Debra (Deb) Williams
Age: 45
Location: Emporia. I was born and raised here.
Occupation: Mother of four, part-time Realtor, who team-sells with my husband, and part-time dietitian at the Flint Hills Community Health Center
Family members: Husband, Jeff, 45; Brecklyn, 9; Brettany, 11 (almost 12); Brett, 14; Breanna, 19 (today)
The last time my children made me laugh: At dinner, our oldest was telling us how fun it is to eat gelatin with a straw and proceeded to do so. The sound effects and her giggles had us all rolling. So much for table manners.
I carve out time for myself by: Exercising most mornings. I work out three times a week and walk two to three miles four times a week. It is a great stress reliever and a jump-start to my day.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my children: Camping in a tent at Melvern Lake. We wake to the singing birds and have an unscheduled, leisurely day of whatever we feel like doing — walking the nature trails, swimming, playing games and s’mores by the campfire. It’s great family time we all love!
The one thing I wish I had known about parenting before I became a parent: When our children act out, it is often because of a need or the lack of our attention. I learned that a simple hug or a few minutes of my time is a better remedy than a negative intervention.
The most important life lesson I want my children to learn: To cherish their faith. It provides a solid foundation in life. Faith will supply stability during hard times and richness when blessings are recognized.
The invention I wish I could create to make my life easier: I like the concept of the time controlling remote in the movie “Click.” It would be great to fast forward though the everyday tasks like dishes and laundry. Then slow time down to savor the more important things in life like being with family and friends.
The way I encourage “green” habits in my kids: We recycle many items. Our van is full each month when we head to the recycling center. We haven’t put our trash can at the curb for a month — and we are a family of six!
My favorite kitchen gadget: I love my steamer! It’s a great way to preserve the flavor of foods while preparing them in a healthy way. That’s the dietitian in me.
Favorite way to slow down as a family: We attend the city band concerts in Fremont Park as much as possible during June and July. The kids play or read while we relax listening to the awesome music. What a great way to end the day!
I hope my kids inherit: My fun-loving spirit. It is a hoot to catch them off guard with non-typical behavior like stomping in water puddles. Their reaction and/or comments are priceless.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: I fear the day when our kids might move far away. We’re a close family, and I want to continue seeing our kids as much as possible.
If I could throw a temper tantrum it would be because: The day is never long enough. I have many interests, love learning new things and enjoy helping people; but, with all my responsibilities it is hard to pack it all into 24 hours.
The one thing as a kid I promised I’d never do as a parent: I couldn’t understand why parents stumbled with names. I wasn’t going to give my kid several names before figuring out the right one. With our kid’s names being so similar, it takes me multiple names to get it right!
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: Balancing all my responsibilities and assuring the well-being of my family while maintaining my sanity and energy.
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: Scrapbooking! I love taking pictures and creatively displaying them in albums for our family to enjoy.
My favorite way to show my kids I love them: I do little things throughout the day. I kiss and hug them as they leave for school. I leave notes for them, and I make an effort to spend time with them when they get home from school. When anyone leaves, I wave from the front door or flash the porch light if it is dark. And of course, a good night kiss and hug at the end of the day.
To nominate a mother for Meet A Gazette Mom, please contact Ashley Walker at ashley@emporiagazette.com.
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Perfect choice! My wife and I have known Deb, Jeff, and the kids for many years. What a lovely family. They come by our house every Halloween for "special" treats and we enjoy every second of the time they are here. Deb is very special as a mother and as a person and Jeff and their four bright, fun children are equally special.
Deb is not only a Gazette Mom, she is a world-class mom.
February 21, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )