roll and the running board on one side was completely broken and the thing kept running. All the little pieces were falling off oh and the seatbelt was shredded a little bit and it had over 200,000 Mi but had that deer not attacked it I would probably still be driving it
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I felt the same way. Idkw, but my marriage & Family has imploded. I believe it's Satan trying to destroy the traditional family. I pray you have better success. My life now is working and praying for their (and my) eternal souls.
Please pray for me and my husband. I had my tubes removed last uear after having a very traumatic birth with my 3rd child. Each pregnancy and delivery was worse then the last, with my third almost costing my life abd my babys. Deep down i knew i was taking matters into my own hands when i went through the surgery. A few nights ago my husband and i both had a heart to heart and confessed having the surgery was not the best thing to do. I will have to live with this for the rest of my life, somwtimes i feel like im missing a child its the strangest thing. Ive repented and asked for Gods forgiveness i know he has but i have not forgiven myself.
Blessings in The Divine Will through the Flame of Love! Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊 Please, keep in your prayers Damariz & Guadalupe. And the rest of the women that haven't been able to become mothers. And I include the men also that have been wanting to become fathers as well but for some reason they haven't been able to became parents. Thank you and God bless you all in The Divine Will ❤🕊✝️ I'm super happy for you both! Another little blessing on the way🤗🤗🤗 I would have liked to have another baby again but things turned out differently. It's ok though. 😊 I've accepted it. ❤
Ken, I am almost 75 and am anything but sad. I have had pain for a very long time and now am about to receive a new hip!, We had 10 in family and, now we have still got 8. There is no sadness in living alone!!!
Sadly after several children and a 20 year marriage, wife divorced me, kicked me out of the home. She doesn't work either and has custody of all kids. My debt is well over 10K.
We are currently struggling with deciding to use birth control after my current pregnancy. It's baby number 4 and we both want many children. However, I get so extremely sick when pregnant we aren't sure if we should have another. I spend weeks in bed extremely weak and nauseous. My mother and mother in-law had to be here for a total of 4 weeks this pregnancy to keep our three children alive. I still struggle to keep them fed and the kitchen clean, much less the rest of the house cared for. I don't want to stop a pregnancy but I'm also terrified to get pregnant again.
Hi, using contraception is a mortal sin, have you tried medications for the nausea such as zofran? Some pregnant women have a condition called hyperemisis gravidarum and it can only be remedied with very strong anti-nausea medication. I struggled with something similar
Had one child. Very blessed. Won’t have more b/c medical issues. However, any info on adopting? All the information I read is very disheartening (legal hurdles, astronomical amounts of money, waiting period where they could take the child back ((Scary!)).
I so much wanted lots of children, but was informed by doctor when I was 27, that unfortunately medical spoken I am not able to have children anymore because of medical reasons...my womb is too weak
I'm a single woman, never married, no kids. I'm dating someone and we are discussing marriage. Obviously we will be open to life. But I'm quite concerned about feeling isolated and depressed as a mother of small children. I've heard mothers talk about that a lot. It does frighten me.
Join the mom's group at your church as soon as you get pregnant. Moms that had their little ones recently were such a support to me as a new mom. Their memories of the postpartum experience are still fresh. You will find an understanding ear for what you're feeling.
I was a little lonely with my first child until he started being able to converse, but then we had another 3 years later… and it’s completely different. They’re so fun and entertaining!
I totally agree with all you are saying ….. but pray for us women who were never able to have children ….. it’s a deep sorrow 😰
I do every single day. ♡
I'm with you. But please live your life and have FUN! LOVE ALL YOU CAN. You'll be fine. You cannot let Sorrow in. Only happiness.
@@conniegiovenco583 I foster kids as I’m too old to have my own now
@@uteme Thankyou 🙏🏼
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We said no to more children April 2016 when I was pregnant with number 3. I knew it was wrong, it was the worst decision we ever made and for years after I lived with sorrow and regret. Long story short, both of us had a HUGE heart to heart October 2021, and he REVERSED his vasectomy! I was pregnant 8weeks post surgery, that little soul now looks down on us, but we conceived AGAIN 3 months post miscarriage. We have “started over” 😂 and we look forward to continually building our family. Our older kids are in love with their younger sibling and seeing them with her makes my heart melt. Praise God for his work in us and never stopping loving us 😭 ❤
@@thelivingfaithfulhomeschoo9906 praise God! Thank you so much for sharing 😀
I'm not catholic but this truly blessed me as I recently found out I was pregnant again 8 months after the last delivery ♥️ God is in control and Family is His plan ❤️
I always said I’m glad I was “stupid enough” (in the eyes of the world) to have five children. It was a lot of work, but so well worth it. They are close with each other and are great parents, themselves.
