Day 25 - We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

It is finally here….can you believe it?  There is so much lead up to this one day and then in a few short hours it's done.
As a child I always felt let down by this season when life around me goes back to normal without the music, the story, and the tree; even now as I already see Valentine's decor in the stores.
In our family we celebrate this season for probably much longer than anyone should, but we LOVE the season.  We love the music, the story, and a time to really ponder the last year and the year to come.

I encourage you to keep the light of Christmas in your own heart as you go back to work and begin to wean down from the excitement of the season.  There is so much to be learned from this season and I encourage you to take time to ponder just what you will learn and what you will share tomorrow and the days to come.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
May God bless you each and everyday!
Adam & Kristin

Day 24 - The Perfect Tree

Christmas Eve is and has always been one of my favorite points in the holiday season.  I love singing the songs and hearing the Christmas story.  

For many years my family would sing at church and tonight was no different.  My father was asked to sing this beautiful song: The Perfect Tree.

Our day has been spent with traveling, 2 church services, dinner with my grandparents, followed by a late night party at a family friend's annual Christmas Eve get together.  

I wish you all sweet dreams and safe travels wherever you are this night.

Blessings for your Christmas,

Kristin Noel

Day 23 - Candlelight Carol

Today was a reminder that even holidays can be covered with gloom by a loss.

I was informed today that a young student I work with had passed away.  We are deeply saddened by this loss and send prayers for his family, his teacher, and the other staff and therapists that had the pleasure to work with him and enjoy his beautiful smile.

Tonight’s song is dedicated to him: Candlelight Carol

If you would like to donate to help pay for Christian's funeral, please click here!

Day 22 - Blue Christmas

Tonight's song has a different twist than our typical happy and enthusiastic Christmas tunes.
I feel it is important to recognize that this time of year isn't always 'happy' for those around us.  For those that have lost loved ones, this time of the year can be difficult.  For those in our midst who are homeless and don't have the means for a beautiful Christmas spread on the table or gifts under the tree, this time of year is not so joyful.
As you listen to this song, please remember those around you and honor them as you go about with your holiday season.

Blessings,
Kristin Noel

Day 21 - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Tonight's song is a simple classic that completely sums up this time of year and many of the reasons I love it so much!

Please enjoy: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year


4 days till Christmas!!!

Day 20 - Road Trip Medley 2014

Today we had our extended family Christmas in Rolla, MO and we had a great time with friends and family!  Tonight's song/songs are a 2 minute snapshot of our road trip to our 2nd Christmas with Adam's family.

We had fun rewriting this song and sharing a medley as we carol in the car!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kristin

Day 19 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Today was a wonderful day filled with good work, great friends, and now a road trip.  

We start our Christmas festivities tonight and are looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family over the next 2 weeks.

Have a great weekend!

Kristin

Day 18 - Coventry Carol

My hubby, Adam, is at it again!  Tonight all on his own!

He finished finals yesterday and was able to stay home and spend time recording!  I'm so happy…..and proud to share his music with you tonight.  Yes….he IS doing ALL 4 parts!!!  He rocks!

Thank you for listening and please enjoy this 4-part version of Coventry Carol.

Have a GREAT Friday….see you tomorrow!

Kristin Noel

Day 17 - It's Christmas Time

Originally recorded by The Carpenters on their Christmas album…..one of the best albums EVER!
This is a classic around our home!

Please enjoy: It's Christmas Time

Day 16 - Frosty the Snowman

Today was inspired by an intervention my music therapy intern, Stephanie, designed and is implementing in our music therapy session.  In this intervention she has printed out and laminated parts of a snowman and rewrote this song to include all the parts of a snowman for one of our clients.  I was inspired and reminded how fun this song is to sing.  

So tonight I've convinced my hubby once again to sing harmony with me! :)

Please enjoy:  Frosty the Snowman

Day 15 - The Holly & The Ivy

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today after a very long weekend of work and music, I'm just plain exhausted.

So, I gladly share another from our cantata performed by our Chapel Ringers: The Holly & The Ivy

Have a great week!

Day 14 - Good King Wenceslas

Today was our annual Christmas Cantata at our church.  It is always a grand affair with our Celebration Singers, membership orchestra, Chapel Ringers, and our children's theatre production.  We also have our WONDERFUL Christmas banquet following all the festivities.  It is the PERFECT way to get us in the mood for the season! 

