let's be friends, wanna?

pretty fairy party.

click here to open post Oct 19, 2010 | posted in Family Portraits | 10 comments

This party was like every child’s very best daydream come to life.

I’m telling you people, EVERY DETAIL WAS THOUGHT THROUGH TO PERFECTION!  When the kids arrived, they each had their own personalized scavenger hunt!  There was face painting, food and goodies galore, I spent on buying inexpensive table runners for the decoration and everyone love it! craft station, performers, and even a beautifully adorned basket full of bug spray and sunscreen just in case!  I still can’t get over the fact that upon arrival all the girls got fairy wings and all the boys got pirate hats and swords!

And the party favors . . .  ahhhhh the party favors.  They were honestly like NOTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN. IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

Isn’t this “set” remarkable!!  Tania (Mom) wanted to stick with the fairy theme by having everything seem larger than life in proportion to all the little fairy guests. It was amazing!

I’m such a sucker for face painting! LOVE IT.

Every detail was thought through to perfection.  Check out this fun activity table!  The kids always had something to occupy them, so any and all potential meltdowns were  avoided all together!

The dancers were definitely a huge highlight of the day.  They did such a fun Peter Pan themed performance! The kids loved it!

I adore the shot below (left). . . darling little girl watching the “princess” get her face painted. LOVE.

In keeping with the Peter Pan theme. . .

In addition to the personalized gift bags the kids took home at the end of the day, each child also went home with a darling chair, just their size.  Such a FUN party favor!

It was such an honor to photograph ADORABLE little Callie’s 2nd birthday party at The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu.  Never was there a little girl so loved.  Truly.  It was such a beautiful day in every way.  Thank you Tania for inviting me to share such a wonderful memory with your family.  xx, N

High fives to Nada Marriott of Expert Event Planners of Hawaii for a job oh so very well done.

10 comments | add comment
  • shelly: First, I need to apologize to all my children right now for all my LAME attempts at parties over the years! Oh, my gosh! This is incredible. Secondly, your photos are works of art, Natalie. Seriously beautiful. I definitely caught the feeling from these pictures. October 20, 2010 5:42 am
  • Alexandra: These are fantastic! Sometimes, you just need to be a let loose and be a girl sometimes. These pictures really sum that thought up. I know I am at least one of the adult readers who imagined myself being there and *loving* it!! October 20, 2010 5:46 am
  • Celia: OK... so I'm like jealous.... this party is amazing and you captured it perfectly!!! My 30th birthday is Saturday.... wonder if my husband would do this for me..... HA October 20, 2010 8:56 am
  • alisa greig: MAN this is beautiful!!! every girls dream :) with 3 little girls, i could never pull this off! so fun!! October 20, 2010 9:01 am
  • Natalie: too cute for words!!! October 20, 2010 6:13 pm
  • richie: These pictures are AMAZING! What an incredible party. Wish I was there! October 20, 2010 8:41 pm
  • Juanita: wow dude,wow! How will she out do that party when she's 3? I wish i was at that party. October 22, 2010 3:25 pm
  • Katrina Reinert: You totally have my dream job!!! These photos are so fun!!! You are really amazing!!! I was in Kauai'i at the beginning of the month visiting my in-laws and I kept trying to think of a job to keep me there...and this would totally be it!! You are so blessed and so talented! It is obvious that you have worked hard to get to where you are today! October 24, 2010 10:29 pm
  • Kristy D: Your photos are AMAZING. I want to be like you someday... October 27, 2010 7:23 pm
  • Fairy Party Extras |: [...] 3. Help guide your guests to the party room with a personalized sign. [...] February 23, 2011 2:19 pm

I’ve lost 19.5in! Join me for round 2!!

click here to open post Oct 17, 2010 | posted in Personal | 27 comments

DISCLAIMER:  I totally know that this is going to WREAK of sales pitch, I SWEAR TO YOU IT IS NOT. I am in NO WAY affiliated with the IsaGameOn contest.  I just happen to like it, a lot. And I’m simply this legitimately obsesssssed with this program.

