tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49392411862358949592024-03-01T02:33:11.481-08:00Adventures with Heather EvansFollow Heather on her adventures in music, motherhood and life!Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-11334802639649683662017-12-21T09:40:00.000-08:002017-12-21T09:40:45.644-08:00The Highs and The Lows.These last few months have been a rollercoaster, full of high highs and low lows.<br />
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I released my 3 song EP called "The Life EP" on October 27th and it took sooo much to get everything in order to make it happen! This is the 4th project I've released on my own and I really went for it this time (and still going after it for that matter!)<br />
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Here's some of the High's:<br />
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- With the help of my friends Sara Castro, My husband Brett and my friend Elizabeth Hosford, I've been able to make custom merchandise pieces that I LOVE like coffee mugs, Coloring Pages, T-shirts and Water color Hand Lettered Lyric Art!<br />
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-I've played many awesome paying gigs and have made some really great connections and friends through them! The paying gigs have paid for things like my Coffee + Jesus Owl Mugs and T-shirts and a recording of a new song that has a LOT of promise!<br />
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-At those shows I sold out of physical Copies of Out of the Woods and Songs for Healing! I'm hoping to get more printed of those 2 CD's soon! The songs on those CD's are some of the "musical meat" that I usually play in my live shows.<br />
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-I signed with an awesome Music Licensing company that finds music for TV and Film with a possible Commercial spot in Europe for Mom Life in the works!!<br />
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-I released 2 Music Videos: Mom Life, which went semi-viral with 340 shares and over 38.4k views and a bunch of comments about how people are resonating with the song! Let me tell you, THAT MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME to know people are resonating with something I have written! Especially something as honest as Mom Life.<br />
I also released The Good Life on Thanksgiving day and it turned out SO beautiful. The scenery and imagery captured the song really well and I felt super happy to be able to release it on Thanksgiving.<br />
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-I wrote an amazing follow up song to Mom Life, Called "Thrive" recorded it & made a "day in the life" video of it. Still finishing that one up and it should be released in January! I think this is one of my favorite songs that I've ever written and it's really raw and captures an emotional snapshot of where I am in my mom life right now. I'm really trying to find the balance between Surviving and THRIVING. It's not easy most days, but I'm figuring out it's just a season and I can make it!<br />
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-I emailed at least 1000+ music contacts and mom bloggers and got a few emails back! I heard back instantly from a few bigger Mom Bloggers and some smaller ones that Featured the Mom Life Music Video. I heard back from 2-3 music bloggers. It's hard to break in to the music blogging scene because they hear from so many people in a day, so to hear anything back is a miracle!<br />
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-I won the opportunity to play Mom Life for a professional songwriter and Music Publisher in Nashville and they loved it! The feedback from that session, REALLY got me thinking about the way I write and how I want to move forward in this business.<br />
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-I've bumped into people literally in the grocery store, on Instagram, at church or just friends who have told me how my music has resonated with them and it reminds me why I'm doing this.<br />
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-I recently met a guy working at Guitar Center that is a Recording Student and offered to give me a 4 hour session in the studio FOR FREE! It happens to be near San Fransisco and I scheduled it for a time when we are going to be in San Fransisco for a family trip anyways! Such a Devine moment because I've been wanting to record a specific song and get a more professional vocal on Thrive, the new song I'm working on!<br />
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The Lows seem dumb compared to all the good happening, but I think they are worth sharing.<br />
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As a creative it's SO EASY to be a perfectionist and get upset when things don't happen just the way we planned them. SO many things did not go as planned with this project, but in a strange way I think it was good for me! I had to Trust God in a way I never would have if things just worked perfectly.<br />
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I had little to no budget to work with on this EP and the fact that it was fully funded along the way is a MIRACLE. I couldn't have made that happen, in fact I tried to make it happen on my own so many times and FAILED MISERABLY. Yet these seemingly random opportunities would present themselves RIGHT at the moment I had need of them. I KNOW that isn't an accident! Just because all that breakthrough happened, doesn't mean it was easy to walk through though. I cried A LOT. I prayed A LOT. I questioned A LOT.<br />
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I currently find myself in the place of "What's next?". I released everything, now what? I don't want the buzz from this project to die off. I still want to make a music video for 20 Years From Now. I feel like there are more opportunities, but I don't know what door to knock on...<br />
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I just heard Eric Johnson say this quote at my church that I thought was perfect for where I find myself..<br />
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"When God closes one door He opens another, but it can be Hell in the hallway."<br />
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I am in the hallway, knocking on doors. I'm not where I'm supposed to be yet and it gets discouraging knocking on doors with no answer, but I've gotta keep trying.<br />
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I get choked up every. single. time. I sing a line in my new song Thrive that says:<br />
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"These dreams in my head, they seem too big, but I cannot give up on them yet.."<br />
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I can't give up. I want to give up. The discouragement swallows me up sometimes.. But I know these songs aren't just for me to sing to myself, but that they were given to me to give out, to encourage others where they are at.<br />
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So I combat the voices that tell me to quit. It's not easy, but it's so good. My faith is growing everyday and songs swell up in my heart in these moments and I know all the pain and wrestling isn't the end of the story.Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-48620406177008024052017-11-08T12:18:00.002-08:002017-11-08T12:18:18.378-08:00The Life EP Release Show 10/27/17I wanted to write a little recap of The Life EP Release Show that happened on my Birthday October 27th!<br />
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The day of the show was a WHIRLWIND.<br />
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I prepped like crazy ahead of time to make sure everything was ready. From the order of the Show, to Set Lists (I played 3 mini sets!), to the photo booth props, to making sure the video stuff ran well (projector, screen, videos from directors and more), to merch set up, to marketing on social media, to printing flyers, printing business cards and the cute little coloring pages for the kids! And SO much more.<br />
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It was QUITE the undertaking, on top of doing mom life and just LIFE in general! The day of the show I felt that sick, tingling feeling in my nose and I was like "REALLY?! TODAY OF ALL DAYS?!" I persisted and took cold meds, nose spray, tea and tried to take it easy on my voice. Me and Jesse ran through our set lists that afternoon and I felt like, "hey I can do this!"
I got my makeup on, dressed up in my Lularoe dress from The Good Life music video and Brett packed up 2 cars full of sound equipment, merchandise and decorations.<br />
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I felt that nervous feeling building in my stomach like "Can I pull this off to the extent that I planned?! Will people even come?!?!" I REALLY wanted it to go how I envisioned it, but it's never guaranteed with an event like this, so I just kept moving, and pushed the thought away.<br />
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I tell you all of this to REALLY show the behind the scenes of something like this! The show is just the tip of the iceberg. It takes a ton of prep and planning to make a show like this run "Successfully"!
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Here was my order for the Show. My Mom hosted which was really fun to bring someone else in (instead of just me) to guide the show. My mom also ran the merch table, Brett did the video stuff, Marco ran sound and my sister Amy watched my kiddos! It was a team effort for sure.
