I’m from a family of 11. I find that a large family helps us learn to share and not be self centered. We always appreciated anything that we received. Children are a gift!
I just wanted to say I cried almost throughout this whole video. I have two children, 18 months and 3. Most days are so hard. It seems in this day and age having a village and using it is so frowned upon. Thank you for relating to us...too often people only care about hearing the positives, people don’t want to help through the storm. I’ve struggled with ppd for 3 ongoing years. It’s been the hardest thing ever. I just can’t say enough how thankful I am for this video. ❤️
I wanted 5 kids but God bless me with 2 daughters who are now 19 and 17. I believe they're truly miracles because I was told in my twenties that conceiving and carrying a baby would be very difficult for me. I thank God every single day because he blessed with two kind, smart, and loving young women.
I had two kids and was overwhelmed, because I did not have a teammate in my husband. He helped with absolutely nothing for the kids or the house or even to earn money. You are a team. That’s the way it should be. Then I got pregnant with my third from this man and I thought I was going to lose my mind. No one knew I thought it was going to lose my mind. On the outside I held it together. My third child came and the stress was incredible. I was also struggling for money. Anyway, multiple children work best when you’re not alone. Also having a stable financial situation is key. I divorced the loser when my girls were 12, 10 and 7 and my life instantly became much less stressful. They are now 31, 29, and 26 and the youngest is pregnant with her 2nd child within a marriage that is a team. TEAMWORK is key. MONEY is key. Then it’s manageable.
My husband and I have twelve children , ages 4 to 23 ( six girls , six boys ) and one Granddaughter....I love my large family and what being in a large family teaches.. patience , caring for others , and working together 🙂 We have are moments of bickering etc but when life hits the fan we have each other's back 😉 I want my kids to enjoy the little things in life..playing outside , climbing a tree , splashing in puddles .... the dishes will still be there , the kiddos will eventually move on . My mom would like my house to be cleaner , but hey I can clean my retirement away LOL my kids will only be small and take my cuddle and kisses so long 😂 Enjoy that Beautiful family ! ❤
I have six between the ages of 11-8 months and I totally understand what you're saying here. The more kids I've had, my expectations have changed and that has helped. Also, having older children to help makes a difference. But ultimately, truly embracing my role as a mother and resting in it - that has changed my heart. I love having a large family ❤
I also think lifestyle helps. Homeschooling and homesteading allows a slower pace of life. I don't think I could handle this many children in the busy, suburban, public school lifestyle.
I'm the oldest of 7 kids, 7 years between me and the youngest. The more of us there are, the more we have to interact with, besides just our parents. I think that helped take some stress off my parents, although we were very poor, sometimes in a good place, and sometimes not. I had to help raise the younger ones, which I thought made me an expert when I had children. No way. Every child is different, and society loves to judge everything you do, or not do. Everyone seems to think we are supposed to be perfect parents, instinctively knowing everything to do just right. That puts a lot of pressure on you, especially when you don't know what to do, or you feel dammed if you do, or damned if you don't. It's better that we think, talk about it, and ask questions, without people judging and condemning us. Or threatening to take our children. That takes so much pressure off, which also just improves the family relationship. Children, especially babies, sense stress, anxiety, and fears. And when you keep trying to live with that, instead of trying to resolve it, it can create mental problems, and worse. I think you guys are wonderful! I LOVE your family! Keep following what you're doing! I wish we had your inspiration when my parents were young, and when I was a young parent. Now I share your videos with my children and others, to help them with their families, or future families!!! God Bless you All!!!
I've been watching a few of your videos over the last few days, having come to you through Roots and Refuge. I've really enjoyed them, but this really spoke to me, because my boys are all grown up now, with my eldest (step-son) having his own children, but when I had my baby I was totally overwhelmed. I was bombarded with what I should do from all angles, and yet supported from non. I felt totally isolated after a very difficult pregnancy, and birth with a baby that I couldn't bond with. I was just sat here watching you feed you baby, thinking how lovely that is, but remembering watching my sister-in-law feed my nephew, who is six weeks older than my son, and feeling so inadequate because my baby was hungry and miserable all the time. I was in so much pain to! When he cried to be fed, I cried too. He had me awake all night because he was so hungry, and I was at my wits end. Finally a new health visitor asked me how I was, she was the only one that had, and when I told her she told me to start giving him a bottle of formula as late as I could before I went to bed. I can't tell you the difference it made to him. At nine weeks though my milk totally went, and I was so happy. I know they say that breast is best, but not when they are not doing the job right, your baby is literally starving, and you are both miserable. Finally I was able to start bonding with this beautiful little boy I had, who is now a strapping 24 year old. I have seen other mums criticize women like me for 'giving up', and 'not trying hard enough', because they did whatever. We accept that things go wrong with animals, and that sometimes we need to bottle feed calves, goats, foals, kittens, puppies...anything...except us it would seem with some people. We're all just trying to get through this life, and to support each other is the better way to do that. Non of us are perfect, and our choices don't always match, but we can all choose to be beautiful in our approach, rather than ugly xx
Great video....I feel like you have helped a lot of people today. My biggest thing was trying to keep everything spotless and that just doesn't work (at least not for me). When I gave myself permission to let the dusting go for a few days...wow what a difference that made. When your children grown up you want them to remember you always had some time for them, not that you were too busy with what ever else might be going on. Thanks for sharing this, love your beautiful family. Have a Blessed day.
Thank you for sharing your very personal thoughts. After my husband died a few years ago, I was so stressed about sending Christmas cards I did not know what to do. I felt so relieved when I gave myself permission not to do that, it was so empowering. This might seem very insignificant to some, but at the time it was a big thing to me. Thank you Bri and Art for being such awesome parents, you have been such a blessing.
My parents had EIGHT of us (on purpose). Mom always said three was the hardest number because they were all very young and helpless and she only had two hands.:) She said more than three kids was easier because the older kids can help and you learn how to go with the flow and let go of the little things.
I had 5 children and now my oldest is 31 and my youngest will be 21 soon. I wouldn't change a thing. Even though there were hard times and stress sometimes, they have brought me so much joy. Never a dull moment!
Great video. We have four kids from fourteen down to six. Our youngest is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. We have definitely had our challenges. I would much rather listen to experience than “expertise”. God has use my kids to make me a better person. The one thing I tell you parents, if they ask for advise, is to be the person you want your kids to be. Kids learn more from watching you than listening to you.
Thank you Art and Bri for sharing your video homestead farmer chicken and I love to watch your video it's beautiful and amazing nice to watch your video 🐔🐓🐥🐈🐕🐂🐖🐏🌱🎥👍👍👍
Having kids is hard! We have 3 sons, all just 2 years apart. My hardest days were when they were all in school, all in sports, all needing big dinners, all needing clean clothes, all needing help with homework and school projects, all needing lunches packed for school. The list goes on and on. Those were hard days! My husband worked long hours until our youngest was 12. Then he changed jobs, and was home in the early afternoon to help. Thank God, cuz I was ready to just drop dead at that point. Lol! It was still hard work, but we made it. We have 3 fantastic sons. Great advice guys! Love from Texas
Lol. Wilder loves the camera....he’s a cutie. Brighton and Justice are getting soo big! You guys are so blessed with two beautiful daughters and three healthy curious boys. Teach them what you know, guide them (potter and the clay), and know them. Stress less and be blessed.
