May 23, 2007
Wordless Wednesday
~Pampered~
Posted by nattie at 09:43 AM | Comments (11)
May 14, 2007
so over it
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 2 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 weeks time.
I have a vacation to CA coming up too.
Must. get. better.
If only we knew what was wrong?!
Posted by nattie at 02:33 PM | Comments (5)
May 10, 2007
bummer
I just blogged a fairly decent blog and lost it. I'll try again later when I have more energy.
Posted by nattie at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2007
Guilty Pleasures
There are things I enjoy that I am almost ashamed of. They are things that might not hold with my outward image I like to project. Then I remember that outward image is just that...outward. Who I am is and inward and outward being. There is more to me than the jeans I wear and the things I own.
Yet there are still some things I only do under the cover of darkness, things I don't shout about on the rooftops. I'm going to whisper them to you right now. Full disclosure.
I love What Not to Wear. I want to be made over by Clinton and Stacey.
I read People magazine and not just for the book reviews.
I dance around my apartment to Don't Ya by the Pussycat Dolls, Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake and My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas.
I love fountain Pepsis from Rickers' and the occasional non Starbucks capp - straight from the convenience store.
I love TGIFridays Chicken Quesadilla Rolls dipped in sour cream. AND I double dip.
I like to go to movies by myself and not just "grown up" movies. I go under the guise of screening for my kids, but I saw Meet the Robinsons by myself and I had a good time.
I would also have gone to the opening of Spidey 3 at midnight if I had a car. Yes, I am that geeky.
I will eat in restaraunts by myself as long as I have a book, I am happy.
As much as I enjoy dancing to Baby Got Back, I also enjoy silence. Silence is golden.
Now that you know all these private things about me will you still respect me? Probably not. But that is okay. You have your guilty pleasures too.
Posted by nattie at 09:44 AM | Comments (4)
May 04, 2007
under the weather
I've been feeling under the weather for...well, forever. It started innocuously enough. I felt really full and would have intense indigestion after eating just a little more than usual. Then I started throwing up if I ate more than usual. Even if it was just a bite. Then diarrhea. Then more throwing up. Till all I seemed to do was live in the bathroom or hugging a bucket.
I finally went to the doctor. Want to know what finally prompted me to do it? I felt too puny to read!! I knew something serious was wrong then.
The doc still doesn't really know what is wrong. He listed a veritable laundry list of possibilities. I've been poked. Next week I'll be prodded. In the mean time I've lost at least 10 more lbs from it and my jeans keep falling down.
I could still stand to lose 20 more lbs according to the doctors scales, BUT I want to be able to choose what I do and do not eat. Right now I don't have a choice. All food is off limits to me.
So, here's to not feeling puny any more and actually being able to read with out hugging the porcelain god.
Posted by nattie at 07:40 PM | Comments (3)
May 02, 2007
are you a kindred spirit?
You are most like Anne Shirley. You love to day dream, read romance novels, and TALK! Yet, you are starving for love and attention, that is, till you come to Green Gables and meet Matthew, Marilla, and Mrs. Lynde.
Take this quiz!
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code
Posted by nattie at 05:20 PM | Comments (2)
April 10, 2007
parenting sucks
I am so not a good parent. Or often I think why did God give me these kids. They deserve so much more. Then I watched Gideon Tuba Warrior and there is a part where Gideon says that God chose him for such a time as this. And I think about Esther. Or Moses. Or all the asundry people that God chose to do great things. They weren't all that fantastic. Moses stuttered. Esther was a Jew in a time when Jews were hunted and killed. God still chose them. They could do great things with God's help. That is when I realized that I've been trying to parent under my own power and that isn't that fantastic right now. So Phil 4:13 for pete's sake.
I definitely need it. Jonathan was suspended. Again.
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. ~ Phillipians 4:13, the Message
Posted by nattie at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)
March 07, 2007
Need to dust off my pen, eh?
| You Should Be a Poet |
 Your poetry has the potential to make people laugh and cry at the same time. You just need to write it! |
Posted by nattie at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2007
times that try (wo)men's souls
I am thankful that I am not God. I couldn't handle the pressure. But there are times when I wonder what He is thinking. I know in His infinite wisdom He does know what he is doing, but still...there are times that try the soul.
Times when you wonder why do mommies lose 3 month old babies? Why do other mommies not even get to birth their babies? Why do I have a son with special needs? Why does a husband think that another woman can meet his needs when he can't even look outside of a beer can? And the list goes on...but God is God and I am not. So I cling to one of His many promises...
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Amen
Posted by nattie at 02:05 PM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2007
hee hee
my nickname in high school was hippie chick...
| You Are Grass Green |
 You accept the world and people as they are. You don't try to change things. You are also very comfortable with yourself, flaws and all. Optimistic about the future, you feel like life is always getting better. |
Posted by nattie at 05:00 PM | Comments (1)
February 16, 2007
Snow day(s)
Nothing like 17" of snow and blizzard like conditions to make you go a little mad and let you get a lot of reading done. I only just got the car dug out of 3 foot snow drifts yesterday and tried driving it today to find that it has a mad knock. So I'll go back to my stack of books. Yes, I've read 10 books so far this month. It's been cold out. And a smidge snowy. *muah*
Posted by nattie at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2007
Valentines and other firsts remembered
I have no idea why, but something prompted me to remember a valentine's day first last night.
It was 1987 and I was a gawky 13 year old. I still wore glasses, but was very vain that day and didn't wear them so I saw every one through a near sighted haze. And it was raining. It rarely rained in Sunny California, but it did that February 14th. And I wore a tweety bird t-shirt and red stretch pants with jelly shoes. It was 1987 for petes sake.
I remember feeling weird and awkward in so many ways because I knew things weren't right at home with my parents. My dad had sent my mom 17 yellow roses, but something still wasn't right. Little did I knwo that a few months later they would separate and divorce.
I was on the student council at my junior high and we sucked the helium out of the red heart balloons we were supposed to be sending as Heart Grams.
It was also my first Valentine's dance and my first slow dance. I danced with Erik what's his name. And it was awkward too. Because as is common in the 7th grade I was already 5'7" and he was probably all of 5'. He probably thought the dance was great. He got to stick his head in my already 38B chest while my friend Kim whispered, "Lean in to it," as we swayed side to side to Tiffany.
My first kiss 2 years later wasn't any better. Gag me with a spoon. Seriously, I think that was what he was trying to do. Thankfully my second kiss on New Years Eve 1991 was much better and I decided not to swear off on kissing all together. Although I should have been more selective. This is a lesson I will pass to my daughter.
Don't dance with boys who only come up to your arm pits.
Don't wear jelly shoes on rainy days.
Always wear your glasses because you want to remember what the boy you danced with looked like.
And don't be afraid to say, "Eww, back off. Your tongue is hairy."
Posted by nattie at 11:21 AM | Comments (1)
February 01, 2007
mama said
Mama said there'd be days like this...
Sing with me!
I love my children. I really really really really do.
But there are days that I don't like them.
The days when I feel like I have to mold and reprimand and discipline ever step I take. Those are the days when a vacation a deserted Fiji island with a stack of books and case of diet coke would be great. And today is one of those days.
So sing with me.
Mama said there'd be days like this. There'd be days like this.
Mama said. Mama said. Mama said.
Posted by nattie at 04:10 PM | Comments (1)
January 09, 2007
I need a vacation
Not a blog vacation or an internet vacation just an oh-my-gosh-my-life-is-driving-me-nuts-and-I-can't-seem-to-change-it vacation. I watch the news and I know I'll hate myself for saying this when we finally have snow on the ground here, but I think I'd rather be in Colorado than in Small Town USA right now. At least Colorado has oodles of snow and snuggly fires and you have an excuse for snuggling up and hibernating. I have not that excuse right now.
