Superhero Fun Run June 17, 2013 – Posted in: Family

I recently posted my Superhero Cape shirts and shared about a fun run we were go to participate in to help raise awareness for the long term effects of bullying. The organizers of the run teamed up with the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation and are working hard to bring awareness and help to those who suffer from the effects of bullying.

I’ve been bullied. When I was growing up, I was a short, scrawny, gawky, glasses-wearing bookworm who, as an Army brat, was constantly the new kid. Most of the places we moved to were heavily military and everyone was used to being new. But one move landed us off post and I went to a regular civilian elementary school and was subjected to constant teasing. One day it really bothered me and I found myself breaking down after school. My Dad found me with tears streaming down my face and after listening to me tell him all the things weighing on my heart, he dished out some wisdom that’s stuck with me for over 20 years. He told me people who tease, who tear you down, are jealous of you. They envy something about you and because it makes them feel bad about themselves, they try to break you down to build themselves up.

I’ve been bullied as an adult, too. You’d think that grown women could act like grown women, but you’d be surprised by the lengths people would go to to try and make others feel little. A group of women have tried to target me, thinking that by calling me SuperMom it would bring me down. But I’ve embraced the nickname as a compliment and made myself a cape for the run to honor the spirit of rising above.

I have chosen to rise above bullying. I’m teaching my children that it’s wrong to make others feel that way and they should stand up for kids they see being picked on. Last Fall Sofie’s pre-K teacher told me whenever there was a kid on the playground not included in the group, she’d call Sof over and encourage her to go play with the child. Since then I’ve noticed her making an effort to include everyone when they play.

I’m proud to be raising kids who are good, caring, and conscientious. And pretty darn adorable in superhero masks!

I made a variety of prizes for kids participating in the run and couldn’t let my little sweeties go without special outfits, too. Using some awesome supergirl fabric I found at Hobby Lobby, I made variations of pillowcase dresses for Sofie and Ella, and a short sleeve peasant dress for Chloe. I thought they were precious!

My little man got Batman shorts that were a perfect color match for a onesie we were given when he was born. He wasn’t a fan of his mask, though, and wouldn’t open his eyes with it on!

I’m so in love with this little face!

It was a fun day raising money and awareness for a wonderful organization. I can only hope that in the future there’s more thought and love, and less hurtfulness, going out into the world.