http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index.htmlBrooke's Blogenbrianandbrooke@mac.comCopyright 2008 Tuned-In Designs2012-01-24T22:01:23-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:02:51 -0500brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2012-01-24T22:01:23-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index.html#unique-entry-id-45http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index.html#unique-entry-id-45brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2012-01-10T20:18:13-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index.html#unique-entry-id-44http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index.html#unique-entry-id-44brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-12-21T21:35:07-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2011#unique-entry-id-43http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2011#unique-entry-id-43
We had SO much fun in Tennessee! We stopped in Atalanta for the night, on the way to TN. We took the kids to the Georgia Aquarium, and they loved seeing the whale shark the best. Then, we got to TN at night, in the fog, and ventured up a mountain (creepy at night in the fog...) to our BEAUTIFUL house. Thanks to special people who serve the Lord through giving of their home, we got to stay at their place for free. It was just amazing. The view was awesome. I could have stayed there for weeks! We were only an hour away from Brian’s Grandparents, aunts, cousins, uncles, etc. So, we got to spend each day visiting with everyone and spent Thanksgiving enjoying them very much. And, of course, spending days with Gracie was priceless! We adore her and miss her so much!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-12-08T20:47:28-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2011#unique-entry-id-42http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2011#unique-entry-id-42]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-11-18T09:50:38-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/nov-2011#unique-entry-id-41http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/nov-2011#unique-entry-id-41brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-10-17T22:06:53-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2011#unique-entry-id-40http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2011#unique-entry-id-40brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-09-29T10:00:37-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/sep-2011#unique-entry-id-39http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/sep-2011#unique-entry-id-39
Our new normal (school) is going very well. It has taken some adjustments (mostly for me!), but through all the adjustments I have known fully that we are all exactly where we are supposed to be. That is a wonderful feeling! I LOVE my job. Teaching a class full of students is just what I am meant to do, as I find great joy in it! They are a great group of 6th graders, and I look forward to going into work every day. Only teaching 3 periods in the afternoon is a dream job, I must say! Braxton loves our full mornings together. He might go on a morning run with me in the jogging stroller and admire our 3 neighborhood birds (herons?) we always pass by. Or we might just get lost playing in his room, using imagination that only a 3 year old boy can have! We have his buddies over to play some mornings, and we are looking forward to good weather so we can enjoy the parks! He also loves the things Mommy makes for him to “analyze” and manipulate, since he is quite an analytical thinker. So, I am giving him weekly activities (preschool) that are hands on and exploratory. Braxton has not shown an interest in writing letters, so this is not something I have pushed. He loves letters and the way they fit together. He always wants to know how to spell words, but when it comes to writing them down, he just says he wants to do “abstract”. :) I knew he would come to this on his own, and sure enough, he has become more interested in writing his name. So, based on his own developmental readiness (and not mine), he can write his name. It’s been a long time coming, and I am proud of him! It is important for me to be aware of how he and Ainsley think and learn differently, and nurture each of them independently. They are both thriving! Braxton is also enjoying Awanas. He is very excited each time he gets a patch for memorizing scripture, and wants me to sew them on his vest IMMEDIATELY! Ainsley is enjoying school very much, as she has a wonderful teacher and is in a wonderful school. Of course, me, Brian, and my Mom are in her school often. :) My mom was asked to help each week in the classroom. I am in the classroom every Friday. Me and/or Brian eat lunch with her each Wednesday. So, we are a constant presence, supporting her and her classmates and teachers. This is so important! I’m really encouraged by Ainsley being a helper and good friend to her classmates. I am so proud of who she is! She truly is a light in that school, and I know she is in His hands while she is away from us. I have struggled (lots of tears) the first weeks of school, lacking joy and delight each day. I have been in a “funk”, not feeling myself. As I prayed through this and searched God for help, I had a revelation at the grocery store. I have always shopped with my children. Since Ainsley was an infant, when I went grocery shopping, she came with me. And once Braxton was born, he joined us. I truly LIKE being with my kids and have not had much time in their lives away from them. So, at the grocery store by myself, I was walking around feeling very sunken. It dawned on me that for over 5 years, I have had Ainsley by my side. She has been a constant, daily source of joy and delight. Since she has been in school all day, I have felt empty. So, I resolved to learn how to have joy without her by my side. This is something the Lord is helping me through. I will always miss her while she is at school, but I can delight in each moment, and I don’t need to depend on my children for that delight. This has been a good lesson for me, but I still crave my children when we are not together. This, I don’t think is a bad thing. The mornings have been an adjustment. She, like her mama, does not like getting up in the mornings. This tiredness = grumpiness in the mornings. I couldn’t live like this, so we came up with a reward system that involves her being aware of using her manners and kind words, even though she is tired. It is working so well, and I believe she is really being TRAINED to use her words and tone of voice carefully. Our mornings have been transformed, and this makes a much happier little girl and Mommy! Ainsley really has a deep desire to do what is right, and I am so humbled by how quickly she corrects her errors.

]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-08-29T21:33:35-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2011#unique-entry-id-38http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2011#unique-entry-id-38brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-08-03T20:36:59-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2011#unique-entry-id-37http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2011#unique-entry-id-37
The biggest change around here is the fact that Ainsley will, afterall, be going to kindergarten at a great school. I’ve been praying for over 2 years now that when Spring/Summer of 2011 comes, I would either get a part time job or not. This would determine if Ainsley was homeschooled or not. Well, the week we got back from Texas, I got the call for a wonderful part time position, teaching 6th grade social studies and science. The hours are amazing, with me being home in the mornings. Then Braxton will go to my Mom’s for some fun, lunch, and nap. Ainsley will be qualified to attend the kindergarten at the same school I work at, and after my Mom picks her up from school, I will be home before they are done with their snack. !! I am thrilled and thankful that this opportunity came to us, and I consider it a gift. (Although many tears have been shed over my baby girl being in kindergarten!) Brian has been a huge supporter during it all. I am SO thankful for him.

Well, I’d better stop taking up any more of your time because you have lots of pictures to catch up on! :)]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-07-13T15:11:52-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jul-2011#unique-entry-id-36http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jul-2011#unique-entry-id-36
I don’t think I have updated the blog about our decision to homeschool. We are very excited and content about homeschooling Ainsley during her kindergarten year, and Braxton during his preschool 3 year. I do feel that I am called to be a public school teacher, and I also feel that Ainsley and Braxton are called to be in the public school classroom, so homeschooling is short term for us. But I am going to soak up every day of this experience, and I am so thankful I get another year at home with my children! I keep pinching myself like it must be a dream.

We’re about to head to Texas. We’ll be in Austin, Houston, then Dallas, visiting family and friends we adore! We can’t wait to see everyone. It’s going to be hot, though. I don’t care what anyone says, Texas is hotter than Florida and 100 + degree temps with no rain in sight is not pretty! I’m happy to go back to my half country and half city roots. :) I’m a Texas girl, with a home in Florida.

]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-06-18T20:45:51-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jun-2011#unique-entry-id-35http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jun-2011#unique-entry-id-35brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-05-31T21:18:43-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2011#unique-entry-id-34http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2011#unique-entry-id-34
Ainsley is officially a kindergartener. I wanted to “end things well” for her first year of school, since she really had a great year and connected so closely with her small class. We made Mrs. Reffner a bag with all of her classmates handprints. And Ainsley picked out a present to give her in addition to the bag. We also had an end of the year party at our house, in order to have one last “hurrah” with her classmates. Her first year of dance also ended. We had a wonderful year with Ms. Valerie and Ainsley dancemates. We made cupcakes for her last class, and Ainsley brought Mrs. Valerie her gift. So, it was nice to spend some time celebrating the people that helped make this last year a very special one.

Ainsley’s recital was so much fun. We have a performer on our hands. She loved being on stage and just shined! It brought back wonderful memories for me, and I am glad that dancing is something she loves, not just something I would love for her to do. To help her own dance as hers, she got a small gift each recital night (4 nights) that was dance related. This helped applaud her for her hard work (she only missed one class all year) and give her pride in her “sport”.

Braxton has enjoyed being involved in all of Ainsley’s ending celebrations. He got a gift during recital week too, to thank him for being such a supportive brother by sitting in that small room every Tuesday for dance class. :) I also made him cupcakes (chocolate is the way to his heart) to enjoy since he was going to be spending a lot of time away from Mommy those 4 days. He, of course, loved the en of the year party too...ice cream cake and a water slide, as well as the “big boys” from Ainsley’s school to have fun with! Braxton is about to start swimming lessons next week. Braxton has shown us that one of the most important things to him each day is to laugh. He loves to laugh and be laughed at. So, we sure do a lot of laughing every day. It is such a wonderful gift to have him in our lives, to show us to take time out to just LAUGH. His day goes so much better when we all pause to laugh throughout it.

]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-05-11T21:05:44-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2011#unique-entry-id-33http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2011#unique-entry-id-33
We are busy, along with everyone else. That is the nature of May! We are really looking forward to summer. Staying up late and sleeping in, tball for Braxton, swimming lessons for Braxton, VBS for both kiddos, trips, visitors. Such a breath of fresh air from having a schedule for the last 9 months. I just love as much time with the kiddos as possible, so I will enjoy Ainsley being with us in the mornings!

Ainsley is ready for her first dance recital. She is wearing a black and red costume. Sparkly and adorable! She’s more excited about wearing the red lipstick than anything. :) Her tap dance is adorable, and she is quite the performer. Her face lights up when she performs. She has awesome stage presence that cannot be taught...it is natural for her. I hope she continues dancing because if she sticks it out until she can do jazz, she will REALLY love it then. But, we will let her decide what she wants to do. She’s mentioned gymnastics, which she did last year. But I think after that recital, she will renew her love for dance (just like her mommy did every year after the recital!). Ainsley’s preschool year is also coming to a close. This has been a great year with a loving teacher and small class that shared sweet community with each other. She is going to do a program with her class, and singing, I must say, is another love of hers. That girl has ALWAYS had a song on her mind. She is very excited to sing for her mommy, daddy and Braxton. We’ll have an End of the Year Party at our house with her classmates. Can’t go wrong with a water slide, so the kids will have lots of fun. Ainsley’s passion is swimming. She has always been a little fish. We couldn’t ever keep her out of the water, so she learned really easily. She loves diving down for rings and practicing her diving. But her favorite thing is to ride her daddy’s back while he swims them under the water. We can hardly pull her out of a pool when it is time to go!

