tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70860802661789797352024-03-13T05:24:47.329-06:00My life...children, and cat included...This is my life. Full of chaos, mystery, intrigue, fun and laughter. I'm a singer, song writer, background vocalist, Mom, daughter, sister, neice, granddaughter and friend. I have a son, Declan, a daughter, Rowan, and cat, Zak. I try my best not to be too serious. So grab a coffee and enjoy my ramblings about my life, children, and cat included...Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-53343840895848268892012-03-06T21:00:00.002-07:002012-03-06T21:24:25.429-07:00Has it REALLY been a whole year?!?!I can NOT believe it's been a year since I've written anything on my blog! How very remiss of me! Let's see if I can fill you in a bit. <br /><br />Rowan is now 6 years old and attending kindergarten. She loves to dance and sing and play with barbies and dolls and stuffed animals. She's learning guitar at school and loving that! She played so much that she came home with a blister on her finger! Poor baby! She calls herself Princess Rowan of the land of Coalhurst...because she's God's princess! I love it! She is sweet and fun and full of life and I love being her Mom! She has her challenging days when I wonder if I'll survive this little spitfire running through my house, but for the most part, she is a complete joy!<br /><br />Declan is 11 and turning 12 soon! He's into all things video game, and loves to read! Who would have thought?! A few years ago he couldn't read well at all but thanks to some very dedicated teachers, he can't be without his books! He keeps at least 3 in the bathroom at all times which drives me nuts! Not because I'm always stepping on books but because we only have ONE bathroom! Hard to share when he's constantly hogging it because it's a quiet place to read! Declan is becoming more of a man every day, though he tells me he really doesn't want to grow up just yet. I can't say I blame him...being an adult can be scary! I've told him that there's no rush and he can take his time growing up. I think that made him feel better. Declan is an avid fisherman and can hardly wait until spring so he can bring some fish home for supper! His favorite fishing buddy is Rick who has really taken Declan under his wing and shown him the best fishing spots, how to gut a fish (yuck!) and which lures to use for which fish! I had no idea there was so much to know about fishing! I have to say I enjoyed fishing so much last summer that I bought myself a fishing rod too! Even Rowan gets in on the action, but never for very long. Declan has turned into a very wonderful, thoughtful, sincere, HANDSOME young man and I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be his Mom. <br /><br />As for me...well...I'm still working as an Insurance Sales Agent. I'm now taking courses that will eventually turn into a Chartered Insurance Professional designation. Sound interesting? It really isn't. I'd much rather be doing something involving music but unfortunately that doesn't pay the bills. I still get to play at my church 2 out of 3 Sundays and I sing as often as I can. I have had the pleasure of singing and playing for various women's ministries in Lethbridge and that has been such a wonderful experience! I'm hoping to do more of that in the coming year. <br /><br />A few hard things have happened this year too. <br /><br />My friend, Stacy, has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. I've never seen anyone fight for her life like this woman has fought. She is a single mom of 8 year old Olivia and her whole goal is to watch her beautiful daughter grow up. She knows, however, that her time may be short so she's determined to create some memories with Olivia now. To that end, friends of Stacy have created a group called "Angels for Olivia". A silent auction/birthday party is being held for Stacy on March 24, 2012 to raise money to send Olivia and Stacy on their dream vacation...Disneyworld and New York! I have been witness to people who have never even met Stacy donating air miles to purchase disney passes for her. I look forward to seeing many more acts of kindness toward Stacy and Olivia. I know that God is the only One who can heal Stacy and I pray for a miracle for her, but I think it's so great that so many are working to help Stacy fulfill her wishes...just in case. <br /><br />Another sad event was that my pastor, who has been the pastor at my church for the last 30 years, chose to leave our congregation this year. I found this really hard because he was more than a pastor to me. He was the guy that would call me when it became known that I was dating and he would ask, "are you maintaining your boundaries?"...LOL!! That still makes me roar! There's no one else in my life who would ever ask me a question like that but I've never been so happy to have a question asked of me. He kept me accountable, and I always knew I was loved. He was sincere, funny, down to earth and so full of love for his congregation. I'm praying for another Pastor to come and lead our church...we don't want to wander the desert for 40 years. And I'm praying extra hard that the Pastor who comes will be someone that is approachable and someone who loves this congregation like my Pastor did. My Pastor poured his life into this church and I'm so grateful to have been one of the many that he loved so well. He's earned his retirement...but I will miss him. <br /><br />So that's my world in a nutshell. What's new with all of you?!<br /><br />:)Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-88163939754117061492011-03-15T22:13:00.002-06:002011-03-15T22:29:59.925-06:00Spring....Ahhhh....spring! The season of new beginnings! I don't think the new year really starts until the snow starts melting and warm breezes start. I love spring! It's the promise of warmer weather, new plants, leaves on trees and green grass. <br /><br />I find it so appropriate that what I'm about to tell you happened now...in the spring...because it couldn't have possibly happened at a better time. <br /><br />Today I witnessed a miracle. I watched a man, who hadn't seen or talked to his daughter in 7 years, chat with her online today. I watched him cry until he could hardly see the screen...he was so excited to say hello to his child. I watched him melt when she told him that she loved him and I heard him plan when he would talk to her again. <br /><br />This man gave up his child 7 years ago because he had no other options available to him. He has struggled with that decision ever since. I helped him find her on facebook a few months ago and we printed out her picture so that he could look at her every day. He didn't make contact at that time because he didn't know if her Mother would allow it. <br /><br />I've prayed for this day. I prayed that God would make a way for him to see and talk to his daughter again. I believed without a shadow of a doubt that God would make that happen. Today the Mother of this child called my friend and asked for advice on their daughter. In the conversation, facebook was brought up. When I found out about it I pushed him to send her a friend request, which he did. When she came online, he said "hi" and the conversation began. <br /><br />It warmed my heart to see him so happy. It blessed me to see such honesty between them and to see her say, "I love you" to this man who has thought about her every minute of every day for 7 years. <br /><br />I can't imagine what it would be like to have to let go of your child like that. I can't imagine the pain and the guilt he has endured since that day. I can only say that of all the things that were said between them (...and a lot was said...they chatted for an hour!), those three words, "I love you" brought a joy to my friend that made him glow. <br /><br />Thank You God that You still perform miracles. He thought he'd never see her again, but You knew better. Thank You that we are all precious in Your sight and that You love us so much. We are so undeserving, yet You provide for us. What an amazing night!!!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-86978153239217106672010-10-24T15:04:00.003-06:002010-10-24T15:38:09.032-06:00Music!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm01H73CJQEN08SOPfnKvXxDgwHDJmqyUwpeI6giVhvGSCZHd7oOfxO4t5hrMUMFrpXvhxuiJFu4AGH1j1oStuKHy2AGqgC8FRqqrYJvm-aOCNZuiyEFDxWhIknwDtw2xs2ShZZQYJRzj9/s1600/studio.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm01H73CJQEN08SOPfnKvXxDgwHDJmqyUwpeI6giVhvGSCZHd7oOfxO4t5hrMUMFrpXvhxuiJFu4AGH1j1oStuKHy2AGqgC8FRqqrYJvm-aOCNZuiyEFDxWhIknwDtw2xs2ShZZQYJRzj9/s320/studio.