Natalie's Nook

Big News from Simple Girl Scraps

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:16:00 +0000

In case you haven't heard, Simple Girl Scraps is coming out of retirement and is creating again! Yay! I have been blessed to see this fantastic designer grow from the beginning. She is a dear friend, whom I've never met, but would love to meet someday.

In honor of her designing again, Simple Girl Scraps has a contest happening at her new store to win her newest kit set to release November 1st. So hop on over and check it out. You can also find some fabulous freebies at the Simple Girl Scraps blog.

Here's what I created using the kit she is offering free over at GingerScraps

Hello Again by Simple Girl Scraps; Font: Scriptina

Be on the lookout for more goodies

Capture Your December ~ Days 5, 6, 7

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:39:00 +0000

Playing catch up today as my weekend was a little hectic. So far I've been doing pretty well with keeping up with the daily prompts. I find myself looking around me wondering what I can photograph next. This has definitely been a much needed boost.

Day 5: Looking up

Day 6: Shadow

Day 7: 6 o'clock

Capture Your December ~ Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 20:00:00 +0000

Today I bring you the worlds smallest Goofy. It's no secret I'm a huge Goofy fan, so over the years I've been given or collected many ornaments to adorn my tree in honor of my affection. I'm sure my mom gave me this particular ornament and he hangs proudly on my tree with all the other mega sized ones.

Day 4: Tiny

Capture Your December ~ Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 21:58:00 +0000

Yay, I'm early with today's photo. The theme was a perfect fit with our Angel tree topper. Loney and I purchased this angel 15 years ago to put on our very first Christmas tree together. The kids know the decorating of the tree isn't complete until the angel is placed on top. I hope she will be with us for at least 15 more Christmases.

Day 3: Silver

Capture Your December ~ Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 05:45:00 +0000

Today's prompt was slightly baffling for me as I don't tend to be drawn to Elves as decorations. Nothing against them, I'd just much rather have the Big Guy himself than his little helpers. Even though the movie has become one of my favorites, it just didn't feel right to photograph the cover. So as I was browsing around Michael's I came across this little cutie and decided he fit perfectly for my day 2 photo.

Day 2: Elf

Capture Your December - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 06:50:00 +0000

I've found myself in a photo slump lately. My camera sits on the shelf collecting dust, so I decided to join in the Capture Your December photo challenge over at Scrap Orchard. I attempted this last year and made it over half of the month, so I know I can finish out the year on a high note. Feel free to join in.

Day 1: Red

40 Bags in 40 Days ~ Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 21:28:00 +0000

I stumbled upon an interesting concept while perusing Pinterest. Start the decrapifying process of your home one bag at a time over a 40 day period. I found this challenge over at White House Black Shutters blog. This whole process is supposed to follow suit during Lent. Basically the idea of giving up the clutter that is creating chaos in your house and life, which I definitely need during this transition time.

So, with no further adieu...I give you day one's before picture:

I chose to tackle something that needed my attention, but wouldn't overwhelm me at the same time. My computer desk. Piles of stuff that just needs to be gone through and put away or thrown away.

Taking me 2.5 hours and 1/2 of a kitchen sized garbage bag full....here's After:

Check out White House Black Shutters blog and join the Clutter Free Revolution!!

Daily December ~ Day 19

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:31:00 +0000

Do you make goodies for Friends and Neighbors during Christmas? I love to bake, almost as much as I love eating what I bake. Some of the recipes I use are only taken out during the holidays. Peanut Brittle and Fudge to name a couple.

Since I don't really bake as often with trying to live a healthier lifestyle, it was nice to get out my measuring cups and baking sheets. This is what I made this year:

Day Nineteen ~

On the menu we have:

Rice Krispy Treats

Fudge

Cheater Brownies (cake mix w/ chocolate pudding)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Mint Cookies
Peanut Brittle
and some store bought meltaway peppermints

Daily December ~ Day 18

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 03:27:00 +0000

Amazing how the month is over halfway done. This year has flown by with nothing to really show for it except time spent with my husband and kids. Jordan woke me up this morning with the sounds of vomit. Yup, that's right, I had to wake up to a sick kid. Needless to say he stayed home from school today. I feel bad every time my kids are sick. He has rested on the couch watching movies and taking naps. Jordan never takes naps, so I know he wasn't feeling good. I snapped this picture during one of his rests:

Day Eighteen ~

Luckily we don't get sick all that often in our household, and he should be feeling better tomorrow. At least I'm hoping so.

Daily December ~ Day 17

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 02:59:00 +0000

Finally feeling like I can take a moment to sit. I still have plenty to get finished over the next few days, but it's definitely winding down. The excitement of Christmas is swelling in the hearts of my kids. I'm reminded though of the real Reason for the Season. Christ's birth and His bringing hope for the world.

