Simply Sanders!

I'm Back!!!

2011-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

It has only been a little over 3 years since I have last posted. So many changes and then again, not so much. Still in Waco. Gaven is now 7 and Caitlin is 5!!! I do not have any babies anymore. After a string of jobs, I think I have finally found one that is going to stick. I am an Administrative Manager for a group of Sonic stores. Yes, my friend owns them but I still work hard. More to come soon ...

Introducting Ms. Lacie

2008-02-18T08:28:00.001-08:00

This is Ms. Lacie Camille Jones. As you can see the last name isn't Sanders so she isn't technically a relation, but she is the only live birth I have ever witnessed. My sweet ones were brought into this world by capable doctors, lots of drugs, and 2 c-sections. I don't even remember most of Gaven's birth. I do have remember Cait's but it wasn't anything like what I experienced on January 23, 2008. Lacie made her debut and I have to admit I am a little more in awe of her mother. Kudos to all your women who brave childbirth. I was always a little sad that I wasn't able to give birth naturally but after that day, I am very okay with my kind of birth.

Also, look closely at the picture and you can tell that she is really smiling at me.

Valentine's Fun

2008-02-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

After reading The Strickland's post yesterday, I was inspired to try some Valentine creativity of my own. Creativity is lacking in the Sanders' household but we are trying.

We made heart shaped crayons.

As you can see everyone was invovled and they turned out great. Both really enjoyed breaking the crayons.

Once we understood that we don't eat them (we had to take a bite to really believe it) we were excited to give these to our class on Valentine's Day.

Can you hear me??

2008-02-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I received a hearing aid. For those of you who don't know I am almost completely deaf in my left ear. So yes, turned 29 one week and got a hearing aid the next. You would think it was would have been wonderful to hear everything but it was almost a shock to my system. I could hear before but this was crazy. When left the office after being fitted it was raining. It sounded like my car was being attacked or something. Then turning the windshield wipers on about did me in. Just when I was ready to throw the thing out, I picked up the babies. It was amazing, I could hear both of them in the back seat, not just the child that was on my "good side." Last night when they were in another room playing, I could actually hear what was going on. So I think I will keep this and see what else I have been missing out on in the world.

Sorry, it seems like some kind of sickness I have that I can't post something without including a picture.

2008-02-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

It has been two months since I last posted!!! Thankfully we are all doing well. I turned 29 last week, yes that is right 29. In the weeks before I was worried about being single, 29, having 2 toddlers, and imagining all the things I wanted to change before I turn 30. BUT it was a great day. I see little steps of improvement everyday and I have such a great life already. So I am going to enjoy the remaining year of my 20's and try not to worry about the future.

Trip to the Zoo

Thankful

2007-11-21T07:51:00.001-08:00

After last week, I am thankful for our health. Many of you know that Caitlin spent almost an entire week in the hospital. She was severely dehydrated. Needless to say it was a week of exhaustion. In the midst of taking care of Cait, I met parents who are in the hospital every few months with their children. My heart broke for them because of the stress and worry they must experience. It made me realize that even though we tend to have really weird illnesses, all in all the Sanders clan is pretty healthy. (Speaking of weird illnesses, Gaven scratched his cornea in three places yesterday. I wished I had taken a picture because it was crazy looking).

On this Thanksgiving, please remember to say a prayer for those who can't be home to enjoy the holidays.

Ms. Brittany

2007-11-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

Please meet Ms. Brittany. Ms. Brittany has helped Caitlin find her voice at the Baylor Speech Clinic. We are amazed at Cait's progress and accomplishments. Please join with us in praying blessings over Ms. Brittany's future and offering her a big thank you.

Why??

2007-11-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

I think most people would say that I am a patient momma with my children. I really try not to lose my temper, explain why we are being disciplined, etc. All in all I think we have a pretty good relationship at our home. So my question is what have I done to these children? I understand when someone wets the bed. It happens, it is the occupational hazard of being a three year old. Totally get it. Even understand when we don't make it to the potty. Still sweet smiling mommy. BUT when a three year old takes his underwear off and pees on the couch and then is happy about it. What is up with that? Moving on to his sister. Totally get that we are 20 months old and curious about everything. Understand when we pee on the floor right in front of our little potty. It happens, we aren't potty trained. BUT when she takes off her diaper and poops on my couch. (Yes, I also understand if no one wants to sit on my couch anymore). Then after we get past that and try to put it out of our minds, she takes off her diaper during nap time and poops in her bed. Of course she doesn't just poop, she has to smear it and get it everywhere. I find her trying to climb out of the bed because she has finally decided it is gross to play with your poop.