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531722175396707298" /></a><br /><br />That's right my fine friends...there is a studio in the making at my house! Currently it has a set of electronic drums (My most recent purchase thanks to the haggling power of Rick!), two keyboards, a guitar I have on loan from my Dad (I've learned two chords...I'm pretty proud!), and a little amp. Still needed are 2-3 decent sized amps (one for keyboard, one for drums, one for mics), 2 mics and mic stands, a guitar stand or two, a computer specifically for that space and some really awesome recording software. I'm sure it will take a long while to get this together in the way I would like to see it come together, but God will work miracles and it will be done...of that I have no doubt. <br /><br />Why build this...is that what you're asking? I believe that God created music for multiple reasons. He created music as a way of communicating our love for Him, as a way of expressing ourselves when words aren't enough, as a way of making a statement and getting a point across, as a way to learn something new or be reminded of something we knew all along but hadn't thought of in a while. Music creates thoughts and feelings that maybe we wouldn't have if the music wasn't there. In all of this, music is one of the tools God uses to heal us. I work out my frustration on my piano, I write songs about pain I've been through, lessons I've learned, and joy overflowing and it helps me heal. Music is therapy in every sense of the word. I have a rare opportunity to create a space where people can heal. A place where musicians of every age, race, color and creed from every walk of life can come and find God in their songs...this includes myself and my children! My daughter sings up a storm and my son LOVES the drums and plays whenever he gets a second to do so! <br /><br />I've always said that I want my home to be a place where people always feel welcome. Where they feel like they are wanted and appreciated for who they are. I want to be able to give back to my community because they've given so much to me...providing space and stage time for me to play my songs and hone my skills as a musician. I want to create a space for musicians to network, play, jam, bounce around ideas and create music for God's glory. It's not a big space, it's very very cozy, but it's warm and welcoming and God is most definitely there! I'm looking forward to seeing new faces, hearing new music, and working with some talented people. I'm looking forward to watching my children play and sing along with people that will come here. God is moving and I can hardly wait to see where this all goes! In the meantime...feel like jamming? Drop me a line! This is God's space and it's meant to be used....so play on fellow musicians! I'm right behind you!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-58040609203988232132010-10-10T19:44:00.002-06:002010-10-10T19:46:09.085-06:00The song that fills my soul...<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sArLUI80Szo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sArLUI80Szo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />A song we did today in Church...it was amazing and God FILLED that place! <br /><br />Holy Holy Lord God Almighty<br />Worthy is the Lamb who was slain<br />Highest Praises Honor and Glory<br />Be unto Your name<br />Be unto Your nameMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-8617538223105983622010-10-09T12:25:00.003-06:002010-10-10T00:55:21.311-06:00Lessons Learned...I`ve had the absolute pleasure of spending some time with some very special people over the last few weeks. These are people who have taught me how to remain hopeful in hopeless situations, and how to set a goal and stick to it, regardless of how hard it is to achieve that goal. <br /><br />It all started with a sermon series Pastor Barry started at our church. It`s based on a program called ``Celebrating Recovery``. It made me start thinking about the 12 steps used in AA and how really, that applies to everyone...not just addicts. I started going through the 12 steps myself using Barry`s sermons as a guide. I was praying one day in the middle of doing one of the steps and realized that I would really like to encourage people recovering from addictions...any addictions. <br /><br />It wasn`t long after that I met Rick. Rick is a recovering addict and addiction counselor, for a local recovery house. He also holds down a job as a cattleman for City Packers and is father to a wonderful little girl. Rick introduced me to the recovery house that he`s involved with and it changed my thinking completely.<br /><br />Addiction has not been far from me my whole life. Through my childhood I watched my Uncle struggle with alcohol addiction. I married two men who both struggle with their own addictions...and I have a few of my own as well. I`m addicted to smoking currently, and I consider myself a recovering addict from sexual addiction... shocked? ...not many people know that about me. It`s true though. I`ve dealt with issues surrounding sex for a long time. I thought I was worth so little that the only way guys would pay attention was if I let them do things I knew were not appropriate. Sick, isn`t it? I got to the point where I got to like the thrill, the conquest as it were. Who was the next guy going to be...how would I catch him...it was almost like a game. It wasn`t right and it wasn't healthy...in fact it was very very dangerous. Now I look back and wonder what I was thinking. I knew it wasn't what God wanted from me, but at that point in my life, I was too far gone to care. When I married John I put that life aside and I haven't looked back. I found my way back to God and realized that as His child, I am forgiven and washed clean by His blood. I don't have to live that life. To God, I am precious, and that's all that matters. <br /><br />Anyway, I was introduced to a group of people at this local recovery house. These are people with all kinds of addictions, and they`re not afraid to tell you what they`re struggling against. Many have lived on the streets and in shelters at some point...that`s how low things can get. These are guys that are using every ounce of willpower they have, along with intense faith in God, to claw their way out of the situations they`ve put themselves in. Some will succeed, some will fail, but either way, I feel priviledged to have met them. I realized how judgemental I can be about people struggling. Who`s to say that the person I see on the street corner isn`t a recovering addict trying to get back on his feet like the guys I met at the recovery house? <br /><br />We all have things we struggle with. You may or may not label them ``addiction``. I think the lesson here is not to judge those who are struggling...instead, take that little bit of time out of your day to offer encouragement. They appreciate it and they really look forward to that human contact when everyone else has given up on them. I am blessed to have family and friends who don`t judge me for the things I struggle with. They pray for me, they love me in spite of my faults, they encourage me to stay strong and keep my eyes on my Jesus...how amazing! So many people don`t have that kind of support. If you get the chance to...buy someone a cup of coffee...ask how their day went. You don`t need to do much...it`s those little things that mean the most and can make the difference between an addict staying an addict, or staying sober.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-49398417046325270682010-10-01T04:19:00.002-06:002010-10-01T04:33:43.828-06:00A New Melody...It's been three months since my last post. OI VEY!! I can't believe all the stuff that's happened in that time. Here's an update for you...<br /><br />John moved out and has his own place in town. The kids see him twice a week and that seems to be working for now. We are on good terms and talk almost every day. <br /><br />Declan is in grade 4 and doing really well. He's your typical 10 year old...snarky...eating everything in sight...a little crazy...and totally wonderful. I wouldn't trade him for all the tea in China! He often tries to be the man of the house. I keep telling him that all I want is for him to be a kid...but what does a Mom know, right? <br /><br />Rowan is another story altogether. She's had a really tough time dealing with her Dad leaving. She went through a really tough phase where she was violent to other kids and very angry at home. She's now in counselling and in a fantastic Christian daycare/preschool and doing great! Her manners have come back and there's been way less fighting at school. I'm really proud of her...she's come a long way. <br /><br />I found a job!!! FINALLY I am working! I started my career as an Insurance Agent for AMA in August. I am in training until October 18th and then I'll be able to sell insurance. The exams and training have been tough but the people are great and I really enjoy the work so far. The money is exactly what I need to stay on budget...God saved the day again!!!! <br /><br />We have really been blessed with amazing support from all over the place! Our church has helped with school supplies, babysitting and all kinds of other stuff. The pastor at our church is working on starting an adopt a family program where solid Christian families in our church adopt a single parent and kids and do things with them once a month or so. This gives the kids a chance to connect with another family and just have a place to go do fun stuff. I'm really looking forward to that. <br /><br />Thank you thank you thank you to all of you who have kept us in your prayers this summer. Every prayer was heard and answered and we are so grateful! We have been covered in God's peace and grace and we really are doing well. I've been singing TONS and I have also been doing some public speaking which has been a challenge! Who knew that this was what God had in store for me! <br /><br />My lifesong is stronger now than it's been in a long time. I'm so happy and so blessed. <br /><br />The verse I've hung onto this summer?... "My children are taught in the Lord, great shall be their peace" Isaiah 54:13<br /><br />Awesome eh?<br /><br />xoxoxox<br />MicheleMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-32408945451945614002010-05-29T04:28:00.003-06:002010-05-29T04:58:12.932-06:00Wow...it's been a while!It's been a long time since I've written here. A lot of things have happened. I hardly know where to begin...