A "Buckinbole" Birthday

 When Grant was in Kindergarten, I had a SEP (student educational plan) conference with Grant's teacher in early December.  I had had an SEP conference with her in September, but she had not had Grant in her class for more that three weeks when I met with her for the first time.  I walked into her kindergarten classroom and sat down in the tiny chair at the tiny table that is very appropriate for kindergarteners, but not so appropriate for grown mothers of three.  Grant's sweet teacher, Mrs. Page, looked at me and said, "I sure am enjoying your little 'Buckinbole' in my class".  To which I responded, "My little what?"- cause that kind of sounded like a cuss word or something offensive anyway.  She repeated, "Your little 'Buckinbole'".  I, of course, wanted to know what in the world a "Buckinbole" was and why she was referring to my child with such language.  I said, "I'm sorry?  I guess I don't know what a 'Buckinbole' is".  She then got this really confused look on her face and said, "You mean you don't call him 'Buckinbole" at home?".  To which I wanted to respond OF COURSE NOT!  WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD CALL THEIR CHILD 'BUCKINBOLE'?!  CERTAINLY NOT ME.  YOU HAVE ME MIXED UP WITH SOME OTHER WHITE TRASH PARENT.  But instead I said, "No, my son is Grant Hyde.  Did I come at the wrong time?"  She then began to laugh and repeated her question, "You don't call him 'Buckinbole' at home?".  "No, we just call him Grant.  We kind of like his name."  She then really began laughing and proceeded to tell me that Grant had come to school way back in September and told her that we had changed his name to "Buckinbole" (that was the way he chose to spell it) and she and the other members of his class had been calling him that for the first 4 months of the school year.  She then showed me all of his class work, which had the name Buckinbole at the top of each one.  I then asked her if she wondered what kind of FREAK parents he had?  She said that thought had crossed her mind once or twice.
I went home and asked Grant about his name at school.  He then reminded me that earlier in the year Garrett's second grade class had read an Amelia Bedelia book in which she didn't like her name.  The kids in Garrett's class were asked to come up with a new name and then they were called that name for one day in class.  Apparently, Grant liked that little project and decided to participate as well.  Only he opted to keep using it all year.  It was his school name.
Well, my cute little Buckinbole- who now just goes by Grant- turned 12 this week.  I am having such a hard time with this birthday for some reason.  He has always been my little boy.  It is hard to believe he is growing up, becoming responsible, holding the priesthood, carrying a cell phone, and is interested in girls.  I love so many things about this boy.  He is so happy and witty.  He makes friends easily and is accepting of everyone.  Everyday after he gets home from school, he rides his scooter or bike down to the elementary school to pick up Gracie so she doesn't have to walk home by herself.  He fishes with his dad, rides his bike along side me while I run, plays catch with Garrett, and tumbles with Gracie.  He makes everyone feel important.  I am so lucky to be his mom.
Happy Birthday Grant- Buckinbole- G2- G Money- Gran Tee Boy- and whatever other silly name you are called in our home.   We sure love you!