Giveaway: Custom Watercolor Portrait from Birds of AshMae!

click here to open post Mar 26, 2012 | posted in giveaway | 77 comments

Post Edited to Include:

The winner of the customized watercolor painting from Birds of AshMae is Brooke. She said, “I have been thinking about this all morning. I would love to have one of these. I think I would want one of my family. My 2 1/2 year old son passed away last summer and we have only 2 pictures of all 5 of us together. Im thinking that or just my 3 boys together. Ashley truly does beautiful work.” This was deeply touching to Ash and I. One of the primary reasons I keep up with photography, even as my life gets crazier and crazier, is because images MATTER. They bless lives for years (generations) to come. Just ask Brooke. She knows. Congratulations Brooke! Your comment doesn’t link anywhere, so please contact me at aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com to claim your prize. xoxo!

Ash has extended the deadline for custom orders! She’ll be accepting orders for customized paintings until 4/6/12 (this Friday). They’re so insanely affordable as far as customized art is concerned! I keep telling her she’s GOT to raise her prices! But she’s more concerned with blessing lives than making moola. Go figure. ;) Love her face off. Such a quality soul! (Perfect Mother’s Day gift, hello!)

Hello friends!

Happy Monday to YOU!

If you’ve followed my blog for more than 5 minutes, you’re very familiar with the art of the beautiful Ashley of Birds of Ash Mae (also check out her LDS temples here and wonderful blog here).

Ashley’s art fills my home (I’ve got FOUR of her paintings up on my walls). I simply can’t seem to get enough! Here‘s my favorite painting I’ve commissioned Ashley to do for us. I have it printed on a 20×30 canvas. Love. You can pick one up here. (Um, it’s only $15 for an 8×10!)

Well, my friend, today is a happy, happy day, because you can enter to win a customized watercolor portrait for your very own home, FREEEEEE!!

To Enter:

1. Simply comment below (by Friday 3/30) and tell Ashley and I which portrait you would submit and why.

That’s all you have to do to enter. :)

But if you’re awesome, you’ll head on over and “like” Ashley’s awesome Etsy Shop here. It won’t increase your chance of winning, but it couldn’t hurt you either (know what I’m sayin’? Mmmm hmmmm. ;))

The Loot:

The winner will receive 1 customized portrait of up to four people (winner must pay 15.00 for every person/pet portrait from photo above 4). All Ash needs is your favorite photo to work from! Even a simple snapshot will do!

Good luck!

I hope YOU win!

Top L to R: Laie Temple (commissioned) | SLC Temple | Gav and I (commissioned)
Bottom L to R: My boys meeting Baby G (gift from Ash post tragedy-painted from a cell phone pic) | blue horse | boy and his dinosaur (buying this one for Cardon today. It’s magic.)

NOTE: AFTER APRIL 1ST, ASHLEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING PORTRAIT ORDERS FOR SIX MONTHS WHILE SHE WORKS ON SOME OF HER OWN PROJECTS. IF YOU’D LIKE A PORTRAIT (AND YOU DON’T WIN ONE FROM HERE, OF COURSE), BE SURE TO ORDER BEFORE THEN! ASHLEY CURRENTLY HAS 10 SPOTS LEFT.

