These are my beautiful children. Thinking back to the way life was before my oldest, it is only vague memories. These gifts from God have changed my life totally and completely. I no longer think of what I can do for me, but what can I do for my kids. OK, sometimes they consume me, but I know when I need a break. That’s when Mark (or a babysitter) takes over for the evening and I disappear.
I never thought that that kids could be SSSOOOOOOO different – after all, they have the same make-up, right? My oldest, Jace is all Dad and only a smidgen me. Glori, my oldest girl is all me and only a little of Dad. Trenton is the most loving rough-houser I’ve ever met. He’s all boy, but loves his hugs. Adeline, my 2nd girl, loves to keep her dresser empty and on the floor. I think she changes clothes 4-5 times a day. This can’t be a good sign. And my baby, Olivia. Hmm, we’re still working on her. She’s so sweet and loving, she loves to smile. But then, she’s still a baby.
If kids are like they are named, then my kids fit the bill. Jace is hardest one to tell about. He’s actually an acronym. His grandparents names are Jayne, Allen, Carol, Ernie – JACE. I saw the name in a novel I was reading, loved the name, but had to convince Mark of it. He didn’t like it at first – until I came up with the acronym. He loved it. I know it was from God. So, Jace means gracious, handsome, melodious, and ernest – that’s him. Gloriana means glorious. While her hair is gloriously thick and copper in color, more importantly, she has a glorious voice and insight about God and his love. Trenton Bradley is a torrent in a broad field. Many words have been spoken over him as a John the Baptist of his generation. I think there is something in common there; right down to being a torrent. My little Addie means noble or kind. Absolutely, hands down. Her middle name means crowned with laurel. She definitely is a princess. Olivia means peace. Amongst the torrent and the princess and the leaders of the crew, I think a little peace will be nice. 
My hands are full, but so is my heart. I love these little people with all that I have in me. Homeschooling is a choice that I made long ago. Actually, God nudged me to do it. I thought He was crazy at first, but I wouldn’t do anything different now. I’ve got a long road ahead of me with school and we take it one year at a time. I want to say at the end of this time that I ran the race well and whether I did it all right or not, I want my kids to be proud of the things they learned and the legacy left to them to pass on.