Remember my post on the 30 day nutritional cleanse?  Well, I’m done a week from today! (I know, what the HECK happened to October? and September. . . and August for that matter??).

So far this time around, I’ve lost 10 lbs and 19.5 inches and I feel FANTASTIC!

I haven’t measured or weighed in yet this week. . . so cross your fingers for me that my week 3 numbers are amazing too! (People: this means that I’ve lost 40 lbs this year on Isagenix. . . alllll the baby weight + a few more!  Feel free to hoot and holler. I sure am.) I have to say its all thanks to the best appetite suppressant you can also find at the link.

I’m a little (totally read: A LOT) obsessed with this program and the way it makes me look and feel! I am now looking online, where to buy sarms for better muscle mass and have also decided to keep on going just because I’m seriously starting to think that I may ACTUALLY be able to obtain that dream weight of mine (the one that has been in my back pocket since the 11th grade) . . . soooo I’ve decided to hop on board for round 2 of the IsaGameOn contest!  Remember, you can win $200 by being on the winning team!  And my team is so totally going to win!  Join me! (There is also an 11 day cleansing option if you’d rather).

Trick is, to get in on the contest, you’ve got to register by Monday night (10/18)! If you’re interested in gearing up for the holidays (in the way that doesn’t equate to your eating every single piece of Halloween candy that moves through your house next week), email Angel (angelinparadise17{at}yahoo{dot}com) simply for more information or to jump on the band wagon of awesome! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have you on my team (men and women welcome).

xx!

Me

PS-  I know that all my current teammates will attest to this: this game/team system is AMAZING. (I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!) It keeps you committed and the support alone is worth it’s weight in gold at 12am when you’re dying to raid the kitchen to snag a couple of spoons full (spoon fulls? spoons full?) of peanut butter!  If you’re SERIOUS about losing weight, I swear to you, this contest is a REMARKABLE way to get and to stay motivated and this program is simply “it” if you want to see prompt, real and lasting results!

PPS- Scoring isn’t based on weight loss, so anyone of any size or fitness level is on equal playing ground to win!

PPPS- Richie’s jumping in this round for the 11 day! So fun!

PPPPPPPPPPPPS- If you’ve got questions, I’ll do my best to pay close attention to the comments and get back to you stat, just remember that to get in on the game, you’ve got to get registered ASAP, so emailing Angel directly (again: angelinparadise17{at}yahoo{dot}com) might be the smartest way to go.