77 comments | add comment

Karen Schlink: So amazing!!!! When I read this I immediately knew the exact portrait I would love have done... it's a simple snapshot of my Nana holding my newborn brother with myself and my cousin Bobby looking over her shoulder. My Nana passed away this past September. It was a really hard time- her passing was expected, but not so soon. After she passed Bobby and I both had a very hard time coping and dealing with the after math. Bobby and I aren't your typical cousins... if anything we are more like brother and sister, and our Nana was like a second mom to us. We spent hours at her house growing up, playing make believe, playing with POGs and her doll collection, helping her plant flowers in her garden, climbing the big red tree out front. Her funeral was the first time I'd ever seen Bobby cry, even as kids I never saw him cry. Bobby is getting married next June to his wonderful girlfriend (now fiancee!) of eight years and I am one of the bridesmaids.... One of the last things Bobby asked Nana was if her had her blessing to marry Jessica, to which she replied, "Of course, and it's about time." I would absolutely love to give them the portrait as a wedding gift, something that has meaning and value, instead of a blender that'll break in a few years. I love my cousin and my Nana so much, and I think this would be the perfect way to celebrate her life and Bobby and Jessica's marriage.... you can see what the photo looks like on my blog, http://www.karenschlink.com/?p=735 :) Thanks so much for this amazing oppurtunity, Ashley and Natalie!!! <3 March 26, 2012 5:31 am
Kimberly: i love these watercolors! so cute! March 26, 2012 6:06 am
amanda: BAHHH! i love her and i LOVE these! why did i not know about her temple watercolors? i'll have to pick up one of those... in the mean time... we are re-decorating my little girl's room and i would just love to add a family picture by ash!! we just got back from disney world, and i would so love to use on of those as a springboard- we loved our time together as a little family, and a handmade spin would melt my heart!! March 26, 2012 7:04 am
Jessica: We own an Ashmae portrait! It is at the bottom of our stairs and I smile each day as I walk by it. After seeing ours, my best friend has been talking about how badly she wants one of her family. I would love to surprise her with a special Mother's Day gift! March 26, 2012 7:29 am
Taylor: Oh man. I want to win!!!! I love her stuff. March 26, 2012 7:41 am
Aimee: How awesome is this giveaway! Birds of Ashmae has been on my favorites on Etsy for the longest time! My husband and I are expecting our first baby boy and I would love to get a custom portait of us and the growing belly! It would be perfect to display at our co-ed baby shower in May :) March 26, 2012 8:07 am
Jenny Bracken: How have i not known about her. LOVE LOVE these paintings! I would love to have her paint my 3 boys with their Great Grandpa. Its been touch and go with him a million times over the last yr or so. It ABSOLUTELY scares me to death to think he may not always be here. I have taken a BaZiLLiOn pictures of him with my boys...a watercolor of them would be AwEsOmE! March 26, 2012 8:08 am
Amanda: I have been wanting one of these forever! I would want to do a portrait of my hubby and I for our one year anniversary. March 26, 2012 8:38 am
Monica: I love her work and I would absolutely love to win. I took our family portrait in December in the front room of our new-to-us home and I love it because my daughters look so darn adorable I can hardly stand it! Thanks for the chance to win. March 26, 2012 8:42 am
Kylie P.: I love love love AshMae's art. I want to buy one of her Mesa temple paintings some day. I think I would have her paint one of our wedding portraits and hang it in our bedroom. I'm sure it would be beautiful! March 26, 2012 8:47 am
Molly L.: I would submit one of my husband and I on the beach. No kiddos yet and it totally captures our personalities. March 26, 2012 9:08 am
Katy Hansen: I am torn three ways. I would submit either a favorite picture of my husband and I with our three children, or a gorgeous picture we have of my husband with one of our daughters, or a picture of my son (whom we adopted) with his biological brother. If I win the giveaway, I will have a very tough choice to make! But I would be thrilled with any one of them. March 26, 2012 9:11 am
Denise: I love her work! I am so torn on what I would choose...I have a wonderful family picture I would love but I really think I would choose my favorite picture of my twins boys hugging each other when they didn't realize I was taking their photo. It was the last night for one of them in their crib and his brother gave him a hug to let him know it would be okay. :) March 26, 2012 9:19 am
ellen patton: My brother passed away from brain cancer almost 14 years ago and I would probably submit one of their family photos from before he died (his kids were 3, 8, and 10 when he passed away). March 26, 2012 9:30 am
Nicole Miles: I would probably have to submit one of my boys... maybe with their momma (me!). I'm a photographer, so I don't have many where I am actually in the picture - always behind the camera... and the few that I have are NOT really works of art since they are usually taken from as far away as my arm can reach or by an unsuspecting bystander who doesn't know how to work my camera very well - but even these little snapshots would become beautiful treasures with your talent! March 26, 2012 9:39 am
Emily: Well, since I'm pregnant with #2, I should probably wait until the other one is born so all 4 of us could be in the portrait. We're buying our first home and one of these would look great in the house! March 26, 2012 9:44 am
maureen: these paintings are great! i would submit one of the very few pictures i have of my little family... our daughter was only with us for about 30 minutes. a water color of one of them would be incredible! March 26, 2012 9:50 am
Steph Lawrence: Ahhh best giveaway EVER! I am in love with Ashley and her beautiful portraits. It was one of my favorite gifts I ever sent my sister. If I win, and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that I might, I will have a portrait of Craig (my lovely fiance) and myself, and our wee little black dog, which I sincerely hope Ash would let us use as our Save the Dates for our wedding in the redwoods (that YOU! are coming to!). I have been thinking of this for a long time and would loooooove to make it a reality. All our San Francisco love to you. Thanks for a great giveaway! xoxoxo March 26, 2012 10:14 am
Shannon: I will have to get a family picture taken first. ;) We are in need. I would have you paint that one. I love your stuff. March 26, 2012 10:15 am
Stacy: We just became a family of 3, so I'm guessing a family portrait! March 26, 2012 10:16 am
Jullee: What a fun giveaway! I would choose a portrait of my family. They are the most amazing part of my life. March 26, 2012 10:18 am
Melissa: Oh how I love this artist and have wanted one done for our family for the longest time and just haven't followed through. I would love a candid portrait of our family (my husband and I, our two beautiful children, and our baby bump on the way, set to arrive in June!) to be painted by Ashley in her beautiful style...it would make me so happy and add such a fun piece to our small, cozy home! March 26, 2012 10:23 am
Noelle: I would do a picture of my baby girl, my husband, and me. We almost lost her because of a serious heart defect. We have a long mountain still to climb but I have one picture of the three of us that fills me with so much hope. March 26, 2012 10:35 am
Liz: Ashely has such a neat, unique style! I'm actually due with our second baby boy today, so the portrait I would have done hasn't been taken yet, but hopefully will be in the next couple of days and will include this new little guy! March 26, 2012 10:56 am
Carol Yuen: I would have the picture of my family and I sitting in front of the Oakland Temple waiting for my brother's wedding pictures. It's one of my favorite pictures of my family :) March 26, 2012 11:02 am
Sar-Bear Jones: I would totally have a family portrait done of me, my hubby, and my two kiddos. I have TONS of pictures all over the house of the kids, but it's so hard to get one of EVERYONE together!! And how fun would it be to have watercolor done?!! March 26, 2012 11:20 am
Brooke: I have been thinking about this all morning. I would love to have one of these. I think I would want one of my family. My 2 1/2 year old son passed away last summer and we have only 2 pictures of all 5 of us together. Im thinking that or just my 3 boys together. But Ashley truly does beautiful work. March 26, 2012 11:25 am
Heather: It stresses me out to think about choosing a photo. There are too many that I love. So, I'll save myself the stress until there is actually a reason to deal with it. I love her paintings. Such an awesome giveaway. March 26, 2012 12:42 pm
Cathy: I'd love a painting of my kids. March 26, 2012 12:48 pm
Nicole: I LOVE Ashley's work! I've seen it around the blog world and finally purchased a print last month (Portland temple), which I just love. If I'm lucky enough to win I will choose a snapshot of me, my mom, my grandma, and great-grandma taken just last summer. I would love to be able to give something like this to them for mothers day!! March 26, 2012 2:35 pm
mali: These are beautiful and I love them! I would choose a family photo of my husband, baby boy. and me because I think they are beautiful and love them more than anything. March 26, 2012 4:05 pm
Alysha Smith: LOVE IT! I would choose a photo that Nataile Norton took of my husband and I shortly after my husband beat cancer. The photos are full of love and triumph. March 26, 2012 4:12 pm