Your honesty is refreshing. Even at uh 60+ it's important to recognize when to step back and just breath. Live, Love, Laugh. Happy Holidays to you all. 💞
I like how you explained that the real break is WITH family. I’d love nothing more than to be at home, in my bubble, loving my people and sharing time.
You two are so down-to-earth, it’s been lovely to see you grow, as well as your family. Give the girls extra love today, they help out around the house and make things easier. I used to stress at the holidays too, because I wanted everything to be perfect. As it turned out, the holidays were always perfect regardless of how much I stressed about the details. It’s family that makes it perfect, even if it doesn’t go the way you planned. Love your channel, you guys...all 7 of you, are a joy to watch!
Oh dying to yourself , YES ! I have 4 grown children , 20 , 27, 29 and 31 ..I started my Mommy career when I was 16 years old .. I look back and find myself not missing a thing but grateful I did it . All are productive citizens of our world , I'm thankful it's over though . Grandmother of three .
You guys are awesome...thank you for the encouragement. This video hit the spot for me (Sam) and I think you're right about doing what you need to do for your family, instead of trying to fit in another person's box. Thank you for sharing!!!
I totally understand. We have 5 kids and, truly, it does feel easier with 5 vs. 2.....crazy, but its just because we have learned and grown so much as parents.
I’m going the old videos from before I found you. This is one of the best advice videos for parents I have ever seen. Oh how I could have used this in 2006-2008! Thank you for your honesty, and sharing your beautiful family with us. 💕
Art, Bri and family Being calm is great and ty all for shareing with us all gb you all tc for sharing your time and Iam glad god has work his love to your family..
This makes me emotional! I hope that Art re- watches this episode and remembers what makes life grand! I also never saw Wilder as a baby! So precious! That little boy has a piece of my heart! Prayers being sent for you all!
Yes, i second what you said. I found their channel when Wilder was maybe 3y.o.? I had never seen him as a baby before. Hes so stinkin cute! Im watching now in May of '23. Its very poignant to watch now. Ive always thought that Art must be in a very painfilled hard place to be away from his family. I pray for him often, as well as for Bri & the kids. It is truly NONE OF MY BUSINESS. I just want them all be to healed & happy - whatever that is for each of them❣🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
It took me until last year at the age 43 to realize I had the ability to live my life the way I wanted. In the past, I often found myself overwhelmed with just the mere thought of pleasing others or meeting THEIR expectations of me. My child has angel wings and even though I can not relate to having 5 children, your message and encouragement serve me as a reminder during this often stressful time of the year. ❣️
From a child’s perspective, I’m an adult now but when I was Grace’s age my mom had just had a baby too! I love him to bits but I will say the one thing I craved from my mother was for her to listen. Now as an adult I can look back and see she loved and cared for us and just was trying to handle things but as a child when I was told to “just wait” or “after this” when I came to talk to her made me feel like I wasn’t a priority. So I agree with what you said, all they need is you, and for you to be there! You are such a great mother and no one is perfect, that’s just not human. And just as I did once children gain perspective they will be able to better understand why some things were they way they were! Love y’alls family and I aspire to be half as good as a mother as you someday!
My parents had 5 children in 4 1/2 yrs. Last two were twins. I arrived almost 6 yrs to the day of the twins and my sister 4 1/2 yrs after me. My sister and I are sure we were oops babies but my parents called us the blessings. My Dad drove transport truck and was often gone for days. When I had my three and times were hard, I asked my Mum, who was 1 of 11 children, how she did it. She told me to sit down and enjoy them. Forget about the house it will be there tomorrow but the child today will not be the child tomorrow. Closeness of family was important to them. I know times were hard for my parents with so many mouths to feed but they left us with good memories of the time they spent with us and what they taught us, not the material things we didn't have. We miss them both so very much.
Bri, its so easy to 'just say no' but still hard to do. I also have that problem. Over-commitment is a big stressor, even if I want to do the things. When my baby was little I was telling my mother that I was on the edge of falling apart. Her suggestion was "Just use Pampers (disposables)." I laughed so hard I forgot about all the pressure. At work it became the solution for everything after I shared that sage advice. As L&D nurses we had lots of stress; someone would always be saying "Just use Pampers," then we could all laugh and regain our peace. .
I can identify with everything you’ve said. It’s easy to feel pressure to please other people. At the end of the day, it’s ok not to. And that’s a huge release of pressure.
Each of you are so kind and sweet. Thank you for sharing your life and helping others. I do love each of you and I hope that you have a blessed Christmas and 2019.
Great advice from you guys. I couldn't help but notice Grace's expression while you guys were talking. It reminds me when I was her age, when my parents talked about financial struggles in front of me, it made me take on that worry, and made me feel helpless for our financial struggles. I just ask that everyone remember what your conversations are in front of little ones, cause some, like me, took that on and caused me great worry as a child. I know you understand what I mean, love you guys, from TX
This video comes at the best possible moment in my life. I was asking and doubting myself about the vast majority of things you have talked about in the video. It is so reassuring to hear what you have to say. Thank you
Thank you Art & Bri. I am not a parent, but this was still.one of the most inspiring and touching videos i've see in a while. Thank you Bri for sharing your story and tip about dealing with anxiety. It's refreshing to have someone honestly discuss their life, rather than just share a one dentional.portrayal of themselves (like so many other youtubers do). Thank you for keeping it real
Oh man Bri, preach it! I have a 3 year old, 2 year old and another due in a few months and I do feel like I'm just in survival mode. Hard to enjoy life. Feeling like I gave up everything (and always will) for the kids. Feeling like I can't take time for myself cause this and that need to be addressed. It really is so hard
Thank you for this. I only have one child, a 5yo, but the feelings of anxiety and stress you mentioned are so real to me. My son is so full of life and love, but more often than not I see him in a negative light because of the anxiety I feel when he is enjoying himself to the fullest (ie jumping off things, running, yelling happily... etc). I need to figure out how to let go, for both our happinesses. Anyway, thank you again. Your encouragement, as always, is so replenishing, and will hopefully help me to figure out what I need to do to change up things for the better for my family.
As a single parent of 5 one of my big regrets is that I didn’t take the time to stop and just be with them more. There was always work and house work , garden, etc. They are now 36-22 and their view is we did tons of stuff together and I was always there for them. So I guess my view as a mother I felt I wasn’t doing enough. You both are great parents and your kids are beautiful.
This is me now I constantly clean the house or work I have 4 children oldest is 8 a 7 year old a todler and a 1 year old baby a currently expecting my 5th and that's a fear of mine am I going to regret not taking more time to enjoy say the heck with cleaning once and a while and take it all In
I needed to hear this.. Thank You both so much for your words. I have 5 kids as well and things have not been at all easy. Last night I stressed out, and Bri you are so right. Had I stopped and thought about what was fully stressing me out I might not have gone off on my kids the way I did. But I should've stopped and placed my mind in that "zone." Everything seems to be hitting all at once & it just became over whelming. My 14 year old son is slightly autistic & has been struggling with a few things in life. My 12 year daughter has been getting bullied at school plus going through some thing with her biological father for whom she doesn't want to see, but everything got to the point where she was contemplating suicide. I had the cops at my door asking to speak to her and I. It's still an on going battle & I have to keep an eye on her. I have three other little one's ages 8-4. All for which need my attention. I panicked last night and just went full blown "crazy off" not meaning to but it just all exploded. Sorry for the long response. I hope you guys have a wonderful week. God Bless.