It is bitterly cold right now, but the sun is shining and I'm cranky. And I shouldn't be. No, everything isn't going my way but...it could be worse...
* I only have .19 cents to my name, but I'm alive.
* I don't have a microwave that works or a can opener that doesn't break your hand, but I have neatly organized cabinets full of food that my church gave me and with a little time and effort I can make a meal on the stove. I was born in 1973 not 1993. Microwaves weren't staples until I was an early teen in our households.
* I have no gas in my car, but I don't really have to go anywhere.
* My hobbit apartment is a pigsty no matter how much I clean (I seem to have 2 pigs not 2 children), but I have a hobbit apartment.
* I have a headache because I couldn't sleep and I'm out of some of my medication but again...I'm 80 pounds lighter than I was 2 years ago. I have breathe in my lungs. I am alive!
* My income comes out faster than it comes in, but God is still bigger than the boogeyman. I know he will see us through. I just have to hold on tight.
* I can't afford a vacation, but I can curl up at the end of a day (or maybe the middle if I don't want to face the carpet that needs vacuumed for the millionth time this week) and visit Mitford or Narnia or Hogwarts or St. Simons Island or Prince Edwards Island or wherever my little heart desires because God gave me a brain and I know how to use it.
* Okay, maybe things aren't all bad.
But I still wouldn't mind a roaring fire in a fire place. Maybe, I can find one of those dvd's that simulates a crackling fireplace. ;)
Posted by nattie at 01:32 PM | Comments (3)
January 04, 2007
She lives, she learns, she loves
It is a new year and I'm going to try to blog more often.
I am still internetless at home, but I have access 6 days a week at the library so there really is no excuse except...
work
kids
ya know
life
and I still seem to have all of the above
and I've already battled a serious case of S.A.D.
and it is only January!
But God is good
all the time.
All the time.
God is good.
More news from Small Town USA soon!!!
Posted by nattie at 03:07 PM | Comments (3)
October 13, 2006
a tisket, a tasket
a tisket, a tasket
a life is full to overflowing basket
what's up in Nattie's life right now?
still working
still single parenting
still volunteering at church
and indoor soccer started a few weeks ago
I coach both Jonathan and Anna's teams
And there is always the challenge of trying to...
keep my temper
keep my head on straight
keep focused on God
not drown in the mundane ickiness of life
and dealing with Mr. Jonathan and the Asperger's
and Miss Anna and the Drama Queen Syndrome which I've been told she'll never grow out of
So what is up in your collective lives?
Posted by nattie at 02:14 PM | Comments (2)
September 04, 2006
kidnapped
An all points bulletin was placed shortly after 11:30 am EST when a large white metal contraption that 2 legged creatures call cars parked on a country road in Small Town USA, IN and abducted two of our children. 3 of the two legged creatures where seen with empty plastic bottles in the vicinity of 500 N. Shortly thereafter two of our children went missing.
The youngest is one inch in length with orange fuzz and answers to the name of Willie. The oldest is two inches in length with auburn fuzz and answers to the name of Wendy. They are believed to be in grave danger. If you know of their whereabouts please call 1-800-bugnapped.
***disclaimer - Anna had a bug show and tell at school tomorrow so we bugnapped some woolie worms. I hope their families will forgive us. No bugs were injured in this experiment.****
Posted by nattie at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
August 30, 2006
slayed
...Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him... ~ Job 13:15
Posted by nattie at 11:15 AM | Comments (2)
August 26, 2006
Achoo
having to lounge around all weekend is no fun when...
1. snot seems to be coming out of every orifice AND you are out of kleenex
2. your head and eyes hurt so much you can't read nor watch tv
3. your children are rowdy and you can't emit more than a squeak
Posted by nattie at 11:42 AM | Comments (2)
August 25, 2006
I've painted them this color before
| Your Toes Should Be Blue |
 Your ideal guy: Zany, hilarious, and totally unpredictable. Stay away from: Anyone who has to get up for work in the morning |
Posted by nattie at 09:08 PM | Comments (1)
August 24, 2006
hair today...gone tomorrow
Before
After
Posted by nattie at 05:23 PM | Comments (2)
August 22, 2006
Go figure
You scored as English. You should be an English major! Your passion lies in writing and expressing yourself creatively, and you hate it when you are inhibited from doing so. Pursue that interest of yours!
What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3) created with QuizFarm.com |
Posted by nattie at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2006
Life is nothing less than an adventure
I don't have internet access at home again as my readers have probably figured out by now and I'm not all that worried about it. Food and gas are more important right now. I've had to tighten ye ol' proverbial belt AGAIN. I get so tired of that, but in the fullness of God's time it won't always be this way. A very wise and very high maintenance organic friend *wink, wink* was saying the other day that I'll get through this one day and look back and say, "Oh, that is why it had to be that way." There is some small comfort in that." And I am not alone. I am never alone.
God promises that he is with us always even to the end of the age...
Posted by nattie at 11:33 AM | Comments (2)
June 26, 2006
for some reason
for some reason this doesn't offend me.
maybe because I've memorized all of her second album...
| Your Inner Pop Princess Is Kelly Clarkson |
 And when the rain would fall down I'd just stare out my window Dreaming of what could be" No doubt about it, you have star quality. Might just take a while to get there. |
Posted by nattie at 04:13 PM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
|
1. I am weaning myself off Diet Coke. Yes, I...the girl who if you cracked open would bleed diet coke instead of blood is only drinking one diet coke a day. 2. I don't think I'll ever get over the fact that God's mercies are new every morning or new every minute and I don't want to "get over it". I want to be amazed by God's grace every day. 3. I got a tattoo when I was in Texas in April. It is Isaiah 54:5 in Hebrew..."Thy creator is thine husband." 4. God is the lover of my soul. He woos me daily and it amazes me too. 5. I love my ipod with a passion. I've been listening to the audio version of The Chronicles of Narnia as I go to sleep everynight. Yes, cd players could do this, but my ipod is cute and tiny and it fits in the palm of my hand. 6. I am also a book geek. I love books with a passion. It is God, books, my ipod, then my family and friends. Okay, maybe not in that order, but if you saw my apartment you could see my definite love of the written word. My ex in laws used to joke about going to the library of Natalie instead of the Public Library. 7. What do I love to read? Books! Mysteries, biographies, christian non-fiction, british fiction, mysteries and more mysteries. I love classics and new novelists...but I'm more likely to like an older writer than a newer one. I have a large stack of old friends...i.e. books i reread often. 8. I don't think I'm interesting enough to think of 13 things about me. 9. God is stirring some changes in my soul. They are exciting, scary and exhilirating all at the same time. Kinda like a rollercoaster ride! 10. Today was the first day off I've had other than Sundays in I don't when. I love my job, but I was getting a smidge burnt out. 11. I'm going to California to visit my mom in July. I can't wait to see the beach again. The kids are excited too. 12. I'm hoping to see my friend Mel when I'm in CA. We've been friends since we were in junior high. And now *counts on fingers* well, we are a lot older. She is one of my oldest friends. I need to squeeze her babies who aren't really babies any more. I'd visit Jojo too, but she moved. To Washington! Hmph! 13. My son wants me to fix white soup. It is 86 degrees outside and he wants New England Clam Chowder he is crazy!!! Of course, I had sausage and green beans for dinner. He must get his craziness from me. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Posted by nattie at 07:35 PM | Comments (5)
June 21, 2006
Why does God love me so?
