The Williams Six

In 22 minutes, my 31 day writing challenge ends. I've already written a recap of what it has meant to me , but to finish up, I just want to thank everyone who has followed along. While it probably doesn't seem like it to anyone else, it took a lot for me to write for 31 days straight.  I enjoy writing, but it does not come naturally.  It was a worthwhile journey to really explore some topics that have been on my mind for awhile. But the absolute BEST part of this whole thing (once again, I act like I am Michael Jordan retiring from basketball.....this is just not even this serious) is interacting with you.  I realllllly appreciate the comments, feedback, camaraderie, and shares/retweets.  It has meant SO much to me. Something I already knew but has majorly been confirmed through this challenge is that I prefer life to take place in my everyday context.  Sitting at my computer to write was a good discipline for me, but it definitely did not bring me the s...

I have to finish this month of blogging strong. I have seven minutes until the day is over. It's been a really fun day. My dad had an eye surgery today in Miami (they're a renowned eye surgeon place, so he flew down here for it), so I met my mom in Fort Lauderdale for the day to shop and hang out. Since I am in a minimizing mode, I didn't get as much as usual (I am sure my mom's credit card was thankful, haha)....and having all four kids doesn't make for fun shopping (though they did great). Caleb asked for something, and I said no.  My mom said, "Caleb, I will get it for you." To which he replied, "Mimi always saves me." Aren't grandparents the best????? Both Brett's parents and my parents are just the greatest.  My kids are so fortunate to have two awesome set of grandparents (and two sets of great grandparents, on Brett's side).  Our parents have been married 35 and 39 years.  I can't even explain how grateful I am...

The 31 Day blogging challenge ends in two days. The next two days are particularly busy for me.  So, while I will still post (I am determined to complete this challenge), it might be quick. This challenge has been very different than I imagined. I've never written for 31 straight days.  My previous record was probably more like 2 days, so it was much more challenging than I anticipated. I originally planned to write mostly informational posts (like the ones about homeschooling , traditions , etc.).  When I first started reading blogs, I was a newlywed and then shortly thereafter, pregnant with my first child.  I really had no idea how to keep a home or raise children.  I gleaned SO MUCH wisdom and ideas from blogs....without them, I think my life would be really different.  The writers of those blogs fueled the passion I had for creating a home I love. I married young and had children quick, so a lot of my friends are just starting their families. ...

Your son asked to play Legos with you, but you were too tired and watched an episode of Modern Family instead. You said that you would get back to exercising this week.  But you obviously haven't.  Just ask your love handles. You bought tons of fruits and vegetables this week, but you made mac n cheese for dinner instead.  Have you read the research on processed foods? You keep meaning to call the babysitter to schedule a date with your husband, but the weeks keep slipping by.  When is the last time you had a quality conversation? You are not enough.   You hogged the conversation at the playdate today.  You didn't give anyone else a chance to talk. You laughed too loudly at an inappropriate time.  Everyone noticed. You are too much. I can't be the only woman with this dialogue playing on loop in my head. Over and over and over and over. Being a woman in 2014 is not easy. We are too much.  We are not enough. We need to lose ...

My best friend's very close friend lost her battle to cancer today. She is healed and in the sweet presence of Jesus. But she leaves behind her husband and four precious little boys.  It makes no sense. My close friend's best friend lost her 2-year old baby girl to leukemia today.  Her sweet red headed baby girl.  A pain too deep to comprehend. The world is unfair. My heart hurts so badly. I cannot process such profound loss. There are more questions than answers. I cannot fathom the grief of those closest to them. This I know: God is still good. He is faithful. And life is just really hard sometimes.

Friends keep me sane. On this incredibly challenging  and crazy fun journey of life, friends are just the best. Throughout all of the different places I've lived and in all my different seasons of life, I've been fortunate to have so many great friends. One of the perks of getting older is that most of my closest friends I've known for over a decade.  And there is just nothing greater than those who know the real you.....the good, bad, and ugly.  Any friend that endured through my four pregnancies deserves all of the treasures because those were some rough years ifyouknowwhatimean.  Let's just say I don't do pregnancy well. There are so many friends I could write about.... - my precious childhood friends, who made growing up the best - my best friends from college, with whom I spent countless hours dreaming about our futures and boys - my friends from Kanakuk, who are some of my most treasured peeps (and where I met my mentor and one of my most favorite fri...

You know how when something comes naturally to you, you think everyone is good at it?? Or is that just me?? I have been organized since I was born, I am pretty sure. I cannot remember a time when I didn't love order, tidiness, and cute organizers. I've literally owned (and actually used) a day planner since elementary school. In college, I cleaned out and washed my car every week.  It didn't even need it, but I just love(d) a clean car. My dad joked about this recently when he saw my car and said, "wow, you've really let yourself go."  Because he knows who I once was. Four kids has relaxed me a ton.  My house definitely isn't as tidy as I would prefer.  If you came over in the middle of the day, you would never guess I love a clean home.  I actually don't mind my kids and their friends destroying my house.  Messy is more fun, but I still get annoyed when it's too unkempt for too long. Even though my house is often in disarray, I sti...