Braxton loves his toys and wants to play in his room all day every day. He has a tough time stopping his play to leave the house or go to bed! His imagination is very clever and all boy. :) He is going to have a busy summer with t-ball, swimming lessons, soccer camp, and Vacation Bible School. He is VERY excited to finally get to play some sports. He loves to practice baseball and golf at home. And cornhole is a new favorite of his too. This is like beanbag toss, on a bigger scale. Braxton is OBSESSED with Star Wars. He often says, “Daddy, let’s talk about Star Wars”. And you can bet he will continue talking about it for hours unless you stop the conversation cold! :) Braxton also loves to talk about numbers. He is our numbers guy. He’s constantly noticing numbers and asking about them. His favorite number is 5, so he wants to be that number when he plays sports. But he also likes number 23 for Michael Jordan, so for basketball he wants to be number 23 instead of 5. He also loves routines, so you can always count on him putting his shoes back where they go the minute he walks in the door. He loves the process of memorizing Scripture and reading books. Braxton is very interested in words and how they work. Braxton adores chocolate. When I am checking out at the grocery store, he picks up almost every kind of chocolate and says, “Look at this chocolate, Mommy!”, like it is the first time we have ever seen it. He’s a very ritualistic boy. (like his Daddy) And Ainsley pushes against rituals (like her Mommy). So funny how different they are. But they are the best of friends!

Brian and I are more in love than ever. :) He is too good for words. I look forward to his coming home each day because of how much I LOVE being around him. He’s heading to Poland for a mission trip this summer. I am so excited for him!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-04-25T20:57:51-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2011#unique-entry-id-32http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2011#unique-entry-id-32
We are nearing the end of Ainsley’s preschool year. That means kindergarden is coming quick. We still don’t know what God has planned for our 5 year old. I would love the opportunity and privilege to educate Ainsley from home during her kindergarten year, so homeschooling does ignite a passion within me. But, it would also be nice for me to make some income by having a part time job, which would ensure Ainsley goes to the school we will settle her into eventually. It is a great school with wonderful teachers. I am at complete peace, even though waiting last minute to figure out something important usually drives me crazy. I know God has gone before us, preparing what He has for her. And He has Ainsley and Braxton’s best in mind.

As kindergarten draws nearer, though, I have been even more aware of how much HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. This is a popular saying, but this is true. Our greatest memories are made at home. The times of eating lunch on our patio, not hurried, then lingering at the table, talking after we are finished. I’ve eaten lunch every day with my children for 5 years. Or pushing them on the tree swing every day, 1,000 times, watching them soar and smile. The times of snuggling in the mornings, Braxton holding my hair and Ainsley talking away. Reading books at bedtime, several, because the times close to my children do not need to be hurried. The countless games, normal ones like cards or Candyland, that bring us laughter. And the countless games, the not-so-normal ones, like family horseback races and light sabor wars. So much of our time together is not hurried. Just peaceful moments at home, creating strong memories. A deep bond and connection as a family that will forever express to my children that HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. Disney World is fun, eating out is enjoyable, playdates are wonderful. But, they don’t beat our regular days at home.

I am looking forward to our future stage of life. Kiddos in school, me working in a profession I love. I will welcome this when it is time. But, my heart just isn’t quite ready for the hurried life that this phase brings. And for less moments at home. God is good, and I trust in HIs will and perfect plan. His plan is to prosper, not to harm us. Plans to bring us peace. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-03-25T19:01:26-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2011#unique-entry-id-31http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2011#unique-entry-id-31
Check out Ainsley and Braxton’s new picture pages for some glimpses into our lives the last few weeks. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-03-06T20:40:49-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2011#unique-entry-id-30http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2011#unique-entry-id-30
There is a lot I could blog about, but the purpose of this blog is to simply tell the world how much I love my husband. My goodness, I am blessed! The fact that I got to marry Brian Williams is the greatest blessing God has given me, aside from my salvation. I appreciate him SO much. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. And he would do ANYTHING for me. Plus, he is fun to be around. I LOVE watching him father my children because he is the best daddy for them. We have been enjoying time as a family, the four of us. But we are looking forward to some family coming so we can have some time for the 2 of us. There hasn’t been much of that lately! ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-02-03T20:26:53-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/feb-2011#unique-entry-id-29http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/feb-2011#unique-entry-id-29
Braxton is almost 3 years old! His birthday is February 19th. I can’t believe it! He is very excited about his birthday. We took Ainsley to Disney World when she turned 3. Since Braxton has already been to Disney World (thanks to Willie and Emily’s visit), we will take him to Universal Studios to see the Super Heroes and ride roller coasters. Of course, he also wants to eat at McDonald’s for his birthday and drink a lot of coke. :) Braxton loves Toy Story, so that will be the theme of all the fun. I’ve been enjoying watching Braxton turn into an independent thinker and capable “big boy”. He still loves to laugh, and (being the kinesthetic learner he is) he loves to climb and be active too. Braxton really likes blocks. He loves to build things and have us build things for him. He also loves his hot wheels and Toy Story characters. He wants to read the same books over and over, and he is definitely a numbers guy. Money, counting, dice, anything with numbers keeps his attention. Diego is his favorite thing to watch, and since we don’t have tv, I am needing to get some new Diego dvds! Braxton also likes the way words are made up, so he talks a lot about letters and sounds, words, and he can read repetitious books. He is our details and process-oriented little boy (opposite of his sissy). Mostly, he just loves being with his family, especially his sister. If I try to separate them for one minute, they can’t make it. Where you find one, you will find the other. They are always together. And it is remarkable how good they are for each other.

Ainsley is enjoying school. She is bringing home all kinds of fun new information every day. It seems that she likes to learn about animals, and her stuffed animals have become her buddies. I sware she is a “dog whisperer”. The dog next door follows her commands, and the way she pets him and talks to him is very intuitive. We have an animal lover on our hands. She said she was going to put “dog” on her list every year for Christmas until Daddy gets her one. I did the same thing and finally got one when I was in 4th grade. Ainsley still loves books very much, and we are excited about a new library that opened up close to our house! Ainsley just wants to be with her brother, so whatever he is playing, she is joining him. She is always singing, new songs, old songs, made up songs. Ainsley is our out of the box, doesn’t pay attention to details and processes little girl (like I said, opposite of her brother). She is motivated by people. It seems that Ainsley brings people together and has an ability to know people very well. She really knows what people like, don’t like, need, and don’t need.

Thanks for reading our blog. We keep this up because we left so many we love when we moved to Florida. I want to keep everyone updated on Ainsley and Braxton as they grow, as so much changes. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2011-01-17T21:57:04-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jan-2011#unique-entry-id-28http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jan-2011#unique-entry-id-28
Once we got back home to Florida, something came over me and I was an organizing/cleaning machine! I spent hours every day for a week organizing EVERY SQUARE INCH of my home. Every nook, every cranny has been touched. There is not one thing in this house that we don’t need or use. I mean it...every cabinet, every drawer, every closet, every corner. And I checked off my to do list that I have had for years (you know, those things you keep saying you need to do but don’t get to). It feels great! I told Brian I can just twiddle my thumbs for the rest of 2011 because my to do list is done! :) There is still the outside to be done, but I am waiting for perfect weather for that. Man, I love organizing. And all those new Christmas toys my kiddos had sure helped them play and me work!

We’ve been trying to keep January very simple because once February comes we have Braxton’s birthday (yay!), visitors :), Ainsley’s birthday (whoo hoo!), more visitors, Easter, beach vacation, my birthday, and anniversary. I don’t want this semester to fly by because then my baby girl starts kindergarden and I am NOT ready for that. So, we will mix simplicity in with busyness to have balance (which is SO important to this quality-time-love-language-family).

The scoop on school--Either I get a part time job to allow her to go to the Charter School (you have to work in that city for them to go to school at their wonderful school that I LOVE) or I will homeschool her for kindergarden. I see good in both. She loves school and will do great in public school. But she is also not ready to be gone from home ALL day quite yet, so teaching her at home, with Braxton (her best friend) would be great for just one year. I think 5 year olds would benefit from half day public school SO much, but that is not an option for us. I have enjoyed mixing public school (3 hours a day) with home “school” this year. I trust God completely and will accept whatever it is He desires. Please be in prayer for this. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-12-20T20:28:43-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2010#unique-entry-id-27http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2010#unique-entry-id-27
We really try hard during the Christmas season to focus on the REASON for the season, Jesus Christ’s birth. He is our Savior and we celebrate Him year round, but it is especially wonderful to focus on His birth this time of year. Some ways we do this is to not make much mention of Santa. We love the imagination of Santa, but we want Jesus to have their hearts more than Santa does. So, we mostly have conversations centered on Jesus than Santa. Their advent calendar is a nativity scene that leads up to Jesus on the last day. We have a Reason for the Season playdate where we invite a couple of friends to focus on the meaning of Christmas, such as reading the Christmas story out of the bible, singing happy birthday to Jesus with candles, a nativity craft, etc. We also give to families who have need and try to express often how much we have and how little others have. And there are many Christmas dvds we have...95% of which are focused on Jesus’s birth. Those are some ways we keep Christmas focused on what it is really about.

