Monday, May 29, 2006

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Just wanted to let you all know thanks for the prayers while we were in Jamaica. We had an awesome trip. I was very blessed to have been able to go.

I wish I could read all your blogs and see how your lives are going. But I'm leaving again in the morning real early and I still need to pack. Hope you all are doing well and that you are finding joy in each day. Keep looking up and shining bright!

God Bless and I love you all very much!

-Natalie-

Monday, May 15, 2006

Hmm

Well, I wish I had something brilliant to say tonight, something inspiring, or even in the slightest way... interesting. But alas, nothing is coming. No good quote, no deep thought, just me rambling. I hadn't posted in a while and I'm avoiding finishing my paper and presentation.

Today I had a Biology final that I think actually went remarkably well because she gave us all our quizzes and the answers so we just had to memorize that.

Then I went to work and got to be with lots of women. For all you future husbands/fathers out there, I encourage you to go with your wife to her OB appointments when she's pregnant. It's just different when the father is there, especially if he's the husband. It means a lot to the mother to have support and to not have to face the beautiful but scary time of pregnancy alone. It's such a blessing for the father to be there and to be able to see the baby's sonograms and progress and support his girlfriend/wife.

Then I drove to Peoria to be with Ashley and Kelsey which took... a lot longer than it should have. Exactly how long should it take to get to Peoria from Bloomington? I am possibly the worst person with directions ever. I am constantly getting lost and couldn't tell you which direction is North, East, South, or West if you paid me. I am forever calling people, screaming at them and getting frustrated because I haven't the slightest clue where I am or where I'm going. Such was the case with Neal today when I was yelling at him because I had no idea which way North was. He and my mom are always very patient with me though and can always help me get back where I'm going. So... I did end up calling Neal back later after I finally made it to where I was going and apologized.

Speaking of my mom, Mother's Day was excellent. After church, Hols and Will and Candice and Michael came out and we all had a huge supper followed by presents. And I totally won on best card this year. (Judged by the amount of sighs and tears and pauses because she'll choke on tears if she keeps reading aloud) Then we watched home videos, which was lots of fun. It's fun to see how stupid and crazy the four of us were. And how you can see our distinctly different personalities when we were so young. Before real life drama, before husbands, before all that. My sisters hold my favorite memories and so much of my love is completely wrapped up in them. Family is such a blessing and I thank God for blessing me with such a great one.

Yeah, so the next few weeks are going to be pretty crazy. I leave Thursday night for Jamaica, come home and leave for Florida with my family three days later. I come home from there and have Girls' Camp the next day for five days. The day after Girls' Camp I leave for Florida with Ashley and Kelsey. This is all Lord willing, of course. I think I'll definitely be ready for home after I'm all done but I'm excited. They are all great opportunities that I'm looking forward to and am blessed to be able to do. And somewhere in there, I turn 19! Possibly the most boring birthday of one's young adult life, but that's OK. :) Each day is one more day closer to heaven.

OK, well this post is a lot longer than I thought it would be. Congratulations if you made it to the end without getting so bored that you quit. :) Hope you are all having stupendous days. God Bless!

Lovin' ya'll

Monday, May 08, 2006

Quote

Natalie, you definitely need to read my paper. It's really, really good.

Me: Well, at least you're humble about it.

-pause- Wait, did that sound proud? I'm sorry. I'm so much better than that.

Me: -raises one eyebrow then laughs-

A. Kelsey
B. Justin
C. Wendy
D. Kaitlyn

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Engaged Bliss

New quote: "I love Nathan Hodel and I want to marry him on July 16th." (paraphrased)

A. Natalie
B. Kelsey
C. Ashley
D. Stalker girl who wants to kill Ashley

If you guessed C, you are correct! Sorry, this week was just too easy. Here's to the happy couple.

Love you guys and God Bless!