Adoption Update: Almost Two Months In

In case you missed the official sharing of the news last month - we're adopting!

Don't feel "behind" or "left out" if you hadn't heard the news at this point. We're just getting rolling! We've been officially accepted by Lifeline Child Services as well as accepted into their Haiti adoption program. We've filled out a lot of paperwork, written a big check and started reading from the suggested adoptive parent reading list. And now -- you are "in the loop" with us!

Today is a big day in our process though, friends. Jeff and I will be engaging with our case worker (Who is amazing, btw!) in just a few hours for our Orientation Interview. This sounds pretty intimidating, I'll be honest. I have about 2,469,372 questions running though my head coupled with about three times that number of insecurities surrounding being deemed a "good enough" parent to continue this process and well, let's just say that sleep did not come easy last night (Yes, most of this was written in the middle of night. Bless.).

I am sure this conference call will be much less traumatic than I have built it up to be in my (crazy!) head, and that we will hang up feeling even more excited about this process. I'm just sure of it.

So, the significance of this call? This call is the initiation of the home study process. This is about a 4-month process that will create the dossier to be sent to Haiti to match us with our baby girl. It's a BIG, HUGE step, y'all! We are excited about being one step closer to Walton: Party of 5.

I started a journal in November when all this began to really unfold and as I looked back on the first few entries, I can already see God at work in our family - and for our family. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote,

"God is so, so good, sweet one! 

He is already writing a beautiful story for YOU - no matter how it began. 

I pray we can continue to patiently move forward

and surrender the pen to Him daily..." 

Some ways we'd love for you to pray with us on this journey at this point...

• Pray for focus (and stamina!) with the required paperwork for the process. Again, paperwork is NOT my jam, y'all.
• Pray for our boys as the "talk" becomes reality for them and changes their roles in our family. Eli has made it very clear that he does not want to be "the baby" of our family anymore. Just bless.
• Pray for financial provision. We will definitely be letting you know about fundraising opportunities as they are planned! Noonday Collection Trunk Show, anyone?
• Most importantly, pray for our baby girl. We don't know if she is yet to be born, or already living in an orphanage but please, please pray with us for her protection, her family and all those involved in her care until she is home with us.

We covet your prayers and know that without the prayers and support of family and friends, we would not be where we are today with this process. We continue to pray that throughout this entire journey, people see JESUS. Not us or what we do, but JESUS and what He's doing - for us and for her.

Stay tuned...

We're all a little WEIRD

If we're Facebook friends - and why wouldn't we be, by the way? - then you know my feed is often filled with funnies from my boys. We spend a lot of time in the car as do most moms of active littles and while I'm sometimes tempted to tune out and find a quiet place in my mind to deafen the roar coming from the backseat, I've learned that I miss the good stuff if I don't at least half listen to their conversations - and of course, respond to their 1,356,824 questions as we go.

On the way to church tonight, the boys were calling each other names - all harmless and in good fun, I'm certain. I mean, they're officially PKs now, right?

So, Riley pipes up with his 75th question...on our 9-mile drive. Do that average, math people.

"Mom, are weird kids cool?"

My first thought...where did THAT come from?

Second thought...how do I respond to this one? Well, let me lay down a little wisdom on you, my child.

"Absolutely! And really, we're all a little weird in our own ways."

Because let's face it - WE ARE. Whether it's OCD tendencies, messiness, strange eating habits or some other thing that makes you YOU, it's probably "weird" to someone else (Confessional: I eat mustard on my French fries. There, I said it.).

Eli - not to be left out of this classic conversation - takes a minute to ponder this wisdom I have just imparted and then declares,"Dad's awesome weird!"

After our laughter died down, I really started thinking about being "awesome weird." What if we were all awesome weird? How cool would it be for future generations if there was no "weird," no "different" - just AWESOMENESS IN BEING YOURSELF? I'm sure there would be less - or no! - bullying and a lot fewer cliques! As someone who went to THREE different high schools and often felt the sting of not feeling accepted or like I fit in, I get how hurtful feeling "weird" or "different" can be (And for the record, letting your mom perm your hair after moving to a new school is NOT the key to fitting in...at least that's what I hear, anyway.).