Eons ago, okay, maybe just a few weeks ago I watched the much acclaimed movie Junebug. It wasn't all that. It was good. It was artsy, but I can see why the mainstream didn't grab on to it and the critics liked it. But that isn't what I'm blogging about. One of the characters said something. It is kinda a bumper sticker theology, but it is true. "God loves you too much to leave you the way you are."
Of course, she said it to a character who was struggling and cussing up a storm because he didn't understand why he was struggling and bumper sticker theology isn't going to help. It is too trite. Even if it is true.
God does love us too much to leave us the way we are. God is peeling the onion layers on me again. Not so much past hurts that I have to heal and give up, but more that I need to grow up and be a parent and the woman of God that he wants me to be. And I can only do it by the grace of God. And it is hard. Sometimes I wish God didn't love me so much. No...I really don't want to be selfish sally forever and not change and grow, but there are days...when I just want to be 12 again. I wasn't boy crazy yet. I was still reading my Nancy Drews. I was perfectly happy watching the Neverending Story. Wait. Maybe I am still 12 trapped in a 32 year old body. And there in lies the problem.
Posted by nattie at 12:32 PM | Comments (1)
June 19, 2006
sometimes
being human isn't what it cracked up to be.
Posted by nattie at 12:35 PM | Comments (2)
June 15, 2006
Thankful Thursday
Give thanks with a thankful heart for...
1. blue skies
2. health
3. deep belly laughs
4. mountains of books
5. God's mercies which are new every morning
6. cold water to drink
7. hot water to take bubble baths
8. warm sun
9. air in my lungs
10. my babies who aren't much like babies any more
11. my job (I work 6 days this week)
12. a roof over my head for the time being
13. too much stuff rather than too little
14. great friends
15. second chances and third and fourth and fifth
Posted by nattie at 11:34 AM | Comments (1)
June 14, 2006
i think i have said this before
anyone who knows me at all has heard this before, but i must say this again...
I want to be Beth Moore when I grow up. I would like to sit at her feet and have her teach me what she has learned about God. I want her fire and passion for God.
Yeah, I saw her speak again on LifeToday and that got me fired up again. But you know what she says about herself? She was a big mess too when she was younger and that she is only doing what she is doing now because of God. She too saw someone and said I want what they've got. So there is hope for me yet. God, are you out there? If you see fit to use me...I'd like just a piece of that. I want to know you more.
Oh and you must watch Wednesday's with Beth on Life Today. Good stuff! Today she talked about how God IS Love. You cannot take that characteristic away from him because that is his definition. Good shtuff.
Posted by nattie at 10:29 AM | Comments (1)
June 11, 2006
simple pleasures
stacks of books
chocolate and peanut butter
large doses of ibuprofen
old movies
diet coke
heating pad
cuddly blanket
naps
that has been the majority of my weekend...sometimes I don't like being a woman but sometimes it is good to have an excuse to indulge in simple pleasures with no guilt.
Posted by nattie at 07:58 PM | Comments (2)
June 08, 2006
note to self
hopeless romantics should not watch Hitch every night for 3 nights in a row while trying to go to sleep. Just sayin.
Posted by nattie at 07:31 PM | Comments (1)
June 06, 2006
not a feminist
I will be the first to admit it. I am not a feminist. I do think women can do just about anything a man can do, but why should we? What is wrong with letting men do for us? Let them be the men *insert Tim Taylor grunt* and I will be the woman.
Yes! I want a man to sweep me off my feet. I don't need one. But I've faced up to the fact that God made me - a woman - this way for a reason - full of unexplainable and politically incorrect desires - and he doesn't make junk.
I want to be cherished and desired. I want to keep a humble castle homey for my prince charming. Maybe I was born in the wrong era. Or maybe not. I'm not ready to ditch my mid rise boot cut jeans and black tshirts and I don't think June Cleaver wore those.
So I think I have the best of both worlds, jeans and tshirts can exist in the world of chivalry, romance and the little woman cooking for her man. Well, they can in my world. It is a happy place here. Don't burst my politically uncorrect rose colored bubble.
Posted by nattie at 08:27 PM | Comments (3)
June 02, 2006
soo true
| You Are Miss Piggy |
 You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift! |
Posted by nattie at 09:33 AM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2006
a kick in my tush
on top of the summer reading program and doing Living Beyond Yourself, I'm going to read the Bible this summer. I've been slacking. And I don't want to be a slacker anymore. There is a time and season for that. That season has passed. I'll be reading approximately 16 chapters a day. I want God's word to be like honey to me again. It was at one time. God will grant the desire of my heart.
Posted by nattie at 02:33 PM | Comments (1)
May 30, 2006
silly quiz time
| Your Passion is Purple! |
 If something truly excites you, you let your inner intensity shine through. But otherwise, your passion tends to morph into energy ... which you never lack. You're a balanced woman, knowing when to turn on the fire in your heart. |
Posted by nattie at 08:13 PM | Comments (1)
just general shtuff and nonsense
*memorial day was hot
*hot, hot, hot
*it was 91 degrees at 10:30 am
*the kids and i tried to picnic at the park, but we only lasted an hour
*then we visited family
*then i battled with water balloons that did not want to be filled or tied
*then i battled clutters last stand
*i have a bedroom again and not a resting place for clothes
*there is still some clutter behind the door
*shhh
*don't tell
*also rearranged the furniture in the living room
*i had some restless energy yesterday
*the neighorbood kids think it is great to play ding dong ditch
*i think they like to hear me yell at my kids to not open the door
*i think i'll just unplug the doorbell
*i finally got working on my Living Beyond Yourself vidoes and homework
*i also started my first book for the summer reading challenge
*now i have to go back to work
*good thing i like it
*have blessed lazy, summer days
Posted by nattie at 11:26 AM | Comments (2)
May 22, 2006
currents
current book: I can not list just one...rereading Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, Balance That Works When Life Doesn't by Susie Larson and <em>Saving Your Second Marriage Before It Starts by Les and Leslie Parrott.
current playlist: I call it my Captivating playlist...
Add to the Beauty Sara Groves
Amazed Lonestar
Beautiful Bethany Dillon
Beautiful Christina Aguilera
Call Me Beautiful Ginny Owens
Glorious Chris Tomlin Feat. hristy Nockles
Hide Joy Williams
In Your Eyes Nichole Nordeman
Kiss Me Sixpence None The Richer
Mirror BarlowGirl
Plain ZOEgirl
She Don't Know She's Beautiful Sammy Kershaw
The Way You Look Tonight Benny Goodman & Peggy Lee
Video (Remix) India Arie
Voice Of Truth Casting Crowns
With You (Acoustic Version) Jessica Simpson
Wonderful Tonight (Live) Eric Clapton
You're Beautiful James Blunt
current shame-inducing guilty pleasure: I can't name just one. :-)
current color: Blue!
current fetish: Chai Frapps
current drink: Diet Coke
current food: Veggie Pizza thin crust
current favorite favorite: my ipod
current wish-list: my amazon one
current needs: a maid, a massaur (however you spell that) and someone to scratch my back...i've got an itch...right...there.
current triumph: working out regularly and goind down a size since i've gone back to work.
current bane(s) of my existence: housework...no one else cares how clean the house is. so why should I? *sigh*
current celebrity crush: it changes from day to day. lol
current indulgence: Chai!
current #1 blessings: my babies, my girls, my church family...the list goes on and on.
current slang or saying: Oh, for pete's sake.
current outfit: Turquoise Blue Curve's T-shirt and grey work out pants ...i haven't changed since i got off work.
current excitement: *giggle* I'm not telling.
current mood: teasing
current link: W@H
current pictures: Me!
