What's Your Name

Growing up my Dad had a nickname for everyone he ever met. My grandfather’s name was James Roth and he nicknamed him "hot rock". Why? My Dad explained to me that he had a hot temper and he was the most stubborn person you would ever meet. He also said that if my grandfather had it in his head that the stop sign was green he would argue with you that it was actually green. (Well, now I know where I get my stubbornness from.) My Dad also had a name for my grandmother and it was "granny franny". Not the best choice of names but then again, my grandmother would not expect any less from him. The list (of his victims) goes on but the one that has affected me the most is the one he gave me when I was 12 years old. How bad could it be, right? Well, it is so bad that is has gone through three generations and is still holding strong. My sister, Haley was having a hard time pronouncing my name. She was still really small and we were working with her on her words. My name came out one day as "Boo". And once Dad caught wind of it and the name Boo has stayed with me ever since. It has stayed so much that even my niece calls me Boo. My children actually call me that when they want to pick on me. (which is quite regularly) It’s the nickname that will never die. I can remember my father’s co-workers would also call me Boo and now my husband family also calls me Boo every once in awhile.

I began thinking today of all the nicknames I gave my family that have stayed. My grandfather that I was talking about earlier I named him "Pa". And my grandmother I called "Mom". And yes, it gets quite confusing when we are all together. My aunt, whose real name is Jennifer is now "Kiki" to all who know her. I'm trying to get her to change her facebook name to Kiki. My Dad is now "Papa" to his grandchildren and even me. I think that name fits him quite well. And my Mom is "Mimi". She makes a great Mimi.

My niece, Nora named my husband "Bubba". And of coarse, my Dad has kept it up. That one is really funny. So even our husbands are not without the curse of the nicknames. When you think about it, it says something for someone to give you a nickname; like that they feel comfortable enough to have a special "name" for you. It creates a family environment and that place you can call home. I am honored to carry the name that my sister gave me and my Dad will never let die- Boo.

Ana and Ethan have already changed the names of already some of our family members. Justin, my sister's husband (and my husband's brother) is now known as JJ. Ana was having a hard time saying Justin and it one day came to her that he was JJ. Justin will always be JJ to my kids. And Ethan does call my Dad, Papa but he is recently calling him, Rod-ger. (translation is Roger) Its funny that even though the nickname was decided on as Papa- my son is breaking all the rules! But what can I say; Ethan is turning out to be a lefty like his Papa Roger and is the spitting image of my Dad. I also envisioned myself as being called, Mom. But my kids call me "Mama". Once we finally got the gift of children I think I would have settled with Boo. I was so longing to be a Mom. And my husband is "Daddy". As it should be.

Nicknames will change or remain the same but as the person carrying the name we will be the blessed ones. For a child to be creative by selecting that one and special name is a memory that will last forever. So cherish what name your kids, grandkids selected for you because it could be the best gift you could ever get.

Good Night My Angels

Nighttime is always a battle and yet a precious time in the Ford home. There is never a dull moment when you put a high maintenance diva, Ana and our power house dragon, Ethan together. You never know what the will become of your night. I remember one evening I was at my parents and complaining how I needed to get home to get them in the bath and bed. I told my Dad that it is so hard and draining and he replied; "Its the last stretch till you are free for the evening". Well, that may very well be true but its that last stretch that takes it all from me. Many of nights I have laundry that is breeding within itself that needs to be done and other things that have not gotten done. So instead, I sit in front of the TV (sometimes on) and stare at it. I wonder how these super mom bloggers do it. I can barely hold my eyes open when the kids are in the bed.

Tonight was a little different, though. Both Ana and Ethan were so tired they were sitting on my bed and not fighting. Amazing! I put Ana to bed first and told her that I loved her and she had been such a good girl today. I kissed her on the forehead and she wrapped her arms around me. She usually doesn't do this. I held on to her and said how glad I was that God made me her "Momma". It was a sweet moment that I will always treasure. I turned out her light and blew her a kiss.

