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Art for Education: Get your kids involved in a good cause!

click here to open post Jun 01, 2011 | posted in on the agenda | 2 comments

Art for Education from trisha Zemp on Vimeo.

I LOVE THIS!

Take the 1 minute and 9 seconds required to watch this video. I think what this organization is doing is so unbelievably refreshing and oh so fun! I can hardly contain myself! We donated alllllll of our (wonderful and treasured) art supplies (from our wonderful Aunt Jenny) to a local homeless shelter last weekend in preparation for our move, but I’m seriously so excited about this, that I’m geniunely considering going out and buying new ones, simply so we can be involved in such a great project! What a COOL way for your kids to a) have the opportunity to actively contribute to a GREAT cause and  b) realize the incredible importance of education.

xx! N

2 comments | add comment
  • Camille: Wow, this is so awesome! I am totally donating, purchasing, and spreading the word! Thanks for sharing. June 1, 2011 12:08 pm
  • emanuelmaruio: This is worth reading. For real the details ones are fun to read as it makes it more like suspense. I like this article. It is give more information to me. I’m very fired up to show it to anyone. It makes me so satisfied. Thanks for sharing this post. Feel free surf (essayguardian) October 13, 2016 2:10 am

certainty.

click here to open post May 31, 2011 | posted in Personal | 17 comments

When you are on the right path, doors open everywhere to make way for you. The trouble is, so few people put in the work necessary to ensure they are on the right path to begin with…

Throughout the ins and outs of my somewhat chaotic and unconventional life, I am constantly aware of two very real fears for me.

One: I’m afraid to look up, because there are so many things that need to get done, so many variables running around under my feet, that if I lift my head and look around for even 37 seconds, I’m sure to trip over a Lego tower land flat on my face.

Two: (and this second fear haunts me a million times more than the first) I’m afraid that if I don’t take the time to look up, I’m going to miss out on all the wonderful opportunities God really has in store for me. The last thing I ever want to do is to get so caught up in the structure and predictability of my life, that I miss that quiet voice within that would lead me down the less traveled, and more extraordinary, path.

As mothers (and in today’s day and age, father’s too), we are constantly on auto pilot. Get out milk, pour into plastic cup, hand cup to child, place milk back in the refrigerator, wipe counter, take cup from toddler, wash cup, put cup away. Repeat 947 times. . . per hour. We get so stuck in the monotony of the tasks at hand, that Heaven forbid anything should interrupt our pattern! One unexpected phone call during a milk pouring session, could result in an Iphone in the refrigerator and a cup of milk in your purse. And the best part is, you’re all nodding your heads in complete understanding and agreement.

Bottom line? I feel so vastly grateful that Richie and I stopped. I feel so grateful that we took the time to look up and ask if there might be a different, better way for our family. We love Hawaii and we always will, but there is no doubt in my mind that we are headed to exactly where God wants our family at this time in our lives, and certainty, well, it’s an extraordinary feeling my friends.

We have seen miracle after miracle after miracle over the last few weeks. It hasn’t been easy, not by any stretch of the imagination, but ike I said above, when you are on the right path, doors open everywhere to make way for you. I am living, breathing proof of this gospel truth.

xx!