Jen Foulger: A few years ago I went and spent hours downloading all the slides from my childhood into digital form. There are several that come to mind that I would choose for such a beautiful adaptation, but the one that sticks out most would be one of my dearly departed Nana meeting me for the first time. What beautiful work you do! March 26, 2012 5:20 pm
michele: Natalie, I love the portrait of you and Gavin because I love how Ashley captured your eye! Its the feeling I get looking at you gazing into the distance. I would love to capture my daughter's eyes in the same way. I have a fave underwater shot of her floating as the sun sparkles behind her. I think the blues would be awesome! March 26, 2012 5:37 pm
Alli S. Miles: Oooh--Either the three of us in the delivery room, right after my baby boy was born, or one of the three of us snuggling during our family photos this past fall. What an amazing giveaway! March 26, 2012 5:56 pm
Emily: Sooo cool! I would definitely want one of my five children. What a special painting that would be! You're so blessed to have four! March 26, 2012 6:33 pm
Bridget: I've loved the one of you and Gavin for a long time...I'm thinking about which one of my snap shots would be best in watercolor. . . March 26, 2012 8:27 pm
Jamie T: Oh I would so be submitting a portrait of my little family. I love love love the ones you have shown here in the past, they are so beautiful. March 26, 2012 8:53 pm
Jennie f: Ooohhh! I love love LOVE these! I would love to see if i could get multiple reprints of our family portrait by ash mae to send out as our Christmas cards this year! Ahhh-mazing! She is one talented girl!! March 26, 2012 9:14 pm
Things I Can’t Tweet. | Natalie Norton Photography Things I Can’t Tweet. | Blog: [...] Be sure to enter this week’s giveaway! A customized watercolor portrait by the fabulous Ashely of Birds of AshMae. no comments | [...] March 26, 2012 10:38 pm
anna: I would love to have a picture of our family or of the Portland, Or temple. I love her work! March 27, 2012 1:32 am
Kim Orlandini: I adore Ash. She has done a family portrait for us and was so gracious about my back and forth, "I don't know if there will be a dad in it or not." Happy that there was a dad and still is. :) I would love to have her do a portrait of my three kids. They are my favorite and her artwork just speaks to me. March 27, 2012 9:11 am
Stacie S-H: Wow, these are fantastic! It'd be hard to choose what I wanted but I think it would be awesome to win and do a portrait of my husband and I for our 1 year anniversary which is coming up April 23. This would be a great addition to hang on the wall in our home and a sweet way to surprise my husband if I won! March 27, 2012 9:31 am
Kate: Oh Ashlee! I've always admired your work! I would submit a photo of my sweet family just after my baby was born. It's actually my Facebook cover photo (www.facebook.com/katepease) I just love my family so much! March 27, 2012 10:06 am
Millie: I would submit a portrait of my best friend and her fiance, so I could give it to them as a wedding present. Such the perfect gift! March 27, 2012 12:06 pm
April: Oh fun, I just love her work. I would find a picture of all 3 of my babies :) Great giveaway I am going to check out her site now! March 27, 2012 12:10 pm
Becky: What a fun giveaway! I would submit a portrait of my little family. We just brought our son home from Ethiopia in August and I would love to have one of the three of us together. We waited so long for him that sometimes I still can't believe that he's here. Seeing pictures of the three of us just makes me happy. March 27, 2012 1:56 pm
Rachel: I would submit a picture of my husband and I from a camping trip. He loves camping & the outdoors & I know he would absolutely LOVE something like that! I have seen these paintings all around & never knew who did them, I am sooo excited to visit her site! This is such stunning art & she is so talented! I hope I win!! March 27, 2012 3:03 pm
Jenny: I would LOVE a portrait of my family- me hubby and our baby, who is of the canine variety. I hope this is our *first family* and more critters (human and canine) will join us in time. But for now, our little family is perfect and I'd love to capture the moment. March 27, 2012 4:35 pm
Donna N.: Well, I'm not sure if she has a limit on persons, BUT if she could do 11 then I would love to have a family one from an upcoming session. If 11 is too many then one of my beautiful granddaughter. March 27, 2012 7:28 pm
Mackenzie: I am all for the candid shots, and have one I lolololoooove from a recent shot of me and my boys. None of us are looking at the camera, but just enjoying each other and laughing. It would be amazing to have her talent capture this in a different medium. March 28, 2012 1:33 pm
Heidi: wholly cow i have loved her work and am so glad you gave a link for her work. i would love one of my family, but am due with baby boy #4 in june and am in love with your sweet boys with baby gavin. so i guess i might want to wait until then! March 28, 2012 3:13 pm
Sarah: I LOVE your work Ashley! Stunning. I would submit a photo of my husband and me. We have so many photos of our children around the place but none of us. Like too many women I am so self conscious about photos of myself (I'm working on that) so one of your pieces would be the effect commemoration of our love and the three beautiful boys that have come through it. Ithank you for this opportunity and if I don't win, I will be back (in six months! :) March 28, 2012 6:52 pm
Jana: I love ashmae! I would love a painting of my family. March 28, 2012 7:02 pm
Jessica: These are so beautiful! I'd submit a photo of myself loving on my two baby boys because prints like that are so rare around here. I need to fix that! March 28, 2012 7:48 pm
Jenna Van Buren: I only have one of her paintings but I'd sure like to change that! I'd have her paint a picture of my little family right after our son was born two years ago. March 28, 2012 9:23 pm
Ashley: I have wanted one of these for a long time. It's been on my list. I would definitely pick a photo that I don't have yet. As soon as this baby boy arrives I want him in it. We have been waiting on him for years to join our family. March 28, 2012 11:02 pm
merideth: oooh i have seen this temple oainting. amazing stuff. i would love this. hmmm which photo is hard. probably one of my five kiddos. or maybe just one of my baby. si many possibilities. March 28, 2012 11:12 pm
merideth: i just commented and forgot to say why. sorry. i guess i would pick a snapshot of my five kids. i am grateful and feel blessed for each one and i cherish every picture thet has all 5 of them in it. they make me happy. March 28, 2012 11:20 pm
Rene Clark: OH MY!!! THis would be AMAZING!!! I love Ashley's stuff. I would for sure have her do a portrait of my family, which consist of me, my husband and two little boys. I have the perfect picture already , we are enjoying our favorite place....the beach!!! I am going to keep my fingers crossed that I win. Thank you!!! March 29, 2012 9:16 am
ashley: Beautiful paintings! I would have one done from my wedding day, or a family picture with all the kiddos. March 29, 2012 7:51 pm
amanda: OOOhhhhh i have loved her work forever...and just have never pulled the trigger!! We recently had a new family member join us and i would love for her to capture the three of us...and just in time to give it to my husband for his birthday!!! March 30, 2012 9:53 am
Ruth: These are so beautiful, I absolutely love her work!! I wanted to get something special for my hubby, a "being together half our lives" prezzie... I was his first kiss at age 16, and we're been together ever since:) I'd love a painting of the two of us... and the love of our lives, our little dog "Maybe" I think this artwork would be the perfect gift/addition in our new home we are in the middle of building! March 30, 2012 12:09 pm
Morgan: eep. My husband and I recently adopted a sweet pup, from the humane society. I would ADORE a family portrait of the three of us for our newlywed home! March 30, 2012 12:27 pm
Hillary: so very lovely! ashley does beautiful work. I think I would need to submit a photo yet to be taken... my 3 kids with our new baby coming in june. is that breaking the rules? if so- maybe my husband holding one of our babies... he's such a sweet dad. Why would I pick (or couldn't pick just) one? I just love my little family- that's why. thank you for a chance to win! March 30, 2012 8:39 pm
5 Reasons To Take Care of YOU. | Natalie Norton Photography 5 Reasons To Take Care of YOU. | Blog: [...] The winner of the customized watercolor painting from Birds of AshMae is Brooke. She said, “I have been thinking about this all morning. I [...] April 2, 2012 2:49 am
Carol: Did you ever get a hold of Brooke? I just realized she's one of my best friends! So glad she's going to get an awesome picture of her family. April 13, 2012 2:08 pm
natalie: Carol, YES! And she's in touch with Ash and the ball's a rollin'. Thanks for checking in! XO! April 15, 2012 9:15 pm
Sylvie R.: OMG!! I'm so happy Brooke won this! I kept thinking about her the whole time I was reading your blog last night! what a great coincidence. She deserves this so much. Natalie, Thank you for making me want to be a better person. I wish i would have gotten to know you better when at BYUH. do you ever shoot in Yuma? a girl can only dream :) April 16, 2012 7:45 am
carol tilson: You should OBVIOUSLY submit the one of the boy leading the dinosaur. Come on, it's etsy! However, I love any paintings of home portraits, so the one in the top left is pretty great too. April 16, 2012 10:37 am
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My 15min of Fame (25:11 to be exact).

