Cheaper by the Dozen!

Teri explains why she has ten children in ASL. Some believe that she struggles to have a deaf child! Oh, please! 

60 Responses to “Cheaper by the Dozen!”

  1. Oscar the Observer Says:

    *put my face in my palm*

    What can I say except to say that you AMAZE me!

    Congratulations for your big heart and strength!

  2. Deafeye Says:

    Same system! Ditto! We have two boys, hearing… easier for us. Able to live anywhere. Able to attend same school since theyre 20 months apart. But wouldn’t dream having 10 children. It could drive me up the wall :)

  3. Diane Says:

    *speechless*

  4. Deaf Niches Says:

    I laughed, laughed, out of delight and happiness for you. You are an amazing lady… your hubby has been a very positive inflence on you… go Irish! Yup, my foreparents were from Ireland, on my father’s side… he had a large family, also.

    I’d love to have more children, but…I am well over 40’s. Oh well.

  5. justmedeaf Says:

    Hi Teri, I just noticed your speaking *hope this baby girl* then you got boy baby each what you hoped for girl baby. if you hope boy baby maybe your baby will be girl LOL

  6. Dianrez Says:

    Whether it is one or ten children, each one is here for a specific reason and parents are just the instruments to see that each one reaches his or her own goals. Bless your husband for being so involved and supportive that he can help with the family and let you achieve your career and personal goals, too! Both hands waving! Go, team!

  7. Tamara Says:

    Amazing!!!!!!!!!!

    :)

  8. Johanna Says:

    Wonderful family and 9 boys and one girl….wow still health and worth it for your family challange! God Bless with you and family.

    Johanna

  9. Sean Says:

    My Pop-Pop was one of 9 children. His mother was one of 11 children. My Grandad was one of 2 children. His mother was one of 10 children. My step-great-grandfather was one of 14 children (He had 10 siblings but my step-great-great-grandparents adopted their nephews when they became orphan after their parents died in 1918 flu epidemic. That make 14)

  10. White Ghost Says:

    Teri –

    What a family journey! Like I posted the other day, life is a full of surprise.

    Isn’t it? Huh!

    You cannot complain if there are no more girls all the way. As along as you have your only daughter. :-) It is surely nice to see all of our boys to play wrestle all the time…….enjoy yourself!

    Thanks for the wonderful sharing with us. You are one of my favorite vloggers. I really have enjoyed many of your wonderful stories. I have looked forward seeing many more of your vlogs ahead.

    White Ghost

  11. Phoebe Says:

    Wow, That is your beautiful family. I want to tell you about myself. My parents have 10 children, also. 6 brothers came before me and 2 sisters after me. I am only deaf girl in family. I have 2 boys and one girl. I see your favorite #7. Mine, too. Happy Easter.

  12. Diane Says:

    Phoebe — We are in the same boat! I am the 8th. I have 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Will vlog about myself as the only Deaf member of my large hearing family soon.

    Teri - you awfully young for 10 kids. Let me guess you are 35 or ?? Raising one girl and 9 BOYS! They gonna be handsome. Remember I proud of ya. I can handle only two cats! lol I don’t think I handle that much. I can’t imagine my own mom raising 9 kids. We just celebrate my mom 70th birthday party last nite. Nice to see my whole family there. I have alot of mixed of feelings bec of a strong family memories. I am sure you kids will be blessed for the large family. I am very blessed for this. Wondering if there are any Deaf large families around here. Happy Hop … Alot of Easter candies at your home I bet.

  13. V Says:

    Wow! I want to hug you, Ha! My parents have five children and all are deaf. I have two children, one deaf and one hearing. No problem with school, etc. The hearing one uses ASL. We communicate easily. I wonder if your children know sign language. V

  14. debby Says:

    If your husband wants a large family…try two more then finished! It would be cool to tell the world “I have a dozen of children”. I believe two more will be girl…Think about it. I have two grown hearing children and two grandchildren. You have ten…Wow. Ok Yes it is true that it is expensive to adopt children. You may contact deaf social worker, Jan Jansen in California I think San Diego. She grew up in public school and never knew sign language until she attended Gallaudet. She was a teacher for several years until she decided to retire and attend Gallaudet. She graduated in MSW and also at the same time she studied ASL but she keeps improving every day. While at Gally MSW, she took adoption course. Ask her and see if she can help you to get you a girl deaf or hearing??

