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May 31, 2008

It's a Wonderful Life

(Originally published by Nattie on December 12, 2003)

We are having our first real snow of the season. The Christmas lights are twinkling, the popcorn is popping and we are all watching It's A Wonderful Life.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:42 PM | Comments (0)

from Pattie

Luminaria

Pattie participated in her local Relay for Life last night. She sent this photo of the luminaria she made. The other side says, "In Loving Memory of Natalie Rose York, December 15, 1973-June 7, 2007."

Thank you very much, Pattie!

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:26 PM | Comments (1)

May 30, 2008

Moving right along

(Originally published on May 30, 2003)

Got some time with Natalie this evening. She is to be moved from the surgery floor to the oncology wing, probably tonight, and chemotherapy could start as early as tomorrow. It is good to hear from doctors with positive plans.

She is still very weak and uncomfortable. Of course, that is to be expected just three days after major surgery, but we who are demanding miracles would like to see one soon!

Nattie wants to see her children, and they need to see her...well and strong again!

Still, she has not lost her resolve to fight with whatever strength she--with your help and God's--can muster.

We also need to thank everyone who has been such a help to all of us lately. Some of those I can remember are cousins Allen, Jill and Joy; aunts Anne and Marty; Wes and his family, Karla and Elaine; Pastor Mark and Tammy Deimer and their entire praying congregation, and especially her mom who flew out from California the day after she got the news, and is staying as long as she is needed, even though her vacation days are long gone.

And all of you who continue to stop in here and leave your words of encouragement, and pray for Natalie's strength and miraculous healing. Don't stop now!

Thank you so very much!--Nattie and her Daddy

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 04:49 PM | Comments (0)

"Team Nattie" updated again"

I attended my first "team captains' meeting" last night. It was also the last one of the year. If you ordered a shirt, it is in the mail, and should be to you by Wednesday or Thursday. I hope you can wear it on June 7, wherever you are.

Earlier on Thursday--thanks to the generosity of Brian, Cynthia, Amy, Cathy, Pattie, Anne, Lesley, Jennifer, Sara, Erik, Maria, Jack and Rich--I doubled the team goal for the second time. We are currently at $665.00, and with the help of some other co-workers, friends and family members, I hope to see that rise a little more before the event

It's never too late to register or to donate...but many T-shirt sizes are sold out, and I won't be making another mailing until after the event.

Remembering Natalie Rose York -- for the Grant County (Indiana) Relay for Life in Marion on June 7, 2008. Anyone who wishes to participate, either locally or at a distance may register at the team website.

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 04:22 PM | Comments (2)

May 29, 2008

25 things about me--updated

(Originally published by Nattie on December 12, 2003)

I've done this list before, but had to do another one as an intro to yahoo group. It is actually a fun journaling prompt.

  1. My name is Natalie, but everyone calls me "Nat" or "Nattie."
  2. I am *sob* turning 30 in three days on the 15th.
  3. I will be wearing black from now on out because I'm mourning the death of my 20s. ;-)
  4. Actually, I decided to instead make a list of 30 things I want to do in my next 30 years.
  5. I also made a photo gallery of my past 30 years [sorry, no longer available]
  6. I normally don't obsess over age, but this one has hit me hard.
  7. Besides being obsessed about turning 30, I love to read.
  8. I've read moer than 150 books this year.
  9. I just got back from vacation in Florida
  10. When I wasn't nursing my three-year-old on our vacation, I was reading by the pool.
  11. Temperature was in the 70s in Florida. Very nice.
  12. It is only 18 degrees in Indiana right now. BRRRRR.
  13. This is the time of year when I wouldn't mind having a winter home in warmer climate (Yes, Ann, you heard me right).
  14. I'm boring. I can't think of anything else about myself...
  15. I live in Small Town USA, Indiana
  16. I grew up in California.
  17. I have been married five years to my hubby Wes. We got married in Las Vegas.
  18. I have two children who are thankfully sleeping in today. :o)
  19. I'm addicted to caffeine.
  20. I'm a depression survivor.
  21. I guess I'm a freelance writer. I haven't written or published much lately.
  22. Have I mentioned that I'm cold? It is only 18 degrees!!!
  23. I love sitting in my cozy corner sipping a hot beverage and watching the twinkling Christmas tree lights.
  24. This year is the first year that I'm doing an Advent Nativity calendar with my children. I'm loving it. As are they.
  25. My favorite Christmas song is "O Holy Night." It never fails to bring tears to my eyes and awe to my heart.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:25 AM | Comments (2)

May 28, 2008

Mea Culpa!