Justin and Mary Ward we have very similar aged kids and we just had our 4th two months ago. I won’t say it’s not hectic but this has been my easiest transition thus far. The baby has been the easy part, the hardest part has been keeping up with the older ones. Just wanted to encourage you! You’ve got this!
THANK YOU so much for this message. We have a 2.5 yo who we ACHED for before she was born, who, upon arrival, spent the next 7+ months either nursing or screaming with almost zero in between. Combo that with my own childhood traumas, and I have been a MESS for a really long time. And it took me over a year to realize that it wasn't even about my daughter- it was about me. I've been in therapy over a year now with a trauma-specific therapist, and it has been an incredible journey. I'm not "all better" by any means, and I still have a long way to go, but since I started dealing with my own traumas, I have come to be completely enamored with my daughter in all the ways that people swore I could be, and yet I had never experienced. Moral of the story: everyone's journey is different; don't let your initial experiences or anyone else's experience define you; children have a way of forcing you to grow in the most wonderfully painful way, and it's totally worth it. 2 years ago, I was swimming in shame over feeling like I had made an enormous mistake in becoming a mother, and now I can't even imagine a life without this incredible little soul who is fire and joy and worth every bit of work I have to put in to know her. Along the lines of "you have the power to make your home what it needs to be", we have all but decided not to have more children (at least for a while). I always wanted many children, but given the amount of work I have left to do on myself in order to heal myself, it's just not something we are purposely willing to take on. I hope to one day be in a place where I can safely bring more children into our home, since they are such a joy, and y'all's honest messages of life with many children makes me feel like it could be possible to know a life with a more full home. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for inspiring and encouraging me again and again. I'm really grateful for y'all's voice.
I'm thankful you are "real" and post these videos. In some ways, I'd love to have a family of 3+ kids. In others, I'm sooooooooo tired from not having slept more than 4 or 5 hours consecutively in more than 2 years. I'm a first time momma with an active 2 year old (she's like my husband). I am so overwhelmed with my stay-at-home mom duties. I'm always behind on dishes and laundry, and my house is an embarrassing mess...the chaos stresses me. Bri mentioned simple meals...if you could do a video on simple real meals, I'd appreciate it! I used to spend 1-2 hours cooking dinner every night. Now I am trying to batch cook, and I'm getting better, but my brain doesn't think in the language of "low-prep," "forgiving," or "quick" meals. Like...quick meals used to be risotto and roast chicken...I cannot stand and stir a pot non-stop for 30 minutes anymore. Lol!
I think the toughest part of parenting is when they are transitioning into adulthood, when their decisions are permanent, when their choices are not wise. I am currently watching my daughter run full speed to a cliff while refusing all advice and wisdom from her elders and peers. Knowing she is of age there is little I can do but pray. My son is making poor decisions as far as his future, education, career and digs in his heels and chooses his own way. It was easy to homeschool them because I knew what was best. Now they are choosing and it is horrifying!! I now keep my mouth shut and just pray and pray and pray. My encouragement to you is to pray NOW for wisdom when the time comes for them to jump the nest. God bless your beautiful family!
brightpurpleviking + Dear, you can cry out to God, hand her over to Him and trust Him. Pray for her every day with all your heart, that He manifests to her personally! you can do that, and it is very powerful!
Gladys R. White thank you so much for the encouragement! I have prayed so hard for her every single day. I am grateful God loves her so much and is able to change her direction easily. What a tremendous hope we have in Him-! God bless you ❤️
I think in cases like this, just remember what you have steadfastly worked to "install" in your children and have faith that eventually, that "software" will win out. Trust your children. They must make their own mistakes to really learn, after all.
Brightpurpleviking, I know what you are saying. It is hard to have raised your children the best way you knew how, to think that you instilled in them good things and what they will need to make wise decisions, and then see them get out on their own and race headlong to disaster. One of my children made a lot of really bad decisions for a lot of years. They are ow almost forty and finally stopping for a moment to take stock of their life. They blamed us for sheltering them too much for a long time, and maybe we did. Now they are finally starting to realize that they are responsible for their life and that their choices affect their kids’ lives. I said STARTING to. Keep praying! After they’re grown, the more you say, the less they hear!
Good parents always worry about being good parents I think. I'm 46 and my around 70 parents still worrie about being good parents eventhough I told them a tousand times they are. My dad drove me to an appointment today because due to secomstances I don't drive anymore and he stated as long as I can I will do this for you no questions asked. Ain't he great. I love my folks.
Such wisdom. Made me think back 40+ years. I could have used this then. I would have been a much better parent and person. I work now on being an incredible grandma!
I loved this video, had 3 boys under 2 yrs of age. Went thru some of this anxiety. It's hard, prayer helps...and we made it thru it!! It's much easier now.
Just came on this older post. I raised our 5 kids and the age span was 10 years. It did get easier. The easiest was the younger years, but more busy as they were older,. They are now all 5 married, living within 6 miles of us, so we totally enjoy them as wonderful hard working adults. You are doing a great job. Enjoy this time because it truly goes in a flash! Each one is a blessing for sure. My husband was a wonderful dad and partner, so having them all was mostly easy. Not perfect, but staying home to raise them was a struggle financially, but totally worth the sacrifices made. You give wonderful advice so keep on doing what you are doing. You are a lovely family. Blessings ❤️
I’ve got 5 daughters ages 31 to 15. My best advice is to try to stop and enjoy SOMETHING about each of your children every day. Believe me I know that some days it’s hard to do that. Notice the things that make them unique and special and tell them! Let go of certain expectations and focus on doing the best you can in that moment. They grow up so quickly. I would love to spend just one more day cuddling and breathing in each of them as babies!
This video is right on the mark! We have 2 adult children (27 & 21). Parents must talk to each other and be unified, then they can help the children grow. You are right Bri, this season can be very stressful and you need to give yourself permission to say "No, this is not what I want" and change it. Keep up the good work, you have a great family and UA-cam channel.
Hi Art and Bri. We are very soon moving out of Auckland City, New Zealand 6 hours south to our first home with 3 acres near a country village. To do homesteading, homeschooling. Two kids, 3 and 6. Thanks for your videos!!! Been watching a year now. Been an inspiration to us all in many ways. Appreciate your honesty and warm personalities so much.
As a fellow Mama of 5 who are now between 13 and 22, I agree that those earliest years were the hardest. There have been hard teenage moments, but not the puddles of tears every time my husband goes to work kind of hard 😊 I do think that I struggled with undiagnosed post-partum depression. And I also urge you to follow that desire to take away all distractions and lean into these brief years of intense motherhood ....I regret some years that I let other things become distractions and wish I could have a do-over 💜
I definitely understand. I have 4 kiddos from 1 to 9 and a stepson. For the longest time I was having such a hard time but once I realized I had to let go of some of my picky ways and learned to pick my battles with the kiddos, life has been so much better!
