...and now, the boys' names...

P-Dub posted her top 10 baby boy names today.
I've had a little experience with this one.
These are among my faves...

My Top Ten Boy Names

1). Drew
Yes, he's our firstborn.  Yes, I love it as much as I did 18 years ago.  Our Drew is actually "Andrew," but the intent was always, always, always to call him Drew---even when he came to me in late elementary school and insisted he now wanted to be called Andy.  No, he's Drew.  Andrew means manly...brave...courageous.  That's our Drew.

2). Ryan
My husband used to babysit for a little guy named Ryan when he was a young teenager.  He decided even then that if he had a son one day, he'd name him Ryan.  Thankfully, I'd always loved the name, too.  Ryan means "little king."

3). Lucas (Luke)
A couple of weeks before Ryan was born and his name had already been decided, friends of ours gave birth to a son and named him Lucas.  In my heart, I knew then that if we were ever blessed to have another son, his name must be Lucas.  As I've often mentioned, Luke means "bringer of light," and that is what he is.

4). Jackson
My maiden name is Jackson, and I longed to name a son Jackson (Jack)---but Jack doesn't really work with our last name.  Our oldest son's middle name is actually Jackson (and no, Andrew Jackson is not in honor of our nation's president).  Jackson is a nod to so many strong and honorable men in my family...my dad, my brother---and my paternal grandpa who I look forward to meeting one day.

5). Jonathan
I've forever loved and respected the friendship between David & Jonathan in the Bible.  One of my favorite verses says that Jonathan rose up and strengthened David's hand in God.  This is my husband---my very own Jonathan.  I think of how he's encouraged me and spurred me on in my walk with Christ.  How I adore him.

6). Liam
I've had a lot of experience with boys' names, but this is one of those names I didn't get to use.  Is it ok to name grandchildren?

7). Levi
This is another one of those which was under strong consideration throughout my pregnancies (well, for me, at least).


8). Owen
When our friends were expecting their baby boy 4 years ago and received the diagnosis he would not live outside the womb, they gave him the name Owen.  "Well made."  This little guy's brief life had more impact than some who live 90 years.  Owen touched and changed all of us, pointing to the Savior's all-sufficiency and faithfulness.


9). Adam
My brother's name is Adam, so I've always had a strong affinity for it.  It's manly and strong, yet there aren't gonna be 4 other Adams in the classroom.

10). Ethan
Yes, I'm jumping on the Ethan bandwagon.  I know this is among the most popular baby boy names in recent years, but I'm still a fan.

So what are your favorite boy names?

Top 10 Girl Names here.

Because PW did it...

I'm a PW fan
(that's Pioneer Woman for all you non-fans).
Yes, a big, big fan.
Not only does her food inspire me,
but she never ceases to make me laugh with her witty commentary.
She's regularly hosting a giveaway for some fantastic prize.
And I always really, truly believe that this will be the time I win!
I adore her photography.
I love living vicariously through her life on the ranch.
And yesterday, I got a kick out of seeing her top 10 baby girl names for no other reason than fun.
It also prompted me to make a list of my own.
And so I present...

My 10 Ten Girl Names

1). Ava or Eva

They're on equal footing.  I could never decide between the two.  This was the name I'd picked out for a daughter if she ever came.  Since she didn't, I think it's amazingly cool that God still placed a darling little Ava in my life.  

2). Clare

To me, this name personifies beauty and grace and strength. True, it's the name of my heart & soul friend.  But if I could, I'd name 10 daughters after her.

3). Annie

This likely has to do with my affinity for Father of the Bride: Annie Banks McKenzie. I think it's an incredibly sweet name. In fact, I like it so much that I call my sister-in-law, Anne, Annie all the time. It's just our thang.

4). Grace

Wearing a name like Grace...wow. Grace is a daily, ever-present reminder of God's abundant grace and love and faithfulness. Love, love, love it.

5). Paige

This would have been Luke's name had he been a girl.  I'm glad he wasn't.  :)

6). Julia

Contrary to what you might think, it's not because of Julia Child...I don't think.  I've loved this name for as long as I can remember.  When I was a little girl, I had a friend named Julia.  It got implanted on my brain.

7). Caroline

I'm more influenced by movies and TV shows that I thought. This one stems from Ma Ingalls.

8). Kate

I dunno...Kate just gives me a picture of femininity with strength a little bit of attitude. She might be having a tea party in the morning and playing football in the afternoon. I love that.  

