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Poem & Children's Story needed for Naming Ceremony

26 replies

GeorginaA · 14/10/2004 21:47

Well the man from LifeRites has been and gone and we think we have a rough outline for the naming ceremony. We're just on the lookout for suitable readings. Can anyone help?

1st reading we would like to be a humorous poem - connected with names/naming or maybe just parenthood. It's purpose is to focus on the event but also to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously

2nd reading we want a children's story to involve our younger audience. Short, with pictures preferably and again with a "how something got its name" type theme. Suitable for around 3 year olds but also that a younger or older child could still appreciate.

About to google too, but just know that Mumsnet is fantastic about coming up with the goods. Any suggestions?

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Hulababy · 14/10/2004 21:49

Aren't the Aesop's Fables all to do with how something got it' name, etc...?

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GeorginaA · 14/10/2004 21:51

TBH it's been donkey's years since I've read them and there's over 600 odd aren't there? Remember any specific that had a nice name (rather than a cautionary tale type name )

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Original poster
GeorginaA · 14/10/2004 22:01

Okay... the children's story. I've found this which might be appropriate. "The Boy Without a Name" by Idries Shah - does that sound like a match?

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EvesMama · 14/10/2004 22:16

did you watch friends when it was emma first birthday...joey read a book with a story in and the repetative corus went something like...

i'll love you for always, ill like you forever, as long as im living, my baby youll be.

he did say who the book was by but i dont remeber but you might find it on friends site...it was very beautiful.

JanH · 14/10/2004 22:20

We have a book called My Name, My Poem - self explanatory - obviously there isn't a poem for every name and some of them aren't about the name at all - but I could have a look for you (if I knew what the name is!)

JanH · 14/10/2004 22:20

And that's assuming I can find the book.....

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GeorginaA · 14/10/2004 22:20

That sounds lovely EvesMama! Looking now...

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GeorginaA · 14/10/2004 22:22

JanH - that looks like limited availability Did have a look.

I've found the one you mentioned, EvesMama and added it to my amazon shopping list It's Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

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JanH · 14/10/2004 22:23

GA, it's this one - it's called Love You Forever!

I'm sure this was recommended v recently on another thread.

EvesMama · 14/10/2004 22:23

oh thats great, were did you find it as i think id like it for dd?

JanH · 14/10/2004 22:24

I've got it though - would you like me to look for it?

JanH · 14/10/2004 22:25

Here it is on amazon UK, EM.

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GeorginaA · 14/10/2004 22:27

Yes please JanH ... will CAT you with the name

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EvesMama · 14/10/2004 22:32

have never ordered from amazon b4 and am dubious about giving my card details, do they take anyother method of payment?

JanH · 14/10/2004 22:38

It is scary the first time you do it but honestly, it's probably more secure than using a card in a shop.

If you really don't want to buy online, note down the details - including the ISBN - and you should be able to order it from a bookshop. Will be full price though. Mind you if you only buy one thing from amazon p&p bumps the price up, so it's swings and roundabouts

popsycal · 15/10/2004 09:06

When we had ds's naming ceremony over a year ago, I couldnt find anything I liked but I ended up writing my own. Will google for you today to find some that fits your 'specification' lol

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GeorginaA · 15/10/2004 09:22

grin thanks popsy

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popsycal · 15/10/2004 09:28

haha
not relevant but found this
Mommy's Online

I can hear them calling, so I know they are fine.
"Where's Mom?" they are saying, Don't they know I'm Online?!!!
"We're Hungry!", I hear. I tell them, "Please hush!
Mom is online now, what is the rush!!?"
They had a bite yesterday when the phone lines were out,
These kids drive you crazy...Oh look! There's a pout!
I dispense bowls of cereal as I download a file...
No time wasted here...I'm a true computerphile!
I check out the boards and respond to a few,
"We're so bored!!," moan the children, "What can we do?!!"
I tell them to stop, please do not whine.
Geeez...can't they see their mother is busy online??!!
The grumbling continues as they wander about
"Mom's ALWAYS on the Computer!!," together they shout!
Unawares to me, they yank the phone from the Jack,
saying, "Daddy is right...this is the way to get Mommy back!"

Gem13 · 15/10/2004 09:29

Can't recommend anything for the young ones but have a look at Ian Sansom's 'The Truth about Babies from A to Z'. There are some lovely musings on parenthood and children. There are very short sections (sometimes just a sentence) and you might find some of them suitable. It's a good book to look at regardless.

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GeorginaA · 15/10/2004 09:37

giggle love that popsy ...

Thanks Gem - will look that one out

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popsycal · 15/10/2004 09:38

hhmmm georgina - the poem specification has stumped me....will keep searching and might even see what my old brain can muster up for you....

popsycal · 15/10/2004 09:46

The Christening

What shall I call
My dear little dormouse?
His eyes are small,
But his tail is e-nor-mouse.

I sometimes call him Terrible John,
'Cos his tail goes on -
And on -
And on.
And I sometimes call him Terrible Jack,
'Cos his tail goes on to the end of his back.
And I sometimes call him Terrible James,
'Cos he says he likes me calling him names...
But I think I shall call him Jim,
'Cos I am fond of him.

AA Milne

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GeorginaA · 13/11/2004 20:42

Hi folks - an update

ds2 looking absolutely gorgeous

EvesMama - thank you so much for your recommendation - we had Love You Forever read out with all the kids coming to the front to see the pictures and it was absolutely beautiful - perfect. The kids behaved tremendously well too, and it worked really well to make them feel included.

The poem we ended up using was The Naming of Cats by TS Eliott which worked well too.

Had a fantastic day, but now knackered

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MrsMiaWallace · 13/11/2004 21:46

glad you liked it georginaA and your ds looks gorgeous on your photos!
i also bought the book for dd and read the full thing..i thought it wasbeautiful and cant wait to get my dd reading it with me!

JanH · 13/11/2004 21:49

He does look wonderful, GA! His outfit matches his eyes!

Glad it went so well. Any more pics?