Natalie's 17th

 This has been such a growing year for Natalie!

She took the chance and joined winter guard with Liv. They both loved it and that convinced her to sign up for in person school for her Junior year. Over the summer, she took drivers ed as well as a couple classes for school!).

I can hardly believe she's 17! (when I forget, her attitude shows up and reminds me)

Happy birthday my Nattie-bug. I pray for nothing but blessings in the coming year. I love you!

Sweet Sixteen

 Oh Nattie-bug, 

How is it possible that you are sixteen already? 

These are some pictures I have taken over the last year. Your personality shows in every one of them. I love that you aren't too embarrassed to be out in public with me. That you never shy away from a goodnight kiss and hug. I love how deeply you love others: your family, friends, pets. It is a beautiful thing to have that much love to share. I'm glad that the problems of this world haven't broken you down. You recognize that you learn differently than others, and you work to get past that. This year you are trying to learn Dutch and I think that is so cool. Having that connection with your Opa will be amazing for him. 

As the new year starts, I pray that God will be with you in all that you do. That you will allow him to show through the way you interact with others. I pray that you keep the same focus that you do now, that you share the things you love. 

Happy birthday sweet girl. May God bless you in the coming year and may many more follow! 

Natalie is 15

Well, I'm two days late, but I blame our vacation and then my illness. Plus, Natalie has been with her dad since we returned home. Regardless, I had to write some kind of post to celebrate her fifteenth birthday! I can hardly believe she's old enough to begin talking about getting her permit! 

Here is her 14th year in pictures: 

Sept. 2021 - had to get glasses!

October 11, 2021

November 2021 - got a new baby brother

October 11, 2021

December 2021 - found out Aunt Sissy
got ENGAGED!

February 18 - finally taller then mommy Frances

June 9, 2022

June 15 - first "real" concert 

June 3, 2022

June 3, 2022

July 5, 2022

July 11

August 23 - an excellent photo bomber still

August 24 - enjoying some classic Hawaiian Shaved ice

This year has gone by so quickly. Natalie choose to do online classes for the remainder of junior high. Though last year seemed tough, this year seems to be starting out well. The missing week at the beginning is making her play catch up, but I guess Aunt Sissy's wedding and a trip to Hawaii was worth it. Technically, this is her first year of high school, but because of the way the Boise school district splits their schools up, she's still in junior high. 

Natalie has a sense of humor that sometimes gets her in a little trouble. Her "jokes" aren't as funny to the rest of us as she finds them. She also likes to push the boundaries of teasing people. We are working on "it isn't what you say, it's how you say it." She hates that phrase as much as I did when I was her age. Hopefully someday she will appreciate it as much as I do my mom's stupid phrases. 

While McKayla isn't in any hurry to drive, Natalie is ready to get her permit now. We have to get a few documents in order, but things are in the works. Can't say I'm not a little nervous. It is bad enough letting them out with their friends, but driving?? Just seems crazy that we are there already! 

Anyway, as the next year starts for you Natalie, I pray that God continues to guide and protect you. Be a good friend and remember to just be kind to others, even when they don't deserve it. This world needs more of your kind of love. Also, don't ever be afraid to laugh at yourself. Sometimes it has been what has saved me! 

I love you and cannot wait to see what this year (and the following) will bring. 

Happy birthday Nattie-bug! May 15 be the best year yet. I love you! 

If you want to revisit some of her past birthdays, here they all are:

14th birthday
13th birthday
12th birthday
11th birthday
10th birthday
9th birthday
8th birthday
7th birthday
6th birthday
5th birthday (somehow missed posting about this one!) 
4th birthday
3rd birthday
2nd birthday
1st birthday party and 1st birthday 
and her birth story (just in case) 

Wordless Wednesday

 I just love how he inserts himself wherever he can. And yes, he has a flower on his collar, Natalie said he likes it. 

Wordless Wednesday

 

When you give your dog a bath then she's mad

Snuggling with Natalie after our rough Monday

10 Things I've Been Meaning to Tell You

By Natalie Smith 

Fall 2021

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have ten things to tell you. This is to anyone who is reading this. So if you're reading this listen up because this is for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1: Don’t give up on your dreams. You might think it's impossible but you will never know unless you try.

2: Never judge a book by its cover. Don’t judge someone because you never know what's going on in their life. Don’t say something you might regret. Words hurt too.

3: Love is love and you can’t change that. You can't choose who you love because love comes blindly when you least expect it. Love is hard and you will get hurt. If you really love someone those feelings won't go away, and if you love two people there's no room for jealousy.

