2010

I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted anything on this blog. Most of you have kept up with me through facebook; so I'm not a total stranger (LOL).

2010..a year of new beginnings. The past six months has been a rollercoaster for me. Looking back at my last post, I think about how much I have overcome and how many great memories I have made with family and friends.

This new year brings a new job; more time with my family and church family; and an unending love for God. However, the past few months have really tested my spirit.

With the death of my father, I found myself dealing with feelings and emotions I thought didn't exist. I still questioned how a parent could ever leave their children and seemingly never reach out to form that relationship. I also learned the true meaning of forgivenenss and unconditional love. I told my father before he passed all the things I wished had been between us..I wish he had been there for my wedding, the birth of my children, graduations, etc. But also realized, as I was sitting next to his bed, that I am who I am because he didn't come to those things in my life.

His nurse knew of our "rocky" relationship and told me what a great person I was because I was still right beside him up until his death. I felt guilty that I hadn't reached out more when he was alive. But God had a plan. Still not sure I completely understand it; but the man I was once ashamed to call my father..was my daddy and in the end, I was proud that he was my daddy.

It's weird, but I feel like his death brought me and my mom closer together. We have always had a really close relationship; but I never wanted to talk about my dad with her because I didn't want to upset her. When we found out about his cancer, she was completely willing to talk about the past and answer any questions I had. She was also right there beside me at the funeral service; even though this must have been totally uncomfortable for her. She has never let me down and has taught me how to be an amazing mother.

My church family has also taught me so much in the past few weeks (especially about the power of prayer). When pulling into the funeral home for my dad's service, a big van with Walton's Chapel on the side was sitting there with a bunch of youth. I was never more touched and proud in all my life. Just as my professional career was requiring more of me and taking time from these people, God reinforced my purpose in this world.

A couple more people I can't leave out that have really been there for me through this difficult time...my husband is amazing. No matter what, he always knows just what to say, or not to say. Sometimes he just sits there and holds me. And sometimes, he makes me dust off the dirt and get back up. And because I married him, I got the most amazing mother-in-law. She always knows just what to say and when to say it. Whether it's a phone call, email, or facebook. My relationship with her makes me a better woman everyday.

And one more...when I was 14 I met my brother for the first time. We stayed on the phone from like 8 one night to 3 the next morning. The past couple of months have brought us even closer together than we were. He gives me things to think about and always puts my situation in perspective. He is my best friend and I love him with all my heart.

I lied..just one more..my wonderful, amazing, pregnant with twins sister. Although we have different beliefs on just about everything; she is also my best friend. I treat her more like a daughter; than a sister. I worry about her as I do Kaelyn and Caleb; she says it drives her crazy (but secretly, she loves it). She dealt with my dad's death differently; but she is always there for me.

I start my new job on January 11th. I am excited, nervous, and motivated. This job will allow me more time with my family and more time to serve the Lord. In the end, all of my worldly possessions will count for nothing. It will be my acts and service that the Lord will judge. I love you Jesus..I love you Walton's...and love to all my family.

A Rough Patch

It's been awhile since Relay for Life..things are finally starting to calm down as the summer is coming to a close. We still have some plans for the next few weekends before the kids go back to school... so I will share some pics of family time later.

Just the other day, I told someone that people usually know how I am feeling because I am not shy about my emotions. My friends and family know exactly how much I love them because I tell them consistently (yes, alot of me and my girlfriends say "I love you" when getting off the phone or leaving each other). But there has been something I haven't been telling anyone lately. I thought maybe if I just get it out there, I will feel better. So, here goes.

These past couple of months have been really difficult for me. After I sprained my ankle on Mother's Day, I have just been in a "funk." (Can't think of another way to describe it.) I was so motivated and inspired to work out and eat right before then; I felt great. Then, I couldn't work out. And, for some reason, when I don't work out, I don't eat right. It's even harder when you have a husband that runs 13 miles for fun and loses 5 lbs. in a day (not blaming you Chris, I'm so proud of you). I'm miserable. And what's worse..I'm insecure. For whatever reason, I'm so scared that Chris' new found "body and lifestyle" is going to leave me behind.

I'm sure he'll read this and tell me I'm crazy and how much he loves me. But, us women know, that won't help. It's not about how he feels about me; it's about I feel about myself.

To add insult to injury, I finally broke down and went to the doctor and had an MRI. They called and told me Saturday morning that I have to stay off my ankle and when I am on it, I have to use crutches. So, I have obviously hurt it worse than I thought.

Not looking for sympathy, just prayers and encouragement. I know God will take care of this..as he does everything else. For the moment, though, I just needed to tell someone. So, thanks for reading and listening.

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!