A kind heart

Do I think my kids are perfect? Absolutely not. I KNOW they are not perfect. No one is, after all. Goodness, I'm certainly far from it. But, back to my kids. 


While I know they are not perfect, I do have to say that one thing they are...they all are...is kind. Maybe not always, but for the most part, they are all kind kiddos. 


Now I may sound like a bragging mom, and if I do, I apologize. There's nothing worse than a mom who thinks her kids are perfect when they're not. Or a mom who is always tooting her own parenting horn. But please know that is the last thing I'm attempting to do. Lately, the Lord has just caused me to really see how kindness is rare in today's word, where attitudes and rude comments are so much cooler. Where it is so much more the tendency to be in competition with others than to be their teammates. Where it's more common to see others tearing each other down than lifting each other up. And I am so proud that somehow, the Lord has blessed my kids with kind hearts. Tonight I want to talk about Gabe in particular. 


Gabe is my oldest, and he is a smart kid. He's clever and quick and understands so much more than I probably give him credit for. But Gabe also learns differently than others. Gabe has dyslexia. And although it's just a label in essence, it does help explain his struggles. His letters get turned around and make it extremely challenging to read. And because reading is a challenge, Gabe has to have some extra help at school. 


The extra help started off being no big deal to him, maybe even fun to get a break from the classroom. But now this extra help has possibly made him a target for those bullies that exist in every class. 


Gabe has come home from school before and nonchalantly mentioned that someone called him stupid. But he usually brushes it off and moves on. Gabe is definitely a confident boy in general and doesn't tend to let what others say bring him down. Gabe has also been blessed with many good friends. But tonight, as he lay in bed and recounted the day with me as he always does, his eyes got watery and he grew quiet. I knew something was wrong. And as he asked me, "am I stupid, Mom?" my heart sank. 


I of course asked him why he would think he's stupid. I've gone out of my way, anticipating the day when he would start to associate his different way of learning as being a negative, and have always told him that he's smart but just learns different than the average classroom is taught. That he just needs a little extra practice and it will all make sense. But as Gabe shared that on the playground today *Joey told him he was stupid, that he reads like an idiot, and that *Jimmy agreed that Gabe was dumb, it all made sense. Our words are piercing. They can go right through the heart of another, and make a lasting hole where they rest. Words can exist forever in the quiet echos of our minds. Words can hurt.


And as I once again told Gabe how smart he is and how he can do anything he sets his mind to, I then asked him what he said in response to those unkind words. "I didn't say anything, Mom. I knew I didn't have anything nice to say back, so I didn't say anything." 


Yes, Gabe is kind.


Trying to hold back the tears as the words, "am I stupid, Mom" played over and over again in my mind, I attempted to think of words of wisdom to impart to Gabe. And of course, our ultimate role model came to mind. We talked about Jesus, and how people were cruel to Him. How they said unkind words to Him. Gabe chimed in and added how people threw rocks at Jesus on the cross and said, "Kill Him, Kill Him," even though he had done nothing to deserve it. And yet, through the midst of it all, how Jesus continued to show nothing but love and grace, and now calls us to do the same to others. And Gabe then told me that's what he tries to remember when people are cruel. And, he asked for me to help him pray for his 'friends' who were unkind. (Please know that these are not close friends of Gabe. But to Gabe, everyone is a friend.)


As you can imagine, by this point in the conversation my heart was not just heavy, but breaking. Why is it that this sensitive mom is always the one who has to field such tough problems with my kids. Dad was still at church teaching the high school youth group, so I tried my best to get through the prayers. But as I ended by thanking God for Gabe's kind heart, I lost it. And to lighten the mood a bit, Gabe started to laugh at me hysterically. "Mom, why are you crying?" he said, as he giggled. I told him that sometimes moms are so overcome with love for their kids and so very proud of them that it comes out in tears. He said, "I love you too mom, but don't cry." 


I guess if there's one piece of encouragement I could offer to anyone who happens to be reading this, it's just to think of parenting as intentional. Kids don't accidentally learn how to be kind to others. It's our job, in words and in actions, to teach them. To show them. If we leave parenting up to chance, the world will take over. And God warns us of the things of this world. Who wants their kids under those influences. And we cannot assume our kids know by watching us. We have to tell them. A simple reminder before your kids leave the door in the morning to 'be kind to your friends' could do so much more than you'd ever think. Perhaps it could have saved my son from thinking he's stupid. And perhaps not. But I know that the Lord will grow Gabe into a man of character through the adversity. Because, thank God He takes our weaknesses and can turn them into strengths. He takes our hurts, and turns them into love for others, even others that may hurt us. And on that, I rest my heavy heart tonight. 


And one last request. I know I have so many wonderful, believing friends who may be reading this tonight. If you could, say a little pray for my son, that his heart would continue to be abounded in Christ's love and kindness, I would really appreciate it.

A simple note can melt your heart

First of all, yes, The Sanders Family is still here. I have done a pitiful job of keeping up with my personal blog. And, my photography blog too for the matter. 