This made me cry...YES! I at the same point right now. My oldest is 10, I am stunned she is that old, sad that I feel like it has passed so quickly. I am trying to figure out where to pare down & simplify our lives. Please do a video when you get time, about what you are working towards right now, and how you are getting there. Thanks for your transparency! ♥️
I think this is the second time watching this video and its perfect timing as I feel a bit crazy with now just getting a job, school and two kids under 5 . Thank you for being the balm I needed again ! Art and Bri thank you for being such a wonderful family to watch ! Sending love , from Kansas
I think moms hold themselves up to ridiculously high standard and it can suck the joy right out of being a parent/woman. Not every family has the same routine, motivation, income, needs, space. Quit reading good housekeeping if its going to cause stress in your life instead of enjoyment! quit hanging out with people who act like being perfect (martha stewart and the pioneer woman) is your goal in life over quality time with your children/family. Parenting is messy, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty. live within your means, and be happy with that. get creative, use your imagination, think outside the box because its ok to do that. you are the boss of your own life, you make the rules! Im really worried about Rebecca Rhodes, I think shes a prime example of this conversation and its making her sick. I can see you have worked some things out Bri and you are in a much better place. I hope she realizes that what she thinks and wants matters. its ok to say NO. You are not a failure if you decide to change up your routine for your own sanity. you need to eat, sleep, take care of yourself! Art and Bri, you made great points in this video. ❤️❤️
I have six kids as a single mom. It’s just that practice makes progress. The two of you together makes it easier and more enjoyable. I would never trade my the experience as a mom raising my kids. They are all adults now and they are great! Thanks for sharing!
This is great! I do think almost every mom (and even dads)have the same thoughts at a given day - and if she's honest to herself - and even if she has only two children, like me. But like you say, we grow and then we realize, whats really important - and its not the ego.......It is so nice to see you talk about all that so freely, it is so helpful, you nice people over there. It helps me also to understand, that we are all the same even more and more everywhere on this planet earth. Thank you
What a great video 💗. So many of us get stressed around the holidays and this really reminds me to try to be present in the good moments and not focus on the unimportant.
Getting ready to start our school day and honestly, was really struggling this morning. This helped me so much. I just needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing your heart. You are such a special family.
Counseling helped me a lot, but God has helped me more than anything. I wish I had known Him sooner when my kids were small so they could know Him now. Thats something I regret now as a grandma, Its nice to see you guys being so honest and open about your life with your children, God bless you all.
Katherine Bragg You can be a great influence on your grandchildren. I was raised by a single mom who was not a Christian, but my grandmother was a very devoted Christian. She had a huge impact on my life toward serving the Lord. Don’t live in regret, you can love and pray for your kids and grandkids and you CAN make a difference in their lives!
Your children are sooooo incredibly blessed that you two are their parents. I love how open and real you are with them, and with us, too. It makes me so happy to see you enjoying life and love!
My wife and I had six children at one time. Three biological children and three foster children. One was a teen, then five under eight. It seemed easier. We put off our dreams for our kids. Now that we have our first grandbaby, we are finally planning our future. The kids are grown and our lives are in stage of restart. Great video!
Shield Grace. I am the oldest sibling in my family, and while I also grew up fast and was able to help my parents meaningfully, I think my parents sometimes lost sight of me also being a child. Not ill-intentioned. I think it's a slippery slope and you guys seem to be aware of it. :) Thank you for sharing.
I had to keep pausing so many times to cry. I dont have littles any more (my youngest of four is 6) but I hadn't figured out how to teach my kids to tidy after themselves- then we moved into a house! its a huge blessing and now we get to practice before we homestead, but I'm getting no help (husband works nights and has stretched himself too thin as it is) and I have never had someplace so big to keep on top of and I'm so angry all the time! I really needed this today! thank you so much for sharing this. THANK YOU. SO. MUCH.
We have 8 kids. My oldest is 20 and newly married. My youngest is 3. It’s amazing how quickly they really do grow. It took me a long time to learn to be present. Years. Parenting is a struggle. When they’re little and when they’re teenagers. I love how candid you are. Such wonderful advice! You spoke straight to my struggling mama heart.
Bri, thank you for opening up about what you went through I went through something very similar after having my son and it didn't get better until I saw counseling. You are a strong rock, mama! Love seeing mama and papa on the same page with parenting!❤
My kiddos, and I still call them my kiddos, are 51, 46 and 37. I am so grateful they survived me. At different times we were chaotic, peaceful, confused, angry, ashamed and embarrassed. I always loved them...and they were and are still so different from one another. But life was never dull. We care for one another and help one another when we can. Life can be a crazy mess but it is ever so much better than the alternative.
I have 4 kids ages 10 1/2, 14, 18, and almost 22. Our middle daughter is adopted from China and is mentally challenged/Cerebral Palsy and will be a "forever child". For me the hardest part of being a parent has been the last 4 years when I've had to transition myself into a position of "letting go" with my two oldest. Sure, there were lots of sleepless nights and all that when they were all babies -- but I heard it said not to long ago: "Your job as a parent is to put yourself out of a job." No one tells you how hard that is going to be... you can never stop being a mom (or dad). You never stop worrying. I think both of you are doing it right. I love to watch your interaction with each other (a team!) and with your children.
young familys can learn so much from you and your walk . I sure wish you tube was around when I was young. I remember putting so much pressure on myself. so this kind of "teaching " is so helpful to other familys. thank you.
The days are long but the years are short. You are raising your kiddos beautifully. We have 5 kids that we homeschool on a small acreage farm 4 are graduated, last one started high school this year, 2 are married an we now have 2 grands. We didn't do too many activities that detracted from family time and I don't have a single regret! Our kids ha e all thanked us and want to do what we did! God has blessed us and may He bless you as well!
Thank you for your words from your heart... It has given me a feeling of I matter too in my family. Right now I have 3 step-kids and 1 daughter of my own. Our oldest will be 18 on the 5th of December and doesn't live at home. My daughter Frankie just turned two Oct. 1st and so wants to be a big sister, I am hoping so much that I can carry our next baby in the new year. Thank you again for sharing your lives with all of us!
I’m from a family of 11. I find that a large family helps us learn to share and not be self centered. We always appreciated anything that we received. Children are a gift!
I think a lot of young parents forget that they are the PARENT! Children need to have this, not a friend. Great advice Art and Bri!
Darlene Graham yes!!! it is painful to watch a tiny one lord it over a parent....
I just wanted to say I cried almost throughout this whole video. I have two children, 18 months and 3. Most days are so hard. It seems in this day and age having a village and using it is so frowned upon. Thank you for relating to us...too often people only care about hearing the positives, people don’t want to help through the storm. I’ve struggled with ppd for 3 ongoing years. It’s been the hardest thing ever. I just can’t say enough how thankful I am for this video. ❤️
Everyone has a village anymore. Every store I go into there are at least 3 kids to every family.
Your sweet baby is a scene stealer , what an adorable little person!
I wanted 5 kids but God bless me with 2 daughters who are now 19 and 17. I believe they're truly miracles because I was told in my twenties that conceiving and carrying a baby would be very difficult for me. I thank God every single day because he blessed with two kind, smart, and loving young women.
Susan West Such a blessing. Thank you for sharing our story.