So, I know that's a lofty goal, but if you know me at all - I tend to set some big goals (some might say "unrealististic" but whateves!). I really think it starts with how we respond to those questions with our kids and of course, how we view ourselves. Now, I'm not going down the self image road here, because I'd need a whole series of posts for that one - I have more baggage there than a Delta lost luggage desk, my friends.

And that's my challenge to you, dear reader! Embrace your "awesome weird" this week and let others meet YOU - the real YOU. Not the trying-to-fit-in-and-hide-all-my-crazy you - the real, deal authentic YOU. The I-eat-mustard-on-my-fries-and-I'm-proud-of-it you. The I-alphabetize-my-vegetables-in-my-pantry you (For the record, that one's not me...what are these vegetables you speak of?).

I think you'll be surprised at how people will respond...I certainly have been.

The Game of Life

Spin the wheel. Move your sporty little car down the game of life trail. Draw two cards and chose between them for your career...and then change it on down the road if it's not working out for you. Add a baby...or four with another spin. Buy or sell a house on a whim. Learn to play the bongos or maybe take dancing lessons. Not enough money to pay your debts? No problem - just take out a bank loan. My personal favorite: Get $20K just because someone else spun your "magic number." 


I grew up playing Life with my family. I'd load up that little pink car with all my kids - I always got the pink car because I was the only girl, btw. I'd stash my loads of cash neatly under the edge of the playing board just waiting and saving. It all seemed so simple. Pick this or that. Lucky break here -- get $500K. Be a teacher -- and make $100,000 a year. (Maybe the game should be called "Dreamland" instead!). Hit a streak of bad luck -- lose your money. But no worries -- payday is just a spin away!

Riley got the newest version of LIFE for his birthday, and we've been enjoying a little family game night (when we're not running crazy to "all the things"). Although Riley's version has been updated from my 1980s version, not much has really changed about the concept. As I watched the boys' excitement wax and wane, I couldn't help but be just a little sad, too. I wish I could make the real game of life that simple for them. What if they only had TWO careers to choose from -- with both netting them over $100K a year? What if choosing the right spouse was as simple as selecting a colored peg and plopping her into the car beside them (not to mention getting $20K wedding gifts from everyone else playing!). 

If I'm being honest, thinking about their futures sometimes make my mama heart hurt a little at the thought of their wrong choices and inevitable detours ahead in each of their lives. I want to protect them. Maybe just wrap their little blue car with some bubble wrap to prevent the dings and dents or even head-on collisions. Or maybe just tell them which girl is "the one" (and certainly tell them which ones are NOT!) or help them choose the best career for them. 

But I can't, really.

If I'm being realistic, all I can do is try to teach them to love Jesus and pray. I think back on all the times my parents tried to steer me in the right direction and at how I so often balked and did just the opposite. Sometimes it worked out for me - and sometimes it didn't...but there were certainly lots of dings along the way.

I've decided that watching your child hurt, whether physically or emotionally, because of a bad choice must be the worst part of parenting. I don't look forward to it. At. All. Even the few "little" situations we've had already were just awful.

So I pray daily for their safety and their protection from the hard knocks that are certain to come. I pray for their decisions and for the friends they will surround themselves with in the years to come. I pray for God to draw their hearts to Him and when they stray, protect them until they return to Him. I pray I can show them Jesus in real ways that make them want to love Him - and love others because of Him. Most of all, I pray for mercy and grace for all the mistakes I will make along the way.


Will I still try to tell them what to do? Probably. Will they listen? Probably not. After all, they did get a double dose of the stubborn gene, unfortunately. Will I love them and support them either way? Absolutely! 

Because really,  I can't wrap them (or their little hearts) in bubble wrap. And Jeff and I really only have them for a short time...we just have to remember that it's what we do with that short time makes all the difference in the game of ETERNAL LIFE.

Sidewalk Prophets has a song, "The Words I Would Say" that sums it up pretty well, I think...

Be strong in the Lord 

and never give up hope.

You're gonna do great things, 

I already know. 

God's got His hand on you 

so don't live life in fear.

Forgive and forget,

but don't forget why you're here.

Take your time and pray...

These are the word I would say. 

So, what are your parenting fears? How do you handle your worries about the future?

It's been a minute...

It's been a minute since I've had the time (or energy) to crank out any coherent thought pattern that might resemble a blog post. Holy busyness, Batman!

A couple of updates...

