I'm Thankful... Day 13 to Day 20

I really did have good intentions!! This  past week has just been crazy busy!!
Sorry for no pictures!

I'm Thankful for:

Day 13: For Church

I'm thankful that I was lucky enough to grow up in a wonderful church with some of the best Sunday school teachers, ministers and Godly examples around. And then to move to a church that I have been at for the last 11 years that has the same... as well as getting to hear my own dad preach God's word! I'm so thankful to have had and continue to have such Godly examples in my life.

Day 14: My Job

Yes, I would much rather be a stay at home wife, but who wouldn't! I am so blessed to have a job that I truly enjoy! Yes, there are "those" days... but at least I have a job! I work with some of the sweetest,  and caring people around!

When I changed jobs in April it was hard at first after all I was leaving a job where I had been most of my adult life! It was a  job that I loved and co-workers/Doctors who are some of the best around.  But even when I wasnt looking I am so thankful God opened the door for me to work closer to home! I am so glad I am where I am today!

Day 15: My House

I am so thankful that I have a home! I love my house... I wish it was in Chelsea, but I do love my house. I am so blessed that we were able to buy a beautiful home!

Day 16: My Friends

New and Old! I have been so blessed from early on to have some of the best friends a girl could ask for! I'm thankful that even when we havent spoken in we're able to pick up right where we left off! I love each one of them dearly! I couldnt imagine my life without them!!

Day 17: Kent's Job


Yes, even though it has been a tough year with Kent's job. I am so thankful that he still has a job! I'm thankful for early hours he goes in and the LONG hours he works!


Day 18: My Trip to Honduras


I was so blessed to be able to go on a mission trip to Honduras. There were so many wonderful experiences and memories made! One that meant more to me was being able to see Maria after so long! So thankful I had the opportunity to go!


Day 19: Family Time


I love the fact that Kent and I are both blessed to have such wonderful families. I love when we get together with either his side of the family or mine. We always have so much fun!



Day 20: Lazy Days


I am so thankful for days of doing NOTHING! Laying on the couch taking a nap or watching a lifetime all day! It's nice just to stay home sometimes!





Hopefully it wont take 8 days for the next post! 

I'm Thankful... Day 12

I'm Thankful for:

Day 12: My Extended Family -

Aunts, Uncles & Cousins

Unfortunately I dont have a picture of all of them! I'm going to do good to list them all! These people make the holidays, birthdays and family get-togethers so much fun! I'm truly bless with an amazing family who I love dearly!

Lee, Leigh Ann & David

Snoopy, Cindy & Tyler

Nathan, Malory & Sophie Grace

Jeff, Patti & Chase

Philip, Kristin & Baby Nichols due in April

John & Kaley

Brad, Cindi,Kenzie & Chaney

Kent's Aunts,Uncles & Cousins -

Mark & Connie

Jeff & Kari

Shane, Kathy, Abigail, Kaley & Bailey

I am so thankful for ALL the 2nd, 3rd,etc.. cousins and great aunts and uncles as well... But if I tried to name them all I know I would leave out someone!

I'm Thankful...Day 11

I'm Thankful for:

Day 11: Our Veterans - Past, Present & Future

Thank you to all the men and women who have served or is currently serving our country.

I'm Thankful.... Day 10

I'm Thankful for:

Day 10: My Lizzy---Elizabeth Ann



Where do I begin with this little girl... she is 4 going on 14!

Lizzy is the daughter of one of my dearest friends, Christy.

She is so very special to me! She was the first one who make me a Lala! She is one independent girl and already has her girlie "attitude". She says some of the funniest things. I always have a blast on our Lizzy/Lala times together! She knows she has me wrapped around her finger and that I would do anything for her! I am so thankful to have been apart of her life since she came home from the hospital. Which makes her turning 5 in December, unbelievable!! She will always be my Lizzy!

I'm Thankful ... Day 9

I'm Thankful for:

Day 9. My Nephew - Kamden

(Three months old here--he's now 6 months!)

Kamden is the son of my brother Jacob and his wife Chelesea.

He is such a good baby. He was born April 27, 2011 - On a day that a lot of people in Alabama lost their lives and family members due to the tornado. He has completely captivated all of our hearts and attention! He is spoiled rotten but I am just as much to blame for that as anyone! I just love this little boy! I can't believe he will be 7 months on the 27th of this month!