I had two kids and was overwhelmed, because I did not have a teammate in my husband. He helped with absolutely nothing for the kids or the house or even to earn money. You are a team. That’s the way it should be. Then I got pregnant with my third from this man and I thought I was going to lose my mind. No one knew I thought it was going to lose my mind. On the outside I held it together. My third child came and the stress was incredible. I was also struggling for money. Anyway, multiple children work best when you’re not alone. Also having a stable financial situation is key. I divorced the loser when my girls were 12, 10 and 7 and my life instantly became much less stressful. They are now 31, 29, and 26 and the youngest is pregnant with her 2nd child within a marriage that is a team. TEAMWORK is key. MONEY is key. Then it’s manageable.
Tnx for sharing.
My husband and I have twelve children , ages 4 to 23 ( six girls , six boys ) and one Granddaughter....I love my large family and what being in a large family teaches.. patience , caring for others , and working together 🙂
We have are moments of bickering etc but when life hits the fan we have each other's back 😉
I want my kids to enjoy the little things in life..playing outside , climbing a tree , splashing in puddles .... the dishes will still be there , the kiddos will eventually move on .
My mom would like my house to be cleaner , but hey I can clean my retirement away LOL my kids will only be small and take my cuddle and kisses so long 😂
Enjoy that Beautiful family ! ❤
I have six between the ages of 11-8 months and I totally understand what you're saying here. The more kids I've had, my expectations have changed and that has helped. Also, having older children to help makes a difference. But ultimately, truly embracing my role as a mother and resting in it - that has changed my heart. I love having a large family ❤
I also think lifestyle helps. Homeschooling and homesteading allows a slower pace of life. I don't think I could handle this many children in the busy, suburban, public school lifestyle.
I'm the oldest of 7 kids, 7 years between me and the youngest. The more of us there are, the more we have to interact with, besides just our parents. I think that helped take some stress off my parents, although we were very poor, sometimes in a good place, and sometimes not. I had to help raise the younger ones, which I thought made me an expert when I had children. No way. Every child is different, and society loves to judge everything you do, or not do. Everyone seems to think we are supposed to be perfect parents, instinctively knowing everything to do just right. That puts a lot of pressure on you, especially when you don't know what to do, or you feel dammed if you do, or damned if you don't. It's better that we think, talk about it, and ask questions, without people judging and condemning us. Or threatening to take our children. That takes so much pressure off, which also just improves the family relationship. Children, especially babies, sense stress, anxiety, and fears. And when you keep trying to live with that, instead of trying to resolve it, it can create mental problems, and worse.
I think you guys are wonderful! I LOVE your family! Keep following what you're doing! I wish we had your inspiration when my parents were young, and when I was a young parent. Now I share your videos with my children and others, to help them with their families, or future families!!! God Bless you All!!!
So young yet so wise! Yall are an inspiration and encouragement to this old soul. Luv seeing you and your family, thanks for sharing!
I've been watching a few of your videos over the last few days, having come to you through Roots and Refuge. I've really enjoyed them, but this really spoke to me, because my boys are all grown up now, with my eldest (step-son) having his own children, but when I had my baby I was totally overwhelmed. I was bombarded with what I should do from all angles, and yet supported from non. I felt totally isolated after a very difficult pregnancy, and birth with a baby that I couldn't bond with. I was just sat here watching you feed you baby, thinking how lovely that is, but remembering watching my sister-in-law feed my nephew, who is six weeks older than my son, and feeling so inadequate because my baby was hungry and miserable all the time. I was in so much pain to! When he cried to be fed, I cried too. He had me awake all night because he was so hungry, and I was at my wits end. Finally a new health visitor asked me how I was, she was the only one that had, and when I told her she told me to start giving him a bottle of formula as late as I could before I went to bed. I can't tell you the difference it made to him. At nine weeks though my milk totally went, and I was so happy. I know they say that breast is best, but not when they are not doing the job right, your baby is literally starving, and you are both miserable. Finally I was able to start bonding with this beautiful little boy I had, who is now a strapping 24 year old. I have seen other mums criticize women like me for 'giving up', and 'not trying hard enough', because they did whatever. We accept that things go wrong with animals, and that sometimes we need to bottle feed calves, goats, foals, kittens, puppies...anything...except us it would seem with some people.
We're all just trying to get through this life, and to support each other is the better way to do that. Non of us are perfect, and our choices don't always match, but we can all choose to be beautiful in our approach, rather than ugly xx
Great video....I feel like you have helped a lot of people today. My biggest thing was trying to keep everything spotless and that just doesn't work (at least not for me). When I gave myself permission to let the dusting go for a few days...wow what a difference that made. When your children grown up you want them to remember you always had some time for them, not that you were too busy with what ever else might be going on. Thanks for sharing this, love your beautiful family. Have a Blessed day.
Thank you for sharing your very personal thoughts. After my husband died a few years ago, I was so stressed about sending Christmas cards I did not know what to do. I felt so relieved when I gave myself permission not to do that, it was so empowering. This might seem very insignificant to some, but at the time it was a big thing to me. Thank you Bri and Art for being such awesome parents, you have been such a blessing.
My parents had EIGHT of us (on purpose). Mom always said three was the hardest number because they were all very young and helpless and she only had two hands.:) She said more than three kids was easier because the older kids can help and you learn how to go with the flow and let go of the little things.
I had 5 children and now my oldest is 31 and my youngest will be 21 soon. I wouldn't change a thing. Even though there were hard times and stress sometimes, they have brought me so much joy. Never a dull moment!
Great video. We have four kids from fourteen down to six. Our youngest is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. We have definitely had our challenges. I would much rather listen to experience than “expertise”. God has use my kids to make me a better person. The one thing I tell you parents, if they ask for advise, is to be the person you want your kids to be. Kids learn more from watching you than listening to you.
Amen lol cause they dont listen well they copy!! Lol...
The Crazy Seis Amen ❤️
Thank you Art and Bri for sharing your video homestead farmer chicken and I love to watch your video it's beautiful and amazing nice to watch your video 🐔🐓🐥🐈🐕🐂🐖🐏🌱🎥👍👍👍
Having kids is hard! We have 3 sons, all just 2 years apart. My hardest days were when they were all in school, all in sports, all needing big dinners, all needing clean clothes, all needing help with homework and school projects, all needing lunches packed for school. The list goes on and on. Those were hard days! My husband worked long hours until our youngest was 12. Then he changed jobs, and was home in the early afternoon to help. Thank God, cuz I was ready to just drop dead at that point. Lol! It was still hard work, but we made it. We have 3 fantastic sons. Great advice guys! Love from Texas
Lol. Wilder loves the camera....he’s a cutie. Brighton and Justice are getting soo big! You guys are so blessed with two beautiful daughters and three healthy curious boys. Teach them what you know, guide them (potter and the clay), and know them. Stress less and be blessed.
Your honesty is refreshing. Even at uh 60+ it's important to recognize when to step back and just breath. Live, Love, Laugh. Happy Holidays to you all. 💞
I like how you explained that the real break is WITH family. I’d love nothing more than to be at home, in my bubble, loving my people and sharing time.
You two are so down-to-earth, it’s been lovely to see you grow, as well as your family. Give the girls extra love today, they help out around the house and make things easier.
I used to stress at the holidays too, because I wanted everything to be perfect. As it turned out, the holidays were always perfect regardless of how much I stressed about the details. It’s family that makes it perfect, even if it doesn’t go the way you planned.
Love your channel, you guys...all 7 of you, are a joy to watch!