(Originally published on May 28, 2007)

Yesterday, Natalie was under the influence of drugs, and could not be reached for comment, leaving her helpless Daddy no choice but to listen to her doctors and update you accordingly...silly me!

When they returned this morning and repeated their verdict for the patient, she chased everyone out of the room for a few minutes. Then she laid down the law.

"There will be no crying in my room. I want no one's pity. I am not going to die. I will fight this thing until I beat it."

Just returned from a nice long visit. She is very tired and weak. Regardless of the outcome, she did have major surgery with appropriate painkillers. But she is already promising to shave her head rather than let the hair fall out in clumps, and find some scarves that Jonathan and Anna can't use to pick up dead animals.

This is where the real praying work begins! Thank you! --Nattie's Daddy

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)

Dearest Nattie...

I have been to your myspace at least a half dozen times, writing notes to you...missing you...wondering why in the world my heart feels so deeply and crys...I talked about you today...saying that the twos sides of me are at odds in this issue...my feelin side just feels it and responds with tears, no explanation necessary...yet my logical side, says this make no sense...in that yes, you knew her, but you didnt *know* her as many others did that would justify, explain or make sense of the tears I cry. But the logical side of me says nothing and reasons nothing, to either make the tears stop or justify the tears that flow...so I suppose I should just accept them, for whatever reason they are there and trust that God understands and knows and hears the deep of things within me.

You are soo missed, as I wrote on your myspace, even by silly girls who never even got to hug on ya...man every time I go there I cry...wonder why? Maybe cuz when I went that weekend, something about you, something within that hobbit house, something about sitting with your mom, hugging on your daddy, praying for your children, speaking into Wes's life, sharing tears with never met before friends, left an indelible mark upon my soul...and it changes a person. Funny thing is I dont know, if we would have ever talked as friends, or if we would have discovered some passion shared...aside from the ones I know about...God, writing and cross stitch, I would have liked to have found out.

I often wonder, if you could do things different, knowing what you know now, what would you do different? I also wonder, what our answer to that question would be in light of, what we think YOU know now...about us, God, friendship, family, people, ministry...and what that answer should make US do differently, now while we can?

I cant believe we are approaching a year. Time goes by so fast, it seems we can barely catch our breaths. I pray that your babies come to saving knowledge of Christ, that they grow strong in the things of God and I pray that Wes is strengthened as a father and also comes to saving knowledge of Christ and his whole household. You know, better than any of us, how vital that is...so more than anything I pray that for them. I look forward to meeting and embracing you when God calls me home, until then girl, save me a seat.

In Him,
Cynthia

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)

May 26, 2008

An Update from Nattie's Daddy

(Originally published on May 25, 2007)

Just thought you'd want to know that Natalie spent Thursday night in the local hospital for observation and hydration. Although her blood pressure was elevated at the time of her admission, it had retreated to proper levels by Friday afternoon. She had lost another six pounds in the last couple of days, so she also benefitted from intravenous fluids overnight.

This evening she is being transferred to a hospital in Indianapolis. It is hoped that they are better equipped to obtain the scans that the surgeon wants before beginning his work

Please continue to pray for my little girl's healing, and that you will soon be reading her words, here, again.

Thank you, from Natalie, her family and friends!

Copyright Natalie Rose York

This evening she is being transferred to a hospital in Indianapolis. It is hoped that they are better equipped to obtain the scans that the surgeon wants before beginning his work

Please continue to pray for my little girl's healing, and that you will soon be reading her words, here, again.

Thank you, from Natalie, her family and friends!