Enjoy some pictures that show the fun we have been having. We love you guys and hope you will, too, remember that JESUS deserves all glory...this time of year and ALWAYS!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-12-06T21:44:05-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2010#unique-entry-id-26http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2010#unique-entry-id-26brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-11-09T20:12:37-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/nov-2010#unique-entry-id-25http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/nov-2010#unique-entry-id-25
We have been enjoying this Fall season, as I know you have as well! One of the highlights has been the Penny Carnival. Although I am not posting any of those pictures yet (sorry), I’ll tell you about the fun we had! I’d love it if it spread to other communities. Anyone can do this! Last year, I started the Penny Carnival to help my children know about giving, raise money to help support my best friend, Whitney, and her adoption from Ethiopia. I wanted to raise awareness about orphans, provide monetary support for them, and donate needed items to the orphanage in Ethiopia. So, my small way of helping was a Penny Carnival. This year, I enlisted help. And boy did I get it! At the end of September, I met with other Mommies and we planned the big event for 2010. We decided the money will go to Give Kids the World, which helps terminally ill childrens’ dreams come true in Orlando. And we also gave money and donated items to Pediatric Health Choice, which is a local facility who helps special needs children. We encouraged our own families, and spread the word to other families, to save their spare change and buy needed items to donate. Over the month of October, many families saved money. How I would love to be in those homes and hear the conversations that were had with the children! I know we had some sweet conversations in our home about giving. Braxton LOVE money, especially coins. So, it was so amazing to see him change from having great difficulty giving away his money to looking forward to putting in it our Penny Carnival jar. Ainsley considered the children who are hurt and suffering to be very special to her. We also had a lemonade stand in our neighborhood and raised $83! Plus, the lady next door to where we were selling lemonade spent some of her 3 year old daughter’s last days at Give Kids the World. They enjoyed their week there, then her only little girl died a few months later. I couldn’t believe that where we chose to do our lemonade stand there HAPPENED to be someone who experienced the need we were meeting! Needless to say, she gave money and was very touched by us being there. The lemonade stand was a BLAST! We also had a jar at our local Chick Fil A, which people gave to generously. So, after a month of saving, we all came together at a local park, dumped all our money in jars, and played games with coins. Some of the games were penny race, penny toss, penny pass, dig pennies out of jell-o, dig pennies out of sand, and more. We are still collecting from some people, and haven’t counted everything, but so far we have at LEAST $500 raised! Plus, donated items for children, like sippy cups, diapers, pajamas, clothes, and more! We’re looking forward to the Penny Carnival in 2011! I encourage every home to provide an opportunity for your children to give, regularly. Not just tithe (which is important), but give beyond that. I pray that doing the Penny Carnival every year (among other things) helps them be givers. I think if we teach our children about the needs out there, and that this world is bigger then themselves, that they will rise above the ways of this world and MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Of course, the motivation in our home is for the GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST, our Savior and REASON for living. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-10-11T21:22:32-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2010#unique-entry-id-24http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2010#unique-entry-id-24
All is well around here, except Ainsley getting the stomach bug. It was 24 hours of throwing up...at the beach. Our poor beach lover didn’t get to step foot on the sand. She said, “At least I am throwing up at the beach instead of just throwing up at home.” But she keeps saying how much she wants to go back so she can actually have fun this time. You will see the picture of her sitting in the chair at the hotel, coloring, obviously feeling awful.

Brian got a new car. Well, used, but new to us. The transmission in our old car went out. So, we opted to get another one. In an effort to continue to live within our means with a new, unexpected car payment, we have made some changes. We’ve cancelled our cable, so NO tv (during football season!). And Brian is selling his iphone, which is a big deal. I am so proud of Brian, always leading our family in the right direction. God is continuing to teach us to be simple, not needing anything. I know this is part of that process in teaching us. So, lots of dominoes around here, and just sitting around looking at each other. haha

We are gearing up for our 2nd Annual Penny Carnival. Last year I did it to raise money for Whitney and Aaron adopting from Ethiopia and to support their orphanage there. This year, I have a great group of friends helping me, and we are raising money for Give Kids the World and Pediatric Health Choice. We are excited to see how our children learn from this experience, and how the donations and funds bless the charities we care about!

The busy time of year is coming for everyone. More family and friends coming (yay!), a retreat, holidays, etc. Brian’s busy time of year for family portraits is arriving as people get their pictures for their Christmas cards ready. It is a good thing I am practically done with my Christmas shopping because I don’t like being busy or waiting last minute and I want to enjoy all of the great things coming up without things hanging over my head. I am going to soak up my butterfly and Superman for Halloween, make a feast at my house for Thanksgiving, and travel home to Texas for Christmas (praying for snow).

Anyways, this blog has been random. But, make sure you check out the new pictures on Ainsley and Braxton’s pages!


]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-09-09T20:44:09-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/sep-2010#unique-entry-id-23http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/sep-2010#unique-entry-id-23
We enjoyed a visit from Brian’s brother, Jonathan. He spent a long weekend with us, and the kids had pure delight the whole time. They love their Uncle Johnny, and he was so sweet to give them such attention. Jonathan preached at our church and offered his book, Jungle Sunrise, for him to sign for people. It was a great morning, hearing him preach passionately and watching God bless the selling of his book.

Ainsley has been enjoying school. She is very ready to wake up every morning, and enthusiastic when I pick her up at 11:00 every day. She is in a class with only 7 kids, so this has been very nice as I think she and the little girls in the class have grown very close. God knew my quality time girl would thrive in this environment! Ainsley is also blessed with a small dance class! She only has 3 other girls in her first dance class, which is ballet and tap. She was SO excited to dance, and her favorite part was the scarves. She got to free dance with scarves. Her teacher, Ms. Valerie, is very traditional and has high expectations, which is exactly what I was looking for because that is what I grew up with. Dance is a discipline and an art. It was weird watching Ainsley dance around, with her hair in a bun...I sware I thought I was looking at myself! She is FINALLY LOVING to color! I loved to draw and color SO MUCH as a kid, and I was hoping she would too. So far, she hadn’t shown much interest, other than quickly coloring a picture from time to time. Now, it is all she wants to do and she puts much thought into it. I love coloring with her.

Braxton loves his matchbox race cars, so he will take those with him when we go to Ainsley’s dance class each week. He races them on the bench in our watching room. I’m so proud of who Braxton is as he really desires to do what is right. I’m so thankful that he is a tough and intense boy, yet very tender and sensitive. He is proving to be a gentleman and family guy. He loves his sister so much, and she loves him! Their relationship truly makes me sit aback and just marvel. They are so important to each other, and they show it. Braxton wants to be just like his Daddy. This is so much fun for me to watch! They even chew their food the same! Braxton loves when his Daddy gets home and he can’t wait to talk to him about his day. He loves to wrestle and be silly. Laughing is his favorite thing to do! He laughs from his toes to the top of his head. Braxton loves to pick out his clothes, and he is just so proud of what he wears. The other day I went out into public with him wearing a cream yellow shirt with BRIGHT yellow shorts and RED socks! He thought he looked like a basketball player. He’s enjoying going to the library every week. Curious George has been his favorite books lately. This is truly one of the highlights of the kids’ week.

Hope this blog finds you well. Thanks for checking up on our kids...they are growing so fast!


]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-08-28T20:38:09-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2010#unique-entry-id-22http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2010#unique-entry-id-22
The biggest news in our house is that Ainsley started preschool. She attends The Villages Charter School from 8-11 every day. You will find pictures of our preparation for her big day, her first day of school, and her first homework assignment. Ainsley was originally assigned to Mrs. Callaway’s class, and she even slept with her teacher postcard under her pillow! But, then, after a week of school they moved Ainsley into another class for those that are just part time preschool. So, she now has Mrs. Reffner and there are only 7 kids in her class. She’s been in school for 2 weeks now, and it has taken much adjustment, but she has remained very positive and flexible. We miss her being home in the mornings with us, but Braxton has never had Mommy all to himself, so that is a very wonderful thing. I am soaking up this time with him and I am so glad Ainsley comes home at 11:00 to join us for some fun! We are all adjusting very well now, but there have been some tears to get us to this point!

Ainsley is taking piano lessons (with her Daddy) and is starting dance soon. All Braxton wants to do is golf! Daddy takes him to the range often. They both love to read the bible and we talk of Jesus and His Word often. We have a devotion with Ainsley every morning before school, which she loves. It’s worth it to wake up a little bit earlier for this! God says to hide His Word in our hearts, and we are seeking to do that for our children. Braxton loves to learn and knows all his letters and most of their sounds. We love going to the library together and pick out books each week. This has helped Braxton love reading more since I couldn’t get him to read very much before! He would still just rather look at his golfballs, though. Ainsley cannot read enough and is especially attached to Clifford the Big Red Dog these days. Their favorite thing to play right now is store or library. Braxton runs a golf store around here and Ainsley sells books. Of course, they also love to play house...with Braxton as the Daddy, Ainsley the Mommy, me the kid and Brian the grandpa. Braxton is getting the hang of the “big boy” leggos and is quite focused and intent on what he is building. His favorite color is blue, so anytime we paint or color, the WHOLE thing is blue. You will see some evidence of this in the pictures. Ainsley really loves to paint more than she likes to color.

We are loving our church family more than ever and are so glad God called us to join with the people at Heritage Community Church to reach people together. I love seeing the kids each week. God is placing more and more of a burden in Brian and my heart for the needy across the world. I hope to have another Penny Carnival this year to help in a small way. I ask God every day to help me have His perspective about His world. I ask God to remind me of the kids living in trash dumps, the children being tortured for alleged “witchcraft”, the starvation...this helps me care less about the petty things of this world and more about God’s heart for His people. As I sit in the comfort of my house, typing this blog, there is so much hurt in the world. Brian and I are asking God what we can do about this. What can you do about it?]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-08-03T23:05:56-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2010#unique-entry-id-21http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2010#unique-entry-id-21brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-06-03T21:31:48-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jun-2010#unique-entry-id-20http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jun-2010#unique-entry-id-20
I also posted new pictures from my May Texas Trip. I was able to go to Texas for a long weekend while Brian took GREAT care of the kids at home. The reason for the trip was to help honor my Mom’s nomination for Administrator of the Year. I was so happy to spend time with my family, celebrating the AWESOME person my Mom is. :) She deserved it! I really enjoyed my Mom’s cooking and just talking to her without competing with her grandbabies. :) I was also able to meet three PRECIOUS loves in my life. I got to snuggle Baby Mekele, London, and my niece, Gracie Rae! First I met Mekele, whom I have been waiting to meet since last Fall! Then, Baby London came to join us and was such a calm, sweet baby. Finally, I got to go over to Donna Kay and David’s house to meet my niece. Gracie Rae was such a joy to hold, as I have been wanting to hold her for so long! I couldn’t quit kissing loving on her. It was a total joy to watch my childhood friends, Whitney and Alison, and my sister-in-law and friend, Jess, mother their babies. They are such great mommies!

Brian, the kids, and me get to go back to Texas in June/July. I get to watch Ainsley and Braxton meet their cousin, and Brian will be the coolest uncle. I am looking forward to seeing tons of family and for all of our friends and the kids to have tons of time together. I’ll be in Dallas, then to Houston, then off to Austin.

We had a wonderful beach trip over Memorial Day. We went to our family’s “sweet spot” and could stay there forever! We just love it there. The water is beautiful and we walk everywhere we need to go. I love not getting in the car until it is time to go home. They have the best fish tacos in the world, so we went to Frenchy’s for dinner and lunch. The kids always act especially sweet with each other when we are on a trip. It was so fun to watch them. Ainsley’s favorite part was definitely swimming. She has really learned to hold her own in the pool. She does flips in the water and swims under our legs in the water. She LOVES it so much and has NO fear. Braxton, however, sticks to the steps. He loves the pool, as long as he gets to hang out on the steps. :) Braxton’s favorite part was the park by the beach. It had “ladders for big boys only...no girls” and “fast slides”. He didn’t want to leave the park. My highlight was the beach...didn’t want to leave. And Brian just loved being with his family no matter what we were doing.