Today I played with the Chapel Ringers and played and cued a few things in our children's production "A Christmas To Believe In."  I had a blast as always with the children and the bell ringers.

Please enjoy our fun and energetic arrangement of Good King Wenceslas!  Way to go bells!

Thank you CUCC for a wonderful day full of music, fun, and fellowship!  NOW….I'm ready for Christmas!

Blessings for your Sunday,

Kristin Noel

Day 13 - Away In a Manger (Traditional)

Tonight we had a wonderful evening with our best friends Erich & Amber and our Godson, Peter.
We always enjoy our time with them and thank God for them daily!  Let's be honest……multiple times a day!

We had a lovely mexican dinner and spent time around the fire talking and oooooing and awwwwing over Peter which reminded me of this beautiful Christmas lullaby!

So this one is dedicated to our Godson, Peter!

Blessings from our home to yours,
A & K

Day 12 - Kentucky Homemade Christmas

Originally recorded by Kenny Rogers, this is a classic around the Whiteman household at Christmas time and I had to share it with you tonight!



If you like what you hear, we do have a homemade Christmas album available:  Check it out at our band page!  Happy Harmonies from our home to yours.  Adam & Kristin

Day 11 - Let It Snow (&) Kristin's Birthday!

So….. today is my birthday and it was a truly wonderful day full of music and friends.  I LOVE snow and have wished for snow every year for my birthday and Christmas since I was a little girl, so this song seemed appropriate for today!

Tonight my husband Adam and I will be sharing a Christmas classic from the comfort of our home!

Please enjoy!  Let It Snow!

Day 10 - Mary Did You Know

Tonight is the last video with my music students.  I have enjoyed sharing their talents and love of music with you the past few days.  

I was reminded by my mother-in-law today how difficult it is to get up in front of people to perform.  Some people are naturally gifted in front of others and then others of us struggle.  As a music teacher and therapist at heart, I stress the importance of ENJOYING music.  It isn't about hitting every note correctly, or playing a piece perfectly from start to finish.  Sometimes LIVE music is about making a mistake and learning to keep going and that to me is a better talent to learn than playing it perfectly.  Live music isn't suppose to be perfect, in my book.  Live music is real and that's why I love it so much.  It is about feeling and heart and enjoyment for the performer and the audience.  

I can honestly say I am a PROUD teacher, not because my student's play every note perfectly; but because they start, they finish, they learn, and they encourage each other.  

I am a PROUD teacher!

Devin and I will be performing this piece live at our Christmas Pageant this Sunday and would like to share it with you tonight.

Have a wonderful rest of your week! See you tomorrow!

Kristin

Day 9 - That's What's Up/We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We had a great time at our Winter Recital and this is another from one of our newer voice students.  She chose this song and it isn't specifically a 'Christmas' song, but it was fun and I had to share it.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did learning it and performing it.

Original song by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Have a great Tuesday!

Kristin

Day 8 - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Today we have another guest musician, Devin.

Devin is my guitar student and has only been taking for 3 years.  Devin already knows all the strings on the guitar, numerous chords, and is reading this piece and many others on the staff!  Guitar isn't just about playing chords!  I'd say this girl has talent.  I am pleased to share her talents with you today.  It is an honor to teach each and every one of my students. I am AGAIN…one proud teacher!

Enjoy this beautiful performance of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.

Happy Monday!

Kristin

Day 7 - Jingle Bells

This afternoon was our Winter Music Recital for Giving Song Music Studio!

We had a blast and all the young performers did a great job!  We showcased guitar, piano, and voice at this recital.  Along with the beautiful music, we enjoyed homemade chocolate chip mint cookies, hot apple cider, and popcorn.  Friends and family were present to cheer our young performers on and a good time was had by all.  I was one proud music teacher!

Here is one of our piano students, Josie, performing one of her favorite for the season:  Jingle Bells!

Have a wonderful week!

Kristin

Day 6 - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

We spent the day around the fire catching up with family and friends.  I can't imagine a more relaxing and joyful way to spend an afternoon.

We are also gearing up for our Winter Music Recital TOMORROW and looking forward to hearing our young musicians perform.  *You just might be hearing a few of them on here over the next few days! So be sure to check back in.

Please enjoy this simple and fun arrangement of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

Holiday Harmonies from our home to yours,

Kristin Noel

Day 5 - The First Noel/Go Tell It On A Mountain

Today I was out Christmas shopping in our mall and having a wonderful time when I happened upon a gathering in the food court.  I heard angelic voices coming from the side and, as a music therapist with children, I was drawn to the area.  As I arrived I saw many people 'speaking' in sign language and wearing purple shirts.  As I stood and listened to a local children's choir, I saw conversations going on everywhere and was captivated.  Absolutely captivated!