click here to open post Mar 21, 2012 | posted in Personal, The Generations Project | 59 comments

Above, screen shot of my favorite moment of the entire experience.

First of all, why has no one ever told me how RIDICULOUS I look when I run?

Seriously people?

In my mind, I’m Paula Freaking Radcliffe. In reality? I’m like a . . . I honestly don’t think there’s an adequate description. Umph.

My episode of The Generations Project aired last night on BYUTV. Many of you followed my journey as it unfolded. It was heavy. It was emotional. It was exhaustive.

AND it was AMAZING.

It was truly one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.

And I almost didn’t participate.

When the casting director contacted me, I was an inch away from following a knee jerk reaction to simply say, “no.” I’d never heard of the show. I didn’t have time. I’ve got 4 beautiful boys (yes, I’m including Richie), who like me, a lot. PLUS, I was scheduled to be shooting a wedding on Oahu only 2 days before they wanted to start filming in Salt Lake City. All arrows pointed to not.a.chance. Thankfully I called my sweet-mother-in-law, Shelly. She said simply, “You’ve GOT to do this.” And my heart echoed. Completely. So off I went.

And I’m infinitely grateful I did.

You know, The Old Testament talks about the Spirit of Elijah. I never understood it before now. And even after the absolute depth of my experience, I still can’t express it in words. Were I to try, it would somehow dilute the power—the absolute significance. I’ll simply say, this spirit, this power is real. And it’s astonishing.

Here’s the episode in full. (OR: View Natalie Norton on The Generations Project on the BYUTV site by following the link.)

