August 25, 2007 - Beach Day

We had a great time at the beach today. The weather was nice. Warm, but windy enough to fly a kite. I love this picture of our boys. I can't help but say how cute I think they are. Plus, you can see Cory in the background flying our airplane kite. Pretty cool. :o)

Names

I have always thought that naming a child is quite important. With our boys, I looked at: (1) meaning, (2) popularity of name, (3) initials, (4) how the name fit into our family, (4) extended family names, (5) potential nicknames, and, of course, (6) how many letters in the name.

Recently Cory found a list that we made trying to determine the name for our third boy. Cory thought it would be interesting to blog. So, here we go...

Names I researched. Listed by: name, possible spelling variation, nickname, popularity of name in 2004 as determined by the Social Security Department (1 is most popular), and meaning. If I remember correctly, this is a list containing any boy name that interested me.

Abram (Abe), 588, Father of Nations
Andrew (Andy, Drew), 6, Courageous
Benjamin (Ben), 25, Son of My Right Hand
Eli, 160, Delivered
Elijah/Elija (Eli), 31, The Lord is My God
Elliot, 398, The Lord is My God
Galen, 917, Healer / Calm
Jackson (Jack), 48, Son of Jack
Jesse (Jess), 94, God Exists
Jonah (Joe), 177, Dove
Roy, 470, King
Leroy, 820, The King
Trevor, 109, Prudent
Travis, 165, Crossroads
Joseph, 9, God will crease
Marcus, 115, Warlike
Carson, 101, Son of Carr
Wilson, 464 Son of Williams
Cade, 251, Pure
Silas, 427, Man of the Forest
Ezra, 382, Helper
Trey, 238, Three
Alan, 131, Handsome

Then on 7/20/05 Cory experimented with names and included the middle name that we chose. He also listed the rank of popularity for the first name. I was very impressed that he was working at picking the right name before the baby came...something he doesn't really like to do.

Carson Roy, 101
Jonah Roy, 177
Cade Roy, 251
Darius Roy, 285
Brewster Roy
Dawson Roy, 206
Silas Roy, 427
Trace Roy
Talmon Roy
Sage/Gage Roy
Noah Roy, 29
Henry Roy

He later crossed out Dawson, Trace, & Talmon. I don't know if it was because he wanted to or because I made him. He always liked the name Talmon, but given that our boys are most likely going to be on the shorter side, I thought it sounded too much like Tall-Man. That would be mean!

Another point of interest: We each have a version of three on our lists. He wrote Trace and I wrote Trey. This is because Zane was so sure at the time that we should name the baby Three. We tried to find something that could work, but couldn't.

On 7/21/05 I wrote another list and tried to narrow it to my favorites. I wrote the potential full name followed by a nickname and then the initials.

Peter Roy Gant (Pete) PRG
Abram Roy Gant (Abe) ARG
Jonah Roy Gant (Joe) JRG
Alan Roy Gant (Al) ARG
Cade Leroy Gant CLG
Henry Roy Gant HRG
Roy (Leon)? Gant RLG

Then I tested the name with the family names to see if it sounded right.

Cory, Lori, Zane, Luke & Abram
" " & Jonah
" " & Alan
" " & Cade
" " & Henry
" " & Roy
" " & Peter

I even tried the first two boys first and middle names with a couple potentials for the third.

Zane Cole
Luke Dion
& Alan Roy
& Roy Leon


On the next sheet of the notebook that contained this naming information, there was a "Weekend to-do list" dated 7/21/05 and written by me. Number 6 under Cory's list was "Pick baby name! (w/ help of Lori)". Next to this is written Cade Roy. So, it seems we must have picked his name the weekend following 7/21/05.

In conclusion, whoa, I'm glad that is done and that we were able to pick names for each of our boys that we like, have special meaning, and family significance.

BROTHERS' BOOK CLUB

Too cute...

You can't beat SNUGGLE TIME

Zane's first note -- June 23rd, 2007

I didn't even know he was writing me a note...he did it all by himself! Great Job, Zane. I love you and the note.

FATHER'S DAY 2007

The Four Gant Guys before church on Father's Day.

After church we went to lunch at Don Juan's (our favorite mexican restaurant) with friends from our new church. Altogether there were five children age 5 and younger: Zane (5), Reagan (4), Luke (3), Morgan (3), and Cade (1). It was a little crazy, but we enjoyed it...

LOTS more to see...

Strawberry Pickin' 2007

Getting ready for "Crawdad Picking 2007"

Fall Creek Fun

Cory planned a day trip to Fall Creek for Memorial Day. It was a beautiful day and the family had a great day. Zane most enjoyed climbing up and sliding down a dirt bank. I think the best part of Luke's day was spending time with his big brother. Cade loved fishing (his first time) and seemed to know exactly what to do. (Although, we didn't catch any.)

To marry or not to marry...

