This is Christmas.

We'll be blessing my little Gavin David Bruce Norton tonight. Makes me feel intimately connected to another mother. . . loving her beautiful baby boy . . . on a sacred night long long ago. :)

Hers was born to be a king, and his very life offers each and every heart, no matter the pain and struggle of mortality, reason to rejoice.

Because of Jesus Christ, I will walk with my brother again. Because of Jesus Christ we can weather- WITH JOY - the trials of this mortal life and live with God in peace once again.

So celebrate with me the day of His birth,
for THIS is Christmas.
And to you and yours, Merry Christmas.
May your hearts be filled with, hope, joy and so much love!

xoxo,

Natalie

for the grandparents.

me on the web.

Here are links to my recent tutorials over at DPS.
Check 'em on out!

DIY Avatar photography.

(above, twitter users left to right @imageisfound, @amelialyon, @rachelwonders)

follow me on twitter: @natalienorton

DIY Light Reflector on the Fly.

Ho ho ho!

I want to get the boys instant cameras for Christmas.

What do YOU think?

This guy from Fuji?

the film is like .75 a pic. ouch!!, but the cam is cheaper

OR

This guy from Polaroid?

the cam is more expensive, but the photo paper is .03 an image.

oy oy oy.
decisions are the worst.

Eddie Aikau.

We hung out at the Eddie all day yesterday.
You haven't lived until you've seen big wave surfing at Waimea.

HOLY FRICKIN' SMOKES.

**and since Raleigh doesn't read my blog,
I'll scold myself for him:
"mom! don't say frickin'!"

The kids were on the live feed of the contest, again.
No one can resist all these little blond groms. . .
because they're so GORGEOUS,
just like their mother naturally. ;)

They also got to see surf legend Kelly Slater
up close and personal.
They may have been more excited to see him than Santa.
Actually, no, not at all really.
They were surprisingly underwhelmed truth be told.
Richie on the other hand??
Stoked out of his mind.

Oh and Andy,
sorry we didn't know it was your birthday,
or we would have sang you a ditty.
Y'all should know that bff Andy surfed Waimea the day before the Eddie.
Apparently the waves were even bigger,
yeah that and Andy has a death wish.

a penny for your hairy little thoughts

help my hair here.