Sincere, heartfelt gratitude to the following:

Kohl Glass: Because he listened to me. Because he not only HEARD my words but felt them. Internalized them. . . and helped me to connect with, and internalize, them as well. Bless you, brother. Bless you.
Raquel Marvez: Because I’ve never met a more passionately committed person in my life. EVER. She hustled. Every second. Of every.single.day. And because her sense of style blows my mind.
Chantelle Olsen: Because we’re soul sisters, and because she made it all possible. xo, woman.
Marcia Richards: Because there isn’t a soul the world over who doesn’t love Marcia best of all. PS. Marcia, it’s 2012—get yourself a bona fide web presence! What the heck?!
Jack Allred: Because he’s a visionary. Because he’s patient beyond all human capacity or reason. And because he made sure not to make me look too fat. . . other than that one shot. . . from behind. . . just before the final scene. WHAT.THE.HECK.JACK?! ;)
Katienne Norton: Because she’s a Norton (even though we’re not technically related). And because her heart is oh so tender and most definitely made of solid GOLD. And because she’s a sound NINJA. Hi ya! (But for real.) And PS. Katienne, no website for you either?! Woman!

I said it before, and I’ll say it again, love you like family, people. Like family. THANK YOU, from my SOUL. No, deeper. xo, N

59 comments | add comment

Sylvia Sudeth: It was AMAZING! I've been waiting to see your story and I was touched and beyond. I had to remind myself that we are not best friends but after following your blog for so long it just felt like it and Almira and Lucy are rock stars, aren't they?!? Just like you. That was really fun to watch and time well spent. Thanks for doing it!! March 21, 2012 7:30 am
meg: I've been watching the Generations Project online since you first blogged about it. What an amazing journey everyone goes on who participates in this! Thank YOU for doing it. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us here on your blog. I just finished watching your story and I think I cried though the whole thing. You've been through a lot Natalie and I really admire your strength, and your desire to carry on and take care of your family. I'm sure that your ancestors are watching you and rooting you on through your own life journey. This makes me want to go and research my own ancestors. Thank you again, that was so inspiring. March 21, 2012 8:59 am
Camille: Natalie, you were fabulous. That was so inspiring. My mom and I had a long talk after about how we want to start getting more stories, not just the person but the story behind the person. Great show! March 21, 2012 9:57 am
amanda: wow. wow! March 21, 2012 10:42 am
April: tears. happy and sad. i've been inspired to do some searching of my own... and to not let fear for my living children overtake me, and to be happy! thank you. March 21, 2012 12:41 pm
Chantelle W.: I have been following your blog since the day after Gavin died when I heard about you from our mutual friend L.B. I have posted a comment to you only once, because I felt dorky that you don't know me and your words are so brilliant and heartfelt, they speak perfectly on their own. I feel like I know you so well. You will never know just how much strength I have drawn from you, how many prayers I have said for you, and how many decisions that I have made for my family of 5 boys ages 11 and under have been influenced by your words. I can honestly say that I love you Natalie, I must have known you in Heaven. Thank you for being you. Having courage. living every day, if not for you, for those you love, THis last year has been one of the toughest in my life. But drawing from your example has given me strength to trust in my Lord and Savior and live life to the fullest that I have the ability to. I loved every single minute of this video, and I am glad it finally aired. You are amazing. Thank you for letting us into your life. You will go down in history with the other amazing women in your ansestory Almira, Lucy, and Natalie. Thank you. March 21, 2012 1:16 pm
Courtney: Natalie! I am in awe over this. You were a natural - it made me laugh and cry! I love family history and I think it's so important and eye opening. What an amazing life-changing experience you had. I want to make my own Generations Project just for fun :) March 21, 2012 1:16 pm
megan: This was really moving. Also, I used to live in Tempe and your house LOOKS SO MUCH LIKE MY OLD HOUSE. It's kinda freakin' me out! Could it BE my old house?!?!? March 21, 2012 1:29 pm
Alyse: Natalie, I think you are amazing. I have been looking forward to this episode and it was wonderful. This past December my baby daughter passed away and it was beyond difficult, but I remembered you and baby Gavin and how strong you were/are and I was able to draw strength from you and your beautiful words. Thank you for this blog and for sharing so much of yourself. March 21, 2012 1:58 pm
Kari Uluave: Nat: We built a fort in the living room, grabbed a package of cookies, and watched your show for FHE. Simply awesome! Makes me wanna start my own journey of learning and connecting. Thank you! March 21, 2012 2:11 pm
Shelly: Sweet Natalie -- I am SO SO SOOOO happy that you made the sacrifice to go and do this. Your experience will resonate through generations -- before and beyond:) March 21, 2012 4:24 pm
Emilie: This was so moving. You are such a brave woman. I'm sure you've got this from your ancestors. March 21, 2012 8:24 pm
Sarie: Natalie, you inspire me so much. You are generous and gracious on camera... You are moving! You're beautiful, and genuine. Loved watching it. You've been through so much... I was crying during part of it and felt that strength from your ancestors pushing you along, lifting you up.... Love ya. March 21, 2012 8:36 pm
Tiffany anderson: Amazing!!!!! Nat, you inspire me everyday. Seriously!! March 21, 2012 8:52 pm
Vickey Weiss: so interesting and so beautifully told. {{{hugs}}} March 21, 2012 8:59 pm
Christa: I am suppposed to be in bed, but I was captivated by this post, and then the video. Thank you for sharing your journey and reminding me of everything we have been given. What a beautiful Legacy of life. What a beautiful family. Your strength and grace is amazing. Much love and aloha. March 21, 2012 9:06 pm
Mysea: Sobbed my way through the whole video. Thanks for sharing this and for sharing your strength. Talk about women of service- you definitely got that gene! Love to you, my dear! March 21, 2012 9:13 pm
Lyndzee Ellsworth: Oh Natalie, the life that you have lived in your short years. You are such an inspiration to mothers' & women everywhere and I am so beyond honored to even know you. What a journey. I want to do my family history now. Love you!! March 21, 2012 9:20 pm
Kim Orlandini: NATALIE! I loved this. Sitting here bawling like a baby, once again so thankful to know such a lovely lady. You inspire me to keep going and to realize all that I have to be thankful for. Oh, and you look SUPER fly. xoxo March 21, 2012 9:56 pm
abby: the strength to prevail... I cried the entire time watching. oh Natalie, this story was absolutely gorgeous. you are so incredibly brave and I look up to you in so many ways. thank you for opening your heart. much love. March 21, 2012 10:29 pm
Dolly: I've been swamped with work and just now found the perfect opportunity to watch this!. (I still have jet lag but Norm just got home from Dubai. So I'm up and he's zonked and I can't type in bed because the tapping is like hammering to his sleep mode. With headphones and very light and spaced apart clicks, I can maneuver enough to watch. Only now, I still can't sleep. I'm in awe of this project! I'm so happy it was there for you. You are truly Lucy Cardon. My heart aches for the Almira's that are among us. I want to know what really happened to her. We have plenty of handy acronyms and meds for her today. We just don't have enough Lucy Cardon's around. But we have you and internet so that's pretty good, eh? Love ya! March 21, 2012 11:11 pm
Ruth Kongaika: I truly enjoyed watching you seeking out your ancestors I have enjoyed getting to know my own, and have been writing about it online. http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Learning-About-Your-Ancestry-Can-Impact-Your-Life http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/One-Item-Checked-Off-From-My-Bucket-List-is-a-Trip-to-Scotland I love geneology and doing temple work. Glad you were able to find some of your "roots". Miss having you here in Hawaii, for sure! March 22, 2012 12:02 am
Lafleche Masse: Natalie, Your story was incredibly touching. I never considered reaching out to my past to help heal my future. That's a very comforting thought. You are a beautiful soul and a beautiful woman, in all senses of the word. I relate to you because I, too, lost a son, not from sickness but from prematurity. Lots of love to you and your family... March 22, 2012 1:19 am
John Reese: Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this experience with everyone. We were neighbors in TVA, I could tell you and your husband were bound to do great things. Congrats to Richie on his ebook, and to you for excelling at life! March 22, 2012 7:09 am
Melissa Oholendt: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Love, your teary, snotty nose, emotional mess of a Vegas bestie. March 22, 2012 7:25 am
Kris: You are so beautiful Natalie. In every way. One of the purest souls I know. Thank you for sharing this! We love you guys, and miss having the boys running around the yard. Hope you guys are doing well. Sorry I'm not the best person at keeping in touch, but know that we love you mucho, and that we are well, incredibly blessed and insanely happy. Lillie is doing amazingly well. The other four are each so different and so great all at the same time. I miss you lots, and send you lots of aloha laced with beach, ocean, and love. xoxo March 22, 2012 7:34 am
Amy Paulson': Oh Natalite...I had tears streaming down my face approximately 20 minutes of this 25 minutes video. So grateful for you. Grateful for the life you're living. The lives you're documenting. And that you have never given up. You are a gift, beautiful lady. March 22, 2012 8:17 am
liz: natalie, i have followed your blog for a long time now, and i can't tell you how many times a post of your's has touched my heart. the Lord uses your words to bless my soul. thank you for letting him use you so powerfully. your spirit and your heart are so strong. i have nearly lost all faith as a result of difficult circumstances. but your faith and your hope, accompanied by a special ability to express yourself, show me a picture of what it means to be thankful. and to continue living, really living, when all seems lost. much love to you. March 22, 2012 9:18 am
Jamie Thompson: Oh Natalie, It is not hard to see where your strength, graciousness, perserverence or grace come from. What a blessing to get to learn about some of the women in your family history! I love what was said about "Aunt" Lucy "we have much to be thankful for," what a wonderful statement to live by! March 22, 2012 12:49 pm
ellen patton: I just watched this -- it's very inspirational. Thank you. March 22, 2012 12:50 pm
stephanie joy: So so beautiful Nat! So amazing. I am inspired more than ever to dig into my family history. Love you! March 22, 2012 1:41 pm
Emily: Cryingcryingcrying...that shot of Raleigh grinning at the end, when you came home...what a life this is. March 22, 2012 2:09 pm
Amanda Day: That was really great! We LOVE the Bluebird in Logan! Thanks for sharing. March 22, 2012 3:17 pm
Jenna: bawled my brains out. who knew genealogy could be so inspiring? how you're not broken by all the tragedies you've faced i'll never understand-but i admire you so deeply. March 22, 2012 4:00 pm
lindsay mcbride: Holy moly I can't stop crying...that was incredable! What an amazing gift you were able to experience. You know I love you and your family. We miss you guys! March 22, 2012 4:49 pm
Kelly: WOW. I hadn't been able to take the time to sit down and watch this til today...and it took me two sittings to do it! :) What an amazing journey. I think it's wonderful you did this. My uncle has done some research and put together a bound book of all of it. It began on his father's side - trying to find out what happened to his grandfather, who walked away from the family farm and left my grandpa to take care of his mother and two sisters. It was something my grandpa always wondered about. Now we laugh that when we run out of cousins, Uncle Ray just goes out and tracks down more. haha!! God Bless you, Natalie. May you find peace and comfort in the strength of these women. What an honor for you to be able to learn of them and draw from them. xoxo March 22, 2012 5:58 pm
Elisse: I loved your story. I'm sure it took a lot to put it out there like that, but I am so sure there are many many people that will be touched by it! Would you mind if I passed it along on my blog? And - weirdly enough - Brad from the Family History Library and I were in the same program at BYU and Chelsea Norton Prince is my most favorite person in all of Austin! Isn't the world a tiny place. March 22, 2012 6:14 pm
Christina: Natalie- I just had to tell you what an amazing piece that was. I'm grateful that you had the opportunity to be a part of that- knowing your story what a gift. I'm grateful that I could watch and be moved and uplifted and turn my heart again to my own ancestors. I have work to do- thank you for helping me feel inspired to do it! March 22, 2012 10:49 pm
kristin brown: natalie, this was so beautiful! i felt so strongly watching this that there is SO much strength to be gained from learning each others' stories. for you to gain from those women and for me to gain from you, and for others to gain from me. i love that. also? i live literally around the corner from the bluebird in logan. that made hearing your story even more of a connection. :) March 22, 2012 10:50 pm
Kali: This touched my heart. Thank you. Thank you for taking that journey. You are so inspiring Natalie. It is so refreshing to see that through your tragedy you have survived and become stronger. Your inner and outer beauty are both radiating! Thank you March 22, 2012 11:57 pm
Lara: Oh Natalie. I just balled my face off watching this with Grace. Speechless. I love you. March 23, 2012 1:09 pm
shannon: Beautiful. You, the program, the things you learned, your family, your clothes, all of it. Beautiful. :) Thanks for always being so willing to share yourself with the world. March 23, 2012 1:58 pm
Rachel Bennett: What an incredible Journey, and I know that you gained so much strength from it. It makes me want to do more family history! March 23, 2012 3:10 pm
Elizabeth and Ryan | Elizabeth Ryan Photography: Natalie - your courage is so admirable!!! Thank you for sharing this amazing journey with us!! Your heart is so beautiful!!! March 24, 2012 9:23 am
Mary: Natalie, Thank you do much for doing and sharing this. It was randomly shared on my facebook wall. It's so moving and beautifully done. You don't know me, but one of my ancestors married one of the daughters of Almira Cadwell. I'd recently been studying that family and had read a little about her. The church you visited is the same one I used to attend when visiting my Grandma and cousins. One of the people interviewed is also related to me. So I connected to your video on many levels. Amazing. Best wishes to you and your family. March 24, 2012 2:11 pm
Emily: Just bawled my eyes out. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a beautiful, strong, faithful woman. You're such a great example to me. March 24, 2012 11:56 pm
Erin Faye: Wow, that was the most inspiring video I have seen in a long time! You are an amazing person, than you so much for sharing your journey! March 26, 2012 7:03 am
Allie: Natalie, this was incredibly beautiful. And I'm inspired to hop right back onto Family Search right now and keep going! Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your family! March 26, 2012 11:22 pm
merideth: this was beautiful and inspiring. thank you so much. March 29, 2012 9:06 pm
kennan g.: absolutely beautiful. i cried and i never cry. you are beautiful, your kids are beautiful, your life is beautiful. thank you. April 2, 2012 12:14 am
Brooke Snow: Natalie! This was so inspiring! I've had so many nudges in one week alone about turning to my family history. This was another push! What an inspiring documentary. Seriously, if all "reality" t.v. was like this I think we'd be near close to having the earth translated or something ;) Thanks for being willing to share and explore this journey! April 3, 2012 7:09 pm
Winning an Emmy and Real Life Joy. | Natalie Norton Photography Winning an Emmy and Real Life Joy. | Blog: [...] episode of The Generations Project won an Emmy last night in the Human Interest category. Pardon the above screen shot of someone [...] October 7, 2012 11:59 am
Bunn Salarzon: BEAUTIFUL. Inside & Out. Congratulations on your Emmy-- barefoot and all! Truly deserving. October 7, 2012 7:22 pm
Alexa: I really enjoyed this. It made me want to know my families history. You are a beautiful human being. Thanks for sharing. October 9, 2012 6:10 pm
Katie Roderick: This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing these personal moments with us. October 11, 2012 12:42 pm
JILL: I have had this bookmarked to watch for a long time, and finally was able to watch it tonight, and I wanted to tell you that I am so inspired by your courage. You are an incredible woman and I admire how you are trying to find strength and to stay true to your family. Also, you have really amazing hair. :) October 29, 2012 6:45 pm
natalie: Jill, Thank you so much! And I feel like my hair was a little out of control a couple of times, so THANK YOU for helping put my mind at ease. :) Thank you so much for watching. :) All my love to you!!! November 7, 2012 9:23 am
Stephanie: I have been following your blog for years from time to time. You are such an inspiration to me and thank you for sharing your experience. This is such an amazing project that you were a part of. God is great! January 31, 2013 1:43 pm
Rachel Levi: Natalie! I love this so much. It's incredibly inspiring and you are so courageous to have taken the time to do it all. I hope to do the same someday! xx October 15, 2013 10:03 am