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:12 AM | Comments (0)

May 25, 2008

The race is on

Although the date is different, it was last year, as thousands sat on the west side of Indianapolis in eager anticipation of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" that a handful of others scattered around the world paced in hope of a good word from Indianapolis Methodist Hospital. Natalie had been in surgery since 8:00 a.m. When the word came, alas, it was not, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

On this holiday we traditionally pause in remembrance of our nation's military heroes. Today we remember the fight that Nattie put up in the face of insurmountable odds. A few days later, she would win the eternal prize.

Love you, girl...miss you more!

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:20 AM | Comments (4)

May 24, 2008

Nattie-Pie,

I leave you comments on MySpace all the time, so you would think writing this letter would come easy. Heck! It was my idea for people to write you letters and send them to your dad. Still, I have found it pretty near impossible to stop, breathe, and write this. But, here I am. Tuesday morning. My youngest is watching "All Dogs go to Heaven." Are there dogs there? I have lots of silly questions like that. Is Jesus a good dancer? Do you have your own library?

Sometimes, it just hits me that you are gone. Like, I will be reading or having a conversation, and the knowledge will show up, uninvited. "Nat is Gone." And it is so starkly real against this life that seems so hazy sometimes, that I have to stop. A punch in the gut. I remind myself to breathe again. The knowing is so painful. I am glad when it fades again, when I can slip back into the day.

But I don't want to lose you. I am afraid if I don't hang on to your memory, if I don't wrestle it to the page, it will be gone. You will be gone.

I miss you.

Heather

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)

"thankful thursday"

(Originally published by Nattie on May 24, 2007)

I know people think I'm crazy. I have cancer, but I have oodles of things to be thankful for.

  1. My mom is here doing all my laundry. lol We joke that I got cancer so I wouldn't have to do housework. It is all part of my evil plan. bwahahahaha

  2. I've got great friends and family. Really. I can't describe the outpouring of love and help I've gotten from them.

  3. I have cute new fuzzy flip flops to wear around the house.

  4. I have new pjs to wear post op.

  5. I can move my laptop and sit in my comfy chair so I can be online a little longer.

  6. My ipod. Last night I couldn't sleep so I listened to an audio book.

  7. Even though I can't handle any "hardy" reading right now...I have oodles of "friends" (i.e. old books) that I can reread.

  8. I am allowed to eat as much ice cream as I want. Never mind that I can only eat half a cup. I can eat ice cream whenever I want. The only time I was allowed to do that before was when I had my tonsils out.

  9. When people come visit and ask what I want I can say, "Ice cream" and not feel guilty.

  10. The most important thing of all is that God is by my side through this all. I don't know how people handle tragedy without their Heavenly Father. I know I couldn't and for this I am very thankful.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

(One year ago today, Natalie made these words the last posted directly to her blog. Later that day she checked in to the hospital...well, you know the rest. How do you say..."le snif"?)

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:31 AM | Comments (1)

May 23, 2008

"Wordless Wednesday"

(Originally published by Nattie on May 23, 2007)

pampered

~Pampered~

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:43 AM | Comments (1)

May 22, 2008

"Team Nattie" update

Thanks to Maria, Amy and her mother, Sara, Cynthia, Lesley and Anne, "Remembering Natalie Rose York" has already passed its initial goal. I think I'll double it and send a letter to some corporate friends...

I have been asked what is the difference between "Joining" and "Donating." As for dollar total, there seems to be no difference. However, it's nice to watch the number of team members rise, so I recommend that you click the "Join a Team" link, if given a choice.

Regarding deadlines for registration and donation, the "Grant County Relay for Life" is June 7, so you'll have to beat that date if you want your memorial to Nattie to count in the team total this year.

If you want to wear a "Relay for Life" T-shirt on June 7, but will not be here to pick it up at the event, I will have to get it for you no later than May 29.

All things considered, I recommend that all transactions be completed as soon as possible...say by Monday, May 26, if you can. If you can't do that, your support is welcome at any time, I just can't promise that you will get proper recognition before the fact. I hope you understand.

(((((Every one of you!)))))