  15. Jim Lomanto Says:

    I think that both of u are blessed Its nice to have a big family My Irish grandparents had 15 children Wink!

  16. Fookem Says:

    speechless!!!

    (You are one of my favorite vloggers. I am looking forward to watching your another story in the future.)

  17. Jean Boutcher Says:

    One of the most beautiful and rarest stories I have ever read narrated by a deaf person like you. My paternal grandparents had eleven (11) children.
    The first ten children were boys. The 11th child was a girl. Your children are very lucky to have the lovable parents like you and your husband. God bless!

  18. Bob Rourke Says:

    I have a connection here. I am number 10 of 13 children from Irish Catholic family. Only 2 of us are deaf. I admire all parents, no matter how many children, but it is even more admiring that you have ten kids. My parents did an amazing job, raising and loving all of us equally. I trust you do too! Good luck with your oldest daughter’s graduation. Congrats! By the way, I like your Zen stories, keep on vlogging!

  19. Judge Says:

    You will enjoy the experience in years ahead of you with all kids, their spouses, and their children (in other words, your grandchildren), etc etc.

    I know that I am looking way way ahead of time but I have seen my brother and a sister in law experiencing as a proud grandparents. My parents enjoy having a lot of grandchildren AND great grandchildren (three more on way now!!)

    ENJOY every minute you can with your children. Time will go incredibly fast and will be little “empty” in the house. My brother’s 6 older children have gone away on their own now. 3 kids left in the house , it is kind of empty… You know what I mean.

    Again, you have a beautiful family based on the pictures I saw on your website.

    God Bless you, Bill, and your football team! :)

  20. Dianne K Says:

    Sure enjoyed your vlog very much. I was wondering why you have ten children and vlog explained all that. You sound like a fabulous lady with great looking family!

  21. Amanda Says:

    Hi,

    I just wanted to leave a comment because I have been watching your vlogs for a little while now and I just enjoy them so much. I am a Deaf woman in grad school in an area with very few other Deaf people and so its rare for me to be able to interact with others using ASL.. one of my favorite parts of being Deaf has always been our ASL stories, and I miss that! But watching your vlogs has given me a chance to feel like I did years ago at school when my teachers and friends all shared ASL stories. you have a wonderful ability to share stories and show who you are through them. your children are lucky to have you as a mother! and your students are lucky you teach :)

    ps: as an Irish girl, I couldn’t help but smile at the names of your children! :) I love the names! very clever and sweet.

  22. Amy Cohen Efron Says:

    You and your husband are truly blessed to have ten beautiful children. I wish you all of the health, happiness and wealth.

    For some people, including me, who are unable to bear children - and the costs of adoption and fertility treatments are ridiculously expensive. I do sometimes dream of having children of my own, and with my current age along with my own independence… I sometimes wonder when will I ever have own children. I know the importance of having children as a part of ‘future’ to pass along my values, my beliefs, my stories, my love to them…

    I only can do that with students I work with everyday. I could do more somehow, someway and somewhere.

    Happy Easter to you, Teri and your gang.

    Best,
    Amy Cohen Efron

  23. Jarly Says:

    Wow, so beautiful! Well, I must agree with you about having the same system. I have an older daughter who is Deaf and twins who are hearing. I am always worried more about my daughter’s education because I know that my twins are getting good services at their schools. I feel very sad for my daughter because I am always unsure what to do with her education. I want a good deaf school for her and the decision I wanted would make us to move out of here (Actually, we want to move, tho.)

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful story and I love it! :-D

  24. Joshua Says:

    wow what a big family you have! but watch out for the future having grandchildren! maybe become the BIGGGGGGGEST FAMILY EVER! lol anyway ummm…… my grandparents have 12 sibilings counting himself too right now one of his sis is alone because all of others passed away. i am part of irish but i am part of Scottish and indian cherokee. i am more strong for cherokee. sorry i am not the kind person wanting to have a BIG family. hmmmmm depend on what people’s wish is to have many kids but for me 2 is eough. oh i did watch that u put topic about videoclip. it’s so cool but i can’t IMAGINE! by the way u did a good job. i look foward to another one :D. but my mostly look foward to ur ZEN STORIES! :-P they are my favo

    Joshua Womick

  25. Jac Says:

    You never know how many children would you have! Nothing or a few, then later on! Now, you already have 10 blessed children! Really Amazing!
    Also, you have a wonderful husband to provide you and children some wonderful love! I am sure you have many great memories! Time will fly so fast as if your eye blinks! Really enjoyed your story sharing with us.

