rikytik -
Thank you! Many people don't understand why I enjoy having a big family. I'm asked all the time if we are Catholic, nope I hate to take on a denomination because I feel it don't matter as long as you believe in GOD and that his son was sent here to die on the cross for our sins so if we ask forgiveness we will receive salvation. Although, we are going to stop at 6 kids because I turn 37 in February 37 + 18 = 55 and I want us to be young enough to be a part of not only our kids life but all the grandchildren too and there should be lots of those.
My parents had two kids, me and my two year older brother. He went in to the millitary after high school and will retire from it. He married someone already with children so he will not have any of his own. If I had decided not to have any children of my own, my parents would not have any blood grandkids. I know it's our children's choice, after all it is their life to live but it makes me sad when I see parents that want to be grandparents and never get the chance. I don't want that to happen to me so I think the odds are with me that it don't. Many brothers and sisters as kids, teens and adults get in fights and don't speak with each other. I noticed after having our 3rd child that if two of them get in a fight and stop speaking one always goes to the 3rd child rather than be alone. After this happens the child that is now alone feels left out returns to make up and makes things right and the family is one again. We try to let our kids work things out by themselfs but if they don't, we make it happen! Nobody is mad at or don't speak to each other for more than 20 minutes. If I have to sit them down and have them stare at each other until what they are fighting about really don't matter anymore, I will. Life is too short to spend it fighting and money does not make you happy for long before you need to spend more to get that feeling back again. Love is FREE and worth much or than what money can ever buy, but it takes hard work as you well know, kindness, patience... you know the list.
I look up to you
rikytik 
The stories and pictures you have shared, priceless! Hats off to you my friend! Keep us updated, I love to share your stories with my wife. My goal is to look back each year and be happy with the moves I've made with GOD's help.