Braxton is potty trained! We tackled it hard core for a week, and I am glad it is behind us. He is doing great, and he loves to pick out his underwear each morning. Out of Buzz Lightyear, Lightning McQueen, sharks, and Superheroes, he tends to pick the superheroes every time. Spiderman is his favorite, but Brian argues that Superman is the best. They recently watched some of Star Wars together, and Braxton was VERY into it. Ainsley saw a glimpse of Darth Vader and went to bed asking questions about the bad guy. She said she never wants any Darth Vader toys in her house and that he is the worst bad guy in the world. Then we got into a talk about the devil. Well, needless to say, she ended up in our bed that night!

Brian has been VERY busy with wedding season. He has had a wedding almost every weekend. We are so blessed that God gave him this talent and that He is using it to provide for us. I love looking at Brian’s pictures, and our whole family goes along with him on portrait sessions. We love helping him, and Ainsley enjoys taking her own pictures alongside Brian with my camera.

Sorry it takes me so long to update my blog. We have been napping almost every day so we can stay up late and enjoy the summer nights. I like napping with the kids. I’m not ashamed to say it. We snuggle tight in the bed together. These days are running out, so I am soaking them up. Love to you and yours!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-05-04T21:27:15-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2010#unique-entry-id-19http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2010#unique-entry-id-19
Ainsley is loving gardening. She just loves flowers and works with me out in the yard. She is really looking forward to a gardening playdate soon. She is quite the outdoors girl, like her brother. She loves to climb trees, play in the dirt, find bugs (dragonflies are her favorite right now) and other critters, go on a bike ride. Of course, her favorite outside activity is still swimming. When she has a chance to swim in someone’s pool, she picks it right back up and swims. I think that I could sit at the side of the pool and just watch her swim now. But I like getting in with her! It seems we spend most time outside, and when we are inside, it isn’t long until she asks to go outside again. Thank goodness, her allergies have subsided. She is really doing well in gymnastics and when we ask her if she wants to stop she says no. She has been doing it for a year now. But she still loves it and wants to add dance in August. Maybe she will follow in her Mommy’s footsteps. We signed her up for soccer camp this summer, which she is also asking for. Ainsley has been asking for a little sister lately. We are content with the 4 of us, but her desire for a baby just shows how much she loves to nurture and help people. She is quite the little mommy. There are many times she relates to her brother so well and can explain things to him like a mommy. She loves other babies and tends to gravitate towards them and has a natural ability and keen sense to help them. She has been asking a lot of questions about heaven lately. She really wants to know all about it and takes it all in with belief. I am inspired by my little girl. There are many times I watch her in awe at who God made her to be. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-04-11T20:12:25-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2010#unique-entry-id-18http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2010#unique-entry-id-18
Ainsley had her worst allergy attack ever this weekend. The pollen count is horrendous here in Central Florida. I guess that is her allergy because her poor eyes have been so swollen this weekend. We had her birthday party, and it was SO much fun. It was a girls only princess party. The girls dressed up like a princess, and they were so proud! We painted nails, painted bird houses, flew a princess kite, and ate macaroni and cheese and cupcakes. Ainsley truly felt like a princess. I cannot believe she is 4 years old! Her favorite thing to do is SWING, SWING, SWING. She could do it all day! Sometimes she is in the backyard swinging until past dark, and I have to drag her in. Her other favorite thing is riding her bike. She rides and makes up songs. We try to ride around the neighborhood every day. She never gets tired of it. Brian just bought a bike for a great deal, so now he can ride with her too.

Braxton rides his tricycle with us around the block. He loves being outside, especially playing in the sand box and playing with balls. He is starting to dream more obviously and even hallucenates and talks in his sleep. He gets this from his mama. Often at night, we will hear him from his bed yelling about a spider on his arm or a snake in his bed. Braxton LOVES helping people, especially his Daddy. Anytime Brian is doing yardwork or fixing something, Braxton is so proud to help. Braxton’s favorite thing seems to be golf and playing with his baseball. He also loves eating IF it does not have much nutritional value. (much to my dismay) He shares chicken wings with Daddy, loves pizza, and dips everything he can in ketchup and ranch. HE is the reason I have to sneak veggies and fruits into my cooking. He’s a healthy boy, though. Braxton likes doing things that require focus and determination. And he wants to do everything by himself.

These pictures on Ainsley and Braxton’s pages do not yet catch us up. I am going to try and do better about updating so we can be more current with the pictures. So, much more are to come. Keep checking with us to watch our little cuties grow!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-04-03T21:29:09-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2010#unique-entry-id-17http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2010#unique-entry-id-17
I can’t quite grasp how BIG Easter is in my life. To think that Jesus paid the price for me on the cross is overwhelming. Because of my merciful God, my sins have been forgiven. My debt has been paid. This is everything to me.

So, as you look at these new pictures (on Ainsley and Braxton’s pages) and see the fun we have been having, just know that the joy deep inside of us comes from the FACT that we have been redeemed and our hope is in Him. All glory to God.]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-03-02T20:36:27-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2010#unique-entry-id-16http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2010#unique-entry-id-16
Braxton recently had a birthday! He is officially 2 years old now and is growing into a more independent and full-of-personality little boy. But he is still my baby and loves his family so much. He prays every meal, the same prayer, but he made it up...”God, thank you for my family.” He says it over and over. His favorite song to sing is “Away in a Manger” (even though it is 2 months after Christmas). His favorite ball is a golf ball, and likes to sleep with it and bring it in the car with him. Braxton can spell his name, say the days of the week, and other fun things he has gained from watching his sister. His favorite book is his set of train books, which we have read every day since Christmas. He wants to keep pointing to Thomas, Percy, and Harvey. Those are his favorite trains. In fact, he had a Thomas the Train birthday party at the park, which was simple and fun. Braxton recently moved to a toddler bed. He is so proud of it, but still loves his time with Mommy and Daddy in our bed for a small part of the night. I welcome this and savor it. Braxton is our joy. We laugh OFTEN with him around. He is a great combination of funny, serious, tender, and rough.

Ainsley is turning 4 soon. I’ve been researching and observing preschools. She is going to start attending preschool for 3 hours every morning in the Fall. I am excited for her, but I wish I could freeze this moment in time because I really love having both my kids at home with me all day. We just really have fun together. Ainsley is our sunshine. She is our encourager and dreamer. She loves princesses and baby dolls. She treats her baby dolls like she is truly their mommy. And a good Mommy she is to them! She wants to have a princess party, but keeps changing her mind about what princess to have, so we will probably highlight them all! Ainsley loves to sing and has started piano lessons with Daddy. She also loves riding her bike and swinging on our swingset. I have enjoyed letting Ainsley have more independence in helping. She has really taken on this role of “serving”. Ainsley also loves to pray and reminds me at every meal. She is quite a family girl too, but she also cares very much for her friends. They mean a lot to her. But her best friend is her brother. They are always together. When I try to separate them to have individual play time, it lasts for maybe 2 minutes.

We are having a lot of fun around here! We’ve had an Olympics Party to celebrate the start of the Winter Olympics. Our Winter Wonderland Playdate was fun too, as well as the Super Bowl Party. There have been lots of opportunities to open up our home to share memories with people we love. Brian’s parents just left after a great week of fun. My Mom is coming this month too. Brian and I enjoyed 2 days of fun together away from home. The highlight was Cirque De Soleil, which I have been wanting to go to since we moved to Florida 7 years ago. :) I had a blast going on a girls’ weekend with 4 friends to run in a marathon relay. It was a national marathon with thousands of people from all around the country, all meeting together in Jacksonville to run for breast cancer. So, the 5 of us on the “Feet of Faith” team ran a relay, each running 5 miles, with the last person running 6.2. It was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. People from the city were lining the streets cheering us on and thanking us for running for the cure. Balloons, signs, kids with oranges and popsicles, all lined the streets. Our team did well, finishing 60th out of over 200 relay teams. I think the highlight for me was while I was waiting for my team member to tag me. I was standing by the beach, soaking up the sun, when the first marathoners ran by. They crossed the mile marker 10 that I was standing out in only 55 minutes! Do you know how fast that was?! We just cheered them on so loud! And just kept cheering for every person running 26.2 miles that passed us. I encourage everyone to do something like this. Brian and I have a run in May that we are looking forward to. We are going to the beach this weekend with friends. They are so kind to let us join them in their condo on the beach. Brian has a lot of weddings coming up. We have a couple more Sea World trips planned where I am taking each kid by themselves. But, mostly, we look forward to time together at home, enjoying the sunshine and spending quality time together. Lord, please let these days go by slow!



]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2010-02-16T20:09:21-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/feb-2010#unique-entry-id-15http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/feb-2010#unique-entry-id-15brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-12-08T20:49:39-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2009#unique-entry-id-14http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2009#unique-entry-id-14
These pictures include some fun from Halloween. cooking, crafts, Christmas fun, and our Penny Carnival. The Penny Carnival raised money for my friend, Whitney’s, orphanage in Ehthiopia she is adopting from. It was a wonderful time for people from the community to save their change over a month, then come together at the park and play games with that change. We raised over $150, plus donated items. As I type this, Whitney is on the airplane, heading to Ethiopia to meet her little Gebre.

Make sure you check out Brian’s flickr link to see his newest photos. And, go to his photo web site to see his work. He is excelling as a photographer, and God is providing through this extra job.

The kids are doing great. Ainsley is still in gymnastics and always has a song she is singing. She loves her family, and treats her brother so well. I am so proud of her. Braxton is talking a LOT now. He loves that we understand him when he communicates now. Braxton is very tender-hearted, but also all boy. He, too, loves his family and ADORES his big sister. When she isn’t around, he misses her greatly. They are best buds.

That is all for now. Just enjoy the pics and come back for more soon.

]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-10-27T19:52:16-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2009#unique-entry-id-13http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2009#unique-entry-id-13
We are looking forward to a lot of traveling in November. The kids and I will be in Texas for 2 weeks (Brian for one week), then we will all go to Tennessee for a week. We’re excited to finally wear all the cute warm clothes we have there! I can’t wait to see family and friends I LOVE SO MUCH!