N

17 comments | add comment
  • jenny haas: Natalie! It has been a while since I have visited apparently because I had no idea you were moving! I wish you and your family all of the best in your journey to Phoenix, I know the Lord will continue to bless you, you will inspire and encourage people no matter where you end up! safe travels :) May 31, 2011 11:41 am
  • Shelly: Wonderful, wonderful post! The photo to go along with it is simply magnificent. May 31, 2011 12:45 pm
  • shari: yes, you are so right. about the legos...and phone in the fridge (or toilet)...and for recognizing miracles when you're on the right path...even if it isn't what YOU think is "ideal"...i too have had moments of certainty in the last 2 years and completely understand what you're saying. :) May 31, 2011 3:43 pm
  • April: You all are so brave and strong and I admire what you are doing for your family. Good luck with with the move and everything xoxoxo May 31, 2011 4:03 pm
  • Gaye: Blog stalker here - this was a post meant for me. You will never know the sermon you preached or how I needed this witness. Thank you. PS. FYI - It's still cool here in Phoenix (under 100 is considered a cool breeze!) May 31, 2011 5:33 pm
  • Erin: I love that you wrote this post and it feels like it is just for me, we too are in a transition in our lives and I believe, like you, when you put your trust in the right thing doors do open everywhere. I have seen it too! May 31, 2011 5:34 pm
  • Heather: I love this. Thank you. May 31, 2011 6:12 pm
  • Jennifer Garbett: Super excited to welcome you to Phoenix!! I'm sure you'll love and hate different parts of it, but most definitely you'll grow and flourish wherever you are...because you are clearly that way in all aspects of your life! And it's amazing! And hey, it will just take a couple of times of your kids walking barefoot on our summer sidewalks to learn that shoes in the summer are NOT optional =) I hope we can do lunch sometime once you get your family settled here. May 31, 2011 7:04 pm
  • Alisa: Inspirational! June 1, 2011 8:40 am
  • Emily Ley: I am nodding my head at that middle paragraph. I love you Natalie! You are headed for AMAZING THINGS IN PHOENIX! G, L and I might just have to plan a trip there soon :) xo This is beautiful. June 1, 2011 8:58 am
  • Lauren: Natalie, I love you and your insights. I SO miss you! June 1, 2011 9:01 am
  • Melissa Oholendt: So proud of you for doing that. It takes commitment and complete humility and trust in God to pick up and move from a place you love but God is so faithful. And you are listening. LOVE YOU. June 1, 2011 9:09 am
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: I needed every word of this today! June 1, 2011 11:05 am
  • Gina: i love your heart and your constant living which is such a testament to God's ultimate plan and it makes me want to get down to the simple and look up everyday. Natalie you and the Nortons total make me a better person. I am so stinkin' blessed to have you in my life. I love you. June 1, 2011 12:15 pm
  • mickisha: Natalie thanks for all the inspiration you provide for my life. You have the ability through your writing to make people feel understood and validated. More importantly though you make me want to be better and work harder at what's important. Thank you! You are incredible! June 1, 2011 4:10 pm
  • Kara: Hi Natalie, so I'm not sure if I've ever commented, and if I have, it's been quite a while. Anyway, I just wanted to wish you the BEST of luck in your move. Moving can be SO hard, but it can also be SO wonderful. I know you'll do great where ever you are (although summer time isn't the best time to move to phoenix, give it a couple months before you start to judge it! haha). And I must selfishly admit that I'm really excited you're moving to Phoenix, I live in southern AZ and while the chances are probably slim to none that I'll get to meet you, it would be really be awesome to cross paths sometime. You're strength and faith are such an inspiration, so thank you for sharing what a strong and incredible woman you are with all of us who blog stalk you. ;) June 1, 2011 6:53 pm
  • Lizzie: Thank you Natalie for the reminder - I've had a few of those (unfortunately sad) events in the past couple of weeks that make you stop and think about priorities, yes, but also the values where those come from. AZ is a big change - but with big blessings!!! June 2, 2011 12:47 am

5/29

click here to open post May 30, 2011 | posted in Brother Gavin, Personal | 10 comments

Above image from K and D’s engagement session. Can’t wait for their wedding on the 18th!!

Happy Memorial Day.

The yard sale went well. We sold all our big stuff within the first 15 minutes. Plus, we get to keep most of it to use until we move, so that’s pretty fancy. They boys are outside “enjoying” their last shebang on the playground before the new owner comes to pick it up in about an hour. I say “enjoying,” because from the sound of things, I’m pretty certain it’s all out war.

I’m hiding in my bedroom. Don’t tell anyone.

Now it’s just time to dig through boxes and drawers and deal with all the BILLIONS of papers we’ve accumulated over the last 10 years. 63% of me wants to just close my eyes and feed the paper shredder . . . unfortunately my voice of reason lives in the remaining 37% and she says, “there might be ONE thing in there that’s vitally important!”

Since my brother died, every now and then I find little notes or drawings when I’m going through old paperwork. They are absolute treasures. Once, about a year ago, I found a notebook he’d used during the week he took his “vow of silence.” Yes, for no apparent reason, Gavin decided not to speak for an entire week. He likely just wanted to prove that he could.  Flipping through that notebook, I remembered how during that week of silence, he got pulled over by a police officer, and handled the entire situation without ever once opening his mouth. From what I remember, he was let off simply because the cop didn’t quite know how to respond to the madness. He sold his truck that week as well. . . again, without ever opening his mouth.

