We Did Good on a Saturday...

Last week I experienced an incredible opportunity. Never once did I envision myself with a hammer and a nail. Nor did I ever think I would build a house for a family in need.

On August 11th, 2012 that opportunity became a reality.

We certainly couldn't do it alone. We had help - a lot of it. Thirty-five unskilled volunteer team members showed up to build for a common purpose. To celebrate my mom's 50th Birthday.

It wasn't your typical 50th birthday bash with party dresses and dancing. We (ladies and gents) got down and dirty with 5 pound tool belts carrying loads of materials needed throughout the day.

For over a year her philanthropic heart had a great desire to participate with Habitat for Humanity.
She planned, she recruited, and she made it happen.

One of the life changing moments that touched the community of volunteers was gathering together to pray over the first wall. I'm pretty sure the majority of us were thankful for sunglasses that day.

Working with a community of like-minded people creates a wisdom of crowds that is considerably
greater than any one person working alone. We were surrounded by others who were working toward the similar goal or objective which increased our motivation, support, and friendly competition to push a little bit further than we would have done on our own.

It was hot... in the hundies, just like a typical August in Fresno. But we stuck it out because of the hard working community of volunteers.

There are no words that can truly describe the day. I left feeling good, and I know the family who is receiving the house felt overly blessed. Many thanks to all who dedicated their muscles, energy, time, and friendship to make this day special. Way to go guys, we did good.

Also a BIG thank you to Silvia Flores Photography  for creating a lasting memory.

On a day like this...

This is a day for dirt under my fingernails, and my freshly painted pedicure.

It's the day for a hat to hide the greasy, curly, swim hair.

... and no make up, just moisturizer. Thank God for moisturizer.

Yesterday I hung out in the dry daylight and managed to get my hands dirty on the farm. There is definitely a proportionate relationship between my desire to be OCD clean and the dirt caked beneath my fingernails from a day on the farm.

There is one thing I am convinced of, and that is that the ultimate truth finds me on a farm. The dirt, hay and everything else about it gets in the cracks of my skin and messes me up but still somehow makes me miss it the next day.

Did my family or I ever think I would have a heart wrenching desire to live on a farm, or even come near living anywhere outside of a city... probably not. But on this day,  I walked around and dreamed big dreams of what I would love to have some day.

I pondered and smiled at the thought of living in a farmhouse with a wrap around porch.

Oh, and a super cool old barn tucked back in the long wheat grass.

I want acreage, just enough for my children to run free with a little time left for me to be alone. As years tick by my desire becomes stronger and I want it more.

Today was one of those days, where everything smelled so nasty it was so good, and there is so much to consume in one day, it's best to make it two.

Even though the smell was hardly worth barring, I wanted to stick around for this mama pig. I felt like she needed me.

Fresno State really knows what's going on... they are more than willing to make a farm experience a memory that can never be forgotten.

My heart was happy when I spotted a big red tractor. It reminds me of my grandpa who taught me that the color green was not accepted in our family. It's all about International Harvester baby.

Lucky me, I made it in time to experience the milking process. Let's just say, I'm glad I am not a milk drinker. Although, one day I will own one. Those suckers can bring in some mooo-lah.

These fellas my friends, were hungry... looking at me as if I should be their top of the month meal. Especially 805.

The sunset that night didn't seem real. I could either grab my camera and snap some photos or stand there and enjoy it until it's no longer.

Summer is beginning to wind down, and it's scary. Where did the time go? Weren't we just putting up Christmas lights and opening gifts? Don't run off and smell the Autumn leaves just yet. Even though it's August she's earned her due. Lets embrace it and make the most of these next few weeks. 

-Natalie 

Escaping Reality

Living in a crazy world, that is constantly throwing us information and busy schedules, it tends to make it difficult to unplug and find peace. The " I need to", " I should do", " I must do" compete with our ever so frantic lives and soon creates stress.

When I was young my most enjoyable days were being outside. Nothing greater than riding my bike, walking to the local corner store for slurpees, and climbing olive trees until the street lights turned on. Even then I was able to find peace.

As I grew older and became an adult it turned into a struggle to find use of the simple activities that are truly enjoyable. Even simple things like going for a run on some local trails didn't prevent me from "hurry up and get back to"... the email, the missed calls, social media accounts, or whatever else was waiting for me.

So after some thought, I have come to an answer to find this peace, which was to explore things I have never done before. In order to find quiet and peace is to venture out to the edge, the place that allows me to release all the "human" thoughts and concentrate on simply just "being".

This weekend I made time to make peace with Yosemite Valley. I was able to look up and stand in complete awe of the soaring peaks that brought a sense of calm. It was breathtaking and emotionally stirring to know that there is something greater.

Hiking 6 miles on the mountain trails, splashing in a Tuolumne River, and driving through the rolling hills just outside of a hectic environment was so relaxing. This was the place to pause, reflect and gain a sense of perspective again.

After hiking a couple miles it was time to refuel with some nutritious food. Nothing better than a packed picnic lunch. 

