The Williams Six

Me: Chloe, please don't color on the closet doors. Chloe: Well, it IS white. Me: What does that mean? Chloe: Paper is white. This is after discovering Chloe had colored her wall and closet door. She colors on anything she finds. Her dolls are all "tattooed" (she loves tattoos). She colors on her pillows, her books, and just about anything else. I need some advice: I don't want to stifle her creativity and imagination. However, drawing all over everything is not a good habit to learn. I try limiting her to paper, but clearly, she assumes anything white is paper. Any advice on how to encourage her creativity without ruining stuff? (Plus, I don't want her to think she can do it anywhere)

Warning: this is sort of a heavy post. I struggle with the tension between protecting my children and becoming fearful. On the one hand, God has given me (and Brett) these precious gifts to steward with excellence and much love. Though I am 100% confident that God is their ultimate protector, I do feel like it is still my responsibility to do my part to ensure they're safe. Already, I have countless stories of "if it weren't for God's protection, that could have gone way worse"....small incidences that could have been bigger incidences "if" (fill in the blank with the small way God protected). So I am absolutely certain He is so faithful. But I struggle with the part I play. I want my children to have a gloriously fun, innocent, lovely childhood. I want them to stay up late talking with their friends. I want them to be adventurous. I want them to get dirty. I want them to laugh. I want them to have "clubs" and feel a part of somethin...

I may have touched on this topic before, but it has been running through my brain a lot this week....so I wanted to talk about it some more. One part of human nature (including myself) that saddens me more than anything is that we treat strangers/acquaintances better than we treat those closest to us (our family). People tend to give more grace, more kindness, and more forgiveness to those they may never see again. Familiarity seems to breed criticism, frustration, complacency, and the like. Today, I want to challenge you to be different. Challenge you to give the best of yourself to your family. The people living under your roof are the few people who are going to be with you until the end. No matter where you move, no matter what your job, no matter what.....those in your family will always be there. At the very least, give them the same decency you give strangers. But my goal and my desire is to give my family my very best. For instance (you know I am all about practicality).....

Chloe loves love. She loves romance. She is as girly as they come, and she has a Daddy that delights in her. Chloe's dream is to marry her Daddy. She adores him. A few days ago, Chloe told us there was to be a wedding!! All were invited. All meaning Luke, Caleb, and me. She went upstairs, put on her "wedding dress" (her flower girl dress from her aunt and uncle's wedding)...she wanted to wear my dress, but it was packed away for our move...and got ready. When she came downstairs, Brett and Chloe had their wedding ceremony. Here is where he kissed the bride...... I have to tell you: any man who comes along wanting to marry this girl better be prepared. Her Daddy is raising her well, and it will take a lot to impress her!! They already go on dates. She usually picks to go to Starbucks and bring books for him to read her. Her adoration for her father blesses my heart so much.

This article by Rachel Jankovic blessed my heart so much. There is a good old saying, perhaps only said by my Grandfather, that distance adds intrigue. It is certainly true — just think back to anything that has ever been distant from you that is now near. Your driver’s license. Marriage. Children. Things that used to seem so fascinating, but as they draw near become less mystical and more, well, real . This same principle certainly applies to mission fields too. The closer you get to home, the less intriguing the work of sacrifice seems. As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates. When you talk to other believers, there is not any kind of awe about what you are sacrificing for the gospel. People are not pressing you for needs you might have, how they can pray for you. It does not feel intriguing, or glamorous. Your wo...

I love that toddlers go through so many phases. Currently, Luke is in his clingy stage, where he cries when I leave the room. While it is sometimes irritating, it is also endearing. When I was in college and worked in our church's children's ministry, I remember dreaming of the day that I would be the favorite person in a child's life....you know, the person they run to when they're hurt or upset. My older two children are unashamed in their adoration for Brett, so I find Luke's clingy-ness sorta cute! He also points to stuff when he wants it. I don't remember my other two doing this. When he wants a drink, he points to the water. If he wants food, he opens the pantry. He will even get fruit snacks out and bring them to me. I call Luke a Neanderthal. He head butts anyone and anything. He hits people over the head with bats, hockey sticks, etc. He falls off stuff and climbs anything. In a toddler way, he acts like a caveman. The whole time he is doing...

My kids have a pretend dog. They had the idea to get a dog once we moved to our new house. However, I am not a pet person, so this is not going to happen. (I don't mind other people's pets; I just don't want to own one!). Being imaginative kids, they came up with an invisible dog. Yesterday, as they were talking about their dog (Chloe even went in the backyard to play with her), Caleb said, "I have a dog too." He brought me this, his "doggie". A minute later, he reappeared and exclaimed, "Look, my doggie grew!!!!" His creativity really impressed me. I could not stop laughing....it was so thoughtful and so funny! He is so smart.

