What's in a name?

Evidently, a lot. A lot of freaky science fiction.

So, back when I was pregnant (which, was four years ago), Mike and I would frequently go back and forth about what to name our unborn child.

Early on, he mentioned the name Jaina to me, and explained how to spell it. (Previously, I had only heard the name once, and it had been spelled with a y instead of an i.) So I asked him where he got it. Turns out, he got it from a book.

And now you all get to learn the Groen's deep dark secret? What is the name of said book where Jaina's name came from?

It is Star Wars.

If you follow the Star Wars story (after episodes 4, 5, and 6, that is), Han Solo and Leia Organa (Skywalker) fall in love and get married (that is not a surprise.) They proceed to have twins.

Any guess as to the names? That's right, Jaina & Jacen. And odd, Mike's other suggestion for a boys' name was none other than Jacen. Hmmm. (In case you care, they named their third child Anakin, after Leia's twisted, self-absorbed, diabolical father, aka Darth Vader)

So tonight, I decided, how many Jaina's are there? So I googled her name. Turns out, there aren't that many. But there is a LOT Of information on her namesake, who albeit fake, has quite a life story.

Jaina's first light saber?

So, for those of you who are fans of Star Wars, I can no longer call you geeks. I am one of you....


But hey, at least it looks like I have the force with me......always.

Nah, it's just a bracelet

4th of July

I know this is almost two weeks late....

But man, summer is exhausting.....

Our 4th of July was BUSY. We went to Pella to see Grandma and Grandpa Willer, and of course, play with the kitties.

When I was growing up in Pella, 4th of July was nothing special. My, how times have changed. They have a parade, a fishing derby, pony rides, bullfrog races, carnival games, and of course Chinese food (what could be more American?)

And, for the first time EVER, Jaina sat through the fireworks. For two out of the last three years, I have been dragging her kicking and screaming from a fireworks display. Not this year. This year, they were beautiful, each and every one.