27 comments | add comment
  • liko: so, i just googled isagenix and i'm wondering what you are doing? are you on a program of just doing the cleanse? i'm curious. and go you!! that is HUGE!!! your accomplishment of the weight and inches lost!! i used to hold onto my smaller clothes and would always think that someday, SOMEday i would be able to fit into them again. i've sorta lost hope but i'm wondering about this isagenix thing. i have yet to get back to my pre-baby weight and i've only had two kids. :-( October 17, 2010 8:43 pm
  • Jennifer Tanner: I am on day 5 of my 30 day cleanse and I am down 4 pounds! WOW. I'm so excited! Not only that, but I FEEL AMAZING. I haven't had this much energy in a very long time! I love the fact that your body becomes the miracle - the isagenix just gives it the building blocks it needs. :) I am just like you... totally obsessed with this new find and CAN'T WAIT for my amazing, healthy future! (I only need to lose about 5 or 10 more pounds but LOVE the fact that my body is getting what it needs!) You are an inspiration Natalie, as always. Good luck team Natalie! :) October 18, 2010 6:07 am
  • Allison Moon: I might be on board for the 11 day cleans. I've been looking for a solution to pull me out of this weight rut! What is required to sign up and how do I know what to do and when? You're awesome and once again inspirational, thanks for sharing and giving hope! October 18, 2010 6:38 am
  • heidi: one, is it mostly about weight loss---or can you just cleanse? and two--i'm assuming you can't be nursing but can you? :) October 18, 2010 6:52 am
  • Jana Neser: Hey Natalie I tried to email Angel twice but I got a delivery notification both times. Is there another email to reach her at? Or can you have her email me? Jananeser (at) gmail (dot) (com) thanks! October 18, 2010 7:19 am
  • Natalie Norton: Liko: I'm doing their 30 day cleanse, which is the program that Isagenix is famous for. It's a shake for breakfast, a shake for dinner and a sensible lunch (600 cal or less) and then one day a week is a liquid cleanse day where you drink some witches brew that they give you and it magically cleans out your bowels. :) It doesn't taste bad at all! :) :) Let me know if you have any other questions! October 18, 2010 7:53 am
  • Cic: I want info too, but my e-mails got returned as well. Can you give me some info or another contact person? October 18, 2010 7:54 am
  • natalie: Jennifer: "the body becomes the miracle- Isagenix just gives it the building blocks it needs" LOVE that!!! GO YOU! 4 lbs!!!! I'm with you now, I'm on the final 10. . . :) Well, really I already reached my goal, but I want to go 10 more just because I actually think I can! :) High fives Jen! October 18, 2010 7:56 am
  • natalie: Allison, Email Angel, angelinparadise17{at}yahoo{dot}com. She'll give you all the ordering information as well as the game rules. Ask me if you have any questions whatsoever! You'll do awesome!!! October 18, 2010 7:57 am
  • natalie: Heidi, You can totally just cleanse. Points aren't based on weightloss, they're based on following rules: enough water, eating enough calories, exercise, sleep etc. You can earn bonus points for your team through weightloss however, there is also an athletes category in the cleanse group too where you get bonus points for reaching training goals. I think I might do that category this time around actually because I'm just about at my goal weight and am training for a marathon. October 18, 2010 7:59 am
  • natalie: Cic and Jenna! i put her dumb email address wrong! i am so idiotic. angelinparadise17{at}yahoo{dot}com. Try that! Sheesh. October 18, 2010 8:00 am
  • natalie: HEIDI! Oh yeah, there is a nursing category as well. . . forgot to mention that. :) October 18, 2010 8:01 am
  • Rachel: I just wanted to shout out to you nat and say CONGRATS! on your awesome accomplishment. To everyone else, I just wanna say that I lost 92 pounds on the Isagenix program--I lost the first 50 doing 3 30 day cleanses a row. I am pregnant now with #3 and I am STILL lighter than I was BEFORE I got pregnant with with my first child! Yea! It works! GO NAT AND HER PEEPS! October 18, 2010 1:54 pm
  • Kerri: Natalie, I've always been freaked out at stuff like this because I run a lot and am worried I won't have energy to do my long runs. Are you training for the half you were talking about a while back or are you training for a full? How do you manage calories on days you run 10 or more miles? I'm interested...I have these stupid 5-10 pounds that won't come off, but I want to keep running. Thanks! October 18, 2010 2:10 pm
  • Natalie Norton: Kerri, Yup, I'm training right now and cleansing. You just have to do the athlete's pak/program. Angel just finished the St George marathon. She's definitely the BEST one to talk to about Isagenix and running! angelinparadise17@yahoo.com October 18, 2010 3:06 pm
  • Amanda Lipscomb: Hey Natalie! I emailed Angel to register and she emailed me back asking for my # to call, but I haven't received a call yet. I just want to make sure I can get registered in time. What should I do? Thanks! October 18, 2010 3:43 pm
  • Natalie: Amanda, If Angel said she'll call, she will! I'm sure she just has quite a few calls to make tonight. But don't hesitate to email her again just to be absolutely certain she got your first message! October 18, 2010 4:15 pm
  • liko: how much is it? and you've been doing this 30 day cleanse for months now?? i am very interested. fill me in!! October 18, 2010 6:42 pm
  • natalie: Liko, email angel for price details and such, but yes, I did 2 30 day cleanses back to back earlier this year and now I'm doing 2 more back to back. I have one more week left and then the next one starts the following day (1 week from today). :) :) If you really do want to be on a team, you'll need to get in touch with angel asap. Like NOW. October 18, 2010 8:31 pm
  • Wendy: Sad! I missed the deadline by THAT much! Still planning to contact Angel about getting the products, at least. October 19, 2010 10:48 am
  • Chelsea: Oh no! Did I really miss the deadline???!? I REALLY wanted to do this. Darn, should I still contact Angel? Natalie, we still haven't gone for that lunch and it's October! October 19, 2010 11:34 am
  • Crystal: My mom and I are about to start the 30 day plan, and we're going to be in the challenge. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the motivation, Natalie! October 19, 2010 2:34 pm
  • LeeYen: See you on the lighter side ;) I'm excited :) October 19, 2010 9:14 pm
  • natalie: Yay Crystal and LeeYen! Chelsea and Wendy, I hope you got in touch with Angel! I know she extended the deadline by a day. . . hopefully you squeezed in before they closed the game!!!!! October 19, 2010 10:22 pm
  • liko: so many times now i've regretted making this my email address -- it looks like SPAM. anyways, i emailed her but she never got back to me. like i said, i think she thinks it's spam. i'll try again. October 22, 2010 11:52 am
  • Shannon: can you do this program while nursing? I've got a 6 week old but I am feeling so sluggish - I've done the cleanse before, but I'm wondering about the nursing thing. October 25, 2010 3:32 am
  • best weight loss plans for women: Howdy! This post could not be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I am going to send this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing! July 14, 2014 12:22 am

