The Williams Six

As the second edition of Family First Fridays, this topic applies to both your spouse and children. Since I think mostly women read this blog, I am going to use "husband" instead of "spouse", but if you're a man, obviously change it to your wife! Today's topic is.....drumroll, please...... Ask questions, rather than tell others what to do. What do I mean by this? Instead of telling your husband, "Take out the trash," replace it with, "Would you mind taking out the trash?" See how much softer of a tone that is? Instead of telling your kids, "Pick up your toys," ask them, "Would you please pick up your toys?" You will find, more often than not, they'll do what you ask....but rarely do what they're told. When you tell someone what to do, they automatically get defensive. It's human nature. But when you ask them, they have the power to say no. Even though they'll often say yes, they just want to know that t...

In reading my Bible today, I was so struck by Matthew 6:9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" The story finishes with Jesus taking that small amount of food and feeding 5000+ people with it. An amazing miracle that began with his mom making his lunch. A lunch that she probably made over and over and over. Five barley loaves and two small fish would probably be the equivalent to a PB&J and some Goldfish....which, like this lad's mom, I pack extra when meeting friends at the park! When I grow weary in the daily- ness of my life (you moms know what I mean), I want to remember this story. In serving her family, she may have remained unknown, but her son became a history maker. And isn't that what parenting is all about?? I love that God can take the ordinary parts of our day and make it extraordinary!! I realize that I am taking some major liberties with this, but here are some other verses to validate...

Yesterday, Chloe had her 3 year old pictures taken. I go to JC Penney's near each of my kids' birthdays to commemorate the year. They're not top quality, but they're inexpensive. As a parent, I am realizing that my parents are getting the last laugh in my upbringing. You see, to say I was a stubborn child would be a vast understatement. As a 3 year old, I once went three weeks without talking to my Dad. THREE WHOLE WEEKS. That takes dedication! Another time, my parents took me to get school pictures taken at my older siblings' school (I was still in preschool). I would not smile. For anything. And believe me, they offered: money, toys, etc. Though I am sure my parents were frustrated at the time, the picture is actually so funny now. So, fast forward to yesterday. The photographer was trying, in vain, to get Chloe to smile. Knowing myself at her age, I knew there was no way she was going to succeed, unless Chloe changed her mind. She never did change h...

(I have some basic assumptions about this series. Please read those before you begin.) The best parenting advice I have ever received has actually nothing to do with children. Among all the amazing things you do for your children, the best thing you can do is...... Put your marriage first. But, wait, aren't children supposed to be first?? But they require so much?! In an increasing "child-centered" society, this is a radical statement. Yet, it is so true: put your marriage first (after your relationship with God, of course). Before you were ever parents, you were a couple. A complete family. A husband and wife are the only requirements for a family. Children are a wonderful, welcome addition, but that is not what makes a family a family. It is not enough to become business partners or roommates, working together to raise children or living separate lives under the same roof. Yes, your relationship can sometimes (maybe even often) feel like that, so it is so vital to nurt...

ImARadMom.com was so sweet to feature me on her blog on Friday. In answering the interview questions, my marriage and parenting passions were stirred up. I have long known these are my passions, but for some reason, putting it in writing really ignited my desire to explore those. I have decided to start writing a "Family First Friday" post each week (or most weeks). If I come up with a catchier name, I may change days of the week. In it, I am just going to share some of my thoughts on marriage and/or parenting. Though I do feel strongly about certain things when it comes to these areas, it will definitely be my opinion. Marriage and parenting are so different for every family and for every person. It is impossible to make blanket statements when dealing with so many variables. However, I feel like I will one day do something in this area, so writing on my blog seems like a fun place to start! In each post, I will make a few assumptions: 1. I will write from a plac...

I am not sure why, but the South Florida DMV could possibly be the worst place to go ever. In Kansas, the DMV was fast, easy, and no big deal. Down in Florida. Whoa. Totally different story. To have any hope of getting out of there under 4 hours, you have to have an appointment. I made my appointment then went on my day (early in the morning). I get there and have a stack of necessary paperwork. They turn me away because my marriage license is a photocopy, not the original. Even though I have been married for over 5 years and my name has been changed on my current license. They tell me they will honor my appointment if I get back by 3. (If not, the next available appointment is 6 weeks away). I was not having the best day, so for some reason, this really upset me. So I called Brett, crying. He, in turn, told our kids to hug and kiss me when I got home because I had gotten my feelings hurt. They were so sweet when I got home. But, in my desire to get the whole ordeal over ...

When we named Caleb, there were two reasons we chose his name: 1. We really liked it. 2. The Biblical character, Caleb. He and Joshua were the only two Israelites from Egypt who entered the Promise Land. Their faith was remarkable, and we felt that Caleb would be known for his faith and bravery. At age 4, I can already see that starting to happen, and it is so cool. Each of my children have their own unique giftings. Among others, Caleb definitely has faith! He believes Jesus is who He says He is and will do what He says He'll do. Wouldn't we all be better off for trusting Him at His Word always? About a week ago, the kids and I were driving in the car. It was pouring down rain, and I could not see the road very well at all. I prayed out loud for the storm to stop.....and it did!!! Caleb and Chloe were talking to each other, so I did not even know they heard me. Today, it was pouring down rain again. Caleb said, "Mommy, I want the rain to stop. Pray!" ...

Tomorrow is Chloe's last day as a 2 year old. If the two's are terrible, then I am lucky...because she's had a terrific year! I mean, she has had her fair share of challenges (as in she loves the word "no", but who doesn't?), but overall, it's been a great year. I love the girl she is becoming. She is a princess in every way, so it is fitting that we're throwing her a Princess Party to commemorate her birth. The party is not for another week, but I will post pictures when it happens! This is the gift we got her: I am so excited! I think she's going to love it. Chloe loves to help me cook, so this may make it more fun for her. Caleb will have so much fun playing with her. Probably my favorite thing about Chloe is how girlie she is. She loves to be delighted in, loves to dance, and changes clothes no less than 5 times a day. She prefers dresses and loves to wear make-up. I paint her nails weekly. She nicknamed herself "Princess Pea...

For some reason, one of my most favorite things to know about people is their quirks: what makes them different than everyone else. I find it odd that we only truly know those we live with. There is no one I know better than my husband, kids, parents, and siblings. And it's because you see them when no one else sees them. In true form. So I think it's so fun when people share their quirks. And because Luke is going through a growth spurt and NOT sleeping well at all, my brain is mush (therefore, I can only write in list format). Without further ado, here are some quirks you may or may not know about me (in no particular order and things you probably don't actually care about): 1. I have a glass of water with me probably 95% of the time. I think I drink more than most people. Chloe is the same way....she probably drinks 2-3 times what Caleb drinks a day. 2. The texture of baby doll clothes repulses me. (Not the soft cotton ones, but the rougher fabric). 3. I br...