<br /><br />There's been a lot of tough stuff going on. In March I lost my job at Sun Life. To date, I am still unemployed...that's so depressing. It's been nearly impossible to find anything but in some ways I think God planned it that way. I think He knew that the kids needed me to be home for a while and so He's making that happen whether I want it or not! <br /><br />John moves out this weekend. That part is tough. The kids are doing okay at this point thanks to the prayers of many friends and family. God is holding them in the palm of His hand and for that I am so grateful. They are feeling the strain of the move, but are not reacting too badly to it at this point. I know there will be fallout sooner or later with them and I've put structure in place to deal with that. As for me...well...I find myself crying at stupid times of the day and night. I feel overwhelmed, scared, angry, sad, and yet sometimes I'm peaceful, even joyful, it's just weird. I know God has a purpose in all of this. I don't know what it is but I believe that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. <br /><br />Prayer requests...(thank you in advance to those who pray...what would we do without the prayer support of our friends, family, and even family in Christ that we haven't met yet? My heartfelt love and thanks go to each and every one of you!)<br /><br />1. The kids...please continue to pray a covering of protection over my children. I can't save them from all hurt...they are hurting...but please pray that this would be a fairly smooth transition for them. Also pray that their relationship with their Dad continues to grow stronger everyday...they need that. <br /><br />2. John...I just can't do this yet so please prayer family, I need your help. Please pray for John as he moves into a new place, as he works (he's got two jobs now), and as we figure out support, custody and visitation with the kids. Pray for patience, understanding, empathy, grace, and the ability to communicate effectively and maintain a relationship for the sake of the kids. This is so important and a huge concern for me. Pray for healing as well...mind, body and soul. <br /><br />3. For me...please pray for my parenting skills! I ask for a relationship with my children that has open communication, tons of love and understanding on both sides. I'm not the most patient of people...please pray that my ability to be patient and calm grows! Please pray for peace and clarity of mind...that I will be certain of my path and that the right doors will open at the right time relating to a job, childcare, as well as school (I'm trying to get into University to complete a bachelor of nursing degree). <br /><br />4. For my family and friends...the trouble with separation is that it doesn't just affect the immediate family, it affects parents, brothers, sisters, neices, nephews, extended family, and friends. The backlash hits everyone and it can be so painful. Please pray for them as they mourn this separation...because that's what this is...a time of mourning. <br /><br />I'm so grateful to all the people who have offered their help, prayers, and suggestions. Thank you to all those who have helped me to laugh, cry, vent, and stay sane! To my parents, who are the greatest gift from God I have ever known, I would be in such a dark place right now if it wasn't for you. God spoke to you and you listened and I'm so grateful. I'm blessed, truly, to have the family that I have. Each one of you is precious to me and I love you all.<br /><br />xox<br />MicheleMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-73786128423379472692010-03-13T00:58:00.003-07:002010-03-13T01:07:30.059-07:00Family....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeloWniyAhxegu0aBlYZ-GAcgV5UI707pfMHNBByOoYV8dhssp1RrJ8xyS8nauuaK17DSZGmTvkHScaL8YwhN3TY9mIDAVVOnPZpVbH_sjNgdP0nWG-E9jopEJGb4GAO0p9030s_C0H0C/s1600-h/Sawyer.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeloWniyAhxegu0aBlYZ-GAcgV5UI707pfMHNBByOoYV8dhssp1RrJ8xyS8nauuaK17DSZGmTvkHScaL8YwhN3TY9mIDAVVOnPZpVbH_sjNgdP0nWG-E9jopEJGb4GAO0p9030s_C0H0C/s320/Sawyer.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448024848289081698" /></a><br /><br />I love my family. I love my parents. I am a blessed daughter to have such wonderful people in my life. I love my sister and my brother in law. They are a fantastic team and I love watching them grow as a couple and as parents. Wanna know something? I LOVE the kids in our family! I have two beautiful children, Declan and Rowan. I have a newphew, Riker who I loved the minute I laid eyes on him. I have a niece, Trinity, who is beautiful and who reminds me of her mother...that always makes me smile. Now I have a new nephew (see photo above)! Sawyer John, who I haven't met yet. This precious little person finally decided to leave the comfort of his little home inside my sister and join us out in the big open world. I'm itching to meet this little man! I can't wait to hold him and talk to him...the same way I held and talked to Riker and Trinity when they were babies. <br /><br />Welcome, little Sawyer John. I can't wait to hold you and take part in your life!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-60069843947357823562010-01-24T14:55:00.003-07:002010-01-24T15:14:43.325-07:00Rowan turns 4...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BghlALViETVyrIYSnnYEXRRA_ln7kJTNJd4ZMRH_05qBdMw3ZtW1q4ykrY8K7iVsAe-h0rxGC2LDcay5nwkzwbx_6SMoLAIOwLhx9kDsv13RMePAe9ND7rJM9GmsNvkhS8ifqsw_5B1-/s1600-h/P1230176.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430433155444336402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BghlALViETVyrIYSnnYEXRRA_ln7kJTNJd4ZMRH_05qBdMw3ZtW1q4ykrY8K7iVsAe-h0rxGC2LDcay5nwkzwbx_6SMoLAIOwLhx9kDsv13RMePAe9ND7rJM9GmsNvkhS8ifqsw_5B1-/s320/P1230176.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Four years ago I was induced into labour and gave birth to our daughter, Rowan. She was stunning right from the start. She had eyelashes that looked like fairy wings, they were so delicate. She had beautiful eyes and loved to be held. Rowan had a rough start to life. She was born with a hole in her lung which meant having to stay in NICU for 3 days. It was hard watching her try and breathe under an oxygen helmet. I couldn't hold her, I couldn't make anything easier for her... I could hold her hand, talk to her, and pray. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now I have a vibrant, beautiful, strong, funny, brilliant 4 year old daughter. She is full of life and laughter. She loves dressing up and being a princess. She is all girl (much to my chagrin, I was tom boy all the way!). She loves barbies, she loves to sing and dance and draw. She is quick to say I love you and if a kiss and a hug is what will make you smile, she will be the first one to give you those things. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I always said that God wouldn't be so mean as to subject some poor little girl to having me as a mother. Because I'm not really interested in girly type things, (I didn't play with dolls or barbies when I was growing up. When I was Rowan's age I asked for a calculator for Christmas!) I didn't think I would suit being a mother to a girl. Since the day Rowan was born, I have been grateful that I was wrong. I LOVE dressing her up and taking her places. I love talking to her and playing with her and finding out what's going on in her head! My Mom told me that she waited 31 years for me to play with dolls...who would have thought that it would be a live one that I'd be playing with! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Rowan, you have added so much light into my life. I love your sunshine personality and your desire to make sure your friends and family know that they are loved. I love watching you grow and change and try new things. I love your no-fear attitude and have overcome many of my own fears from following your example. When I ask you who loves you, your first reply is always, "Jesus" and it fills me with joy that you are so certain of God's love for you at such an early age. Happy birthday my sweet girl...I love you!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-27367191638484550572009-11-11T22:07:00.002-07:002009-11-11T22:25:15.393-07:00To give up or not give up...It's not often that I write about my feelings here...<br /><br />I'm frustrated. I'm trying to write another song for the album (to replace one that I'm not thrilled with) and it's not coming. I feel awkward and off somehow...off tune...off time...off energy...I hate feeling this way! I'm fighting negative feelings toward things I have no control over and it's sapping my strength. Lord, save me from drowning!! At this point I feel like giving up! The only thing that keeps me going is remembering why I'm doing this in the first place. God is speaking through this music - I know that. I also know that when I'm on stage and I'm singing and playing my piano, I feel amazing. I love being on stage. <br /><br />I haven't been on stage much lately. I'm singing the anthem for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lethbridge</span> Hurricanes this season and I really enjoy that, but I miss being on stage with a group. I feel like a piece of me is missing when I'm not playing music...I've been missing a lot of pieces lately.