super hero powers

The more children I have, the more I realize how individual they each are.  I really believe that they come with their personalities and strengths, and there's no point in trying to change them, because they were born that way.  All we can do as parents is help them see how they can use their strengths to their advantage.  I felt my parents were really good at helping me see that I was unique and that it was important to use my gifts and talents.  I think I know what I was like as a child, but I really appreciate reading my mother's perspective.  She was always so good at writing down important things from our childhood.  I am grateful to her for that.

So here we go... we covered each of these while talking last night.  The kids had a lot of input, especially on each other's weaknesses :)

Benjamin-- I think your super hero power is OBEDIENCE.  You do the right thing, no matter what.  You want to know all the rules so you won't ever break them.  You have such a good heart and are willing to do whatever is asked of you.  I try not to ask too much but I believe that God will.  You have an important role as the oldest child and it is such a blessing as parents to have such an obedient, kind-hearted boy.  Your kryptonite that goes along with this gift is that you are a follower.  You don't ask a lot of questions, you just do what you're told.  When you were younger, I worried about you because you listened to everyone and believed everything.  As you grow older, I hope you take the time to decipher where the rules are coming from and if you think they are worth following.  Yes, I want you to think out of the box and eventually break a rule or two!

Luke-- Your super hero power is CREATIVITY.  Your creative power is amazing.  You are artistic, musical, and original.  You don't worry about what others are doing.  You don't compare, you don't compete.  Since you were a small boy your ingenious was evident in your words and actions.  You can read a situation for what it is and get the most out of it.  You see the bigger picture, you find the logic, you apply it to your use.  You are colorful and bright, but others don't often see this about you because you don't show off.  You understand this is your gift and you don't need anyone's approval.  I admire and respect that about you.  It can become a weakness when you see reality different than others and bend the truth to your advantage.  You are technically honest, but sometimes only because you've found a loophole and have masterminded the situation to fit your needs.  I don't think it will ever get you into too much trouble, but I'm afraid to have an argument with you as a teenager because I'll never win.

Zack-- You have been given the gift of COMPASSION.  You are so loving and caring.  You carry such a positive, happy energy wherever you go!  I'll never forget the night you were born.  I was alone with you in the hospital room, and I felt your energy.  You were such a busy happy toddler, making messes wherever you went, but always giving so much love in return that it was really hard to stay mad at you.  You give and give and give until you can't give anymore.  Your light and smile brighten our home.  We are so lucky to have you around everyday.  I've noticed what an amazing cheerleader you are, especially to your younger siblings.  You want everyone to be on the same team and you are constantly encouraging and uplifting all of us.  Your kryptonite is your tender soul.  You get your feelings hurt easily because you wear them on your sleeve.  You give even when others aren't giving back and you get taken advantage of.  Your energy eventually runs out and then you crash.. there is really no middle ground, no slowing down.  It's either hyper-hypo boy or exhausted, can't-keep-my-eyes-open-for-a-minute-longer Zack.  As you grow, you will need to recognize when you've given too much.  There are times when you should and can fight back!

Simon--  Without a doubt, your super hero power is CONFIDENCE.  For as long as I've known you, which is as long as you've lived, you've never lacked an ounce of self-assurance.  You are bigger than life, believing you can accomplish whatever you want.  You don't ask for permission, you don't see yourself below anyone else, you don't apologize for the way you are.  You believe everyone likes you, and if they don't, they have a problem.  You are strong and assured.  You are physically able to do things your brothers never were able to do at your age and that's because you knew you could.. and you prove it, time after time.  You hold your own, you fight for what you believe in and you walk the talk.  You have been blessed with such an amazing gift.  But with it comes a lot of flack.  You come across arrogant and stuck-up.  You don't have patience or compassion for others who aren't as self-assured as you are.  You are direct and rude and bold.  You do not follow directions because your way is better.  Sometimes you will admit that you were wrong, but it's not as often as it should be.  You will need to learn everything the hard way (by experience) and those will be hard lessons in life for you, but I have no doubt that you will overcome any obstacle put in your path!  You are Super-Simon and you don't need any reminding!