🔥❤️
A seminarian before he became a priest told us his #1 advice to couples: “have 1 more child than you think you ‘should’ have.” 😊
So…2 for me 😂😂 we’re basically settled on one and done. But we know we can change our minds in the future. I’d rather foster than bring more into this world though. There’s too many babies and children out there that need love. And I desperately want to help all of them. Can’t do that if im having more of my own.
@@AandM8 pray about it and ask the Lord and both of your spiritual directors. Beautiful you have a big heart and what to help those who their parents do not want to raise. In Hong Kong, and other counties, we are not having enough children to even replace the population. Sad. Too many are using contraception. Having dogs instead of babies. They even have baby strollers for dogs in HK.
I’m pregnant with baby number 2!! I’m a SAHM and I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to be home with my children. I needed to hear this message.....Ive been fearful lately because all I hear from Christians these days are that we are in the end days and its terrifying to imagine my children might suffer in some way. I’m really giving my worries to God and just block out the outside world and just focus on this blessing. ❤
You will make so many sacrifices for your family mama. Keep focused on the hard stuff you DONT have to go through because you are at home!
Yes it certainly is a thankless job, some times. ( then your husband comes home maybe not directly but could be indirectly why the house isn't clean or something isn't done)
It's like working 100 hour week job for no pay.
I’m praying to become pregnant with baby #2. I want as many children as I can handle but my husband only wants 3. We will see. Being parents is the hardest thing we’ve ever done but it is so beautiful and I just want to experience more of this love❤ please pray for me as I recently had a miscarriage.
I've heard that after 3, things change less
Three is the hardest number. Multiple women told me that and it was so true. After number four the weird dynamic between older, middle, and youngest child went down.
Thank you for this video! I have 4 children, 3 living and my fourth I had this March, he passed away during the labor and was stillborn. For awhile I thought no more because of the fear of this happening again. I can definitely feel the Lord massaging my heart and helping me through this fear. Watching this video has helped remind me what a blessing it is to have children and be open to life. Please hold all of us families who have lost children, no matter what stage in your prayers. Thank you ❤
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Oh so sorry for your loss, still so fresh🥲 I am sure it's an even greater way to grow in holiness. You will be blessed and comforted greatly. Thanks be to God for this video that makes your broken heart blossom again! 💖
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Thank you! ❤
That is where I am now. I am 87 and my children are wonderful.
As parents of 11 we are now 55 and still open to life and One More Soul.
Last month I dreamt I was pregnant with triplets. 😂. God has a good sense of humour cause it made my husband laugh whereas it made my heart rejoice that the goodness and beauty to love life is still a priority in our marriage.
😂❤
55 and another kid? I think that would be neglectful, but I get it because what will happen in large families the Young kids are raised by the older ones and the parents really don't do anything anymore. I hope your husband' has a job (or independently wealthy) so he can work until he's 85. Because he might need need to with 11 kids anyway?
Or good life insurance?
I think it's AMAZING GREAT you 2!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
Janelle, I never could have 1. I'm 63 years old and to this day I watch all the new baby stories on You Tube. We were Blessed beyond belief to have adopted a 3 month old little boy. He is a wonderful loving man now. May God continue to Bless you both. ❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much!!
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts.
My husband and I just got a pregnancy test on our way home from church today to confirm what we already know, which is that we are expecting our second child and our son turned 11 months old just days ago.
I have been feeling quite anxious about the prospect of welcoming another child as financially we are not where we hoped we would be at this stage, my husband's immigration status is still undecided and family and friends have been asking recently about my plans to return back to work.
Anyway, I prayed this morning for God to help me use this opportunity to learn to lean on Him even more and this video coming up in my recommendations this afternoon feels like an encouraging sign that everything will be well. 🙏🏽❤
You are so blessed to have each other lets keep in prayer single Moms 🙏
🙏
@@shirleyreyes7130 amen Shirley 👌✝️🙏🏼 indeed
I love what you said about your daughters being great mothers and your sons being great dads. That was such a holy thought. ❤
Watching this video and reading the comments of couples having baby #2, 3, 4 and so on really warms my heart. It makes me sad too.