Then came Ethan. He asked if he could finish watching a program that was on and I said he could. He had taken a four hour nap today and had been really great. So I felt since Ana had not napped he could have this small privilege. He was sitting between us on the bed when he reached up and gave his Dad a big kiss on the cheek. Jimbo looked down and said; "Thank you, Ethan". Ethan replied: "Your welcome, Daddy. uuvvv u. (Translation: Love You) He then looked at me and gave me a giant kiss on the cheek and told me he loved me too. I was so proud of Ethan for giving kisses on his own. He is acknowledging what it means to be gentle but most of all loving. Both my children love and are becoming even more aware of others. Ana asked me the other day, when I hit my knee, if I was okay. I told her I was just fine, just clumsy. Ethan recognizes when his sister is hurt and asks her if she is all right. They care for one another and even though I can teach that to a certain point I know, with all my heart, God is hearing my prayers. He is hearing my worries and concerns and He is responding to me by giving these moments. I know Ana and Ethan are His children- I am there earthly Mom. Each day I am so grateful that my Holy Father trusted me enough to give me these two amazing kids.

Hosea 11:4

⁴ I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
a little child to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.

Giving Back

I've been feeling convicted to reach out and do something for a family, child, or adult this Christmas season. We usually do something, don't get me wrong but I have been wanting my children to see it more than ever. When a commercial advertises the latest toy on the television they both want it. And this goes on all day long. Its frustrating because Ana and Ethan have so much. I want to teach them the importance of giving and how it makes another person "smile". I began to research how I should go about teaching such a simple yet complex act.

1. The first thing we are going to do is make a "Maggie Feeding Schedule". This way they can be apart of feeding her. I've made a chart so Ana and Ethan can put a sticker on it when she gets her food. Neither of my children like to get hungry. So first, we will begin by teaching that all animals need to fed and Maggie, our new dog, is one of them.

2. The second step which goes hand in hand with the first step and that is we are going to make a bird house. Well, we are going to assemble one that is pre-made. And then paint it as a family. Again, Ana and Ethan can see that even the outside animals need food and we will add this to our "feeding chart". We've been so blessed to have a great back yard. We get all kinds of animals from rabbits, squirrels, to the occasional deer. But throughout the year we have all kinds of birds that we watch. Its really amazing to see from our sun room.

3. No matter how many feeding charts I make Ana and Ethan will learn by example. They may not be old enough to know how they want to give this year but they can watch me. As I reflect on what do, they will be right by my side watching.

Doing the smallest task as coloring a book mark for their teachers is teaching them something. I have to remember that its the small things that make the biggest difference. Mother Teresa said; "We can do no great things, only small small things with great love". Love and loving others is what it is all about. And hopefully, I will be able to teach that to my children this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Pa

James Roth Lorance

Decatur

Funeral for James Roth Lorance, 78, of Decatur will be tonight, July 13, 2010, at 7 p.m. at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Cecil Berry officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Roselawn Cemetery.

Mr. Lorance, who died Monday, July 12, 2010, at River City Care and Rehabilitation, was born February 26, 1932, in Morgan County to Marvin Lorance and Annie Mae Berry Lorance. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Mr. Lorance owned and operated Lorance Refrigeration Business. He also retired from Meadow Gold following 25 years of service.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances Sparkman Lorance; two daughters, Jennifer McKay and husband, James, of Decatur and Paula Drake and husband, Roger, of Chapel Hill, Tenn.; one brother, W.E. Lorance of Midwest City, Okla.; three sisters, Virginia Green of Decatur, Fran Bishop of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ann Entrekin of Florida; two grandchildren, Brandi Ford and husband, Jim, and Haley Ford and husband, Justin; and three great-grandchildren, Nora Ford, Ana Ford and Ethan Ford.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Heard, Brent Lindsey, George Wimberley, Mark Hill, Ellie Smith and Larry Pollock.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Alabama Baptist Children's Home, 1404 16th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601.

TN Thanksgiving 2010

Today was indeed my first Tennessee Thanksgiving that I have ever had. It was really special with bittersweet moments. Ana and Ethan are getting older and it is too hard to drive to Alabama, have lunch and be back to share Thanksgiving with my husband’s family. Sounds simple but it is tiresome and a struggle. After my grandfather passed it is even more difficult to want to continue with the same tradition. We all needed a little change, not too much, but something that made it a little different. No matter how we "change" it up, he will no longer be here and that is the saddest part.