I'm Thankful .... Day 8

I'm Thankful for:

Day 8. My niece - Mary Bradford

Mary Bradford aka B is the daughter of Brad & Lara (Kent's brother & sister-in-law).
MB was the first to make me an Aunt! I wish I was there from her beginning. It has been so much fun to watch her grow the last 2 years! We have so much fun with her whether we're playing go fish, Headbands or Apples to Apples!
She is one of the sweetest most thoughtful little girls I know.
So thankful to have this beautiful, smart, funny & creative girl in our life!

I'm Thankful ... Day 7

I'm Thankful for:

Day 7: My 2 Sister-in-laws and Brother-in-law

Kent's brother Brad and his wife Lara

(of course MB - but she will get her own day!)

Another thing I prayed for... That the man I married wouldn't have a weird family! LOL - And God answered again!!

I'm so thankful for my husband's wonderful family!

They welcomed me right away. They were actually the first people I met on Kent's side (even met them before I met his parents!!)

They are so sweet! They would do anything for you!

They are wonderful parents and great friends!

My brother's wife, Chelesea

I couldn't have prayed for a better spouse for my brother!

 She fits right in with the rest of us!  

It's like we've known each other forever!

She is a wonderful mother and great friend!

Even though we are just related by marriage... I love them all like they were my own brother and sisters!!



I'm Thankful... Day 6

I'm Thankful for:

Day 6. My Father-in-law & Mother-in-law

What great in-laws I have!

When praying for a mate, I would pray for his parents. I had very specific request too!!

I wanted them to be Christians... and they are!

I wanted them to raise their son in a Godly home... and they did!

 I wanted them to have a great relationship with each other ... and they do!

I wanted my future husband and his parents to have a great relationship ... and they do!

I wanted to have a good relationship with them... and I do!

Diane & Donny:

Thank you for raising such a wonderful man!

Thank you for welcoming me into the family from day one!

Thank you for all your love and support! 

I could not have asked for better in-laws!

I'm Thankful ... Day 1,2,3,4 &5 all in one post!!

I'm Thankful for:

Day 1. My Savior

There are NO words to ever describe how thankful I am for his love, forgiveness, favor, peace, joy, hope, etc..

Without him I am nothing!

Day 2. My Godly Parents 

I am so thankful God gave me such amazing parents.

Parents who taught me right from wrong.

Who made me go to church when I didnt want to.

Who taught me about the love of Jesus not only by their words but actions.

Their love for each other inspired me to pray for a love like theirs for my own life.

I dont know where I would be without their love, support, & understanding.

Day 3. My Husband

I can't imagine my life without this man! He is everything I prayed for and more. He is my rock, my sanity & my soul mate. He can make me laugh when I dont even want to smile. He loves to cook and is really good at it! He makes my bad days better and what makes the good days, great! Their is no doubt that God made him just for me! I love him more and more each day! 

Day 4. My Grandparents

I am so blessed to have all four of my grandparents.

My relationship is so different but so special with each one of them. There is nothing like grandparents! If mom and dad said no... just ask the grandparents! :)

Day 5: My baby brother

He has come such a long way from the annoying little brother he was when we were growing up! Even though he would probably never admit it I know that I could count on him for anything! He has become such a wonderful man. He is a wonderful brother and friend! I am so proud of the man he has become!



Easiest thing I've done all day...

Needed something to get my mind off all the

"Monday Madness"

A. Age: 26

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: two way tie: cleaning bathrooms / Putting up the laundry

D. Dogs: Love them just dont have time for them :(

E. Essential start to your day: putting glasses on

F. Favorite color: Brown
G. Gold or Silver: Silver

H. Height: 5' 4

I. Instruments you play: Radio..LOL

J. Job title: Medical Assistant

K. Kids: Praying for one

L. Live: Calera
M. Mother’s name: Cathy Sue

N. Nicknames:  La-La; Larlow
O. Overnight hospital stays: once

P. Pet peeves: Ther are too many

Q. Quote from a movie: "You had me at hello"

R. Right or left handed: right
S. Siblings: Brother- Jacob, Sister-in-laws- Chelesea & Lara, Brother-in-law- Brad

 T. Truth or Dare: truth. every single time.
U. Ultimate Vacation: A free one!!
V. Vegetable you hate: Peas

W. What makes you run late: My husband

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Ankle, Back, Chest

Y. Yummy food that you make: Brownies

Z. Zoo animal: Monkey

Scripture and Song Sunday

H-E-A-L-E-R

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalms 30:2 (NIV)

{Horrible} Blogger!!