I have always admired those who could sign and use it to communicate and desire greatly to learn it fluently (Bucket List Addition).  I do use some with the children I work with on a daily basis, but only simple phrases and words.

To my delight, those signing began to gather on sage and as they began I teared up at the beauty of this language and how effective it is at expressing meaning and emotion.  I was literally standing there weeping with joy.  Then…..they sang The First Noel, one of my all time favorites followed by Go Tell It On The Mountain….another favorite.  I absolutely had to share these 2 beautiful renditions for you tonight.

This choir is the Talking Hands Choir through our local Parkade Baptist Church Deaf Ministry program.  Here is a link to their webpage:  http://www.parkadebaptistchurch.org/DeafMinistry

May you enjoy this beautiful language as much as I did tonight!

Blessings for your weekend,

Kristin

Day 4 - Feliz Navidad

Tonight I have the pleasure of sharing a very special song with you in my NEW studio!
Thank you for tuning in to "Feliz Navidad."

Day 3 - Do You Want To Build A Snowman

A sister duet!  This is one of our favorite's from the Disney Movie "Frozen"!

Hope you enjoy!
Follow each day at my business blog:  www.givingsong.com/blog

Day 2 - I Saw Three Ships

Today is day #2.
We have a guest performer today for I Saw Three Ships!  The performer is none other than Adam's quartet:  Premium Blend!
Adam sings in this quartet with his brother, father, and a good family friend.
Enjoy!

25 Days of Christmas - Day #1

Hello Friends and Family,

We are excited to share with you our 4th annual 25 Days of Christmas!
We will be sharing Christmas music over the next 25 days from our home to yours.
It just doesn't seem like the holidays without sharing a little music!

If you like what you hear, you can get our homemade holiday album at:  https://kristinnveteto.bandcamp.com

The official blog is at Kristin's business:  www.giving-song.com/blog

Here is the first video of Daddy & Me!
Blessings,
Kristin Noel

4 years and beyond!!!!!!

Today (July 14th, 2014) we celebrate our 4 year anniversary!  It is hard to believe that we've been married that long and together almost 6 1/2 years.  WOW!!!

We have spent the day reminiscing about our past anniversaries and the many fun things we have done.  Everyone says that life goes by fast, and it does, but maybe that is because we forget to A) live in the moment and B) look back at the life you have shared together.  So that is exactly what we are going to do today!

Anniversary countdown:

#1) Adam and I spent that week in Illinois at my parent's farm and enjoyed a wonderful meal at Martini's and had prime rib, chicken lip salads, and a chocolate martini….with a lovely red wine.  We then went and spent that weekend in Nauvoo and toured a few wineries and then stayed at a very unique bed and breakfast for the night.

#2)  We ended up randomly taking a trip to Herman and spent the day walking around the town, wine tasting, and eating amazing food including a lobster bisque that will turn any vegetarian into a lobster lover!

#3)  This year was simple…..dinner at Macaroni Grill, our favorite place in Columbia.  We shared a special bottle of wine and had it signed and placed on their wall.

#4)  Tonight we will do much the same as #3.  We spent the day working and after bible study and house viewing we will head to Macaroni Grill and enjoy a beautiful night of wine and talking.  We might even snag a quiet walk before bed!  I can't imagine anything better!

So, as you can see our anniversary celebrations have become less and less exaggerated as the years have gone by, but that is how we like it.  Just the 2 of us…being us!

We have shared so many memories together over our 6 1/2 years of being together including travels to Hawaii, Italy, Romania, Greece, Turkey, and parts of the U. S.  To add to the list we've shared our cousins and siblings weddings, family moving into new homes, and the excitement and hardship of medical school, graduate school, and job searching/creating/developing.  I'd say we've done a lot and have been blessed with much!

I can happily say that our wedding day 4 years ago was a wonderful and beautiful day, but everyday that follows I fall more and more in love with this man.  My favorite man!  The man that God has shared with me!