featured: forget me knot.

click here to open post Oct 14, 2010 | posted in Weddings | 3 comments

Remember this darling shoot from a while back?

It was featured today over at Forget Me Knot Weddings, a beautiful blog full of all things. . . beautiful.

Thank you Forget Me Knot for the feature!

3 comments | add comment
  • sonya: totally deserve the feature! this picture is perfect love. October 14, 2010 1:26 pm
  • forget.me.knot.weddings: Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful work on my blog! October 15, 2010 10:42 am
  • Sabrina (Chicago): <3 Love it! <3 October 16, 2010 5:41 am

jp and alexis | annisquam, ma.

click here to open post Oct 11, 2010 | posted in Weddings | 28 comments

Oh oh oh. I met Alexis and JP the day before their beautiful Annisquam, MA wedding.  In about 17 seconds I knew that they are the kind of people you want to have in your lives for the rest of forever. . . their families too. Quality. People. All. And now, the longest post in recorded history. Enjoy.

These first two sets of files, make my heart sing. Annisquam is like going back in time. It’s the very best kind of magic there is.

First we headed in to Boston (about 45 min from the bride’s BEAUTIFUL home in Annisquam) for hair and make up.  Boston = Brick.  The end.

Then back to the bride’s house to finish getting ready for the ceremony.

I drooled over the couple’s letterpressed invites.

Alexis’ sister, Stephanie, after planning the wedding, making favors and 7 million etcs, made this beautiful quilt as a gift to the bride and groom!

She gave it to Alexis just before the ceremony.  It was so incredibly touching to see Alexis’ reaction. . .

Then on to the ceremony outside the bride’s family home.  The view is like nothing you’ve ever seen in your life. . . and from EVERY DIRECTION!

Hello beautiful tree swing built for two!  LOVE.

Sister Stephanie’s lovely favors. . . aaaaaaand, she made the cake to boot.  Truth. Best.sister.ever.

Congratulations Alexis and JP!  It was an HONOR to be a part of your big day!!

A million loves!

xx!