Fort Kit | GIVEAWAY!

click here to open post Mar 19, 2012 | posted in giveaway, my favorite things | 150 comments

Congratulations to Teresa Peschke! You win. Tada!

First things first.

No, Cardon does NOT have a bowl cut. But since he’s a total spaz (times infinity) about getting his hairs cut, we let him walk around (and be photographed) looking like he IS in fact sporting a bona fide, 1990′s, bowl-doo. (However, I also let my kids dress themselves, which is infinitely more embarrassing than the hair situation, so at least there’s that. . . or . . . gosh, there’s that too?! I’m not sure which best fits.)

Check out (and enter to win) this amazing “Adventure In A Box Fort Kit” from The Happy Family Movement!

H A N D. S E W N. Yes, for serious. This activity was the most fun we’ve had together as a family in months (and SOOOO Much easier to clean up than the traditional “raid the linen closet” fort variety).

PS. Be sure to check out the ever inspiring HFM Blog and their fun family product center which includes a KILLER Roadtrip Adventure Guide (take it from me, it takes roadtrips from hair splitting, to side splitting, in no time flat).

We may have spent more time throwing, wrestling around with, and rolling ourselves up in the pieces than we actually spent building with them.

Boys. Enough said.

I don’t know WHAT came over Lincoln that night, but GOSH, he wanted to be in every.single.shot. Luckily he’s so stinkin’ adorable . . and charming, and handsome, and funny, and irresistible, and cute, and PERFECT . . . in every.single.way. That little boy owns my heart.

Enter to win a Fort Kit from HFM!

1. Comment below. Easy as pie.
2. To earn another entry for yourself, simply Facebook, Tweet, or blog a link to this post, come back and comment telling me you’ve done so, and BAM! You’re entered again!
3. Have a happy day!

ENTER BY FRIDAY, March 23rd. Winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Monday? Probably. But you just never know about these things, do you?