God was faithful and allowed so many laughs throughout the day. It all began this morning, with Ana. Oh, what a blessing this child is! She can find humor in just about anything. She wanted a granny smith apple for breakfast. So Jimbo peeled it for her and then sampled one. His face got all tight and said; Ana, this is the sourest apple ever! She laughed and said it was "yummy". As we were having our coffee and breakfast Jimbo looked at the amount of apple Ana had on her plate and told her if she ate all that she was going to have to poop for the most part of the day. I smacked his arm, laughed, and told him not to say that. Who thinks of things like this at the breakfast table?! Oh, yeah, that would be my husband. Nasty!! So I told Ana not to listen to him and she laughed and said; "okay, mama". Later on I went into my closet to begin thinking about to wear for the day. Do I go casual, really casual, dressy, or dressy funky? About the time I had my train of thought going my "crew" had followed me into the bathroom. Ana informed me that she had to go to the bathroom and Jimbo, for whatever reason decided he needed to join us. (Ethan is still asleep during this time) So, I begin to pick up where I left, deciding on my outfit, and Ana says; "Hey Mama, I'm going to go poo poo, okay?" I said; "Okay, sweetie". Jimbo starts laughing and said; "See, I told you that big apple was going to make you poop". I told him not to bother her and plus, an apple would not work that fast. We go back and forth and all of the sudden Ana speaks up and says; "Hey guys, trying to poop. Get out please." We all began to laugh so hard! So we gave her the privacy she needed and I went back into my closet to get yet another outfit out.

Lunch at my parents was simple, fun and so relaxing. We didn't feel rushed and the meal was amazing. My sister had made two soups, three appetizers and mom picked up sandwich meats, cheese and breads. I made a dessert that actually turned out. Nora, Ana and Ethan all played so well together and laughed the entire time. There is nothing better than hearing the three of them get together. The love they have for one another is so tight and strong. God has really blessed us with these children. We left in time for Ana and Ethan to take naps. We wanted them to feel refreshed at my husband’s side of the family. Again, we had a wonderful meal; the visit was relaxing and fun. The kids loved being together and playing games with one another. We ended the night on the drive back home listening to Christmas music and looking at Christmas lights. Ana and Ethan are getting older where they are taking an interest in lights and who has the most on their side of the car.

Yes, I am thankful for my family, friends, and all the blessings I have been given. I am so blessed to be living in a wonderful home, have freedom and know the love of Christ. I'm saddened that the months are getting longer from the last time I saw my grandfather and I miss him so much. If I could just get one hug from him, where no words were spoken I would be just fine. But that is not how this thing works and I know that. I just miss him and no matter how we make simple changes the reality is that he is gone and that doesn't make the pain any easier. He will always be apart of my heart. My memories that I treasure will remain with me always and that is my comfort.

As I write this note, that hopefully one day my children will read and understand, I am surrounded with the sounds of Christmas music and a happy heart.

Happy Thanksgiving from Tennessee!

Nighttime Love Bugs

I always find it fascinating how each child is totally different from one another when it comes to going to bed. Ana's first year with us she screamed bloody murder every single night. It was awful and then it just became annoying. We wanted to make it an enjoyable time with her but she was going to put up a major fight. Now, she is our little angel. She has her routine down and goes right to bed. With Ana, I wanted to hold her, love on her and give her the night time (rocking chair) rocks that I had missed. But she is more independent, even then she was so I had to come up with something that she and I could bond over. Our ritually is; I tuck her in, pray over her and give her kisses. Right before I leave her room I tell her to call me if she needs anything and then I blow her kisses. She blows me kisses right back and sticks them in her (pretend) pocket. Also, at night time is when she wants to know the full agenda of what we are going to be doing the next day. I give her the run down and you can see the contentment on her face. She is my structured little one. I've always wanted to give her back a piece of her early childhood that I missed. But its like she doesn't miss it and wants to continue to go forward- as it should be. Ana requires more sleep than Ethan and when she doesn't get her regular hours she has meltdowns that you would not believe. Tears are shed over the slightest thing and if something is out of place, well, lets just say, its not a pretty sight. This is what makes Ana, Ana. Her personality is filled with wit and humor. She will always keep me on my toes. I love you, beautiful girl!