I’ve been praying for years for my other half to open his heart to having baby #2. I’m still praying and waiting….
I was blessed to raise my son - we sacrificed, so I could do that. That was my vocation. My grandson was in daycare at 3 months old! Now he’s 5 and it’s public school. All I can do is pray😢🙏
I love your videos. I’ve kind of adopted you both❤️
Of course every child is a blessing. And I agree with the reasons you state. I just don't agree that to be a good Catholic family one must try to have as many children as possible (I know you did not specifically state this - but I hear this ALL THE TIME). And it seems as a Catholic, this is the expectation. Being a GOOD parent to the children you have, ought to be the goal, while remaining open. But remaining open to having children also means being open to other plans God may have for you. And using good sense and discernment about whether having another child is in the best interest of your family. There are many ways to give glory to God! Sometimes that is growing large families and mom staying home, and sometimes it's not. My husband and I both feel called to our health professions, and they have taught us much about the sufferings of others - something we can pass along to our kids. But scheduling is at times terrible, and we want to be as available as we can be to all our kids. We have a special needs child, multiple miscarriages, on top of risky pregnancies, scary labor, and major postpartum anxiety and depression, and are just plain exhausted! I just don't think these things can be ignored. I feel blessed with 3 living children and 2 angel babies - but so far, we do not feel called to try for more, especially as we are in our mid-40s. I stayed home for 7 years with my kids, and I appreciate that time so much...but I was terrible at it! lol. I felt less capable as a mother than I did before I left work. My experience was not what it seemed other mother's experienced at home, which always filled me with shame and longing. But I find such balance being able to spend time outside of the home, and I don't think this is me being selfish - I think it's me listening to where God is calling me now and acknowledging my own weaknesses and needs. And I think our gift to the world will be both as parents, and as ministers of healing in our line of work. Maybe this doesn't resonate with others - I just think being "open" when it comes to family life means being open to many or few kids, working outside the home or not, and recognizing all the different ways you are called to bear witness to the faith with those in your life.
YES
exactly what I think on the subject !
I think this is a very American thing to think. I am from the Dominican Republic, a VERY Catholic country, and I never hear anyone saying that or having more children because they want to be a better Catholic. My own grandma had 8 children, but she never expected to have that many grandchildren.
New subscriber!
We are expecting our 9th baby January 11th as well. Congratulations to you guys.
I agree with everything you said and it’s refreshing to hear other Catholic families who are like us. We are a FSSP attending family here in Canada.
Pax et bonum!
We call our family vehicle: the humility express!
Lol so true about it being a saint making machine!
Expecting baby #5 agree!
You don't know what it's like to have 2+ children until you have them, expecting baby #5 and in love with babies 💕 toddlers have such an innocence and the older kids get to see and enjoy it too. Sibling love ❤️
I agree completely a man and woman as husband and wife are a team. That should take care of each other, rely on each other and be supportive of each other. And children are the blessings that they receive for their devotion to one another.
I love this episode, you really explained well why God creted families and the value of family life. Its the school for saints. God bless you Ken and Janelle.
We have 7 children. I agree with all you are saying.
Love this list of reasons that I don’t hear from anyone else
Whilst I would love to be a mum to more kids, our standard of living in Singapore is very high and we don’t have assistance from grandparents or have a “village”
It’s very hard to see past that, I hope God can show me the way to do my best as a mum
But it is very sad when you have had children, but as adults they have all turned away from you and you find yourself alone. There are way too many families like this now. It is so, so, so sad. I know that all we can do is pray for them.
I find there are two camps when it comes to this problem. The children are liberal and have turned away from the truth of the church and don’t want to be reminded about what is good and true because they see it as hatred. For this, they cut off the adult parent on the other hand, you have abusive and manipulative parents, whose children eventually turn into adults. Those adult children do not want to be controlled or manipulated and when they express their concern to the parent, the parent denies any wrongdoing, which means nothing will ever change, and that leads to a estrangement. In our case, our elderly father became inappropriate with his comments towards both my spouse and my children, and we no longer thought it was healthy for him to be around nor was it appropriate for us to bring the children to See him. His wife only enabled his abuse and made excuses for bad behavior. We are sad to cut these people out of our lives, but it’s for the safety and well-being of our family, especially our children. If you were in the first camp, where your children have been turned against you by liberal and progressive ideology, My heart aches for you and I pray that your children come to know the truth about Catholicism. If you’re in the Second camp, I pray God provides the wisdom for these parents to see their abusive and manipulative behavior so that it can be changed. I also have a deep ache in my heart for the adult children of those types of parents because it is not fun or enjoyable to cut off parent.