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:16 AM | Comments (3)

what i know part deux

(Originally published by Nattie on May 22, 2007)

I saw the oncologist today. He was very kind. It turns out he was my mother in laws oncologist when she had breast cancer 8 years ago. I already knew that my kind of cancer is rare or uncommon as he said in a woman this young. He also seconded that the way to treat this is remove it if possible.

So I am to see a surgeon asap for a consult. There is some good news...my blood work is showing that it has not spread to my liver as of yet. More news as soon as I get some.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. I know I wouldn't be so calm right now if it were not for those prayers.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)

May 21, 2008

Dearest Nattie,

I can’t believe you have left this earth almost a year ago. I know you are in a much better place. Sometimes I get jealous because I’m stuck in this body that betrays me almost daily. Cerebral Palsy sucks but I know God has a purpose for me. I still don’t know what it is but I will continue to sit and wait on the Lord. I so wish I could’ve had the chance to meet you on this side of heaven, since we knew each other online for at least five years. I was excited to know though that you got a front row seat at my wedding on July 7, 2007. On June 8th I will be celebrating another person’s birthday and life. She went to heaven only a few months before you from cancer as well. She truly has the voice of an angel. I’m sure you too have met already. The foundation her parents started in her name to help kids with cancer go to summer camp for a week is having a huge Christian concert on her birthday. They are having a lot of local bands and closing with Building 429. How awesome is that! So on that day I will be celebrating both of you. I can’t believe that I have been married almost a year already. Time truly does fly! I love you Nattie and I look forward to the day when I finally get to meet you on the other side of the sky!

Love,

Heather M. (now Roemer) from WAH

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 02:15 PM | Comments (0)

what i know

(Originally published by Nattie on May 21, 2007)

I don't know a whole lot more yet about my cancer. But it is cancer. And it is not lymphoma like previously mentioned. It has a name. And I won't put it up here because you'll google it and get all the horrible statistics.

I've never liked statistics. I've never been a conformist (apparently this cancer is most common in non-american black men over the age of 65). I've always walked to the beat of my own drum. And I will continue to do that now.

I know who holds tomorrow. And He holds me in His hand.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)

May 20, 2008

My favorite Christmas movies

(Originally published by Nattie on December 12, 2003)

Here are my favorite Christmas movies in no particular order. Some have sentimental value, some are just plain funny (like Clark Griswold in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" trying to plan the perfect family Christmas), and some do have some redeeming spiritual values.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)

May 19, 2008

May reading

My list is pitifully small right now, but I haven't felt like reading much lately and what I am reading is rather light fare.

1. Spring Cleaning Murders by Dorothy Cannell
2. For Everything a Season by Philip Gulley
3. The Hanging in the Hotel by Simon Brett
4. Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher (reread)
5. Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery (reread)

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)

"Team Nattie"

I have formed a team -- Remembering Natalie Rose York -- for the Grant County (Indiana) Relay for Life in Marion on June 7, 2008. Anyone who wishes to participate, either locally or at a distance, may register at the team website. I set the goal low enough, I think, but will gladly raise it if need be.

I will apologize in advance for the generic appearance of this page. I am still working on some persoalizing changes, but the options are limited.

If you want a T-shirt, please donate at least $20.00. ($50.00 is requested, but I don't want anyone to go hungry!) I will mail it to you on or about June 1. I should be able to get a list of donors' names and addresses when I pick up the shirts, but it would help to have those in advance. Make your donations to the above link, then send your USMail addresses to me at the one address I have been able to count on lately: brownhound1 at yahoo dot com (that's a Number One after the dog's name).

Note that you can also purchase a luminaria for $10.00 and your own memorial to Natalie will be printed on it.

And don't forget, if you want a "Letter to Nattie" posted here on her blogsite, I will do that through June 6. No charge.

(((((Y'all)))))

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:19 AM | Comments (1)

May 18, 2008

Another one of those days...

Tomorrow I will post a link to the page where you may register and donate--if you wish--to the team "Remembering Natalie Rose York" in the Relay for Life to be held on the one-year anniversary of the day we said goodbye.

Meanwhile, I continue to wonder at the string of events that played out one year ago. I can not reverse them any more than I could stop them. But they happened as they are written here, and all we have now are these memories.