    God bless you all!

  26. kira Says:

    your story amazed me and my hubby! we will never forget u! :)

  27. Susan Says:

    I enjoyed watching you share your story about having 10 children.

    That is a lot!! I have 7 nieces and nephews, eldest 11 years old, and youngest 2 years old, sometimes we have them all over at our place and I’m usually exhausted after playing with them!

    Imagine 10! whewwww!!! wonderful big family :)

  28. sherri Says:

    I admire you for having 10 kids.. I remma babysitting your first 5 kids.. I enjoyed your kids very much when u all used to live in Maryland.. U have GORGEOUS children!

  29. Elizur Says:

    Congrats on having a beautiful family. Having a large family IS a career in in itself.

    I had five (5). ‘Seems like it becomes more complicated as they all age. People multiply!! I will not go into detail because you will find out on your own. I am now a grandmother to 9 and a great grandmother to 1. It is hectic, particularly at Christmas time, but somehow we always make it!

    Good luck and best wishes from Lantana

  30. IamMine Says:

    *bows*

    Whew. Four here…but yeah, it’s not “a lot” like people think. :D

    It’s not like you got thrown with 10 all at once, but one at a time that it gets to the point where it’s “no big deal”.

    What’s one more…sure! Don’t notice anything different… hahaha.

    People give me that OMG look when I say I have four kids.

    Hubby would love to have more kids now…. um, no honey, sorry! Our youngest will start kindergarten this fall and I’m free to study as much as I want to!! WEEEE!!!

    He can get pregnant if he wants to…and I’d support him all the way! :D ;)

    I enjoyed your story!

  31. Jessica Says:

    My grandma said there is a lot to look forward to when you have children and grand children in your life. So you got plenty to look forward to!

    I have 6 siblings. The last is 16 years old. Anyway with many siblings, it keeps me busy keeping track of everybody, their birthdays, what is going on in their lives. It is fun doing that. Always something going on. Helped with babysitting lots while growing up since I was the oldest.

    I remember I heard of a family who had about 22 children and they wanted one more! Wow! I only have two children and I am a single mother. Being in a large family can be fun but having one is a whole different story for me.

  32. LaRonda Says:

    Teri, that was one of the most enjoyable personal vlog posts I have ever watched. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family story.

    As a Parent Educator, I would be curious about your input as to what you think deaf parents of hearing children would like to learn most about raising a family. What has been your biggest challenges? What have been your greatest joys?

    I could sit and watch your family stories for days! Thanks again for sharing.

    Hugs! :)

    ~ LaRonda
    http://www.earofmyheart.com

  33. Rachel Says:

    I am still single with no children but finding your amazing story. Your husband must be very giving and loving person. One of a few in the country can do the job!

    Important to have a healthy family… no matter whether it is a boy or girl. :)

  34. Ro Says:

    Wow, hey, Teri. Join the famous Osmond family. Look at Marie, how many brothers does she have? LOL
    Happy and healthy family that always counts the blessing!

  35. Michele D Says:

    Wow! I would love to have more children but it is the age that already beat me! I thank my lucky stars that I have two beautiful children and nothing can beat this.

    I look forward to hearing more from you on how you raise 10 children without breaking your back, we could certainly learn from you, and all those things that come with raising a family.

  36. Deaf Femme Says:

    Hey Teri, I decided to jump in the world of deaf blogland and be an active commentor. After watching your vlog, Goodbye. I feel bad for not leaving some comments across the cyberspace. You did a great job getting me to believe you. ha! But you delivered an important message about leaving comments. I left a comment on Adian’s blog sharing my thoughts. I do not know if she will publish my comment. It is held in moderation mode. Let me say this, F–K them for how they perceive your messages. You know what you mean. Anytime they interpret anything negative is because they are not happy or negative in the first place. They have problems. Screw them! They are jealous of you and other successful vloggers like Barb. They will look for any hole to attack. That’s really sad about the deaf culture. They love to pull each other down, just like if we are crabs in the bushel. That’s so deaf. F–k them, the negative deaf people! Keep up, Teri!

  37. Deaf Femme Says:

    Oops! I posted my comment on the wrong post. Anyway, I enjoy watching you tell us about why you have ten kids. It is really cool. You are fortunate for having such a great husband. It takes a lot of support to achieve whatever you want to do. You are truly blessed. Go, girl!