@@DorothyASwol indeed Dorothy let’s hope and pray they come back to the fold ✝️❤️
@@bucklr11 I pray that they do because I know that there are many of them that don't.
Praying for anyone who needs healing; emotionally, mentally and physically, but most of all spiritually ~ for I trust when our heart and soul rests in You, God, that's when true reconciliation and further rehabilitation can and will take place; through the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to find Your Son Jesus...again and again and again. Momma Mary, lead us to Him, we will follow. ♡
Thank you my brother sister in Christ. Love prayers from french rosary praying Louisiana
@@GillianSavant-p7f♡
You both are exemplary! So humble and wise. Thank you so much for all this wonderful advice that helps me to stay focused on what's important and remember what I tend to forget during the hard times. God bless you and your family ever so much!
Congratulations Ken and Jenelle and Family. Another Precious Blessing to 2 Wonderful Parents too.🕊️♥️♥️♥️🙏🕯️🕯️🕯️
Im due tomorrow to have a baby boy what a beautiful video to come across!
Thanks for your messages that demonstrates your love for each other, you’re faith, your family unity, your dedication to your ministry and everything else! Thanks!
Beautiful message you both are such an example to the world may God richly blessed you and your family ❤
Ken and Janelle, what a beautiful meditation. Thank you so much for sharing. I see so many people that are unable to have children with a sincere desire to do so and it makes me very sad and also makes me realize what a miracle and a blessing it is to be able to have so many children. God bless you and I pray for you always.
I'm so touched and struggling with this. I want to honor God with the intimacy we share.. but only he knows how I'm exhausted, not sleeping well for weeks now and at my limit trying to fix the baby's routine while taking care of my 3yo. It has come to the point where I can feel resentful with my dear husband for wanting intimacy when I don't even know how to handle 2 and thrive with the most simple needs for everyone 😢
I resonate with you 100%. I am in your same position. My husband is hardly home, so he is not able to help out with chores or our children 6/7 days a week. It’s a challenge for sure to keep up with cooking every night, cleaning, tending to the kids and my husband. God help us all. 🙏🏼
@@martaharo9605 God bless you 🙏 ❤️
We hired a nanny three days a week for three hours each of those days. That saved me!
Have courage! God gives us the grace we need WHEN we need it, not before. As your first children get a little older, they will become more helpful, and the beautiful community life of mutual love and giving in your family will grow ❤ In all your needs with your family, call upon the graces of the Sacrament of Matrimony- God has a treasure trove of graces there for us if we only ask 🙏
I just want to say I've been in that situation and it's okay. It's okay to not have more children right now. It doesn't mean you'll never have more. God has made each family different and it's best to pray for his will for you and your family. There's a 7 1/2 year gap between my 2nd and 3rd. It would have been 4 years but I had an unexpected pregnancy and then miscarriage. My toddler just turned 3 and we are expecting a 4th! My point is your mental well-being matters and for right now maybe God wants you to focus on the two little blessings you have right now. God will make all things beautiful in HIS time. If and when the time comes for more children God will let you know.
Can I ask for a prayer for my husband to open up his heart and his mind about welcoming more children? We are young, we have the space and we are healthy. Unfortunately hearing his father say thar 2 children was the perfect number really had an effect in him and that is how many children we have.
Two isn't th best because they can have a weird dynamic and three is the hardest. After three is when it starts to get easier. Four children is an excellent number... I want more though.
@@lovetobe6118 I have seen how beautiful and virtuous big families can be if both parents are committed to work together to raise children right, nourishing them in every way that they may need. Small families can be the same way of course but when we start with the premise of "2 is the perfect number" we are limiting God to what we believe to be best and that is selfish. Raising children with a selfish ideal in mind will without a doubt be detrimental in some way, like in my husband's case, he chooses not to trust God and surrender to Him because of a selfish idea that got drilled into him, same thing goes to his Sibling's family, choosing comfort and the world over God as far as I can see.
I hope God blesses you with as many children as possible, for His glory.
