There are amazing, devoted, wonderful, deliberate mothers out there, and each week we’ll spotlight one of them here at The Power of Moms. Do you know a mom who deserves a little time in the spotlight? Email rachelle.price (at) powerofmoms.com. We can’t wait to meet her.
Introducing Brooke Kemp
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
We have three kids: Brandon is our oldest and only son, age 8; Annie is 5 years old, and Haylie is 3 years old.
What have been your favorite parts of motherhood?
So many favorites! I love how whenever I sit down on the couch at least one or two of the kids magically come out of the woodwork to come snuggle with me, like little magnets! They know it’s one of my favorite things to do–to be surrounded and snuggled by my family. I love that all my kids will still hold my hand in public. I love getting their sweet little love notes. I love creating and maintaining fun family traditions and making holidays and milestones special for my family. I enjoy taking our kids to the same places I loved going as a kid–especially Bear Lake and to our family cabin. There’s just something special about having my own kids running around and creating warm memories in those same spots that hold special memories in my heart.
What have been the hardest parts of motherhood for you?
Even as a little girl, one of my deepest desires was to be a mom–I cherish motherhood and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, honestly. But these little hooligans run me ragged at times (physically and emotionally!!), and some days I feel like I’m smack dab in the middle of the loony bin (a messy and chaotic loony bin). Patience, patience, and more patience! My kids know how to push my buttons like nobody else! It’s a challenge to learn (on a daily basis) how to parent each child differently, because they all come with their own personalities, that’s for sure! I also struggle with trying to find a better sense of balance–spending enough one-on-one time with each child, balancing responsibilities and play, family time and friend time, extra activities and time at home, etc. There’s always the pressure to be more and do more, and trying to overcome any mommy-guilt that creeps in while I’m lying in my bed at night–am I doing enough to teach and love my children? Am I giving them enough opportunities for growth and happiness? Are they going to turn out in spite of my shortcomings?
What has surprised you about motherhood?
I knew that the time would fly but I am surprised at HOW TRUE that statement really is! I can hardly believe my once-tiny baby boy is now 8 years old and they all just keep on growing. Sometimes I want to freeze time and keep all of my kids nestled close always.
What have you learned from motherhood? Please share a specific story or incident that really taught you something.
I have learned that it’s okay to say no–not only to your kids, but especially to other people. I had to say no a few times over the past year, to things that were positive and good and great opportunities, but that I felt would take too much time away from my children. It was hard for me to do and I felt small lingerings of guilt for saying no, but after I did, I felt so much better! I am grateful I was able to look at my priorities at that time and allow myself to place my family first. I truly feel that there is a time and a season for everything. And I know it wasn’t my time to say yes to those particular things. Saying no to those things allowed me to say YES to my family.
*** Click here to see more Spotlights. You can nominate moms to be spotlighted at The Power of Moms by emailing Rachelle Price, our Spotlight Manager at rachelle(dot)price(at)powerofmoms(dot)com.
What a beautiful interview! We all feel like we’re in the middle of the loony bin sometimes, but seeing that other moms are doing their best to teach their children well is so comforting. Thanks!