40 years!!

March was a busy month for the Williams family (wow..that has nice ring to it)!! We started the month out by celebrating Jeff's birthday. Mid-March brought my parent's 40th wedding anniversary!! They requested "The Latin King" for dinner and it was wonderful!! I am so thankful for the role model my parent's have been for me over the last 31 years!

Here are the things I think my parents do really well in marriage:

1. Spend time together - whether it is working cattle, driving to see the kids, or having lunch...they always do it together. When Dad needs help outside, Mom steps in. When Mom needs help getting ready for a big family gathering, Dad helps out.  Most evenings they spend time watching TV together and sharing dinner.

2. Their priorities are in order - Mom and Dad always go to church together on Sunday. It was never a question if one of them wouldn't attend. This created a firm foundation for us as kids. We also knew that we were first in their lives. If we had an event at school...they were there. If we were hurting...they would listen. If we were excited about a new adventure in our lives...they learned about it.

Mom's Strengths - I don't remember a day that went by that Mom didn't tell Dad what he could have for lunch or dinner if she was going to be gone. I remember thinking as a kid, "why can't Dad just make his own lunch".  It wasn't until I started dating Jeff that I realized that Mom wasn't doubting Dad's ability to make his own lunch or Dad's unwillingness to cook...she just liked taking care of him. Mom has always thought about what she can do to make Dad happy. This is a trait that a lot of wives today could work on. Mom is always thinking about the little things that might make things go better for Dad. Wow!! That is beautiful!! I am trying to emulate this in my marriage because it really does make a difference!!

Dad's Strengths - My dad is such a hard worker. I don't remember a day when he didn't get up before the sun to start chores. He would (and still does) feed his cattle for hours at a time. Whenever we had a family event during "chore" time he would get up early to get things done ahead of time so he could come. He put his schedule and needs aside for what Mom wanted and what was good for the family. He is Mom's biggest fan....encouraging her when she tries something new and standing up for her when something has been said or done against her. Dad's hard work ethic is something I saw in Jeff early on that I knew I loved!!

Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad!! We love you!!!