Packing a house is a funny thing. We're not actually moving for 25 more days, but Brett will be out of the country for about a week right before we move....so I feel some urgent need to have the house mostly packed before he leaves. So, other than what we will use in the next month, we are mostly packed. Except for the garage and the china cabinet. Because I don't even know where to start. Most of the garage stuff is unpackable, I guess. But it still is annoying me. Packing my china and crystal scare me. My crystal breaks if I run too hot of water over it (learned that the hard way), so it seems rather delicate. I actually am surprised how much progress I've made. I absolutely love home projects....something fun to do once my kids are in bed. Packing has not been terrible. I've packed quite a few of my kids' toys....that way, they'll seem new again in a month!! They don't seem to miss them. I am SO excited that our new house will have a play ro...

On Wednesday, I told the kids, "We need to go find a gift for Daddy for Father's Day on Sunday." A few minutes later, Caleb said, "What am I doing with Dad on Sunday?" I said, "Well, it's his day, so we'll see what he wants to do." Caleb said, "But it's Sunday." "I know it's Sunday, but it's Father's Day," I replied. "But, it's Sunday, too," he responded. "Yeah, so we.....Oh wait.....did you think I said 'son day'?" When I said, "Father's Day on Sunday", Caleb thought I said, "Father and Son Day". How cute is that??!!! I guess we could celebrate Father and Son Day, since he is the one who made Brett a dad :). Happy Father's Day . So glad my man is not just a father, but he's a dad. An amazing, involved, fun dad. Our family is so, so blessed to have his as our leader and our hero. I am so grateful for his love and kindness towards our chil...

Caleb is a great kid. He makes me smile so much. His passion for life and his kind heart inspire me. Today, as Brett was worshipping God in his office, Caleb pulled on his shirt and said, "Dad, when you're done with Jesus, can we play spy?" That boy lives to play. He is so smart, and his imaginative play is so detailed. It's so cute! As we've been packing up the house, he found a video camera that is broken (I keep planning to get it fixed). Caleb has turned it into his spy cam. He goes on spy missions through the house. Yesterday, Caleb and I sat on a chair together, talking. We told jokes back and forth and laughed a lot together. It was such a sweet moment with my all-boy boy. His tender heart is so precious. He reminds me so much of Brett.....a great balance between passionate and tender. I adore my first born. I am so thankful God gave me such an easy-to-raise son. My other kids are pretty easy, too....I feel so fortunate. Of course, they...

It is amazing what encouragement can do. Right before going to bed last night, I received the most heartfelt, kindest comment on yesterday's post. I do not think there is a greater compliment than for someone to tell me I have encouraged them in their relationship with Christ. I love the Lord more than anything, but sometimes in the dailyness of life, I feel like I am doing very little that has eternal value. So your words of kindness blew me away. I woke up cheerful and have been having an awesome day.....all because of the encouraging words from someone! So thank you, dear friend, for writing me yesterday and sharing your heart. I am so fine with posting anonymously, but I can't write you personally.....so a public thank you is what I can do! I do have a strong faith in God. He has been so good to me, and my life is so full because of the richness of His love. I have been walking with God for 16 years, so He has had a long time to change my heart and mind. My faith ...

Recent words from Chloe: "Can I go outside and eat grass because I am still hungry?" On eating Hamburger Helper (which I cooked for the first time ever tonight): "There's a party in my tummy!" On eating a sausage mcmuffin from McDonald's (my kids call it Uncle Donald's): "Wow, mom, this is the best meal you've ever cooked." Awesome. A few nights ago, Brett and I walked into Chloe's room to do our family snuggle time. It was a complete wreck. I, with her "help", clean her room everyday. And everyday she destroys it. I would not keep cleaning it, but we literally cannot walk on the floor or sit on her bed. Brett said something about the mess. Chloe replied, "Don't talk about me that way." Her voice is so precious that it made it so hilarious!!

God. Is. Good. The past few weeks have been quite stressful and a lot of work. There are so many details that go into home buying and into moving, in general. Added to the fact we still have to raise our kids and go to work (well, Brett. I stay home for work :).) Throughout the process, the Lord has been so faithful to give confirmations that we've made the right decision and are doing what He has called us to. Today, He further confirmed this all. The couple we're buying our home from asked us to come over so they could show us how to work everything (you know, the little stuff that it takes awhile to learn....which light switches do what, how the a/c unit works, etc). I am not exaggerating when I say this: I don't know if I have ever met nicer, more helpful people. First, they've kept an impeccable home. They've owned it 30 years, and it is in pristine condition. They haven't done a ton of updating (which has a story that I will get to), but they have ...

