Look-a-likes

Remember the show Punky Brewster? I sure do! Not only because I used to watch it, but because when I was little, everyone used to say, "You look just like Punky Brewster." 

And I mean everyone. My mom remembers being stopped on the street, in the mall, at McDonald's, and having complete strangers come up to her and suggest the resemblance between Punky Brewster and I. 

Here's one of the very few photos I have of me as a young child. I was the fourth child and the youngest, and my parents apparently forgot how to use a camera...;-)

I know, I know...don't you just love my heavy bangs and outer space t-shirt?!? 

So, here's a side-by-side of me when I was five and Punky Brewster. What do you think? Did we look alike?

Now, years later, my daughter is having the same occurrence. Not with Punky Brewster, but with a new commercial for Century Link (formerly known as quest.) I have had countless people tell me that they thought they saw Chloe on a commercial. And although it isn't Chloe, I do see the resemblance. 

Watch the video for yourself and see if you can spot the Chloe look-a-like...

Gavin, Clifford and Glow Worm too

You know what 'they' say...people start to look like their dog after awhile. (On a side note, do you ever wonder who 'they' are?)

But, when it comes to Gavin, I think he looks a lot more like his glow worm than he does his dog, Clifford...

Or, 'Clippord' as Gavin calls him. 

Either way, Clifford and Glow Worm are two companions Gavin cannot sleep without. 

Or, 'camp out' in the living room without either. 

Oh, to be two.

First day of school, 2011

I have a first grader and a third grader this year. (And, a four-year-old preschooler, but she doesn't start school for another week and a half.) As always, it's hard for me to send the kids off to school. What can I say...I miss them while they're gone. I miss their laughter, the funny things they say, their goofy jokes, the way they need me. And the older they get, the less they need me. Or so it seems.

But, as much as they are becoming independent, they still need me to be here for them. To listen when they have a problem. To have those fresh baked cookies ready that they've come to expect upon arrival home from the first day of school. To drive them here and there. To tuck them into bed at night. But most importantly, they need me to love them and pray for them. To be a prayer warrior for them, petitioning God on their behalf to help them be lights in a dark world and to grow strong and firm in their faith in Him. 

I pray that they would be 'taught of the Lord' and great will be their peace (Isaiah 54:13.) That they would hide His Word in their hearts (Psalm 119:11.) That God would fill them with the knowledge of His will so they can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and their life will bear fruit (Col. 1:9.) I pray all these things and so much more for my kiddos. And I pray for myself and for my husband, that we would raise them up in the way the Lord would want us to. What a huge responsibility parenting is, after all.

So today, I send my kiddos off to yet another first day of school. And I pray.

A little tired this morning...

Cooper turns 6...two months ago

Better late than never, right. That's exactly what I thought as Jason reminded me that I failed to do a birthday blog post for Cooper way back in June. Sorry, Cooper! Mama's been a bad blogger this summer!

My sweet Cooper. How you've changed so much in the last year alone. Our boy that was too timid to get out on the mat at the beginning of the wrestling season, but ended up fourth in the entire state at the end of the season. Our son who sometimes prefers to hide in the outgoing shadow of his big brother Gabe, but who comes home from a year at school with 10 best friends. And, then there's the girls. We lost track of how many girls have told him they are going to marry him. But he's oblivious. Our son who is sweet and kind, yet knows exactly how to push his little sister's buttons if he chooses to. And our son who told me today that he would love to have 100 brothers and sisters, because he just loves kids.

Oh, Cooper, how I love you my sweet little heartbreaker.

For Cooper's birthday back on June 10, we kept it low key. Cooper had one friend, his buddy Easton, over for a sleepover and slept in a tent pitched in the backyard. Well, most of the night, as the boys got too cold at about 4 a.m. and came inside to finish up a good night's sleep in the warmth of the bunk beds. 

We started the night off with an awesome Batman cake made by my friend, Melanie. Cooper LOVES Batman.

And blowing out the candles...

(on a side note, I love that Coop is wearing his "Sanders for Supervisor" t-shirt. This was not planned. He just came out of his room wearing it. He's a fan of his dad!)

Gavin liked the cake, too...

Then, Coop opened presents...

Played a little wii...

And just had a great time! 

I still can't believe Cooper is 6. 

In two weeks, he begins first grade! He's so excited and loves to read books and write stories. Cooper is also known for HAVING to know how everything works. We fear he may be an engineer in the making, haha. ;-) Sorry, just a little joke for all our engineer friends. 

But really, it's so fun to see Cooper's curiosity and imagination as he builds inventions and brings his Batman fantasies to life. I love my boy! 

Happy 6th birthday Cooper! May your tender heart continue to grow in the Lord and always shine on all that you meet. We love you!

My baby is 2!

 

Gavin turned two yesterday. TWO! 

Where have the past two years gone? 

When I think about Gavin, I think about the what if's. 

What if I had stuck with my gut reaction after getting my girl in my third child and had really stopped there. 

What if I had never gotten pregnant again. 

What if I hadn't had Gavin.

I can't even imagine my life without his precious, ever-present smile. 

Gavin's joy has taught our family so much. 

It's a constant reminder of the joy we need to experience in Christ everyday, 

no matter how busy we are. 

No matter the stresses that fill our days, we cannot let our joy be diminished.

Gavin is truly a blessing each and everyday.

Gavin,

Your brothers adore you.

Your sister adores you.

Your mom and dad adore you.

Thank God that He convinced me that four isn't too many. 

Happy birthday to you, big boy!

Love,

Mom