Halloween is coming up. Ainsley is so excited to be Cinderella, mostly because I am going to let her wear lip gloss and fake dangling earrings. Braxton is going to be a turtle, which was Ainsley’s costume when she was his age. The poor guy would much rather be Elmo, Boz, or SuperMan. But he is going to look super cute in that big turtle costume. We have an annual party with neighbor friends, then will all go trick or treating in our neighborhood. I have already told Ainsley to get all the chocolate she can at the houses, since she doesn’t like candy anyways!

Currently I am training for a relay marathon. Four other friends and I are going to run a Breast Cancer Marathon in Jacksonville in February. It is 5 miles each, with the last person running 6.2. I enjoy my runs so much more when it is for a goal and cause. Can’t wait to run with my friends!

Brian and I have started small groups, which we are LOVING. Mine is with women on Wednesday mornings, and Brian’s is on Monday evenings with men. We look forward to sharing community with these people each week.

I’m done with the kids’ Christmas shopping. Now, I have Brian and our families to accomplish. I LOVE buying presents for people, don’t you? So much fun. The holiday season is just the best.

Our Penny Carnival is coming up and will raise funds and donated items for an orphanage in Ethiopia my friend, Whitney, is adopting from. Can’t wait to see the little ones playing games with coins, and realizing it all goes to help others. What a great way to spend time together.

Hope you are LIVING LIFE to the FULLEST. Much love!

]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-10-12T20:15:03-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2009#unique-entry-id-12http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/oct-2009#unique-entry-id-12
I’m constantly asking the Lord to help me see through His eyes every day. I desire to impact my family first, but I want my eyes to be opened to the possibilities around us to impact others as well. We are going to have a Penny Carnival that is raising donations and support for precious orphans in Ethiopia, which my best friend is adopting from. I have asked people to come to the park and bring change that they have saved up, as well as donations the orphanage needs. We will play fun carnival games with the change, then give the money to this great cause. This is one way for my children to learn how to give. I desire for my children to see beyond themselves! To make a difference in their community and beyond. Here is a song from Christy Nockels (one of my favorite singers) that makes my heart burst. We have much to do...Come, Church, arise!

Brothers, let us come together
Walking in the Spirit, there’s much to be done...
We will come reaching, out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love.

Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us...
We will come reaching, with a song of healing,
And they will know us by our love!

The time is now
Come, Church, arise!
Love with His hands
See with His eyes...
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love.

Children, you are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above...
You will be reaching, long after we’re gone
And they will know you by your love!

The time is now
Com, Church, arise!
Love with His hands
See with His eyes...
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love.
]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-09-15T19:17:39-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/sep-2009#unique-entry-id-11http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/sep-2009#unique-entry-id-11
The kids have always had a very sweet relationship, which comes easily when the kids are very close in age. But, lately, their relationship has gotten even better. Ainsley and Braxton are BEST FRIENDS. I marvel at them every day. They treat each other with love and respect, and they understand each other so well. I am so proud of how they treat each other. It is very obvious that their hearts are very connected. It is a joy to watch them play together. They are always together. When one wants to do something, the other follows. This has always been the case, but now that Braxton can play what Ainsley plays, they are on the same page and love to be together. Check out another video of one of their play sessions.

Our family was able to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the beach. It was one of the best weekends I have ever had. We never got in our car and walked everywhere we needed to go. The beach was right outside our hotel and was beautiful. There were not any waves, so the kids can go out pretty far without being knocked down constantly. That was nice. We were at the beach constantly, with the exception of times in the pool. We enjoyed some great places to eat too, but my favorite was “Frenchy’s”. Their fish tacos were one of my top 5 best foods ever list. You need to go to Clearwater Beach, stay at the Hilton, and eat fish tacos at Frenchy’s CAFE.

We just enjoyed a great visit with Brian’s parents, David and Donna Kay...or Papa and Kaymi (their new names). They were so sweet to watch the kids while Brian and I went to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios with friends for the weekend. We enjoyed our time with our friends and heard some great concerts. Of course, a night in a hotel without kids was a rare treat, and we savored the sleep! It was so strange to wake up and not have to jump right out of bed! We didn’t even eat breakfast until past 11:00 with everyone! The kids enjoyed some shopping and much playing with Papa and Kaymi. Check out our pictures for some from their trip. But more are to come.

I also included pictures from our Texas trip--Part 3. I want to get all the pictures posted before our next big Texas trip, which is coming up soon! Can’t wait! And make sure and check out the videos...random ones, but fun.

I am SOAKING up this time at home with my little ones. This is a fun time of year. Football season and holidays, along with cooler weather. Isn’t this great? We have a lot planned for the rest of 2009. This weekend I am going on a women’s retreat with ladies from my church. My favorite speaker, Beth Moore, will be speaking, along with others. I really look forward to hearing from God as I am in a quiet place. I know that the greatness of this coming weekend will have a heavy heart to go with it, as I will think of my dear friend, Stephanie, often. This was her thing. The sting of her death is still very raw at times. I’ll be thinking of her a lot this weekend.



]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-08-25T20:26:27-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2009#unique-entry-id-10http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2009#unique-entry-id-10
Let me blog about things you might or might not know about me. I see these on other people’s blogs and thought I would attempt it. I’ll start with what I am most ashamed about first...

1. I am not a native Texan by definition. I was actually born in Oklahoma, then moved to California, before moving to Texas at age 3. My grandaddy wanted my mom to move me across the border to have me...seriously.

2. I went to the principal’s office in the 1st grade. I cheated on the standardized test. I got caught and was in big trouble.

3. Speaking of math...that was my best subject through school. I love solving problems. It’s also one of my favorite subjects to teach.

4. My worst subject? History or geography. I am embarrassed at how little I know about those subjects.

5. I started dancing when I was 3, and it became one of the things I love to do most. Now the only dancing I do is with my kids, and I try to dance with them EVERY day.

6. I love to draw. I used to freeze the cartoons on tv and draw what was on the screen. I drew things all the time, and now I don’t ever find the time.

7. I love to create. Anything from playdoh with my kids to scrapbooking to crafts to painting...

8. I started out at Baylor University, then ended up at University of North Texas with a degree in elementary education.

9. Brian and I had our first date when I was 14 years old. He was 16. We went to rival high schools, but still made it!

10. I have always been an advocate for unborn babies. When I was in 5th grade, I heard about abortion and was so affected by it that I wrote a letter to activists and continued to speak about it any chance I had through speeches at school, poems, etc.

11. I am scared to death of deep water and alligators. I hate spiders and needles too.

12. I have the biggest sweet tooth, and I lose all self-control when sweets are around.

13. I love children. I’ve always seen the good and the potential in a child.

14. I’ve hit 5 parked cars in my driving history. Three of the parked cars were Brian’s friends. Not proud of this.

15. I love Michael Jackson’s music, the Dallas Cowboys, roller coasters, thunder storms, good friends, family, and eating.

16. I like to take naps. I don’t take one every day, but I try not to go 3 days in a row without one. A nap goes a long way for me. I think naps are healthy and rejuvenating.

17. I love to travel and have been blessed to go to many great places. The highlights were probably Peru (Machu Pichu) and Hawaii. But my greatest memories were going to Disney World as a child.

18. I don’t really have one favorite movie, but my list of favorites are Grease, Bird on a Wire, Robin Hood (animated), Romancing the Stone, Indiana Jones, Time to Kill, and Sleeping Beauty.

19. I have had dinner and watched “Tin Cup” with Matthew McConaughey.

20. I love my family so much.

21. My relationship with Christ is everything. He rescued me and is my beautiful Savior. I owe my life to Him. There is nothing greater than knowing Jesus as Lord. ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-08-11T21:26:08-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2009#unique-entry-id-9http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/aug-2009#unique-entry-id-9
I’ll try to explain some of the pictures. Ainsley was a flower girl in a beautiful wedding. She was so proud of her “princess dress” and had a blast hiding from the groom with the bride! She thought is was the most fun game. I put her hair in curlers all day. I tried to make the wedding day very special for her. While I put her curlers in, we watched the video of my wedding. She loved watching it and was still so I could put all those sponge rollers in!

We had a 4th of July party over at our house. I love having people over to share memories together, especially kids. We enjoyed some fun games, a craft, and yummy festive food.

We also had a rock painting playdate. A lot of kiddos came over to paint rocks, play with shaving cream, slide on the slip n slide, and more. It delights my heart to see my children having fun with their friends.

Ainsley was in VBS for a week. She went every morning from Monday to Friday. They did a great job teaching the kids. Ainsley was in a great mood every morning when she left there, singing and telling me all about the bible stories. I was so happy that she had fun learning about Jesus. Braxton and I enjoyed some time just the 2 of us while she was gone every morning. I tried to fill his week with boy things. We went to watch tractors do construction, and that was his favorite. The worker even honked at him. Ainsley being in VBS made me realize even more how much we want her around, though. We are glad we have a whole other year before she goes to school.

Braxton is really growing up. I am so proud of the sweet boy that he is. He is SO active and VERY intense, but he does it all with a very big heart and sweet spirit. Braxton listens so well. He loves routines and systems. For example, every morning is the same--He shares some of Daddy’s breakfast while sitting in his lap. He then takes off Daddy’s houseshoes and puts them in the closet. Then helps him pick out his shoes and hands him each one, sits down with him to “help” him put them on. Then, he grabs Daddy’s belt and hands it to him. Braxton gives him a hug and walks him to the door and opens it. Then waves and shuts it behind him. Last, he runs to the window and watches Daddy drive away. EVERY MORNING. This is one of many routines he is very particular about. Of course, he still loves being outside--even in the summer heat! He is in his element when he is outside.

Ainsley is starting gymnastics at a very wonderful gym with teachers who have very big hearts for the kids. She absolutely loves it. Ainsley astounds me with her heart and her rare wisdom. I enjoy every moment with my little girl.

Some of the Texas pictures are on the Texas trip page, but there are many more to come. One of Ainsley’s favorite things was going to the American Girl Store with Grammy. Grammy is going to finally get her the Christmas present she has been wanting to give her since she was a baby--American Girl Bitty Baby doll and accessories. Ainsley certainly knew exactly the one she liked the most. They really are precious, and the 2 story place was sight to see. Braxton enjoyed the play place at Galleria Mall in Dallas and ski ball at Chuck E Cheese in Houston. And that was all before we even got to my Dad’s and Papa and Kaymi’s! More Texas fun to post about in the future!

My sister is coming to visit this week and we are going to have a blast--Aquatica, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, friends’ houses, and more. I’m so excited to have her here! I just wish my brother was coming too!