I mentioned yesterday that I was kinda fearful about our finances once we purchase our new home. I know fear is not from God, and I know we're not being careless. I prayed that God would take away my fear. So I go to read my Bible (I have been reading The Message paraphrase version and have been really getting a lot out of it...it is so much easier for me to understand!) and read this today: In Matthew 17--> Jesus said, "Then the children get off free, right? But so we don't upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us." I prayed, "God, you can put a coin in a fish's mouth, so you can easily provide for our needs. Thanks for the reminder." (On a side note: I realize that buying a nice home isn't necessarily a "need", and that many other people around the world have true ne...

I am warning you....this is very random....but I need to get my thoughts out!! - I really want my new home to be decorated really cute, but when I go to actually buy something, I can't justify it....partly because of budget, partly because I don't know how to pull stuff together. My friend, Ashlie , is such a good decorator. When I first saw her home, I realized you either have the ability to decorate or you don't. She does; I don't. I really wish I did. - Buying a house is exhausting. This is my first home to purchase (Brett bought our last one before we were dating), and it is a lot of work. BUT, the excitement far outweighs the work! - Financially, I am really nervous to own a home again. Because of the housing market in south Florida, our new home is quite a leap of faith, but we have complete peace its from God. It is a common theme in my life that God calls me to the seemingly impossible, yet He always makes it possible. - In all other areas, I am complet...

- the pool, patio, and yard (this is a dream come true for me) - the kitchen seems like it will be the place where people congregate (I LOVE that) - my door is solid wood (after living with a glass door for a year, I can't wait for strangers not to be able to see in my living room) - I have a laundry room!!! - the laundry room doubles as a mud room, which I've always wanted - our master bedroom is a nice size - it is the place where we will raise our children, God willing (this will be the place that holds their childhood memories) - it is on a cul-de-sac in a good neighborhood - the driveway holds more than two cars - i might be able to park in the garage (not sure yet) - i have a walk in closet I cannot wait to move in and be settled into our new home!!!!!!!

In a word, life has been BUSY for us lately!! We bought a house. Our last home we owned, Brett bought before we were ever dating, so I've never gone through the process before. It is A LOT of work. SO worth it, but it is a lot! It is also nerve wrecking! We are making some major changes in our ministry. Day to day, Brett is still doing college ministry, but he has other things he's doing as well (which is a good thing). We've changed all of our administrative components to be more fluid. In the end, it will all be a very good thing, but it just is a lot of work! And it is happening at an inopportune time, but isn't that how it always is?? I started packing boxes today. I am doing a little every day. We will hire movers for our big furniture, but we're doing the little stuff ourselves. I am not packing nearly as carefully as the people did who moved us last year, so I am hoping everything survives the move :). My kids are doing awesome! They are getting...

(In no particular order) - snuggling a newborn - the laughter of children - walking into an air conditioned room after being outside for awhile - swimming - anything at a spa (including just sitting in that quiet waiting room waiting for it to start) - a phone call from a friend I was thinking about earlier that day - watching my children grow up - checking on my children before I go to bed (they look so peaceful) - taking my kids (particularly Caleb because he loves it) to the store to get a new toy - birthdays - an ice cold Diet Coke - McDonald's french fries when they are fresh and salty - soaking in a (private) hot tub (public ones gross me out) - a hot shower after a long day of work (at home) - decluttering - those friends that, no matter how much time goes by, you can pick right back up - when I read a comical Bible verse - looking back at my life and seeing the grace of God even when I didn't know Him - encouraging others - eating out for dinner (if I had the money, I...

God has a funny way of doing things. Just a couple of months ago, I dreamed of living in a cute Ft. Lauderdale neighborhood. We thought we wanted to be in a central location, where it would be a quick drive to south Miami or up to north Broward county. About six weeks ago, through a series of events, God completely changed our hearts and minds on where we needed to be. Brett has been working on the campus of Florida Atlantic University for awhile, which is in Boca Raton. He also is doing a few other things in Boca. He was commuting there everyday. Before this, I was really missing having college students over to our home. I don't go on campus with Brett, but I absolutely love hosting them! We have found in this generation where broken families abound, students love feeling part of a family. We, in turn, love them being a part of our family. I started praying for God to open doors for me to be able to participate in ministry again. Within a week, we knew God was calling ...

When Caleb was six months old, I went to dinner with a friend and her mom. She said something to me that has stuck with me since. She said, "Tired and hungry kids are naughty kids." In the years since, I have realized how true that really is. As long as my kids are rested and not hungry, they act so much better than when they're not those things. I take all three of my kids to run most of my errands. When I have time away from them, the last thing I want to do is necessary errands (grocery store, etc). Not only is it not that difficult to take them, but it is actually fun. The reason is because I set my kids up for success. I know I do not have as much experience as some, but here are my tried and true tips for having enjoyable children (in no particular order): - Make sure your children are getting enough sleep. Kids need to be in bed at a decent hour, not staying up til 1o or 11 on a regular basis. - Do activities/errands when they are the happiest. For me,...