4: Don’t walk around thinking you're the best of the best. Having confidence is a really good thing. But having too much confidence can catch up to you.

5: It's good to love someone but never love someone more than yourself. Don’t stay with them if they're putting you down or making you feel uncomfortable. Even if you love them you never want to be in that situation.

6: You're beautiful in your own ways. You were beautiful before they told you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

7: Don't hold yourself back because you think you will be judged. Do what you want to do. Do what makes you happy.

8: There will always be that one person that hates you. Even if you did nothing. Some people will hate you for no reason. Just ignore them.

9: Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. Don’t compare yourself to people on social media because most of the time their pictures are edited. Not everything online is true.

10: Life is hard sometimes but you just have to keep going. Don't make a choice you will regret. Don't end your life because you think it's the only way out because it's not. Don't end your story with a period.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Natalie in her new glasses! 

Natalie's 14th

I can't believe it was 14 years ago I was complaining about still be pregnant. Nine days overdue doesn't suit anyone! 

In those years, she has never failed to amaze and inspire me. This last year has been hard for all of us, but she has handled it with mostly grace and only lacking slightly in patience. Natalie is really into anime and we are constantly watching it at TV. She even reads manga books (backwards comic books). I am just grateful to have her reading! 

She's now in 8th grade and seems to be rocking this year. 

Natalie, 

As you enter your 14th year, I pray that God continues to show you the path he wants you to take. You are smart, beautiful and loving. Use those skills to help others. I know things can be hard for you sometimes, but you have such endurance in dealing with struggles. Even if you throw up your hands and scream about it, you are right back at it a few minutes later. 

Your teachers are so impressed with what a good kid you are (wish you could be more like that at home, but I will take it at school anytime!) 

Thank you for being the sunshine in this difficult year. Finding your selfies on my phone (still! Even though you have your own) never fails to make me smile. =) 

I love you to the moon and back, at least twice. 

Love, your mom 

Natalie and I at her party, Sandy Point Beach 

Hard at work on her homework

Enjoying the company of our new pet (not yet home) 

If this picture doesn't show her personality, I don't know
what does! 

And when she doesn't want her picture taken... 

Inspired by a Picture

Joining in for writer's workshop again this week. I love that it is giving me a reason to write and most importantly, something to write about! Onto the writing!

Prompt 1: Throwback Thursday: Choose a photo from a previous June and write a blog post

June 28, 2020

This is Natalie at the urgent care. She had passed out at home. Scared the crap out of me when I hear McKayla screaming from the kitchen, "Natalie just had a seizure!" 

By the time I got in there, she was coming to and saying "no I didn't." 

So, I tell her I think she passed out, asked her "why else would you be leaning over your cereal? You have it in your hair!" She reluctantly agreed. Said she wasn't feeling well, light-headed and dizzy. We got her to the couch (better then the counter height table.) 

Anyway, after talking to the doctor, twice. We were told to take her to the urgent care, just to be checked out. They checked her blood pressure, blood sugar, and an ekg. All were normal and we have no idea (to this day) what happened. It also happened to be the first day of her first menstrual cycle, so I wonder if that might be part of it.

Oregon Vacation: Part 1

Saturday, July 17

Natalie still loves taking the selfies with my phone - sometimes they include the dogs!

Saturday, July 17

My bff's youngest. Another pic. Shared the first one here.

Sunday, July 18

The first kitty on our vacation edition of "Tour of Cats." We came to see her newest addition, Munchkin, but she was feeling under the weather. This is Nutmeg who graced us with her presence. Usually she's hiding from company. 

This is a picture I "stole" (asked if I could use) of Munchkin. Feeling much better now. We briefly saw her during our visit. 

Wednesday, July 21

The usual view I had of Natalie and McKayla. Alivia spent all her time with Roselyn, my brother's 8 year old daughter. 

Thursday, July 22

McKayla seems to be the cat whisperer. She's always loving on them! This is Smokey, our friend Tabi's "barn cat" (just means he is an outdoor cat who is responsible for keeping the mouse population down around her property)

Thursday, July 22

Natalie not amused with mom taking pictures of her. I think this one just shows how freaking long her legs have gotten! 

Thursday, July 22

And Smokey just being a cat. He was so freaking friendly! 

Saturday, July 24

My father in law's cat Kit. Not so friendly (she's an only child with a single dad :P) but super playful

Saturday, July 24

She has two kinks in her tail which makes it look almost curly lol. 

Saturday, July 24

Stephen took us by this cool totem on our way home from his dad's place. I had to stop and snap a picture. 

