Broderick::Roller Coaster

Now, I apologize in advance if this is a rambling of sorts. I just finished a strong cup of coffee:)

I have been thinking this week about how my emotions as a mom can be like a roller coaster. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my son and being his mom. I would not want it any other way. I just wish that I could keep my emotions and thoughts more even-keeled. 

One day it feels like I am on cloud nine--he naps great, he is super smiley and snugly, I get rest and I feel accomplished. I think "How can people not want to be be home with their kids all day"? The next day I can't imagine having any more kids!! I think "Nope, single child it is!" The next day I want to be pregnant again and on our way to having a big family. The following day I think that we are just going to jump straight to adoption instead of having any more biological children first because, Lord, I don't want to push another human being out of me(and deal with that horrible recovery!)! Then I look at Brody sleeping, so peaceful, and I want to start decorating the next Nursery...

Seven days of the week--it could change every hour, really. On and on it goes...I'm a mess--please tell me you can relate.

But then I think about why my feelings seem like such a roller coaster. Well, that's life. There are highs and lows, ups and downs. It really stems from where I am trying to find my joy. Am I going throughout my day being joyful? Or am I just being so selfish as to not see the big picture? This life isn't about me. It isn't about my comfort and happiness. In fact, it is FAR from that. This life is about bringing glory to Him. My joy, happiness and day to day life are a reflection of His plan--To bring glory to Himself through the people who love Him. 

That is the big picture.

So, how can I then be less of a roller coaster wreck? By training myself to see the big picture. We, of course, will still have ups and downs. That is inevitable and we are told this. However, not only should the ups bring Him glory--but the downs as well. There will be days(lots) where I feel like crying out "I can't do this and I'm struggling"! On those days, the people who surround me and pick me up are doing exactly that--bringing Him glory. The way that I respond to Broderick in those difficult times will, hopefully, be an example to not only him but the people we do life with. And when my response isn't exactly what I would want it to be, there is grace. 

And if parenting doesn't teach you to appreciate grace, I'm not sure what will.

We are so thankful for our friend Eddie who takes our photos!

Thanks for following our little space here.

Chico, CA Newborn Photographer:: Kennedy

I love my job--I mean seriously, who gets to go hang out with sweet little babes like this girl?? Kennedy was born into a beautiful family. She has two older sisters who you can tell are just smitten with her--And rightfully so. Little Kennedy is just adorable and I fell in love with her full head of hair! Thank you so much Marissa and Brooks for allowing us to be a part of your lives! We are blessed by you. 

Welcome to the world Kennedy Grace!

The bows get me everytime...

 Marissa you are beautiful!

Look at that full head of hair!

 This daddy is surrounded by girls--but I don't think he minds one bit.

What a stunning family! 

Thank you for being such great people, Rehkopfs! Congratulations on your sweet, new babe!

Oh, and P.S.--Marissa has her own blog and Etsy shop. Check her out!

Tahoe:: Time with Family

Brody and I spent some time in South Lake Tahoe this past week with my family. It was so great being around all of my sisters and my mom. We went for a nice hike, went to our favorite little restaurant, ate yummy home-cooked meals, and enjoyed dying Easter eggs. 

Brody definitely got spoiled! I was lonely at 7:30am so I woke everyone up with his cute little face--they couldn't get mad at him:) 

Nana and Brody--he loves her!

 At The Beacon Restaurant. 

 One of my favorite things about this trip is that I finally saw a bear! I have an irrational fear of bears--like, I literally have nightmares of them every time I visit Tahoe. So, this helped me understand that they really are docile creatures--at least here in Tahoe. I feel one with the bear.;)

 Our attempt at getting a photo of all of us. Tends to be a problem when you have a DSLR--other people aren't quite sure how to use it.

We walked around the lake and skipped rocks. It was pretty amazing!

Thanks for the great trip, Mom!! Can't wait to visit again!

Five on Friday

This is a fun Five on Friday for me:) I am on vacation in Lake Tahoe with my family and loving it out here! My mom has lived here since I graduated high school--such a great place to visit! Anyways, on with my Five!

One.

I don't know why but on Monday as I was packing our suitcase, I found it really really cute that Brody and I were sharing a suitcase. His little boy clothes melt my heart!

Two.

We met Travis for lunch before we left on Tuesday. We had Brody's four month check up(He is a champ!) and then we were off! He slept the whole way to Sacramento so this mom was happy!!

Three. 

I've been sleeping in the same room as Brody these past few days at my mom's. Makes me realize why we put him in his own room at 6 weeks! I hear every sigh and little noise. I guess it is true that vacations with babies require another vacation afterwards just to recuperate! 

Four.

My mom is all about organic, homemade, natural foods. She is a great cook! We've had awesome meals here. Does that cancel out all the cupcakes I've eaten?

Five.

We went on a nice hike this week. It was Brody's first time in the snow!! We took a few water breaks--I'm blaming my huffin' and puffin' on the altitude:) Oh, and that extra almost 20 pounds that I was carrying!

Instagram--mrsdla

Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!!