Great -God blesses all who are true believers
Thanks for sharing the article!! Congratulations to the emite family and blessings to Janelle in her pregnancy! We are expecting baby #6 and I was so moved by how excited our kids were… when we told them… siblings are truly the greatest gifts. I pray the Lord grants me the strength to have a good pregnancy so I can continue striving to be the best mom I can be. Not a natural homemaker 😅 but I surrendered my life to Gods plan and it’s been a beautiful journey! 🥰
Although I enjoyed all of it, I never considered the growth in sanctity. The examples you gave were terrific !!
You are truly blessed and what is awesome is that you both understand Gods blessings 🙏❤️
Thank you for this. I didn’t realize I needed this .i am currently pregnant with my second and have a chronic health issue. I have been struggling with having another I always wanted one bc I felt I couldn’t handle more and my health has been declining since having the first. I asked the Lord to heal me if He desires me to have more children .
@@Dayspring77 we will keep you in our prayers this evening. Thanks for watching.
I also have a Chronic health issue. I figured if Our Father doesn't want me to have children then he wouldn't make me pregnant.
Parenting is a blessed journey.
Children are a beautiful blessing ❤
Thank you for this. I recently had a child and was contemplating the logistics of having another child - mainly because we currently have a lot of family support but will soon be moving away and child care without family when I return to work scared me a lot. But I cannot deny my daughter the blessing of a sibling if it is within my power. Your video opened my eyes so much to this. Thank you
A blessing to find this video. Just the answer I was expecting nobody could give me. I have one boy with me,the second one in Heaven. Pray for my husband and I, we are open for life but we are worry because both of us have already health problems and advanced age. Thank you for this lovely video and your testimony. God bless and you have a new subscriber.❤
I enjoy listening to all of your videos thank you God bless you I am 69 years old and Sixt of Nine Children I love my Brothers and Sisters
My husband and I don’t agree on having more children. We have two little boys. I want to be open to more children and my husband does not. I want to honor my husband but I want to follow God and be open to His will. Thank you for creating this video, I will show this to Him.
Blessings to you both and your beautiful family ❤️🙏☀️🙏❤️
Thank you for this video. I’m protestant, but everyone knows catholics are the front runners for biblical family values 😊 My husband and I have three little ones, our youngest being 6 months old. I stay home with them and homeschool our eldest. I really want another one, but my husband thinks we are done, mostly because he worries about finances. This video is helpful information straight from God’s Word- I’m going to send it his way 😃
@@caramia4483 thanks for watching 😀
Amazing video!!! Thanks for sharing such valuable insights about family. I am expecting baby number two after many years of questioning and fear about another pregnancy but God made my doubts vanish and I realized the blessings He gave me in being a mother. God is Great ❤❤
Jen and Janelle..thank you so much God bless you and family
I am 3 months post partum with baby number 7 and I believe I may be pregnant. I was just telling my husband that I need to remember the many many blessing God has given us through our children and That he feels we are worthy. I cannot believe that he thinks I am worthy of his blessings! Me! 😮🥺🥰 It is hard to remember when I'm so tired and still healing from 4 babies in 5 years. But man these kids are so cool and our home is so full of love! Thank you for this video. It came in God's perfect timing. 🥰
CONGRATULATIONS, KEN AND JANELLE .... YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, GOD'S ELITE .... YOUR GUIDANCE IS A BLESSING ... YOU, YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY 'LIGHT UP OUR LIVES' WITH FAITH & JOY ... THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU ❤
@@TerryandthePirates1 thank you for the kind words 🙏
Congratulations 🎉mom. I admire you ❤. God bless you now and forever 🙏
Congratulations
God bless you for loving and sacrificing for all these precious souls.
My parentes had 8 kids, one of them get a postvaccine encephalitis. I wast the youngest. I am pregnant for first time. They started at 25 years old, I started at 43 it is sad how things are changing. I want 1 more my husband doesn't want. Hopefully he found the peace with his anguish and God bless us with tow babies.
Thank you so much for this great video! It came at a great time for me! In a world where families are frowned upon, these points you make ring true to me!
@@racheln4309 👍thanks for watching
Good for you guys. You are REALLY Catholic to welcome so many children. I can’t handle two kids without a nanny. Well done. ❤
As a fellow father of eight, I approve of this message!😄
@@astrovid 😀
Congrats what a awesome family God Bless!!!
Eighth blessing and joy of a child coming up! Sharing your happy waiting.
Thank you! 🤗
@Catholicspeaker ❤ your lovely getting bigger family. Stay blessed!