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***Order of Show***<br />
*Heather Introduce Kevin*<br />
-Kevin Schlereth<br />
-VIDEO (Story about The Life EP)<br />
-Heather plays 3 songs<br />
-MOM LIFE MUSIC VIDEO<br />
-Q&A VIDEO with Pete<br />
-BAND plays The Life EP<br />
-THE GOOD LIFE MUSIC VIDEO<br />
***ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF RAFFLE***<br />
-Introduce Heather and Jesse<br />
-Heather and Jesse Play<br />
(LOOP VIDEO’S at the end or Photos..)<br />
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We Set up The Fig Tree for the show. We hung vintage lights behind us, set up a photo booth area, set up a really fun merch area, rearranged chairs and even set up a coloring area for the kids! I did all I could do to make the show awesome and I prayed people would come. I felt like the night wasn't going to just be about me (I kind of hate things being about me anyways!), but for someone else who had dreams in their heart that they didn't know how they were going to do it and I'd be able to speak into that dream and help it grow through my story. I was really expectant of what was going to happen!<br />
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As it got closer to show time, the Cafe started filling up with all of the faces of people who had spoken into my dream and the people I'd met along the way! My fear turned quickly to JOY and Gratefulness seeing their faces!<br />
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My Touring Friend Kevin Schlereth along with his back up singer Jay and Kevin's family were also in town and opened the show! It was THE BEST having him there. He has been really encouraging to me over the years with my music journey and is also an incredible performer!<br />
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Then Me and Jesse played 3 songs, that sort of took me off guard on how emotional I felt singing those old songs! I think because they were songs that LED to where I am today. I wrote them coming "out of the woods" of depression during a really rough season after losing our 1st baby, then also after having a nightmare pregnancy, delivery and recovery with Trust. I felt like I'd never be well enough to play music again and these songs came out of that time. </div>
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I played the Wall 1st with Jesse on Drums and Hayane on Violin, and it says "You come tell me 'have faith in what you can't see', when I'm too focused on the things that try to break me, and you come sweetly, and I'm so humbled, oh God you love me, you bring life back to these Eyes..."</div>
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Then I played Awaken Me, a song that literally WOKE me up from the season of Depression I was in after losing our first baby. I added a part at the end that says "It's time to live, it's time to dream, it's time to lift up your weary head, time to lift up your weary head.." and as I sang it, I felt like there were people sitting in the room who had dreams in their heart that this song was for! Like God was waking them up! I sort of spoke out to those people I felt like it was for in the moment and felt VERY moved emotionally as I flowed into the song Ordinary that says "She thinks she's ordinary but I think she could change the world, change the world." Not only did that line move me again, I saw it moving others as well! I looked out and met eyes with specific people I felt like the song was for and KNEW it wasn't just a song for me, but a call for others too!<br />
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THIS is why I LOVE doing music. I get so insecure preparing for something, but at the end of the day, it's NOT ABOUT ME. It's really about making those heart connections with people through the music. When I just SING and let go of all my control, fear and doubt, that's when the breakthrough comes!<br />
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Next, we did the Premiere of the Mom Life Music Video and it was a blast to see everyones reactions! From laughing, to nodding in agreement with the video, to happy crying at the ending! I'm so glad I was able to share it with my close friends and family first! Pete King my buddy who directed it even sent a little Q and A video we showed after the music video too. Here's the Mom Life music video if you haven't seen it yet:<br />
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Next I played with a mini band the songs on The Life EP! Aaron was on Bass, Jesse was on the Drums, Hayane was on the Violin and of course I sang and played Acoustic Guitar. IT WAS SOOOOO FUN playing with a band! It definitely gave the songs a fuller sound and we had a lot of fun practicing for the show as well. Grateful they agreed to play with me! My favorite part of the band set was when everyone sang along at the end of The Good Life!! "This is our life, this is our life, we're living the good life.."<br />
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After the band section of the night, we Premiered The Good Life music video! It'll Officially be released in the coming weeks, so be on the lookout for it!</div>
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My Mom did a great job hosting the night and we had a fun raffle for some merch! She also ran my Merch Table and made it pretty :)</div>
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Me and Jesse Finished out the night with some songs that were a blast from the past like "The Driving Song", "Over You" and some new songs about turning 30, "This is my Time" and "Be Patient with Me" </div>
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I felt so LOVED that night! I'm so grateful for each person that came and all the people that encouraged me along this journey! I know that this release is only the beginning and I can't wait to see what happens next!! </div>
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Be sure to follow along on all my social media to see what I'm up to and check out The Life EP on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and more!!</div>
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<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-66188834271395837262017-10-10T10:33:00.001-07:002017-10-10T11:37:49.905-07:00The Pushback & The Breakthrough.What an emotional rollercoaster the last few weeks have been!<br />
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I have been hard after my goals for releasing this EP. I've been submitting to 100's of Music Bloggers, College Radio Stations, Local Media, Licensing companies and Music Supervisors that find music for TV & Film. </div>
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I LITERALLY got an eye twitch from looking at the computer too long & stressing a little too much. </div>
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Why was I so stressed? I think the fear of what people would think, if they would even listen to it or receive it, of not getting the response I was hoping for had me so worked up!! At one point I was feeling sooo anxious and so much pushback, I had to take a break for a few days and do some soul searching. </div>
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At the same time, everything was going wrong with the Digital Distribution of The Life EP. They had the wrong title of the EP (It still says "single" for 3 songs on iTunes! ugh!) and the CD company I was going through sent me someone else's CD's & the mug company I was trying to order through messed up my logo & I had to cancel my order. </div>
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EVERYTHING WAS GOING WRONG. WHAT THE HECK?!?! Was I supposed to be doing this?? What did I do wrong??</div>
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There is this funny thing that happens in life when you are on the right track and SO close to your breakthrough called "Pushback". Pushback is there to discourage you from your goal, to get you off track so that you don't do what you are called to do! </div>
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I started to put two and two together and started praying <i>hard</i>. Every chance I got, praying for breakthrough, encouragement and provision. </div>
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Well, not long after I started praying, breakthrough started to happen! </div>
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I needed Strings for my Guitar & had sold 3 CD's at my last gig & it was the exact amount I needed to buy the Strings!! Small but cool Breakthrough.<br />
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I got an opportunity to do a Radio Interview with a Station back in Ohio! It was awesome to be able to tell my story and talk about The Life EP.</div>
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A friend messaged me on FB about a really amazing music opportunity for Breast Cancer Awareness at Galleria Mall and it encouraged my heart so much!! Especially since one of my friends is about ready to battle Breast Cancer & start Chemo in the next few weeks.</div>
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I was worried about how much the mugs were going to cost up front, and honestly didn't have the money when I ordered them from the company, but I was believing they would pay for themselves in the long run. I found a different and AMAZING boutique company that makes the CUTEST mugs. I prayed specifically for the money for the mugs. Later that day I received a phone call from a friend about a music opportunity that would pay the EXACT AMOUNT I'd need to get the mugs!!! Breakthrough.<br />
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I started getting some responses back from the emails I had been sending 2 were from music licensing companies that wanted to shop my music to TV and Film Music Supervisors! I signed Non- Exclusive deals with both and I am hopeful something will happen. All it would take is for one song to be used in a show and things would start changing financially for us! Breakthrough.</div>
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I FINALLY got my ACTUAL EP! It showed up on my doorstep and I had a great relief in my heart that it was going to be ok! Breakthrough.<br />
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I got to see a draft of the Mom Life Music Video and it made me cry happy tears. I know the storyline is going to touch so many momma's hearts!! It's going to be soooo good you guys! Yet another Breakthrough.</div>
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I had a show at my friends photography studio that was really encouraging and I even saw a woman crying because of one of my songs. Then a man came up to me afterward saying how much my song Out of the Woods meant to him. That is why I do music. To bring hope, light and breakthrough to others through my story! </div>