Luke 2:10-14

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Day Seventeen ~

Daily December ~ Days 13, 14, 15, and 16

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 02:36:00 +0000

Playing a little catch up here. I'm not sure what my malfunction is, but just tired and not wanting to accomplish anything. It didn't help having such a crazy weekend, then hubby started a new job that takes him away during the week. I think once the craziness from Christmas is over it should get better. At least I hope so. Without any further adieu, here are the photos taken from the past few days:

Day Thirteen ~

Day Fourteen ~

Took this family picture at the Henderson Winterfest. This is one of the best Old Fashioned Santas ever!! I look forward to seeing him every year.

Day Fifteen ~

I was way super impressed with how these people did their houses with the candy "windows". They did a fantastic job.

Day Sixteen ~

The kids had their piano recital and this is the group of kids who performed as well. Jordan played 'Up On the Housetop' and 'Jolly Old St. Nicholas'. Melody played 'Jingle Bells'. I'm amazed at how quickly they are learning piano.

Daily December ~ Day 12

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 20:30:00 +0000

I seem to be a day late and a dollar short. I was so exhausted last night I ended up heading to bed early, so the pictures from Jordan's concert weren't uploaded to the computer until this morning. I guess it's better late then never. Tonight will be one of the last things from this crazy week. Henderson Winterfest and all it's Christmas glory! Obviously with the long drive into town I won't be able to post pictures until tomorrow, but be prepared for several good ones. Here's a few photos from Jordan's concert.

Day Twelve ~

Daily December ~ Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 05:47:00 +0000

Crazy to think Christmas day is only 2 weeks away. Time is flying by. It's a good thing I put up my tree earlier this year. It allows me to enjoy the sights and feelings Christmas brings each year. Here is a photo of our tree this year. It's a traditional one with colored blinking lights, memorable ornaments, and just the love of Christmas's past.

Day Eleven ~

Daily December ~ Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 06:34:00 +0000

Awesome night tonight. Melody had her Christmas program at school. She's one of the best readers in her class so was chosen to be one of the Narrators in between the songs. She did an amazing job. I'm so proud of her and her ability to be in front of people with no fear. I wish I could say she got that from me. Yeah, not so much. Anyway, instead of just one photo I decided to do a few to highlight Melody's night.

Day Ten ~

Daily December ~ Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 04:04:00 +0000

Today I have been frozen. I seem to get warm! So, I wanted some hot chocolate to help warm the inside of me...no dice. Nothing in the pantry, the corner store down the street was out, and the grocery store is just too far away. So I didn't get some. Hopefully this cold front will pass through and we can get a little warmer weather.

Day Nine ~

One of my photo prompts for the month is to show my Christmas Grinch. This is the grinchiest grinch that ever grinched. My sweetheart can be a real bear sometimes, but she's my Grinch and I'll love her until her heart grown 3 sizes!

Daily December ~ Days 7 & 8

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:12:00 +0000

Playing catch up once again. The play was a success this weekend. Loney did fantastic singing his Christmas songs. I believe he even has plans to record a couple of them to share with everyone. Once he gets that done, I'll make sure to share with you. Here's a photo taken during Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Luckily Santa and his twin brother were able to join in the fun:

Day Seven ~

For day 8, I had to play catch up after a full couple of days. So, I didn't allow myself to take a photo on the actual day. That's not to say I still don't have several photos I can use as back up right?

Day Eight ~

I am so blessed to have my kids like each other most of the time. They are really good kids, and I'm truly blessed to call them mine.

Daily December ~ Day 5 & 6

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 06:30:00 +0000

Crazy hectic couple of days so I'm going to be playing catch up. We've got a full weekend in store. Loney was asked to sing after the play put on by the Shadow Mountain Community Players, so we have been busy with that. While at dress rehearsal yesterday, the church the play is showing at was decorated for Christmas, and I couldn't help put snap a photo of the Nativity set they had on display:

Day Five ~

Tonight was the actual performance. We arrived a little early to make sure the music would play right. Little did I know that when it actually came time for Loney to sing, the laptop would give me fits and not play the songs. Luckily Loney had back up music on his phone. It seemed every enjoyed themselves despite the slight hiccup. I took this photo of Loney before everything began.

Day Six ~

Daily December ~ Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 02:12:00 +0000

If anyone knows me, I am a complete Goofy Freak! I have been a fan of Goofy since I first met the big guy at Disneyland when I was about 3. We've been BFFs ever since. Because of this friendship, I have gotten quite the collection over the years. Between stuffed toys, regular toys, a Goofy telephone, lamp, and all the ornaments I believe when I'm able I will decorate a tree all for myself that will be dedicated to the Goof himself. Here is just one of the ornaments I have in my collection:

Day Four ~

Any other Goofy fans out there? Who is your favorite Disney character? Or are you more of a Looney Toons fan? Inquiring minds want to know.