150 comments | add comment

Heather Perera: Yes please...your kids are adorable! March 19, 2012 7:10 pm
kasha: Your boys are adorable and I would love this for my little ones. Thanks Natalie for being you! March 19, 2012 7:10 pm
Kasha: OH and I added this to my facebook! March 19, 2012 7:10 pm
Meggan Hayes: I have five kids and it's spring break right now...too bad we don't already have the fort. :) March 19, 2012 7:11 pm
Heather: I'm gonna need to get this!! March 19, 2012 7:13 pm
Amie White: Yeah for Forts and Fun!!! And yeah for Generations Project!! I just set for it to record on the DVR just in case the kiddos don't cooperate and get to BED! I've been waiting for this!! So excited!! March 19, 2012 7:14 pm
Amie WHite: I added it to my face book too! ;) March 19, 2012 7:17 pm
natalie: kjl March 19, 2012 7:21 pm
angel naivalu: Got 4 boys, we'd love it! (and I'd love to get my blankets, sheets and towels BACK in the linen closet!) facebooked and emailed! March 19, 2012 7:24 pm
Jenni Bailey: This is awesome! My girl could make some good fun out of a fort like that! :) March 19, 2012 7:26 pm
Doretha: This is perfect My girls would love it! I love the pink colors. perfect for princesses!!!! March 19, 2012 7:27 pm
Sara S: Your boys are so cute! The fort looks great, my kids would love it. Thanks for the chance to win! March 19, 2012 7:45 pm
Molly L.: Dang! I want this for me and my man! March 19, 2012 7:47 pm
karey: What a cute idea! Off to check out their website! March 19, 2012 7:51 pm
Jessica Skiba: How much fun is that fort!! And I agree with all the others...the Norton boys are super adorable!! March 19, 2012 7:51 pm
Jenni: I NEEEDDDD this fort. Reefy would LOOVEEE this fort. And Hey! We're related! I am a CARDON too! YESSS!!! March 19, 2012 7:55 pm
JoDee Ensman: LOVE this fort idea!! Love your blog! I have been trying to find my true voice today amongst the screaming and craziness:) March 19, 2012 8:03 pm
JoDee Ensman: Facebooked it! March 19, 2012 8:04 pm
Mandy: YESSS!!! WOOOHOOOOOO! 7kids running around and this would be AAAMAZING!!! haha:D SO much FUN!!:D Off to post of face book NOW:D March 19, 2012 8:12 pm
Mandy: Bam Facebooked it!!!:D March 19, 2012 8:13 pm
Taylor: Cardon DOES have a bowl cut. And I want to wiiiiiiin!!!! March 19, 2012 8:25 pm
Jessica Fenenbock: Oooo pick me! My daughter would love this!! March 19, 2012 8:26 pm
Taylor: I posted on FB! Pick meeeee! March 19, 2012 8:26 pm
Jessica Fenenbock: I also facebooked it. :) March 19, 2012 8:26 pm
myla: super fun photos! would love to win a fort for my kiddos! :) March 19, 2012 8:30 pm
Susie: i love the happy family movement and would love a fort building kid for my boys! p.s...your boys are awfully cute :) March 19, 2012 8:32 pm
alyssa: um, I love forts more than almost anything in this world. This is so dreamy. March 19, 2012 8:34 pm
natalie: Taylor, Shame on you. He does NOT HAVE A BOWL CUT. March 19, 2012 8:35 pm
Bri: That is AWESOME! Would love to win this! March 19, 2012 8:38 pm
Samantha Palefau: My little boy is just about old enough to start building forts, and with boy #2 on the way, he's gotta be a pro in time to teach his brother! :) Love your pictures Natalie! You and your family are inspirational in so many ways. March 19, 2012 8:38 pm
Heidi aHrens: My girls would love to play with this March 19, 2012 8:41 pm
Ann Allred: I have TWO gorgeous rambunctious grandsons who NEED this because my third gorgeous grandson will be making his appearance in May. Pick ME!! I'll also share this on Facebook. K? March 19, 2012 8:50 pm
Kyle: Fort Livingroom is my and my daughter's favorite yucky weather activity! March 19, 2012 8:55 pm
Lia Keller: I love this - the pictures are priceless! What an amazing idea! March 19, 2012 8:58 pm
Emma Love: love it. want it. yay! March 19, 2012 9:02 pm
Jamie: Oh my so cute! March 19, 2012 9:16 pm
Tracie S: I saw this and had to check out Happy family movements stuff and they are awesome! Thanks for sharing! March 19, 2012 9:24 pm
Tracie S: And I have shared with everyone on fb March 19, 2012 9:26 pm
Tara: Love it, and my kids (and husband) would love it too!!!! March 19, 2012 9:35 pm
julie neilson: i love forts. the kids do too. March 19, 2012 9:59 pm
Janet Williams: Commenting here and also shared the link on FB. We tuned into BYUTV online to watch your project. So great! March 19, 2012 10:43 pm
Elli: We just taught my 3 and 4 year old niece and nephew how to make a fort - they thought it was coolest thing they'd ever done! Oh how they would love this....Thanks Nat! March 19, 2012 10:51 pm
Teresa Peschke: I would love to win this! My daughter loves to make forts! March 19, 2012 10:53 pm
Teresa Peschke: i shared on facebook March 19, 2012 10:54 pm
echo: we love forts! March 19, 2012 11:00 pm
Rachel Bennett: I totally want this! OH what a great idea! March 19, 2012 11:14 pm
Rachel Bennett: Oh and this is totally on my FB! I better WIN! March 19, 2012 11:15 pm
Jayne: So fun! Thanks for the awesome-la-possum giveaway. March 20, 2012 12:03 am
Meg: yes, please, i would love this for my son! it looks awesome! plus it is my birthday this week ;) March 20, 2012 4:47 am
Kelley Danielson: LOVE this! Love you Natalie and the Happy Family Movement! So much inspiration I can't stand it! Have a happy happy HAPPY DAY!!!!!! XOXO March 20, 2012 4:59 am
Kimberly: yay forts! March 20, 2012 4:59 am
Jamie: How fun! I would love to win! March 20, 2012 5:00 am
kelley danielson: facebooked it :) BAM!!!!! Would love this :) March 20, 2012 5:03 am
Krista: Love it and my three boys would love it !! Anything that keeps that from raiding my linen closet all the time is fantastic :) March 20, 2012 5:24 am
Krista: Put in on Facebook :) March 20, 2012 5:26 am
Mary: Oh I have three rowdies! Two boys who have taught my baby girl to be just as rowdy as they are! This would be a great addition to our home! March 20, 2012 6:02 am
Kristy: Fun giveaway! Would love it around here! March 20, 2012 6:24 am
Amy Ramsay: How adorable! That looks like so much fun! March 20, 2012 6:37 am
Becky Baird: My boys would love this! So would I! March 20, 2012 6:54 am
Becky Baird: I shared this giveaway on facebook. March 20, 2012 6:55 am
Maura: Heck, yeah, I want a fort! March 20, 2012 7:00 am
Felicia Doran: Posted link...Love this! March 20, 2012 7:33 am
Tami Nelson: OK Nat...enter me. My boys would LOVE this!!! March 20, 2012 7:57 am
Tami Nelson: Done, it's on facebook!!! Yeah!! March 20, 2012 8:05 am
Jamie: I forgot...I tweeted this (flipfloppinmama) March 20, 2012 8:16 am
Heather: Love it! My kids would have so much fun with this. Lately they have been so into usuing couch cushins and blankets to make forts. March 20, 2012 8:27 am
Julie: Just what my boys could use! March 20, 2012 8:27 am
H Capener: This fort kit looks like so much fun! I love it! March 20, 2012 8:27 am
Heather: Posted on FB, check! March 20, 2012 8:28 am
Annie: Grammie's houses need fort kits too. March 20, 2012 8:57 am
Annie: OK. I Facebooked, tweeted AND instagrammed contest links. I'm pretty sure I should receive extra credit for all that. Especially considering the fact that I'm a very old fogie. (I DO believe in luck, I DO believe in luck, IDObelieveinluck.) March 20, 2012 9:20 am
Alyssa: My 3 sons and daughter would LOVE this! We are ALWAYS building forts, but I get tired of losing my blankets and clothespins -- this would be perfect! THANKS! March 20, 2012 9:25 am
Marissa Shum: This would be my boys DREAM. Our sheets are spread all over our playroom more than they are folded and put away! March 20, 2012 9:30 am
angie: my boys build forts nearly daily. love this! March 20, 2012 9:32 am
angie: twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AngieWarren/status/182142698029989888 March 20, 2012 9:33 am
Marissa Shum: Also posted to my Facebook page! You rock! March 20, 2012 9:34 am
michelle: Would love this!! I have three boys and they would have so much fun with this. We've done some of the activities in the Adventure Guide. We love the HFM! March 20, 2012 9:36 am
michelle: Shared on FACEBOOK! :) March 20, 2012 9:36 am
michelle: Tweeted! :) March 20, 2012 9:38 am
Annie: I'd love to have this to do with my kids! March 20, 2012 9:53 am
Ashley Locke: How awesome!! What a great way to keep kids entertained!! Hope I win! March 20, 2012 9:56 am
Ashley Locke: Shared on my FB!! (But I really didn't wan to b/c I want to be the winner!!) March 20, 2012 9:56 am
Anna: What a great idea! I had DAYS of fun whenever my siblings and I built forts growing up! March 20, 2012 10:03 am
jenny: the children must stop taking sheets off of their beds for fortbuilding... need this kit! for reals. :) March 20, 2012 10:03 am
Bryton morse: Been looking for a fort kit for so long! It's my little boy's birthday this week and it would be the perfect present! March 20, 2012 10:05 am
Melody: What a fun giveaway!! Thanks Natalie and I love reading YOU in your blog. You inspire me. Melody March 20, 2012 10:48 am
Ashley: I want one!! March 20, 2012 10:54 am
kb: I don't have kids, but have the most amazing friend with the two of the greatest boys that would LOVE this!!!! March 20, 2012 11:18 am
Briann Neeley: what a great giveaway! March 20, 2012 11:22 am
sharalee prang: this/you are great. which makes the two together off the charts. March 20, 2012 11:26 am
sharalee prang: tweeted too! March 20, 2012 11:28 am
Andrea: How cool is this? What a great idea! Even if I don't win, I'm keeping this in my idea book for gifts for everyone who has a child, ever.. March 20, 2012 12:03 pm
Laurel: my littles would love this! March 20, 2012 12:12 pm
Apri Johnson: awesome! i have 4 boys that always want to build forts!!! March 20, 2012 12:32 pm
Shauna Sybrowsky: Oh yes my boys would love this!!! Nothing better than playing in a fort and letting their imaginations run wild!!!! March 20, 2012 1:02 pm
lisa: oh i would be the bestest auntie in the world if i showed up with this! :) March 20, 2012 1:22 pm
Jandi: Wow! You are definitely one of those moms I always wish I could be. Not a creative bone in my body! It's an amazing gift you have, and I bet your children love every minute of it! March 20, 2012 1:33 pm
Jandi: BAM! Posted on fb! Best of luck choosing :) March 20, 2012 1:35 pm
Rosemary Gustin: We love the Solars. And we'd love to have a fort kit of our very own. 4 kids under the age of 8, and we would definitely up it to good use! :) March 20, 2012 2:59 pm
Rosemary Gustin: Posted it on Facebook. www.facebook.com/RosemaryGustin March 20, 2012 3:00 pm
Katie: This looks like so much fun! March 20, 2012 3:07 pm
Meghan Godfrey: It looks like your family had a blast with this, so how can I not want one? March 20, 2012 3:33 pm
Meghan Godfrey: Tweeted it too! March 20, 2012 3:35 pm
lyn.: What a fun thing to have to lure the grandkids over more often... March 20, 2012 3:58 pm
lyn.: I posted on Facebook... March 20, 2012 4:00 pm
Cindy Smith Walczuk: Would love this for something new and adventurous to do with my kids after spending the day with my "other" kids... I teach second grade! Tired mommy needs new "toys"! March 20, 2012 5:48 pm
Cindy Smith Walczuk: Shared on Facebook because I love Natalie! March 20, 2012 5:49 pm
Liz T: Great idea. Great pixs! March 20, 2012 6:10 pm
Sandra: This looks fab. My 2 young boys would love it. March 20, 2012 6:47 pm
Sandra: facebook done. saves using the chairs and sheets and pillows March 20, 2012 6:48 pm
Tory: UM YES PLEASE! Spring break is coming up!! :) March 20, 2012 6:57 pm
melissa zihlman: Me please! :) March 20, 2012 7:16 pm
Nate: This kit is sooo cool! March 20, 2012 7:32 pm
Jacqui w: My boys LOVE forts March 20, 2012 9:19 pm
Shannon: I would love this for my son and nephew!! Fort Building time would be the best spring break fun!! March 20, 2012 9:44 pm
Shannon: Also tweeted @sbullock March 20, 2012 9:45 pm
Bitsy: This looks awesome. We I've making forts. A bonefied fort kit would be even cooler! March 21, 2012 1:36 am
Doretha P: And I shared this wonderful product on Facebook! March 21, 2012 7:02 am
Gina: Me! Me! March 21, 2012 9:33 am
Angela Martin: "Eveen" and my four monkeys would be jumping for joy to win your lovely tent kit for many adventures that will be never ending. March 21, 2012 10:34 am
Angela Martin: Facebook & Tweeted: "Fort Kit | GIVEAWAY! - http://natalienortonblog.com/2012/03/19/fort-kit-giveaway/ ~ my 4 monkeys would be jumping for joy to win this fort kit to have a lifetime of adventures." March 21, 2012 10:41 am
Jade Miles: I'd love a bona-fide fort kit!!! Woo hoo :) March 21, 2012 10:59 am
Michelle: I would love this for my 3 1/2 year old son. We've just been working on fort making and the blankets we've been using aren't the greatest...this would be awesome!! March 21, 2012 5:24 pm
Dorinda Peyton: First things first, YOU ROCK!!! Secondly, LOVE some fort play! It would be so awesome to have a kit for the kiddies to play with too! March 21, 2012 6:31 pm
Dorinda Peyton: Tweeted :) March 21, 2012 6:35 pm
Mickisha: Checked out their website when you talked about them before and they have such fun products! March 21, 2012 9:42 pm
Aileen: Looks great! I also tweeted and FB'd. :) March 22, 2012 11:26 am
Kim Orlandini: Oh my, adorable...we would adore one too. Your boys are so stinking cute. Love the photos. March 22, 2012 11:39 am
Kim Orlandini: Facebooked! xoxo March 22, 2012 11:40 am
becca: I hope I win my kiddies would love it :) thanks for the opportunity to enter :) March 22, 2012 12:17 pm
Jessica: This is amazing! I would be honored to win!! :) March 22, 2012 6:38 pm
Jenn: So great - your models rock;-) March 22, 2012 7:17 pm
Jenn: Facebooked as well! March 22, 2012 7:18 pm
Rachel Boatright DeVault: I would LOVE to have this!! March 22, 2012 7:19 pm
Rachel Boatright DeVault: I posted about the giveaway on Facebook! March 22, 2012 7:20 pm
sue v: great giveaway and photos March 22, 2012 7:32 pm
Lacey S: These are totally adorable! I shared on fb. March 22, 2012 7:33 pm
katherine peas: I would love to win! March 22, 2012 7:36 pm
Jessica Souza: Ahh. I NEED this!!! March 22, 2012 7:38 pm
Jessica Souza: Shared to FB :) March 22, 2012 7:38 pm
Lorie Hall: I would love to win this...super fun!!! Thanks!! Lorie Hall loriehall@hotmail.com March 22, 2012 7:46 pm
Kara Smith: My 3 year old son and I could sure make some fun memories with this kit! March 22, 2012 7:47 pm
Lorie Hall: I just tweeted about this giveaway...https://twitter.com/#!/loriehall Lorie Hall loriehall@hotmail.com March 22, 2012 7:48 pm
Lindsay Benson: Looks so fun! Thanks for posting!! March 22, 2012 8:07 pm
dadgary: Forts rock! Um, unless of course the wife finds you have used her best linens. March 22, 2012 8:19 pm
Heather: I also have 3 boys and am tired of cleaning up blankets and pillows from the forts in the living room. This would be so awesome. March 22, 2012 9:44 pm
F Rindlisbacher: Totally fun! March 23, 2012 2:41 am
Angie Gallagher: What a fun giveaway! Thanks Natalie for offering it! March 23, 2012 3:13 am
Chantelle W.: Ohh, I would love to win this. I have 5 little boys that love forts. I am also commenting on facebook as we speak. March 23, 2012 9:52 am
Melissa Ter Meer: This looks totally amazing!! And a good time for the kids !!! March 23, 2012 5:39 pm