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I KNOW that right now is a make it or break it moment. That I have the choice to either get discouraged by my circumstances & be disabled by fear or RISE ABOVE in faith and Pushback at the Pushback! hahaha! I think the reason why the pushback is so strong is because what I have in my heart is meant to be shared to give that hope & light that people desperately need. So I won't give up, but will be motivated by the fact that I'm on the right track.<br />
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On a happy note, the physical copies of The Life EP is available on my website: <a href="http://www.heatherevansmusic.com/store" target="_blank">www.heatherevansmusic.com/store</a> and you can PRE-ORDER the songs on iTunes NOW!<br />
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It's all coming together. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!!</div>
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Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-74701906003020060262017-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:002017-09-28T09:46:43.245-07:00Getting ready for take off..WOW. I can't believe how far I've come.<br />
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October marks a one year anniversary of when I felt like God gave me a picture of me walking in the desert toward a downpour of rain. I felt like He was showing me that the outpouring and abundance was coming and as I walked toward it, to prepare on the way. I started practicing writing and getting ready for whatever that meant.<br />
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Later I got a word about being like a seed bursting open ready to grow and bloom.<br />
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Then, I got a dream in my heart to make a 3 song EP, had NO BUDGET, but felt like it was time and to step out in faith. I contacted Jeremy Edwardson at Sound House Studios in Redding, started recording with Jeffrey Kunde (amazing guitarist with Jesus Culture) and paid the Studio IN FULL from a miracle money provision situation. It was such an encouragement to be able to do that!<br />
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I made 2 music videos and got TONS of cool photos and promo video material.<br />
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It's definitely been a soul searching journey and I feel like I've grown a ton. I'm leaving behind not feeling good enough, feeling embarrassed about what I have to give, fear and doubt! I've tried to doubt so many times and God LITERALLY sends me someone I don't know that tells me "I feel like God told me you have a creative gifting, specifically music and He wants you to go after it." WOW.<br />
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Now, THE LIFE EP IS DONE.<br />
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-I submitted all my music files and artwork to get the hard copies of the EP to sell, and they should be coming to my doorstep on October 4th!<br />
-I submitted all of my music to iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and more.<br />
-I've been working hard to send my Electronic Press Kit to over 70 music bloggers, 50+ local media, my Columbus contacts and more.<br />
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-I'm working on unique merchandise items that I think people beyond my music are even going to love!<br />
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-I'm working on getting everything ready for the EP Release Party at Fig Tree Coffee on October 27th from flyers, to band practice (I'm gonna have a 4 piece band!), to marketing the show and making it super special..<br />
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It's exciting times, but it's a ton of work and takes COURAGE to put yourself out there like that. I have a lot of things in the works and it's hard to keep it all straight sometimes! I even made a little dry erase calendar to help me schedule out my social media posts!<br />
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I've wrestled through my fair share of fear, but I'm pressing through and not letting it stop me!<br />
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I'm going to be reaching out to my amazing community to help me get the word about The Life EP out there, mostly through sharing the Music Videos on Social Media and I'll also be running some AD's to get some new listeners! I'm also hoping to land a few songs in some TV shows and indie films. I'm really going full steam ahead and will need all the support I can get.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has been with me cheering me on on this journey. I am REALLY grateful for your voice of encouragement in my life and has kept me moving forward. Now, I think I'm ready for take off and I can't wait to see what happens!Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-88339344827017108922017-09-14T15:03:00.000-07:002017-09-14T15:03:00.108-07:00The Good Life - Behind the Scenes & Wrapping up The Life EP<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-AxqjWvN-7I" width="480"></iframe><br />
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We had so much fun shooting The Good Life music video with our friend Sergio Perez and his family! They have 3 girls that our kids love. They showed us their cute little chickens and we shared marshmallow's with them after we were done shooting the video. :)<br />
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Sergio took us to a REALLY gorgeous secret spot on his property that ended up being part of the scenery for the video. There is a big pond & I played my guitar out on the water on a really pretty white paddle boat. I was a little nervous that I would fall in the water with my guitar, but I did it gracefully without any typical "Heather moments". Haha!<br />
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We also made a little campfire and got some shots of Me and my husband and the kids eating marshmallows and snuggling in a quilt my great grandmother made.<br />
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A few days later we went to a creek and I made little origami boats that we raced and of course we got into a splash fight! We played for a while in the creek with Sergio's family and on a nearby playground! I love that they have become some of our good friends through this.<br />
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Me and my amazing husband also went back to the magical spot where we shot The Good Life music video to get some promo photos and also some Story Behind the Songs video. I'll be releasing those one at a time to hopefully keep some interest up!<br />
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Here's some sneak peeks of some of those photos:<br />
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<b>I also got all the MASTER TRACKS for The Life EP from Jeremy Edwardson at Sound House Studios!!! It's been such a crazy, fun, hard, exciting journey!! I can't believe that it's almost done!!!</b><br />
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The next steps for The Life EP is:<br />
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-wrap up artwork for the EP (I've been sort of indecisive about it, but I think I've finally landed on my idea!)<br />
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-order physical copies of The Life EP<br />
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-Get it distributed online to iTunes, Spotify, Amazon & more<br />
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-Plan the EP Release show on October 27th (My Birthday!) at Fig Tree Coffee in Roseville, CA<br />
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-Get merchandise that is really unique and cool (I'm so excited about this!!)<br />
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-sending The Life EP out to all the media<br />
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-create a buzz (with the help of my amazing friends & fam!)<br />
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-create a timeline on how to release the videos, lyric posts, story behind the songs videos and more!<br />
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-Enjoy the process, because it's finally HERE!<br />
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I know there are SO many more things but these are the main things to do for now.<br />
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You should see me smiling right now. I'M LIVING THE DREAM I NEVER THOUGHT I'D GET TO DO.<br />
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I'm not saying it's been easy, but it feels so good to be on the other side of all of the doubt. I'm sure I'll doubt some more along the way, but I'm more sure now than when I first started! :)<br />
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Not to go too deep here but what is holding you back from your dream? No time? Kids? Fear? Doubt? Lack of self-confidence? Not feeling good enough? --- Can I just reassure you, you can do it DESPITE all of those things, I know this because <b><i>I did</i></b>. It might mean early mornings, late nights, LOTS of coffee, frustration, plans that don't go the way <b><i>YOU</i></b> plan, interruptions, doubting yourself 500 times, crying (lots of crying in my case), smiling in videos where you feel like everything is going wrong because your kids don't want to be in your video (OH that's just me haha), BUT it's worth the blood, sweat, broken plans, fake smiles & tears. You'll be <b><i>stronger</i></b> because of that grueling process and by the time you're supposed to do something bigger, you'll already be prepared for it. So don't let anything hold you back. Don't let your fears stop you because actually, they'll only make you better when you face them head on.<br />
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<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-64590997787358910842017-08-29T09:39:00.001-07:002017-08-29T09:42:20.488-07:00Behind the Scenes of the Mom Life Music Video & The Good Life Music Video!I Wrote "Mom Life" in a VERY hard mom season. Story was maybe 8 months old, not sleeping through the night, teething, very clingy, whiny and I was having a tough time with nursing and Trust was feeling like I wasn't giving him as much attention as Story and was majorly acting out. I was feeling very overwhelmed.<br />
