brave music memory

 Just wanted to start writing down all kinds of memories I have of our Brave Boy.  Sunday, as I was getting ready for church, this song came on the radio and it reminded me very strongly of him.  A memory from several years ago popped into my head, one where I was driving the kids home from somewhere and this song came on and we were all just belting it out.  We all just knew this song and we were worshiping the Lord.  Braveheart knew this song too and he was not afraid to sing or belt out a tune.  I love that about him!!  I miss that about him!!!  Oh how I miss him so much.....so very much.....

Down To The River To Pray

This song just caught my eye this evening...I do love this folky type music...I will update more on B soon...

god be in my head

I discovered a new artist that I just love!!! I adore spending time listening and worshiping the Lord in song. It clears my mind, fills me up with His word and truths, lifts my spirits, pleases Him, calms my nerves, puts things in perspective, heals me, works in my life.....I could go on and on....I urge you to fill up on worshiping Him through uplifting music..after all He is the creator of music....

healer

you deliver me....

I have accidentally discovered that Selah put out this new album..I fell in love..I already love these guys and next thing I know I hear about them everywhere...take a listen to this song..you may become hooked like me!

spring recital violin style

My Damsel girl had her first spring recital in violin. It was so lovely. It was especially lovely to see the experienced kids playing so amazing and watch them really inspire the younger ones on! We have so many wonderful things to look forward to in her violin career.
Below is a part of her piece entitled SONG OF THE WIND.
When we returned home I tried to be photography mama. She was so cute and was all dressed up and we needed a photo with her violin. Well, she was cold and it just didn't turn out the way I hoped! I had to show you though since it was so funny. However, I do really love the one where I caught her laughing! I will try again soon when it is warmer!!

third day 'born again'

Born Again by Third Day

Today I found myself
After searching all these years
And the man that I saw, he wasn't at all who I thought he'd be
I was lost when you found me here
And I was broken beyond repair
Then you came along and you sang your song over me

It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
In my life

Make a promise to me now
Reassure my heart somehow
That the love that I feel is so much more real than anything
I've a feeling in my soul
And I pray that I'm not wrong
That the life I have now, it is only the beginning

It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
For the very first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
For the very first time

I wasn't looking for something that was more
Than what I had yesterday
Then you came to me and you gave to me
Life and a love that I've never known
That I've never felt before

It feels like I'm born again
It feels like I'm living
For the very first time
I'm living for the first time
It feels like I'm breathing
It feels like I'm moving
For the very first time
I'm living for the first time
In my life

I am loving this song right now. If you want to hear it just listen on my playlist or click on this youtube link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch#v=Aley9_d8vrE&feature=related

fine arts festival 2010

I love the fine arts festival. It is a great way to show all the hard work these kids do to learn their craft and an opportunity to perform for others while honoring and glorifying the Lord. After listening to 2 different groups with a brief intermission, we head downstairs for a display of various art projects and refreshments.
I LOVE it. We haven't been there consistently over the last 2 or 3 years due to obvious reasons. Even this year I didn't have it together enough to have the boys ready with a recitation. Next year things will be different.
Everyone playing or reciting there blesses me, but when they get to the kids who have been playing for years..wow..what can I say? I can only praise God for what he has created us to be able to do! The music is so intense and pleasing to the ears..to the soul!

Now, I am about to present some photos of my children's art here. Beware. No bragging or pride intended, more like, I want to document them and share them with people who do want to see it. I hope you enjoy a peek. I was actually quite shocked that we even had this much to showcase, once we gathered things together.





Here is a video of our damsel girl playing for the recital. Someday I will remember that I cannot turn a video...I promise, so please enjoy while you relax your head sideways...:)

Ok, I am experiencing technical difficulties, so hang in there.

recital and promotion

We have really been busy lately with so many different appointments and events, so I hope I am able to show them all but here is a glimpse into some achievements for a couple of the kiddos this weekend. We decided too this fall, that it was time, after much waiting, to invest some time and money into some interests that the littles have. It was especially important after all we've been through this last year and a half.

Secret Agent has been asking and waiting to start karate for forever and we finally got him started and he is loving it!! This teacher really focuses on self-control and discipline which is right up our alley.

He's a red belt, it's official!! Here he is with his teacher.

Just turn sideways here...I can't turn this video..sorry.

Damsel had a lovely first recital for family and the elderly and this extended care home. I just could not get a good head shot, however I did get a nice video! It sounds so sweet. It's the next best thing to being there. I hope you enjoy.

fall goings on

Making pumpkin scone snacks.....

Great Grandma's that come visit and spend time with the kids and listen to their music playing....

This is a sign that boys live here....

I finally made a homemade apple pie. I did not make the crust though this time, but I cut up all the apples bought from a local orchard.

Girl version of pumpkin decorating.

We were blessed with many pumpkins this year and I am enjoying baking them and making my own pumpkin puree, but with frequent foot resting.

group violin brain massage

You must be wondering why I gave that title? Hang on..I will tell you.

The teacher's lovely teenage daughter leading the group by example.

Very intense concentration. She has graduated to playing two notes and several rhythms right along with more advance players!! Isn't that amazing?

This is mainly the younger group here. Some of the moms are learning too. (I wish I could) There is even a piano accompaniment. Very fun, very organized, measured tasks for helping each level learn and improve. Always, they start from beginner on up to more experienced practices.
Do you see that pink string with candy at the end dangling, right there on the above photo on the right? Look carefully now. That is just another clever little scenario devised to help the littles point their violin correctly.
I am amazed. I am impressed. I am inspired! As I sit there watching, humming along, learning with her I am feeling tingly in my brain! It's true. That is why I called it group violin brain massage. Even with the littles playing, it is astounding how lovely they sound. I just close my eyes and relax.
The oldies play with them, for them and in response to their requests as they learn notes, pitch, bow length. Did I say how much I love this Suzuki method? Did I say how much I love this teacher and how she teaches? Did I say how grateful I am for us to be here?
Have a great weekend, play some music and massage your brain!!

flute for T

If you happen to know someone who has a student flute that they are currently not using, we
would be very interested. T is very interested in the flute and we are hoping to start Suzuki lessons with him. However, a flute to use as we first venture into it and see if it's for us would be most helpful. We will commit some time to it though in finding this out. Please feel free to offer any leads, helpful advice, etc...

music on the brain

My daughter just started Suzuki violin and I am loving it!! Here is some interesting news about music and a child's brain.
You can read the full article at here.

Laurel Trainor was there, playing her flute. A psychologist and neuroscientist, she's the director of the McMaster University Music and the Mind Institute.

The institute researches how music works in and on the mind.

"Why do young kids who play music develop better memory and attention focus?" asks Trainor.

The most compelling hypothesis, she says, is that music involves so much function -- both mental and physical, not to mention emotional.

The playing and learning of music requires a combination of memory, imitation, creativity, physical dexterity, mathematics and other aspects of cognition.

What's more, she adds, actively playing music is far more beneficial than passively listening to it.

We stand to learn a great deal more about the relationship between music and the mind in Hamilton as the McMaster University Music and the Mind Institute just received word that it has won a $6-million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

"Most of that money will go to building a performance lab where we can measure the brain waves of multiple performers as they play music together," says Trainor. "We'll monitor both the players' and the audience's responses."

violin dreams come true

After much patience and anticipation, damsel girl was finally able to start violin lessons! We were graciously blessed with the loan of a most beautiful violin for her to start with and a wonderful, nearby teacher who is very good at what she does. Someone is very excited!