God Bless You and your family 🙏❤️🙏
If anyone here in the comments is having problems with conception, please look into natural sources of vitamin E and what vitamin E does for the reproductive system. Also make sure your vitamin D l, iodine and iron levels are in good order. Make sure you’re eating enough meat and vegetables and dairy products for their nutritional content. I suspect many people are infertile as the result of poor nutritional status. If you’re having problems conceiving, please learn about vitamins and minerals and see if that doesn’t help you. Also, UA-cam is full of videos that will teach you how to determine when you ovulate and clear blue and other companies make these convenient strips that help you track your ovulation. Even if you ovulate late or early, you can find that out by tracking and still get pregnant with an irregular period. Some people would be surprised to know that an irregular period can be made more predictable with vitamin D3 and K2 or iodine, etc. Also make sure you have good sleep hygiene. Make those babies! 🥰🥰
Thank you for this encouraging video! Beautiful reminder in a world that tells you the opposite. We will be searching for a bigger vehicle as well! 😅
We just found one!
Good for you guys. You are REALLY Catholic to welcome so many children. I can’t handle two kids without a nanny. Well done.
Good for you! This scenario is most certainly NOT for everyone, but if this works for your family, that's wonderful!❤🎉
Beautiful couple ❤
I adored my mother watching her taking care of 5 children. I thought I can't follow her example do I didn't. I stayed single. Greatest regret if ever had a regret. I wished I have honored God and the body He gave me by having a child or children of course always through marriage and natural procreation not artificial. Praise be to God. Amen.
good morning and congratulations God bless
How do you overcome all the fears and anxiety about having another child? I was experiencing some chronic health issues for a few years now in addition to the fact that one of my children is special needs and will be having a surgery next year or the year after (she’s doing very well in general but taking care of her needs requires more time, finances, etc.). At the same time, I’m almost 40. It’s been difficult to discern God’s will for our family…
That's the question I have too. I don't have any kids (not married). But I'm curious about what parents do when they have special needs child. It's all well and good to have six or seven or ten kids when they're all hail and hearty. But what to do if one or more are sick or disabled?
I'm also struggeling with this question... Our first-born daughther is special needs (a sweet little 5-years-old), the doctors don't know what is going on with her, last year our second child is born in heaven very early in the pregnancy, my body is complete upside down, i'm very tired every day... It's really hard to discern God's will for our family as well...
I love this video. And the cherry on top I am so happy to see my very first add for priesthood. So cool!
What a beautiful message ❤
I know all five of those points. I also hate when I hear “We can’t afford another kid” because plenty of people around the world live in huts made out of palm leaves or metal slats and have children. I am currently finding it hard in my own life to say “yes” to life because we have no more beds, only one more open seat in our van, and we are in debt. Especially these days we know not the day nor the hour, all of those reasons seem so trivial. For my justly practical husband is nervous, but he’s responsible for caring for us. That’s why I never judge a family for how large or small. God has a different plan for each family, but it does feel wrong whenever we say “not yet.” We will see.
We agree! Vic and I have 9 kids born from 1973 tom1986.
Just wonderful 🙏🏼💖
No way, the first best moment is feeling the first kicks and being one with my baby. Now she’s out, we will never be one again. When I talk scoff something that makes me mad, she will never kick back as though she’s feeling the same thing again. Now she’s a whole separate vein who has to face the world instead of being safe and only knowing the feelings I have
A baby! Very exciting!
Hello Ken & Janelle ❤❤ I agree completely. Congratulations🎉 ❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤on baby #8 boy or girl? I am very happy for you both. We have been married since 6 years and I cannot have any biological children. yes I do miss it sometimes, but I have Peace within, understanding God’s will for my husband & I, for our lives. With Prayers for the both of you & your children and baby on the way. May God Bless You Both & Your Family All the Very Best with Prayers and Love Gilbert & maria
Thank you
I have two grown sons one beautiful daughter and two granddaughters. U have beautiful family. U're very blessed with ur family congratulations on number eight. Maybe number 9??? Prayers for healthy pregnancy and birth. Blessings always. Love ur videos. Great example I'm starting to share ur videos. Love blessings always❤🎉
I am glad to see you back.
Your last Wednesday Message was 3 weeks ago, & I was concerned for the 2 of you.
Glad to see you.