Haiti is still on the map...and in my heart! I just returned from 11 days in Haiti and the DR! I can't believe the progress that HMM is making with the Promised Land compound and within the community of Anse-a-Pitre. When I see the change in the children and I hear many of them speaking English, the tears well up before I can stop them. I am blessed beyond imagination to be just a small part of it! Next trip: May! Excited about this one because I get to share it with my sweet husband and many members of my own church family! We will be gone May 25-June 2 and covet your prayers as we minister to the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through providing medical and dental care, adult bible studies and VBS-type activities with the children. 

The Noonday Collection spring line has launched! My March calendar is full with shows hosted by fashionable, world-changing women who are becoming advocates for thousands of artisans simply by opening their homes, whipping up a few of their favorite snacks and sharing lots of laughs and fun with their friends. Seriously. There is nothing easier than hosting a Noonday show - and you get FREE jewelry and accessories. If you haven't hosted - or attended - a show, you really need to get in touch with me soon! I have a few spots left in April and I'm booking shows in May, too, if you want in on the fun!


I am still CHOOSING JOY daily in 2014! One of my oldest (as in longest friendship!) friends sent me the perfect daily reminder (which just happens to look amazing with all my Noonday goodness!) and there have been moments when seeing this message on this beautiful bracelet have steadied my thoughts. Moments when CHOOSING joy wasn't the easy choice...it would have been easier to whine, pout, scream and/or cry at the circumstances. I (really!) wish I could say it was getting easier, but there are days when I feel like Satan tries even harder to make choices other than JOY more appealing...and there are definitely days he wins. 

I am thankful I am drowning in a sea of forgiveness and grace when I take my eyes off the Giver of Joy. 

So, there you have it - in three short paragraphs - and update on the last month.

Well, that's not exactly true...

There's these two guys.

Musings from the Mower

Today, I mowed the yard. Don't misunderstand. I'm not bragging or asking for some kind of an award. This happens fairly often. We have a riding mower and a really big yard (Read: "Quiet" time to myself to get lost in my thoughts.).

The view from my porch

(In case you want to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I've included a picture. That's some good looking grass, right?)

So, as I was tooling around the yard this afternoon, God brought to mind the situation that led us to this house. It was messy and painful; I thought Jeff and I were both going to lose our minds. Our house sold unexpectedly (Read: Not on the market, showed it on a whim, moved out a month later) and we thought we had a place to rent. That place fell through three weeks before our closing date. In Louisville, Miss., rental property (that's not sketchy!) is scarce anyway and now we were really scrambling. I won't go through all the crazy details of the other three things that were "lined up" and fell through (at least not in this post) but we finally had a solution...10 days before closing. 

Our things were scattered all over Winston County in long-term storage, short-term storage, temporary rental (five to six weeks, we hoped) and at our soon-to-be home. Now, I should probably also add the context that Jeff was in his first semester of seminary, and I was in the promotion and tenure process at Mississippi State to keep my job. Let's just say, tension was running high around the Walton house.

I remember so many moments of frustration wondering how God could possibly make this mess "right." How could He possibly make good on His promise to provide for "all my needs" (Philippians 4:19) when I was having trouble getting dressed in the morning or cooking a meal because I couldn't find ANYTHING?!

But here I sit. On my front porch writing this post. Our rental house is now "home" and God has more than met our needs. Our home is a little larger with a much larger yard (Read: Lots of space for two energetic little boys) and we pay less in rent than we did for our mortgage. The family we are renting from is an amazing Christian family and our rent helps cover the costs of caring for their aging mother (Also a preacher's wife - shout out to my sister!). While I couldn't see this ending eight months ago when I was digging through a several dozen boxes in the middle of the night trying to find a bundt pan because I wanted to make a blessed cake (Grrr, stupid stress cravings!), I see it now. 

I see how the other rental situation would have been a train wreck for us. I see how we are now in a situation that allows us to move at anytime without worry about selling a house or breaking a lease agreement. I see that our boys love having a yard and a pasture to romp around in without the fears of neighborhood living. And I see how the situation has been able to move us toward a position to make other decisions (see previous post) with less fear about the financial implications. 

Sometimes we have to let go of the reigns so God can rain down His blessings...in His time...and in His way. I'm learning. Slowly, but surely. 

So, there you have it - my musings from the mower. Amazing what a few spins around the yard on a riding mower can do for the soul. Now, I should go clean my house.