Oh dying to yourself , YES ! I have 4 grown children , 20 , 27, 29 and 31 ..I started my Mommy career when I was 16 years old .. I look back and find myself not missing a thing but grateful I did it . All are productive citizens of our world , I'm thankful it's over though . Grandmother of three .
You guys are awesome...thank you for the encouragement. This video hit the spot for me (Sam) and I think you're right about doing what you need to do for your family, instead of trying to fit in another person's box. Thank you for sharing!!!
I cut cable years ago. I would much rather spend my time watching real people than actors. Happy to support your channel!
I totally understand. We have 5 kids and, truly, it does feel easier with 5 vs. 2.....crazy, but its just because we have learned and grown so much as parents.
I’m going the old videos from before I found you. This is one of the best advice videos for parents I have ever seen. Oh how I could have used this in 2006-2008! Thank you for your honesty, and sharing your beautiful family with us. 💕
Art, Bri and family
Being calm is great and ty all for shareing with us all
gb you all tc for sharing your time and Iam glad god has work his love to your family..
The power of saying "NO"....we all need to practice it!
Grace! Such wisdom! I really love the way you think so deeply!
Incredible video. Great for those of us considering when to have kids. Thanks for sharing.
Your a great inspiration to all your a normal young family going through stresses etc and your not afraid to share the reality of life, thank you xx
This makes me emotional! I hope that Art re- watches this episode and remembers what makes life grand! I also never saw Wilder as a baby! So precious! That little boy has a piece of my heart! Prayers being sent for you all!
Yes, i second what you said. I found their channel when Wilder was maybe 3y.o.? I had never seen him as a baby before. Hes so stinkin cute! Im watching now in May of '23.
Its very poignant to watch now.
Ive always thought that Art must be in a very painfilled hard place to be away from his family. I pray for him often, as well as for Bri & the kids.
It is truly NONE OF MY BUSINESS. I just want them all be to healed & happy - whatever that is for each of them❣🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@doulacoach6801 Amen! ❤️
It took me until last year at the age 43 to realize I had the ability to live my life the way I wanted. In the past, I often found myself overwhelmed with just the mere thought of pleasing others or meeting THEIR expectations of me.
My child has angel wings and even though I can not relate to having 5 children, your message and encouragement serve me as a reminder during this often stressful time of the year. ❣️
From a child’s perspective, I’m an adult now but when I was Grace’s age my mom had just had a baby too! I love him to bits but I will say the one thing I craved from my mother was for her to listen. Now as an adult I can look back and see she loved and cared for us and just was trying to handle things but as a child when I was told to “just wait” or “after this” when I came to talk to her made me feel like I wasn’t a priority. So I agree with what you said, all they need is you, and for you to be there! You are such a great mother and no one is perfect, that’s just not human. And just as I did once children gain perspective they will be able to better understand why some things were they way they were! Love y’alls family and I aspire to be half as good as a mother as you someday!
My parents had 5 children in 4 1/2 yrs. Last two were twins. I arrived almost 6 yrs to the day of the twins and my sister 4 1/2 yrs after me. My sister and I are sure we were oops babies but my parents called us the blessings. My Dad drove transport truck and was often gone for days. When I had my three and times were hard, I asked my Mum, who was 1 of 11 children, how she did it. She told me to sit down and enjoy them. Forget about the house it will be there tomorrow but the child today will not be the child tomorrow. Closeness of family was important to them. I know times were hard for my parents with so many mouths to feed but they left us with good memories of the time they spent with us and what they taught us, not the material things we didn't have. We miss them both so very much.
Bri, its so easy to 'just say no' but still hard to do. I also have that problem. Over-commitment is a big stressor, even if I want to do the things. When my baby was little I was telling my mother that I was on the edge of falling apart. Her suggestion was "Just use Pampers (disposables)." I laughed so hard I forgot about all the pressure. At work it became the solution for everything after I shared that sage advice. As L&D nurses we had lots of stress; someone would always be saying "Just use Pampers," then we could all laugh and regain our peace. .
Awesome message today with 4 girls under 4 I have been growing gray hairs and needed to hear this today
I can identify with everything you’ve said. It’s easy to feel pressure to please other people. At the end of the day, it’s ok not to. And that’s a huge release of pressure.
Each of you are so kind and sweet. Thank you for sharing your life and helping others. I do love each of you and I hope that you have a blessed Christmas and 2019.
Wilder is such a handsome and cute boy! I have a very big smile on my face watching his bright face.
Great advice from you guys. I couldn't help but notice Grace's expression while you guys were talking. It reminds me when I was her age, when my parents talked about financial struggles in front of me, it made me take on that worry, and made me feel helpless for our financial struggles. I just ask that everyone remember what your conversations are in front of little ones, cause some, like me, took that on and caused me great worry as a child. I know you understand what I mean, love you guys, from TX
"Let whatever you do today Be Enough". Looks like you are doing a fabulous job. Tfs.
This video comes at the best possible moment in my life. I was asking and doubting myself about the vast majority of things you have talked about in the video. It is so reassuring to hear what you have to say. Thank you
Amen. Thank you for sharing your heart. Very encouraging.💜
Thank you Art & Bri. I am not a parent, but this was still.one of the most inspiring and touching videos i've see in a while. Thank you Bri for sharing your story and tip about dealing with anxiety. It's refreshing to have someone honestly discuss their life, rather than just share a one dentional.portrayal of themselves (like so many other youtubers do).
Thank you for keeping it real
Oh man Bri, preach it! I have a 3 year old, 2 year old and another due in a few months and I do feel like I'm just in survival mode. Hard to enjoy life. Feeling like I gave up everything (and always will) for the kids. Feeling like I can't take time for myself cause this and that need to be addressed. It really is so hard
Hold the Walnuts Stay encouraged!
Thank you for this. I only have one child, a 5yo, but the feelings of anxiety and stress you mentioned are so real to me. My son is so full of life and love, but more often than not I see him in a negative light because of the anxiety I feel when he is enjoying himself to the fullest (ie jumping off things, running, yelling happily... etc). I need to figure out how to let go, for both our happinesses. Anyway, thank you again. Your encouragement, as always, is so replenishing, and will hopefully help me to figure out what I need to do to change up things for the better for my family.
As a single parent of 5 one of my big regrets is that I didn’t take the time to stop and just be with them more. There was always work and house work , garden, etc. They are now 36-22 and their view is we did tons of stuff together and I was always there for them. So I guess my view as a mother I felt I wasn’t doing enough. You both are great parents and your kids are beautiful.
This is me now I constantly clean the house or work I have 4 children oldest is 8 a 7 year old a todler and a 1 year old baby a currently expecting my 5th and that's a fear of mine am I going to regret not taking more time to enjoy say the heck with cleaning once and a while and take it all In
I needed to hear this.. Thank You both so much for your words. I have 5 kids as well and things have not been at all easy. Last night I stressed out, and Bri you are so right. Had I stopped and thought about what was fully stressing me out I might not have gone off on my kids the way I did. But I should've stopped and placed my mind in that "zone." Everything seems to be hitting all at once & it just became over whelming. My 14 year old son is slightly autistic & has been struggling with a few things in life. My 12 year daughter has been getting bullied at school plus going through some thing with her biological father for whom she doesn't want to see, but everything got to the point where she was contemplating suicide. I had the cops at my door asking to speak to her and I. It's still an on going battle & I have to keep an eye on her. I have three other little one's ages 8-4. All for which need my attention. I panicked last night and just went full blown "crazy off" not meaning to but it just all exploded. Sorry for the long response. I hope you guys have a wonderful week. God Bless.
