It takes a Village...

I've never had a Christmas Village.

I never found one that I totally fell in love with

until now..

{it's not really a "village"

as much as it's a "square"}

Salt Lake City Temple Square

never had so much fun as setting it up and making it look "wintery"

There is something magical about a Christmas Village

or {square}

lit up at night with light coming

from the windows

to bring that "feeling" of Christmas

Here is hoping that it's feeling a lot like Christmas at your home!

Natalie means Christmas...

Natalie \n(a)-ta-lie\ as a girl's name is pronounced NAT-a-lee. It is of Latin origin, andthe meaning of Natalie is "birthday". Refers to the birthday of Christ, or Christmas. French form ofNatalya. Therewas a fourth-century Saint Natalia. The "h" is silent in the French form Nathalie; some American variants (like Nathalee) are phonetically spelled to retain the "h" sound.

I've alway's known that Natalie's name meant

"Christmas"

I love this time of year

when we celebrate the

birthday of Christ

Because of Him

we will be with

Natalie again

He gave the world

the best

gift

ever received

With His birth

He brought

joy

hope

peace..

all things I feel

every time I think of

Natalie...which means

"Christmas"

and that..just makes me smile

So very Thankful

Computer Crashed

Nothing was lost

Pictures were restored

New {fabulous} Computer

All is good

{thank you cody for helping us with our computer issues!}

So very Thankful

for memories saved

Here is hoping you have a wonderful

Thanksgiving Holiday

with your family and friends

One day a year...you can be whatever you want to be...

As you can see...Natalie loved Halloween and dressing up..
How I loved going
through photo's trying to find pictures
of her Halloween costumes
it brought
back so many fun memories!

Whatever you decide to be...
Have a Happy Halloween!

On this day 32 years ago...

We were so excited...

We were so prepared..

For this day... Your day..

32 years ago

Happy Birthday Natalie!

"8"

I've been thinking about the number 8 alot lately..

I can't remember the last time I had 8 hours of good sleep

I work 8 hours a day...for what seems like 8 days of a week..although I know there are only 7

I have 8 grandkids!

{and hope that number goes up one day}

Noah is 8 years old

You were 8 years old once too

{I'm sorry I permed your hair..obviously it was the 80's}

Mostly I can't believe it's been 8 years

since we've heard your laughter

or looked into those big brown eyes

You are missed more than you know..

but 8 years melts away

when I look at this freckle faced girl

I can remember like yesterday..

then I look at this handsome young boy

and it reminds me..

that 8 is just a number

and memories are what count

~

10 indications that something has to change..

10. My laundry room is so full of junk and clutter, that I can barely see the washer and dryer. And that is not a exaggeration in the least..if you have seen my laundry room. (I am happy to report I used my "labor day" off...to clean and organize..and I found the washer and dryer!)
9. I have been living out of a suitcase traveling for work, more than living out of my closet.
8. My husband and I have literally been at home together at the same time only 5 times in the past 4 months. And that is not an exaggeration in the least.
7. Daily phone calls to my mother are down to about 2 a week since I've been in every time zone but her's, and when I think to call..she's been asleep for hours. Guilt has offically set in over this one.
6. Attended church on Sunday, didn't recognize half the ward. When introducing myself, they have lived here in my neighborhood for 3 months..and I've never seen them before. wow.
5. I have missed so many girlfriend lunches that Im on double secret probation and will have to re-introduce myself next time I see them
4. Woke up and realized it is September, and in my mind it's still April. Seriously have no idea where May-August went? Anyone?
3. I've forgotten how to grocery shop or cook because all I've done is eat on the road..but I've become expert at submitting an expense report, and know that I average $3 for breakfast, $7 for lunch and $12 for dinner. pretty good, eh?
2. I have read SO many trash magazines in airports that I know more about the stars lives and the FUGLY 2011 fall fashions than I care to admit. I can answer anything you want to know according to People, US, ELLE and Vogue. No Jennifer Aniston is not pregnant with twins, Kim Kardashian wants to have a honeymoon baby, and the "horse hoove"(sorry,this is the only description I can think of to describe them)shoes of the season are seriously the ugliest things around. period. And I will not wear them, thank you very much. my apologies if you love them.

1. But the biggest indicator and number one reason that something has to change is the fact that for the first time in 8 years...Natalie's grave has looked like this for a while now.. I simply have not been home to visit, or decorate.

This seriously has brought more sadness and guilt to me..

In 8 years Natalies grave has never been without a flower or a fabulous bow and a visit from me for longer than a week or two at the most.
So tonight..I took the time to add some flowers

and a fabulous bow

And sat and listened to the quiet

Enjoyed the moment to talk to Nat

Smiled at the cute flower I found..and hope stay's put for longer than a day

Then promised her...and myself, that change is coming and I will be around to visit and decorate with fabulous bows and cute flowers, to cook and clean... and I'll know more about my friends lives than the stars lives..I'll be home when Dad is home...
and I'll do it all in my favorite flats.