Happy Anniversary to my husband, Adam!
I love you,
Your Wife, Kristin Noel

Memories

Engagement

                       

             

Wedding

Honeymoon 

  

1st Anniversary

 1st Christmas

2nd Anniversary

3rd Christmas

Trip to Europe

Recent trip to Las Vegas

Europe 2014: Near and Far

What I will miss about Europe:

• Fresh pastries.....especially chocolate pastries
• Relaxed way of life
• New languages (many Europeans are atleast bilingual...most speak fluently more than 3)
• True Greek salads
• Amazing cappuccinos
• Meeting new people on a daily basis
• Mediterranean climate
• Truly old history and architecture
• Blended cultures
• Date nights on the Santorini caldera and other outstanding locations

.......................................................................

What I appreciate about America:

• Washer and dryer (we've washed our clothes by hand in a sink with shampoo for 2 months)
• Drinkable tap water
• Flushing toilet paper
• Logical shower head placement
• Sitting, not standing to go to the bathroom (many places we experienced, especially public bathrooms, were stand/squat only)
• Ice....the only time they serve ice is with white wine.....think about that one!?
• Talking to family and friends without technological glitches
• Speaking to people who fully know what I am saying (we've experienced 5 different national languages and countless others with our interactions......I think we were on our way to 20 different languages heard..last we counted)
• Being able to read and understand the road signs (we experienced 2 major alphabets: Greek and cryllic) along with countless differences in the romantic alphabet.
• Making a difference rather than experiencing for myself
• Comfortable beds (I think I can count on 1 hand the number of mornings I woke up without back pain) - I am spoiled with a super comfortable mattress at home
• Playing music
• Going to church (we often travelled on Sundays)
• Meeting with friends for bible study
• The Ozarks and the farm
• Date nights in our usual places!

 

Almost home.......

Kristin

 

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Europe 2014: First Night in America

My 1st night in America will be spent on a cot with over a hundred other travelers in the O'Hare airport. After multiple delays to many flights destined for the Midwest, our flight was delayed 2 hours and then cancelled because our flight attendants were stuck in Milwaukee.

* I offered to volunteer as a flight attendant sub. I think I've seen the gig enough to get atleast 85% of the motions correct! I wouldn't even mind handing out beverages. But......they passed on my offer and cancelled the flight instead. I'm trying not to take it personally.

So, after an extremely rewarding call to AA and a truly kind woman (I'm being serious, not sarcastic), I rebooked a flight to Peoria tomorrow (June 19th). And my bag........well, it is headed to St. Louis....whenever the next flight goes. I tried to find a place to stay, but turns out with all the cancellations, they are all booked. I mean everything! So....here I sit, in the airport, on a cot. I'm going to call this humility practice.

Outside all the hassle and frustration that I don't get to sleep with my husband in my own bed, I don't get to see my family tonight, and the fact that my body and mind are so fatigued from being up for over 24 hours that I can't even sleep.......I am thankful.

Thankful for kind people, thankful for random friends on cots, and thankful for a God that knows better than I. A God who kept us all safe and provided for. Our cots may look ridiculous and out of the ordinary, but it is all part of life and part of the experience.

The phrase "traveling is an adventure" has never been more true than at this very moment! And I choose to relish this moment, take it in, and remember the anxiety, fear, and uncertainty I feel right now. I also choose to release those feelings and fears to God. For He is all powerful, all wonderful, and can take my burdens and replace them with peace.

Yes......I think I'll take peace as my main course this evening. Thanks!

..............................................

Side note/health awareness: Never....I mean NEVER drink a grande "Awake" tea at 10pm. Right before our flight was cancelled and I thought we were about to board, my fatigue was growing and hot tea sounded perfect to get me through the next and final flight. The lady at the counter asked "do you want Awake or Earl Grey?" I thought.....o "awake" that sounds perfect.....it's tea how powerful can it be...right? Turns out....extremely powerful. Add a heavy dose of anxiety and adrenaline from the cancelled flight, rebooking, and cot snatching......I am WIDE awake......heart racing......mind racing.........AWAKE!

"Always choose Earl Grey!"

 

That's all for now.......welcome home!

Kristin Noel

 

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Europe 2014: Life Lessons

The question I get frequently is "Are you ready to come home?" Well, that is a loaded question as Adam and I are in between "homes/houses" and frankly in between our life up till now and whatever comes next.

