Bath Tub Talk

This morning began as any other wild day beginning with Ana wanting to play dolls in the bath tub and Ethan wanting his "emergency truck" aka: fire truck. My mother-in-law, Jamie was going to be at our house at 9:00am to bring over a few things. I wanted to have coffee for us to (hopefully) enjoy and also wanted to make the kids muffins that they had been asking for. Everything was going smoothly until bath time. I had put Ana and Ethan in the bath tub together and had just gotten out Ana out when I realized I had forgotten to get her panties. I told her to begin getting her shirt on and I would run and get her socks and panties. Ethan, at this point was still in the bath tub and quiet. (that should have clued me in) I come right back and Ana looks at me and says; "Momma, you not going to be happy". I said; "What is it?" And she replied; "Ethan pooped in the bath tub". I began to laugh and asked her; "Well, will go in there and clean it for me?". She wrinkled her nose and said; "No, that is GROSS Mama". So I walked in the bathroom and there he was standing up in the bath tub holding a pile of poop- just for me. I said; "Oh, thank you, buddy". And Ethan replied; "You welcome. You mad Mama?I go poop. Here you go". Thank goodness it was solid because it could have been worse. And I know this from experience. So I get him out and he is still as a statue while I clean the tub and re-run him new bath water. It was an interesting start to a busy day. I have to say, we had a wonderful visit with Grandma Jamie and no poop in the world could have ruined that.

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!