Going to stop there for now. Will add more pictures (and stories) later this week (maybe next) 
 

Another Teenager!

Seems that although this year is C-R-A-W-L-I-N-G by, it is also flying! 

Suddenly I looked at the calendar to find it September. School has started (all online for now, but they are learning!) I realized that I have been working from home since March which is SIX months! 

September also brings a birthday to our house, sweet Natalie turned 13 this year! I can hardly believe that I have TWO teenagers now. 

For her birthday, she asked her sisters to put on dresses (McKayla was okay with it, Alivia, not so much. She did leggings under lol.) 

I told them all that if they were all wearing dresses I was going to take nice pictures of them! Worked out well for mom. ;) 

All about Natalie this year: 

• She still loves her purple and unicorns. 
• She is doing amazing in school even though it is so different.
• She is stubborn to a fault and will argue about ANYTHING! 
• LOVES animals of any kind. Asks to take home every animal we see including zoo animals. I am constantly telling her no. 
• Addicted to tic-tok and loves doing "the dances" that all the "big stars" do. I don't always get it, but I love the smiles she gives me when she nails a performance. 
  
• loves taking pictures
• HATES chores, most hated is filling the dishwasher! 

We are looking forward to later this year when the girls can go to in person school. This seventh grade year hasn't been what we were hoping for, but she's making the best of it. Fingers crossed for a better year next year! 

Happy birthday Natalie! 

**Edited to add, sorry this is late, apparently I didn't hit "publish" ** 

Six Grader of the Year

Natalie and Mr Fife with her award 

Look at the surprised face! 

May 15 I got a call from Mr. Fife, Natalie's sixth grade teacher. He asked me if I was somewhere where Natalie wouldn't be able to overhear us speaking. I took my phone into the bedroom and said yes. Quickly, he told me that Natalie had been chosen to be the sixth grader of the year. During the call he listed off all the reasons they had picked her. Told me they still wanted to present her with a certificate, even if it couldn't be during the traditional graduation like a "normal" year (stupid COVID-19!)

Together we set a date for me to bring her to school to "get lunch" and he would be there with Mr Forrey and they would bring out her award and let her know.  

I asked her teachers to write her letters on why she was chosen and what they would remember about her. This is what I got back. 

Letter from Mr. Fife and Mr. Forrey (your 6th grade teachers)

Natalie, 

Well, the end of this year didn't go how any of us had hoped! And with report card comments being so short this time, I wanted to write you a letter that allowed me some more space to say what I truly wanted to say. 

You, Miss Natalie, are one of a kind! I don't know that I've ever met someone who worked harder and was more intent on improving every part of their education. I have had a lot of students in my 14 years as a youth leader and teacher, but I have not had a harder working student. This will take you SO FAR in your life! An here's the best part - no matter what struggle you were facing, no matter the assignment, n matter the task given, you approached it all with a smile on your face! It's amazing to see how much better you make everyone else's lives around you. The respect you have earned from other students and teachers is truly unmatched. You inspire ME to work harder every day. There were times where I just simply wanted to sit back, look at my phone for 10 to 15 minutes during lunch and just say "Ugh, I need a break!" Then, you'd walk in, sit down and get right to work and I'd think to myself... Wow, if Natalie can do this, so can I! 

You just keep on doing your thing. Your determination to do well on your assignments, your mindset to push yourself to do your best in everything that's in front of you, and the dignity and respect you treat everyone with has truly been an honor to be a part of. I know that you are going to do some great things in your life Natalie! Keep on being you, don't ever let anyone change you! You deserved this year's Sixth Grader of the Year award, no doubt about it! I am so happy to have had you in my class this year, and I really hope you will stay in touch as you get older and move into bigger and better things! Keep on working hard, keep on treating people the way you always do, and you will have the most amazing life! Thank you for letting me be a part of it Natalie! Have a fantastic summer and good luck in 7th grade. You are a superstar among rockstars! 

Your sixth grade teachers, 

Mr. Fife and Mr Forrey :)

Letter from Mrs G. (your 5th grade teacher)

Dear Natalie,

I heard you were named 6th Grader of the Year! That is so, so amazing, kiddo. You are so deserving. That title goes to kids who are kind to their very core, work hard, and help others. You embody all of those things. I remember from 5th grade the kindness you showed everyone, your infectious smile, and the hard work you put into every project. You were in 5th grade, and still are, an outstanding kid.