N

28 comments | add comment
  • Shelly: Oh, Natalie -- what incredible photos of an AMAZING bride and wedding! I feel like I know her and I've never met her, but would love to! These are brilliant. October 11, 2010 2:23 pm
  • Kellin: STUNNING!!! Natalie you are AMAZING. And Shelly, the bride is so so so amazing. If you would really like to be her friend let me know and I will hook it up! October 11, 2010 4:37 pm
  • tiffany garfield: amazing! such beautiful shots! where were you when I was getting married?! i would've hired you in a second! October 11, 2010 7:05 pm
  • Rachel B: Trully an awesome story. I enjoyed the LONG post, I felt as if I was there. It told the whole story. AAHH I wish I had great pictures of my dress & family like you took of this bride. just simple BEAUTIFUL October 11, 2010 10:36 pm
  • Justin Mou: Yes consent concerning a large amount of what's getting stated here, I'm thankful I discovered this topic. :) I was a short time ago having a dialogue regarding issue with butt cousin at the office. October 11, 2010 11:09 pm
  • How To Lose Weight Fast: It's so lucky for me to find your blog! So shocking and great! Just one suggestion: It will be better and easier to follow. October 12, 2010 12:37 am
  • Karen Lumpkins: Hey I like your site ! October 12, 2010 1:12 am
  • christine: beautiful images! as always... our ocean isn't quite like the one in hawaii, but we do ok, right? :) next time you are in my neighborhood for a shoot, call me & I will come out & carry your bag! October 12, 2010 4:21 am
  • niki: Beautiful! I felt like I was there with them :) October 12, 2010 5:07 am
  • Natalie: Really lovely photos! They draw you in and bring a smile to your face...thanks! October 12, 2010 6:09 am
  • AmyPunky Photography: Amazing photos!!!! October 12, 2010 11:31 am
  • I Wonder: Absolutely gorgeous pics. Looks like the PERFECT day for them. I do wonder though, why people who aren't the bride think its ok to wear white to a wedding? Am I too old fashioned in that thinking or something? There seems to always be 1. October 12, 2010 11:47 am
  • Steph Lawrence: Natalie these make me so happy, every time I look at them. Which has been like... 49 times over the past 24 hours. You captured the weekend perfectly, and we are so glad you could be a part of the celebrations. You are now a part of the Lawrence family! Welcome! I only wish we had more photos of YOU! :) Can't wait for our paths to cross again soon. xx October 12, 2010 1:54 pm
  • Heidi Bitsch: What a truly magical place as you said, and truly magical photos! I love all the little details you captured and what a beautiful bride and groom! MAGIC!!! October 12, 2010 4:38 pm
  • natalie norton: well I don't know about the rest of you, but I for one am glad to know that Justin was having a "dialogue regarding this issue with butt cousin" and that How To Lose Weight Fast finds my blog "shocking" and wants it to be "easier to follow". Growl. Sorry for the spamage people. Working on resolving the issue now. SHOULD be under control asap. October 12, 2010 5:24 pm
  • natalie norton: Steph, YOU make me so happy. I swear, I really do feel like a part of the family. I double heart you guys! Come visit me soon! October 12, 2010 5:25 pm
  • Kali Leenstra: So pretty! I went to boston my first time this past summer and fell in love with it. You did an amazing job! October 12, 2010 6:30 pm
  • Alisa Greig: these are stunning natalie!! what a beautiful wedding full of joy!! October 12, 2010 9:47 pm
  • Ranan Samanya: Thank you for the beautifully composed pictures. I learn a lot from them (and from the rest of this blog). October 13, 2010 4:56 am
  • Kent West: And....once again. You blow me away. Well done. October 14, 2010 7:51 am
  • Steff: Unreal! I think I am already addicted to you making longer blog posts. Were some of these shot on film? October 14, 2010 12:23 pm
  • Kindsay: Beautiful pictures Nat!!!! Great job! October 17, 2010 7:00 pm
  • Grandma’s Poppy Seed Dressing (Wedding Bloggery, Part 2) « thelocalspoon: [...] my sister Alexis’ wedding this past September I made a variety of canned goods as the wedding favors, and have been doing a [...] November 4, 2010 8:16 pm
  • Grandma’s Poppy Seed Dressing (Wedding Bloggery, Part 2) | thelocalspoon: [...] my sister Alexis’ wedding this past September I made a variety of canned goods as the wedding favors, and have been doing a [...] February 13, 2011 8:58 am
  • How to Make a Wedding Cake | thelocalspoon: [...] two years ago today Alexis and JP were married at our parent’s home in Annisquam, Massachusetts. The same day 33 years ago my parents [...] September 1, 2012 8:04 pm
  • Craig and Steph: Dawn Ranch. | Natalie Norton Photography Craig and Steph: Dawn Ranch. | Blog: [...] [and totally unsolicited] plug) via telephone as she and I discussed the details of her sister Alexis’ Annisquam, MA wedding. Steph and I were fast friends (same with Alexis), but I could never have anticipated just how [...] October 2, 2013 6:21 pm
  • Matt and Annie: Ojai, CA | Natalie Norton Photography Matt and Annie: Ojai, CA | Blog: [...] among the most treasured friends of my life. I love them completely. Left to right: Kellin, Alexis, Mei, Annie, [...] November 12, 2013 9:35 pm
  • Lena Hendricks: 4 Qualities of Masturbation Vs Collaborated sex is your ultimate resource for all things love and marriage. Get advice about everything from your engagement to filing for a divorce. If necessary, you can use the “Find a therapist” resource to help work on your marriage. Talk to others on the forum and take the quizzes to learn more about yourself, your partner, and your relationship. Check out the videos for more comprehensive webinars and informational pieces. April 27, 2020 5:33 am