9). Elizabeth (Ella, Ellie, Lizzie, Liz)

Such a lovely name...so many beautiful options.

10). Nicole

Yes, it's my name, but I like it.  It was posted in my bedroom when I was a little girl---everyday, the reminder of a victorious heart.

So what makes the cut on your list?  

In Other News...

This is sort of a continuation of my last entry, simply recapping these past few "silent weeks."

*We rejoiced when our son, Ryan, got his cast off after only 5 weeks (we'd been told to anticipate a potential 8). While attending camp, he didn't let his cast slow him down at all (much to his mom's chagrin). I'd hear (after the fact, mind you) that he'd played "Capture the Flag." I'd watch him jump around on his cast while doing the actions to different worship songs. After returning home, he played a rousing game of "Ultimate Frisbee." Yes, he was ready for it to come off. :) We're thankful for his swift healing and the amazing attitude he displayed when his summer plans changed.

* Our boys' baseball seasons are ending this week. Last night was the final game for Ryan and Jon's team (Jon is the coach), and tonight Luke's team plays for the championship for the second consecutive year. Update to follow...

* Our oldest son, Drew, began driver's ed yesterday, and I'm preparing for the fact that he may get his temps this week (perhaps today, even). If you're a mom of a teenager, you know that a lot goes into this "prep-work" for a mom. So I'm praying a lot and taking advantage of opportunities to bequeath him with my "driving wisdom." Hah! Oh, this growing up stuff is hard!

*Back in January, I finally found an old college friend of mine on facebook. I'd searched for her several times, but was never able to find her until that cold January day. Needless to say, we've been in contact since then, catching up on all that we'd missed in each other's lives over these past 19 years since we'd last seen each other. Though she and her family live out of state, it turned out that they were going to be visiting only an hour away from where we live. We jumped at the opportunity to see them! So last Friday evening, after 19 years apart, we reconnected! And what joy it was! I was actually "the third wheel" on her first date with her husband, so it was awesome to see both of them and their beautiful girls; to hear how God is using their gifts and talents to further the kingdom. Admittedly, these years have not been so kind to our memories. One of us would say, "Remember when..." to which the other would say, "Huh?" Thankfully I'd brought a photo album and our yearbook along which filled in a lot of the gaps which our aging minds seemed to create. I'm so very thankful for this unexpected, incredibly sweet blessing!

Inspiration

I'm a talk radio junkie. I have it on through much of the morning and a lot of the afternoon. Admittedly, sometimes it's just background noise. Sometimes it's enlightening, intellectual discussion about politics and the world. Sometimes it gives me food for thought. Sometimes it makes me angry. And sometimes it inspires me.

It is, of course, where I first learned about the formerly unknown, now famous, Susan Boyle on Monday of last week. As the talk show host played a clip of her singing on his show that morning, I was awed. I quickly ran to my computer and pulled up Susan's video on youtube. I was moved...mesmerized. I couldn't get enough. I've been caught up in Susan's story over the past week, cheering for her as she wows the world and gets a shot at her dreams.

On another recent day, I was driving around town while listening to my favorite afternoon talk show host. He was talking about one of his "lighter" topics...collecting change. He tooks calls from those who have a container in which they throw loose coins, waiting for that big moment when they cash it in for the big bucks! I was particularly interested in this, as this has been a way of life for me for many years. Filled to the brim, my jar generates $30-some dollars each time I cash it in. It's not much, but it spells out yet one more welcomed DATE NIGHT! :)

On that particular afternoon, the talk show host shared how he had just cashed in his change that morning. I think he said he does it once or twice a year. His grand total? Over $400! Whoah! As he took calls, one caller said that he and his fiance filled a large 5-gallon water jug and cashed it in for $1,500! And another caller testified that he and his wife began saving loose change in 1980. They diligently contributed their pocket change to this "account" for over 20 years. When they finally cashed it in, it amounted to over $18,000---enough for their dream vacation to Australia!

Inspired, I began dreaming. For years I've been collecting change in a pint canning jar, cashing it in every few months. But what if I got a bigger jar? A bigger vision? It might mean more dates :), but it also might provide unexpected funds for college and vacations...service and ministry.

How have you been inspired lately?

Random Realizations

As it does every new year, the turning of the calendar page caused my mind to race and recognize some rather random happenings. I come by it honestly. I come from a long line of "planners." :) Among my realizations...

*big gulp, swallow hard*

this year...

• our oldest starts high school
• our middle becomes a teenager
• our youngest reaches double digits

and NEXT year...