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I felt like the only way I could get through some days was lots of Coffee and LOTS of "breath prayers" that were more like distress signals, saying "Jesus, HELP." I counted down the seconds until my husband got home so I could take a 10 minute break and decompress or just be by myself for 2 seconds, only to find a little kid in the doorway telling me about some deep theology about lego mini figures.<br />
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I snuck away one night and sat on the bed in my room with my guitar and the song "Mom Life" came out all in one moment! I honestly think it's one of the most clever songs I've ever written and it literally just flowed out of all the situations I currently found myself in.<br />
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About 2 years ago, after I had written the song, I had a dream about making "Mom Life" into a funny, heartwarming Music Video, to encourage other mom's walking through similar seasons. Something moms could relate to, find comfort from, laugh at and cry with..<br />
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SO, WE DID IT. I made that tiny dream into a reality with the help of Pete King, Joseph and Adam!<br />
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Here's a behind the scenes video of the day of shooting!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LZi54MXzl6I" width="480"></iframe><br />
It wasn't all roses and butterflies. In proper Mom Life fashion, the kids were whiny, didn't want to do the scenes and I felt a little disheartened, wondering if it was going to work. Pete, Adam and Joseph hung in there with us and by the afternoon, things started to get better for me. I think I sort of let go at a certain point and was like "Well, it'll be an honest video about Mom Life!" haha!<br />
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I had a lot of fun getting to "act" in the video! I felt like it was something that I really enjoyed doing.<br />
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At about 4pm we shot some band shots with some friends from my church's kids worship team: Emily on bass, Paul on Electric, and my brother in law Jesse on the drums and Sister Amy on the Keys!<br />
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I changed my look from PJ's to glam, dressed in a Lularoe outfit styled by my friend Ali Gattison! Check her out on FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lularoealigattison" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lularoealigattison</a> She did such a great job finding something in my color palette!<br />
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My husband Brett did a GREAT job being extra support for the kids AND shooting behind the scenes footage on video and with his fancy camera! He's amazing! Here's some of the photos he captured:<br />
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<br />
The Life EP is being mixed and mastered as we speak! I am humbled that I got to work some music all-stars like Jeffrey Kunde, Andrew Jackson and Jeremy Edwardson at SoundHouse in Redding! I am chomping at the bit waiting to hear the final versions of the songs... Then the Mom Life Music Video can be edited by Pete, then released when the EP is officially out, HOPEFULLY at the end of October.<br />
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I am also about ready to shoot a video for "The Good Life" next week with my friend Sergio Perez! It'll be really simple and heartwarming with lots of shots of our family at sunset and around a campfire! I love that it's been my friends that have been the ones to help make these videos. It makes it much more special for sure.<br />
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I also got some REALLY COOL hand scripted lyrics from my friend Elizabeth Hosford to sell at my Merch Table! Check out her creations on Instagram at: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/choicearrowcreations" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/choicearrowcreations</a><br />
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I'm working really hard to come up with some really fantastic, one of a kind Merch items and Bundles, I can't wait for you to see!!<br />
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST, Join the Email Newsletter BELOW! I have 2 people that have subscribed so far haha! Lets add some more! You'll get all sorts of fun info and freebies, so make sure you're not missing out!<br />
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<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-70145993051134130372017-08-07T16:16:00.002-07:002017-08-07T16:24:09.568-07:00Noisetrade, The "Mom Life" Music Video & Conquering Fears.I am ALL about being open and honest about my "process" as a musician, mom & person. If you follow me on social media, you know that to be true. :) I hope that my transparency helps someone else in their process & helps you to know you're not alone!<br />
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So here's my process these last few weeks..<br />
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Last week I started a mini Fundraiser on <a href="http://www.noisetrade.com/heatherevansmusic" target="_blank">www.noisetrade.com/heatherevansmusic</a> to help raise some money to market "The Life EP". I'm selling "Songs for Healing" for $6 or donation of people's choice, to hopefully make the extra money I need to get "The Life EP where it needs to go.<br />
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Up to this point I had been self sufficient, paying for recording & a music video on my own, but I realized I needed some help! I didn't have a dime to actually make copies of the EP, merch & all the ways you need to pay for ADs on social media to widen your reach as an artist &so many other little things. If you're an indie musician, you know how quickly the costs can mount! I also want to make another music video for "20 Years From Now", a song that always hits people's hearts when I play it live. One of my goals with music is to have the music fund the music, & to never draw from our personal money, because we don't have a lot of extra.<br />
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In my heart of hearts, I REALLY want to do this EP right. In the past I've released albums, but I've never had a real marketing plan behind them. They each had mini successes, but it had nothing to do with marketing, just random luck really. This time around, I have a solid marketing plan, know what I want, & I know it's going to go places!! I'm dreaming BIG &it's exciting AND extremely SCARY at the same time!<br />
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So, I felt sort of embarrassed & discouraged when no one responded to the post about the Noisetrade Fundraiser at first. Fear rose up in my heart, "is this going to work? What if no one likes my music? Who am I to think I could do what I'm planning to do?" I even broke down cried on a FB Live when I expressed my heart for this project & just longing for someone to believe in me.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FBydLYnEt94" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I prayed, cried and God got to work. Right after I prayed, I got an Email from Noisetrade asking if I wanted to be featured in the "New & Noteable" section of their website & featured in their newsletter. They have a reach of 1.7 million listeners! What a PERFECT opportunity to build my reach right before "The Life EP" release! The Noisetrade Feature is happening on August 14th and my husband Brett captured some stunning promo photos for it! Can't wait to see what happens when the Feature runs!<br />
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Later that night I checked my Noisetrade Fundraiser status & I'd raised $100 in ONE DAY! Not only that but people were texting me & messaging me about how they were connecting to the "Songs for Healing" EP.<br />
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Talk about a humbling experience! I hate that I let fear corner me sometimes. I KNOW I'm supposed to dream big for this project, but I let fear tell me otherwise! I forget what The Lord has spoken to me so quick!<br />
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To ensure I wouldn't forget anymore, I made a DREAM WALL. My dream wall is there so that in moments of fear and doubt, I can look at what my community says about me, inspirational quotes, song lyrics, pictures, the words I feel like I've gotten from God about this project, My hopes, and my dreams for it. It's amazing to see everyday & gives me courage!<br />
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This weekend, Pete King is helping me shoot the "Mom Life" Music Video! I'm hustling this week getting my house cleaned, because we are filming it at my house! It will be a pretty realistic depiction of a "day in the life" of being a momma! I'm so stoked about that. My worlds of being a mom to 2 kiddies and being a musician are colliding!<br />
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My friend Ali Gattison, did an amazing job "styling" me in some Lularoe outfits for the Music Video! I had a blast trying everything on & I love how mix & match everything was. Here's a little peek at what she picked out for me, but you'll have to wait to see which one I chose! :)<br />
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ONE LAST THING! I'm diving into the world of Email newsletters! I plan on sharing fun life updates and EXCLUSIVE songs & videos with just my "Adventures with Heather newsletter" subscribers! The Journey is about to get exciting, so now is the perfect time to join! If you'd like to join, sign up below!<br />
