it's john mark TIMOTHY rigdon...

It was no secret to both Micah and me that when we named John Mark, his name was probably going to cause some issues for the rest of his life.  Every time we go to a new doctor or dentist, etc. they almost always call out "John Rigdon."  It's become second nature to respond "it's actually John Mark" - you know, like the PAPER you're holding in your hand says on that "goes by" line.  He is typically oblivious to any name other than his full name.

For the past few days, I haven't been able to figure out why he was never waiting in the designated place for my car when I pulled into the pick-up lane at school.  I always have to hand a teacher my sign and soon, he comes running out and jumps in the car.  Yesterday, the mystery was solved.

Me: "Hey buddy!  How was your day?"
JM: "GREAT!  Mom... you are not even going to BELIEVE it- there is someone who goes to my school and his name is JOHN RIGDON."

I couldn't contain my laughter.  I laughed for quite a while and eventually explained to him that John Rigdon was, most likely, him.  They probably just didn't say "mark" when the radioed in to the cafeteria to bring him out.  I told him that whenever he hears that he really should just go on up to the front.  And if there is, in fact, a John Rigdon who goes to his school, well they can say hello.

And the title of this post comes from about a week ago when JM and Micah went fishing with our friend Jason.  I don't remember why, but at some point in the evening Jason said "John Mark Rigdon" and JM's reply from the backseat, under his breath and a little exasperated, "it's John Mark TIMOTHY Rigdon."

Moral of the story: if you're going to name your kid a complicated double name, just get ready.  Because no one will EVER understand.  Ha!