• my husband turns 40
• our oldest starts driving

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

tidbits

• Finally! After three weeks of attempting to narrow down and finalize the order for our family pictures, I succeeded today. The trouble is, I was hoping for one good photo. But with an amazingly talented photographer, they were all so good! I finally settled on a "now" list and a wishlist for later. I think we're going to get a lot of mileage out of these family photos throughout the coming year!
• Son #1 is having his birthday party tonight. I used to love throwing themed parties for our little boys. I went all out. But this is different. All I gotta do is supply the Vault, Mountain Dew, Pizza, and Spaghetti and they're good to go.
• After spending the next 18 hours with a houseful of 8 guys, I'm sure I'll be ready to hang out with my girls on Sunday night. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, our high school kids meet for D(iscipleship)-Group. This is for those who really wish to go deeper in their faith. This year my husband is meeting with the guys and going through Brett and Alex Harris' fantastic book, "Do Hard Things." I get to study purity with the girls as we delve into Dannah Gresh's "And the Bride Wore White." This is one of my most favorite things to do! I LOVE connecting with our girls, praying with/for them, and hearing their hearts.
• God is at work in a mighty way!!! Just over the past week, we've received three different emails from our kids, testifying to how God is at work in their schools. They're living out their faith and loving those around them. And He is giving them the courage and boldness to share the gospel with their friends and co-workers. God is using our youth, friends! Oh, how I pray that He uses me, too; that I'll be obedient and pliable in His hands.

Here's a bit more of what we've been up to over the past couple weeks...

Falalalala...

You know what happens this week, don't you?

It's the last week of October, otherwise known as the official breakout of Christmas tunes at my house!!!

I know, I know---it's early. But the Christmas music-listening season is so brief, I've always felt the need to extend it...just a bit. Thankfully, my guys are pretty good-natured about my yearly push. Nevertheless, I do try to limit how much I subject them to it throughout these early weeks.

So after school this afternoon, I'll be crooning with Nat, belting it out with Mac, and rockin' around my (imaginary) Christmas tree with Amy. Just so you know where to find me...

Sometimes, you just gotta laugh...

We frequently make a drive-thru run after church on Sunday evenings. While I could (and probably should) plan ahead and provide a more nourishing meal for my family, the weekly drive-thru has become a part of our routine. We often arrive home around 9:30, plop down with our bags of fat, and veg while we watch the latest episode of AFV or Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I know all my health-conscious friends are gasping in horror at this very moment, but don't "fat" and "vegging [root word: vegetable] on the couch" cancel each other out?

Anyhow, due to my husband's schedule and responsibilities, we always need to take both of our vehicles to church. And most often, after the evening service, my husband and a couple of our guys will make a quick run to the fast food establishment of choice while another of the guys and I go home to get things ready.

So shortly after we arrived home last night, our youngest son came in the back door announcing, "Dad can't get the truck to shut off." Huh??? As I looked out the back door to get the scoop, our oldest son came strolling in, as well, Taco Bell bags in hand. "The truck won't shut off," he confirmed.

Who ever heard of such a thing???

I went out to the garage to see for myself, and sure 'nough, my husband was calmly fidgeting with the steering wheel and the gear-shifter thingee, but the key would not budge in the ignition. Even after all these years, I'm still awed by and grateful for his control under fire. Had it been me, I would have been outwardly stressing, cranking, and mumbling about it. I'm so thankful for his consistency and example, even after a very long day!

After an internal pity party (about how this unexpected event was ruining the remainder of our short evening together), God (thankfully) gave me some renewed perspective. Armed with my camera (of course) and my husband's supper, I went out to the garage to join him. And with his grease-stained hands and the aroma of gas fumes wafting through the air, we stood there and laughed about the craziness of it all. Afterall, sometimes that's all you can do.

After several long minutes, it was clear that, though the garage door was open, he had better move the still-running van onto the street in front of our house. He made a few phone calls to friends, seeking semi-professional advice. One piece of wisdom was to bang on the tumbler (what's that?) with a hammer. Now that's our kind of fix-it job!

But alas, none of the tips worked, and we were faced with a decision. Still not knowing the root of the problem, should we call a locksmith (late on a Sunday night---$$$) or simply let the van run out of gas? With the tank only a third full, we opted for the latter.

I kid you not, when I awoke at 5:30 this morning, the crazy 15-year-old truck was STILL running. Just a few minutes later, I finally heard it conk out.

And there it remains, peacefully, at this very moment. I'm not sure what our next course of action will be. Will it be fixable? Will it be simple? Will it be worth it?