Posted by nattie at 09:01 PM | Comments (2)
May 16, 2006
ABC's of Nattie
I am trying to get back into the swing of blogging and found this at Rocks In My Dryer...
Accent: uh, none
Bible Book that I like: Psalms, of course, but I also love Isaiah and Hebrews.
Chore that I don’t care for: Cleaning toilets. 'Nuff said.
Dog or Cat: Usually cat, but I always wanted to have a house so I could have both.
Essential Electronics: My laptop and my ipod.
Favorite Cologne: Something light and pretty...right now it is a rose scent.
Gold or Silver: Silver, of course
Handbag I Carry most often: This mammoth purse that my whole life fits in like whatever book I'm reading plus all the other essentials.
Insomnia: ALL the time. How do you think I read so much?
Job Title: Jill of all trades. Master of none. i.e. Mom and Curves employee
Kids: 2 rambunctious imaginative children - Jonathan 7 years old and Anna 5 years old
Living Arrangements: a hobbit sized apartment shared with above children
Most Admirable Trait: ummm...empathy
Naughtiest childhood behavior: giving my new kitten a bath in a full bottle of Johnson's baby wash. That cat never did like me. Wonder why?
Overnight hospital stay: Tonsils when a toddler, With my 2 babies, those horrid days when they couldn't figure out what was wrong and then last year when I had the blood clot *shudders*
Phobias: Running out of reading material
Quote: I love quotes...I can't pick just one, but here is one I'll share...
"Happiness is inward and not outward; and so it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are." ~ Henry Van Dyke
Religion: Saved by Grace follower of Christ
Siblings: Essentially an only child. I do have a step sis, but we never had to live together.
Time I wake up: At the absolute last moment I have to
Unusual Talent or skill: I can pick up things with my toes..like toys while I'm carrying a basket of dirty laundry. It goes to that Jill of all trades. Master of none.
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Brussel sprouts. sick and wrong.
Worst habit: procrastination
X-rays: too many to count. My nickname is Grace.
Yummy stuff I cook: Whatever I set my mind to...pasta, homemade pizza, cookies...but if I cook, you have to clean up.
Zoo animal I like most: The apes and the big cats...I like them all. God's creation is beautiful.
I tag anyone who wants to play along!
Posted by nattie at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day
Only a mom could love faces like these.
Happy mom's day to all the mom's of the heart, body and soul out there.
*muah*
Posted by nattie at 04:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2006
rain rain
rain has descended upon small town USA and has not left it for what seems like days. It doesn't even feel like spring anymore because it isn't a warm rain. It is a cold gusty rain. Much like Pooh's blustery day rain. Brrr.
And I get to participate in a walk a thon tomorrow in it. Yippee. Color me excited. Thrilled. Tickled pink. Or blue. Because that is what I'll be from the cold. Brrr.
Okay, I'm done whining, but the cold weather does make the dormant teddy bear in me come out. I just want to cuddle up in bed under a quilt and read. And read and read and read.
So cozy. The only thing better would be a roaring fire and a significant other to cuddle with. Well, I do have to squirmy others that try to cuddle, but one has cold feet (Anna) and the other can't sit still for more than 2 minutes (Jonathan).
Posted by nattie at 08:43 PM | Comments (1)
May 11, 2006
Hail Queen Dana
Once upon a time in a kingdom far far away a LONG time ago, a little bundle of joy was born to grace us with snark, joy, light and lots o' laughter. That bundle was called Dana. All Hail the Queen. Go and wish her a happy birthday today!
Posted by nattie at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2006
I call this
the pattern of my days.
i.e. 11 loads today and 8 loads yesterday.
I can. not. wait. till they deliver my new dryer.
Posted by nattie at 08:39 PM | Comments (2)
May 04, 2006
short on blog fodder
| You Should Be a Film Writer |
 You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life. Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling. And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen! |
| The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic |
 But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky. Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski |
Posted by nattie at 07:46 AM | Comments (1)
May 01, 2006
I'm addicted
a few weeks ago I bought a little present for myself.
It fits in the palm of my hand, but it stores TONS of stuff.
I haven't even begun to plumb the depths of what my new little friend can do. A little over a week ago I didn't even know how to adjust the volume. Yesterday I discovered podcasts and audiobooks.
Yes, my new friends is an Ipod. I cannot say enough about this little investment. I'm in *heart*. Who needs a man? I have an Ipod. *giggles behind hand ala sayruh*
Posted by nattie at 11:23 AM | Comments (6)
April 29, 2006
these make me laugh
| Your Hillbilly Name Is... |
 |
Posted by nattie at 06:35 PM | Comments (1)
April 27, 2006
once upon a time
there was a girl who loved to blog.
she blogged all the time.
blog. blog. blog.
she walk down the road and say,
"I'm so going to blog that."
Then...life happpened and she stopped blogging.
She started working 3 to 6 days a week.
She started avoiding laundry even more and dishes and...
she really wanted to start blogging regularly again.
But she seems to be having bloggers block
so now she is trying to see how many times she can say blog in a blog entry.
Miss me?
Posted by nattie at 07:19 PM | Comments (8)
April 17, 2006
Back in the pocket again
Drowning in laundry...
packing lists...
and dirty dishes,
but doing otay.
I've missed you all!
Stop by and say hi!!!!
Posted by nattie at 01:59 PM | Comments (9)
March 29, 2006
a little insight
We are not called to stay in the valley indefinitely. - Susie Larson
Just some good stuff I learned while at Hearts at Home. I needed it for my little valley sojourn. *muah*
Posted by nattie at 03:25 PM | Comments (1)
March 27, 2006
out of pocket
don't cry for me, argentina.
I know I haven't been the most faithful blogger in the past few months anyway, but the next few blogs will be even more happenstance. heh.
I'm suffering from nomoneyforinternetconnectionitits. In plain and simple terms there are more pressing bills and internet was the first fringe benefit to go.
I'll be back. Soon. I hope.
XOXO from the library,
Me
Posted by nattie at 10:32 AM | Comments (3)
March 11, 2006
a little bit of this, a little bit of that
* a year ago I was lying in a hospital bed with a deadly blood clot in my lung
* my divorce was actually final on valentine's day
life with my son is much like Ted's life with Curious George
* Jonathan was on the A & B Honor Roll for the 3rd quarter and the semester.
* both of my children have had the stomach flu this week
* on different days
* being a single working mom isn't fun when your kids are sick
* spring is almost here...and I am so glad
Posted by nattie at 09:07 PM | Comments (3)
March 07, 2006
making my skeletons dance
I read a quote on a board today that made me think. As many of you know I read all the time. I mean...ALL. THE. TIME. If I could drive while reading I would.
And these boards with quotes on them tickle me to death with their misspelled words and possible meanings. Today...outside of a rental office...read the quote, "If you can't clear the skeletons out of your closet you best teach them to dance."
For one thing, why in the world does a realtor have a quote like this on their sign and for another it got me thinking about my skeletons. What skeletons do I have in my closet? I really don't think I have any. I have moments I'm not truly proud of, but I don't have any real secrets. If you ask me, I'd tell you.
Why? Because I taught my skeletons to dance. Or rather, God did. What do I mean by they dance. Well, they aren't really entertaining, but I bring them out occassionally to help teach object lessons or to let others know that they are not alone. God brought me to a place where being transparent was healthier than being a locked door.
That's what I mean about my skeletons dancing. I have them. Every one does, but are they dusty and in the back of your closet or are they out being used as a discipling tool.
Just a thought from this skull of mine...