Everything that went from his pen to paper is absolutely brilliant, and discovering things like this helps me remember that he really did LIVE, that he’s not just a figment of my imagination from a former, less complicated life. . . so. . . I’m going to spend a good portion of this day carefully going through paper after paper after paper hoping for brilliance.

Come to think of it, I guess this really is a wonderful way to spend Memorial Day. . . searching for memorials. . . ??

In Reality? This is all just a feeble attempt to mentally glamorize what will likely be me, sitting on the floor, in my pajamas, thumbing through a bunch of old bank statements and tithing receipts.

xx!

N

10 comments | add comment
  • shari: perfect way to spend memorial day. :) hope you find something fun! May 30, 2011 10:37 am
  • stephanie joy: This is just great. I love all the details of this post! Love you. May 30, 2011 10:39 am
  • Shelly: This post just made me really happy. Thank you! May 30, 2011 11:46 am
  • Damaris @Kitchen Corners: We're moving in the end of the month and I'm going through all my clothes today. I found out that I don't need to buy any more clothes because in reality I have a bunch of cute ones. I would of never found out because they're stuffed away and I always just wear what's on top. Really I just wear about the same 5 outfits. I want to be a minimalist I just don't know how. In going through my paper stuffs I found a binder with all the MSN instant message conversations my husband and I had while we were dating and every single email we sent to each other during the year and a half we were dating. Also priceless. May 30, 2011 11:47 am
  • natalie: Shelly, I'm glad to hear that. ;) Happy Memorial Day. ;) May 30, 2011 2:57 pm
  • natalie: Damaris: Oh goodness. I hear you. It's like every 100th thing you find something you're SO HAPPY TO HAVE. I've been totally resonating with all your moving tweets lately. Where are you guys headed? May 30, 2011 2:59 pm
  • Ashley Daley: I remember when your brother had that week of silence... :) May 31, 2011 10:18 am
  • Cece: Natalie, a friend told me about your site (I love your work) -- I also poured over your story and wanted to wish you safe and exciting travels. I think AZ clients will be very lucky to have you! May 31, 2011 11:26 am
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: I love finding things like that. June 1, 2011 11:02 am
  • Gilbert: Thanks for sharing these wonderful memories. January 29, 2021 6:59 am

click here to open post May 27, 2011 | posted in on the agenda, Personal | 21 comments

Hi friends and neighbors! We’re having an estate sale!

Tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, 8:00-11:00am.
55-691 Wahinepe’e St.

We are selling everything that’s not bolted down!

Here’s a list of SOME of what we’re saying goodbye to:

Phil and Ted’s double stroller (cream color)
Playground: swings, tube slide, toddler slide, picnic table, climbing wall
3 white, Pier One, shabby chic armoires
2 light brown (dark sand color) couches (including one wonderful backless day bed)
1 matching love seat
large, white, shabby chic coffee table with 2 wicker storage drawers
large, sturdy kitchen table with storage drawer (white)
white butcher block kitchen island with 2 drawers and storage space beneath (we used this as an entertainment center)
large, beautifully refinished, espresso colored office desk with a second desk that can attach to form an L shape (or be sold separately as a smaller desk)
2 dressers (one dark brown, one light brown)
3 WONDERFUL shabby chic bedside tables with a cabinet + drawyer
1 brown wooden linen cabinet
2 book/storage cubes (each 2 high by 3 long)
Sharp Aquos flat screen TV 30″
blue ray player
Canon printer + scanner
Colorful metal bunkbed (or loft bed) with a slide and an attached craft table
Camping gear
3 twin mattresses (available June 13)
1 queen mattress (available June 13)
2 sets plastic drawers
4 shelf wooden bookshelf
2 shelf wooden bookshelf
multiple black plastic storage shelves
full size upright freezer (air tight)
Nikon d70s

MISC: lamps, crock pot, electric skillet, large george foreman chairs, clothes (men’s, women’s and little boy), shoes, crock pot, electric globe, cork board, white board, ironing board, iron, boogie boards, towels, frames, multiple baskets, storage tubs, guitars, tool box, plates, dishes, pots, pans, fans, laundry baskets, space heater, yoga mats, free weights, kettle bells, curtains, dvd’s, art supplies, cds, house plants, cook books, tupperware, mason jars, step stool,  books, books, books, books, books