WOW!! I am so not good at this... It's been way too long since my last blog!! Let me catch you up on what has happened since my last post!!

1. April 27, 2011 - The Birth of My FIRST Nephew:

Kamden Michael Kiker

The details

First Picture

Uncle Kent holding his first nephew

Proud Parents

My brother, Jacob and my sister-in-law, Chelesea

Going Home.. his first car ride 

Four Generations of Kiker's

(taken on his first day at home)

This little boy has brought so much joy into ALL of our lives. He is truly a blessing from God.

2. May 3, 2011 - My 26th Birthday!!

3. June 19, 2011- Father's Day - Kamden's Baby Dedication

4. August 27, 2011 - Kamden 4 months old

Mommy, Daddy & Kamden @ Joel & Erika's Wedding

5. September 23 - 26, 2011- Our 1st Vacation 

We went to Pigeon Forge, TN to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time the weather was perfect!! 

(Will try to post another blog about this - but no  promises :)

6. September 26, 2011 - 

Kamden's First night to spend the night with us!! 

(without mommy and daddy)

He did so good!! I have pictures but there on my phone!

7. October 2, 2011 - Our 1st Anniversary!!

I can't believe we made it a year! LOL They say the first year is the hardest and they were right!! It's been great ... looking forward to many, many more!! 

Ok, that is somewhat of a catch up... I will try to do better!! 

LaLa

Where were you 6 months ago today?

I was marrying the love of my life!

Yep, that's right six months ago (10-2-10) I was getting married!!

Happy SIX months, Kent!!

I LOVE YOU!

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Finally Day 4 .... With my recent health problems and then with Kent's, I finally feel like writing a blog! It has been a hectic few weeks and I will make sure I blog about everything that has been going on! (but dont hold your breath :)

My Night

We went to ...

for some flowers, potting soil, a spade (yeah looks like a skinny shovel) and few other small things.

then to dinner at

Zapopan 's

then to...

where we got some much needed groceries!

Once we got home we realized that someone left our front door open! Luckily everything was just as we had left it!

We unloaded the car and got everything put away. I dusted while my wonderful husband gave the puppies a bath!!

Now we are watching "Son's of Guns" ... well Kent is watching and I am blogging!!

That just about wraps up my night... I will try (but cant promise) to write another blog (or two) tonight before I go to bed.

Day 3: Photo Challenge

Picture of the cast of my favorite TV Show

Vampire Diaries

I LOVE this show... It is one of the few shows that we DVR! I have even got Kent hooked on it as well. We look forward to watching it together on Thursday nights!

Day 2: Photo Challenge

Picture of Me and the Person I have been Friends with the Longest

This one was tough because I was blessed early on with the best of friends that I still consider my closest friends today.

But, I would have to go with my cousin Kristin Handley Nichols  

Mainly because she is the oldest/closest friend that I actually have a picture of the two of us! Just kidding!!

I have known her since she was born.

We havent always been close... She still holds a grudge against me for cutting her baby dolls eyelashes off when we were kids!

We actually didnt become "good" friends until 99/00 when our grandparents took us to Gatlinburg.

She was the best Matron of Honor a girl could ask for. I hate we dont live closer to each other, but I know she would be here in a heartbeat if I needed her and I hope she knows I would do the same for her!

Day 1: Photo Challenge

Me

and

15 Random Things About Me

1. I hate having pictures made!

2. I'm OCD on certain things

3. I worry about things that are happening and things that could NEVER happen.

4. I enjoy blogging.. it's a way for me to vent and express myself

5. I'm a very private person

6. I am NOT and repeat NOT a morning person

7. I never thought I would get married

8. I despise the drive I have to and from work

9. I love lamps

10. I hate background noises

11. I love buying cars

12. I'm a bit of a pack rat when it comes to sentimental things.

13. I love plain noodles

14. I hate confrontations

15. I thought "The Hangover" was hillarious!

30 Day Photo Challenge

Some of my friends on Facebook are doing this challenge... so I thought I would give it a try, but thought I would blog mine instead with a little modifications!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with 15 facts

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been friends with the longest

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Day 10 - A picture of the person you have done some of the craziest things with

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Day 17 - A picture of someone that has made a huge impact on your life

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 31 - A picture of yourself

Hopefully I can complete this within 30 consecutive days!

