Then who are the examples we are to follow? I know the Saints, even the monastics are our examples, but we cannot be monastics if we want to be married and live amongst the world.
What exactly is the essence of monasticism?
Prayer? You can do this, and do so abundantly, in the world.
Hard work? You have to do this, and do so abundantly, in the world.
Fidelity and obedience? To those with families, this is paramount, and the cornerstone of a happy and blessed household. Fidelity and obedience to the spouse, the household, the children, the parents, to working and loving.
Worship? The tie that binds the monk to the other monks, which is also the tie that binds one family to another.
Self-sacrifice? The daily exercise of the monk is also the daily routine of the mother and father, and of each child as they progress in maturity.
Renouncing the world? This is the only area where things are different: the monk renounces the world and separates from it; the family can renounce what the world teaches while sanctifying the world with their active presence in the midst.
To those who should be monks, marriage and family are (nearly) impossible tasks; to those who should be married, monasticism is an (nearly) impossible task. But those who follow the calling of the Lord and pour their energy, love, dedication, and indeed their entire selves into His work, they find fulfillment and sanctification from Him.
As to why we may not have many Saints - for those of us with families, we have plenty of saints to give us excellent examples of God-fearing life to emulate: st. Mom, st. Dad, st. Papou/Grandpa. etc. They may never have canons written about their exploits, but long after they've left this present world I will be telling my child/children (and, if the Lord blesses me, Grandchildren and beyond) of the love, dedication, self-sacrifice, hard work, fidelity, prayer, worship life, and renunciation of the false teachings of the world of my parents and grandparents.