Zane has long told us that he is not going to get married. He wants to adopt many children and live in a house that is attached to ours. (He has very specific ideas for the house.) Recently he changed the plan a bit. He said, "I just want to marry Luke." When he gets older he will understand that you can't marry your brother, but for now I'm just glad that he likes Luke so much. I pray that they (and Cade) will always be the best of friends.

Luke usually says that he does want to get married and, like Zane, he plans to adopt children. I don't know if the boys will follow through with their adoptions plans. However, it is interesting to me that they have developed this plan at such a young age and have maintained it for such a long time. (I think Zane has been telling us his adoption plan for maybe two years...that's along time for a 5 year old!)

Fun Times

ZANE----------
Yesterday Zane said that while he was putting his socks on in the family room God told him that he "should go around the world and preach about God."

A few days ago Cory and I were having a little argument. Zane stood in between us and put his arms up; one toward me and the other toward Cory. He said, "I don't think you're handling this very well." He then advised his Dad that he should do what I want and then do what he (Cory) wants.


LUKE----------
Luke wants to be a teacher and fireman. He plans to work as a teacher one day and a fireman the next.

Recently Luke and I had a difficult afternoon. Later I asked him to come over so I could hug him and tell him that I love him. He said, "You're sorry that you made bad choices."


CADE----------
Yesterday I gave Cade a fudge ice cream bar. He said, "Hmm....good."

The other day when we were outside Cade bent down and moaned or groaned. I asked him if he was okay. He said, "No." He stood up and looked down toward his "boy parts." Then he pulled up his shirt & ran over to the bushes and pretended to go potty (something he has seen his older brothers do many times.) It was very funny! Evidently he is becoming aware of when he needs to go potty and I'm starting to dream about a household with no stinky diapers.

Gravity & Love

Zane said the other day, "Wouldn't it be neat if we unlocked the mystery and could jump to the moon." Before you think he is a total brainiac, we did read a book about gravity that said something regarding unlocking the mystery of gravity. But, I still think it's amazing that he remembered it and used it properly.

Luke usually makes a pretty big ordeal about me leaving. Sometimes it is nice and sometimes not so much. One thing I hope to remember: lately he goes to the door and signs "I love you" in sign language through the window, then he grabs the doorknob to pull himself up in order to look out the window to see if I saw his sign. He does this several times. He is up, then disappears, then the little sign, then up pops his head, etc. It is even cuter because he has to hold down his middle and ring finger with his other hand in order to do the sign.

A Blanket, A Song, And Pig Chicken

Cade has a name for his blanket. I think he has for awhile, but we just figured it out. What is the name? Bubba. He actually pronounces it more like Bubbah, but we say Bubba and he knows what we mean. I like that name for a blanket...very cute.

Yesterday Luke was singing a song outside. I didn't pay attention to most of the song, especially considering that most of it was just made up words and the often repeated "ding-dong." When the song came to an end (of which only he would know) he said, "I'm so glad that song is over. I'm really tired." I got a good laugh out of that one!

On the way to Cottage Grove to meet my parents for dinner, Zane asked where we would eat. I told him where and he said that that was where they have his favorite chicken. I said that it was actually pork. He replied, "Yes, my favorite chicken -- Pork." I told him that Pork is from a pig. Evidently he still didn't understand because he replied that Pig was his favorite Chicken. I then explained that I thought he meant "meat." That BBQ Pork is his favorite meat, not chicken. He agreed. What a conversation...

Harvest Party

Here is a picture that I failed to put up 5 months ago...
I just saw it again and thought it was too cute not to include in the blog.
Luke is a Jack-in-the-box, Zane a tin of popcorn & Cade is a park ranger.

Just the way you are...

On the way to Wal*mart I told the boys that I was sorry for being grouchy this morning. Zane said he didn't care about that. I asked what he meant and he said, "I like you just like you are." Luke joined in, "Me too." Those boys sure melt my heart.

Bubble Bath Gone Bad

I gave the boys a bubble bath today and it was a lot of fun until big brother Zane got in and decided to smear bubbles on his little brothers' faces. The pictures will testify to the fact that Zane's idea of fun didn't go over very well.

Driving, Super Heroes & Diapers

I was teasing Zane the other day and told him that when we took the videos back to the store that I was going to send him in alone to return them. He said that he couldn't do that because he would be scared. Although he was too scared to take the videos back, he did offer to drive us to the store.

Yesterday, Cade got angry during lunch and kicked his chair over backwards. It scared me and I rushed over to see if he was okay. Zane also came over to comfort Cade. Luke got down from the table and ran for the bathroom to wash his hands. In route to the bathroom he stated, "The super heroes are coming."

Note of Interest - Cade told me on Monday, 3/19/07, that he was stinky. He patted himself on his bottom. I asked if he needed his diaper changed and he nodded yes.

Cade's 18-month pictures

Cade was acting rather odd at his 18-month pictures. It was the first time he was very interested in how the pictures were being taking and completely uninterested in cooperating. We got a couple cute ones, but it was hard work. He only wanted to sit down in one position. If the photographer moved his legs, he would move them back. He wouldn't stand up. We finally got him up as far as a squat, but he was complaining about it. In the end he found joy in running off the platform into my arms.