<br /><br />Is this just a phase? Will this pass? Can I get over this writer's block and this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">despondent</span> feeling? Will this album ever be completed? Will I be proud of it when it's done? I have full faith in Brad and his musicians...they are the most talented bunch of people I've ever worked with. I don't worry about their abilities, I worry about mine! <br /><br />Prayer family...please pray a layer of peace over me... and then pray a covering of JOY on top of that! I've been missing that.<br /><br />Love to all of you...thank you for listening to me rant...I'm sorry this post is so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">blech</span>...I promise I'll try and do better next time. <br /><br />MicheleMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-39110172888486366802009-08-19T16:13:00.002-06:002009-08-19T16:39:05.339-06:00Summer Almost Over...I can't believe I'm saying this...summer is almost over!! What happened?!? Where did the time go? A lot happened this summer...let me fill you in...<br /><br />We've settled into our lovely home in Coalhurst...many thanks again to Brad, Gary, Will, Sandra and Don for helping us with our dream. We couldn't have done this without you! We had our grass installed in July and it's fantastic! I love a green lawn - I'm just not all that crazy about mowing! <br /><br />Declan turned 9 in July and had the pleasure of celebrating with family this year! Mark, Jobina, Riker and Trinity came down from Manitoba and Nana and Papa brought them to visit. All the boys took in the Air Show which was awesome as always...and all the girls went for lunch and shopped until we were so tired, we went back home to nap! It was a great visit and we really enjoyed our time together.<br /><br />Declan also got to go to summer camp for the first time thanks to an incredible birthday gift from Nana and Papa! He went to Camp Evergreen and had a great time learning to canoe, shoot a bow and arrow, do crafts, climb rock walls, sing songs, and play games. The really cool part? His camp counsellor was the drummer in the worship band! Declan loves drums so this was pretty awesome for him. He's already asking to go back next year! <br /><br />Rowan has been SLOWLY letting go of her potty training issues. Today is day two of panties during the day and so far so good! We are really proud of her and Daddy is going to be taking her to Walmart on Friday to buy some pretty princess panties to help encourage her! Before we know it she'll be in preschool...aack!!! Where did my baby go!?!?! <br /><br />John is finally getting some more hours at work which is a real answer to prayer. He still enjoys his job and it's great that he has such flexibility there - makes it easier for me to do my music.<br /><br />Music!!! I have not done a whole lot on the album this summer. Sorry everyone...I know this album is already way past due and I feel horribly guilty about it. I'm trying...please be patient with me! I DID have a wonderful time playing a 45 minute set at Party in the Park this summer and I'm scheduled to play at Global Day of Prayer Picnic in the Park next week. I have also joined a band (I don't think we have a name yet). We play country cover songs mostly (I never thought I'd ever write that sentence about myself! Was never a country music fan). I don't know when we will start playing all together, but I'm looking forward to it. I love playing in a band! I like singing harmony and playing piano...and I LOVE IT when I get to sing lead! It doesn't happen often, but it's a lot of fun being backed up by talented musicians! <br /><br />Some things to pray for...<br /><br />My friend, Sandra, is in the hospital currently for complications from diverticulitus (I really hope I spelled that correctly). She's had emergency surgery and will have another one soon. Things have not gone smoothly thus far and her family is worried for her. Please pray for healing of her body and peace and comfort for her family. I know this has been very stressful for them. Also pray for the doctors who are helping Sandra...our doctors work very hard and need our prayers too!<br /><br />I have been really struggling with migraines lately. My doctor has put me on beta blockers to try and help the situation. So far it has made a difference. I still get migraines, but not as many and not as severe. Please pray for continued success with this medication.<br /><br />Please continue to pray for my album, now titled "Redemption Story" which is also the title track of the CD. There's a lot to do and some reworking of songs still to come. Pray that the changes we make and the instruments we add will help, not hinder the message that we want to come through. Also pray for the musicians that are helping me with the album, that God will use them and their talents to send His message to all who need to hear it! Also please pray for my producer and friend, Brad. He's working really hard and it's been a busy summer. Please pray that he finds enough hours in his day to do all the things that he does. I know he rarely sleeps making sure that all his artists are taken care of. While I appreciate his dedication to our craft, I know how that can wear a person down. <br /><br />Our kids are going back to school next week everyone! Let's pray for our kids, our teachers, and all the other wonderful people who support our kids at school! Let's pray that God really makes Himself known to our children this school year and that our teachers and school staff feel supported by us, the parents, each and every day! <br /><br />Thanks for reading everybody!! Sorry it took me so long to write!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-7643237192558410842009-06-26T19:19:00.002-06:002009-06-26T19:30:52.029-06:00School's out...It would appear that once a month is the average amount of posts you'll see from me these days...it seems like the warmer the weather gets, the less I'm online! We are fast approaching July in the Treleaven house. Declan is out of school for the year and we are FINALLY getting some decent weather around here! Yahoo!<br /><br />According to our purchase agreement, our lawn should be in, and our house should be completely finished by July 1. Somehow I don't think that will be happening. Our builders are so busy building the houses around us...I haven't seen anyone come to our house in ages! <br /><br />I can hardly wait for lawn...to be able to go outside and not have to walk on dirt would be soooo nice. But I know that once the lawn is in, I'll be saying that I can hardly wait for fence! It's always something...<br /><br />Declan is looking forward to joining the BMX club starting Monday (weather permitting). There is a fantastic BMX track just down the street from our house and the club provides 20 Monday night coaching sessions, 20 Friday night races, and 1 Saturday afternoon race for $100.00. I'm thinking that's not so bad and it gives him something to do this summer. He's already spending the majority of his time there, so he might as well join the club!<br /><br />Honest to goodness...that's all that's new since the last time I posted. John, Rowan and I are all doing the same as always. If anything new comes up...I'll be sure to post! <br /><br />Happy Summer Everyone!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-35461056398825727442009-05-25T20:57:00.002-06:002009-05-25T21:11:49.829-06:00Long time no talk...Yikes it's been a while since I've written. Let me try and update you a little...<br /><br />Since my last post we have settled very nicely into our new home. We love it and can hardly wait until the landscaping is done so we can really enjoy this new space. <br /><br />I have done a few gigs with Ira since we moved. One that really stands out for me was at the University of Lethbridge. I did two solos which was a first for me. The first solo, "Land of the Blind" went better than it has ever gone before! I felt every word and was exhausted at the end of it but so proud of myself for doing so well. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but that felt REALLY awesome! After the gig was over, two people came up to me and wanted to shake my hand...when I looked at their faces I nearly fell over! It was Craig and Carla Ginn! You probably won't know who I'm talking about so I'll tell you what this meant to me. Craig Ginn was a Christian singer who played at my school in Winnipeg in 1989. I loved his lyrics and his talent with a guitar and spent some time talking with him after the show. I found out he was from a town called Medicine Hat. The next year, we moved to Medicine Hat and who do you think the first person was that I met at school? The girl who babysat Craig Ginn's kids and went to his church....aack!!!! She took me to his next concert where we started talking again. Since then I have had the enormous priviledge of not only being friends with this deep thinker and his family, I have had the huge pleasure of playing on stage with him and also playing at camp with him. So anyway, seeing him at this gig was very special indeed as it had been ages since I'd seen him. He gave me some really great feedback on my performance and I was blessed beyond words to hear such positive comments coming from someone I admire so much. What a fantastic night! <br /><br />John and the kids are doing great! Declan has made many friends in our area and is out riding his bike on the local bmx track every day. We just found out there's a little girl Rowan's age right across the back alley from us and my co-worker who also has two little girls is moving just down the street. More and more confirmation that we're right where we need to be. <br /><br />That's all I have time for right now...stay tuned for more...hopefully sooner rather than later!!!