camping.

click here to open post Oct 06, 2010 | posted in Baby Gavin, Brother Gavin, Personal | 25 comments

Above, Harrison, Idaho. From or 2 month long road trip/camping extravaganza.
Image Credit: Raleigh (left) Yours Truly (right)  . . both shot with the instax mini 7s

I am in a FUNK.

Of the deep and the dark variety.

So clearly, camping is the only remedy.

Though admittedly it’s heart-wrenching to be here. . . where a year ago to this very week I camped on this very same beach, 9 months pregnant and blissfully unaware of the chasm ahead.

. . . . . . . . .

Ah, the loop of time for the grieving heart.

The difference was that this time after visiting campingfunzone.com we decided to rent a class b rv as it seemed fun. And it was.

A custom tailored Hell. Desolate, despondent and horrifying.

An indescribably lonely place to be.

I’ll see you when I pull myself together, because we all know that I will.

In the mean time, I’m giving myself permission to be a mess.

Because quite frankly, after all I’ve been through with gavin 1 and then gavin 2 (before the first was even cold in his grave), if I weren’t, I’d wonder what was wrong with myself.

HERE’S SOME REASONS WHY CAMPING IS FUN


Cаmрfіrе fооdѕ. Classic саmріng mеаnѕ уоu’ll gеt to еnjоу things lіkе hоt dogs, сhірѕ, S’Mоrеѕ аnd еvеn реrhарѕ ѕоmе fun dutсh оvеn оr саѕt іrоn сооkеd mеаlѕ. This саn іnсludе bacon, biscuits аnd grаvу for brеаkfаѕt, оr a уummу реасh соbblеr fоr dеѕѕеrt. Cаmрfіrе fооdѕ аrе fun to make, but аlѕо dеlісіоuѕ tо еаt. Eѕресіаllу wіth that ѕmоkу flаvоr аddеd tо thіngѕ lіkе hоt dоgѕ, сhісkеn, burgers and more. But like Camping Console asserts, without a few yet important essentials, things can totally upend.

Fewer electronic dіѕtrасtіоnѕ. Cаmріng means you leave the tеlеvіѕіоn, vіdео gаmеѕ аnd еvеn уоur phone аt home. Thіѕ gіvеѕ уоu less contact with thе оutѕіdе wоrld, аnd many mоrе hоurѕ of рlауіng gаmеѕ, tаlkіng, hunting fоr trеаѕurеѕ on nаturе walks оr even ѕіngіng сlаѕѕіс саmрfіrе ѕоngѕ together. Rеmоvе the dіѕtrасtіоnѕ аnd focus on еасh оthеr аѕ needed.

Lеаrn lіfе skills. Tаkіng уоur kids camping gіvеѕ уоu a chance to teach them hоw tо рrореrlу mаkе a саmрfіrе, gаthеr wооd and sticks аѕ needed fоr said fire or еvеn сооk оvеr open coals. Yоu саn teach them about trapping small game, trасkіng аnіmаlѕ in thе wооdѕ, hоw tо tеll directions wіth and without a соmраѕѕ, аѕ well аѕ ѕіmрlе thіngѕ lіkе hоw to fіѕh.