Our FIRST Valentine's Day as Husband and Wife!!!

What a wonderful Valentine's Day I have had!

We started celebrating on Friday with the Softball Valentine Banquet at church. It was so much fun we had a wonderful spaghetti dinner. Afterwards we had a couple of people sing, the drama team preformed, and we had to games! We truly had a great time.

Saturday Night we went out for a date night... We had Ruby Tuesday's for dinner and watched 

"Just Go With It" with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston... It was so cute... one of my favorite Adam Sandler movies!

Then tonight we ended up going to the Cajun Steamer for dinner and then when I got home I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me on the island in our kitchen.... 6 BEAUTIFUL ROSES!!! It was the perfect way to end a perfect day! Then I surprised Kent by asking him to play Halo, something we havent done together since we were dating.

~~~ A little background story about playing Halo ~~~

Friday Night at the banquet they had a game called the "Not So Newlywed Game"... One of the questions asked was : "I knew she was the one when..." Some interesting answers came from the players and I was curious to know what Kent's response would be so I asked him while we were out on our date Saturday night.

His response: " I knew you were the one when you played Halo with me for the first time"

I laughed and said I played Halo with you the first time before we ever even went on our first "official" date!

So that is why I WANTED to play him in a game of Halo tonight. Im no better now than I was then. I think 6 was the most shots I had, but I had a blast playing with my Valentine!

Oh and for those interested in my response:

I knew Kent was the one the night he met my parents for the first time.

I knew I loved him when I was ready to introduce him to my parents (which took almost 4 months).

But the night at Longhorns on 280 when they actual met face to face for the first time, I knew!

He got along so well with them from the moment they met and that was very important to me.

I knew when we left that he was "THE ONE" and that I would marry him one day!

I Love You, Kent Pharis Walton!

Thank you for "making me fun"!

Happy 4th Birthday, Elizabeth!!

December 28th was Lizzy Belle's actual birthday. Christy (her mommy) and I both had the day off so we decided to spend it with our favorite 4 year old on her birthday. We met for lunch at Wings where they sang Happy Birthday... and she wasn't too crazy about that! See below:

(I'm not the best with the video camera!! HaHa)

Then we went to Tree Top for some FUN!



 

Her birthday party was originally planned for Jan 8th, but since someone drove through Chuck-E-Cheese it was postponed until: Jan 22nd. She's one lucky little girl her birthday was celebrated for almost 1 month!!! And Im lucky that I got to celebrate both days with her.

 I can't believe she is 4!

 Christy, It seems like only yesterday you were having to pull over and let me drive! :) Or going to the E.R. because she swallowed a "quarter"!

Oh, the memories!

 Thank you for letting me be apart of her life from the start!

Lizzy your LaLa loves you as big as the sky!



Ice, Ice Baby!

Predicted: Snow....all we got was ICE!!!

Kent and I spent the night at my parents house last night just in case the power went out. Our house is all electric and we have no way of heating our house.

Last night Kent, Dad, Chel and Me played Kinect and that was hilarious!

Then we played Rook, a couple of times.

And of course we ate!! Mom made some amazing soup, Kent made some of his wonderful Chicken Salad and I made some brownies.

And we waited for the SNOW.... and watched the sidewalk, driveway and road ice over.

I left my camera at home so I cant take or post pictures :(

CLOSINGS:

Noah's Park Day Care --------- Chelesea doesn't have to go to work!

State Farm in Chelsea ------- Mom doesn't have to go to work!

Burdette Dental Lab ----------- Kent doesn't have to travel today!!

Alabama Urology --------------- Lauren doesn't have to go to work!!!!!

And Dad makes his on work schedule out... he is always on call.

Poor Jacob got called into work last night. He works for the City of Hoover and had to go and make sure the roads were safe!

_________________________

Now we will have to find something to entertain us, until the National Championship comes on tonight. Even  though I am not a fan... I am hoping Auburn brings another National Championship to the state of Alabama!

Already in love...

 Chelesea had her 23 week check up on Thursday and they were able to do a 4D ultrasoud. This is the text I got when they left their appt.

Here's Kamden