Sweet Hugs

Well, today was like every Monday morning- we were running late. It never fails that on the day we have to be somewhere everyone decides to sleep in- including me. It would make sense to use an alarm clock but when you have two kids that wake up between 5:30am-6:00am, WHY?? Its these days that I remind myself to go out and get one.

It all worked out and God had me just where he wanted me this morning. I am in a Monday morning bible study group and even though it is a "rushed" feeling I am always truly blessed once I get there. This morning, Ethan tried so hard not to cry when I dropped him off.. Oh, he wanted so bad to hold it in and play...but he just couldn't. I knelt down and told him how proud I was of him and I would be right back. His favorite teacher was in there and he went straight to her. She loves on him but then lets him be a "boy". Gotta love girls like that. I decided to pick Ethan up first since he was the one that was first dropped off. Plus, Ana was still outside with her class playing. He was proud to see me and we squeezed each other. I had him in my arms and told him to say "bye-bye". He blew his teacher a kiss and then wanted to get down. As he got down he ran right over to her and wrapped his arms around her neck. I was so shocked and yet so proud all at the same time. Kinda made me think that continuing to work on gentleness, patience and love is finally paying off with our little man. He may not always be the most "gentle dragon" but his heart is as big as he is.

I love you, Ethan and I love the way you love.

Mom

Our Dragon

We call Ethan our little dragon. He can be gentle and then all of the sudden become as fierce and angry as a dragon. Its funny to witness but can be a bit tiresome after dealing with him all day. So this particular morning we were driving into school. Ana loves her new school (which I will soon blog about) and simply adores her teachers. Ethan, on the other hand cries and screams every Tuesday and Thursday morning and it is just what he does. Ana is such a great big sister and she does take care of her little brother when he is upset. She likes for us all to be "happy". And when we all "pretend" to fight she puts her hands in the air and says; "guys, guys, listen; stop fighting". We laugh and tease her some more. Thankfully, she has a good sense of humor.

Ethan had woken up as a dragon on this morning and had already stated; "I NOT go bye-bye, I stay HERE". I explained that we were going to school to see our teachers and friends. That still made no difference to him. So when he got in the car he was in a foul mood. We pull into the church parking lot and the tears began. "No, Mama I stay with you". Ana was right in his space saying; "It's okay, buddy. We're going to see our teachers". He warned her to stop and to get away but she kept on. I even asked her to give him some space since he was in a bad mood. It went in one ear and out the other. She told him again and this time the dragon came loose. He looked right at her and said; "Ana, SHUT UP!" I actually was shocked and quickly looked at Ana and she had the same expression as I did. What to do, I thought. He warned her, I warned her but he can't be rude to her. So I told each of them to tell the other that they were sorry. I figured if we all apologize, maybe that is the right answer.

The day got better for Ethan and Ana went on to have a wonderful day at school. And I, well...I got my favorite latte from Starbucks and I was a "happy" person the rest of the day.

Resurrecting My Blog

So as life has gotten busier I have neglected my blog. Ana is getting older and is always asking; "tell me a story when I was a baby". I don't think we ever get too old to hear stories about our childhood. I know I want to hold on to these memories as blackmail evidence for Ethan. The mischief he has already gotten into is worth every effort to now blog. I love my sweet children and no matter how many rolls of toilet paper Ethan rolls our house with or how many mornings Ana sneaks into my bed with me I truly want to remember every detail.

Lost: Toy on side of road

I've hesitated to write about this day but as I thought on it I realized that I want to be "real" at all times. I don't want to just write about the "good" stories or moments. The difficult times when you only have one nerve when you wake up are sometimes the best teachable moments. Well, for me anyway.