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<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-78498119264953874802017-03-13T20:13:00.001-07:002017-03-13T20:13:27.219-07:00Walking toward the Rain.<div id="yui_3_17_2_13_1489457598816_559" style="font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">It's been over a year since I moved to Northern California. </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_17_2_13_1489457598816_557" style="font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_17_2_13_1489457598816_557" style="font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I am slowly getting more opportunities to share my music again in small ways, building a network & community, but to be honest, it's been hard. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I'm naturally a dreamer and a doer, and being in a season of not dreaming or doing anything was really tough, but it grew my foundation & root system deeper still. I had to look inward, work on the things in me that needed growth and TRUST that God is the same God that opened doors for me in Ohio & He can do the same for me here. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I practiced the guitar despite not having somewhere to play it, I sang though no one could hear me, I listened to worship songs, built community around myself, attended my church & soaked in the healing presence of God & I waited patiently in the process. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I got a picture at my church's small group of me walking through a dry, cracked desert. As I looked ahead of me in the distance I could see a dark cloud and downpour of rain! I fixed my eyes on the rain and walked toward it. I felt like that picture was basically of the place where I feel like I am. It's dry, and nothing is happening yet, but I am walking toward the downpour of the Holy Spirit, abundance, opportunities & I'm preparing on the way so that I'm ready when the downpour comes. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Person after person has given me similar words. One of my friends saw me as a seed starting to crack open and beginning to grow & that the opportunities would come. Another friend said they saw a bunch of open doors for me & another said my music would move in power in people's lives and heal. Even at my church Jesus Culture's Encounter conference, they played song after song that said things like "We need a fresh outpouring" or "Let it rain" and I just sobbed! It was like God was reassuring me, "the rain is coming. Keep walking toward the Rain, Toward me."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It's such a beautiful thing now when I get even small opportunities. I am SO GRATEFUL for even getting to play an open mic or leading worship at my small group. It's a gift. I used to take it for granted because I had so much going on, now I'm just grateful for every single opportunity! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So, I'm walking toward the rain, preparing on the way. Enjoying every opportunity to share my music. </span></div>
Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-36347943977946984962016-12-26T20:51:00.000-08:002016-12-26T20:59:38.968-08:00My Grandma Waugh, The Ultimate Role-Model<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We just spent a few days in Ohio this past weekend & it was a fun, hard, sad, happy, all the emotions kind of weekend. We got to spend lots of time with Brett's family & we got to spend the afternoon with my Grandma Waugh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I wasn't prepared for the time we spent with Grandma. She was fine when she was sitting but every time she insisted to get up to help me find something in the kitchen, she could barely breathe & she was super shaky. She wore a BIG smile on her face to mask her pain, but I could see through it. I told her to stay seated & I got her a sandwich, some Tylenol & 7 up. She kept saying her ribs hurt & I knew something wasn't right. We talked like we always do, about life & what we've been up to. She loved seeing Story & Trust & doted upon them & smiled watching them play. She kept saying how pretty Story is & how handsome & big Trust is. I almost forgot about how breathless she was earlier, until she got up when we had to leave. She could barely walk us to the door & she stood at the window, like she always does & waved as we passed by in the car. She was in pain, but she didn't let it show, but I knew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I bawled as we left. I felt so nervous to leave her. She was NOT doing well & I called my dad and told him what was going on. I said "dad you gotta call the brothers to get her checked out. She is not doing well." I also told him he needed to come see her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">He called the brothers, they called the squad & they took her to the hospital. To everyone's surprise, they discovered she has a blood clot in her lung, probably had a heart attack & has stage 4 cancer that is an aggressive, rapidly moving cancer all throughout her body. The doctors are amazed she's not in much pain & at her cheerful demeanor, despite what she's going through. What a STRONG lady.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> They just sent her home from the hospital with hospice to make her more comfortable as she walks this tough road. My dad & mom also flew to Ohio to be with her over Christmas. Really grateful they got to see her. I'm also very grateful she has 4 sons local + grandkids that can check on her & keep her company. Makes it a little easier knowing she has support, even though it's hard not being there for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">My Grandma Waugh is my ultimate mom/grandma role model. She has taught me SO much about motherhood, life & love over the years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I remember her telling me about raising 5 boys that she was the 1st one up & the last one to bed. She made homemade meals & homemade bread everyday. She was also the last one to sit down to eat, making sure everyone was taken care of. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">When I'd ask what it was like to raise 5 ornery boys she said wonderful but admitted that some nights she'd cry, but then she'd get up and do it all over again. I told her I only have 2 kids & I feel like that some times! What an amazing mom she is! Even now that her boys are older she would do anything for them. She's there when they need her to this day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">She is an amazing Grandmother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I have only good, warm, loving memories of going to my Grandma Waugh's house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Holidays were magical. She cooked the best meals from scratch, spending hours in the kitchen, BUT if a grandkid came in the kitchen, she'd stop what she was doing & smile & acknowledge us or sneak us some food. Her house was festive & full of joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Nothing was off limits for the Grandkids. We'd play with her jewelry, makeup, she'd put curlers in our hair, we'd roller skate in her basement, she had toys & special books we loved. (she still has some that my kids play with & read!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">She made us fun treats like homemade popped corn, espresso cups of carnation instant coffee (we felt so grown up & probably why I love coffee to this day), she made the most amazing homemade lasagna, cornbread, beans & fried potatoes. She fed us like kings & queens!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We'd sleep in her giant King sized bed with her & watch Walker Texas Ranger until we'd fall asleep. We also watched Murder She Wrote & Matlock! Probably why I love Murder Mysteries today too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">When I got married, she found out Brett my husband doesn't like cooked vegetables and prepared him a HUGE platter of fresh vegetables just for him to eat! She always made us huge meals when we'd come to visit, including her famous mashed potatoes & magical green beans. Cooking is definitely her love language!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I love talking to Grandma. We talk about the problems in the world & always come back to the basic problem of the break down of the family causing pain in people's lives. It makes sense! She is wise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">She's also always been super independent. From the time my Grandfather died when I was 8 years old, she's lived on her own & done really well, still driving & getting her own groceries & getting around town. Even before we came, though she could hardly walk without gasping for air, she went to the grocery to get us food. That woman!! Stubborn in the best of ways. She rarely asks for help for herself & it was only because I told my dad to have his brothers check on her, that she went to the hospital. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">My Grandma Waugh is love in action. She made soup for me & let me lay on her couch & watch TV many times when I was sick (my doctor was down the street from her house). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">She loves babies!! Playing with them, snuggling them, kissing them, smiling at them, she loves her grand babies so well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><img alt="" id="id_7952_6985_1986_ba17" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5kO157smlmuAJzilVIsmWEwF_o4ljgOqgAkdfrRUH6WMEUWZskJ877DZ_BBjX5w-3cPOKYCdj_Th7TKEYPGJp_wBSA854wfNmUTreHDR2cMxyhrl-ga9svtf3PU96vI8SkpFYKErCOcT/" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /> </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_528e_d0f4_fa51_bbff" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71114kbHAY3FiiFnMTsbCbN0E_F0tzbNhPcmDjq0pSDFWZ1k5gGx-7OEjMYsKFTUJgRUOeUYEHdo3yA3tLTTnDRODV823qTY9hIKa2affuvRJVxBQDd9Erg71zrn-37IGE9wyO2b8s-hH/" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /> <span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_e401_37b5_f21c_8724" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh264_GTul7Al98rw59fJHKlBOvXvjXMUl4YyR5K0H2ED4Uzy__mEq10DRSSCCKAYyXyGysE6UN3cfqPvDLvRAdM99feRIiIvTxsn-mLoGTp-2yUnSj6vT41mIRH-rBjVLpwV4KF5DO3RAq/" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /> </div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">She came to the hospital when my kids were born, because she had to see her grand babies, she just couldn't wait! I have a precious photo of her adoringly looking at Story, so sweet!</span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_be44_199d_7cb6_5c9c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMpaOnc9DSRKSPxCatn1aCKu_lEmIruxfkaAnZ3t-iYSERt8kFncZ5FO02uPFxgi4XKd3imJozF0b1hDWvtO9J9Iy8nKuIg-G20EmcE7igLgs1o_16_H1OmvwsygNndAbiWIWIlwEkdyB/" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /> <span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><img alt="" id="id_4093_7077_b112_30a5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxAI__wzxigIBuh9LwNGOh81kuIGsvRR3f33MsvsqYNwti_6O4D9y2OVkAEoCcbM29Trupu4dx5E7vs8_jFA6Jk6P8RFWju49rGP7xkFPTQOIG8rxaJePXs_pEv_ElnL4_Vl64MlwcUTf/" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /> </div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">She also let us come over when our AC was out & it was 95 degrees. She fed us all kinds of food & spoiled the kids. She is the best! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I've never known someone so supportive & truly interested & invested in knowing about me and my life! She makes me feel so special when I am there! That is such a gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Gosh, I could go on and on. My heart aches that she is so sick. It's hard to think about a day I won't be able to call her & tell her about my kids milestones or an adventure we went on or hear about what hallmark show she's been watching or about my uncles & cousins (she always fills me in on everyone!). She's the link that holds all of our family together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Tomorrow, my sister, mom & dad and our families are celebrating Christmas together & we are going to make all of Grandma Waugh's recipes & will make them every year to pass on her memory. Her Green Beans, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, fruit salad & cream pie will always live on through us & I hope to measure up to be even half the woman she is!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Love you Grammy Waugh. I love who you are and I am praying for you and with you on this road ahead. </span></div>