Daily December ~ Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 00:44:00 +0000

The wind in picking up around here, freezing temps overnight and we are supposed to get rain tomorrow. With this cold front moving in, I though a picture of a snowflake was appropriate.

Day Three ~

This was a photo prompt over at Scrap Orchard. Since we don't get snow very often, this is the closest thing I get to seeing an actual snowflake.

Daily December ~ Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 01:13:00 +0000

I'm taking a class to help me learn to take better photos. Especially for the Holidays. I'm a novice when it comes to using my DSLR and though I can take decent photos, lighting is my downfall. Luckily the first lesson is all about lights. I learned to take a photo having a bokeh background. This is one I took of Melody sitting in front of the tree.

Day 2 ~

The class I'm taking is called Your Holidays Captured Through The Lens by Katrina Kennedy of Capture Your 365. I'm looking forward to implementing some of the techniques and perhaps they will stick with me for future use.

Daily December ~ Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:55:00 +0000

I know it's been a long time since my last post. Life just kind of got in the way, and I felt I didn't have a whole lot to say. With that being said, I've decided to take a photo a day to help document my December. Especially since November was a slow picture month.

Day One ~

This is a bell ornament with my name on it. We had each one for us kids on the tree growing up. Mom gave each of us our bell to have on our own tree now. Mine hangs proudly next to the other special ornaments.

12 Days Before Christmas ~ Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Halfway point and Hubby has been enjoying his gifts tremendously. If I am smart, I should be doing more of this type of thing for him more often. Life as a SAHM though can be tough, but setting priorities or changing them can easily be accomplished if I set my mind to it right??

6th Day Before Christmas

I'll really try not to gush

6 packs of Extra gun

To freshen your breath between times you brush

Bubble Gum flavored gum is his absolute favorite. Also the amount he chews is amazing at times. So I wanted to stock him up so he's set for a couple of weeks at least.

12 Days Before Christmas ~ Days 10, 9, 8, and 7

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:48:00 +0000

I know, I fell a little behind in posting. But we had a fantastic weekend filled with Holiday fun!

Isn't he the BEST looking Santa EVER!!!

For Day 10, I created a word cloud of words that best describe my man.

10th Day Before Christmas

In appreciation for all you do

10 Loving Reasons

of how much I Adore You

I was going to create a little book or scrapbook page with my reasons, but saw this idea on The Dating Diva's website, and felt it fit better for what I was trying to do.

Day 9 was a bit trickier because I had to get it out on Day 10 since we were leaving over the next couple of days. Luckily he didn't see it until we got home the next night.

9th Day Before Christmas

I'll never find you lacking

Here's a can of Mixed Nuts

to enjoy for your snacking

Nuts are one of his favorite snacks, so this one was perfect.

Day 8 we were back to the regular scheduled program with him heading back to work. So much easier to leave surprises when he isn't home.

8th Day Before Christmas

My love for you is so clear it's crystal

So you can save some memories,

here's a jump drive with 8 mega pixel

This portion of my rhyming took a while. I even had to get some help. I noticed too late though that it isn't mega pixels but gigabytes that should have been rhymed. D'oh!

It took me a while to figure out what to do for day 7. As soon as I saw this package of Suzy Q's (one of the very last at the store I might add) I knew I HAD to tie it in.

7th Day Before Christmas

I kept one for myself, I hope you don't mind

7 Hostess Suzy Q's

To help ease your daily grind

I'm quite sad though because if I'm to do this again, I will never be able to incorporate Suzy Q's or ANY Hostess treats. It's a sad day in America.

12 Days Before Christmas ~ Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:33:00 +0000

Day 12 was a hit. He came home from work and said to me.."why is there diet pepsi on the bed?" then proceeded to read the poem. I hope he's ready for the next few days. ;)

Day 11 reads:

11th Day Before Christmas

Because I love you still

A new leather wallet

with a 10 dollar bill

Gift giving is so rewarding isn't it? Even though it's difficult at times to find that perfect gift for those you love, it's so rewarding to brighten up someones day just because you care.

12 Days Before Christmas ~ Day 12

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I decided this year to create a 12 Days before Christmas for Hubby. He does so much for us, and works so hard that a little extra loving at Christmas time would help show my appreciation to him. Most people tend to do the count up to Christmas, but I decided to do it a little different and count down.

So my day starts with 12....it reads:

12th Day Before Christmas

Your true love thought of you

12 cans of Diet Pepsi

I think it's your favorite brew

I placed his gift on his side of the bed so he'll see it when he gets

home from work, or right before going to bed

I know he'll be super surprised, and can't wait to share the rest of the 12 days.