Walton's Kids for Debbie

On Friday, June 5th, I participated in my first Relay for Life. I have always seen this event take place every year. My parents live very close to Barksdale; so each summer as a kid, I would ride by and see hundreds of people walking all night long..not really ever understanding why they were walking so long. Now, I get it.

This was a very rewarding evening. We worked for months raising money and encouraging those in our church who were battling cancer to continue fighting. This night was their night. We started out really because of Debbie Frazier. Debbie and her family are the type of people that you look at and know they would do anything for you..no matter what, hands down. Her husband Stanley, who can be a mess sometimes, is very quiet; but when you look in his eyes, you see straight through to his heart. And all I see is the love for his amazing wife and children that he has. It only seemed fitting for us to form a Relay for Life team in honor of Debbie and to support her wonderful family.

We mentioned in church that we were interested in doing this; I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that wanted to walk in support of Debbie. Forty-five people; some who had battled cancer already and survived..others who just wanted show their support. Over just a few months we raised about $3500. Those in our church that had survived cancer walked in purple shirts and were greeted with cheers and tears as they took their survivor lap that night.

Thank you to everyone who helped..we never could have done it alone. You opened up your wallets and your hearts and really gave all. We are already planning for next year; unfortunately, their will be others that we will have to walk for, but know God will take care of everything and there is always a plan. Fight the good fight; know you are not alone.

Check out pics in the slideshow...some from church events; some from Relay. And, I thought the title of this blog was fitting because we are all children of Jesus..and all for Debbie!

On Mother's Day

Mother's Day is such a special day for all of those that call themselves moms or grandmoms..or even Hiny. I am not sure that there is anyone more special in my life than the women that have influenced who I am. This morning in church I told everyone what my mother-in-law meant to me; so today, I thought I would share what my mom and my Hiny mean to me.

Mama..you have taught me so many things..strength, wisdom, endurance, and stubborness. I remember wondering when I was a kid how you did it all...you were a mom and a dad..and we never longed for anything (although we should have..you always made everything possible). You were there at all the softball games, the school functions, the birthdays, and the heartaches. You have made it through so much..I cannot imagine the person I would be without you. And now, my kids call you Nana..and you coach softball, are at the school functions, birthdays, and go through the heartaches. One thing I have definitely learned..a mother's job is never done. Thank you for all you do..I love you. And on a funny note..if you ever once doubted if I wanted to be like you..just remember this Mother's Day.

Hiny...no one else has a Hiny. I know I would not be where I am if it were not for the help of you and Papa. I can't begin to tell you how precious your love is to me. Although I grew up without a father..I had a Hiny..and that was alot better. Thank you for all that you have ever done for me and continue to do for me. My children love and adore you just as I did and do. You spoil both of them just like you did me. And although I complain and tell you that you shouldn't...secretly...I wouldn't want it any other way. I love you!

You never truly understand love until you are a mom. My children are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thanks to all the moms out there! God Bless you!

This One's for Gramma

Since Gramma has no Facebook, she has not seen this adorable video..so here you go!

It's Been a Long Time...

Thinking about writing this addition to the blog makes me tired. We have been so busy since New Kids on the Block! So, here is an update on the family!!!

Chris has lost 30 pounds in the past few months. I feel like I live with someone from The Biggest Loser! He is in weight loss competition at work and is determined to win. I am so proud of him though; and he has recently motivated me to get back to the Y and eat healthier. So, thanks Chris! He has one more week left and hopefully he will be a $100 richer; but if not, I am so glad he did this! He just signed up for the half marathon in Chicago in August; at least, I get to go along for the ride (or the run). Chris is also playing and coaching softball for the church again this year; alot of the youth are playing and are really into it. I think this has really motivated him again!

Kaelyn has started softball. So we now live at the ball field on the weekends. She has also gotten in to Zumba at the Y; which I am really excited about because I love it!!! At first she was a little unsure, but she definitely liked it after a little while. She also got voted character kid of the month at school. We have a reception next week to celebrate this. In June, her and Chris are going to church camp. I am so excited about this..we gave her an option between a couple of things to do this summer and she chose to learn about Jesus. I am so glad she feels such a connection already!!

Caleb is well...more rotten than ever. He is really into playing on the computer right now. He can almost say all of his ABC's and he can spell is name. He has a couple of games he really likes on the computer that helps him read and count. I can't believe how big he is getting...time flies when your raising kids.

And we have a new addition...George Michael Hampton...he is our new cocker spaniel. Chris and I spent weeks researching dogs that we thought would be perfect for our kids and our house. We finally found George. And he has been great. At first, he only wanted Chris. But now, he has warmed up to everyone. He is very loving and the kids have so much fun with him!!

