tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216684489312620732024-03-15T15:09:20.544-10:00Pics and KicksNatalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.comBlogger897125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-47635499754381328522010-08-30T13:15:00.004-10:002010-08-30T13:24:07.136-10:00out with the old!!!!!!!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">yo party people!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />turn on <a target="new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA">this song</a> and then meet me on <a target="new" href="http://www.natalienortonblog.com/">the new blog</a>!<br /><br />xx!<br /><br />Me<br /><br />PS. Melissa won the consult!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(don't worry, I made sure not do count the duplicate entries)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/THw9H56KYbI/AAAAAAAAKls/hHIb4eNF0T4/s1600/Picture+21.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 137px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/THw9H56KYbI/AAAAAAAAKls/hHIb4eNF0T4/s400/Picture+21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511347250007794098" border="0" /></a>Melissa,<br /><br />Email me at natalienorton [at] gmail [dot] com<br />and we'll schedule your consult!<br /><br />Be sure to let me know who referred you so they can win too!<br /><br />YAY!<br /><br />Peace out homies!<br /><br />N<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-61922212311133422722010-08-23T21:02:00.007-10:002010-08-23T21:21:20.573-10:00Giveaway: Free photo consultation (or two)!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I want to give something away. . .<br /><br />perhaaaaaaps. . .<br />to blind you from the fact that I'm taking my pretty little time<br />building content for the new blog. :)<br /><br />perhaps.<br /><br />so,<br />I'm giving away a free 1 hour photo consultation!<br /><br />a $120 value!<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">YOURS FOR THE BARGAIN PRICE OF ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!<br /><br />We can discuss anything you wish!<br /><br />photo critique.<br />technical help.<br />branding.<br />marketing.<br />building your portfolio.<br />post processing.<br />workflow.<br />flash.<br />natural light.<br />the purpose of life.<br /><br />whatever makes you happy.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PROFESSIONAL TO ENTER!<br />If you ARE, awesome. But it's not a deal killer if you aren't.<br />I'd LOVE to help you "just get better pictures of the kids"!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">To Enter:<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="font-size:100%;">comment with your name (if there's no link back to your name, I need an email so I can contact you in the event that you win the consultation).<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">tell your friends via twitter, facebook, blog post and all the etcs because <span style="font-size:130%;">guess what</span>!? I just decided (yes, just this second) that if the winner was referred here by a friend, I'll give that person a free consultation as well! woot woot woot!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">winner will be chosen at random (thank you random.org), Friday at 4pm Hawaii time.</span></li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now, I am saying "see you later alligator" to this old blog<br />and won't be back until content is built and the new blog is ready to launch!<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />I hope YOU win! ;)<br /><br />xx,<br /><br />Me<br /><br /></span><br /></div></div></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com368tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-57137495498726079822010-08-23T18:00:00.001-10:002010-08-23T21:18:50.901-10:00Natalie Norton: guest judge www.iheartfaces.com!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/THNx53Zo2jI/AAAAAAAAKlc/37jRjZCKwc0/s1600/ihf_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/THNx53Zo2jI/AAAAAAAAKlc/37jRjZCKwc0/s400/ihf_logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508872008142215730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a guest judge this week over at <a target="new" href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">i heart faces</a>!<br /><br />The theme for the photo contest is<br />"beach fun."<br /><br />Enter by Tuesday night (8.24) at 9pm CST<br />to be considered in the contest!<br /><br />Can't wait to see all your awesomeness!<br /><br />xx!<br /><br />Me<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-64574600097782081452010-08-23T00:02:00.002-10:002010-08-23T00:02:00.148-10:00air.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TG77lC-RNbI/AAAAAAAAKlU/vaJKEgiBWGk/s1600/Picture+17.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TG77lC-RNbI/AAAAAAAAKlU/vaJKEgiBWGk/s400/Picture+17.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507616008192472498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">air.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">off today dealing with this.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">you don't know what a beautiful thing it is to be able to breathe. . .