Are they in a conspiracy against me? Have I done something to deserve this kind of retalation???

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Halloween. The Ninja Turtle thoroughly enjoyed himself. The Princess didn't enjoy it quite as much. As you can see we partied with a Cheerleader and a Mermaid. All in all a fun evening.

Caitlin's Spooky Artwork

2007-10-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Above is Caitlin's feet made into ghosts. She created her masterpiece at school in Ms. Regina's class.

A Weekend With the Sanders

2007-10-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Family Time

2007-10-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Good News!!

2007-10-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Pops went to the doctor yesterday and received good news. He doesn't have to do the surgery for 3-5 years. We were all excited. Of course, this comes with taking care of himself and stop smoking. So please join with us in praying that he has the strength and courage to stop smoking.

Update on Pops

2007-10-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Pops had his test today. There were not able to fix the damage to his heart. He needs to have a quadruple bypass. Needless to say we are all in a little shock. He had a triple bypass ten years ago. He swore he would never have another one. We are waiting to see what his decision is. Please keep him in your prayers.

Happy Fall!

2007-10-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Back By Popular Demand

2007-10-12T06:42:00.001-07:00

We are back! Sorry it has been so long. As you can see we are as cute as ever. Yes, that is Caitlin throwing a fit but I couldn't resist taking a picture. Praise Report - She has stopped biting!!!

Prayer for Pops

2007-10-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Pops is going in for heart testing on Tuesday, October 16th. We ask that everyone prays for a complete and speedy recovery.

Even More Updated

2007-09-14T07:40:00.001-07:00

I should have saved the update for today. Yesterday, I am sitting at my desk, working along when I receive the phone call. The phone call that says, "Yes, you need to come get your daughter because we are done with her." Done with her? What exactly does that mean. It means when you pull up to the daycare door they have all her stuff waiting for you at the door. Apparently she bit again and instead of any warning they decided they were done and told me she was no longer welcome. If I sound a bit sarcastic it is because I spent more of yesterday crying and being angry. My sweet baby girl was asked to leave daycare without any warning whatsoever. Yesterday after I had to take a day off work, she and I drove around and looked at daycares. Apparently the place I was going was way cheaper than any others in town. The thought of uprooting her brother who takes forever to settle into a place and getting her settled again just broken my heart. Not to mention the money side of it.

This morning is a new day. I found a daycare close by that happens to have a teacher who is working with speech delay children for Caitlin's class. Gaven's class is smaller and will only have children his age opposed to having two different ages in one class. This morning I left them without any tears. Always a plus.

Prayer Points:

1. Caitlin's biting will cease this instant.
2. Both children will adjust quickly. I have a peace about this daycare and if it isn't the one, I ask that the Lord shut the door quickly and completely.
3. That the extra $240 would become available to cover the cost.

(See I was even too traumatized to put up a cute picture). :)

Update into our world

2007-09-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

I am a slacker blogger I know. Life has gotten busy and I have neglected all of you. So sorry. Here is an update into our lives:

Gaven: He is doing great. Going to school and trying to learn it isn't socially acceptable to kick our friends. As you can see from the picture he is learning to develop his own fashion sense.

Caitlin: Miss Cait is having a little more of a struggle. Between teething, having the Fifth Disease, and losing a pound, she has been feeling a little under the weather. She was diagnosed this week as being speech delayed. She starts speech therapy next week at Baylor University and this should help with her aggression (in the picture above she is not praising Jesus, these were taken in the middle of a fit). She is on thin ice at her daycare because of biting. BUT we are going to persevere. She is a sweet, smart girl, who when she learns to communicate correctly will take the world by storm.

Me: I am coping with all the above. I have started selling Mary Kay (please see me for all your beauty needs) on top of working a full time job and most importantly being a full time mommy.

Thanks for everyone who has asked for an update. We are loved.