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-29884130775905213322009-04-10T22:28:00.007-06:002009-04-10T22:45:24.434-06:00Pictures of the new house part 2So now I'll show you the bedrooms, bathroom and main floor closet. First up is the master bedroom. The first picture is the main area, the second picture is the his and hers closets (they face eachother) and the pocket door leading to the bathroom.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323286512050156050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWehNUmUwsbxoDZbz6hlf5A5yDOtOUhubc0t1QJMSYlKmgqzybWALc2-wy_vqrhyphenhyphen_mKEgWAZ9H7atZZUGKcKIAD7YDL-OpLZAgCTjdR-HW6PF6pvkvlq3nixoovudhodd3v693pP7GWrC/s320/009.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU4iwJMZv-Ux4fwr3xAEYbrAvf06O86vCM97-PZbI31R3yAPamtiyn_CPl7mjxq5-SpC7RmkTO3D1HYyAF_daKp8xPuaz76wYaaIcn2PM9omEu8q91K1FHaXGE_3dv4P-yPZBesETK5dH/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323286513718184050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU4iwJMZv-Ux4fwr3xAEYbrAvf06O86vCM97-PZbI31R3yAPamtiyn_CPl7mjxq5-SpC7RmkTO3D1HYyAF_daKp8xPuaz76wYaaIcn2PM9omEu8q91K1FHaXGE_3dv4P-yPZBesETK5dH/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next up is Rowan's room which is right beside ours. <div></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323287789145732962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccfBC69L08C4K-Ty9AyH_3gs5HHAe9oeckq2xBkzH9CV9RS1ak5pyEo1N9MzP1YGFCz_hgmcHCMAANmZb7DuC6MfrOxGVv9LSVUyNCDuT4vyal7Ki0P2B0UxoVJD9VKObc8hCArIjPyFU/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323287784493772706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iHgwx6WX6OINB39PGdVe9fvl45w-WzVIwkZ23As47CUO6pzXFEQ4lXWBAhEwm1ai1ZBDbkZIATZmRkGoHd_9FU6X0qqtWTgtQ-nrR2zKmghinsPV-jAaDZo_hLd-sOAwyCzH_Ox3cBFD/s320/030.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323287781086324258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogGQgq660mPQ0q8sp8e5QzfTSb30g4NwiZXkt_p1ZCf285oTrLW2ndO4t5yDtW2Ikcnl2ytrSL2EKLaKykHmSqR0O10KriYYzJ5it6sO5PtWvQaueaN2iKX_31t1Qdls3hNhdzaaWImDX/s320/029.JPG" border="0" /> After Rowan's room is the linen closet which is used to store pretty much everything for upstairs.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323288504701989826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8XKcvdx0eXsf9PnifP3UYL9PaXR1En8CvfmcalTqAbQNesCWqWAHx3OqTioyE2VIH6j2t6_F608pmpgYFM1y-ybPUWbFHsePd28S4O_aQKIPCo_MGN-ZcQRZGCVraEjJ1uW2hVdibxJJ/s320/027.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><div>After that comes Declan's room. He is loving his new camo bedding!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323289398339640866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohkA1hklkujKkTra9HN25v8_MhA5LEGQX-6wGwE0gGQBV04BS4mRjnD3-cr5ljkoz8qAeE9sbalNvnYu5eTCQbrhc7vg2wwfJGFZgfFoKQG2EUkJd9JYY4Jh8zGUjQlptFR_XT500YnPn/s320/024.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323289393481330434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5iQwCRP9Yud7KVhrQnUPKZ3aAqUXb1E00JLyKcgDvjNortM1Njq3i756G8j1czPkRzUiS-6uCggvFJvcIxAv8MCNLa_hRuVW53vVaSCZ8a16bU6PldXtG0Nk-iJ0PwcRAdtN7rKZKSjW/s320/025.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323289388981030146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fi9Ks_ZzaExSDeQQjTZhrc5UdXxA0bXXHF9Mw_juQ8qR0ujey80RIy8mu-lUxdt08qHYtrA4DammXFXKijf5-xuPSwbn4zaZatMUpsz6l3yP2EDfNK6cgjYeN8KahQ1ycWJrin5m8vX5/s320/026.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then there's the bathroom. Small, but pretty all the same. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323289406190102002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnJiAKYRvKrngJAedxj-_m8UyNEHIT_9m2oxbFPL7C4njiYUNZ37RRZcULatc36KYFfDKWYutCykFon7VWVbKxvDIwk6yibxtAwGR5Ba3alvbvpTOcPvHaBOdO7allijXZD9duqJNllpl/s320/023.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Basement pics will be up next time!</p></div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-80581656703465581482009-04-04T22:05:00.003-06:002009-04-04T22:14:46.513-06:00Pictures of the new house...Well, you asked for them (and by "you" I mean Jobina!), so here they are! Pics of the new house. Due to system limitations, you will be getting pictures in a few different posts...enjoy! The first picture is our living room.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1dyks_YexarNOauKia2GDAnK8NUR1InkJDAMq_nX3s9poZ3iMyAa5LlrDMv9twu4PA-hLyQ0IREeVnyMYagr8hFzw32uNVAWRBzy0Ihcvt-CS3jn-IhZMnsfkOKRBkeJcncxr3t8MJ8O/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321054446767732130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1dyks_YexarNOauKia2GDAnK8NUR1InkJDAMq_nX3s9poZ3iMyAa5LlrDMv9twu4PA-hLyQ0IREeVnyMYagr8hFzw32uNVAWRBzy0Ihcvt-CS3jn-IhZMnsfkOKRBkeJcncxr3t8MJ8O/s320/016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This next picture is of our dining area. To the right is a door leading to a small deck where our bbq will sit once I actually get around to building it. To the left is our kitchen which you will see in the next picture. Down the hall are the bathroom and the bedrooms which will come in another post. I don't know if you can see this but my cat is sitting all freaked out in the hallway in this picture.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqsaXRykmioVT8JhG7SDYbeXXJ6Q-078BRybHaG75pLEpRiWBD-p3KHpbOhMerdQ-C45ZZzC-VamxMtvyaCzppmM3SRiYOkGZakNCaB4cc4IvlXwkQD1YraxCjtIoFbChOZvdEpPWSK0x/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321054441878739826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqsaXRykmioVT8JhG7SDYbeXXJ6Q-078BRybHaG75pLEpRiWBD-p3KHpbOhMerdQ-C45ZZzC-VamxMtvyaCzppmM3SRiYOkGZakNCaB4cc4IvlXwkQD1YraxCjtIoFbChOZvdEpPWSK0x/s320/020.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our fabulous kitchen....sigh....John is very happy. I can't believe I actually have a kitchen that has so much room, I don't have enough stuff to fill the cupboards!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zv3l0xjITRt-NVHp8aUTZG3XfJsP8FNaSw8K-0r5JLo0cGMtuTuqIrFOT8hy97zTD8pEZ_iDjm5AQvGiuIWKbPpCbgFTzvCDHh_PSk3QRJDUqFWjD7Sg51ARn69V3m9iQKKHQg3E91RD/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321054435985457490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zv3l0xjITRt-NVHp8aUTZG3XfJsP8FNaSw8K-0r5JLo0cGMtuTuqIrFOT8hy97zTD8pEZ_iDjm5AQvGiuIWKbPpCbgFTzvCDHh_PSk3QRJDUqFWjD7Sg51ARn69V3m9iQKKHQg3E91RD/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The front of our house. The posts are going to be painted dark brown yet. You can see that deck off the dining area on the right hand side of the house. The white van in the picture is what the builders are using as a tool shed at the moment. We're hoping that moves soon. Our grass will be here by summer time and I have to say that I'm really looking forward to seeing some landscaping!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxhEBCLPuGY97dmEeyIs43R7aDPmFfcfmhBmnJ-rIuWDT4WweFj5PWM7jwDN11TnlSok7MI25nC0Ui7wzhyphenhypheni7kGFQij6GH1eMgE2-oClyWRwoh-qbSItvRoH97BPs4XAByPoQD-Btjdqj/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321054434474557698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxhEBCLPuGY97dmEeyIs43R7aDPmFfcfmhBmnJ-rIuWDT4WweFj5PWM7jwDN11TnlSok7MI25nC0Ui7wzhyphenhypheni7kGFQij6GH1eMgE2-oClyWRwoh-qbSItvRoH97BPs4XAByPoQD-Btjdqj/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />More to come soon!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-11701604891402505782009-04-03T23:09:00.003-06:002009-04-03T23:19:46.641-06:00We've moved!!!Well dear family and friends, we have finally moved into our new home. I have found that I have way more muscles than I thought I did - and right now every last one of them is asking me, "why did you abuse me like that?!". HUGE thanks go out to Brad, Gary, and Will for helping us haul furniture and more boxes than anyone should ever own. We could not have moved without you! I promise a house warming complete with bbq'd steak and beer will be forthcoming. Special thanks go to my parents who took our kids to their home so that we could move without trampling our little ones in the process! <br /><br />Most of the rooms have been organized and unpacked with the exception of our bedroom and the unfinished part of the basement. I still need to build one dresser, a bbq, and a futon. I'm hoping to have everything unpacked and organized this weekend. I think I can do it. I haven't found the batteries for my camera or I would post some pictures. I may just have to bite the bullet, go to the store and buy more batteries. I'd love to give all of you a taste of what my home looks like. I warn you though, pictures could never do this house justice. It's everything we could have wanted and more. John and I are very very happy with our decision to buy this house. <br /><br />So if you're down this way, come on over! We'd love to see you! I promise to post pictures soon.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-54062364129116361052009-03-20T16:13:00.004-06:002009-03-20T16:39:02.905-06:00Performing...