But this thing I know: As I hung out with my husband in the garage last night, I kept thinking, "This will make a great blog entry!"

Little Things Mean A Lot

We bought a new digital camera last October. It served us well throughout our vacation to Washington D.C. and early winter.

But then in February, it met its untimely demise on the ceramic floor of our church kitchen. I'd had it with me when preparing for our annual Sweetheart Banquet, and as I set it on the counter, I accidentally got my finger caught in its strap while I was pulling away from it, causing it to crash onto the floor. A small piece inside the battery compartment broke off, preventing the battery door (and hence the batteries) from properly connecting. Needless to say, I felt sick. Our four-month-old camera...piffed.

Duct tape served us well for these past several months, though we'd frequently have to attach and re-attach fresh duct tape while the frustrated subject matter of our photos urged us to hurry up through gritted teeth.

Finally, my husband made an executive decision that it was time for a real, lasting fix. He contacted our camera's customer service and got a repair quote (which was still much less than a whole new camera).

And today, my heart did a little dance as I spied the Fedex man standing on my porch with a small box in hand. Who knew that something as simple as a fully-working, fully-functioning camera could bring such delight to a mid-week afternoon?

My husband knows how much I value and treasure photos of the ones we love...so I just want to shout out a big THANKS to him for understanding that accidents happen and rolling with it; for remedying the situation; and for taking care of and providing for me so faithfully!

A little of this, a little of that...

Sometimes I fall into the trap of believing I can post only when I have something deep or profound or meaningful to write about. And the truth is, most the time the things I write about may very well be deep or meaningful to me only. But that's okay...

Anyhow, I've discovered that some of my favorite posts to read on other friends' blogs are simply the day in and day out sort of stuff---not necessarily anything deep or earth-shattering; just a glimpse into the simple here and now.

So here are a few random tidbits from our lives this week...

* Our garage project is officially complete. Some of you know that we tore down our old, original one-car garage last fall to make room for a new one. With the help of friends and family, my husband built quite the amazing structure. He completed his workshop this week, and the gutters were installed this morning, making this project finito. Now I'm not much for garages, but I must say, it's a beaut.

* I finally got a considerable amount of planning for school done this week. I'd kind of been dragging my feet. I know several of my friends were praying for me on that front, and let me tell you, your prayers were answered! Thank you! This year we'll have sons in 8th, 6th, and 4th grades. Where, oh, where has the time gone? Our first day is September 2...

* Due to a rainout on Monday, our baseball season officially ended this Wednesday with our oldest son's final game. We lost, but it was a great year. The boys are somewhat bummed that it's over. I, however, am glad for a bit of a reprieve from the frequent running back and forth to games and practices...

* I've been closely following the Steven Curtis Chapman family this week as they made appearances on both Good Morning America and Larry King Live. I'm so struck...so challenged...by their hope and their testimony in the midst of unfathomable circumstances. Oh, that God would continue to use their lives...and that of little Maria...to turn hearts to Him!

* I met one of our girls for coffee earlier this week. She's about to head off for her first year of college in a week and a half. Ah, yes, 'tis the season. While we're about to say "see ya later" to so many of our kids, my heart is full in knowing that they're ready. I was so deeply encouraged to hear her heart as she talked about her walk with God, finances, relationships, and more. Oh, how I love what we do!

* My husband is performing a wedding tomorrow for two of our former students. They are humbly and passionately following after God---in fact, following their wedding, they're moving out-of-state where he has accepted his first youth pastorate. What joy! Tonight is their rehearsal, which I happen to love almost as much as the wedding itself. I love the way my husband conducts wedding rehearsals, as he makes it a true celebration, not simply a practice.

* I've been on a quesadilla kick lately. I recently made Pico de Gallo Chicken Quesadillas, and for lunch today I made a Spinach & Mushroom variety. So easy and so delicious! And no, the boys didn't eat them...they got the straight-up cheese variety.

* The weather has been gorgeous this week. And I hate to say it (since it seems that summer was so late in coming this year), but for the first time early yesterday morning, I felt a tinge of fall in the air. Bliss! Yesterday on family day, the guys and I visited the nature center at our state park, and we also hiked the trails. Our youngest son was feeling very creative and photogenic...hence the reason for all the photos of him. Plus, he's so stinkin' cute!

If you've made it this far, I thank you for taking an interest in me and my family, Reading Friends. I hope you enjoy a happy, joy-filled weekend with your families.