Thank you for being an up-stander, showing kindness and advocacy to those around you. Thank you for having a positive attitude, especially when it’s hard. Thank you for trying your best, even when the work is challenging. Some of my favorite moments in 5th grade were when you’d come up and read with me, one-on-one. You didn’t let the challenging texts stop you….and you and I got to have a little reading moment together. I looked forward to it every time we did novels.

I know the end of 6th grade didn’t go the way we wanted it to. I just bought my son a t-shirt (because he’s a senior this year) that says “Senior Year 2020- Worst. Ending. Ever.” and then has 1 out of 5 stars shaded in. I feel the same for you and your class. So many fun things cancelled and a terrible finish to your elementary school career. HOWEVER, we are blessed and lucky to be healthy, have each other, have food and shelter and parents with jobs. While it wasn’t the ending we wanted, our perspective and attitude helps shape how we handle it. I’ve always appreciated your positive attitude. Keep your chin up, kiddo.

Again, congratulations on a most-deserved recognition of 6th Grader of the Year. You rock my socks. Keep doing what you’re doing next year. Be good, do good, and seek out the good whenever possible. I will miss you like crazy. Please come visit your ol’ 5th grade teacher next year. I’m so proud of the young lady you are becoming and feel incredibly blessed to be a small part of your journey.

Much love,
Ms. G

Letter from Mrs F (school counselor) 

I am so happy your mom asked us to write a personal note to you since we can't honor you in person, in front of your friends, family and classmates. Actually all of your classmates ARE your friends. You are truly an amazing young lady who walks through this world being happy, kind, compassionate and forgiving to everyone in any situation. As the counselor of an elementary school, I have certainly seen my share of drama, tears, negative behavior, hurtful behavior and a lot in between. You are an individual who holds your head high and does not get involved in other's issues, unless it effects you in a hurtful way - and then you speak up (quietly). We need more Natalies in the world, for sure! :) I am so sorry you didn't get to go to EFT or celebrate the end of your years at Garfield. I will sadly not be able to be at school when Mr. Fife gives you your certificate but I am most definitely there in spirit, whistling and clapping :)! Congratulations - you made it easy this year to choose the most outstanding 6th grader. 

I will make sure you get your trophy and your picture will be put in the glass case on the 2nd floor, above the water fountain. You'll have to stop by with your mom and dad to see it next fall. East Jr. High is lucky to be getting you! 

Happy summer!

Mrs. F. 

Letter from Mr. DeForest (special education teacher, worked with Natalie for four years!) 

Dear Natalie, 

I feel sad I can not deliver this to you in person. I am very excited to congratulate you for being chosen sixth grade student of the year. I can't think of a more deserving student then you. 

There are many things I will miss about you as you leave Garfield. One, how hard you've worked, never gave up even when things were difficult and your smile on your face each day when you entered my classroom. Two, your willingness to assist other students in need with compassion and encouraging comments. And thirdly, your presences as a role model for other students. All these qualities will help you be successful all throughout your life, so continue to be the amazing person you are. As you move on to your next adventure, keep hold of your desire to learn and know you can achieve anything. I am so very proud to have been able to know you and witness the tremendous growth in your abilities. Always keep that Grizzly Pride

L. DeForest

Natalie Turns 12

If these pictures don't paint you a little picture of who Natalie is, not much will. Natalie is a free spirit. She is full of sparkle and shine and it comes out of her in gushes and gobs. When she loves, it is fiercely and without holding anything back. During every conference we are told what a good friend she is to others. She is wonderful at making sure no one is left out. When she isn't taking selfies, Natalie has really developed a love for taking pictures. She found one of my old cameras and after buying a charger for the battery she has started taking it outside and taking pictures around the neighborhood. I love some of the things she captures. I will have to post some of her photos here and show em off. 

Her tenacity is amazing. With all the struggles she's had with school she still loves going. She starting playing the clarinet last year and LOVES it. Not sure I ever updated here, but she is only receiving help in reading at school. She is back with her classmates in both math and writing again. I constantly find her little stories written down in notebooks. Her and Alivia are often playing "school" with their baby dolls. I love that the imagination hasn't died out of them. 

For her birthday Natalie got showered with all things unicorn. She got multiple shirts, a couple stuffed unicorns, a blanket, a bottle of nutella (she loves the stuff!) among other things. Just a little bit spoiled this one. I love that she is still into unicorns. She has one that she was given YEARS ago who still sleeps in her bed. Uni is well loved and won't be retiring anytime soon.

Anyway, I'm glad to see she had a good birthday and continue to pray for her, that God will bless her and continue to show her the way to go. That she will make wise choices when it comes to friends and situations she is in.

Happy 12th birthday Nattie-bug!