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">until you can't.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been dealing with a ridiculous "shortness of breath"</div><div style="text-align: center;">issue for nearly 3 weeks now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">makes life miserable and my new training program torturous.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we've treated it like asthma.</div><div style="text-align: center;">no change.</div><div style="text-align: center;">like anxiety.</div><div style="text-align: center;">nada.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've approached it with meditation, prayer, magnesium.</div><div style="text-align: center;">still.no.air.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">so today, my doctor is insisting on a PFT </div><div style="text-align: center;">(pulmonary function test).</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going along with it, but I'm sure it's going to be a dead end.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still hung up on the anxiety diagnosis.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think that's the problem.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but one way or another.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">take a big deep breath for me today and I'll see you tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">prayerfully, on a new blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">xx!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">me</div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-10274081806814738212010-08-20T09:06:00.002-10:002010-08-20T09:17:04.272-10:00EIGHT years ago today.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TG7SbKeZlnI/AAAAAAAAKlM/8GEFZRUoigE/s1600/Library+-+458.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TG7SbKeZlnI/AAAAAAAAKlM/8GEFZRUoigE/s400/Library+-+458.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507570758430856818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I married this guy 8 years ago today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I know, he looks like he's 14)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He had just turned 22, I had just turned 21,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and we had known each other for a whopping 2 months.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">true story.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday we were sitting on the back porch,</div><div style="text-align: center;">chatting about how crazy we were and Richie said:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"You know, had I known then what I know now,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I would have married you even faster than that."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and all I could say to that is a resounding "ME TOO, ABSOLUTELY!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These 8 years have been blissful. . .</div><div style="text-align: center;">annnnnd, they've been like the refiner's fire in so many ways.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not in regards to our marriage, AT ALL.</div><div style="text-align: center;">but in regards to the craziest life circumstances you could <i>possibly</i> imagine,</div><div style="text-align: center;">in your very wildest dreams, ever.</div><div style="text-align: center;">all crammed into this short little window of life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and yet today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">looking back,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can honestly say now that I'm grateful for <i>all</i> of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and I am so thankful to have held YOUR hand along the way and no one else's.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you Richie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">yours forever,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nat Nat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">PS. I'm off for the day celebrating us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow I've got an exciting wedding in Kailua,</div><div style="text-align: center;">soooo I'll see you next week. . . </div><div style="text-align: center;">hopefully with the launch of the new blog!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">hopefully.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-57579888584148527162010-08-18T20:13:00.003-10:002010-08-18T20:29:44.160-10:00running shoes.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today.<br /><br />I found one of my running shoes lying alone in the driveway.<br />it's partner was nowhere to be found.<br /><br />Lincoln tells me that he threw them outside<br />(for reasons currently unknown).<br /><br />Me:<br /><br />Lincoln, mommy really needs to find my other shoe<br />or I'm not going to be able to practice and I'm going to lose my race.<br /><br />Lincoln:<br />(really concerned face then, BAM! light bulb!)<br /><br />Mommy!<br />You can just hop really really fast!<br /><br />Nice.<br /><br />Thank you Lincoln.<br /><br />I'll do that.