To paint the background of this picture, Ana and Ethan had been fighting for literally two days straight. We were on day two when I had to go to Spring Hill for errands. On the way back home they were constantly fighting over this ONE toy. Now, they each had their own but this ONE particular toy was the cause of their bickering. I said; "Ana, put the toy in between you and Ethan". She did and just as she did Ethan snatched it from her. She tried to snatch it back and eventually got it. So I thought maybe if they each have a turn it will be better. Wrong! Still fighting over who's turn it was, kept going on and on. I tried putting the toy, again, in between them and still nothing. I was at the end of all patience. I yelled; "Give me the dam* toy!!!" Ana slowly handed me the toy, probably in fear of her life and I said; "Say good-bye to the toy". They both said good-bye and the next thing I know I am throwing the toy out the window. And saying: "No one is going to have this toy if you can't share!". There was silence. And more silence. And nothing was said till we got home. And after that day Ana and Ethan have yet to fight over another toy in the car. Home is a different story but we have nice, peaceful car rides now.

Being a Mom has so many highs and when the lows come I can finally laugh them off. Its all going to be funny in some shape and form. So rather than getting up-tight I am rolling with each day as it comes.

What to clean today?

As I was searching on the internet last night I came across something completely different than what I was originally looking for. (I just love when I find an un-expected treat) The website is called Fly Lady and it designed to help you organize your time and tasks. I feel that I am a pretty organized person but the tips were awesome and realistic. Its free to join and you can un-subscribe at any time. At this point in my season of life I will take useful tips any day!

http://www.flylady.net

A Sweet Reunion

Blogging reminds me of telling a great story when you're not sure where to actually begin. I'll begin in the middle and as time allows I will start from the beginning our story of Ana and Ethan. Our oldest, Ana is adopted and a wonderful character to our already "crazy" family. She could not be more like me if she tried. Her biological great-grandparents are from Las Vegas, NV and they wanted to spend the entire day on Saturday with us. It had been since October 2007 when they saw her for the last time and wanted to drive to TN to see the place she calls home. Gigi, her great-grandmother wanted to see her bedroom, our home, and the thousands of toys they have. We talk to her regularly and she and her husband wanted to be able to visualize the place the kids live; rather it be their bedrooms, playing on their swing set, or watching the animals from the sunroom. They wanted that mental picture.

I was so worried about Ana's reaction to them. I wanted the day to be wonderful. We agreed to spend the day at my parents home where the kids could all get out and have more room to move. I told my Mom one night about my "expectations" and she told me not to go in with any. I laughed and told her she never had any expectations on anything and she laughed back and said; "And that is why I'm never disappointed". I threw my expectations out the window and just prayed over Ana that night. I prayed that she would just be "Ana". If ever there was a time where I could look at my Heavenly Father and say; "I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU SO MUCH" it would have been on Saturday. As they pulled into the driveway I immediately went out to greet them. I told Jimbo to go and get the kids. (Ana, Ethan and Nora) As Ana came outside I pointed to Fran/Gigi

(her great-grandmother) and she ran to her and wrapped her arms around her neck and held on for so long. I stood there literally shocked. Was this my child? Where did this come from? And then I knew. We were watching our prayers being answered.

Ana got to spend time with Gigi, her great-grandfather- Papa, her half brother- Kyle, and her half sister- Shayla. All the kids got along so well. Nora showed Kyle how to use the ipod and "watched" over everyone only as Nora can do.

I watched and listened to the kids as they played. And it was beautiful how they accepted one another so easily. All the adults got along and that is the hardest thing sometimes. I think occasionally we need to take lessons from children. It was really nice to see everyone and have an insight into their world.

Towards to the end of the afternoon the kids broke out their swimsuits and hit the trampoline. Yes, trampoline, not pool. Mom and Dad do not have a pool so to improvise we spray the trampoline with a water hose. The kids LOVED it! It was hilarious to watch. My husband and the rest of the men were brave enough to go outside but the women were smart enough to stay in doors. Ana got the water hose from my Dad and began to spray everyone. It was so funny! She chased my husband around with it and as my Dad was taking pictures she began to attack him with it as well. It was the perfect ending to an incredible day.

As the evening came to a close I realized that its okay to have expectations but its not okay to want to "control" the situation. And that is what I was confusing. I wanted Ana to be herself and I was trying to control the day and blaming it on "my expectations". God is bigger than me and all things. I forget that every single day. If I would just let Him do His job I'd be a lot better off.

Isaiah 6

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."