21 comments | add comment
  • alisa greig: can't believe it's really happening :( seriously, let me know if i can be of help tomorrow--i'd be happy to! and yay for phoenix!! May 27, 2011 2:18 pm
  • Ashley: I know I shouldn't laugh... but when I read that the second thing on the list was the playground I couldn't help but get a big grin on my face as I remembered that homeless man putting that beast together. Glad the boys + the neighborhood got to enjoy it for a few months! Good luck with the move! Wish we could be there to help/ buy that amazing playground for our future kiddies. May 27, 2011 2:24 pm
  • natalie: Ash, I KNOW?! Seriously, right?! Absurd. May 27, 2011 2:38 pm
  • Ashley Moffat: nat- how much do you want for the storage cubes? we just may want em! May 27, 2011 4:13 pm
  • Jesse: oh nat! I am just dying to get my hands on those "shabby chic" armoires. May 27, 2011 4:41 pm
  • josh solar: We would be all over that swingset if we could get it here :) Good luck on the sale and more importantly on the move! May 27, 2011 4:57 pm
  • Kirsten: Man, I wish I could come to your yard sale. You weren't exaggerating when you said you have good stuff. Hope it works out great! May 27, 2011 5:23 pm
  • becky demartini: hey natalie, we are interested in all of your beds! just how much might you be asking for them? thanks :) May 27, 2011 5:56 pm
  • Kristy Carlson: Best thing I did at our Burundi-or-bust sale last week was enlist three volunteers to take money, another volunteer to oversee them and answer their questions, and a grandparent for the kiddos. Could not have survived without them all! It completely took the pressure off and there was STILL lots to do even with all that help! Hope it goes well today, thinkin' of you! May 27, 2011 6:53 pm
  • natalie: Jesse, when did you get so sassy? You're as bad as Tyler McBride. May 28, 2011 12:59 am
  • natalie: Ashley, $35 each OBO May 28, 2011 1:00 am
  • natalie: Becky, We'll sell all 4 mattresses for 300 (3 twin and one queen). The bunk bed we're selling for 150 (just the frame with the slide and the attached craft table). May 28, 2011 1:02 am
  • natalie: Josh, You guys are absolutely the perfect family for it too!!! Darn ocean in between us!! May 28, 2011 1:03 am
  • natalie: Kristen, THANKS! :) May 28, 2011 1:03 am
  • natalie: Kristy, GREAT ideas. Thanks! May 28, 2011 1:04 am
  • natalie: Alisa, I better see you at the beach tomorrow!!! May 28, 2011 1:05 am
  • Amanda: You are selling everything but your husband and kids! Good luck with the move. I could part with almost everything I have except my cookbooks. Love my cookbooks. May 29, 2011 5:16 pm
  • Jody: Do you have anything left for sale or is it all gone? We have six boys .... June 3, 2011 2:28 pm
  • Ina: How much is your playground? June 4, 2011 10:01 pm
  • Natalie: Everything is sold. Thanks for being awesome everyone! Aloha! June 4, 2011 10:10 pm
  • MelindaKendall: Do you have any of this furniture left? I'd love a new bed. Let me know what is avail. June 8, 2011 6:42 pm

click here to open post May 23, 2011 | posted in on the agenda, Personal | 33 comments

Well, the cat is officially out of the bag. . . though admittedly, the cat liked life in said bag. It’s dark and peaceful there, and her personal space isn’t congested by yard sale signs or packing peanuts.

Phoenix it is. Phoenix. Phoenix. Phoenix. That is the way the wind blows (for one unexplained reason or another), so that is the direction we will fly. I’m learning a lifetime’s worth on love, inspiration, faith and obedience to the will of God. . . even when I can’t seem to see the end from the beginning.

It’s hard. Traumatic, honestly. (I know. I’m such a drama queen.)

Please note that the trauma has very little to do with WHERE we’re going. I’m certain I’ll learn to love Phoenix, completely. (I am, after all, a “bloom where you’re planted” kind of gal.) I’m simply traumatized that we’re going anywhere at all. I love my life here in Hawaii. I don’t want to go anywhere else. Ever.

This is my home. . . I’ve felt more of a sense of belonging here than I have ever felt in my entire life, and I’m so thankful to the people here who welcomed me with open arms and taught me how to . . . be.