Roma-- You have been blessed with the gift of DETERMINATION.  Maybe this is just your terrible twos coming out, but I've had other two year olds and they've never been determined like you.  You are such a strong girl, you always have been.  You were a very difficult baby for me because you knew what you wanted and you wouldn't shut up until you had it.  You demand.  You fight.  You never give up.  Each of your older brothers give in to you long before they should because they know they'll never win.  You know that if you bat your eyelashes and ask nicely, you can get whatever you want.  But if that doesn't work, you will resort to crying, kicking and pinching.  Honestly we're all a little afraid of you.  As your mom, I don't want to crush your feisty spirit, but I really want to help you see that getting everything you want isn't good for you.  I want to teach you that being flexible will serve you well.  There are times when you need to change course because you've made a wrong turn.  Being stubborn won't get you there any faster.  Luckily, you have an adorable, sweetness about you that makes it such a joy to be around you.  I absolutely love a strong spirited woman and I am so looking forward to watching you grow and accomplish whatever you set your mind to do.

Eden--  You aren't quite 2 months old, so this might be a little early for me to label you already, but I believe you've been blessed with a GENTLE nature.  You are such a sweet, mild-tempered soul.  You are soft and sweet and tender.  Everything you do is feminine.  Nursing is usually a very difficult thing for me, especially at the beginning, but for some reason, you've made it a dream. (thank you!) I can feel your tenderness and know that you always want to be close to me.  You really don't ever want to be left alone, and I think that's why you have such a hard time sleeping at night.  You just want to be cuddled and held.  During your baby blessing, Daddy said a couple of things that were spot on.. that your quiet example will bless the lives of many people and that you will be a peacemaker in our family. What a gift you are to me after two crazy kids!  You are made up of so much sweetness and patience.  Roma and Simon pick you up and put you in uncomfortable positions and you just quietly let them do their thing.  I really worry about whether or not you'll get trampled on in this house, but I will protect you for as long as you need me to!  Don't worry, girl.  I got your back!

Aaron-- you're going to hate that I am writing anything about you, but that's because you're so incredibly HUMBLE.  I've never met anyone with so little pride.  You have so many amazing qualities and traits, but you don't brag or boast.  In fact, you truthfully won't even admit that those are gifts you possess.  You are one of the most balanced and level-headed people I've ever met.  You don't need me to tell you this.  You don't care.  You do good because you want to.  Your heart is always in the right place and you don't hold a grudge because there is no reason to.  You are understanding and forgiving and so easy to talk to.  There are definitely down-sides to this.  I want to see you get angry, but you never will and sometimes that infuriates me.  Because you are so even-kill, sometimes I wonder where your passion for life is, but I know that it's with your family.  It always has been.  You've always put us first, no matter what.  I have learned so much from you already and still have a long way to go.

Janet-- I am writing my own assessment because, well, I am taking a class and I was assigned to! (later I will create an art project around this idea.)  After a lot of thinking, I think my super hero power is ENTHUSIASM.  I have passion for what I believe in.  I set my priorities and the things on the top of my list get all my attention.  If I don't feel excitement for something, I won't do it.  I feel overflowing joy everyday.  It's hard for me to contain sometimes.  I get so excited about things... I will get an idea and read about it until I can't anymore.  I will stay up all night just thinking about things I can do.  The downside to this is that people think I'm disingenuous.  I have a hard time staying focused, especially when it's something that I have to do, but don't want to (I hate doing things that bring me no fulfillment!)  But unfortunately, there are things that need to be done- by me- and I don't do them well (like keep an organized house) because I have too many ideas going around in my head.  I pay very little attention to detail. I do not bring calmness or peace to any situation.  I can't meditate for the life of me.  I want to so badly, but I just can't!  I am not a good listener.  I get bored easily.  I am totally the hare in the race and I never win because I get tired out and have to stop to rest!  Life is exhausting when you want to do a million things all at once.