Slееріng bags and tents. Nееd I say more? Cаmріng out іѕ аlwауѕ fun whеn you have a tent, a fеw ѕlееріng bags and ріllоwѕ. Whеthеr you саmр under the ѕtаrѕ or іn a tеnt the kids will hаvе tоnѕ оf fun setting uр camp, рісkіng their ѕроt to sleep.

Gеt uр close аnd реrѕоnаl wіth animals. From ѕееіng mоrе bіrdѕ, to bеіng іn areas with rаbbіtѕ, rассооnѕ, роѕѕumѕ, dееr оr еvеn ѕnаkеѕ уоu саn lеаrn a lоt more about wіldlіfе whеn you gо саmріng with уоur fаmіlу.

25 comments | add comment
  • sonya: friend. sorry to hear your in a funk. when my husband says he's in a funk. i say get the funk out. become a mess. let god take over. let god take care of you. sometimes messes are too big for humans to handle. October 6, 2010 12:28 pm
  • Damaris: I'm coming to Hawaii for Christmas. Last Christmas I ran into Richie and the boys at the visitor center. I told him I wanted to come and see you and baby Gavin. He said I should come and I never did. This time I am coming to see you (if you don't mind of course) and I don't mind if you're a mess and frankly I'm glad you're allowing yourself to not mind so much either. October 6, 2010 12:46 pm
  • Mindy Schmidt: Random blog reader here, just wanted to say I love your blog, your optimistic outlook and appreciation for life despite what you've been dealt, and I think you have every right to throw your hair in a sloppy pony, sport some comfy ugly pjs, and lay in bed eating ice-cream straight from the container. God bless! October 6, 2010 1:27 pm
  • shari: funkiest of all funks friend....i'm so sorry. allow yourself to FEEL it and let it out. and enjoy mother nature. enjoy your boys. breathe lots of fresh air and cry lots of cleansing tears. xo from HB October 6, 2010 1:50 pm
  • buy an essay: Din’t you have some knowledge that we were glad provide with students nice fact related with this post. We promise that men buy custom essay papers and have the high quality custom essays writing companies to buy term paper at. October 6, 2010 4:39 pm
  • oneshotbeyond: Don't count on pulling yourself together...and please, please, please don't take that in a negative way. Tragedies rip out parts of us & embed other qualities we never expected deep into the core of us. You most likely will not ever fee the same as you did before both Gavin's were lost, but out of it you will be stronger, more intuitive, extra sensitive to others and more grateful for the moments you have with the people you still do have in your life. With loss comes gain. Not in the form we crave, but in the form that can heal us. You DON'T have to pull yourself together. You have every right to feel a hollowness inside that seems as endless as the open sea. I have been there and honestly am still there at any given moment I need to be. You will have better days, even good ones...but the thoughts, the what if's, the desire to have them back, the fears of what may happen in the future and your desire to feel whole again are going to be a new part of your life. One you will get used to and carry with you. It cannot be avoided. I used to wish it could be avoided myself, but all in all everything that has happened will make you a better mother, wife, friend, communicator & photographer. You know how much purpose your life has for those around you. You have every reason to share your experience by living it in whatever way feels right to you. If the pain & loneliness never cease it goes to show how special your two Gavin's were and it will serve as a reminder to cherish all the other special ones in your life. By the way, you are NOT a mess. You clearly are NOT a mess. Tell yourself "I am not a mess" everyday if you need to...a hundred times a day. For you to be on a camping trip right now and for you to be writing coherently at all is proof that you are Not as mess. You are totally appropriate in your grief. Give your boys & hubby hugs every chance you get. That is how you will heal the moments of desolation. You are loved. They were loved. You know you're loved. They knew they were loved. What more in life or death can we ask for than to be loved? I use my pain to fuel my happiness. Without some pain I would not be able to appreciate joy as strongly. I pray that you will embrace your journey and not feel compelled to heal in a certain way, to a particular degree or in a specific amount of time. “There are places in the heart that do not yet exist; suffering has to enter in for them to come to be.” Leon Bloy October 6, 2010 4:44 pm
  • Alan: I've got a little blog and I was wondering if I can I use some of the information from this post if I provide a link back to your site? If you would rather not, that's okay, but this was a good post. October 6, 2010 6:50 pm