making time.

click here to open post Mar 18, 2012 | posted in Authenticity, Inspire, Personal | no comments

healthy foods you should be eating

By Good Food Is Good Medicine

It seems like every day we wake up to a new “superfood” that will change your life. With the abundance of information available, how do you know what’s actually good for you? Here are the top 15 foods you should be eating according to our experts: Learn more about ozempic side effects.

1. Fish

“Eat plenty of fish, which are high in healthy omega 3 fatty acids, and smaller portions of red meat to reduce your risk of diseases like stroke, heart disease and cancer.” – Bob Canter, professor of surgery at UC Davis Division of Surgical Oncology.

2. Broccoli or any of the cruciferous vegetables

“These foods are rich in nutrients including glucosinolates, which are key in detoxification processes. These are best served raw or quick-steamed for five to ten minutes.” – Alex Nella, pediatric registered dietitian.

3. Beets

“No matter which color – red, yellow, golden – or which part – root or greens – they contain a wonderful variety of protective carotenoids. Evidence suggests their dietary nitrates can be converted to nitric oxide and improve endurance exercise.” – Alex Nella, pediatric registered dietitian.

4. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables

“These are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin: nutrients that can help protect against macular degeneration.” – Jeffrey Caspar, professor of ophthalmology at the UC Davis Eye Center.

5. Kale

“It’s a green leafy veggie that I love chopped in salad or cooked with onion and garlic. It is nutrient dense, has lots of antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol.” – Brandee Waite, director of the UC Davis Sports Medicine fellowship

6. Peanut butter

“My favorite food is peanut butter. It has protein, carbs and sugars. It’s a great recovery food and my kids love it!” – Brian Davis, clinical professor of the UC Davis Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

**UC Davis Health is not affiliated with any other brand.

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My man, Richie, on CONSCIOUSLY CREATING your life.

click here to open post Mar 13, 2012 | posted in Authenticity, Inspire, Richie Norton | 3 comments

Love this guy.

Times infinity.

Every single day, he reminds me to get up, put a smile on my face, and consciously live out the gratitude of my heart.

Who could ask for anything more?

3 comments | add comment

Shelly: GOooooooo, Richie! You are amazing! (He's pretty darned lucky to have you, too, Nat!) March 14, 2012 11:06 am
crystal winger: He is good! Changed my day! ;-) thank you! March 15, 2012 12:02 pm
natalie: @Crystal, He's magical. In every way! Here's to you! xx, N March 18, 2012 10:08 pm

Natalie Norton Photography