I’m light years away from the clueless, and somewhat broken, little 19 year old who came here a decade ago. I’m a better version of myself, plain and simple. I’ve learned to love, to let go, to give. . . oh the lessons I’ve learned on giving! I’ve learned to walk forward in faith and with a grateful heart, always and in all things. I’ve learned to LAUGH. To really, really laugh. The way only a Polynesian can teach. . .

And I’ve learned to listen. I’ve learned to listen in a way that I could never hope to adequately explain.

And. . . and, and, and. . .

Above and beyond anything else, I’ve learned, simply, to trust. I’ve learned to know that God’s hand really is in the details of my life, and that if I am quiet, if I humbly seek with pure intent, he will guide me in all things. And his plan will always be better than my own. Every.single.time. Even if his plan leads me to Phoenix. ;)

Hawaii, and the people here, the people who I have come to LOVE as my own flesh and blood, are sewn forever into the tapestry of my very soul.

Phoenix, be ready for me. I’m digging deep and trying with all.my.heart to be ready for you.

On to new adventures!

xx,

N

33 comments | add comment
  • Rachel Whetten: WOW! Well, its sunny! no doubt about that. You already know you will be blessed as you follow this plan God has for you guys. Its takes EXTRA faith to head there when its probably the hottest of all throughout the year though, but you've GOT that extra faith, and with that will come EXTRA blessings (air conditioning, etc ;) ) j/k In all honesty, I have no doubt you will make Phoenix LOVE you just like you have made Everywhere else you've been love you! We were there 3 years ago during the spring for 2 months (after we left Hawaii) for Brady's final internship. Knowing it wasn't permanent made it easier to handle the time we were there, but ours was a short time so I'm not pretending to know what you guys are going through, I promise. On another note, I have a roommate (from BYUH) who grew up there (Peoria to be exact) who LOVES LOVES LOVES it and would never want to live anywhere else, so that's promising. Hugs for you! Rachel May 23, 2011 6:39 pm
  • Katie: A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (literally "sun-city" in Greek). It is said that the bird's cry is that of a beautiful song. The Phoenix's ability to be reborn from its own ashes implies that it is immortal, though in some stories the new Phoenix is merely the offspring of the older one. In very few stories they are able to change into people. OK, so clearly I just copied that from wikipedia...BUT! When I read you were moving to Phoenix, well, it just made sense. PHOENIX. I don't think I need to say more? You are incredible. Your boys are so lucky to have you. x May 23, 2011 6:50 pm
  • Michelle H: I'm so very excited for you and your family... WELCOME to AZ! What an adventure for you guys. If you need anything at all please do not hesitate to ask...I'm sure you will have great ward members no matter where you end up! May 23, 2011 6:53 pm
  • Emily Ruth: The desert welcomes you! I was hoping to meet you at your Scottsdale Breathe but ended up here in Utah working for a few weeks. Anyway, I'm a native to Mesa and my little family just keep returning after each adventure. Good solid people here. Promise. May 23, 2011 7:05 pm
  • Brittany Sorensen: Well...I'll be there...we can be friends! I'll clean your house for you :] May 23, 2011 7:10 pm
  • stephanie joy: I am so so excited for you! I wanted to tell you on the phone today that I hope we have a few more runs, or karaokes party adventures before you go, but I didn't want to keep you on the phone too long while at the dentist! :) I am grateful I got to know you. So excited for your new adventures that lie ahead! Phoenix is a great, hot place. Thomas served his mission there and he loved it. May 23, 2011 7:26 pm
  • Joanna Polling: Natalie, I am a photographer in Peoria, AZ and follow your blog and love your work. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask. Phoenix can be pretty brutal in the summer but the rest of the year it's nice (not hawaii nice I'm sure, but still decent :)). May 23, 2011 7:28 pm
  • Ajja: Your steps will be surely blessed wherever you are my friend. Hawaii will miss the way you took it ALL in! May 23, 2011 9:46 pm
  • shari: wow...thinking about being 19 brings me back to when I lived in Phoenix...well, actually Tempe. I spent my freshman year of college at ASU. I absolutely LOVED it. I know you and your family will have holes in your hearts for Hawai'i, and I'm not saying that AZ will compare in any way...but it too has beautiful and wonderful things to offer. I am happy that your family knows that's where you should be...good luck with packing and moving and settling into your new place... guess my dream about house hunting with you (in AZ) was a tad bit psychic! hahaha.... xoxoxoxoxo May 24, 2011 2:47 am