  • Kerri: Wow. That message from oneshotbeyond was gorgeous. I have nothing more to add but words of love and support. You are amazing and you are allowed to, supposed to, grieve. October 6, 2010 7:43 pm
  • liko: have your human moments. you're entitled to. and enjoy camp with your boys! October 6, 2010 9:07 pm
  • Carrie: In grief, we are most aware that we are not alone. We are never alone. But ironically, there is no lonelier place to be. It is then that we know we must trust in HIM. for only HE knows the HOW. Prayers and Love to you and yours. October 6, 2010 11:19 pm
  • Tami: Life is hard enough when you haven't lost a son or a brother.....it is down right brutal.....you have every right!!!! Love you Nat!!! Still in my prayers. October 7, 2010 3:58 am
  • Annie Link: I'm on my way . . . and we'll muck around together in that funk until it shines like the top of the Chrysler building. October 9, 2010 8:41 am
  • Naomi: You're NOT a mess....you're a grieving mother and that's okay! And there are going to be places, things, people, situations, etc. that will take you back to that time...it is very real...and will put you "in a funk" but that's okay! God knows all of it and He knows you. He will give you what you need to pull through and stand again and move forward. He is faithful....always faithful. I will pray for you....from one mother who knows your grief and "funk" all too well. Hugs! October 9, 2010 7:03 pm
  • Erika Plummer: Dear Natalie, Thank you for opening your heart and soul to us on this blog. I am so very grateful for your honesty and candor. With a Mother's heart I cannot help to cry along with you but can't begin to know the pain you feel. i do very much admire your faith and the love you pour over your family. xo, E October 9, 2010 8:36 pm
  • Kristy Carlson: A good n proper funk is hard to shake. Thinkin of you. October 11, 2010 8:45 am
  • i like car rims: hi do you like car rims? October 11, 2010 11:34 pm
  • Metta Prieto: You know what, Natalie? I was on my way home today and driving on the freeway in the dark evening and I thought of you and cried all over again about your baby son Gavin. Watching my own little girl grow up through these months makes me grateful every day that I have her. I don't take a day for granted anymore. Today we went in for vaccinations, and I am no longer a mom who might cry over a shot, I am a mom who hands my baby's leg to the nurse and says, "go for it" because it's worth it to me now. By the way, your new blog rocks. Honestly, the light avocado green is a little hard to read against the white, but all in all, the design is superb and reflects the quality of your work really well. Good job. October 13, 2010 5:39 pm
  • dolly: I've been thinking of you as this anniversary of life and the passing of life is approaching you. Among the best of the guardian angels above (and I personally know some great ones)... yours are carefully and watchfully and lovingly letting you make the most of it. The funky part means that you are alive, with your hands dirty, playing in the mud. The refreshing part is when your sweet mama washes them squeaky clean and feeds you some delicious and nutritious. Here's to the smell of soap and lather and a fresh, terry towel! XXOO October 14, 2010 3:22 am
  • Kim: Nat...I love you. I wish it weren't only virtually right now that I can comfort you. Let me leave it at this: I have been thinking about you and praying for you multiple times per day since Oct 1. *tears* in my eyes and in my heart for you. Thank you for always making me stronger. May you find the same strength... October 15, 2010 7:47 pm
  • Kim: P.S. Will Annie Link adopt me? October 15, 2010 7:48 pm
  • natalie norton: Kim, yes, she totally will. in a heartbeat! October 16, 2010 10:08 am
  • Cyberlink Coupons: I like it especially. Need to investigate more posts from you. August 19, 2019 1:14 am
  • charlie Ford: Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. Hope you will love this one October 7, 2019 1:25 pm
  • Nicolas Hamilton: I found a lot of interesting stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From tons of comments on your post, I guess I'm not the only one who has all the relaxation here! Please continue to uphold. I think I need to learn a lot to get a good writer like you. April 27, 2020 12:26 am
  • CPS test: I love to travel for adventures rides as well as camping. Sometime gaming is my favorite time pass. So i used this time to play games like click speed test, kohi click test. June 11, 2020 12:51 am