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnroNWzdE7HsNl4bWvDvlCMd1NEvTnboNc_tQmZAr3DvjexU30entIb6Mfzh0gjYL22XcVbJgETN5kqK4WWmPbRHQseiBjrvC6JHkCDasTGV3O6jUAYREwH_rW5LZ9Ke8C1S8TArRgZEn/s1600-h/yamaha-piano-c3-keyboard-shot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315397540292990114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnroNWzdE7HsNl4bWvDvlCMd1NEvTnboNc_tQmZAr3DvjexU30entIb6Mfzh0gjYL22XcVbJgETN5kqK4WWmPbRHQseiBjrvC6JHkCDasTGV3O6jUAYREwH_rW5LZ9Ke8C1S8TArRgZEn/s400/yamaha-piano-c3-keyboard-shot.jpg" border="0" /></a> How I love performing!!! It is one of those rare pleasures in life that moves the very core of my being. Yesterday I had the pleasure of performing again with Ira Provost for the Alberta Teachers Asssociation in Calgary. We took a large van, piled the whole band inside and set off yesterday afternoon. When we got there, we had a hotel room waiting for us to chill out and relax for a little while, watch movies, eat some snacks and get changed for the show. <br /><br />We went to the hall to do soundcheck. When I walked in the room, I noticed that my piano stand had already been set up (I am usually the one to do this). When I looked a little closer I noticed that there was something attached to my stand that wasn't there before. Brad Lang, my fabulous producer had surprised me with a mic boom that attaches to my piano stand. This takes away the need for a separate mic stand that gets in the way and is hard to manipulate. It was such a wonderful surprise. I gave Brad a hug and must have thanked him half a dozen times but it still doesn't seem like enough. He's always there, noticing what we need and making sure those things are there when we need them. We couldn't have asked for anything more last night. We were fed, there was a ton of water around to help with dry throats on stage, transportation and production was all provided by a fantastic team of people. Brad is the one who makes that happen and puts everything together. So Brad, thank you soooo much! Once again, you proved what we already know, you are one fantastic producer/manager/friend and we could not do what we do if you weren't there. <br /><br />With that said, let me tell you a bit of what happened the rest of the night. There was a green room outside of the gig for us to gather prior to the show. We were well fed with prime rib, the most awesome spinach salad I have ever had and cheesecake. Then it was time to do our job. <br /><br />We got on stage and everything was fantastic. We sang, we taught our audience about the issues facing Native people, we truly enjoyed ourselves. Everyone got off the stage afterward, looked at eachother and said, "That was AWESOME"! I got to do a solo of "Land of the Blind" which is a song I have loved since the first time I heard it. Ira did a lot of talking about the origin of each of his songs which was really interesting. He referenced a few other bands that inspired him and it was very interesting to hear where his inspiration came from. <br /><br />After the set was over, we all changed back into our street clothes and prepared to leave for home. While we were waiting to go, I noticed a baby grand piano in the hall of the hotel. I sat down and started to play. The next thing I know, a guy is standing behind me listening....then another guy showed up. Pretty soon I had a little audience of my own. I wasn't playing anything specific, just sort of playing whatever notes came into my head. When I noticed them, I stopped playing to talk to them. The one guy said he would stand there as long as I would play, so I played some more. We talked about music, it's effect on people, the emotions behind songs that we play and how they are created. It was a fantastic time for me to connect with people while performing in a very small setting. Both gentlemen had been at our gig so we were also able to discuss Ira's album and his message. <br /><br />We got home at around 1:30am, tired but happy that the night was a success. I woke up this morning full of energy and ready for another day. I felt like I had been on vacation for a week - that's what playing music does for me! If I could do this full time and make a living at it, there would be no stopping me! <br /><br />I know I sound like a broken record, but I just have to tell you how grateful I am to God for providing me the opportunity to live out my dream of performing on stage, creating new music, and teaching people not only about God and His love for us, but also teaching about God's children and the issues that they face here on earth. God pointed me to Brad (who's link is on the top right hand corner of my blog for those who are interested) and life is now very busy, very different, but so very wonderful! <br /><br />Next gig is scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at Lethbridge City Hall at 7pm. Hope to see you there! <br /><br />P.S. You can see more about Ira, his message and his songs on his website, <a href="http://www.iraprovost.ca/">www.iraprovost.ca</a>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-28296422412256783812009-02-16T16:47:00.002-07:002009-02-16T17:11:45.519-07:00A very loooong weekend...I am on the last day of a 6 day weekend. Why so long? The nasty germ that has been ravaging everyone I know finally found me. Tuesday I left work feeling kinda yucky. Your usual fever, headache, cough thing. Wednesday morning I woke up and knew that I was going to be staying in bed for a while. I'm not one to get really sick often, but these last few months I just can't seem to shake these beastly little germs. I got a cold just before my surgery, then got the flu right after surgery and now this? When will it ever end?!?! I thought that all the cold weather was supposed to kill all these little viruses - I think instead of dying, they simply found shelter in my house! My lovely husband has patiently nursed me back to health and I'm feeling much better now. Hooray for antibiotics and TLC (not the TV show, I really do mean "tender loving care")! <br /><br />I thought I would take this opportunity to let you know the outcome of the prayer requests I posted a while back. Here it goes...<br /><br />Ollie is doing fantastic! Her surgery went great and doctors say she is now in the clear. No more cancer and no chemo needed! God provided for her in amazing ways while she was away. Her roommate in the hospital was a Christian lady who prayed for Ollie when things got really bad. Ollie said that she could actually feel God's peace surrounding her in that moment. What a great testimony that God not only cares for us but puts perfect strangers in our path to love us in His name! <br /><br />Declan's school counselor has stepped in and taken an active role in helping Declan through some of his behaviour issues. It is obvious that Declan feels this support and embraces it. He received some recognition at school recently for making good choices and that was wonderful to see. He also has started challenging himself more in reading. He has picked a few chapter books now from the library (something he never did before) and is actually enjoying reading. I'm so proud of his progress!<br /><br />I had a meeting with Brad and discovered I'm still three songs away from an album. After that meeting I looked in my song writing journal to discover I had more than 3 songs that I still hadn't recorded! Thus, the writing is pretty much over. There is MAJOR editing to be done as I'm still not happy with the songs as they stand. I don't know what I'm going to change yet, but I'm working on it. This album seems to have a decidedly mellow feel which is in tune with how I like to play. If I wasn't playing, just standing and performing, I'd prefer faster songs. However, that's not where my writing talents lie. Once I have the songs where I want them, we can start bringing in other instruments. I'm excited to start that part of the process, but am willing to wait and make sure that the songs are perfect prior to more instruments being added. <br /><br />The house has been painted, doors and trim are done and cabinets are being installed. It's hard to believe that moving time is almost upon us! We haven't packed a thing! Aaack!!! Declan is starting to get excited about moving. He's looking forward to his new room and our new neighborhood. I'm praying for good friends for him that live close by. <br /><br />Our current home is in a constant state of disaster as I try to figure out what goes and what stays. Honestly, I'd love to throw everything out and start over, but I don't have anywhere close to the funds needed to make that happen, so I'll salvage what I can and pitch the rest. It's amazing how many things I keep that are broken or unusable. It sometimes feels like I don't throw anything away unless I'm moving. I don't like packing. I love unpacking. I love starting over in a new place. I'm doing my best to keep the end result in mind while I mindlessly go through all my stuff and decide what to pack. <br /><br />Now where did I put that packing tape...?Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-38520510481155433672009-02-02T18:09:00.002-07:002009-02-02T18:25:39.870-07:00Concerts and stuff...This weekend was a big deal for me. I had the honor of playing with Ira Provost at a fundraiser for the Friendship Society here in Lethbridge on Saturday night. What a rush!! To play with 7 incredibly talented musicians in front of hundreds of people...to sing songs that teach lessons about Canada's history, more specifically about the history of the Blackfoot Nation, it was a mind blowing and totally humbling experience. <br /><br />When I'm singing songs about Native culture, I start to really feel my "whiteness". I start to feel apologetic on behalf of the white people who treated them so badly and who handled the situation so poorly. I have learned a ton about how their children were taken away to residential schools and told that the purpose of this was to take the Indian out of the Child. It saddens me to think that a nation of people were ripped from their homes and everything they held dear and made to learn a completely different way of life because theirs was considered unacceptable. I start to think of my children and how, as a parent, I would feel in that situation. These are a proud people, and often misunderstood. I have met so many who have touched my soul, people who have been willing to teach me and share their culture, their history and their lives with me. Who knew that music could teach not only the listener, but the musician as well?! <br />We are doing another concert in March in Calgary and one at the University of Lethbridge in May. Stay tuned for more info as we get closer to those dates! <br /><br />In the meantime, I have been horribly out of touch on my own music and need to get back into the studio and start moving things along. I'm hoping to get back there this week as another song has been written and needs to be recorded. I think I'm getting pretty close to having all the songs written. Soon it will be time to edit - that's where things get fun...and hard! I already have some ideas for editing some of the songs and I'm hoping that collaborating with my musical friends will add to that fun and give me ideas that I wouldn't have necessarily thought of on my own. Stay tuned!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-21827401996284986372009-01-18T09:05:00.002-07:002009-01-18T09:25:38.122-07:00Sorry about the delay...Wow! It's been a while since I've written anything! Things have been a little busy for me as of late and I haven't had a lot of time to write. The house is coming along nicely with the builders starting to drywall this weekend. I'm involved in a concert on January 31st and as such, music practice eats up a lot of my time. I'm still singing O Canada at some of the hockey games and we're short staffed at work which means we all have to work twice as hard right now. Busy busy busy!!! <br /><br />I don't really have anything exciting to say today, so I'm going to list some prayer requests that I'm working on. If you are someone who prays, you can work on them too.<br /><br />My very dear friend Ollie is going for her second surgery to try and remove the rest of the cancer that sits in her abdomen. There are circumstances with Ollie that make this surgery very dangerous. She will also be away from her children and husband for a minimum of two weeks as the surgery that she needs can't be done in our home town. Please pray that God would be present with her in a way that she can feel. Pray that the surgery is successful and has no complications. Pray that she recovers quickly.<br /><br />For my son, Declan. I wish I knew what was going on in that boy's head. Please pray for Declan's attitude toward work in general. Iif it doesn't come easy, Declan doesn't want to do it and I can't think of a different way of teaching him. I try to show him through example how to work hard but I'm not getting through. This causes his schoolwork to suffer and his home time to be stressed. Any ideas of how to get my child to enjoy work and feel a sense of accomplishment when he does something would be appreciated. <br /><br />For my album, aack!!! I'm so close to having all songs written so that I can start to edit. I still have 2, maybe 3 more songs to write. I'm getting impatient and feeling like this project will never be completed. Please pray for patience for those involved and for inspiration for me. Please pray for clear direction because I really want to make sure that everything I do with this album is in line with what God wants. <br /><br />Anyway, that's the three biggest ones today. I'll be sure to post the outcome of all of these requests on my blog when they happen, so stay tuned!!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-86545291500965151792008-12-23T10:15:00.003-07:002008-12-23T10:51:46.660-07:00Merry Christmas!I started thinking about this past year and the things that have happened to my family and to me. What an amazing year we have had! It's been incredible! There have been amazing highs and horrible lows but through it all, we have been so blessed! <br /><br />John is still working at Safeway and that has been a real blessing. His working part time is what allows me to be able to be at the studio as often as I am. It has also allowed him to spend more time with the kids and I know that they appreciate that time. John received an inheritance this year which has allowed us to pay off all our debt, buy a minivan as well as build a home. John has said it many times and I agree - his Dad would be so proud and happy that we used the money for things we needed as well as for investing in property. It's what he would have wanted for John. <br /><br />Declan is in grade two and while it's been a struggle, he's doing amazingly well. His reading is fantastic and his math is also improving! A major accomplishment for Declan this year was that he went up on stage with his class and sang songs for the Christmas concert. He also said a line on stage when his class hosted 4th advent. Declan has always been deathly afraid of performing on stage. Last year he wouldn't go on the stage at all! This was a big accomplishment and I was really proud of him for doing that. Declan loves video games, playing outside with friends, rollerblading, skateboarding, biking, soccer, basketball, and UNO!! I taught him how to play UNO this year and he loves it! He's pretty good at it too! <br /><br />Rowan has changed so much this year. She talks and sings constantly! When you ask her, "Who loves you?" Her first reply is always, "JESUS!!" It's awesome and I ask her all the time just to hear her tell me the answer! Rowan can count to 15 and sing her ABC's. She's turning 3 at the end of January. Rowan loves "princess dresses" aka really fancy dresses, dolls, drawing, coloring, singing, dancing, and jokes. She has a great sense of humour and a noticable spark in her eye when she's up to no good! She's been such a joy and we love having her around. <br /><br />As for me, well this has been one crazy year for me. In January I met Brad Lang, owner of LA Studio Productions and my whole world changed. With Brad's help, this is what I've done musically this year...<br /><br />1. Sang O Canada for the Lethbridge Hurricanes on numerous occassions<br />2. Started my own album<br />3. Sang background vocals and/or played keyboards for Ira, Stan, Mike, Lindsay, and Carol. <br />4. Worked with Brian Dobbs (Engineer for Metalica) doing background vocals and keyboards for Victor Salas.<br />5. Performed live at the Aboriginal Awareness days this summer as well as for Aboriginal Culture Week at the Lethbridge College this fall. <br />6. Mentored artists like Mark Nive, and LA Confidential.<br />7. Written, arranged, and performed many radio commercials and jingles as well as ads for Street Machine Weekend, the Lethbridge Airshow and the Race track.<br /><br />Starting this musical journey has been frustrating and wonderful all at the same time. I couldn't do it without John's support. I often have times where I would like to give up because songs aren't coming fast enough or they aren't good enough. I'm really hard on myself. I want to be the best I can possibly be and I'm never satisfied with anything I do. I've loved meeting the people that I have met. I've loved learning more about music. I've loved performing and being on stage. I love the creative process of making commercials and songs. I love hearing a final product and knowing that I had something to do with it. I can't wait to see what this coming year will bring! I'm hoping to have my own album completed this year. If that's my goal I'm going to have to really buckle down and work hard!!! <br /><br />I have also gone back to work at Sunlife Financial. I love the people I work with and I really enjoy the work itself. It's challenging and fun! Days never crawl by when I'm at work. <br /><br />Life has not been all roses for our family. We lost Auntie Jean this past November. The pain from that loss is still very fresh and it will take some time to get back to some kind of normal. I had surgery to remove my uterus and my cervix and I'm still healing from that. We've had many friends battling cancer this year and so our prayer list has been VERY full! I don't understand why so many young people are being hit with this horrible disease. It just doesn't seem fair. <br /><br />Through it all, I keep thinking about that song we used to sing in Church.<br /><br />Count your blessings, Name them one by one<br />Count your many blessings, See what God has done<br /><br />God has providing more than I could ever ask or think this year! He fulfilled my dream of music, He provided us with a home and a second vehicle which was fast becoming a necessity for us! He has been SUCH a strong presence during times of heartache and suffering. I feel blessed beyond measure and I have no words to thank Him for what He's done for me. I can't wait to see what NEXT year will bring!!!! <br /><br />Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!!!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-68554841819353248602008-12-10T11:44:00.004-07:002008-12-10T12:11:49.634-07:00Continuing on...Well, the healing from surgery is still continuing. I promise, I have not picked up Rowan (with the exception of putting her on my lap occasionally) and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm still on antibiotics for infection but they seem to be doing their job, it shouldn't be much longer.