And of course there's Mommy...well, I have been working out alot more. As I said, I love Zumba at the Y. I have also been running..I did 2 miles (I know doesn't sound like alot for you marathon people), but that was a marathon for me. I also just helped start a Relay for Life team through our church..this has definitely been a blessing. I have one more assignment for my class this semester and things are winding down with the Kaelyn's school--we have Field Day left and that's it! I'm sure we will be at the ballfields alot now; work is going great and am looking forward to a fun filled summer with the kids.

I think that's it. I have put some pictures in a slide show..just random of the past few months..ENJOY!

NKOTB--20 Years Later

On Monday, I crossed another adventure off my bucket list. I went to a New Kids on the Block concert. And although they are not new or kids, they are still HOT!!

Stacy went with me; which really meant more to me than she will ever know. We went to dinner and had girl talk..she mentioned that her husband just told her the other day that he wishes he had something that really connected him to his siblings that they could talk about (not those words, but what he meant). Stacy and I grew up watching movies, listening to music, and playing together. Don't get me wrong..we hated each other. It wasn't until I moved out that I realized how much I really loved her. This New Kids on the Block concert turned into one of my most memorable moments..because she was there with me. It wouldn't have been the same without her. We didn't stop screaming, dancing, and singing all night long. I will treasure this memory for the rest of my life.

Before the concert, we were in a restaurant that was playing all New Kids music. As soon as it came on, we were smiling ear to ear and singing. She said no matter what when you hear this, it just makes you smile. And she's right..I told her it wasn't really because of the music though..it takes me back to 1988; when I had no worries, no problems, and I could just be a kid.

This was the best concert I have ever been to...I loved every minute of it and am so glad I went. The New Kids have definitely grown up...by they still got it...and I still want it.

To Stacy...Thank you so much for going..I know this wasn't something you actually had on your "gotta do before I die" list; but thank you for doing it for me. I am so blessed that I have you in my life...I am so glad that we have so many things that connect us, that only we can say and really understand. Twenty years ago, I never would have thought my best friend would be you. But twenty years later, my best friend is you! I know we are totally different in all of our decision making and personality traits; but I am so proud of the woman you have become. I look forward to continue watching you grow as a wife and Christian. Thank you for being in my life and being my sister..my best friend.

Hey..do you want to go to Waffle House...Let's Get This!

Are you Fireproof?

I wanted to share a great movie with all of you. I'm sure you have all heard of Fireproof..the movie stars Kirk Cameron, who used to be known as a teenage heartthrob. These days he is known for Christian based films. The movie is based off of a book called "The Love Dare." Chris and I watched this movie together; and whether you feel like your marriage is on a cliff, or it couldn't get any better..this movie is definitely one to watch with your spouse. It teaches you things that you may have forgotten and just need a little reminder. Or, it shows you how you should be and reminds you that love, above all, is the most important thing in any relationship...and like anything, you have to work at it.

I have started The Love Dare. I bought the book while we were in Florida over the weekend. There is a new dare for each day and it takes 40 days. The first few have been the hardest. Not that I am not by nature a patient and kind person, but by nature I am a sarcastic person. So, I have to be careful that this is not perceived by Chris as rude or unthoughtful. I challenge all of you to try this. It will absolutely bring you closer to your spouse and God. Watch the movie..and consider, are you fireproof?

What's Been Going On?

So, I haven't been on here in forever. Life has been busy..church, work, kids, and oh yeah..I would really like to workout sometime. And don't forget class.

My last post was in relationship to Gatlinburg with our youth group. Recently we did a 30 hour famine with them. This was a very long time to be locked up with about 15 teenagers..after 30 hours we were hungry and ready to go home. It was a great learning for the kids and us..I can't imagine kids not eating for about 5 times that amount of time. We raised enough money to feed 50 kids for a month. That was a great success!

Work has been stressful. My company just cut 400 jobs and announced no raises this year. I am grateful to have a job though. I thank God that Chris and I have not yet had to face the fear of not being able to pay a bill or wondering how we will put food on the table. We have trimmed and budgeted more than usual, but we are so blessed to still have our jobs. I pray for those that have lost their jobs and that are struggling.

Chris is running alot more now and he has recruited Nay-Nay. They are pressuring me to run with them. I am not a runner. I think Pam Whitfield ruined my running days. We used to run forever around the horseshoe of CHS when I was a freshman. I hated it. Yes, hate is a strong word. I have not been able to workout as much as I have wanted. Hopefully, after my class is over this term I can get back into it.

Kaelyn is about to start softball again. This is her second year..we are excited for her and looking forward to watching her grow. Caleb has found a new sport as well. We took him to Coach Jordan's wrestling program at CHS. He loved it..yes he is the smallest..and yes, the moms are like, "You are letting him wrestle, already." What they don't understand is that his daddy's and his uncle's name is up on that wall..the Wall of Champions. And someday, mommy wants to see his up there too. It was great to watch Chris out there on that mat helping him..he usually doesn't have a whole lot of patience...but that night, he had all the patience in the world.