natalie’s blog

In case anyone is still checking this blog, I thought I would let you know that after considerable thought I’ve finally decided to officially discontinue blogging here for the time being and focus on my three other blogs. The Pajama School Blog will be the primary blog for posts related to life in general and […]

This poor blog has been sadly neglected for quite some time now. I have a number of good-sounding excuses, but I’ve been hesitant to share the real reason. You see, this whole business of writing and publishing and marketing a book has taken quite a toll on me. In fact, I’m told that I appear […]

After numerous tags, it has become apparent that many people would like to know 25 random things about me. 🙂 Since I aim to please, I have gone to great lengths to compile the following list of little-known items of interest [or non-interest!] about myself. And I followed the rules…almost. I just added a little […]

Several weeks ago, I posted that I was wrestling with God. Let me explain. In November of last year I was contacted by a lady who is part of our church women’s ministry. They were in the process of planning a winter event for the 23rd of January and wondered if I would consider being […]

Pages and pages of notes are cluttered with random thoughts, midnight revelations, conflicting questions, and scattered verses of Scripture. I am on a quest to learn, to know, to understand. But the treasure lies buried yet beneath the surface. I am wrestling with God to find it. He seems at times to be obscuring it, […]

We are in the process of sending out our family newsletters, but I thought I would post a copy here as well. Plus, this one is prettier than the one we’re mailing, because this one is in color! Feel free to download and read to find out some of what our family has been up […]

After many hours of writing, researching, praying, and collaborating with friends I am finally ready to announce the title of my upcoming book. Many of you have expressed your support and encouragement as I have tackled this endeavor and it is exciting to be at this point in the process! So, without further ado, may […]

[Drumroll please]…I know that everyone has been waiting with bated breath to find out what the title of my book is and what it’s about. I’m finally ready to announce it…next Tuesday, that is. 🙂 It has certainly been quite the journey thus far, and I know I still have a ways to go, but […]

While the front-runners in the 2008 Presidential campaign do nothing to excite me, quite the opposite is true of Peter DeGraaf. The DeGraaf family have been friends of ours for years and I was thrilled when I learned that Mr. DeGraaf, after considerable thought and prayer, decided to run for the Kansas State House Seat […]

It’s official. Here’s what I’ve been working on. Check it out… 🙂

Yesterday I almost died. Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I awoke at 6:40 a.m. with a start and became immediately aware of a horrible sick feeling. I spent the next 24 hours in various stages of sickness – I’ll spare you the details – and thought all kinds of profound thoughts […]

Do you want to know the secret to getting a lot done? Here it is in a nutshell: structured procrastination. I love this concept! Probably because I’ve been doing it for years. Silly me, I just always thought it was a bad habit. I’m relieved to discover quite the opposite. It makes me feel much […]

Memories, memories flitting through my mind, racing, reminding, compelling transporting me to other times. So much to remember, so much to recall, the images grow fainter ’til I can hardly see them at all. But oh the joy to sit with friends and jointly to reflect on times gone by and memories made so that […]

One of last weekend’s projects: paint and redecorate the basement hallway. Here’s what it looked like once I got it cleared and taped and ready to paint. This is the most recent picture I could find of what it looked like before the redo. Bland white walls, very marked up and badly in need of […]

Just read this anecdote and couldn’t help but smile… There was this man who, many years ago, worked for a large business. That was his lifetime employment, but he wasn’t happy there. He wanted to go into business for himself. He saved his money and finally had enough that he could quit and start his […]

After I finished my teaching year with a couple of piano camps in July, I took some time off. Here’s a recap of some of what I’ve been up to… INDEPENDENCE, KANSAS I spent four days with Andy and Nicole in Independence. The first night they took me to the local miniature golf course to […]

As I approached the front door of the brick building, I breathed yet another quick prayer that I would find favor in the eyes of the manager, or whomever I would have to speak with to resolve this situation. I had never had this experience before, so I wasn’t quite sure how to handle it […]

…all too soon, I’m afraid! I gave all my piano students a spring break and made an attempt to tackle my spring break to-do list. To satisfy everyone’s curiosity, here’s what I managed to get done from my list: Thoroughly clean bedroom and studio Go through closet; dejunk and reorganize Buy fabric and make skirt […]

…play in the snow!

a heartfelt word upon my lips a prayer within my heart I offer to the Lord on this Thanksgiving Day. for all the blessings he bestows Far more than I could ever say. for bright sunshine and cloudless skies For all creation that ceases not of God in heaven to proclaim. for parents dear who […]