Three Days

2007-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Three days is all it took for a discipline note to be sent home from pre-school. My sweet princess baby had bitten not one but two children at school. Thankfully one was her brother, but the other was a child from church (Thank you Short family for not being upset). As you can see she is just as sweet as can be but when she gets upset the teeth come out. Not really sure what we are going to do at this point because this has been a problem for a few months. Any suggestions to make my sweet girl stop taking a bite out of people??

2007-08-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I blogged. Caitlin has started preschool and is doing well. As you can tell from the picture she now believes she is big enough to sit at the table. Gaven has finally gotten rid of his Fifth Disease. It took almost three weeks for the rash to go away. He is so excited to have Caitlin at his school. He prayed she would have lots of friends like him. Too sweet.

Gaven Pleads the Fifth

2007-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, Gaven has Fifth Disease. For those of you who don't know what Fifth is let me enlighten you. It is a rash, low-grade fever, and joint pain. Thankfully the rash doesn't itch, it just looks bad. This picture doesn't do it justice. Please pray for a quick recovery. Gaven is ready to start playing with his friends.

Caitlin's Diagnosis

2007-08-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

Caitlin's doctor called and said all her test results came back wonderful. Her official diagnosis is that she is a small girl. Right now we don't have to go to a specialist. Thank you, Jesus!

Summer of Sitters

2007-07-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that our beloved Ms. Donna has had to stop keeping children. She is having surgery today on her herniated disc. Our thoughts and prayers are with her. Her injury began a crazy summer of sitters.

Special thanks to those of you who have helped the Sanders' family this summer in order of appearance:

Tanya Weaver
Becky Trimble
Lauren Siebert
Brooke Peters
Tressa Strickland
Memaw
Aunt Olivia

Gaven has now joined a pre-school. Caitlin is being kept by Ms. Rachel until she can join pre-school. She has been our saving grace in this crazy time and become a member of the family in a short time.

2007-07-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

"Gavenisms"

2007-07-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Jesus, please help all the stinky people"
"Jesus, thank you for the beans, chips, chicken, cheese, and diarhea" (he meant tortilla)
"My tiger's name is refridgerator"
"Today our teacher told us a story about Jack and the Beanstock and the mean yogurt" (orge)
"Tomorrow can Tanya be my mommy because I really like her"
"Caitlin told me she wanted me to eat her food"
"No" (usually this is being shouted from the top of his lungs)
"Jesus, please help the church potty's be clean"
"Momma, don't move there is a sembot on you" (for all you Spiderman buffs)
"I am the Gaven" (in response to "I am your Momma")

Doctor's Visit

2007-07-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is Caitlin crashing after a hard day at the doctors. It was determined that she still has not grown. A battery of test was run including blood test and three catheters. Needless to say it wasn't a good day for Miss Cait. We are waiting on the tests results. It could be that she is just going to be a small girl, but as the doctor said even small girls gain a little weight, not lose it. Please keep her in your prayers.

Adventures on a Bike

2007-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

2007-07-05T09:20:00.001-07:00

2007-06-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Caitlin went in for her 15 month check-up last week. She has lost 1/2 a pound which doesn't sound like much but for her it is. She hasn't grown in the past few months and the doctor is concerned. She has suggested trying a high calorie diet for a month to determine if she has a high metoblism. She suggested giving her Pedisure. We have tried every flavor and Miss Cait is not having any of it. Does anyone have any suggestions about nutrious high calorie foods that she might like??

Gaven's Three Year Old Pictures

2007-06-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ms. Charity Stephens, photographer extraordinaire has allowed me to show you a quick glimpse of Mr. Gaven's three year old pictures. After the slide show is completed, please browse her website. She has been a blessing to our family and provided us with memories that will last a lifetime.

www.stephensphotography-waco.com/bigthree

Happy Days!!

2007-06-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Cutie-Patooties!

2007-06-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

2007-06-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Little Miss at the Water Park

2007-06-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Swimming with the otters

Action shot at the Water Park

2007-06-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

2007-05-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Swimming

2007-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

After swimming

Gaven's 3rd birthday!

2007-05-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Dinosaur Expedition!

Check out that three year old!

Look at that cake!

Ms. Tressa's gift to Gaven

Blowing out the candles!

Katy, Gaven, and Anna!

Happy Birthday boy, isn't he?

Merry go round princess!