Posted by nattie at 07:52 PM | Comments (2)
February 27, 2006
from the ashes
I have it in my mind that I need to say that I'm sorry for not blogging more often, but I don't know if I really am. A lot has been going on and blogging just hasn't been a number one priority. A motto I try to live by is choose the best, let go of the rest. Some days I do okay and other days I fail miserably. I enjoy blogging, but my online time is very precious right now and I have to spend it wisely. So...there you have it. My rather long treatise on why I won't say I'm sorry for not blogging regularly right now.
I've been rather "thinking" lately. I'm officially divorced now. I signed that papers almost 3 weeks ago, but with courts and red tape I didn't find out for sure that I was really and truly divorced until late last week. And I wonder how I should feel. Relieved? Sad? Happy? Glad?
I'm a little teary eyed at times when I think of what might have been, but for the most part...I am numb. I hurt more for my children I think than for myself. They have gone through so much already all because a dumb...oops I was about to cuss...butt couldn't keep his head in the game. And he still doesn't have a clue how his actions affect them.
I am so thankful that we serve a God who can bring beauty from ashes because there are days when I only see ashes around me. I only see the burnt up remains of a ruined marriage. I only see the scarred broken hearts of my children lying on the living room floor and I don't even know where my heart is any more. But God can make something from the ashes. He is. I know He is.
Because there are other days when it smells like spring even though it is the dead of winter and in my mind that is the breathe of heaven stiring up healing in our broken burnt up souls.
freedom for captives
good news for the poor
comforting those who mourn
beauty from ashes
gladness for mourning
praise instead of despair
God is in the rebuilding, restoring and renewing business. Glory. ~Isaiah 61:1-4
Posted by nattie at 01:06 PM | Comments (7)
February 16, 2006
snippets of a conversation
Me: Hi, it's me. How are you?
Mom: Fine. How are you?
Me: EMPLOYED!!!!!!
Posted by nattie at 05:58 PM | Comments (7)
February 13, 2006
I've fallen and I can't get up
at least that's the way I feel sometimes.
and sometimes as I lie on the floor I ponder whether i actually want to get up.
I'm tired and I can sleep on the floor, right?
When will I stop be exhausted?
When will the simplest tasks stop taxing me?
When will I bubble over with energy and enthusiasm despite ex-husbands who act like four letter words, tight budgets, moves, sons with 5 dollar word diagnosis, daughters who miss their daddy, bipolar, ear infections, dishes, vacuuming, tiger scouts, nursery duty, counseling appointments, dropping kids off at school or bus stops, supervising homework...
can I get off this merry go round?
no wonder I am tired.
there is a solution somewhere in all this mess. I just don't where.
Posted by nattie at 02:14 PM | Comments (5)
February 07, 2006
more evidence
more evidence is being found of God's blessings and His goodness.
Over the next four months...
* I get to volunteer at an Acquire the Fire concert and see Jeremy Camp not to mention seeing the awesome work of God in some of today's youth.
* I am going to the Hearts At Home Conference with my bud, Cheryl. I'm so stoked. Sara Groves is going to be there. And Julie Ann Barnhill. And Lysa Terkeurst. And Cheryl!!!!
* I am going to...wait? Am I allowed to tell? Well, it's in April. And it's in Texas. *zerberts* And I'm going to have fun.
* I am going to be a youth chaperone to the Icthus Festival. Do you know what bands are playing there?! Think I can knock the youth aside and join the mosh pit. LOL
Even though I'm still sick, I feel deliciously light and free. Of course, it may just be my Scarlett O'Hara delusion about not thinking about the ickies today. But who wants to think about the ickies today when there are hoop skirts and ball gowns that we can think about. Or songs like Sing Like The Saved by David Crowder Band (who is going to be at Icthus, btw) dancing through our heads. The ickies will always be with us. Let's not dwell on them and think on the what is lovely and pure instead.
Posted by nattie at 08:10 PM | Comments (4)
February 06, 2006
she lives
I could go into a litany of why I haven't been blogging, but I'll keep it short and sweet to save you the agony of my drama queen whining and say...
*signed FINAL divorce papers
*been sick
*still sick
*stressed
*tired
*every other adjective that describes the above 4 items
*decided that being the mother of a little boy with Asperger's is blank (insert own adjective or adverb here) as if I didn't know that before
BUT
there is a but...God is good all the time. All the time God is good. Sometimes things are rough and sometimes I don't feel like I know where I'm going or what I'm doing, but God does. And if I quiet myself and listen to his still small voice I'm okay. He just blesses my socks off by being God. The one stable thing in my life. He doesn't change. His character isn't different than it was 2000 or 4000 years ago. And sometimes I could kick myself for not figuring this all out sooner. I wish I hadn't tried to fill that God shaped hole with alcohol or sex or food or tv or books or movies. I wish I'd understood that God just wants me. Not perfect me. Not spiffed up polished me. Just broken little Nattie who mumbles and has low self esteem and ALL the baggage that I was carrying around with me.
God wants you too.
Did I say this would be a simple entry? Well sometimes I just gotta say, Glory! Sometimes my soul is just shouting and dancing even when my body feels like mush. Can I get a GLORY in the house?
Posted by nattie at 06:06 PM | Comments (6)
January 20, 2006
losing something we love
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." ~ Luke 15:8-10
I know this is about saving lost sinners, but this story also reminds me of searching for things we lose in our lives. Sometimes it is a set of keys. Sometimes it is a marriage. Sometimes it is a friendship. Sometimes it is our first love...our close relationship with God.
I can just see the woman tearing her house apart, looking high and low for her lost coin. Is it under the teapot? The couch cushions? Okay, maybe they didn't have those things in Bible times, but you get the picture.
And you have to wonder if there is a purpose to the losing. Is it to teach us not to be careless? To be more faithful? To pay attention to where you are going instead of what is behind you?
Whatever it is remember that there are things worth looking for and fighting for when lost because they are irreplaceable. And there are other things, like keys that you can just get duplicates for.
Posted by nattie at 08:28 PM | Comments (2)
January 14, 2006
Bloggers Block
I have a bit of bloggers block. I'm tired of writing drivel and whining. I have more than drivel running through my head, but I can't seem to sit down and string the thoughts together cohesively. So today I'll have you
read this because Dana got it right on. And maybe I'll have it together in the near future.
Posted by nattie at 11:25 AM | Comments (2)
January 10, 2006
by the way
plural for bongoes can also be bongoS.
I know.
I need to get a life.
Main Entry: 1bon·go
Pronunciation: 'bä[ng]-(")gO, 'bo[ng]-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bongos also bongoes
Etymology: American Spanish bongó
: one of a pair of small connected drums of different sizes and pitches played with the hands
- bon·go·ist /-"gO-ist/ noun
Posted by nattie at 12:44 PM | Comments (1)
January 07, 2006
*snort*
what decade does your personality live in?
quiz brought to you by lady interference, ltd
Posted by nattie at 05:13 PM | Comments (1)
January 04, 2006
five days
five very long days.
just sayin.
Posted by nattie at 07:45 PM | Comments (1)
January 03, 2006
is it possible?
Is it possible that the bright shiny new year is already 3 days old? Let me see...Sunday morning I went to church. Yes, that was January 1st. The calendar says so. So it must be true.
The children went to their dads. I took down the Christmas tree. It was up a scant 17 days. Did you know that even fake trees drop pine needles? just sayin'.
I contemplated the bareness of my corner without the tree and decided to move the rest of my books the next day. I guess that would have been yesterday, Monday.
There are a few possible titles for this picture....
* you might be a redneck if you have a lawn chair in your living room
* welcome to the library of nattierose
* are all those unread?
or my personal favorite...