I continue to ask God to guide me as a wife and mommy. I do not take this responsibility lightly and am incredibly burdened by the state of families today. I see how so many people get sucked into the ways of this world. It all happens so subtly. I just see so clearly how Satan slowly chips away at the family unit, making it weaker and weaker. I pray every day that God would show me not what is accepted in this world, but how He wants us to be set apart. And that requires us to be different--all for His glory. My earnest prayer is to ask God to penetrate our home and my kids’ hearts.

Here are some great quotes I have come across in my reading:
“To keep one’s voice sweet, one’s face bright, one’s will steady, one’s patience unperturbed, in the arena of the home, in the light of one’s own family, is no light task.”
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” I believe this with all my heart.


]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-07-22T21:57:47-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jul-2009#unique-entry-id-8http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jul-2009#unique-entry-id-8
Ainsley, Braxton, and I are happy to be back with Brian. We spent 2 weeks in Texas without him. We sure did miss him! But we had fun visiting family throughout the great state. We flew into Dallas, drove to Houston, drove to Luling, then to Austin, then back to Dallas. It delights me to go back to my roots and give my kids a glimpse of where they came from. As I spent time with so much family, I felt very thankful for the people who made me who I am. I hope I have taken something from each of them, because they are as good as it gets. I also got to spend time with good friends who I miss. When we get together, it is like no time has passed.

We’re enjoying our life together. We love being together. One of the things we are enjoying together the most this summer is our trips to get ice cream. We love sitting outside eating ice cream together.

I have SO many pictures to post, but I just started with a few for now. Check back for more soon, ok? I hope to blog more often. Once a month is just too long to remember everything to post since last time!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-06-04T22:33:17-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jun-2009#unique-entry-id-7http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jun-2009#unique-entry-id-7
Brian gave me a digital photo album with pictures of the kids for Mother’s Day. And we enjoyed dinner out together. Brian is always good at making me feel spoiled and loved. For our anniversary, we went to one of our favorite restaurants--Bonefish. The kids were with us and Braxton was in a “mood”, so the whole meal was spent trying to entertain him. But I was glad the kids got to see us celebrate 7 years of marriage. We keep saying we are going to celebrate just the 2 of us by going to the beach or a theme park or something. Maybe when more family is in town this summer.

My Mom came for my birthday to watch the kids. It meant a lot to spend my 30th birthday with her. I can’t believe she flew all the way to Florida to watch the kids so Brian and I could go out. Her time here was short, but very sweet. I don’t think the kids even missed us while we were gone! Brian’s parents came to visit recently too. We enjoyed a slow-paced week with a lot of game playing at night when the kids were in bed! We celebrated Papa’s birthday early, and we enjoyed the zoo together too. This has become the kids’ favorite place, I think. Looking forward to a lot more family time this summer!

With summer here, we are looking forward to a lot of fun. To help Ainsley keep track of all the scheduled things this summer, we are making a calendar together. This will help her understand days, dates, months, etc. There is a lot to keep track of this summer. My Mom and other friends will visit this summer. Ainsley has VBS next week. Then, we are starting swim lessons. These will be every morning (mon-fri) for 4 weeks. Then, the last day of swim lessons, we leave for Texas for a couple of weeks. We’ll be flying into Dallas, then driving to Houston to spend time with my family, then drive to Austin to spend more time with more family. Then, drive back to Dallas to spend more time with even more family (and friends). Then, fly back to FL. Brian won’t be with us, so we will miss him, but the kids will certainly have a blast, as they always do at their grandparent’s houses. Then, the week after we get back from Texas, we will have soccer camp for a week. The week after soccer camp is another week of VBS. Plus, plenty of fun at the beach, playdates with friends, etc.. By August, we will be excited about settling back into normalcy. In August, after all this settles down, Ainsley will start gymnastics.

I’m open to the idea of having a job when the new school year comes. I applied for a Reading Coach position, but it seems that any of the open teaching positions are for those people who are needing to be reassigned due to job cuts. We’ll see. As of right now, I will just continue tutoring. It is still in our plans to keep Ainsley and Braxton at home for another year, then put Ainsley into preschool when she turns 4. Now that she is 3, I’ll include various additions to our day to help prepare her when she does go to preschool. But, mostly, we just PLAY, PLAY, PLAY.

Here are some tidbits about everyone:

Braxton is such a sweetheart. He loves to hug and give kisses. His hair has grown precious curls in the back that I just can’t cut yet! Braxton is absolutely hilarious. It is obvious that he delights in making other people laugh and smile. It is hard to take our eyes off of him! (And this is just fine for Ainsley, because she doesn’t like attention from others. So, she is happy to share the limelight! They make a good pair. :) Braxton has finally decided he loves books. I’m so glad he will sit with me and let me read to him now. We read book after book. I feel like we have a lot of catching up to do after his aversion to books his first year of life! Braxton, like I have said before, has a very intense, passionate, and determined spirit. He puts his whole heart into things. He loves shoes, bugs, outside, balls, milk, big chairs, piano, music, cars, lizards, frogs, dirt, rocks, brooms, buttons, toothbrush with toothpaste, bathtime, swimming, lawn mower, and his family. Notice, one thing that I didn’t mention is FOOD. Braxton does NOT like to be hungry, but he just wants to eat enough to barely satisfy, then he is done. He definitely has a sweet tooth. After church, Ainsley gets a lollipop, which she doesn’t like the taste of, but she loves to unwrap and hold it. So, every Sunday after church, as soon as their classes are over and they reunite, Ainsley holds the lollipop and he takes licks. Again, they make a great pair! Braxton is still choosing to say the same sound for everything, but with different inflections. He is a big communicator, and I usually know exactly what he is saying. And he can say about 10 words, but he doesn’t like to use them because he is stuck on “duh”. He understands everything we say, though. He’ll speak more on his own timing, it is just very different from Ainsley at this point! I love the way Braxton’s eyes get so big when he is talking to me.

Ainsley is our family girl. She just loves being with her family. She is starting to just prefer staying home and playing. She is so happy when it is the 4 of us together. Her love language is quality time, for sure! We’re making such great memories EVERY day. She is really loving crafts. I have a weekly craft or game or activity of some sort. Mostly, they are too old for Brax, but he participates on his level. I love hearing all the songs on Ainsley’s heart. She is always singing something. The words that come out of her mouth are just priceless. The sticker charts are working very well. We have a very self-sufficient, mature little girl on our hands. We are very proud of her. There have never been many battles with Ainsley. She is an easy gal. Ainsley takes very good care of Braxton. She understands him so well, and is patient beyond her years. Ainsley also like taking care of her daddy. She is always concerned for him. Did he get enough to eat? Is he going to be safe driving in the rain? I’m so thankful for the close relationships we have with our daughter.

Brian and I have been renewing our commitment to exercising more regularly. This has been fun to accomplish together. He is continuing to excel in photography. It’s always fun when I am laying on the couch watching tv, and I have a camera in my face for pictures! He is always wanting to get better, which is one thing I love about him. I’m his biggest fan, and he is mine! That is a great thing in a marriage. :)]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-05-06T22:31:36-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2009#unique-entry-id-6http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/may-2009#unique-entry-id-6
A lot of fun has happened since our last post. Every day could have a post of it’s own with these kiddos! We finally made it to Disney World for Ainsley’s birthday. Right when we walked into the park, the big parade started. This was my highlight for the day. Then, we were able to watch the main show on stage by the castle. This was all within 30 minutes of being there. It was time to move on when the wicked witch entered the stage. Ainsley does not stick around for anything scary. But she LOVES roller coasters and heights, so Dumbo and the other rides were her favorite. When Ainsley is in a new environment, especially with crowds around, she is not herself. Normally she is playful, enthusiastic, and happy. But in overstimulating or crowded places, she becomes withdrawn and serious. She is an observer! This has been who she is since she was a tiny baby. So, we knew that she would not show her enjoyment on her face, but that she was having fun. The next day we heard all about how great Disney World was. She loves taking her baby dolls to the Disney World parade here at home. Grammy gave her $10 to spend at the Disney store, and she chose Monsters, Inc. characters. She LOVES them! And Papa and Kaymi gave her Minnie Mouse pajamas because Minnie and Mickey are the best in her eyes!

Braxton stayed home with someone he trusts, and he did great. There was one part of the day when he cried for mommy by our bedroom door and fell asleep on the floor by the door. He couldn’t have missed us any more than we missed him though! I couldn’t wait to get home to my little guy! The next day, I think I snuggled and kissed him 10,000 times! Braxton keeps us laughing all the time! He loves to be silly. He’s so sweet to his sissy. Braxton loves to hug and kiss her. And if she needs something, he will go get it for her. Braxton’s favorite things are: being outside, bathtime and all things involving water, milk when he wakes up, Daddy playing the guitar, banana and zucchini bread, dancing, and playing, playing, playing. He also loves putting things back where they go, wearing nice clothes, listening to music while he sleeps, sweets, dogs, dirt, balls, and toy cars....among other things I haven’t mentioned. I think the top of his favorites list is his sister!

Our God loves to give! We recognize this every day. One big gift He gave us recently was a car...for free! We were down to one car in order to simplify, and someone just gave us another one! We are so humbled by this gift. We’re committed to honoring him in our finances, and it has changed our lives. We give Him glory.

This is a short post (for me), but at least I did it! We send our love to all of you! ]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-04-04T21:26:37-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2009#unique-entry-id-5http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/apr-2009#unique-entry-id-5
I am so proud of our 3 year old! Now that she is 3, we are working on helping her be even more independent. She now has a sticker chart as an incentive to try new things and make old things habits. We will work on one task at a time. Her first task is “I can put my dirty clothes in the hamper.” This also involves putting her shoes where they go in her closet, and putting clean clothes back where they go in the drawers. Each time she accomplishes one of these tasks, she picks a sticker and puts it on the foam sheet on the fridge. When we feel that task has turned into a habit, we will go on the other task. Tasks to come are: Getting dressed by herself (She has no interest in this at all), clearing the table, putting on her shoes EVERY TIME (she’d rather I do it!), writing her letters (she has no interest in this either. She knows the letters and their sounds, but does not want to write them). Any other ideas? The purpose of this is to make these things HABITS...one thing at a time, so we can move on to other tasks and stop revisiting things. Anyways, so far it is going well. And I don’t have to make so many trips to her hamper anymore!