Pirate Booty does the body good!

Maybe some day in my lifetime I will have the privilege of calling myself an Ahwahnee Hotel guest. Oh how nice that would be. Good food, nice people, and a spectacular atmosphere. While stopping for a bite to eat at the hotel, I cheated a little and had a beer. Ahwahnee Amber Ale that is. 

Before heading back somehow getting across the river was a must. Guess crossing with our shoes on wouldn't hurt. 

Where is the jaw dropping, eye opening, place that you enjoy? Where is the magic for you and more importantly, where do you find peace?

-Natalie

What I love about Sundays

This past weekend was beautifully hot here in the Central Valley. The typical 100 degree July temperatures. It was just pure magic. When I say magic I mean, a nice coffee walk with mom, a wannabe tan, and a run on some local trails.

What I love about Fresno, California. 

The rolling hills are beautiful, aren't they? Where I live, I'm lucky enough to see them every way I run.

This is what I enjoy, but these guys are tired. They've lived beyond their miles and need to retire.

This weekend was fun. I was able to pause, reflect and breathe. Sometimes a good run helps me do just that. It helps me let go of control and not worry about the unknown.

Sunday's help me catch up on sleep and feel well rested just not exactly rested enough to tackle another week!

Hope your weekend has had it's share of magic too!

-Natalie

Not just Speech

Last Friday was a bittersweet day. As I sealed envelopes, packed up, and turned in keys leaving a school that I worked at for 2 years. It wasn't the typical last week of school for me with parties and nothing to do. I worked more the last week of school than I did all year. Paperwork that is.
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines... all due by June 15th.

I threw an ice cream party for all the kiddos who participated in speech therapy for the year. It's so funny watching kids and their preference of ice cream. At one point I wanted to shout, "It's a sundae for cryin' out loud, just eat it"!

All in all it was a sweet goodbye to the students I had for 2 years, 6 months, or recently added. They're all special and will be missed.

I knew I wouldn't be at this elementary school forever, but my one and only goal was to touch the lives of these kids in a positive way. I wanted to teach, train, and mold these kiddos into young men and women even if I was only there for a short time.

We worked hard together, some days were rougher than others, but when I pushed them, they knew it was because I knew they could. We talked at speech, and we talked a lot. Some days it would take everything to elicit a sound or word. You'd see me jumping around and praising galore, and at other times I would be so excited I'd cover up my tears of joy and they'd ask, "Teacher Natalie, why do you gots tears?"

They learned what praise was and knowing that it's OK to reward oneself with a snap, crackle, pop. (our handshake)

They learned that to do something great it takes hard work and time- that day will come.

They learned that anything is possible, but you need to allow your powerful brain to go there and just because it isn't easy doesn't mean it isn't possible.

We worked hard, we played hard and we knocked the crap out of the last two years in speech. The kids can feel it, they can feel their improvement and if anything they feel more important as little people.

I was lucky and I am grateful for the awesome teachers I worked with, the school psychologist I shared a room with, the office staff that I bugged to no end, and of course our fabulous principal. A school wouldn't be a school without all of you! So, THANK YOU for teaching me!

Have a great summer!
-Natalie

Summer Events

I cant even believe it's already August... where has summer gone?! It's been a very active & eventful one to say the least. Here is a recap of a few of the fun things I did!

I helped a friend out with her two kids this summer. They are totally fun and outgoing. We went on countless bike rides and trips for coffee. (I'm teaching them about Starbucks while they're young :)

I love our local farms. We have several in the Central Valley. The kids really enjoyed walking around the Fresno State farm but most of all they enjoyed the experience of milking cows! 

Water balloon fights rock, of course! 

Instead of going to a paid (overrated) crowded, smelly, poopy diaper infested, dirty water park. We stuck to a local, small splash park right up the street. Not only is it clean but they also have shaved ice! Kids love it, and so do the adults! 

You caught me! Enjoying a shaved ice.

I watched some Major League Baseball live! Went to Universal Studios, Washington on a train (21 hours to be exact, YIKES!), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and several others. 

Trip to Washington was all around amazing! I think the fam figured out its been 10 years since I last visited. I was way overdue. I loved everything about Seattle besides the rain.  I almost stole the hanging flower baskets but remembered I was returning home on a train and oh, its illegal. They were jaw dropping beautiful. 

Cousin Molly, isn't she super cute?!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom was a quick, fun day trip. I hadn't been there in 15 years at least. I think I've figured out I'm a little too old for creaky wooden roller-coasters. Definitely felt like I had subdural hematoma immediately following the ride. (In case you were wondering, I'm better now). A friend and I had an opportunity to be in a Dolphin show, but because of a delayed response we missed our chance. Bummer!

For those of you who know me, I highly dislike hotdogs but I ate this anyway.

I should probably consider winding down on my vacationing considering school & work start back in two weeks. There are two more mini trips planned in those two weeks though, so we will see. What can I say, I just LOVE summer and I LOVE being busy! 

 What are some things you did this summer?