<br /><br />______________________<br /><br />thank you all so much for your encouragement and running tips.<br /><br />I'm happy to report that I actually did it.<br /><br />Monday, I ran 3 consecutive miles!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">well, I did walk 2 small hills for less than 1 min each.</span><br /><br />I was bewildered by my ability to do this.<br /><br />truly stunned.<br /><br />not to say it was at all pleasant.<br /><br />no.<br /><br />I'm quite certain there were 3 or 4 times when I actually<br />HOPED a car would take me out and save me from my misery.<br /><br />Tuesday was a resting day.<br /><br />Today, I miraculously did it again!<br /><br />Tomorrow:<br /><br />FOUR.MILES.<br /><br />Seriously.<br /><br />To be totally transparent:<br />I'm freaking out of my mind.<br /><br />Allllllll that said,<br />honestly thank you.<br /><br />Your tips and encouragement truly gave me courage.<br /><br />So many of you expressed the reality that it's all a mental game.<br />I can now attest to that as well,<br />because when I said earlier that there was no way I could EVER,<br />EVER run 3 miles,<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I wasn't being modest.</span><br /><br />It was quite literally, physically impossible. . .<br />and yet. . .<br /><br />wow.<br /><br />I'm amazed and can't help but mention the parallel to life in general.<br /><br />I'm consistently CONVINCED that I just CAN'T do <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>,<br />and yet. . .<br /><br />hmmmmmm.<br /><br />lots of love and happy Wednesday!<br /><br />N<br /><br />If you get a sec, there was an article written about baby gavin<br />in the honolulu advertiser. check it out <a target="new" href="http://www.staradvertiser.com/features/20100817_Deadly_Cough.html">here</a>.<br />we'd love your comments.<br />:)<br /></span><br /></span></span></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-28491026537166175002010-08-17T15:24:00.001-10:002010-08-17T15:26:31.665-10:00pretty patty.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGs2aqzWF2I/AAAAAAAAKk8/xtWTZqMH0yI/s1600/GlamPatty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGs2aqzWF2I/AAAAAAAAKk8/xtWTZqMH0yI/s400/GlamPatty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506554801184708450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />ok guys, guess what?<br /><br />that sexy blond?<br /><br />is Richie's grandma.<br /><br />owwwwwww!<br /><br />she's still gorgeous and glamorous as ever!<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-51606555756219186492010-08-15T19:21:00.003-10:002010-08-15T20:03:29.382-10:00because I'm crazy.<div style="text-align: center;">(alternate title, "because I'm on crack")<br /><br />I did it.<br />I signed up for the <a href="http://www.gunstockhalfmarathon.blogspot.com/">Gunstock Ranch 1/2 marathon</a>.<br />again, because I'm crazy.<br />(or perhaps just high as a kite)<br /><br />I'm a week behind in the standard 12 week training program,<br />and tomorrow I start with a 3 mile run.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(I ask you, how is this a <span style="font-size:100%;">beginning</span> training program<br />if it starts with a freaking 3 mile run?<br />. . . but I digress)</span><br /><br />I'm 100% <span style="font-style: italic;">certain</span>, that I <span style="font-style: italic;">cannot</span> run 3 miles.<br /><br />100% certain.<br /><br />(read: there is no way in h.e.double-hockey-sticks<br />that I can run 3 consecutive miles tomorrow)<br /><br />and the only reason I'm telling you all this is<br />because I know once the whole world knows,<br />I'll be too prideful to quit.<br /><br />the end.<br /><br />want to run the race October 30th?<br />register <a href="http://www.active.com/running/laie-hi/gunstock-trails-half-marathon-and-5k-2010">here</a>.<br /><br />oh and PS.<br />I'm open to ANY and ALL tips you have for me.<br /><br />I = NOT.A.RUNNER.<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-15249167300857718852010-08-13T08:31:00.005-10:002010-08-13T08:46:29.788-10:00and then we called 911.<div style="text-align: center;">This morning.<br /><br />was beautiful.<br /><br />5am smelled like rain and freshly cut grass<br />and not like "urgh, hit snooze."<br /><br />and then, Lincoln woke up.<br /><br />and swallowed a penny.<br /><br />and life went all crazy pants.<br /><br />and suddenly I was on my knees in front of him,<br />praying with all of my soul. . .<br /><br />PLEASE! not again. PLEASE!<br /><br />but my face was calm as Heaven itself.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(That gift of calm in crisis is inherent and comes from my mom. . .).</span><br /><br />and then he started talking and breathing (and whimpering).<br /><br />HE WAS TALKING. . .<br />and <span style="font-size:130%;">BREATHING</span>.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGWPlqZumwI/AAAAAAAAKkM/4igSCwjRT90/s1600/Picture+33.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGWPlqZumwI/AAAAAAAAKkM/4igSCwjRT90/s400/Picture+33.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504963996730432258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and after a short fiasco with the paramedics and then the ER,<br />all is well.