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Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-34075760037020661532016-10-11T12:05:00.001-07:002016-10-11T12:05:25.430-07:00ADVENTURES W/Heather VLOG - Palomarian Beach 10-10-16<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LtDvKhqx9uA" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
Yesterday was so magical!<br /><br />
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My son Trust was off school & my dad was off work, so we decided it was time for an adventure to the beach! My husband surprised us & got off work at the last minute & came with us too!<br /><br />
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We decided to go to one of our favorite secret beaches Palomarian Beach, that you literally have to hike to & slide down a steep incline to get to. Last time we came to this beach we found it by accident looking for a waterfall, but man I am glad we did! There are a bunch of smooth stones & tidepools with sea anemones, urchins, starfish, snails, crabs & all kinds of wild life! The roar of the waves is so loud you have to shout & it lulls your senses & worries of the day. We basked in the warm sun & I found a bunch of treasures along the shore.<br /><br />
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I don't know what it is about nature, but it really helps reset my heart & inspires me to get back to the dreams that can lose momentum in the busyness of life. Here in California, life is really lived outdoors & I love it! There is so much to see here & I can't wait to adventure to more places with my family.<br /><br />
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Hope you enjoy my cute little VLOG of our day trip!<br /><br />
<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-3358158814186083272016-10-07T08:52:00.001-07:002016-10-07T08:52:12.844-07:00A Typical day- adventures w/Heather vlog<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U3TLvM_1_l8" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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Sometimes Mom life is a little less than glamorous & sometimes I feel like it's a little less than social media worthy, but this is my life right now & I wanna own it & rock it! These days feel SO long but SO fast at the same time! I know it's just a short season & my kids will be grown up. I know I'll love looking back on what my "typical day" looked like.<br /><br />
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If you are rocking mom life right now & feel insignificant, know what you are doing is the most important thing to your kids & family!Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-80851975094747547032016-07-23T11:16:00.001-07:002016-07-25T14:40:41.958-07:00When Can't turns to Can*Deep Breath* This has happened to me before. <div><br></div><div>I've questioned whether I can do music because I have a kid. Now I have TWO kids & I live in a new place where no one knows me, & I left behind lots of friends that do music & it's hard. I find myself asking "should I just quit?" </div><div><br></div><div>Before when I was going through the "I've gotta quit music" faze I cried, I mourned, I felt sorry for myself & wrote a song to get through my grief. 😂 Do you think quitting music worked out for me?! Haha </div><div><br></div><div>No, it didn't! In fact, the "I can't" voice in my head was so loud, I started to get stubborn & wanted to prove it wrong. I wanted to dream again, but I was SCARED. </div><div><br></div><div>Being a stay at home mom is a super high calling & I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well. To me, I felt like doing music was going to be a distraction from the greater work of raising Trust, but that thinking became a road block & a hindrance. I started to separate myself into categories and boxes & decided ok, if it doesn't fit into my mom box, then I can't do it.</div><div><br></div><div>Needless to say, this didn't work out for me very well. I started to break down emotionally. I was pouring out myself to the point of almost punishing myself. Do you get what I mean? Like you give your kid all the veggies & you just get the bread, it's all out of love, but you end up getting sick because you aren't getting what you need. Or like how they tell you on an airplane, "put the air mask on yourself first, then help your kids get theirs on." Because if you are dead, you can't help anyone else.</div><div><br></div><div>Lightbulb moment! </div><div><br></div><div>Music to me is my veggies, & not to be cheesy, it's my oxygen. It's how I connect with God through singing to Him my worries & concerns or how I engage through worship. It's how I process my day. It's my journal entry, they just turn out as songs! I am NO GOOD to Trust or Story unless I can take care of my heart. I'm a leaky bucket, I can pour myself out so well but need filled up! </div><div><br></div><div>Also, my kids need to see me model doing what my passion is so they can have courage to do their passions one day! To take risks in a way where they say "man, mom really stepped out & trusted God in that thing, & it worked! I can step out too!" </div><div><br></div><div>I saw this happen when I stepped out to make a music video to raise awareness about human trafficking. Trust was 3 & God placed this HUGE burden on my heart for women stuck in Sex Trafficking & a good friend who was a video producer helped me make a $100,000+ music video with the help of a bunch of amazing volunteers, all for free, because they BELIEVED in the cause. They got inspired and ended up taking the project to the next level & made a documentary Short about the realities of sex trafficking in the U.S. </div><div><br></div><div>I guess the biggest lesson I'm learning is to TRUST God in the season He has me in & know He hasn't forgotten me. </div><div><br></div><div>It's easy to feel forgotten as a mom. You put everyone else's needs ahead of your own & at the end of the day you feel so tired & worn out that you're not sure if what you're doing matters or is making an impact. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not gonna lie, I go all out as a mom. Yummy meals & snacks, activities, fun outings, & a schedule we follow. But... Watching other people's instagram's can make what you are doing seems dumb or less than, even ordinary. It's not a glamorous life.</div><div><br></div><div>BUT what if these little lives I'm pouring into are worth every ordinary second. They are learning & growing & changing so fast! It's a long grueling season in some respects, but in other ways it's like a blink!</div><div><br></div><div>My son Trust starts kindergarten in a few weeks & I can't believe the amazing little man he is becoming! So sweet, caring and intuitive of people's emotions. He's Super empathetic. He wants to be a movie Director & Actor one day. What if he becomes a super famous Director that makes world changing movies? We are raising future adults! What an honor! </div><div><br></div><div>I took a step to write down some dreams I have for my music this year. They are smaller dreams but I think it's powerful to write them down & not be scared of them & to ask the Lord SPECIFICALLY what you want. I know my limitations, but with The Lord there are no limitations! I've seen it time & time again & it's fun to watch Him move & open doors!</div><div><br></div><div>So dream AND be amazing mommas. We can do both & not lack in either area. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Turn that I can't into I can & ask God specifically what you want! He is not scared of your dreams! Let's move some mountains! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddL2zZefS4nrWUyzEY0XBzlPrnnPHKiESB1JnvnoCRj4yYtzj3SrAkgA_jkgJgKnpOFlp18WlOk0XBhyphenhyphen7utYW44oH1BVtEm3bnc54B70i00xMtwJWKUkqr-R3y3l6QKqN1YgSuBBF0Te_/s640/blogger-image-1241448246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddL2zZefS4nrWUyzEY0XBzlPrnnPHKiESB1JnvnoCRj4yYtzj3SrAkgA_jkgJgKnpOFlp18WlOk0XBhyphenhyphen7utYW44oH1BVtEm3bnc54B70i00xMtwJWKUkqr-R3y3l6QKqN1YgSuBBF0Te_/s640/blogger-image-1241448246.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpUm65NgfN9NkHVh5LEKj5dpUUhfNZISX0jyk39eswW34ciquDNZ3wNJrfq8vuhRC22n3ziwSOhQsr-0tNQI-CHvWOSHcAoTprK5hADjRrp7oXAnAUp_VSE0Ij1tHcIARNkdCVWsCUAGQ/s640/blogger-image--153287945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpUm65NgfN9NkHVh5LEKj5dpUUhfNZISX0jyk39eswW34ciquDNZ3wNJrfq8vuhRC22n3ziwSOhQsr-0tNQI-CHvWOSHcAoTprK5hADjRrp7oXAnAUp_VSE0Ij1tHcIARNkdCVWsCUAGQ/s640/blogger-image--153287945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcBp44FQYAVMhYKw5V0AQwut99m_TOhSZVaRj_Qj9YK9QrZZJjYSPUNz45oir3p6DlFTM1CQXRba1vpp8AlkQiEc3pwCisl1olyiOeblotHJKhWOj437iOCqynrvCW8KlB-j80gZRHkVT/s640/blogger-image--1612662563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcBp44FQYAVMhYKw5V0AQwut99m_TOhSZVaRj_Qj9YK9QrZZJjYSPUNz45oir3p6DlFTM1CQXRba1vpp8AlkQiEc3pwCisl1olyiOeblotHJKhWOj437iOCqynrvCW8KlB-j80gZRHkVT/s640/blogger-image--1612662563.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhNy_67htFuexCs3x8fw3GXFDs7hLNLAErgcoIaj0gPFaYyl1ODKpmN3ay2ytylrACVmMx8iGy2ecVNBggyTCdJJjnA-ev3wlB91HNx7ehKVSJrunQg8cUmSYk-Yiw-K7dTYgCmpABRSK/s640/blogger-image-198639332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhNy_67htFuexCs3x8fw3GXFDs7hLNLAErgcoIaj0gPFaYyl1ODKpmN3ay2ytylrACVmMx8iGy2ecVNBggyTCdJJjnA-ev3wlB91HNx7ehKVSJrunQg8cUmSYk-Yiw-K7dTYgCmpABRSK/s640/blogger-image-198639332.jpg"></a></div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-32654747380506909882016-07-14T13:38:00.001-07:002016-07-14T13:38:28.354-07:00A New Chapter Starts an Old Ends<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">These last 8 months have been an INSANE ride! We left all we knew, moved across the country from Columbus, Ohio to Lincoln, California. We KNEW God was calling us, so it was easy in that sense, but losing everything financially, Trusting Him with the day to day needs was HARD, humbling & stressful at times. I can honestly say I've grown more in these last 8 months than ever in my life! It's been really GOOD.