On this Good Friday, as we reflect on the sacrifice and love of Jesus, we’re also reminded of the precious gift of life He gives. Today, we want to share a part of our story—a story of prayer, patience, and God’s faithfulness.

The world often looks at a large family and sees only the challenges—how much it will cost, how hard it must be, how much space is needed. The comments come frequently:

“Are you finally done?”
“How do you take care of them all?”
“Do you know how expensive that’s going to be?”

But when we see our family, we don’t see a burden—we see a blessing.

Cindy has long dreamed of a big family—not for the sake of numbers—but to raise children in the admonition of the Lord, to teach them His ways, and to work together as a family for His glory.

When we found out we were expecting baby number ten, she would ask me, “What do you think we’re having?” I always answered, “A girl.” Not just because I had a feeling, but because I truly believed that God, in His perfect way, would fulfill her heart’s desire in a way only He can—blessing us with five boys and soon, five girls.

We know a family this size isn’t for everyone, and we don’t expect the world to understand. But what does God say?

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” – Psalm 127:3

The world measures value in wealth, ease, and personal freedom. But God measures it in faithfulness, love, and obedience.

The same questions we hear so often—“How will you provide for them?”—already have an answer in His Word:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

We trust in His provision—not just in finances—but in grace, wisdom, and strength.

Are We Finally Done?
We’ve often joked about how we would know when we were done. But in truth, we always trusted God to lead that decision. Cindy’s prayer was always for ten, not eleven. So we feel that this will be the last one as we complete our family.

And while we’re excited for what’s ahead, we don’t take this blessing for granted. We know there are many who long to have children and cannot, and our hearts ache for them. Whether God gives you one child or twenty, what matters is not the number, but the calling—to love them, to teach them, and to raise them up for His purposes.

“Just One More”
I’ll never forget Cindy’s “Just one more” comment. After each child, I would ask, “Do you think we’re done?” And every time, she would look at me with her sweet smile and say those famous three words: “Just one more?”

But after baby nine, I asked her as I always had, “Do you think you’re done?” And this time, her answer was different. She sighed, “I’m getting tired. My body is feeling it.”

I looked at her and said, “You’ve always prayed for ten. You’re so close to allowing God to honor that—why not… just one more?”

And here we are.

Encouragement for Other Mothers
To the mothers who feel exhausted, stretched thin, wondering if you have what it takes—God sees you. No matter the number of children you have, His grace is sufficient. The world will always have opinions, but only God writes your story.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: following God’s plan often brings criticism, but it also brings the deepest joy. Cindy has felt the sting of hurtful comments, but she also holds the overwhelming joy of seeing her prayer unfold—not for her own sake, but for His.

So, to those who ask, “Why so many?”—we say, because the Lord has given.

And to those who wonder, “How?”—we say, by His grace alone.

We are not perfect parents, nor do we claim to have all the answers. But we do know this:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

And that is more than enough.

Closing Thoughts
As we eagerly await the arrival of our sweet little one this August, we stand in awe of how God has led us. Every child has been a gift—a reminder that His plans are higher than ours.

We pray that whatever season you are in—whether growing your family or waiting on His timing—you will trust in His perfect provision.

He is always faithful.

Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey with us.

All glory to God!