<br /><br />and my heart is FILLED with gratitude.<br />because, I cannot do another gavin ever again.<br /><br />ever.again.<br /><br />oh and ps. I'm told that that bubble around the demon penny,<br />is a fart.<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-56276606206435682232010-08-13T06:12:00.002-10:002010-08-13T08:30:32.548-10:00life, hope and love.<div style="text-align: center;">I was so moved by this video.<br />To my very core.<br /><br />Tears flowed freely<br />as I listened and learned<br />about life, hope and the enduring love of God.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E7zwQ_7q-fU&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E7zwQ_7q-fU&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="640"></embed></object></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-46587146144440909312010-08-12T09:11:00.007-10:002010-08-12T16:00:00.300-10:0010 + 10 = school sucks (in alphabetical order).Post edited to include: Please don't wrongly assume that this post is directed at my children's school, Laie Elementary. I LOVE Laie Elementary and the wonderful teachers there. This post was triggered by a general observation of the state of the public education system as a whole, watching too much news while on the mainland and many fascinating discussions with friends (who are MUCH smarter than I. . . than me. . . than I. . . see what I mean?).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGRXQXUTB-I/AAAAAAAAKj8/pD8st1vzDc8/s1600/Picture+32.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGRXQXUTB-I/AAAAAAAAKj8/pD8st1vzDc8/s400/Picture+32.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504620583202260962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you don't want to read through my whole train-of-thought rant,<br />I'd still love your opinion on THIS:<br /><br />How do you make sure your kids<br />get the best they can from public education?<br /><br />______________________<br /><br />I just want my kids to feel smart<br />(THEY ARE)<br /><br />I just want my kids to develop their own unique creativity<br />(IT AMAZES ME!)<br /><br />I just want my kids to think independently<br />(THEY'RE SMARTER, AND MORE INNOVATIVE, THAN ME . . .<br />TIMES 47 BILLION)<br /><br />I just want my kids to be confident in who they are inhernetly<br />(THEY'RE COOLER THAN ANYONE ELSE I KNOW)<br /><br />Is that too much to ask??<br /><br />apparently so.<br />. . . .<br />A lot of my problems with public school<br />are chalked up as being "just a normal part of growing up."<br /><br />give.me.a.break.<br /><br />since when is a 2nd grader's ability to write a word (neatly)<br />20 times more indicative of his ability to spell it<br />than just repeating it correctly a few times orally?<br /><br />How does that activity nurture a true and lasting love of learning?<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(particularly when the kid is clearly maxed out and miserable . . .)</span><br /><br />how does forcing a kindergartner to color PERFECTLY within the lines<br />say anything about his intellect?<br /><br />Particularly if the kindergartner HATES coloring.<br /><br />and don't you dare go on and on about learning fine motor skills.<br /><br />there are clearly <span style="font-style: italic;">other ways</span> to encourage proper fine motor development<br />that won't SQUASH the child's eventual love of writing.<br /><br />How does holding a kid back from recess<br />because she didn't finish her math as quickly as her peers . . .<br />do ANYTHING constructive for ANYONE?!<br /><br />I could go on.<br />and on.<br />and on.<br />and on.<br /><br />. . . .<br /><br />just because WE grew up in a broken system,<br />that doesn't make it normal.<br /><br />what I see<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><br />(now that I'm looking with my own two eyes<br />and not through the bottle thick glasses I wore through my public education k-12)</span><br />is NOT anywhere in sight of "<span style="font-style: italic;">normal</span>."<br /><br />and at the very least. . . it sure doesn't have to be.<br /><br />I'm not here to bag on government.<br />or teachers.<br />or administrators.<br />or parents.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">except that I am in fact going to bag on everyone,<br />just a little</span>.<br /><br />because for crying out loud,<br />WE.ARE.BROKEN.<br /><br />and it's all our fault (collectively).<br /><br />government, I don't know what to say to you.<br />though if I did, it might sound something like "lay off!" . . . ???<br /><br />you act like because you give us money,<br />you get to control us. . .<br /><br />wasn't it our own money to begin with?!<br /><br />teachers, where has your passion gone?!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(because I know you didn't get into this for the money)</span><br /><br />and don't blame it on government restrictions,<br />or lack of funding.