A Zane story...

The other day while walking we passed a teenage boy on a bike. He was mumbling about being lost and we tried unsuccessfully to help him. As we left I said, "Sorry we couldn't help you more." Zane then asked, "Is his name More; do you know him?" Cory and I laughed.

What did you say?

On Sunday I dressed Luke for church. He looked extra cute and I told him to go tell his dad, "I'm the stud of all studs." He went to Cory and announced, "I'm the Dud of all Duds." He has a little trouble with his "S" sound. After a little practice he was able to get it right, but the first version (although not true) was very humorous.

Zane

Speaking of the bodily functions of Luke, I might as well mention Zane's too. Yesterday, while sitting on the toilet, Zane had some serious gas. Cory made a comment about it and Zane said, "Toots come in different sizes." We started laughing and Zane said, "Was I right, Dad?" Pretty funny.

Luke

For the record - Luke has only had about one accident at night in the last two months or so. I'm going to have him in pull-ups at night for another week (we're finishing up a package).

Dad joins in the fun.

Luke and Cade?? My you've changed...

Luke's creation

Luke drew this back in January. It is a picture of him, Zane and a merry-go-round. Cory and I were so impressed. I've never seen him (or Zane) draw a picture with such detail.

Cory and his 3 red amigos.

Zane turns five (5)!

Zane's party at Grandma Marsha's.
Blowing out his 5 birthday candles.
Zane & his presents.

Silly Mom

This picture of me is so funny I just had to share it. :o)

Cade

Cade is 18 months old now. His last two baby teeth, number 15 & 16, have broken through. He can say around 30 words, some more clearly than others: ow, ma-ma, da-da, brothers, grandma, papa, cader, hi, hello, milk, go, stinky, hot, no, up, down, uh-oh, please, thank you, two, shoes, here-you-go, mine, bowl, love you, tickle, danger, gentle, help, cookie, kitty. He also sings the Happy Birthday song. He is a wonderful little boy, full of smiles and so fun to be around.

Prayers

Each night my boys want to pray that they wont have bad or silly dreams and that they wont have to go potty, but what fascinates me the most is what Luke consistently says. He wants the bad men to put down their guns and swords and be good. So we always pray for the bad men, that they will learn about Jesus and want to obey Him. I have no idea where Luke got this idea. I wonder if we will find out in Heaven how this has affected the bad men in our world. I truly believe in the power of a child's innocent prayer...

Victoria, BC

At the beginning of December, Cory and I took a four day trip to Victroia, BC. We had a FABULOUS TIME. We went to Buchart Gardens, ate at fun restaurants like the Stickey Wicket, walked all around, had meaningful discussions and pampered ourselves with full body messages (a first for me)! I am so blessed to have him as my husband. I'm already looking forward to our next getaway. 

From the mouth of a 4-year-old

Recently Zane told some of our friends that he was curious like Curious George.

I called Zane into the bathroom to kill a spider for me. He killed it with only two squares of toilet paper (it would take me a couple feet & at least one squeal.) Then he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "I do it because I love you."

Zane said to me that he was thirsty. I replied, "Nice to meet you, Thirsty. My name is Mommy." He doesn't like it when I do that and asked me to stop (I learned it from my Dad and didn't like it either...somehow it gets more funny with age.) He then asked if I would like it if he did that to me and quoted Luke 6:31, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." After that he said, "Nice to meet you, Thirsty. My name is Zane. Did you like that Mommy?"

A couple days ago I was getting Luke in his car seat and got short with him for goofing around. I raised my voice and sternly told him to get into his seat. Zane said, "Watch your words." I asked if he was talking to me and he said yes. When I asked him why (I was curious what his answer would be) he said that I didn't sound very nice. I thanked him for the reminder.

Our Little Animals...

Zane the tiger.










Cade the monkey.










Luke the frog. 

Our Junior Cookie Monster

Hey, You...go get me another cookie. Now! 

Luke blows out his 3 blue candles.

 

Luke is Three!

Luke wanted to have a blue birthday party with corn dogs, melon, olives, cupcakes and fruit snacks. Especially fruit snacks!

Zane bought his little brother roll-on bubble bath with $2 from his penny-bank and also spent much time cutting out 2 Lightning McQeen cars out of a fruit snack box. He was very excited about giving his brother something so special.

Papa & Boom-Boom, Grandma Marsha, Aunt Joy & cousin Lolly helped us celebrate.

Luke also wanted to have his party in the hills & so we planned to open presents and Skinners Butte. Unfortunately it was raining.

Cade's 1 year pictures

 
 
 
  

Loving you

 When Cory comes home, the boys and I usually run to the door. We all try to get the first hug. It is fun for us and Cory must like it. Cade is old enough now that he is joining in the fun. He goes to the door and reaches for his Daddy while making kissing noises. It is one of those heart-melting-moments.