* home sweet home
I do hope to have a comfy chair in that corner at some point and I might get some bookshelves to replace some broken ones in the move, but I kinda like this style of book geek shabby chic.
Oh, and all of those are not unread. Some of those are very old and dear favorites that moved 2,222 miles with me. Some. Not all.
Today. Yes, the calendar says it is January 3rd. How can that be? I puttered around doing laundry. Lots of laundry. Enjoyed a tidy apartment for a few hours. Finished my 2nd book of the new year and started 2 more. Then picked the kids up from the visit with their dad. So much for a tidy apartment. But the apartment is now filled with shreiks and giggles, cabbage patch dolls and army men, smelly socks and pink polka dot socks that never make it to the laundry without an often not so gentle reminder.
It's nice to have them back home again.
As long as I'm not expected to play Sorry!
Posted by nattie at 06:45 PM | Comments (1)
December 29, 2005
more joys of christmas break
* endless games of SORRY where only one person can win no matter how much you cry or scream or kick or yell or...you get the idea
* trying to explain exactly what the boy penguin and the girl penguin are doing in the March of the Penguins to make a baby penguin
* the carols of Pikman 2 playing in the background constantly
* calls of, "I'm hungry," five minutes after you've eaten dinner
* cuddling on the couch to watch The Polar Express
* reading books together
* threatening to throw the Gamecube away if I hear one more fight break out
* threatening to throw myself in front of the train if they run in the apartment again...wait, they might like that?!
* threatening to take...insert toy here...if they fight over it again
* hearing one of the munchkins say, "I love you, mommy."
I guess I'll make it till January 9th. Maybe.
Posted by nattie at 03:20 PM | Comments (2)
December 28, 2005
free to a good home
free to a good home two highly intelligent angelic children *crosses fingers behind back* who are hardly ever prone to temper tantrums, who never fight and who always clean their room. i.e. <strong>When will Christmas break be over?!
***special note: no children where injured in the writing of this blog although their mother is taking highest dose of aleve allowed chased with diet coke
Posted by nattie at 06:22 PM | Comments (2)
December 27, 2005
My Theme Song for '06
Praise You In This Storm
by Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
More on the theme for 2006 this week, I'm working on organizing the detritus of having Christmas and a move happen in the same month. And my theme for 2006 has nothing to do with organization. LOL
Posted by nattie at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas to all
In the spirit of Christmas here is a Christmas greeting with my munchkins in a scared santa photo - op. I realized after the picture that Jonathan had peed his pants. And Anna was having a mild panic attack about talking to him at all. I told her she didn't have to talk to him today but she was going to have to talk to him Friday when he was at her school. So...
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by nattie at 08:03 AM | Comments (3)
December 23, 2005
sweet charity
I guess I've grown a smidge.
Did you know there are two basic schools of thoughts on charity?
One is "I'm too proud to accept charity and you should be too proud too."
The other is "Your hands are God's hands blessing me."
My ex told me this week that it makes him look bad because people are giving the kids gifts. I kept my mouth shut. Then he said that people are saying it makes me look bad because people are giving the kids gifts. I had to understand that one. I forgot that I was talking to someone who doesn't even try to talk to God or understand the ways of God.
After hearing that "they" (i.e. his friends) said I just lazy and trying to milk the system and feeling the pain of those words the LIGHT shown down. What was the truth?
1. I am terribly proud.
2. I hate to ask for help.
3. I have learned hard lessons this year that pride is not a good thing.
4. God has met our families needs in ways I could not even imagine without the help of a man who thinks it makes him look bad when he left us he stepped out as my provider. He is still responsible for his children, but he is not our provider.
5. God wants to bless his children.
6. The world won't understand God's ways and they'll call me crazy. Call me Noah. I don't care. This won't be the first time. I will walk by faith even when I cannot see because this broken road prepares your will for me.
This is just one of the many lessons I'v learned over this hard broken road of a year. I will accept sweet charity and I will hold my head high and thank the Lord for what He had given me AND for what he has taken away because that is what he requires of me.
Posted by nattie at 04:22 PM | Comments (4)
December 19, 2005
still got it
THIS is the picture I should have posted when I said I was still pretty cute for 30 something. I think I'm one hot mama for all the carp I've been through this year and I definitely need to get contacts again....
Posted by nattie at 06:45 PM | Comments (1)
true dat
I was and still am a brain/nerd/geek whatever you want to call it and am proud of it. Brain power!!!!
Brainy Kid |
 In high school, you were acing AP classes or hanging out in the computer lab. You may have been a bit of a geek back then, but now you're a total success! |
Posted by nattie at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)
December 17, 2005
an unentry
I've blogged about this before, but since all my blog entries for the past 2 years were lost in the "fire" (i.e. crash) of aught five I'm going to blog about it again. Heh. It's my perogative. I'm gonna do what I wanna do. Okay, that would be another blog entry...This one is favorite Christmas movies not flashback 80's songs.
So in no particular order, my favorite Christmas movies...
1. A Christmas Carol (I have yet to really have a favorite version...actually seeing the live play blew me away).
2. A Christmas Story
3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
4. The Santa Clause
5. Charlie Brown Christmas
6. It's A Wonderful Life
7. The Preacher's Wife
8. The Bishop's Wife
9. White Christmas
10. Miracle on 34th Street (original verison)
11. Frosty the Snowman
12. Veggie Tales The Toy That Saved Christmas
13. Veggie Tales The Star of Christmas
14. Home Alone 1 & 2
15. While You Where Sleeping always feels like a Christmasy movie to me as does...
16. You've Got Mail and
17. When Harry Met Sally and
18. Little Women and
19. Home for the Holidays (technically a Thanksgiving movie, but one of the funniest Holiday movies of all times, IMO.)
20. And for my dad...Die Hard
I know there are more Christmas movies out there and I'm forgetting some, but those are ones I have in my collection.
What are your favorites? Tell me more to try and ones that I have to add. I'm a sucker for old movies.
Posted by nattie at 09:51 AM | Comments (2)
December 15, 2005
Happy birfday to me
thirty*mumblemumble* years ago I made my appearance a few days later than expected and was my cousins 6th birthday present by a scant 15 minutes. My mom was happy that I made it on the 15th and my dad said I didn't look like anybody he knew. LOL Happy birday to me and to my cousin Joy!
Posted by nattie at 07:18 AM | Comments (7)
December 14, 2005
christmas tree musings
while standing precariously on a chair trying to place lights a seven foot tree I realize that a 6 foot 2 light stringer...I mean husband does have it's advantages.
Just sayin.
Posted by nattie at 02:31 PM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2005
Break out the 'nog
I'm back online.
Moving sucketh.
But it's my birthday week and it is a winter wonderland outside
AND I have a new to me 7 foot tree to decorate in my new to me cozy little apartment.
So break out the egg nog and SING JOY!!!!!!
Posted by nattie at 01:30 PM | Comments (8)
December 01, 2005
pennies from heaven
I have never literally seen a penny fall from heaven, but I have had a twenty dollar bill fall out of my empty arms. I've also had gas bills paid by unknown benafactors or had twenty dollar bookmarks left in a book sitting in my purse (I know who left that bookmark this time and thank you!).
I've also had my car insurance paid and new tags put on my card. I've had checks that I didn't know were coming flutter out of Christmas card. Do you know where all of these items come from? Heaven.
They may be directly given by a real person, but they are an ambassador of God whether they know it or not.
So whether that is where the term pennies from heaven came from that is what I consider the meaning to be. Blessings falling on those who need them when they need them directed by God's hand. Blessings big and small. Because pennies from heaven doesn't have to be a monetary blessing sometimes all you need today is to know that you matter.
