What's in a name?

So much thought has gone into naming our vessel, our home, the name we shall be known as in the sailing world.  It's almost like naming a child.  This name says to others what you are about, who you intend to be, perhaps a little about your sense of humor, your worldliness, and your intellect (or lack thereof).

In the grand scheme of things, it probably isn't the most important decision we have to make in regards to our upcoming adventure.  But with the amount of blood, sweat, tears, and heart that we're putting into it, the fact that it will be the place we call home for the foreseeable future, and the memories that will come from this vessel will be everlasting... perhaps this is the most important!

Additionally, some fellow cruisers often only remember each other by boat name.  Or maybe if you became close enough friends your first name and your boat name.  "Hey there's Joe from Sun Dog!"  (P.S. - Hi Joe!!!)  

As much as we don't want to think about this path, one day we could be calling in a Mayday from this name should we ever need help.  So while we feel our original tribe name of "Total Chaos" completely fits our family (have you met us? LOL)... it really just sounds like we were asking for trouble if we ever have to ask for help from the Coast Guard.  Thinking towards the future when the kids are older and off to college or on a boat of their own, we also don't feel that many would choose to pick "Total Chaos" as a vessel to charter for a relaxing scuba vacation.

So we've hemmed and hawed and played with a few different options.  And finally, one stuck.  One that seems not only to be a perfect description of our family, but also a guide for what we hope and pray for our journey to be for all of us.  

"7th Heaven"

The dictionary defines Seventh heaven as: a state of intense happiness; bliss and : a state of extreme joy.

Those of you who know us know our blended family has seven children.  Let me repeat that... seven.  Sev-en.  It's still hard for me to wrap my head around some days, but we believe it was meant to be.  These little joyous beings were meant to be with us, the both of us.  They never cease to amaze me, and I'm elated to be their mother.   Plus we've decided that at least one of them has to do some amazing world changing thing... there has to be a reason why we have SEVEN right?  God has it all planned out, and we trust in Him completely!

And so it begins... welcome to the journey of S/V 7th Heaven.