  38. JungleForest Says:

    Teri,

    You’re blessed to have beautiful 10 children. You’re lucky to have one daughter who needs you to talk with. :-) Interesting to watch all of your children grow and have different skills and talents that you and your hubby embrace them greatly.

    I’m a mother and grandmother, I am blessed to have them and I am really delight watching them grow in years to come. :-)

    My faternal great grandpa had 9 brothers and no sister. My maternal great grandpa had 9 siblings. I think my father’s side had large families in his ancestors (in some families). My parent had a couple friends who had 10 boys and all of them looked alike each other!

    Good vlogging.

  39. ASL Risen Says:

    That’s great having your husband to help you all the way to support your big family! To tell you the truth that I wish to have more babies and more bigger family, too!

  40. karen Says:

    I smiled all the way through. I have five GIRLS age 8 to 12. I have heard all the jokes that came with that! Will not trade them for anything in the world! I enjoyed your website. Keep it up and hope to meet you someday!

  41. Fookem Says:

    Teri, you are very lucky person to have Bill as your husband. It’s really rare to see how man can manage 10 kids. I really enjoyed your story. ;)

    God bless you and your family.

  42. tony Says:

    can you beat 23 kids who were born by only ONE iowian mother???…

  43. Teri Says:

    Hi all,

    Many thanks for the messages. I am glad you enjoy learning how come I decided to have children. Thanks for sharing your experience. I sure love reading them.

    I will try my best to answer the questions asked here on this post.

    Me 35? No, I will be 41 next three weeks! I had the first baby when I was 22 years old. Skye is now 18 years old. Do the math. :) I was not too young to have the first baby! :P

    Yes, my children know sign language. Some are fluent, some are intermediate, and some are beginner. I will discuss how my hearing children learn ASL soon. It is really interesting.

    Thank you for the information on adoption. For now, I need to focus on what I have. Maybe some day I will consider adopting a girl when some of my kids leave my nest. Let’s see how things go on in next 10 years.

    Ha! Should I pray for a baby boy instead? Ha! Some of you asked me to check out some information or systems to help figure out how to have a baby girl. Well, I do not want to play God! I strongly believe to let the nature takes its course. As I said in my video clip, I did not expect or ever dream of having ten kids. They all were unplanned (not being sterilized). :)

    I will answer some via email or VP.

    Again, many thanks for the wonderful comments.

  44. Teri Says:

    One more thing . . .

    No, I do not plan to beat that woman with 23 children!

    I need to focus on myself… being over 40 now.

    I told Bill I would not have any more babies once I hit 40. Tristan was born when I was 39. A perfect timing!

    The baby factory is shut down forever!

  45. Teri Says:

  46. Bryan Says:

    AMAZING!!! good videoclip! :)

  47. Jenny Says:

    We do not know each other but found your website not long ago. I have to say Wow! Beautiful story! All children are gift from God, you and Bill have been truly blessed with 10 children. Scripture in the Bible, James 1:17: … Every good and perfect gift is from above.

    Thank you for sharing your story! I believe it has given some people some hope. My husband and I are expecting our 2nd baby in July. We want to have as many children as we can, God willing.

    Thank you again!

  48. Diane Forti Says:

    wonderfully FULL hands with ur 10 children are sake .. god bless ur family
    my exerperince own 4 children are hearing / 27 yrs ,26 , 13 & 9 yrs old and 2 stepchildren are deaf / age 19 yrs old & 2 yrs old plus first granddaugther 7 months old.. my grandma were had 11 her own children and 5 stepchildren .. children are worthly, activities really big very busy family keep up .. i wishes more children becuz i am very lady my time age .. u are looking good young.. impression u and ur hubby are accpetting understand with ur children I like to see ur ur family ’s nice pix!! .. Happily ur family u show tell everyone …

  49. Me =) Says:

    Thanks for explaining why you and Bill have 10 children! Amazing feat in this day! =) You are a Superwoman, period! ;) I remember you bringing your baby (I think it was your first baby?) to a class at Gally…I was in the same class. =) I was amazed that you could come to class with a baby in tow, learn something in class, and take care of your baby! =)