I have three beautiful children age 4 and under and expecting my fourth baby in February. I really needed this video this morning.🙂
Justin and Mary Ward we have very similar aged kids and we just had our 4th two months ago. I won’t say it’s not hectic but this has been my easiest transition thus far. The baby has been the easy part, the hardest part has been keeping up with the older ones. Just wanted to encourage you! You’ve got this!
THANK YOU so much for this message. We have a 2.5 yo who we ACHED for before she was born, who, upon arrival, spent the next 7+ months either nursing or screaming with almost zero in between. Combo that with my own childhood traumas, and I have been a MESS for a really long time. And it took me over a year to realize that it wasn't even about my daughter- it was about me. I've been in therapy over a year now with a trauma-specific therapist, and it has been an incredible journey. I'm not "all better" by any means, and I still have a long way to go, but since I started dealing with my own traumas, I have come to be completely enamored with my daughter in all the ways that people swore I could be, and yet I had never experienced. Moral of the story: everyone's journey is different; don't let your initial experiences or anyone else's experience define you; children have a way of forcing you to grow in the most wonderfully painful way, and it's totally worth it. 2 years ago, I was swimming in shame over feeling like I had made an enormous mistake in becoming a mother, and now I can't even imagine a life without this incredible little soul who is fire and joy and worth every bit of work I have to put in to know her.
Along the lines of "you have the power to make your home what it needs to be", we have all but decided not to have more children (at least for a while). I always wanted many children, but given the amount of work I have left to do on myself in order to heal myself, it's just not something we are purposely willing to take on. I hope to one day be in a place where I can safely bring more children into our home, since they are such a joy, and y'all's honest messages of life with many children makes me feel like it could be possible to know a life with a more full home. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for inspiring and encouraging me again and again. I'm really grateful for y'all's voice.
Thank you so much for the encouragement.
I'm thankful you are "real" and post these videos. In some ways, I'd love to have a family of 3+ kids. In others, I'm sooooooooo tired from not having slept more than 4 or 5 hours consecutively in more than 2 years. I'm a first time momma with an active 2 year old (she's like my husband). I am so overwhelmed with my stay-at-home mom duties. I'm always behind on dishes and laundry, and my house is an embarrassing mess...the chaos stresses me. Bri mentioned simple meals...if you could do a video on simple real meals, I'd appreciate it! I used to spend 1-2 hours cooking dinner every night. Now I am trying to batch cook, and I'm getting better, but my brain doesn't think in the language of "low-prep," "forgiving," or "quick" meals. Like...quick meals used to be risotto and roast chicken...I cannot stand and stir a pot non-stop for 30 minutes anymore. Lol!
I think the toughest part of parenting is when they are transitioning into adulthood, when their decisions are permanent, when their choices are not wise. I am currently watching my daughter run full speed to a cliff while refusing all advice and wisdom from her elders and peers. Knowing she is of age there is little I can do but pray. My son is making poor decisions as far as his future, education, career and digs in his heels and chooses his own way. It was easy to homeschool them because I knew what was best. Now they are choosing and it is horrifying!! I now keep my mouth shut and just pray and pray and pray. My encouragement to you is to pray NOW for wisdom when the time comes for them to jump the nest. God bless your beautiful family!
brightpurpleviking + Dear, you can cry out to God, hand her over to Him and trust Him. Pray for her every day with all your heart, that He manifests to her personally! you can do that, and it is very powerful!
Gladys R. White thank you so much for the encouragement! I have prayed so hard for her every single day. I am grateful God loves her so much and is able to change her direction easily. What a tremendous hope we have in Him-! God bless you ❤️
I think in cases like this, just remember what you have steadfastly worked to "install" in your children and have faith that eventually, that "software" will win out. Trust your children. They must make their own mistakes to really learn, after all.
ecophilia absolutely! A good friend it’s told me this very thing. “Trust the foundation you’ve built under your kid!” So hard, though 😞
Brightpurpleviking, I know what you are saying. It is hard to have raised your children the best way you knew how, to think that you instilled in them good things and what they will need to make wise decisions, and then see them get out on their own and race headlong to disaster. One of my children made a lot of really bad decisions for a lot of years. They are ow almost forty and finally stopping for a moment to take stock of their life. They blamed us for sheltering them too much for a long time, and maybe we did. Now they are finally starting to realize that they are responsible for their life and that their choices affect their kids’ lives. I said STARTING to. Keep praying! After they’re grown, the more you say, the less they hear!
Good parents always worry about being good parents I think. I'm 46 and my around 70 parents still worrie about being good parents eventhough I told them a tousand times they are. My dad drove me to an appointment today because due to secomstances I don't drive anymore and he stated as long as I can I will do this for you no questions asked. Ain't he great. I love my folks.
good day to you Art, Bri & Family !! thanks for sharing another awesome update and adventures on and off the homestead !! 👨🌾🎥👍✝
Such wisdom. Made me think back 40+ years. I could have used this then. I would have been a much better parent and person. I work now on being an incredible grandma!
Mom of six. I absolutely agree in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your hearts.
I loved this video, had 3 boys under 2 yrs of age. Went thru some of this anxiety. It's hard, prayer helps...and we made it thru it!! It's much easier now.
Your children are loved which shows in their awesome behavior. That is a reflection on you.
Just came on this older post. I raised our 5 kids and the age span was 10 years. It did get easier. The easiest was the younger years, but more busy as they were older,. They are now all 5 married, living within 6 miles of us, so we totally enjoy them as wonderful hard working adults. You are doing a great job. Enjoy this time because it truly goes in a flash! Each one is a blessing for sure. My husband was a wonderful dad and partner, so having them all was mostly easy. Not perfect, but staying home to raise them was a struggle financially, but totally worth the sacrifices made. You give wonderful advice so keep on doing what you are doing. You are a lovely family. Blessings ❤️
I’ve got 5 daughters ages 31 to 15. My best advice is to try to stop and enjoy SOMETHING about each of your children every day. Believe me I know that some days it’s hard to do that. Notice the things that make them unique and special and tell them! Let go of certain expectations and focus on doing the best you can in that moment. They grow up so quickly. I would love to spend just one more day cuddling and breathing in each of them as babies!
This video is right on the mark! We have 2 adult children (27 & 21). Parents must talk to each other and be unified, then they can help the children grow. You are right Bri, this season can be very stressful and you need to give yourself permission to say "No, this is not what I want" and change it. Keep up the good work, you have a great family and UA-cam channel.
Hi Art and Bri. We are very soon moving out of Auckland City, New Zealand 6 hours south to our first home with 3 acres near a country village. To do homesteading, homeschooling. Two kids, 3 and 6. Thanks for your videos!!! Been watching a year now. Been an inspiration to us all in many ways. Appreciate your honesty and warm personalities so much.
He is the happiest little man.
Thank you for the video...hopefully it will help! God bless! Pat
As a fellow Mama of 5 who are now between 13 and 22, I agree that those earliest years were the hardest. There have been hard teenage moments, but not the puddles of tears every time my husband goes to work kind of hard 😊 I do think that I struggled with undiagnosed post-partum depression.