• Am I ready to see my family? YES!
• Am I ready to see my friends? YES!
• Am I ready to drink tap water? Yes
• Am I ready to use a washer and dryer? Yes
• Am I ready to get back to work? YES!
• Am I ready to cook and bake? Yes
• Am I ready to leave Europe? Yes and no

I was afraid that after a relaxing time away I wouldn't want to go back to work and the mess of life....but what I realized is that...life in America and life in Europe are still life. There are messy parts and amazing, mind blowing parts in both. One of my favorite lines in a movie is in "Letters to Juliet" where Claire iconically says: "life is the messy bits." I have always loved that line, because it is! Life is messy and that's what makes it so good! I'm reading The In-Between by Jeff Goins and it is all about living in the "in-between

" moments of life. The essence of life is not in the major moments like weddings, graduations, and births, but the moments of waiting between these moments.

I can honestly say since we said "I do," Adam and I have been in a series of waiting. Waiting for grad school to end.....waiting for thesis revisions......waiting for test scores......waiting for school acceptance......waiting for rental options to open up......waiting for jobs......waiting, waiting, waiting. At times I have been so tired of waiting and just when we get to our point of exhaustion with waiting.....God calls us to wait longer. At times we have wanted to hurry this system and others thankful for the time, but I look at those waiting moments differently now. We live in a culture where we are always planning for what is next and often miss what is happening now. My time in Europe taught me to stop, wait, and take in the moment. Many of the places and memories we've experienced we will never have again and they are too good to quickly pass by. Life is too good to pass it by and not take in every second.

At the beginning of this trip I was hoping for a revelation, a change, and finally no more waiting......but that's not what happened...not yet anyway. I wish I could say I have everything figured out about where my business is going, when to have kids, or where we will live, whether to rent or to buy.....but the truth is we don't. God is still working in us and through us with each of these major areas.

What we do have figured out is that we are thankful for our life. Thankful that we get to wake up everyday next to each other. Thankful that I get to work with amazing clients and families using music. Thankful that we can pay our bills and work on our debt. Thankful that we have family that miss us and worry about us when we aren't around.

Thankful that we have a God who through the moments of waiting loves us and has provided for us at every turn. What more could we ask for? Nothing....the answer is nothing! This is life, it is messy, and it is exactly where I want to be!

Kristin Noel

 

 

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Europe 2014: Sofia to the end.......

Well, our 2 month trip is coming to a close.

We have visited 6 countries and 2 continents in 2 months. If you count the U.S it jumps to 7 countries and 3 continents. I started in the U.S.A travelled through England to Romania, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, and fly through Germany back to the U.S.A in 2 months and 2 days. What an adventure!

Nevski Cathedral

A trip of a lifetime, one I am truly thankful for. This adventure has changed me in more ways than I see now and change that will continue to grow in the inner places of my soul for years to come. I will never be the same...we will never be the same. But enough for the revelations for now....what did we do our last few days in Europe?

Saint Sofia

Well, we did a lot of walking. I went on numerous runs through the streets of Sofia, in and out of beautiful gardens that encompassed every intersection. The vegetation is beautifully green. In June, Bulgaria gets an estimated 2 weeks of rain....so it rained ever day we were here. The trees and grass LOVED it and were vibrant green! We spent time at iconic churches such as the Nevski Cathedral and the Sveta Sofia (Saint Sofia). Saint Sofia was built in the 500s and houses remnants of an even earlier church from the 300s. Can you even imagine back to that period in time? I can't. It truly boggles my mind to imagine that I am looking at something built and used over 2,000 years ago. Truly amazing!

We walked through local craft stands and had wonderful interactions with local Sofians and dearly came to love this city. It's beautiful gardens, counting more than 20 within walking distance of our apartment, were delightful and always full of families. We sat one afternoon and watched no less than 5 weddings come in and out of a church within a 2 hour period. Each one unique, but strangely similar to weddings in America. Bride in a white dress, groom in a tux, and friends and family everywhere. Brides in Europe have the same problems with veils and hair flying in the wind and children falling down and crying during pictures.

We came to realize.......these people are not different than us. Even the women in Turkey completely covered from head to toe wearing a burka wore tennis shoes and walked the streets as you and I do. Life is life! No matter where you go the same things are present: couples, children, families, parks, streets, music, photos, work, and food........it is life and even though it may look a bit different, it is all strangely similar.

So......what did we do in Sofia? We lived in Sofia. We didn't travel, we lived. We woke up, went on walks, enjoyed wonderful local food, and enjoyed our last few days living in another country. We spent time watching kids play, families interacting in the parks, and dogs running and jumping. It was a truly freeing experience to not have something we "had" to see, but simply free to sit and watch......to take in the moment.

 

Blessings,

Kristin Noel

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