  50. Billy Says:

    I, Billy and Deanna (NCSD girl) have 6 children — 2 hearings and 4 deafies. We have no problems with our kids with using sign language …. All children graduated from public high school and Deaf school, too. All our children are grown up. We now have 5 grandchildren … Thanks for showing me the video about your 10 children … it’s very wonderfu . . . wow.
    My Uncle Paul Davis has 11 children — 1 deaf boy and the rest are hearing. One of them died by aids– that leaves him 5 girls and 5 boys. My cousin, Betty has 13 children. I never see those 13 children, who live in Ohio. Thanks. Billy Taylor, Sr. of Virginia

  51. Martha Says:

    That is wonderful you having ten kids of your own. I have seven kids of my own. YOu guess they are all of boys that is my sons.They are wonderful!! Now, I have four grandkids. One will be coming inter the world in Sept.OhAllof them are hearing.
    My parent have six of their kids. I am only deaf. My eldest sister is hard of hearing.

  52. The One and Only Ridor Says:

    This is very LATE response but I had to do this.

    Teri, last summer when I met you at NAD Conference and we chit-chatted — I knew you were something else! But watching your vlogs (I and II) — I’m glad that you’re the one who did it!

    Not many couples can handle having a large family. But judging how they interact with each other — it is obvious that you lead by EXAMPLE. Not by words, but by actions.

    I’m not fond of children, but this is just great. Thanks for sharing this with us all. Looking forward to see you again in a short future!

    R-

  53. The Ear of My Heart » Blog Archive » How I Used Teri’s Vlog To Teach Deaf Parents ~ Says:

    [...] with my parent class. Then I remembered Teri’s vlog at DeafDish.com and her story called “Cheaper by the Dozen.” That story is about her decision to have 10 children. I thought this would be perfect and a great [...]

  54. The Ear of My Heart » Blog Archive » How I Used Teri’s Vlog To Teach Deaf Parents ~ Says:

    [...] with my parent class. Then I remembered Teri’s vlog at DeafDish.com and her story called “Cheaper by the Dozen.” That story is about her decision to have 10 children. I thought this would be perfect and a great [...]

  55. tigrica Says:

    Big Hello Teri Sentelle…

    Want to tell you Big Congratulation for having wonderful children… also i did watche your two vlogs, Cheaper by Dozen and right now I see your wonderful pictures of your big family and children.

    I really cant believe that you are big successful having ten children and your husband is very supportive to you big time and share of your children too…

    That is so great of your wonderful ten children…

    Greeting by Tigrica *Jana*

  56. DARA Says:

    Maybe Girl is on strike :-/ But more important that ur kids are healthy ! You look so young for your age. Ur story is so amazing and fantasic !

  57. Mary Says:

    hello… Your family is a amazing! my friend gave this to me and knew I wanted 10 children of my own and told me this website.. i was shocked… wow that so cool…. if anyone could make 10 kids, i could too.. :) I always wanted 10 kids since when I was young.. I wanted 10 wonderful, healthy, loving kids… I have some friends who married and had 10 kids. It was my lifetime goal to have 10 kids.. but I pray it could happen to me in the future, but if it didn’t success.. that alright if it didn’t happened to me, I would be happy what I have.. :) you have inspired my life :)

  58. tigrica Says:

    Hello Teri…

    I just want to add say something…Last few days, I got heard from news and people.com announcing about who have a biggest family. Maybe you did heard that or not… Just want to tell you about them what i heard..I was very surprise and shocking that They have a big 16th children and last few days got baby girl including for 17th children… 10 is boy and 7 is girl… also I found a website and give to you see http://www.duggarfamily.com/

    or other people deaf or hearing no matter to can look them Duggar’s Family that have 17th children.

    That is all whole i have say…

  59. Just another Deafgal Says:

    Teri, I found your V-log wonderful about having children. I have ten brothers and sisters. I am nbr 7. I do not think you need to explain to the world why you have many children. Everyone did the same- asking my mother why she had 11 children! My mother would tell them- “Love” is what she and my dad had. That was it. I admire you and it is so rare these days to see other families having more than 4 children. I have 2 kids of my own (both boys- so I can relate how you feel about wanting a girl- smile). Best of luck with your family as I know during the holidays it is so fun to get together and meet with all the nephews/nieces all at once. My mother has 32 grandchildren! Again best of luck!

  60. Maria Guzman Says:

    I always want 10 children since 2 years old. My brother, David Guzman wants to have 10 children, too. I think it was iike what huge family. When I watched this video clip about your 10 children, it really amazes me. It will be BEAUTIFUL family ever.

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