</span></div><div><br></div><div>The only way we were able to make this huge move was moving in with my sister Amy, Brother in Law Jesse & my nieces Chloe & Emma. Can I just say, How amazing is that to let your in laws live with you for 8 months & not kill each other?! Hahaha! Amy & Jesse are just like that. Their hearts are huge! -- Oh yeah! In that time, my parents had to move in too, so 10 people in one 6 bedroom house... It was a fun/crazy/funny/stressful adventure! We definitely learned a lot about communication & in many ways, it felt like the 1st year of marriage in the sense you learn about all the ways other people like to do things & it's not the way you do things & it's annoying & a learning process! Hahaha! I learned a lot about myself in that situation too. Communal living is like holding a mirror up to your face, it shows all of your imperfections & areas you need to work on, & man there were a lot! -- Again, aren't my brother in law & sister saints?! They'll probably get a special crown in heaven for letting all of us into their home. 😂 they are amazing!</div><div><br></div><div>We knew that living with my sister was a temporary thing, but we weren't sure how we were going to afford moving out. We SUPER SAVED over the next few months. Brett has a well paying job & we were still getting benefits from the state during our transition out of the program & they paid for our groceries (hallelujah!!) so we were able to save that money. Also, during that time, we heard from Brett's old job that Ohio messed up on our taxes for the past like 5 or so years and we'd be getting 3,000+ back! We also got another amazing refund back from taxes we were able to save too. We had some other random money come in & we started the search for a house to buy or rent! Our bank account was BETTER than when we moved here! Miraculous stuff!</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> We tried looking into buying, but Brett had to be at his job for at least 6 months, so we didn't qualify yet, so we dove into the renting market. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I went in full blown house search mode & man, places are GONE in like a day here. We had our hearts set on a place, but we didn't qualify, & I was giving up, but then a house right around the corner popped up in the same neighborhood as my sister & we literally walked there to look at it! We decided to go for it, & the rental company already had our applications from another house, so we were able to get it quicker! We moved in 3 weeks later & it's been amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PA1ItTJMnAkbawo7SaRKQRZDNptHtEyTPh6uW2XYTATUjSmlJgNYll7wBhn321DEdKi28NyBXaaf_inYacHvg41WJiBBzA4z7iSsIjP8MiMVVPEIyp1ZTgRLX_UmgdgiEJuXYh7f3XD3/s640/blogger-image-1985118091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PA1ItTJMnAkbawo7SaRKQRZDNptHtEyTPh6uW2XYTATUjSmlJgNYll7wBhn321DEdKi28NyBXaaf_inYacHvg41WJiBBzA4z7iSsIjP8MiMVVPEIyp1ZTgRLX_UmgdgiEJuXYh7f3XD3/s640/blogger-image-1985118091.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwO-Yq1Fl39G399DZvn-cgSeQmSLK7KQ2OHy1jiAjP4CsAJfqqVzsxuMjDL53HG2C7WB5jh_AXR_xBlSqa0UX9PPv8eY287aMA4ypv62By9XUerYxfR1fILIoIMm1N2k_7YtnAMuf7O0j/s640/blogger-image-1375247303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwO-Yq1Fl39G399DZvn-cgSeQmSLK7KQ2OHy1jiAjP4CsAJfqqVzsxuMjDL53HG2C7WB5jh_AXR_xBlSqa0UX9PPv8eY287aMA4ypv62By9XUerYxfR1fILIoIMm1N2k_7YtnAMuf7O0j/s640/blogger-image-1375247303.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf8b3SgR8l69RvsdVHXPgCyrCzXLx8JZrNzf1TIjTykiiV_ePn1qjpgSiRD1ST-m41ULQtCAwqUuIOi5amVPKAAQfsxaAASGOQ2ucQqlReGi-atTa3ykq3dcvtD1Tl6VWQT1sSwH7vKyw/s640/blogger-image--1479007755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf8b3SgR8l69RvsdVHXPgCyrCzXLx8JZrNzf1TIjTykiiV_ePn1qjpgSiRD1ST-m41ULQtCAwqUuIOi5amVPKAAQfsxaAASGOQ2ucQqlReGi-atTa3ykq3dcvtD1Tl6VWQT1sSwH7vKyw/s640/blogger-image--1479007755.jpg"></a></div>This house is SO nice! The nicest we've lived in & a one-story & pretty baby proofed which is a blessing to me since Story is into EVERYTHING & climbs everything. The backyard is fenced in & has a really nice patio we play on every morning too. I really feel at home here & my parents moved into the master suite so they have their own space & it helps to share the house payment & utilities every month!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also got 2 cars! We got a used Acura from someone at church & it's in great condition for Brett to run to work & back. We just got a Brand New Kia Soul for me & the kids & I kind of love it! Haha! We're hoping to have it for a long time & maybe pass it on to Trust one day. 😊</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lot has changed right?! Man, I am so grateful to be settling into this new chapter of life. I really feel like California is feeling more like home! Also, I can't believe Trust is starting Kindergarten in a few weeks! So crazy! Time flies with these kiddies, I'm trying to really enjoy it & do fun things! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7F9SqiCaflSoj39X6L9Kd0X3Cw3_IMQUQmbCpKiDMcXa099wMzwN-u4HFFNfT9ivLyQ3npc6jfLJmhIJ-b1wrWrBLhEox8EEgjzgrhTZKDmzpTP9wPaWX8kmZVgOXLv5ZsFpP0BOOFDcz/s640/blogger-image-1992879317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7F9SqiCaflSoj39X6L9Kd0X3Cw3_IMQUQmbCpKiDMcXa099wMzwN-u4HFFNfT9ivLyQ3npc6jfLJmhIJ-b1wrWrBLhEox8EEgjzgrhTZKDmzpTP9wPaWX8kmZVgOXLv5ZsFpP0BOOFDcz/s640/blogger-image-1992879317.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are still some unknowns about this next chapter health wise. I still need to see an endocrinologist about my thyroid & thyroid nodules, but my insurance has to approve it! I am definitely feeling it these days. I am struggling to get up in the morning & no amount of coffee wakes me up & I am so tired I can fall asleep anywhere. It's really hard some days, especially when you're a mom of two & a wife! You can't just stop doing those things! I felt really depressed yesterday. I am so scared I won't ever feel better. I'm worried I'll have to get surgery & have to take meds my whole life or that the nodules are something serious, that the doctor I get wont hear me out like the doctors I've had before. Ugh! When I let my mind go, it can put me in the grave in a heartbeat! Haha! I am trying my best to take every thought captive. But yesterday I forgot! 😄 today has been better. I got out with the kids, because they got up at the crack of dawn, & it's better to just get up & go to keep my momentum going. We had a blast! We went to the Library to play at the park & they ended up have a Big Truck Story time & A pipe truck demonstration! How cool is that?! Trust had a blast & I got to revel in my awesome mom-ness that I got up & out of the house. Haha! I felt like Jesus was encouraging me, that I could do it! I think I can! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhBKtNlvt4mUzIgkN1it5i4vNe91QfEAmDJXOqC7kH2QzgQMkwWc2NuuqvhSH-TajiyJf41m42gN-wnahDekOEWO70VMwTwzAYQ74GSn78cj0VStp6CLApoGBF0PnfWRSm0kLoLnHNMjs/s640/blogger-image--257933255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhBKtNlvt4mUzIgkN1it5i4vNe91QfEAmDJXOqC7kH2QzgQMkwWc2NuuqvhSH-TajiyJf41m42gN-wnahDekOEWO70VMwTwzAYQ74GSn78cj0VStp6CLApoGBF0PnfWRSm0kLoLnHNMjs/s640/blogger-image--257933255.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Trust also went through quite an ordeal there for a second, that we honestly don't know what happened. He was throwing up & sick almost every week & I took him to the doctor like 4 times before they finally decided it probably wasn't a stomach virus but something else. Trust Bravely got his blood drawn twice, & the 1st time his ANA test was abnormal which is a flag for possible autoimmune disease or viral Hepatitis A, & his Hep A test came back borderline, which could be cause from the vaccination he JUST got a few weeks before. We have no idea! So we laid low for a while because viral hepatitis A is a virus that affects your liver & it just has to run its course & you are good, as long as their are no complications. We were going to see a gastroenterologist at that point to see if there was anything else going on, but our insurance couldn't get us in! When we got his blood tested again the ANA came back normal & it appeared to be getting better! So we decided to not go to a specialist since his symptoms were better! Still a scary, frustrating ordeal, all this while we were moving! We also had to cancel his birthday party since he was still not feeling well around that time! It was so sad, but we still had a blast celebrating with just our family! I tried to make it extra special for him. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQusQWH-MBmBFFIyroaDP3XY_MtiNdjW1Jvj9NVEZWaDivMqq0AbY6QDg4P2tLKdWpqEdWBXOigxTA-MkUrWucGDgUvtSS0zakRgXuxHJIZwK36YB66_tu-fTXAMTGIbwavIXfkmxnGND/s640/blogger-image-825845640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQusQWH-MBmBFFIyroaDP3XY_MtiNdjW1Jvj9NVEZWaDivMqq0AbY6QDg4P2tLKdWpqEdWBXOigxTA-MkUrWucGDgUvtSS0zakRgXuxHJIZwK36YB66_tu-fTXAMTGIbwavIXfkmxnGND/s640/blogger-image-825845640.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O0rhguvIJC4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a crazy story God is writing!! I feel like through it all, we are stronger, wiser & better people because of all we've had to face & we have empathy for those in a similar place! Our roots are going deeper in the Lord & relying on HIS strengths & not our own through the most uncertain of times. He's never failed, not once! We know we can make it through anything we face. 💓</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-40491638052458382222016-05-27T11:43:00.001-07:002016-05-28T20:20:17.482-07:00WaitingWaiting is hard. We are waiting on a few things right now & it can be frustrating because you know that by your own strengths or control you could make something happen, but when it's things that are out of your control, it can be hard & frustrating & scary.<div><br></div><div>We are in a season of waiting.<br><div><br></div><div>Waiting to hear whether we can buy a house, which may not be likely since Brett has only been at his job for 2 months. It's amazing that we can even consider doing this though! Can you believe only a few short months ago we had maybe $20 in our bank account, and now we are above where we were before we left Ohio? Actually, I can't remember a time we had this much money in our savings account, it's pretty miraculous!