Gabby Walton

Raising five boys takes a village…and a lot of socks.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

We’re the Waltons! I’m Gabby, my husband is Mark, and we’re raising five amazing boys: Wyatt, Waylon, Maverick and our twins, Austin and Owen. Life is loud, fun and full of energy — just the way we like it.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom?

For as long as I can remember, motherhood has always been my dream. I used to say I wanted twelve kids — then I realized five brings just as much joy (and maybe a little more sleep).

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments.

Watching my oldest son hold his baby brother for the first time. We had been through some challenges in his early years, and seeing him so gentle and proud melted me. It was one of those full-circle moments I’ll never forget.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments.

Going from three little boys to five overnight was a game-changer. Suddenly, even the smallest errands felt like Olympic events. I suddenly had five kids under age seven, and it was a whole new level of motherhood.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat?

A dog treat…and we don’t have a dog.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time. Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment.

It was 4:30 p.m. when I realized my boys had a baseball scrimmage at 5 p.m. I was still at work, their gear was split between the car and my parents’ house, and chaos ensued. But we made it — barely! Sometimes, showing up is the real win.

What is something you swore you’d never do before kids that you now do?

School drop-off with a towel still on my head. With five kids, a business and sports in full swing, hair-wash days are rare — we do what we can.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different?

They definitely inherited my stubborn streak — all five of them. But they also love deeply and live loudly, which I consider a gift. Personality-wise, they’re all mini versions of me, and my poor husband deserves a medal.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…

“Did you flush?”

“Who stinks?”

“Did you just lick that?”

What are you enjoying most about parenting right now?

Sports. I didn’t know if we would be a sports family, my husband was never a sports guy — but now he’s coaching, our boys are thriving and we’re spending more time outside than ever. It’s brought so much joy to our family.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance motherhood, work and life? What sometimes falls through the cracks?

We just do our best. I have an incredible husband and amazing grandparents nearby — we lean into our village hard. We’re often five minutes late, but we show up and keep moving forward. That’s the rhythm right now, and it works.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

I own a nonprofit called Project Gear Box, which provides free sports gear to kids in Polk County. I also run a resource development company that focuses on event planning, social media and fundraising. I’m involved in several boards and community projects — I love serving where I can make an impact.

What have you learned professionally that helps you as a mom?

That we’re all just figuring it out as we go and that’s perfectly okay.

Tell us something you’re proud of or about a recent achievement.

I was recently named Community Member of the Year by the Monmouth/Independence Chamber of Commerce. Such an honor and a reflection of how much I love this community.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish in the next five years?

Yes! I’d love to buy a home and open a brick-and-mortar office space for my business.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

My mom was a powerhouse. She balanced work, home and parenting with grace. I had a front-row seat to a strong, loving marriage — and I carry those lessons into my own motherhood every day.

Where did you grow up and how did that influence you?

I grew up in Keizer, which had that perfect small-town feel. It taught me the value of community — and that’s something I strive to recreate for my kids here in Independence.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Just last month, I went on my first solo overnight work trip. It was a big personal and professional milestone.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier?

Speaking kindly to myself. Positive self-talk changes everything.

When did you realize you were no longer a child?

When I found out I was pregnant for the first time. Everything shifted in that moment.

What’s one thing you didn’t have growing up that you want for your kids?

A real family vacation. It’s a big goal of mine — to give them those special memories.

What’s a quality you love about yourself?

I can talk to anyone. I genuinely love people and their stories. Connection is my superpower.

If you could instantly gain a new skill, what would it be?

To know and fluently use American Sign Language.

What’s your real-life superpower?

Figuring things out, no matter what. Also, I can curl my hair in 10 minutes flat, which feels like a superpower most mornings.

If multitasking were an Olympic sport, what would you win gold in?

Laundry. I swear it multiplies on its own!

What’s one thing in your daily routine you can’t live without?

Music and caffeine. Preferably both at the same time.

What’s something that might surprise people about you?

I’ve never flown on a plane or traveled anywhere that required flying (yet!).

You find yourself home alone for a few hours. What do you do?

Depending on my mood: 1. Clean with a good podcast playing. 2. Binge-watch a show and order tacos.

What keeps you up at night (besides kids)?

My never-ending to-do list…and let’s be honest, TikTok. It sucks you in.

What keeps you grounded?

My boys and my husband. They’re my greatest gift and peace.

What’s your least favorite household chore? Your favorite?

Least: dishes. Favorite: I love pressure washing outside or anything with the steam cleaner inside.

What’s your greatest extravagance?

Children’s socks. I hate matching them, so I buy new packs every couple of months.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Olivia Benson — she’s strong, smart, and fierce.

Who is your favorite real-life hero?

My husband. He has gone above and beyond to protect, provide, and love us through every season. He truly saved me — in more ways than one.

What’s something everyone should do at least once in their life?

Go to therapy. Truly. It’s life-changing.

They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book?

Something like, From Chaos to Cause.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What’s surprised you most?

Not at all — and in the best ways. It’s the hardest, most beautiful, nonstop job. The surprises never end.

Do current events influence your parenting?

Yes and no. Social media plays a big role in how we navigate parenting these days — especially when it comes to helping our kids make safe, healthy choices.

Who or what shaped the mom you are today?

My family. I’m lucky to have strong roots and an incredible support system.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?

You’re allowed to be more than just a mom — and still be an amazing mom. There’s no guilt in that.

What would you tell your younger mom self?

There will be hard seasons — but they will pass. Trust your gut. You’re doing better than you think.

What message would you share with other moms?

Never compare your motherhood to someone else’s. There’s no one right way — just your way, and that’s enough.

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MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Uno

…words to live by: Your story is your superpower.

…place to find some peace & quiet: I love a good drive.

…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Law and order SVU or any Kail Lowry podcast

…way to get out of making dinner: Forget to thaw meat.

…inspirational quote: “You don’t need to have it all together to make an impact — you just need to show up.”

…time-saving app or digital tool: ChatGPT

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MOMs love local…

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift or find something new: The Find

…coffee spot: The Sippery, Bugles Espresso

…spot to get a good workout: Anytime Fitness in Independence

…hair salon: C Street Salon

…restaurant to take the kids: Golden Hop Saloon

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Koyote’s Taco

…local park where kids can let off steam: Delbert Fredricks Memorial Park in Dallas

…event in your community: Polk County Fair

…any other local places you love: The Original Independence Farmers Market

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