I also updated Braxton and Ainsley’s picture pages. You will find pictures of our trip to the zoo in Tampa, which is the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the U.S., and I agree! We fed a giraffe, rode a camel, played in water, rode a real roller coaster, rode a ski lift (without the snow) over the animals, rode a train, pet reptiles (Ainsley’s favorite...she is just like me), pet and fed sting rays, rode the fastest carousel ever, and more! The highlight for my Mom and I was the 8 month old monkey riding his mommy’s back. I could have watched those monkeys for hours! We also went to a children’s museum lately. This was a neat place to explore things and allow the kids to engage in pretend play, like grocery shopping, orange factories, fire trucks, doctors, etc. I enjoyed our time with friends there, and I look forward to our next outing all together--The Orlando Science Center! We also had an Easter Egg Hunt Playdate at our house recently. There were around 15 or so kids here at the house. We enjoyed an Easter craft, a hunt in the yard, and yummy cupcakes. The kids did very well. And the adults enjoyed each other too! Anyways, too much has happened since the last blog to tell everything, but those are the highlights.

Braxton is funnier and funnier every day. He and Ainsley are officially “best friends” in addition to brother and sister. They play together constantly. Wherever one is, the other is close by. This has been a joy to watch, and it has helped me have a little more freedom since they entertain each other so well! Our favorite thing is still going outside. Braxton’s favorite thing outside (besides balls) is his golf set. He rolls the “caddy” around and holds a stick in one hand, the ball in the other. Braxton really loves the brooms outside too. One thing I love is our times of reading on the floor together. Braxton does not like to read much, but when I sit down to read to his sissy, he joins us! He doesn’t want to miss anything! Braxton is taking after his sister’s love of bread. He loves to sit down with his daddy every morning while Brian puts his shoes and belt on for work. If Braxton is in the other room with me and hears the jingle of the belt, he goes running to “help” his daddy get ready for work. I am proud of how well Braxton is listening. He follows directions very well and responds well when we say “no”. He seems to be beginning an attachment to a blue blanket he owns. So much to tell you about this little guy of ours! I can’t get enough of him!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-03-14T21:52:12-04:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2009#unique-entry-id-4http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2009#unique-entry-id-4
On his actual birthday, he spent some time at Grammy’s house to get some birthday loving from her. Then, he enjoyed his favorite food, spaghetti, at Papa and Kaymi’s house for dinner. Then, the party day arrived. My best friend, Whitney, came over to help with getting everything ready. It was a smiley face theme since our little guy lives life with a big smile! He lights up a room with his smile and laughter. So, there were smiley face balloons and such. We made everything yellow and black to match. There was SO MUCH FOOD! I made Braxton’s smiley face cake and cupcakes...nothing too fancy, but I wanted his mommy’s hands to make it, like I made Ainsley’s first cake. I was amazed at how many people came to celebrate little Braxton’s life. It meant so much that they spent their Friday night with us. Family and very close friends were there, and it was good to all be together. My brother, sister, and Gran even drove from Austin! Braxton was very overwhelmed by the people at first. He likes the familiar and likes sticking close to his family, so it took him a while to warm up. But, eventually, he was his silly self. Once Braxton is comfortable, he likes attention. Of course, he had no idea that all that was going on was for HIM! Ainsley enjoyed opening his presents. He didn’t dig into his cake like I hoped. Neither of my kids wanted to get their hands dirty in the cake. One thing that I am sad I forgot to do at the party is pray over Braxton. I wanted to have a prayer time for him since we were all together. So, if you were at the party and are reading this...say a prayer for him, ok? It was a WONDERFUL party!

In honor of my little boy turning one, I thought I would list 12 things I love about Braxton (one thing for every month of his life). I want to celebrate all that I can see God forming in him already. Here they are:

1. He is very determined. I believe he will accomplish a lot in life because of this fierce determination.
2. Braxton has a sense of humor. This was evident very early in his life. He likes to make people laugh, and he knows how to accomplish that. For example, even when he is dead tired and I am rocking him, he will jerk his head off my shoulder with his eyes half closed and he looks at me and laughs or makes a funny face. Even when he is half asleep, he wants to laugh. After doing this several times, I finally have to say, “Ok, Braxton. No more laughing. Let’s go to sleep, buddy.”
3. His smile is big and his laugh is contagious. When Braxton is happy, the whole world smiles with him. Sometimes, he is sitting all by himself and just starts smiling and laughing to himself, and we wonder, “What is he laughing at?”.
4. He is very intense. Everything Braxton does is 110%. (which means if he is upset, you will hear about it!)
5. Braxton loves to snuggle. He takes breaks while playing to give me a hug. He desires to be in our arms, and he wants to be held close. He is a great hugger, wrapping his arms around you.
6. He loves brushing his teeth. Braxton enjoys his toothbrush so much. I even have a toothbrush in his diaper bag to pull out when he is needing something to calm him. This makes it easy for me, and I love knowing his teeth are always clean!
7. Braxton is a good eater. Braxton likes to eat and eats what we eat. He’s been on table food since 10 months old and we haven’t had too many food strikes since then. His favorites are blueberry waffles, sweet potato french fries, and casseroles.
8. He gives joy to his sister. Ainsley adores Braxton and loves having her little buddy around. She runs into his room to greet him as soon as he wakes up from his nap. She wants him with her wherever we go. I hear, “Come on, Braxton” a lot during the day! She loves to take him with her on her imaginative ideas. Ainsley’s world is even happier because Braxton is here. I love watching him bring a smile to her face. Her favorite thing he does is when he tackles her.
9. Braxton is all-boy. This is fun! It really is funny how opposite my boy and girl are. I’ve had so much fun nurturing his adventurous spirit. I know that when he wants to climb on something he is too little to be climbing on, or be rough, or get dirty, I need to let him. He is addicted to balls, cars, and all things boy.
10. Braxton loves music. I know music is loved by all kids. Braxton does seem to have a deeper sense of music than the norm, though. He loves to play the piano, watch and touch his daddy’s guitar, play with his instruments, and listen to music. He has a precious dance that makes me smile. Chick Fil A had live music one night, and he had the whole place laughing at his dancing. He moves his head back and forth, flails his arms, turns around, bounces, and more.
11. I love boy clothes! I am having fun putting cute outfits on him. The athletic ones, and the GQ ones. And his long pajamas are as cute as it gets! I could eat him up!
12. I love when he wakes up. His hair is sticking up, his eyes are groggy, and he wants to be snuggled in my arms with his milk. All he wants is Mommy, and all I want is him!
13. (Ok, I could keep going, but I will stop at 13) The best one is--He is just like his daddy! That says it all! Braxton is a clone of his daddy in his appearance, personality, and attitudes. I’m so happy to have TWO Brian’s now!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-03-06T21:34:29-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2009#unique-entry-id-3http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/mar-2009#unique-entry-id-3
We loved our time in Texas (for 2 1/2 weeks) with family and friends. It was good to be home. We spent the first few days of our trip in Fort Worth with Johnny and Jess. We got to sleep on their super-comfy bed and see their world in Ft. Worth. We went to the Fort Worth Zoo, which is one of the best. We also ate at one of my favorite restaurants, Genghis Grille, with other friends in the area. Ainsley and Braxton had so much fun playing at their friends’, Eva and Bliss’s house. Willie and Emily are dear friends, and it is such a joy to watch our children delight in each other. We know that they will remain connected even though the distance between them is great. They are seeking out the call to move to Africa soon, so any time with them this year will be stored up to last a while! The highlight of our weekend was seeing Body LIfe Church. Johnny and Jess are fellow church planters, and planted a church in the area. They recently moved into a coffee shop. This was such a joy to see! The environment is perfect and the vision is exciting! Johnny and Jess are awesome hosts! We also enjoyed a kid-free Valentine date with loved ones. The kids enjoyed making Valentines and eating cinnamon rolls with Grammy while we ate and played games at Gregg and Tami’s house. I always love my time with Tami and wish I could see her more. So, that just covers our first weekend!

We then headed to Papa and Kaymi’s house (Brian’s parents). We were able to stay there for a week, then we stayed at Grammy’s house (my mom) for a week. The kids have SO much fun at their houses. Not only do they LOVE spending time with their grandparents, but they love all the toys they get to play with that used to be mine and Brian’s. It’s like a walk down memory lane when I watch Ainsley and Braxton play with the things that I treasured as a kid. The kids loved going to their grandparent’s places of work. My Mom (Grammy) is a principal at the best school in the world. The kids feel like they own the place. Braxton thought the gym with volleyballs was the coolest place on earth. He just walked around the place bouncing that ball and laughing. I love the people who work there and look forward to seeing them. Braxton was able to meet little Jack, who is 2 weeks older than Brax. Brax gave him a good head butt and hug to say hello. They also love spending time at the church Brian and I grew up in and David and Donna Kay (Papa and Kaymi) work at. Ainsley thinks the stage is hers...playing the piano and singing in the microphone. Braxton thinks the stage is his to climb up and down, up and down, up and down. They enjoyed time in the children’s classes playing with the toys. Braxton managed to find a ball there too--a basketball in the Lost and Found was such a treat for him. And there is a great playground that we were actually able to play on since the weather was surprisingly warm! There is SO much for kids to do where we are from because it is full of young families. It was actually voted one of the top 5 most family-friendly places in the U.S. Anyways, we did enjoy a lot of the fun they have to offer. We went to a great bounce house and a train store that involved riding a train, climbing, and more. Chuck E. Cheese and carousels, shopping, and a great toy store were also tons of fun! I was so glad to be able to head to good ole Anna, Texas to see my best friend’s house she has done some work to. We made the drive out there and enjoyed good time with Whitney. Her house is beautiful, and I was able to see the room that their little Ethiopian miracle will one day call his or her own. Whitney is INCREDIBLY creative, and she is almost done with Ainsley’s first scrapbook. I sent her the info. and told her to “do her thing”. She, as I knew she would, has done more than I could have asked! It is a gift that I will consider one of my greatest treasures forever. My time with Whitney is always wonderful...we have the most random tangents that no one else would understand but surely gets us laughing! Brian got to go to the Mavs game with his brother...Go Mavs! I know they had a great time and rode the train to get there.

I got to spend a lot of time with my family too...my Mimi and Chet, Aunt Shelly, Uncle Bill, Cousins Travis and Kate, Brother Zac, Gran, Sister Lola all traveled to see us. I love every moment with them. Every moment.