The kids are back in school and homework is in full swing, as is wrestling practice. Couple all of that with my photography busy season and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. Thank the Lord for His strength, because I certainly couldn't do this on my own AND manage to maintain my sanity. And, thank God for blessing me with a husband who is ever-helpful and other family and friends who keep me on track. Boy, I couldn't do it all alone!

But, back to the reason for this post. My boys may be wrestlers. Tough, strong, no-nonsense wrestlers. But sometimes, just sometimes, they show what sweet & kind little hearts they have. Feast your eyes on this note that the boys wrote...for their SISTER. Seriously, Chloe is blessed to have some of the best brothers around.

"You are the best ever." ...and... "Chloe, We love you. You are 'awesome'. Gabe & Cooper."

I wish I would have had the video camera going when the boys gave Chloe these notes. As Gabe read them to her, a HUGE smile lit across her face. I mean, the girl was BEAMING! Talk about melt a mama's heart. Chloe sweetly asked if they would tape it to her bedroom door, after which she proceeded to tell me that she now needs to have all of her friends over to show them her newest door hanging. 

Oh, how I pray they all love each other just the way they do today for the rest of their lives.

Another old childhood photo

My mom was looking through her old photos and amazingly found another one of me! As I've mentioned before, there are not many photos of me...not that I'm bitter or anything...ahem. Just kidding! Actually, I thank my parents for their lack of picture taking when I was younger because I think, in a way, it may have ironically sparked my passion for photography. As everyone who follows this blog knows, my kiddos will definitely not be lacking photographic memories.

Anyway, back to the old photo of me. My mom kept telling me that Chloe looks like I did as a child. She kept saying that of course we have different hair colors, but the same features. And I have to say, I think the most recent photo find really does illustrate a resemblance.

Here I am at five-years-old...

I know, I know...great hairstyle AND top (insert sarcasm here.)

And here's the same photo, side-by-side with a photo of Chloe. So, what do you think? Do you see a resemblance?

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

Gabe's first-ever Triathlon

What's this, you say?

A blog post? Really?

I know, I have been absolutely terrible about blogging lately. What can I say, other than things have been busy as usual around here and the blog has taken hit. Sorry blog. You've missed so much! Vacations, baseball, flag football, storms, photographs, stories. Where to begin the catch-up?

Well, I can't promise I will review everything that has happened, but I can start with the excitement of our day today. Gabe competed in his first-ever triathlon, consisting of a 50 meter swim, 1.2 mile bike ride and a .6 mile run. And, Gabe won first place! 

But more important than winning is the fact that he once again learned to never give up. And he could have easily given up after the swimming, as we learned it is NOT his strong suit. 

Here's Gabe waiting to start...

And here he is during his first few strokes, already falling behind. 

Gabe did leave the pool in last place. But instead of throwing in the towel, he kicked it into high gear for the biking...

And for the running...

And Gabe ended up coming from behind to be the first to cross the finish line. He is really one of the most determined people I know. 

Gabe, our little competitor. 

And here's Gabe with his buddy, Damon, who also competed and won second place. (Awful lighting, I know. They were lined up for a photo for the paper, so I just snapped a shot.)

On a side note, it was so nice that these two friends grabbed the two top spots. And I not only witnessed Damon congratulating Gabe on his win, but also proceeding to tell everyone he saw that his buddy won first place. What great sportsmanship! I love to see friends cheering each other on!

And one more side note...Chloe is still too young to compete in these events at the age of four. But boy, is she ready! She would compete in a heartbeat if they'd let her! And she certainly didn't let the age gap stop her today, proceeding to run alongside Gabe as he completed his running stint of the race. She then did an extra .6 mile run for good measure. All with a smile on her face. Here's dad showing Chloe the finish line as she completed the run. In flip flops, nonetheless.

So there's Gabe's first triathlon in a nutshell. It's goodnight for now, and hopefully see you soon dear blog.

Fashion Friends photos: Chloe and Faith Flowers

You might recall this post from a little while back where I shared that Chloe would be having a photo shoot with her look-a-like Faith Flowers doll. Well, the photo shoot came and went and I still haven't posted any photos!! Talk about busy! 

So, today's the day. 

Here are a few photos of Chloe with the Faith Flowers doll. Not her very own Faith Flowers doll, which won't arrive until sometime in July when the matching outfits for little girls are ready. The doll pictured in this photo is actually the very first Faith Flowers doll off the assembly line, one-of-a-kind. 

Can you see the resemblance...

The owner of Fashion Friends had also requested that I capture a few photos of Chloe and I reading the Fashion Friends book together. So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and reluctantly got out from behind the camera for a few shots...

The books and dolls are both currently on sale. You can find them here. Not only are they high-quality products, but ones with great messages for little girls! And more photos of Chloe and Faith in their matching outfits when they arrive later this summer. Chloe is just a bit excited for that (ok...and mom is too.)