And the promise that we shall meet again.

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)

the telling

(Originally published by Nattie on May 18, 2007)

There is little that is harder than calling your mom who lives 2,000 some miles away and saying, "The doctor thinks it looks like lymphoma." Even harder is calling your dad who is only 20 miles away and can't drive and say the same thing.

The list of calls you have to make seems a mile long and you have to pray for strength even if you are only leaving a message on an answering machine. The telling is not the easiest thing.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)

Her Life Flashed Before My Eyes

May 18, 2007, 11:43 a.m. From this moment forward, life shall never be the same.

I began a journal on this date, one year ago. Took many notes that make no more sense today than they did when written. Maybe someday I will be able to put them in readable order. Maybe not.

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:37 AM | Comments (2)

May 16, 2008

tired of being poked and prodded

(Originally published by Nattie on May 16, 2007)

I've had blood work done. I've had a gall bladder ultrasound. I've had an Upper GI done. Now I have an endoscopy scheduled tomorrow at some horridly early hour. They must fix this soon because I am at my limit.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)

May 15, 2008

Just a short brag

(Originally published by Nattie on December 12, 2003)

My first article for BPO (Busy Parents Online) is up-—Great Expectations.

Okay, back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2008

so over it

(Originally published by Nattie on May 14, 2007)

I am so over being sick.

I've not eaten real food in eons.

I've lost a good 15 lbs (which I needed but would have preferred to do the "normal" way).

I can't exercise because I have no energy so my "muskles" (ala popeye) have gotten flabby.

Housework, while always a drudge, is near impossible to do when you have problems standing for two minutes at a time.

I am too tired to read, even. I just watch reality tv reruns. And that ain't good for ye ol' brain.

I am so over being sick. Hopefully they figger out what is wrong soon.

I have to chaperone a field trip in a week's time. I have a vacation to California coming up, too.

Must. get. better.

If only we knew what was wrong?!

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:01 AM | Comments (1)

May 13, 2008

For to us a gift was given

(Originally published by Nattie on December 11, 2003)

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~ Isaiah 9:6

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)

May 12, 2008

Things are looking up

(Originally published by Nattie on December 11, 2003)

  1. I think my headache has gone away for good. I'm not holding my breath, but I got a burst of energy this afternoon and did dishes that have stacked up, then did some more laundry. I'm crossing fingers and toes, knocking on wood and saying a prayer that it is over!

  2. My children have seemed to turn a corner in potty training. They've both been trained #1-wise for ages and Anna was really doing well with #2. But as you've probably read in past blog entries my five-year-old has been dragging his feet with the #2 thing. Well, three times in a row he has actually gone without me nagging him and he has had no accidents.
  3. My MIL is loaning us money to fix our car. There has been an odd wiggle in the front passenger side wheel since we got back from vacation. At times we were afraid it was going to shake off. So the car is in the shop. I'm hoping it isn't too much because we'll have to repay my MIL next week and that money was designated for Christmas shopping.
  4. I got my first birthday card in the mail yesterday from my friend Chris. Thank you!!!
  5. I offered to buy the book So Many Books, So Little Time from my friend Linda, and she is giving it to me as an RAK (Random Act of Kindness). Aren't Friends the greatest! :o)

Well, now that Jonathan is going #2 in the potty, he gets his computer games back. Obviously he is standing over my shoulder right now saying, "Are you done yet? Are you done yet?"

Be Blessed and don't forget the reason for the season!

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)

May 10, 2008

Say a prayer

(Originally published by Nattie on December 10, 2003)

My dear friend, Dana has been through so much lately. She had a crack addict run into her husbands truck pushing it into her fence, her van and then her house. The truck was totalled.

If that wasn't bad enough...she has now lost a dear friend--a sister in cancer survival--Mylette. Dana's strength and will to live amaze me. She has battled cancer and won, but even the amazing Dana is broken when cancer claims another friend.

I love you, Dana. I wish I could take the pain away.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)

May 09, 2008

So Near and yet so Far

Only one more month remains before the first anniversary of Natalie's passing. As Heather has said, "Feels less and more at the same time."