Our home

A Tough Conversation

Tonight, I had a long-awaited conversation with Riley about my upcoming trip. After his bedtime story, I pulled up a map of the Island of Hispaniola to show him exactly where I would be traveling. He was full of questions - Would I get in a boat? Fly in an airplane? What would the bus look like? What would we eat?

The city we will stay in is on the DR-Haiti border at the bottom of the map:
Pedernales. We will work in a Haiti village just across the border: Anse-a-Pitres. 

I answered them to the best of my ability, and eventually we moved on to what I would be doing during my trip. In his mind, a trip this long should involve the beach and a swimming pool and lots of fun things (per our family trip to Orange Beach last summer!). And while there will (hopefully) be a chance to see the nearby beach, that is far from the focus of this trip.

Thank goodness for the Internet!! I showed him several YouTube videos of the village and then we talked about the importance of CLEAN water, how different things are in Haiti from our home, and how we have more than enough of everything but there are others with very little. He listened very intently and asked a few questions (mostly about the solar-powered water well on the YouTube video...my little science nerd!). 

But when I finished, he said the most wonderful words....

"Mama, can I go on a mission with you one day?" 

My heart overflowed with joy at his compassion and desire to help these people after hearing just my descriptions and seeing videos and pictures (Don't worry, Mom! I'm not taking him to Haiti...any time soon!). I explained that he needed to be a little older, but that we would do our best to take him on a trip. He asked if Eli could go, and I told him not yet. His response? "Yeah. He wouldn't be a very good 'missioner' right now." 

So, while my heart aches at the thought of being away from my sweet family for the week, it is full of joy at the Riley's receptiveness to embrace a life of service to others. With his daddy beginning seminary in the fall, this will certainly be our life...

I finished our talk with Riley's prayer charge. For the next few weeks, I asked him to pray for these two things, so I guess I'll ask you to do the same:

1. That people will ask Jesus to come live in their hearts while we are in Haiti and we are able to share His love with as many people as possible. 

2. That God would keep Mommy safe until she can be back at home with her boys and Daddy.

Marathon Training = FAIL

As you might have guessed (because I did not do a big screaming post about it with a million pictures!), I did not complete the St. Jude's marathon last month. My running goals fell victim to the craziness that I call 'life' and I just couldn't squeeze in all the training miles. I had hoped to still complete the 1/2 marathon but the intensity of the semester picked up as race day approached, and those long training runs got pushed further and further down on the "to do" list.

I am such a freak about goals (and actually attaining them!) that I felt like a big, huge failure for weeks. I am still pretty sad about this failure (ok, I'm pretty sure I suffered from temporary depression...is that possible?).

But, just as He always does, God showed me the bigger picture of my failure. And that is this: There are some things in my life that I simply cannot put ahead of training and I was racing toward that line pretty quickly (running pun not intended). My relationship with Him and service to Him, loving my husband, raising my sweet boys, and keeping my job MUST be the priorities on a seemingly never-ending "to do" list. The 26.2 medal is an "earthly treasure" (see Matthew 6:19-21) and my heart was longing for that more than other things. Ok. I get it now.

So, I have my priorities in check now (well, most days anyway!). I will run when I can and do my best to make time for it, but I will not stress about it... it kind of defeats one of my main purposes for running if I stress about it.

Will I ever have time to train for a marathon? I hope so, but my boys will be older and my job situation a little more secure before I try again. Until then, when I get discouraged about my running failure(s), I will cling to 1 Corinthians 9:24-25...

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 

Remember Me?

Hi. Remember me? The crazy girl who thought she had time to run AND blog about running regularly? Yeah. I didn't think so.

I came to the point a few months ago where I had to make a decision - run or blog about running. Since my last post was in August, I guess you know which one I chose.

I am still running. Trying to get in 12-15 miles a week. I have a few goals for 2012 but I am trying to be realistic about those as well. This is the year that I will submit my packet for promotion and tenure (a.k.a. KEEP MY JOB) and my husband is starting seminary in the fall. So, yeah. Realistically, running is about to take a backseat to some things...ok, a lot of things. And I'm ok with that.

I do hope to run regularly, even through the chaos (as a means to survive it!). As for regularly blogging, well, we'll see.

Happy New Year and happy running in 2012!