Let's not forget that in this season and all year through. Let's be ambassadors of pennies from heaven. I want to be used by God to bless others the way He has blessed me.
Posted by nattie at 02:37 PM | Comments (2)
November 28, 2005
more goofy quizzes
| Your Brain's Pattern | ||
 These things always make me laugh...
You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy. You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts. People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused. But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination. |
Posted by nattie at 07:44 AM | Comments (0)
November 26, 2005
spot on
| You Are Likely an Only Child |
 At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books. |
Posted by nattie at 09:13 PM | Comments (0)
November 23, 2005
old farmers tales
Like old wives, old farmer's have tales. And an old farmer once told me that the number of the day of the season's first snow would be the number of days it would snow that season. I tend to trust old farmers especially since I live in the midwestish area. If they are even close to being right that would mean that we would have TWENTY THREE days of snow this season?! Heh. That's a lot of shnowin'. Just sayin.
~ Anna mucking up the first snowfall. ~
It's so purty coming down, but I loathe driving in it. I had to remind her not to eat any yellow snow, but we both caught some snow flakes on our tongues surely that isn't deadly. ;-)
Posted by nattie at 12:01 PM | Comments (5)
November 22, 2005
nonsensical
some of the girls and I were having fun goofing off at this site this weekend. This is one warning label that I think I should wear...
dana gave me this warning label...LOL
Posted by nattie at 02:24 PM | Comments (2)
November 20, 2005
Mirror, Mirror on the wall
***authors note: some of you may not understand my blogging style lately, but this is a lot like my real paper journal...a smattering of this and that...song lyrics that move me, pictures, poems I write, streams of consciousness and you are getting a little heavy on the song lyrics lately because I've not had a lot of words that I can say without being horribly bitter, sappy, or insane. so today you get a picture and song lyrics. ***
"Mirror"
by Barlow Girls
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Have I got it?
'Cause Mirror you've always told me who I am
I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect
So sorry you won't define me
Sorry you don't own me
Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, I won't try
Mirror I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes of He who made me
And to Him I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me
You don't define me, you don't define me
Posted by nattie at 02:41 PM | Comments (7)
November 14, 2005
Strong Enough
Strong Enough
by Stacie Orrico
Will you criticize me as I sit and cry?
I had fought so hard and thought that all my battles had been won
Only to find the war had just begun
Chorus:
Is He not strong enough?
Is He not pure enough?
To break me, pour me out and start again?
Is He not brave enough?
To take one chance with me
Please can I have one chance to start again
Will my weakness fall and and now make me suffer for a lifetime?
Is there any way to be made whole again
If I be renewed and find forgiveness by the strength I've never had
Will my scars forever ruin all God's plans?
Chorus:
Is He not strong enough?
Is He not pure enough?
To break me, pour me out and start again?
Is He not brave enough?
To take one chance with me
Please can I have one chance to start again
He took my life into His hands
And turned it all around
In my most desperate circumstance, is where I'm finally found
That You are strong enough
That You are pure enough
To break me, pour me out and start again
That You are brave enough
To take one chance on me,
Oh thank You for my chance to start again
Posted by nattie at 12:11 PM | Comments (6)
I so agree with the first one
| You Are 70% Weird |
 But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks! |
| The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic |
|
But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky. Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski |
movies I've never seen..heh
| You Should Learn French |
 You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up... |
And does watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in French count?
Posted by nattie at 07:31 AM | Comments (0)
November 12, 2005
My Irreplaceable Role
To be Queen Elizabeth within a definite area,
deciding sales, banquets, labors and holidays; to be Whiteley
within a certain area, providing toys, boots, sheets, cakes
and books, to be Aristotle within a certain area, teaching morals,
manners, theology, and hygiene; I can understand how this might
exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it.
How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about
the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one's own children
about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing
to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No; a woman's
function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it
is minute.
~ G.K. Chesterton from What Is Wrong With The World quoted in Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge
Posted by nattie at 02:04 PM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2005
the pattern of my days
exists around parenting through a daze
a thick fog
of thoughts that threaten to strangle
divorce
there is a message on the answering machine from the school
lawyers
"Your rent is past due."
doctors
Asperger's Syndrome
"I have no money to give you this month."
the pattern of my days
dances around situations out of my control
there is a light at the end of the tunnel
I do see a break in the clouds
my one constant
who promised, "I will never leave you
nor forsake you."
And the fog blows away
scattered like leaves in the wind
the pattern of my days
falls into place again
by N.R.Y.
11/08/05
Posted by nattie at 08:19 AM | Comments (4)
November 03, 2005
donations being accepted
for my legal fund.
just sayin.
heh.
Posted by nattie at 06:52 AM | Comments (1)
November 02, 2005
I am a typical british beauty...heh.
You have the Reynolds girl look. Reynolds girls had
the typical British beauty. The eighteenth
century British portrait painters would have
been attracted by your brilliant complexion and
your classical features. Sir Joshua Reynolds
loved to paint girls like you in white dresses
with blue satin sashes. Reynolds and other
portrait painters of his time also portrayed
blue eyed, dark-haired girls, and golden-haired
ones too, plus the occasional red-head. The
following painters would have painted you; Sir
Joshua Reynolds and Sir Thomas Lawrence.
'Pretty As A Picture' - Which Artist Would Paint You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by nattie at 03:11 AM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2005
Dear God
I am tired of only praying when I want or need something from you. I want (there is that word again) something more. I need *sigh* something more. I desire a deeper relationship with you that is not driven by wants, but is spurned by a need to just be with you and talk to you and share. Now how do I get there?
Love,
Your Child.
Posted by nattie at 06:36 AM | Comments (2)
October 31, 2005
drama
there is drama and then there is drama. I guess I'm a passionate person and I can be a smidge dramatic. My deoderant breaking can be comedic, tragic and, yes, dramatic. BUT that drama is the spice of life. Seeing the drama in the mundane is fun, IMO. The people who feel the lowest lows also feel the highest highs. Ask Anne Shirley.
But when people who shall not be named keep my life in constant turmoil because they can't fulfill their responsibilities and rolls well that's not the drama I'm looking for. That drama can just take a flying leap off the nearest tall building. That drama isn't necessary to fuel life.
I have enough passion for God and family and the mundane to find adventure in the corner of my living room. I don't need this brand of drama. Thankyouverymuch.
Posted by nattie at 10:47 AM | Comments (3)
October 21, 2005
Coach Nattie & a little soccer star
I am not actually coaching Anna's soccer team. I am coaching Jonathan's team and he rarely sits still long enough for me to take a picture of him. I'll try again tomorrow.
We won our first game 5 to 3. And I have...no. idea. what. I'm. doing.
Posted by nattie at 07:02 PM | Comments (6)
October 10, 2005
more stuff and nonsense
| Your Band Name is: |
 |
| You Are an Indie Rocker! |
 And you couldn't care less about being signed by a big label. You're all about loving and supporting music - not commercial success. You may not have the fame and glory, but you have complete control of your career. |
Posted by nattie at 04:17 PM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2005
our family has a new shape
My daughter has a project for school called star of the day and she has to fill out a form about herself.
Stuff like: my name is... I like to... I want to be .... when I grow up, etc.
Then there is a blank for this is my family...
and you are supposed to send pictures.
For one thing I have very few prints because of the digital age and for another thing the shape of our family has shifted a little. It has changed. There is a hole where someone used to be. So I've been taking pictures over the last week to match this new shape. There are pictures of the kids with their dad and pictures of me with them. Last year I sent pictures of the 4 of us together. Who knew that one little preschool project could make me so sad.
