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.