  • Tami Nelson: So exciting Nat!!!! That part about Heavenly Father being involved in every detail of your life......I'm realizing he is and trying to hear him.....I can feel him slowly, quietly guide me.....just trying to figure out my health still. I know it's not anything very common because it's been way too long trying to figure this stuff out.....I think I'm so close because I'm really trying to be led by Him.....every.single.day....so close!!! You and your family are in my prayers!! xoxo May 24, 2011 3:08 am
  • Aileen: This will be perfect for your family b/c you're moving for the right reasons. Congrats to you and your family. And just b/c you leave Hawaii now doesn't mean you can never go back. ;) May 24, 2011 3:53 am
  • Jennie Allred: Natalie -- My sister used to live in Queen Creek, on the south end of the Phoenix area. There is one place you simply MUST know about in Gilbert -- Joe's Real Barbecue. 'Nuff said. Good luck with the move! And thanks again for just being so open and being such an example of faith and enthusiasm for me! -Jennie May 24, 2011 4:44 am
  • mandy kongaika: Hey Nat. I know the feeling and all I can say is I love you and you are right. The lords plan is better ever single time...even if there is no sun or beach or friends for a while. Oh it sucks...but its worth it:D I felt like the Savior (I know its totally dramatic and not the same at all just slightly similar) who said let this cup pass from me..not my will but Thine be done. You got this Nat. You can do it!!! I still cry every time i see a palm tree on tv lol and thats okay. May 24, 2011 5:14 am
  • Sheryl: Welcome. Phoenix will be glad to have you. The transition from Hawaii will be something, but living in the desert is unlike living anywhere else. Feel free to e-mail me if you need help with anything. May 24, 2011 5:40 am
  • Millie: I am so so so happy! My reasons are entirely selfish, but hey, I can't help myself. :) May 24, 2011 6:21 am
  • Jaclyn: Natalie - I pray that your transition to Phoenix will be easier than you anticipate! And, once you are here, I'll totally be booking a family session with you! :) So, selfishly speaking, I'm kind of excited you'll be somewhere in the valley! Good luck with all the stress and craziness of a move - across the ocean! We'll be waiting with some sunshine & DRY heat! ;) May 24, 2011 6:51 am
  • Lara Cheney: Natalie, Hawaii will definitely miss you, Richie and the boys too. You guys are definitely following God's plan and doing the best you can for the souls you have been blessed to care for. Cardon will appreciate it for sure as well as your other boys. They will get the very best from their mom and dad because their mom and dad are doing the very best for them that they can. I am truly blessed for having had the privilege of getting to know you and love your kind-hearted soul. God be with you till we might again. Aloha! May 24, 2011 8:11 am
  • Lara Cheney: Haha, silly me that will teach me to post before I read and edit. I meant God be with you till we meet again. Hopefully, Phoenix will open their arms to you as much as you have expressed open arms to Hawaii. May 24, 2011 8:13 am
  • Sarah Garner: Arizona is SO excited to have you! :) May 24, 2011 8:43 am
  • Erin McFarland: Hi Natalie! I've been following your blog for a few months now and am just now popping in to say hello. But this post did catch my attention as we will be "neighbors" of sorts :) Extending a big welcome to your family to the Phoenix area! May 24, 2011 1:44 pm
  • shauna: Hi Natalie. I have been blog following (stalking sounds so very scary) you for a while now. I adore your photography, I cry when I read about your heartbreaks, and I am sorry to say I am cheering that you are moving to Phoenix. I have been here (via UT and BYUH) for about 14 yrs. I must have just missed you in Hawaii. Anyways, just because I know that you KNOW that you are supposed to be here I also know that you and your family will thrive here. Here are a couple of things you might want to know: First you will dry up. Your skin, your lips, your throat and the innards of your nose will flake and blow away in the slightest breeze. Then you will discover the blessing known as a swimming pool that will rehydrate you like nothing else can. Bragging weather starts about October and you will feel rejuvinated. Spring is delightful and the ugly desert reveals its colorful secrets as Palo Verde bloom yellow, cacti bloom beautiful colors of pink, purple and yellow, multi-colored Lantana explode and you will find that the familiar face-sized hibiscus and brilliant Bouganvilla will remind you of the islands. You will love that the food (especially milk) is much cheaper and I totally can hook you up with the asian stores that sell taro leaves, coconut milk and mutton flaps if you are craving island food. You will be happy to know that there is an L&L bbq here--so really, do you need anything else? A tour guide? Really? I'd love to! Good luck on the move. And yes, you really will make it back to Hawaii some day. There is no escaping the pull of the islands. May 24, 2011 2:03 pm
