Write Your Name

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Brody 
Daisy
George
Lila 
Henry
Sam 

Do you remember flipping through the baby book of names while looking forward to the day you would hold your child? My kids love to hear the other names we considered for them. And we may or may not have, just for kicks, convinced one of them that we changed his name when he was two. Don't worry, we told him the truth eventually (I think). Names are important and our interest in them from a young age testifies to this truth we know deep within us. They mark our identity.

As a homeschool mom I constantly discern between what I think is important versus what is unessessarily carried over from public education. One question that comes up regularly is, Do I have my kids write their name on their work? I know with 30 students this is needed but with 3 I can usually discern who wrote what. Usually.

But still I press on with them writing their name for 2 reasons: 1) I want them to OWN their work - even if it is subconcious. 2) I want them to be in the habit so when they are at outside classes (days where I outsource their education for enrichment or I just don't want to teach 8th grade science...ahem), I want them to remember to put their name down. My goal is to raise them for others to enjoy as much as I do and I want the other teachers I partner with on my good side. Hence the big bag of Lindor chocolate truffles I bought to go in their Christmas gift bags...but I digress.

Yesterday, after reminding them AGAIN to write their name and date (because I also think it's important for them to know where in time they stand at that moment even if many days look alike as a homeschooler),  I overheard my 9-year-old comment, "I need to get a stamp with my name on it."

Me in the other room: silent smirk.

Then I remembered their dad has one from his office that has a FB style thumbs up with his name. The apple doesn't fall far from the Graf tree....and I think I know what I'm putting in their Easter baskets this year along with the traditional flip-flops and candy.

 The Bible God says He calls us by name and we are His.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
Knowing that I am His tells my heart all I need to know deep down inside about who I am. I pray you find the same peace and confidence in being called by name by the One who formed you.

Addendum: I literally had the following conversation just hours after crafting this post.
Me looking at my oldest son's online grades: Why are you missing two assignments in science?
Thing 3: I did them but I forgot to put my name on them so she returned it and and I gave it back.
Me - long internal sigh. Note to self - buy more truffles for science teacher.
             
At least we still have 4 1/2 years left to get this down before he goes to college.