<br /><br />Last I checked, passion came from WITHIN<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(the majority portion of which is <span style="font-style: italic;">choice</span> based, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">trust me</span><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span><br />and is born from the love and respect you have<br />for the children who <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">you</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(even if you secretly want to hit them upside the head,<br />and again, trust me, I know a lot of them could probably use it)</span>.<br /><br />Administrators. . .<br />I've been told that you are the children's advocates.<br /><br />act like it.<br /><br />cut our teachers (and parents) some slack and let them<br />do the job <span style="font-size:85%;">(that I truly believe many of them were <span style="font-style: italic;">BORN</span> to do)</span><br />the way it needs to be done.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(they way only THEY can do it, because they're amazing!)</span><br /><br />Parents,<br />get in there.<br /><br />even if your kid's teacher looks at you like "one of <span style="font-style: italic;">those</span>" parents.<br /><br />stop caring about that and get.in.there.<br /><br />parents think they have no control over the education system,<br />yes.we.do!<br /><br />and let's prove it to them.<br /><br />because this is <span style="font-size:130%;">so completely</span> far from normal.<br />. . . .<br /><br />I sincerely want to know what you think<br />and how you make it work for your family<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(or plan to when you're an old lady like me with kids in big kid school)</span>.<br /><br />talk to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">please note: I scored AMAZING parents who encouraged and REQUIRED my brother and I to be self directed learners. . . they taught us to think for ourselves. PRAISE YOU MOM. I also scored some AMAZING teachers (Mrs Gega, Mrs Shire, Mrs Dominguez, that choir teacher in middle school who's name I can't remember, Mrs Woolsey and a million more) and so have my kids (all the pre k teachers, Mrs K, Ms Butterworth). THANK YOU HEAVEN ABOVE!</span></span><br /></div><br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-836000693890459982010-08-10T20:19:00.002-10:002010-08-10T20:21:23.277-10:00I don't want to blog today.<div style="text-align: center;">I don't want to blog today.<br /><br />And I am the boss of myself.<br /><br />So there.<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-89090173099429828142010-08-09T07:11:00.002-10:002010-08-09T07:13:30.803-10:00to doo doo.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGA2yMGFRkI/AAAAAAAAKjM/-fexTJOB3r0/s1600/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TGA2yMGFRkI/AAAAAAAAKjM/-fexTJOB3r0/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503458980514842178" border="0" /></a><br />I'm going to be breathing this image into my soul all day long<br />to keep from having a full blown anxiety attack.<br /><br />Just so you know.<br /><br />What's on YOUR to doo doo list today?<br /><br />Mine looks like crazy x lady gaga.<br /><br />N<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-18339211121432916842010-08-06T08:11:00.001-10:002010-08-06T08:13:40.423-10:00Happy Weekending.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFxQledhhgI/AAAAAAAAKi0/DgjpqgaTZMA/s1600/neg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFxQledhhgI/AAAAAAAAKi0/DgjpqgaTZMA/s400/neg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502361449502180866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">photo from sister Chelsea's wedding by </span><a href="http://www.canlasphotography.blogspot.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jon</span></a></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-3111611169532774122010-08-03T06:09:00.003-10:002010-08-03T06:21:01.423-10:00birthday balloons.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFg_d2APTyI/AAAAAAAAKiU/fPBOt_jtw5k/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-08-03+at+10.07.50+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFg_d2APTyI/AAAAAAAAKiU/fPBOt_jtw5k/s400/Screen+shot+2010-08-03+at+10.07.50+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501216726778335010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">today you turn 4.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">FOUR.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">woosh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was a distinct feeling present </div><div style="text-align: center;">at the birth of each of you boys. . .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">each different.</div><div style="text-align: center;">each powerful beyond description.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and for you, sweet Lincoln,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the moment you were born,</div><div style="text-align: center;">that room was FILLED to the brim with JOY.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">absolute joy in it's very purest sense.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Everyone</i> felt it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Complete happiness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and it was thick. tangible. and indescribable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No one (doctors and nurses included)</div><div style="text-align: center;">could stop smiling or outright laughing out loud with joy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was completely infectious. