Mid-day naps, legos, basketball, bubbles, feeding chickens, and dancing to Beiber… all just a day in the life at the Bramer home. We felt honored to be welcomed guests turned family friends. There is so much life and joy found in this home as I’m sure you’ll see in the photos and video ahead. Aside from a couple of headshots, this was our first lifestyle/documentary session where we do not instruct, we do not pose, and we do not direct. It was an exciting challenge for us, and even more of a challenge for my control issues. 😉 So because parents are often behind the scenes supporters, boo-boo kissers, and dinner preppers, I want to take some time to talk specifically about Brent and Jenna. Parents to 4 crazy little ones.
I’ve known Brent and Jenna since 2009 when I moved to Indiana. I was working with Brent at a church and Jenna was very involved. At the time, Keegan (their oldest) was still very little and Cole had just been born. Jobs and life took them to another city and I hadn’t really gotten to experience Brent and Jenna in full on mom and dad mode. Now, several years later, I had the privilege of seeing them in their element…parents…with 4 kids no less!
Both Brent and Jenna have this amazing ability to be surrounded by chaos and not even be phased by it. (Maybe it comes from years of working with high school kids). As you all know, I’m not a mom. I don’t know what it is like to be needed all day every day. To change diapers, to clean up messes, to wish for just an ounce of quiet, to shuttle kids from place to place, or to fight them to sleep at night. Even without my own kids, I know this must be difficult at times. Being a parents is a hard job. BUT… with the Bramers, they just do it with such grace and ease. No, I don’t mean that they probably don’t have hard days. I mean, that I spent one day with them and it was abundantly clear that they take their job seriously. They cherish it. They are grateful to be responsible for these 4 wild kids. They are thankful for the chaos. They laugh through the difficulties, and they hold tightly to the joy, the little smiles, and every single cuddle they can get. I know it’s not easy, but they make it seem like it’s worth it! They are not the parents complaining on facebook, rolling their eyes, or grumbling to the public. They are celebrating the sweet moments and funny moments. They are sharing both trials and victories with others in a way that feels genuine, heartfelt, and encouraging. No, I’m not a parent, but this awesome family sure makes it seem like something worth becoming.
This is their story…
If you haven’t figured it out yet, we think family matters. We think that the love you share with each other is amazing. We think your story is worth sharing. In the comments below, tell us why YOU think family is important, and then contact us so that we can help share your legacy!