One thing I learned from our trip is that the sickest month of the year is PROBABLY not the best time to travel to a new place. Those new germs in Texas got the best of our little girl. She got a stomach bug while we were there. It involved a little bit of throwing up and a HIGH fever. This, of course, turned into an ear infection. We have a friend who is a pediatrician and was able to give Ainsley good care. This was a treat. Ainsley loved seeing her doctor at church later when she was well! I think she was amazed that her doctor didn’t live at the doctor’s office! Thank goodness, Braxton stayed sick-free, as full of life as ever.

Well, this is too long, I know. This doesn’t even cover everything. Can’t wait to tell you all about Braxton’s first birthday! It was perfect. :) What a guy!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-01-22T21:26:54-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jan-2009#unique-entry-id-2http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jan-2009#unique-entry-id-2
1. There are A LOT!
2. The first round of presents is with Brian’s side of the family. Then, the second round of presents is with my Mom here.
3. Take note of David posing with a pink fluffy chicken. Ainsley picked out a present for each person at the Dollar Store, and this is what he got. Johnny got a porcupine with cherries on it. She was SO proud!
4. Also take note of her face while opening one of her presents. Although she LOVES her princess tent package Johnny and Jess got her, her face says otherwise. So funny!
5. Notice the picture Ainsley drew on her magna-doodle. It is Humpty Dumpty.

Back to my media fast. In case you didn’t know, I have been cutting out media in order for me to have more time in the Word and in prayer. I wasn’t finding enough time for consistent communion with God, so in all of the instances that I would open up my computer or turn on the tv, I have opted for a book or another form of reflective, quiet time instead. Again, I am not doing this because God is expecting me to meet a certain “quota” of time with Him each day. That is not the God we serve. I am doing this because I HAVE MISSED HIM. I want to soak Him up more. I want His power to be very evident in and around me. I want His Spirit to FILL me up to overflowing. I want others to see Him in me so they can know Him more. I want His Words and Name to be like honey on my lips. This can only be accomplished through His Word and prayer. I will not experience His best in this life unless I READ HIS WORD and PRAY...PERIOD. I have enjoyed reading Proverbs and a few books, “The Same Kind of Different As Me”, “Your Boy”, and “The Rest of God”. Tuesdays are my media night to watch tv (Biggest Loser) and veg on the couch doing brainless things. But I do check e-mail more than Tuesdays.

Now an update on the kids...

It’s pretty humbling that right as I started to spend time in the Word again, Ainsley became enamored with it at the same time! She is obsessed with her Bible. (The Beginners Bible by Zonderkids Publishing Co.) We have to read many stories from the bible at nap and bed time. She doesn’t even want to read any of her other gobs of books. And during the day, there are many times she would rather read her bible than play or even go outside. She has learned so many stories and knows them WELL. Her favorites are Baby Jesus (of course), Daniel and the Lions Den, Jonah and the Whale, The Good Samaritan, Jesus Walks on Water, and Zaccheus, among others. It’s been interesting telling these stories to her. Like, for instance, Joseph’s story...Here is a man who was loved by his father more than his brothers (not something a child wants to know)...hated by his brothers (again, sad)...thrown into a well by his brothers and sold into slavery (what?!)...HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO A 2 YEAR OLD? My Mom made a good point that as long as I am reading it to her now as truth, she will always know it as truth. She just won’t ever question it, just like I never have. Yes, it is true that Jonah was swallowed by a big fish. Ainsley is also enjoying listening to praise music as she falls asleep. The words are in her mind a lot. Anyways, I have SO ENJOYED witnessing her pure love of the Bible and have prayed this continues.

Braxton is walking! He started at 10 1/2 months and is finally understanding that it is a great thing to do, so he is very proud of himself. He talks all the time, but all his words sound the same. “Duh”. But he has different inflections with that sound for different words, and I am starting to know what they mean. He only has one more molar to go...it is in the process of coming in. Then, hopefully we will have a break from cutting teeth! He’s eating everything we give him, except for the occasional “food strike” that all babies and toddlers do. He is completely on all table food, with occasional baby food to supplement. His favorite things to eat are--blueberry waffles, Frosted Mini Wheats, Graham Crackers, Fruit, and Casseroles. Braxton loves to dance and play music. And being outside is where he always wants to be! You’d better not open the door in this house without taking him with you! Of course, he still wants to do whatever his sister is doing. They love each other so much and really do well together. They are a little team! He still takes 2 naps, which Ainsley was DONE with by now. He sleeps around 2 hours in the morning and 1-2 hours in the afternoon! (Again, unless he is in an occasional “sleeping strike”) And he still goes to bed early. Sometimes he fights his morning nap, and we will skip it, but I will keep up the 2 nap thing as long as he will let me. We are going to Texas for his one year birthday. That is what we did for Ainsley’s first birthday. We just want it to be small and intimate...simple. The kids and I will be there for 2 1/2 weeks! Brian is taking some vacation days and staying for over a week. We are very excited and plan on seeing a lot of movies with friends while we have free baby-sitters (family). I’m weaning him from his daytime feedings, so I will have more freedom (although I would still rather spend my time snuggling my baby during the day than doing anything else!). *By the way, I took a little break while typing because Ainsley came to me with what-else-but-her-bible to read. So, we read “The Lost Sheep”. So sweet.*

So, the Super Bowl is coming up! We really love the Super Bowl (even though the Cowboys are NOT in it). We are definitely pulling for the Cardinals. Kurt Warner (spelling?) has an amazing story. I like him so much that I might even root for him if he WERE playing the Cowboys...ok, so maybe not THAT much.

I also want to give a shout out to my friend, Whitney Pratt who has been one of my biggest fans since we were kids. Well, I want her to know that I am HER BIGGEST FAN, and I admire her more now than I ever have. She inspires me so much. What a privilege to be friends for so long with someone who has only gotten better and better...and she was GREAT to begin with! :) She and her husband, Aaron, are going to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. Their story is one of God’s love, grace, mercy, compassion, and Fatherhood. She is His servant and is fulfilling His desire to love the orphans. I CANNOT WAIT to meet this baby. That baby has no idea how blessed he or she is to be able to go HOME with my best friend. I love you, Whitney!]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2009-01-02T20:07:17-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jan-2009#unique-entry-id-1http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/jan-2009#unique-entry-id-1
I hope everyone had a great New Years Celebration. Ainsley got a lot of age-appropriate games for Christmas, which are actually very fun. So, we had a game night at our house with my Mom here. Ainsley was in the funniest mood I think I have ever seen. It is like she knew it was a “party”. She had us laughing to tears, and as we were playing “Boz Go Fish”, my Mom says, “This is the most fun party I have been to in years!”.

Since college when mentors taught me about the importance of a quiet time, I have considered a daily time with God to be the most important thing in my day. But, obviously, with 2 small children it is not easy to find time for myself these days. It has been very hard to find time for God. I know He is not a God that is pointing His finger, saying, “You are not good enough because you don’t spend 1.2 hours with me each day.” or “Shame on you, you only spent a little bit of time with me today...not enough.” But I REALLY WANT to sit at His feet more. I CRAVE time with Him. So, I am going on a (partial) media fast. I am only going to watch one show on tv per week. I will not spend time on my computer, except to check e-mail and update this blog. But I will not check e-mail every day. So, my evenings will be devoted to reading the Bible and other books. I am so excited! Right now, I am reading “Same Kind of Different As Me”, which Johnny and Jess have raved about. I am probably going to read the bible chronologically. I haven’t decided yet. Anyways, if you e-mail me and it takes a while to respond...sorry. Instead of media, I am filling my time with God. What is your New Year’s goal?

]]>brianandbrooke@mac.comNone2008-12-09T20:55:02-05:00http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2008#unique-entry-id-0http://web.me.com/brianwilliams22/index_files/dec-2008#unique-entry-id-0
Check out the new pics. Some of them are from our trip to Orlando’s Science Center with my friend, Laura, and her 2 kiddos. We had a blast. Ainsley’s favorite part was the dinosaurs. She really does love dinosaurs, so I got her one for Christmas. Who knew? Anyways, at the Science Center, Ainsley got to do a lot of exploring and learning, which she LOVES.

Thanksgiving was such a special time. My Mom came to visit. We missed my brother a lot and wished he could be here, though. We ate some amazing food and accomplished a lot on my to-do list. (My Mom always helps me accomplish a lot on my to-do list...we make a good team.) Probably the highlight of the week was decorating the house for Christmas with Mom and Ainsley. Each box was such a treat for Ainsley to see what was inside. We also had fun shopping on “Black Friday”. We always love spending the day with the crowds and finding some great deals. The kids did great.

This time of year is such a blast. I’ve enjoyed creating new traditions and continuing old ones for our family. We have really been immersing ourselves in the season. And in it all, it is so much fun to always point back to “Baby Jesus”. At 2 1/2 years old it is really easy for them to get it. One of Ainsley’s favorite things to do right now is play with all of our nativity scenes. She truly delights in Baby Jesus. We are having a “Reason for the Season” Playdate soon, which will involve reading a book about the Christmas story, watching a short movie that shows the reason for Christmas (that Ainsley LOVES), going on a scavenger hunt for Baby Jesus, using a nativity scene to “act out” the Christmas Story, and happy birthday cupcakes and candles.

We recently went on a trip to Austin to see my Dad and his side of the family. It was so refreshing to be with them, especially my brother and Grandma. Ainsley got to play with all her cousins, which are mostly girls and her age. Needless to say, she had fun. Pictures will be posted in the next blog.

We’ve been enjoying time at home and look forward to some low key weeks with a lot of Christmas parties and festivities. We are busy but also having plenty of time at home. Today, we spent so much time outside because it felt warm. We have a tree in the front yard that actually sheds leaves in Florida! So, our front yard has a lot of big, crunchy leaves in the front yard. So, I put some big empty boxes in the grass, and Ainsley and Braxton had a ball. Climbing in and out of the boxes, rolling the boxes, riding around in the boxes, crunching the leaves, or Braxton EATING the leaves. It’s times like these that I LOVE the most. That is why I REFUSE to let busyness take away my time with the kids.

The kids are better than ever. Except Braxton is already cutting his 4 molars and they are REALLY giving him a hard time. He is a very intense little guy. Everything is 100% with him. 100% happy or 100% upset! He is waving, pointing and grunting, clapping, and more fun things. I love that little guy SO much. Ainsley is showing to be such a mature little girl who loves to do the right thing. She has such a strong conscience. I am growing more and more proud of her as she gets older. I love our conversations. I have been more humbled lately than ever as I look at my kids and my husband and realize this life I have is really mine. ]]>