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">YOU are completely infectious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every perfect little part of your perfect little spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You still fill our lives with absolute joy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every minute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">of every single day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you big boy!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mommy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-51749970104502029002010-08-02T00:01:00.000-10:002010-08-02T00:01:00.132-10:00huppy burfday big guy!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFZOe46jGaI/AAAAAAAAKhw/0yXR7Dh2Bj8/s1600/Picture+25.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFZOe46jGaI/AAAAAAAAKhw/0yXR7Dh2Bj8/s400/Picture+25.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500670287460637090" border="0" /></a>Richie,<br /><br />There's no one I'd rather "ride the river with."<br /><br />Happy birthday baby!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Me<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-66644869505873579632010-07-30T09:37:00.003-10:002010-07-30T09:45:07.603-10:00on the road again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFMqHXdYMxI/AAAAAAAAKhg/wnpj4Km2knU/s1600/Picture+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFMqHXdYMxI/AAAAAAAAKhg/wnpj4Km2knU/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499785875994194706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">look at this wonderful picture </div><div style="text-align: center;">my <i>v. v.</i> talented friend <a href="http://www.ryanmuirhead.com/">Ryan Muirhead</a> took of my boys.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">then tell me their abundant adorableness </div><div style="text-align: center;">didn't make you poop in your pants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we're on the road again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">back to Utah for baby Chelsea's wedding </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(don't worry, <i>baby</i> Chelsea is 24 as of yesterday).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On a side note,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">she's marrying a prince.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">but like, for real.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">she is.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Anyway, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm feeling kinda bleh from all this travel.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You know how it's just common womanly knowledge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">that you gain 5 lbs for every 1,000 miles you spend in </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a car eating road trip food?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well, folks,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've been in a car for 6,000 miles. . .</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">with ZERO shortage of road trip goodies.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Watch out world!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and please, don't look at me from behind.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">happy weekending!</span></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-52256965669545804032010-07-28T08:43:00.002-10:002010-07-28T08:47:57.509-10:00This is an alien. Love, Cardon<div style="text-align: center;">Today Cardon was looking at <a href="http://www.birdsofashmae.blogspot.com/">Cousin Ashley's art</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">with Grandma.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFB6z8x99uI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/vuEZvUjm95Y/s1600/rhino.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFB6z8x99uI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/vuEZvUjm95Y/s400/rhino.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499030177927001826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He decided he wanted to draw something for her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"To Ashley,</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is an alien.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cardon"</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFB6hC7QChI/AAAAAAAAKhI/TLScXkP-W8E/s1600/cardonart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TFB6hC7QChI/AAAAAAAAKhI/TLScXkP-W8E/s400/cardonart.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499029853159033362" /></a>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-14901735143002375042010-07-27T17:11:00.003-10:002010-07-27T17:17:04.913-10:00read this. LOVED it.<div style="text-align: left;">"How you go'n stand it. . . . I mean goin' home every night and she ain't there."