  • Chelsea: Hi there Natalie - you probably don't remember me at all, but I was at BYUH at the same time as you and Richie. I was Chelsea Smith then. Just thought I'd say hi - I discovered your blog today and just spent the last while reading through. Seriously, you are an incredible photographer and writer! So talented. With such a beautiful heart. And a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing your talents with the world. :) Good luck on your move! May 25, 2011 5:27 am
  • rach: boo! May 25, 2011 1:23 pm
  • Mindy Clark: I couldn't have said it as well as you have put it.....we are setting sail also. We leave in 10 days. We are headed to Indiana. Lord knows we want to stay and we leave kicking and screaming in the process. Yet, just like you guys....God is leading us to happiness we can't even imagine right now. So we leave Hawaii a little wiser than we came.....a few more scars than hoped....and with tearful eyes we will watch Hawaii fade from the window on the plane. We must take a part of Laie with us and tell the world. It has truly been my place of refuge. Aloha, Mindy Clark May 25, 2011 4:05 pm
  • bettijo @ PagingSupermom.com: Just found your website through Heidi Nobmann -- she and I have known each other since junior high! I'm still in Phoenix and you're going to love it here! We should do lunch once you're settled in. Hugs! --bettijo May 27, 2011 8:21 am
  • Rebekah R: You and yours are going to love Phoenix. I think you'll adore all the photography subjects you'll see each and every day, and I think your lovely boys will adore all the fun stuff there is to do, from museums to sports to music related events to Tempe Town Lake and their paddleboats. You will (hopefully) adore monsoon season and the view of the storms rolling in you can get as you drive the 202 East, or the smell of creosote in the air before it rains. Just remember to buy sunscreen and a shade for your car windows, and don't touch the metal on the seatbelts. As a PHX native relocated to NorCal, my heart misses it and the beautiful openness that makes you feel like the whole state is yours for the taking. Best of luck! May 28, 2011 7:21 pm
  • Donna Flores: My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. That is a huge move, but God is in control of everything. May 29, 2011 6:36 pm
  • Lyndsay: You guys are going to love Phoenix!! I am from Utah but live in Gilbert and could not be happier here. I tell everyone this is my little slice of Heaven. The summer's are hot but there is always a pool nearby. Excited for you and your new adventure. May 30, 2011 6:12 pm
  • Kim Percival: Moving is sooooo very hard, especially with little ones. I just love you attitude towards it. I moved from New Jersey to Texas last year 3 moths post-partum with my 2nd & boy was I a mess. But low & behold, I have INCREDIBLE neighbors & am just now finding my way here. Home to me is where my family is. We will be happy as long as we are together! Best of luck to you Norton family. My your transition be the smoothest one ever! May 31, 2011 12:45 pm
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: I am amazed by your faith, but not surprised by it. You will be amazing--as ever--and of COURSE the Lord will bless your efforts to best serve your sweet family. June 1, 2011 10:57 am
  • Kristine: Just came on to check in on you Natalie and just read your exciting news!Wishing you all the very very best!!! June 11, 2011 7:00 pm
  • Lacey: How exciting! I'm from Gilbert and LOVE it there- sadly we are doing a stint in Texas for my husbands career. Hoping we will be back in Gilbert in the next few years! Moving is tough! Especially with kids! Good luck in the next few weeks! You will love Arizona-despite the heat-it's a great place to live! June 16, 2011 11:34 am
  • Dina: My husband likes photography and follows your blog now and again. We vacationed on Oahu in March with our family and attended a ward in your town. The people were very friendly and because a family was moving they had a special goodbye song at the end of sacrament meeting and all met on the patio to say goodbye to them afterward. I thought this was a wonderful tradition and even though I didn't know them, I felt like crying because of all of the love in the room. I'm sure you will miss it there and everyone will miss your family as well. You are a wonderful, inspiring photographer and I hope that you enjoy Phoenix. July 15, 2011 1:49 pm