I was laughing at your stories. I too had a Suburban for 17 1/2 years, until a deer jumped out from a bush and smashed it. The deer ran off okay but the insurance refused to do anything but total it because it was so old but yes the handles didn't work and the seat didn't roll and the running board on one side was completely broken and the thing kept running. All the little pieces were falling off oh and the seatbelt was shredded a little bit and it had over 200,000 Mi but had that deer not attacked it I would probably still be driving it
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I felt the same way. Idkw, but my marriage & Family has imploded. I believe it's Satan trying to destroy the traditional family. I pray you have better success. My life now is working and praying for their (and my) eternal souls.
That was great info 🙏
God loves babies and children. They are always exulting God's glory.
❤❤❤ We just found out we are having our 5th!!
@@nathanenns7186 so wonderful!
Please pray for me and my husband. I had my tubes removed last uear after having a very traumatic birth with my 3rd child. Each pregnancy and delivery was worse then the last, with my third almost costing my life abd my babys. Deep down i knew i was taking matters into my own hands when i went through the surgery. A few nights ago my husband and i both had a heart to heart and confessed having the surgery was not the best thing to do. I will have to live with this for the rest of my life, somwtimes i feel like im missing a child its the strangest thing. Ive repented and asked for Gods forgiveness i know he has but i have not forgiven myself.
We love kids but we are concerned about finances when we think about next baby. Pray for us. We were blessed with baby #1 this year Jan.
Blessings in The Divine Will through the Flame of Love!
Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊
Please, keep in your prayers Damariz & Guadalupe. And the rest of the women that haven't been able to become mothers. And I include the men also that have been wanting to become fathers as well but for some reason they haven't been able to became parents. Thank you and God bless you all in The Divine Will ❤🕊✝️
I'm super happy for you both! Another little blessing on the way🤗🤗🤗
I would have liked to have another baby again but things turned out differently. It's ok though. 😊 I've accepted it. ❤
Ken, I am almost 75 and am anything but sad. I have had pain for a very long time and now am about to receive a new hip!, We had 10 in family and, now we have still got 8. There is no sadness in living alone!!!
Beautiful video!
Sadly after several children and a 20 year marriage, wife divorced me, kicked me out of the home. She doesn't work either and has custody of all kids. My debt is well over 10K.
Be greatful that one day they will be adults and you will be able to help raise their grandchildren
We are currently struggling with deciding to use birth control after my current pregnancy. It's baby number 4 and we both want many children. However, I get so extremely sick when pregnant we aren't sure if we should have another. I spend weeks in bed extremely weak and nauseous. My mother and mother in-law had to be here for a total of 4 weeks this pregnancy to keep our three children alive. I still struggle to keep them fed and the kitchen clean, much less the rest of the house cared for. I don't want to stop a pregnancy but I'm also terrified to get pregnant again.
Hi, using contraception is a mortal sin, have you tried medications for the nausea such as zofran? Some pregnant women have a condition called hyperemisis gravidarum and it can only be remedied with very strong anti-nausea medication. I struggled with something similar
It's cheaper by the dozen😊❤
Amen amen amen ❤❤❤❤❤
Had one child. Very blessed. Won’t have more b/c medical issues. However, any info on adopting? All the information I read is very disheartening (legal hurdles, astronomical amounts of money, waiting period where they could take the child back ((Scary!)).
God did say be fruitful and multiply. Having 2 kids is just multiplying you and your spouse by 1.
I'm expecting baby no 3❤
I so much wanted lots of children, but was informed by doctor when I was 27, that unfortunately medical spoken I am not able to have children anymore because of medical reasons...my womb is too weak
What about those of us who are trying to just have one? It’s not fair to us
The first one isn't what you expected.
Deo gratias per Mariam Virginem Matrem Dei sine macula originali conceptam et Reginam pacis ac amoris et per Vos quoque ❤❤❤
I'm a single woman, never married, no kids. I'm dating someone and we are discussing marriage. Obviously we will be open to life. But I'm quite concerned about feeling isolated and depressed as a mother of small children. I've heard mothers talk about that a lot. It does frighten me.
Join the mom's group at your church as soon as you get pregnant. Moms that had their little ones recently were such a support to me as a new mom. Their memories of the postpartum experience are still fresh. You will find an understanding ear for what you're feeling.
I was a little lonely with my first child until he started being able to converse, but then we had another 3 years later… and it’s completely different. They’re so fun and entertaining!
@@courtneycaswell1628 I hope I can do something like that.
@@lagoya That's a relief to hear. I've heard that the first is the hardest
One is the hardest and most expensive. Every extra one is cheaper because you have all the stuff plus they entertain and teach each other
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