Thinking of such things always brings back the sad feelings that we have worked so hard to overcome, but we are equally inspired to do whatever we can to keep Natalie's memory alive. And to call even further attention to the wonderful ways that she touched each of us.

Nattie's Mom and I have tossed a few ideas around, but decided nothing. So let's have your input. Not that we could ever do all that we wish, but to get a feeling for what you want or think appropriate.

One item that has already been mentioned briefly (also by Heather) is for you to write letters to your friend Nattie. Tell her how you miss her, and what has happened in your lives since she left us. Or whatever touches your heart. Then send them to me -- webmaster at nattierosewrites dot com -- and I will post them here.

I propose to do this in the 21 days between May 18, when she got her diagnosis, and June 7, when we said goodbye. You may send your letters at any time between now and then.

We may come up with other things to do through the tears, but one will require some advance planning.

Purely by coincidence, there will be a Relay for Life event near her hometown on June 7. Her mom, aunt, cousin and kids are planning to participate. Natalie did not live long enough to avail herself of any American Cancer Society's services, so I don't feel a personal obligation to repay them, but it is too great an opportunity to honor her memory by supporting this event and its worthycause.

I know that each of you has other obligations and I will not ask you to give any of your money or time, but I did want to tell you about it. If you wish to do this of your own free will, please comment accordingly. We would love to have you here, or to add your names to the list of Relay supporters, but will only start a "Team NattieRoseWrites.com" if a significant number of you tell me of your intent to participate or donate.

Let me know what you think...(((((y'all!)))))

PS: Our server has been a bit wonky of late, so if the above email address goes bouncy on you, use brownhound1 at yahoo dot com. It should work as long as Microsoft keeps their hands off it.

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 04:23 PM | Comments (8)

Another day...

(Originally published by Nattie on December 9, 2003)

another migraine. Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, I'm dreaming of a quiet, cool, dark room.

That is akin to dreaming of becoming a millionaire overnight. Both are unlikely to happen unless my fairy godmother or genie shows up soon.

Going back to my corner where the light is dim. Now if I can just get the kids to attack the "monster" in the closet quietly instead of full force.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:55 AM | Comments (1)

May 08, 2008

Migraines. Yippee? Not!

(Originally published by Nattie on December 9, 2003)

I have my second migraine since coming home Friday. Ugh! This one isn't as bad as the one I had on Saturday, but my eyes really hurt. I can't look at a computer screen long or be around bright lights.

I am thankful it was a gray day and I could lounge around some, but I can't take much more of this. Will try to post more later.

I did have one good thing happen today. I got a Christmas present from Stacey. I have a one-of-a-kind WAH scarf. It looks smashing with my tanktop and sweats. :o)

~ Now back to my dark little corner... ~

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)

May 07, 2008

"Under the weather"

If you're into nostalgia, this is what Natalie posted here on May 4, 2007.

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:50 AM | Comments (4)

What Christmas Carol Are You?

(Originally published by Nattie on December 8, 2003)

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

You are "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." You take Christmas very seriously. For you, it is a religious festival, celebrating the birth of the Saviour, and its current secularisation really irritates you. You enjoy the period of Advent leading up to Christmas, and attend any local carol services you can find, as well as the more contemplative Advent church services each Sunday. You may be involved in Christmas food collections or similar charity work. The midnight service at your church, with candles and carols, is one you look forward to all year, and you also look forward to the family get together on Christmas Day.

What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)

May 06, 2008

A brief synopsis of our vacation

(Originally published by Nattie on December 12, 2003)

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

I'm wondering...did I really take a vacation? Hmmmm....

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:04 AM | Comments (0)

May 05, 2008

For all the amazing women out there

(Originally published by Nattie on December 12, 2003)

The spec sheet of a woman...

By the time the Lord made woman, he was into His sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?..."

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?... She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -- and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

"But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick and can work 18-hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is!...

Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can help to heal a broken heart.

Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning! They bring joy and hope. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:23 AM | Comments (2)

May 01, 2008

give thanks

(Originally published by Nattie on November 26, 2003)

Give thanks with a grateful heart;
Give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:27 AM | Comments (1)