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Do I got a choice, Will Tweedy? I got to stand it, ain't I? Livin' is like pourin' water out of a tumbler into a dang Coca-Cola bottle. If'n you're scared you can't do it, you can't. If'n you say to yourself, 'By dang, I can do it!' then by dang, you won't slosh a drop . . . . I wouldn't ask the Lord to steady my hand for a thing like pourin' water into a Coca-Cola bottle. But I'll be askin' Him for help on this."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-Cold Sassy Tree</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Olive Ann Burns</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. Hopefully I'll get my act together and get the final changes to the designer for the new blog soon! Holding off on "real" blogging until after my face lift. :) Hang in there friends! SOOOOOO close!</div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-44999883618363421982010-07-26T08:55:00.005-10:002010-07-26T16:11:22.965-10:00Happy Birthday to Me.<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is my birthday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm 29.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">TWENTY-NINE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">gad.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Got this awesome b-day surprise from my Costa Rician muchacho.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(he's singing softly so he doesn't wake up his hombres)</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If the video doesn't load, go <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/13654259">here</a> to see all the awesome that is Richie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="400" height="300"></object></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/13654259">richie b day</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4355545">Natalie Norton</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-67248875348528940302010-07-23T10:09:00.004-10:002010-07-23T10:11:37.289-10:00Richie.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TEn3P84L5FI/AAAAAAAAKgY/xgtjOLf8CzY/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TEn3P84L5FI/AAAAAAAAKgY/xgtjOLf8CzY/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497196673594287186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My man is off surfing in Costa Rica.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to the zoo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then turning off the computer until Monday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peace out homies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">xx,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">N</div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-50989874983131740322010-07-21T07:47:00.002-10:002010-07-21T07:48:27.964-10:00Go Go GO!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TEcyxKoVlII/AAAAAAAAKgA/_qf3RyId32I/s1600/Picture+23.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TEcyxKoVlII/AAAAAAAAKgA/_qf3RyId32I/s400/Picture+23.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496417690477499522" border="0" /></a><br />click to enlarge if necessary.<br /><br />You're right Marie, I am proud.<br /><br />SO.PROUD!<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-58478863018101526882010-07-19T10:04:00.004-10:002010-07-19T19:47:07.000-10:00Natalie Norton Photography Featured by Green Wedding Shoes!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TESwHMnPlfI/AAAAAAAAKe0/X4vxDoQmYWs/s1600/Picture+9.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 155px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TESwHMnPlfI/AAAAAAAAKe0/X4vxDoQmYWs/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495711082990245362" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to Green Wedding Shoes<br />for featuring <a target="new" href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-jill-glenns-sweet-wedding/">Glenn and Jill's beautiful Rancho Las Lomas wedding</a>!<br /></div>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-15188081474250855402010-07-16T20:21:00.002-10:002010-07-16T20:36:58.628-10:00Raleigh.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TEFPbTuH4KI/AAAAAAAAKes/1kSqH_vl1WA/s1600/Picture+22.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TEFPbTuH4KI/AAAAAAAAKes/1kSqH_vl1WA/s400/Picture+22.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494760350937505954" border="0" /></a>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1021668448931262073.post-71375230288200239072010-07-13T19:33:00.000-10:002010-07-13T19:34:23.162-10:00Cardon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TD1MP2fgRUI/AAAAAAAAKeg/yzAi0uRcawQ/s1600/Picture+21.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TD1MP2fgRUI/AAAAAAAAKeg/yzAi0uRcawQ/s400/Picture+21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493630955671274818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TD1MPn6GAWI/AAAAAAAAKeY/KxSay1zWUFc/s1600/Picture+20.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L0GJGMqh7EQ/TD1MPn6GAWI/AAAAAAAAKeY/KxSay1zWUFc/s400/Picture+20.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493630951756267874" border="0" /></a>Natalie.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03306521406053336039noreply@blogger.com12