<br /><br />The new house is well on the way. The roof was scheduled to be attached today but the wind is keeping that from happening. They've rescheduled for tomorrow so I'm praying for a nice calm day. We've chosen our appliances and we're meeting with the flooring store and the builder on Friday to make our final decisions for colors etc. We have signed off all the conditions on the house this week which was a big relief for John and I. It was hard to celebrate the fact that we are home owners until that was done. When I start thinking about all the things we need to buy to properly care for our new property, it makes me shudder, but I know we'll get there...we always do.<br /><br />At church we're doing a sermon series that I have found really interesting. The question posed to our congregation was, "If you knew you only had 30 days to live, would it change the way you live your life? In what way?" Our challenge was to answer those questions and then figure out which of those things we would change were things that were sustainable - things we could do for an extended period of time, and which things were short term. Then the challenge was to take action on those things.<br /><br />I started thinking about the recent death of my Aunt as well as friends I have recently lost. Had I known they were going to die, there are things I would have said or done differently. I don't know that the sermon series made me think so much about my own mortality. I think it made me think more about the lives of those I care about. If I knew I only had 30 days left with them, what would I do differently? In some ways an easy question to answer. I would be more patient, kind, demonstrative of my love for them. Would I say anything that I don't normally say? I don't know. I'm still thinking on that one. I think the big one for me was that I wouldn't be as judgemental. I tend to get stuck on that high horse and stay there. I would like to learn to get off that horse. It doesn't do anything positive for my relationships or for me personally.<br /><br />So what about you? Would you do anything differently? If you would like to hear more about this sermon series, you can visit my church's <a href="http://www.parkmeadows.ca/sermons.htm"><em>website</em></a>. The sermon series is called, "Making my life count". Enjoy!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-19099145835639088722008-12-04T17:30:00.003-07:002008-12-05T08:18:10.322-07:00Two steps forward, one step back...Well, here's how my first week of recovery went. I got home last Thursday. Declan starting throwing up Thursday night. Friday he was a little off but was well on the mend by Saturday. Saturday night Rowan spent the entire night puking. Sunday morning John started throwing up and by Sunday afternoon it was my turn. Yuck.<br /><br />God bless my Mom who took Rowan on Monday and kept her until Wednesday to allow me to rest. I felt great by the time she dropped Rowan off on Wednesday, so much so that without hardly thinking, I scooped up my daughter as she came running into my arms and gave her hugs and kisses to welcome her home. Stupid stupid stupid.<br /><br />I am absolutely not supposed to lift anything over 10 pounds for at least 6 weeks. I paid for that mistake today. I woke up and was in terrible pain. My pelvis felt like it was on fire and my insides were as raw as hamburger. I thought I was in real trouble. I called my doctor and asked to see him asap. I told him what happened and he decided to check and make sure I hadn't ripped anything.<br /><br />It turns out my pain was mainly attributed to a vaginal post-op infection. Oh yay. I'm on two different types of antibiotics to try and clear this infection - 6 pills per day. Some to be taken with food, some without. It will be 36 hours before I feel any better. I'm glad that I went in, and in a way, I'm glad I lifted Rowan because if I hadn't done that, I probably would have tried to ride out the pain instead of getting it checked. At least this way we can get on top of this infection before it becomes a real problem.<br /><br />On the house front, we meet with the bank on Monday to finalize our mortgage. We should have final approval from our bank's head office by Wednesday which is good because our deadline is the 15th. I drove past our new place yesterday with my Mom and low and behold, the walls are up! I can't believe how fast these guys work! The roof should be next so I'm expecting they will have our place locked up before too long.<br /><br />So many things to do in the meantime and I feel like there's just not enough time for everything. I have some of my Christmas shopping done but not all of it and absolutely no energy to do it either. I haven't put up one decoration. I keep consoling myself with the notion that next year will be different. Next year I shall decorate my new home and have people to my house for dinner and everything will be wonderful...please Lord, let it be.<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and kept in contact with me through this. Surgery is never fun but it has been great to talk to family and friends when I'm feeling especially gross. God bless you all this Christmas season!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-75650290002230718662008-11-28T16:38:00.002-07:002008-11-28T16:53:14.626-07:00On the Mend...On Monday I went into the hospital to have a hysterectomy. I started off the day showing up at the hospital an hour late for my own surgery. I then proceeded to tell the doctors how they should do their job at which point a very nice man put a very nasty smelling mask over my face. They say that mask is to put you to sleep so you don't feel the surgery but we all know it's just to keep loud mouths like me from talking so much. In the blessed silence, my doctor proceeded to punch three holes in my abs and use those holes to remove my uterus (it's actually a little more graphic than that, but I'm trying to keep this PG rated)! It took me the rest of the day to wake up from that crazy anesthetic...I hate that feeling of wanting to wake up and not being able to. By the end of the day, I was walking around (yes, I am super patient!) and things were looking okay. <br /><br />One thing that they do in the hospital when you have this type of surgery is attach you to these plastic leg warmer type things that inflate with air. These are supposed to help keep blood clots from forming in your legs. The nurses say it's like having a spa day because it massages your legs all day. *insert picture of me shaking my head* This is NOT the spa!!! Everytime that stupid machine would start inflating those leg warmers, I would jump because it always seemed to happen just when I was falling asleep. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much that first night. <br /><br />I spent three days in the hospital and left on Thursday morning. My daughter has not left my side for two days and my son was so relieved to see me, he spent my first night at home puking. Ah, the joys of children! So now it's Friday night and I'm roasting a chicken while my husband takes some time away from nursing me to do some work at a job that actually pays him! Honestly, I really am trying to take care of myself and I promise, as soon as dinner's done and the kids are in bed, my feet are getting off the floor and onto the couch for some serious R&R.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086080266178979735.post-79932278682865885412008-11-21T19:55:00.003-07:002008-11-22T15:10:27.984-07:00New Home...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2_8d_krRRo4GAFLdfhssOH8I3S59zwOlhNMnLgDs1Ak0hZY9N4lYFySO0Boi8RQ6qfRT2bvk0n5w1CCiUCSEeqcBeY6yA5bDxKEUMKYzsZSIWVGl2wGsp1GMx3gyk_dSR-XiKstbGR0S/s1600-h/20084514_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271314649826503330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2_8d_krRRo4GAFLdfhssOH8I3S59zwOlhNMnLgDs1Ak0hZY9N4lYFySO0Boi8RQ6qfRT2bvk0n5w1CCiUCSEeqcBeY6yA5bDxKEUMKYzsZSIWVGl2wGsp1GMx3gyk_dSR-XiKstbGR0S/s400/20084514_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, our offer was accepted on a house in a new development in Coalhurst called Bridgend. Now the crazy times of paper signing, finance finding, color/flooring/appliance picking begins. We're hoping to move around April or May sometime and we're all very excited. This is a great development and one block away from a really good school. It's 8km outside of Lethbridge which makes it close enough to make going into town not such a hassle. The house we've chosen is called the "Arlington" and we think it's perfect for us. I can't wait to move! I can't wait until John and I can start paying ourselves instead of paying someone else. Most of all, I can't wait to have air conditioning! Never again will I sweat to death in my own home all summer - hooray!!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>John and I have felt a real peace about this decision to buy a home. When we first saw the spec house in this development, we knew we had found our home. It was a special moment when John and I looked at eachother and each nodded our heads at the same time. A mortgage and home is a huge undertaking and definately not for the faint of heart, but I think it can also bring a family closer together. For John and I, this was definately the case. We are now partners not just in life, but in a large financial investment. I don't know why that's so special, but it is. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00087822636248592012noreply@blogger.com6