And I also urge you to follow that desire to take away all distractions and lean into these brief years of intense motherhood ....I regret some years that I let other things become distractions and wish I could have a do-over 💜
I definitely understand. I have 4 kiddos from 1 to 9 and a stepson. For the longest time I was having such a hard time but once I realized I had to let go of some of my picky ways and learned to pick my battles with the kiddos, life has been so much better!
This made me cry...YES! I at the same point right now. My oldest is 10, I am stunned she is that old, sad that I feel like it has passed so quickly. I am trying to figure out where to pare down & simplify our lives. Please do a video when you get time, about what you are working towards right now, and how you are getting there. Thanks for your transparency! ♥️
You two are such amazing people and a truly beautiful family. ❤
Thank you so much!!! I needed to hear this today!
Such a happy baby boy. So cute,. Hugs guys. :)
I think this is the second time watching this video and its perfect timing as I feel a bit crazy with now just getting a job, school and two kids under 5 . Thank you for being the balm I needed again ! Art and Bri thank you for being such a wonderful family to watch ! Sending love , from Kansas
I think moms hold themselves up to ridiculously high standard and it can suck the joy right out of being a parent/woman. Not every family has the same routine, motivation, income, needs, space. Quit reading good housekeeping if its going to cause stress in your life instead of enjoyment! quit hanging out with people who act like being perfect (martha stewart and the pioneer woman) is
your goal in life over quality time with your children/family. Parenting is messy, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.
live within your means, and be happy with that. get creative, use your imagination, think outside the box because its ok to do that.
you are the boss of your own life, you make the rules! Im really worried about Rebecca Rhodes, I think shes a prime example of
this conversation and its making her sick. I can see you have worked some things out Bri and you are in a much better place. I
hope she realizes that what she thinks and wants matters. its ok to say NO. You are not a failure if you decide to change up your
routine for your own sanity. you need to eat, sleep, take care of yourself! Art and Bri, you made great points in this video. ❤️❤️
i love that you are nursing your little boy you are doing an amazing job
Thank you for the encouragement. A very relevant reminder this time of year. Blessings to you and yours :)
Loved the video about your beautiful Family...Wilder is a scene stealer...Thanks So much ..God Bless!
I have six kids as a single mom. It’s just that practice makes progress. The two of you together makes it easier and more enjoyable. I would never trade my the experience as a mom raising my kids. They are all adults now and they are great! Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful reminder, thank you all for sharing❤❤❤❤❤
Great video. Blessed family indeed.
I have so been there with nursing babies! We will be welcoming our 4th in June and I sm so thankful for the maturity that comes with each child.
This is great! I do think almost every mom (and even dads)have the same thoughts at a given day - and if she's honest to herself - and even if she has only two children, like me. But like you say, we grow and then we realize, whats really important - and its not the ego.......It is so nice to see you talk about all that so freely, it is so helpful, you nice people over there. It helps me also to understand, that we are all the same even more and more everywhere on this planet earth. Thank you
What a great video 💗. So many of us get stressed around the holidays and this really reminds me to try to be present in the good moments and not focus on the unimportant.
Getting ready to start our school day and honestly, was really struggling this morning. This helped me so much. I just needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing your heart. You are such a special family.
Counseling helped me a lot, but God has helped me more than anything. I wish I had known Him sooner when my kids were small so they could know Him now. Thats something I regret now as a grandma, Its nice to see you guys being so honest and open about your life with your children, God bless you all.
Katherine Bragg You can be a great influence on your grandchildren. I was raised by a single mom who was not a Christian, but my grandmother was a very devoted Christian. She had a huge impact on my life toward serving the Lord. Don’t live in regret, you can love and pray for your kids and grandkids and you CAN make a difference in their lives!
Your children are sooooo incredibly blessed that you two are their parents. I love how open and real you are with them, and with us, too. It makes me so happy to see you enjoying life and love!
My wife and I had six children at one time. Three biological children and three foster children. One was a teen, then five under eight. It seemed easier. We put off our dreams for our kids. Now that we have our first grandbaby, we are finally planning our future. The kids are grown and our lives are in stage of restart. Great video!
Shield Grace. I am the oldest sibling in my family, and while I also grew up fast and was able to help my parents meaningfully, I think my parents sometimes lost sight of me also being a child. Not ill-intentioned. I think it's a slippery slope and you guys seem to be aware of it. :) Thank you for sharing.
I had to keep pausing so many times to cry. I dont have littles any more (my youngest of four is 6) but I hadn't figured out how to teach my kids to tidy after themselves- then we moved into a house! its a huge blessing and now we get to practice before we homestead, but I'm getting no help (husband works nights and has stretched himself too thin as it is) and I have never had someplace so big to keep on top of and I'm so angry all the time! I really needed this today! thank you so much for sharing this. THANK YOU. SO. MUCH.
Your family and yourselves bring a smile to my face! Be well, be happy and have peace! Thank you for being here!
We have 8 kids. My oldest is 20 and newly married. My youngest is 3. It’s amazing how quickly they really do grow. It took me a long time to learn to be present. Years. Parenting is a struggle. When they’re little and when they’re teenagers. I love how candid you are. Such wonderful advice! You spoke straight to my struggling mama heart.
Bri, thank you for opening up about what you went through I went through something very similar after having my son and it didn't get better until I saw counseling. You are a strong rock, mama! Love seeing mama and papa on the same page with parenting!❤
We have 7 and I'm always telling people it gets easier with more. Good job you two.
My kiddos, and I still call them my kiddos, are 51, 46 and 37. I am so grateful they survived me. At different times we were chaotic, peaceful, confused, angry, ashamed and embarrassed. I always loved them...and they were and are still so different from one another. But life was never dull. We care for one another and help one another when we can. Life can be a crazy mess but it is ever so much better than the alternative.
I have 4 kids ages 10 1/2, 14, 18, and almost 22. Our middle daughter is adopted from China and is mentally challenged/Cerebral Palsy and will be a "forever child". For me the hardest part of being a parent has been the last 4 years when I've had to transition myself into a position of "letting go" with my two oldest. Sure, there were lots of sleepless nights and all that when they were all babies -- but I heard it said not to long ago: "Your job as a parent is to put yourself out of a job." No one tells you how hard that is going to be... you can never stop being a mom (or dad). You never stop worrying. I think both of you are doing it right. I love to watch your interaction with each other (a team!) and with your children.
young familys can learn so much from you and your walk . I sure wish you tube was around when I was young. I remember putting so much pressure on myself. so this kind of "teaching " is so helpful to other familys. thank you.
The days are long but the years are short. You are raising your kiddos beautifully. We have 5 kids that we homeschool on a small acreage farm 4 are graduated, last one started high school this year, 2 are married an we now have 2 grands. We didn't do too many activities that detracted from family time and I don't have a single regret! Our kids ha e all thanked us and want to do what we did! God has blessed us and may He bless you as well!
Thank you for your words from your heart... It has given me a feeling of I matter too in my family. Right now I have 3 step-kids and 1 daughter of my own. Our oldest will be 18 on the 5th of December and doesn't live at home. My daughter Frankie just turned two Oct. 1st and so wants to be a big sister, I am hoping so much that I can carry our next baby in the new year.
Thank you again for sharing your lives with all of us!
So good! Bravo for sharing tthese experience out there for others! God bless!