Swimsuit Edition

It's been two weeks since I have had a chance to post and things have been a little harried around here.  Family, work and church have kept me hopping, but I've managed to squeeze in 10-13 miles per week despite the chaos. Weird to think six months ago, I was running nearly that in one day!

We are gearing up for our first Walton Family beach trip (Orange Beach, in case you're curious!) which has produced much anxiety about donning a swimsuit. You'd think I would be a little more excited given my smaller size (and relatively speaking, I am!), but it's still a swimsuit. Nevertheless, here it is - oh, and that's NOT me, although I could see how one might make that mistake (bhahahaha!).

Found at: http://bit.ly/jFKlub
in case you'd like to be my twin!

It's totally age (and mom) appropriate, but I do feel pretty in it and it looks decent enough...not quite like the model, but "very close" (cough, cough). I love the colors and the strap is removable for any opportunities to soak up some rays sans two sweet boys.

Anyone enjoy shopping for a swimsuit? Maybe it's just me.

Fast Like Mommy

One of my "purposes" for running (see blog title!) is to set a positive example for my boys. I don't ever want them to dread exercise or struggle with their weight like I have most of my adult life. 

Tonight, during bath time, I got some feedback on how this is going with the oldest Walton boy...

Me (overly dramatic, but very concerned): Riley!! What happened to your elbow? You have a scratch!

Riley (concerned, but no drama): I fell down and hurt it.

Me: Today? Did it happen at school?

Riley: Yes, ma'am (and he's learning manners - BONUS!).

Me: What happened?

Riley: I was running fast - LIKE YOU - and I fell down (emphasis added).

Seriously? My heart melted! I love that kid! I have no aspirations (or hope) of being a "fast" runner but as long as my boys think I'm fast, that's good enough.

Run Like a Mother...Really.

I am probably behind all my other running moms, but I'm just reading Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity. 

I LOVE IT! 

If you are a running mom (or a mom who wants to run...or a runner who eventually wants to be a mom...ok, just a female runner!), you really should read this book. Sarah and Dimity provide lots of great tips and the witty quips make me laugh out loud (often). They also have opposite approaches to running so between the two, we can probably all relate to their advice and experiences. There are 26 (nice!) chapters that cover everything from gadgets to cross training to injuries. I am learning a lot of new strategies and just purchased my first pair of "running socks" (did not realize what a difference this can make!). I know, I know. Anything to justify more gear, right?

Anyone else read it? Other good reads for runners?

Top 10 at 35

So, today is my birthday - my 35th birthday, but who's counting at this point, right? I decided to do a Top 10 things I would like to tell a younger me. Here goes:

10.  Ordering pizza and eating Waffle House at 2 a.m. will eventually catch up with you. Go to bed and study during "normal" hours, college girl.

9.  The tan you're rocking is great, but in a few years, you'll be wishing you had all that money you spent on the "unlimited" tanning packages back and instead, had spent it on sunscreen.

8.  "I'm-pregnant-so-I-can-eat-whatever-I-want" for nine months (times two!) is not going to work out like you are hoping. Put down the doughnut holes and go for a walk.

7.  One day, you will appreciate being carded. Enjoy it while it lasts, sister!

6.  Not eating vegetables because your mom wants you to is NOT a sign of rebellion. You're just being stupid. Eat up and your body will thank you for it.

5.  Putting off exercise for a few hours is oftentimes ok. Putting off exercise for 15 years is not. Get up and get moving.

4.  All those boys you think are "the one" and that you're trying so hard to impress are not and you're wasting a lot of time and energy. Boys are gross - at any age.

3.  Your parents are right about most things. You should stop being such a jerk to them and actually listen to their advice. It might save you some heartache, stubborn.

2.  The t-shirt you got for signing up for a credit card will be one of the most expensive "free gifts" you've ever received. Walk on by the cute boy at the table and laugh at his sign because it says "Free Gift" - and that's redundant.

1.  Most of the things that you are stressing about right now, you won't even be able to remember in 15 years. Chill out.

There you have it! Happy 35th birthday to me - and 65th to my dad! He says I'm the most expensive present he's ever gotten. I like to say - I'm his gift that just keeps on giving!

Slideshow: 2011 Frostbite Half Marathon

Thank you to my sweet husband for taking such great pics of the day! The pictures of Riley High Five-ing everyone are around mile 6. The others are at the finish line. Here are a few of my favorites!

Photo slideshow generated with Smilebox