Here are some of the better pictures that I copied at CVS today...
Anna ~ 5 years old and adorable when she wants to be
Mommy & Anna
Jonathan(7) & Anna(5)...pretending to like each other
....the new shape of our family...
and Jonathan goofing off no matter what shape the family is.
Posted by nattie at 02:40 PM | Comments (11)
October 07, 2005
more silly quizzes
| You Are Changing Leaves |
 |
| Your Musical Tastes Match: Jennifer Garner |
 See her whole playlist here (iTunes required) |
| You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy) |
 You'd make a talented professor or writer. |
Posted by nattie at 07:31 PM | Comments (1)
October 05, 2005
What book of the Bible are you?
You are Psalms.
Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by nattie at 12:23 PM | Comments (2)
October 04, 2005
WWMD
I've been faced with some really tough parenting decisions lately regarding my 7 year old son. And there are so many opinions about what to do and who to see, etc, etc, etc (said in best Yule Brenner voice). I felt like I was on information overload and not feeling any closer to an idea about what God wanted me to do for my dear little boy.
So I decided to strip all the information away and ask myself if I lived 2000 odd years ago in the days of Jesus what would a mother faced with the same problem do? And the answer was so simple. She would take her son to Jesus.
That was it.
I had to take my son to Jesus figuratively, prayerfully, daily, hourly and everything would be fine. Jesus would heal him just as he healed the little children back then. Sometimes he healed them in powerfully miraculous ways and sometimes he just gave the parents strength to know what to do, but all I had to do was bring him to Jesus.
At that point I stopped worrying. I know that everything is going to be okay. I still have dr's appointments and conferences and stacks of information to read through, but I've taken my baby boy to Jesus. And we are going to be okay.
So if ever you are faced with a difficult situation and you wonder what to do with your child...just ask yourself what would a mom do in biblical times? Bring them to Jesus.
Matthew 19:13-15
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Posted by nattie at 01:19 PM | Comments (6)
October 03, 2005
I am captivating
I am reading an excellent book by John & Stasi Eldredge that inspired my new blog banner - Captivating - Unveiling The Mystery of A Woman's Soul .
I can't rave enough about this book and I've only read the first four chapters. It is a book to be savored and you must allow the principals to deeply penetrate the bruised places in your soul.
I also encourage you to watch the archives of Life Today when John & Stasi visited. They have such a passion for the lost souls of men and women. You will want to be captivated too.
Oh, I just checked their website and they are on again this week. Woot!
Posted by nattie at 01:30 PM | Comments (4)
September 21, 2005
just sayin
reality is highly over rated right now
give me some a dose of chocolate something with peanuts
and diet coke
Stat
add some episodes of Friends
PRN
and emails and message board posts from W@H
qid (or more - you can't overdose on this one)
coat liberally with prayer and praise music
Posted by nattie at 11:39 AM | Comments (3)
September 17, 2005
I love these quizzes
You are a Visual Learner. You like to see things
for yourself, read the directions, and study
the diagrams. You learn well through reading,
and seeing pictures, models, and visual
demonstrations. You notice minute details and
are fascinated by the intricacies of the world
around you.
Visit my Blog:
What Is Your Learning Style? Quiz for Adults
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by nattie at 08:19 PM | Comments (2)
September 15, 2005
Just because it made me LOL
Posted by nattie at 03:42 PM | Comments (1)
September 12, 2005
I have these friends
I have these friends...and I've stopped saying that I met them online because a lot of people just look at you like, "Huh? You what?"
I saw this quote the other day that made me think of these friends. "The space between yesterday and today is filled with acceptance, forgiveness, and remembering to laugh." That describes them perfectly. I can't believe that I met some of them three years ago, others two years ago, others one year ago...and others only months ago. But they all hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you, Lord, for my friends. And I can't believe that the W@H boards have been open a year this month. You'll have to stop by and check out the festivities. Maybe I can make some new friends! Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.
Posted by nattie at 06:23 PM | Comments (2)
September 10, 2005
must read
while blog trolling this am, I came across this must read entry -
my well kept secret and testimony of being an unyoked wife.
It totally spoke to me having been yoked to an unbeliever myself.
I hope Jamie doesn't mind me linking her, but I think this will minister to others as well. Thank you for sharing your story, Jamie.
Posted by nattie at 12:13 PM | Comments (1)
September 08, 2005
life turns, life rolls
Life turns and it rolls and sometimes I find myself hard pressed to roll with the punches. Thus why I've not been blogging much lately.
There have been good thing and not so good things going on, blessings and growth opportunities.
Here is a bulleted list of both over the past month or so...
* my 7 yo started 1st grade
* I did not get the library job
* my 5 yo started preschool
* my pastor came up to me and said< "I heard you have a large phone bill you can't pay. We'd like to pay it for you."
* my 7 yo is hurt and confused
* my 5 yo has developed a whopping attitude fitting a 15 yo at least
* a 31 yo I know has a constant headache
* people calling up saying we have money for you half an hour after I pray for God to provide
* church members buying shoes for my children
* another church member showering my 5 yo with the 4 prs of shoes in the EXACT size she wears without knowing the size just knowing the need
* 2 children who miss their absent dad and haven't spent a weekend with him in over a month because he is working 7 days a week
* a 31 yo who is clinging to God as her husband, her provider, her best friend and in so many ways feels more fulfilled in the midst of the chaos than she has ever felt before
* 40 days of prayer and fasting at my church
and that just skims the surface my friends.
But you must remember these words that I've been taking comfort in -
"Cause that's just how it goes
How life turns...how it rolls
Through the fire and through the pain
It may hurt...it may bruise
It may leave you confused
But you will be okay
Cause His kind of love is a love
That won't walk away"
~ from A Love That Won't Walk Away by Jess Cates & Ty Lacy
Posted by nattie at 01:10 PM | Comments (10)
September 01, 2005
a promise of peace
"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
~ Isaiah 54:10
Posted by nattie at 05:25 PM | Comments (0)
August 30, 2005
Praying for Hurricane Katrina victims
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
~ Psalm 139:7-10
I can't even imagine how dark and horrible it seems right now, but God is with you and he wants to see you through. I am praying for all the victims and that you can feel God's presence with you in the depths right now.
Posted by nattie at 09:08 PM | Comments (3)
August 25, 2005
bells and whistles
this new blog has all kinds of new bells and whistles and I haven't quite figured them all out yet. Thus why I haven't added any links yet. Heh.
I have to keep emailing my dad. How do I do this? How do I do that? I'll get there. Then hopefully the words will start rolling again. Until then...bear with me.
I'm really stoked about one bell. Spam. It is persona non grata. I can delete it before it ever gets all up in my grill. Excuse my mixed metaphors and slang. I think I need more sleep or more caffeine or both. Tru dat.
Posted by nattie at 08:18 AM | Comments (1)
August 23, 2005
My blog is back!!!!
I lost everything in a server crash or something like that. Two years of blog entries. Gone in the blink of an eye. All my pictures that I had saved online got wiped out too.
I mourned. I put on sack clothe. I wailed a little. Okay, I wailed a lot. I contemplated never writing ever again. Then when my dad said my blog was back I felt my heart skip a beat.
I love my little piece of cyberspace. I love what it brings out in me creatively that paper and pencil does not. I still have my paper journal, but this little blog is...another piece of me. And I felt bare without it.
Now to add all my links and stuff again. Today is a new day. With no mistakes in it. Yet. *wink, wink*
Posted by nattie at 04:40 PM | Comments (9)