</div><div><br></div><div>I've also been waiting to hear back from a possible rental that is RIGHT around the corner from my sisters house that would be perfect for our family. I went ALL OUT last week looking at 6 or so rentals, applying, then not getting the paperwork in in time & someone else snatching it up before us. The housing market is NUTS out here! They get sold/rented really fast & you have to be willing to sign that day or it's gone.</div><div><br></div><div>...I'm also waiting to talk over some ultrasound results from a Thyroid Ultrasound & blood work results with my doctor on Thursday. </div><div><br></div><div>I've been feeling REALLY exhausted lately. Like not just tired from a bad nights sleep, but like your whole body feels heavy & no matter how much coffee you drink you feel like you could fall asleep where you are sitting, tired. I've also had a bunch of friends come up to me & say "you seem to be losing weight, are you feeling ok?" & I didn't really think much about it until 3 people said the same thing. I got my scale out & sure enough I'm down below my prepregnancy weight, maybe even high school weight! I also noticed a lump on my neck on my thyroid. I thought it was a swollen lymph node that would just kind of go away, but it never did & kept getting bigger. I've been noticing my anxiety levels have been higher too & that I'd get ravishingly hungry & very shaky throughout the day no matter how much I'd eat! And I eat A LOT.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyXHgUGx2iRqVDmvyJLASs5Qq-fgG5PCg9UJOIo5AvQbBXko3QnSFe3ko-vMHatzCS44Qs-NER1s5JpZPnh7EB6-VnjH0tX0_6Tn_z5HhYrqA646o18Q8NYBLCGSqmlQ3WESToVM47Ibx/s640/blogger-image--1925078761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyXHgUGx2iRqVDmvyJLASs5Qq-fgG5PCg9UJOIo5AvQbBXko3QnSFe3ko-vMHatzCS44Qs-NER1s5JpZPnh7EB6-VnjH0tX0_6Tn_z5HhYrqA646o18Q8NYBLCGSqmlQ3WESToVM47Ibx/s640/blogger-image--1925078761.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c1xGAC6b_xxcAQ-rrBMOHWeNVGvLqHIpGgDuuqmNzUsQNDGoqpHhmvSzkltc8FtVD9g184URLwOB2xboUI8c90Kfh-ks64LZwyCRCdwDPeadKUHem7oZ1JVf9NA6CCB3MOn18Hq-23lY/s640/blogger-image--1835173552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c1xGAC6b_xxcAQ-rrBMOHWeNVGvLqHIpGgDuuqmNzUsQNDGoqpHhmvSzkltc8FtVD9g184URLwOB2xboUI8c90Kfh-ks64LZwyCRCdwDPeadKUHem7oZ1JVf9NA6CCB3MOn18Hq-23lY/s640/blogger-image--1835173552.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">..So a friend of mine from church urged me to get into the doctor which I DREADED doing because we are still on Medi-Cal and they have you jump through major hoops a lot of times to even get in to see a doctor. & sure enough I got the major run around & thank God Story took an epic long nap because it took an hour & a half just to find a doctor that would take me. Gratefully I got an amazing doctor who spent like 30 or so minutes going over my medical history & she felt my thyroid & heard me out about how I had hyperthyroidism before after having Trust & she scheduled me an Ultrasound & bloodwork right away! I felt really grateful to be heard & that I'd soon be getting answers for all these strange symptoms I'd been having.</span></div><div><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">When I went to the Ultrasound appointment it was SUPER early in the morning & I hadn't had any coffee, yet I felt jittery & anxious. The ultrasound technician spent a lot of time on the right side of my thyroid & as I looked at the black & white screen I saw what looked like a bunch of black spots. She keep stopping & measuring & I felt like I couldn't breathe for a second. My mom has thyroid nodules & has to be checked every once & a while to see if there is any change, so I kind of knew that was probably what they were, but it still freaked me out! I got my blood drawn after that & they literally took 6 viles of blood. I felt woozy & worried. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I told my family about the whole ordeal but tried not to jump to conclusions because you know maybe the black spots were part of the thyroid or something? I'm no doctor!</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">A few days later I got some of the labs back & my thyroid levels were High on some & low on others, so all I know is something isn't right. Then I got the ultrasound results back & sure enough there were many nodules that were weird medical words like Mural, palpable abnormality, complex, separated cysts, something foci etc , & I have a cystic goiter. Sounds appetizing, I know.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Lots of weird words that when you look them up on google, scary words like Cancer pop up in the related topics. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I've been waiting. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Am I good at waiting? Not really. Am I trying to be good at waiting & more importantly TRUSTING that God has me in the palm of His hands that no matter what I face (or don't face) I won't be alone? Yes. I am trying my hardest! I had one raw day where I let myself "go there" for a second, but the next day I felt the Lord call me out & say "Ok, now get back to <i>living." </i>I want to be better at truly<i> living. </i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>Hold my kids tight, spending a little extra time putting them to bed, kissing my husband passionately, giving what I have to those who need it more than I do, getting a haircut I've always wanted to try, singing at the top of my lungs in the car because I can & cherishing every moment I GET to be alive. Life is so fleeting.</i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> I'm not saying I think I'm going to die, even if it was cancer, thyroid cancer is the best cancer to get because it is slow growing & you can remove your thyroid & be fine. I'm just saying it really makes you consider what is important in life when you go through something like this! Wakes you up in a way. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I wait. In the silence. In the uncertainty. I'm willing to learn the lesson life is throwing at me & be better for it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hKUAGapTjcqpaRqPam0vFOIAWLhU2UAppO4XsJ4I-brXruYBuvt9fRRGD3cxCQ8ZWXkvPxB7RW-EyiPzBPjiDxoFaAVAlPNvvCJvOt3gJ7ya6CpzZgl3lfseKcwTYfRVMl5bd4pwC3nq/s640/blogger-image-577500580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hKUAGapTjcqpaRqPam0vFOIAWLhU2UAppO4XsJ4I-brXruYBuvt9fRRGD3cxCQ8ZWXkvPxB7RW-EyiPzBPjiDxoFaAVAlPNvvCJvOt3gJ7ya6CpzZgl3lfseKcwTYfRVMl5bd4pwC3nq/s640/blogger-image-577500580.jpg"></a></div></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOEGaG0D_av-WX4FHHRTZ2JIO6SaJKjSsYGxDEWiOv5ifTLA_pR4kps7sfwRgGZiWCRmGi8vsUpmpIS9rBYbQWOquwlfhi-PhSSgvALTqGw06LIeY1xzwftmuwQwqJ4KT1HMb-yuRACuo/s640/blogger-image--1962597785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOEGaG0D_av-WX4FHHRTZ2JIO6SaJKjSsYGxDEWiOv5ifTLA_pR4kps7sfwRgGZiWCRmGi8vsUpmpIS9rBYbQWOquwlfhi-PhSSgvALTqGw06LIeY1xzwftmuwQwqJ4KT1HMb-yuRACuo/s640/blogger-image--1962597785.jpg"></a></div><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i><br></i></font></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> </div></div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-78228603831734438402016-04-21T10:38:00.001-07:002016-04-21T15:00:19.112-07:00What we are made ofI've been wanting to post for a while, but it's been hard to put into words all that we've been experiencing! So much good & so much hard. I find life is always a combo of good & hard. That the trials really PROVE your faith is real & show you what you're made of, you know?<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh11rTzZZEad770W0N9fq8xOY0XZgbiBtdWonZP-XiQlaxCWD9VCGHauFx_s53CuWGjlbbSOTYKJ-OZeaJvvjP8ZuOy4RW3r7zmnNF3hSiOGW2m-A0YozjGwHRczRTdiDsYIc0cDOQ7fMf/s640/blogger-image--149580378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh11rTzZZEad770W0N9fq8xOY0XZgbiBtdWonZP-XiQlaxCWD9VCGHauFx_s53CuWGjlbbSOTYKJ-OZeaJvvjP8ZuOy4RW3r7zmnNF3hSiOGW2m-A0YozjGwHRczRTdiDsYIc0cDOQ7fMf/s640/blogger-image--149580378.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>Ok so, we had a really good plan right?! We had money in savings + our house was basically sold before we moved + it didn't cost a dime to move all of our stuff across the country + we had a place to live to transition.. Everything was GREAT! We stepped out of the comfort of our lives, literally sold everything we had and made the leap. </div><div><br></div><div>OUR plan unraveled quickly though, when 2 days before closing the sale on our house fell through, and the $10,000+ we were counting on to be our safety net, was gone in an instant. We had to put our house back on the market & keep paying the mortgage, even though our cash flow was dwindling & there was NO income coming in. Months later the house finally sold again, but we only made $1,800 on it after everything was said & done. It came at the most perfect timing too! </div><div><br></div><div>In that crazy time, we asked Questions we have never asked before like: how are we going to buy groceries? How are we going to get diapers? How am I going to buy deodorant? Filled our minds.. We had a choice to make...Would we Trust God would provide or panic & question His goodness? We decided to choose to TRUST GOD. </div><div><br></div><div>Let me tell you... When you decide to not look at your circumstances & look at God, crazy things can happen!! I prayed one week for diapers & we desperately needed shampoo & deodorant & other care products and Brett heard about an organization called The Lighthouse that helps families that are in need, and well, we were definitely in need!! We maybe had $20 to our name at that point, so I lowered my pride & made an appointment. I met & talked with the sweetest guy named Daryl. We talked about our situation & he gave me a pack of diapers & at the last minute said "is there anything else you need?" I hesitated because I felt embarrassed about needed care products but just asked if they had shampoo or anything like that. He smiled and assured me not to be embarrassed & that that's what they were there for and handed me a gift card to target! I held back tears, & thanked him over & over for his help. I prayed & God provided specifically what we needed! I'm not joking guys, I got all I needed at Target & it was the exact amount I needed! Daryl also helped me get a new car seat for Story since she was using Trust's old seat that was actually expired! God really came through.. But it really took me stepping out of my comfort zone & allowing others to see into our situation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1rySx6F8JItJonAft16_saXEqyF6eY_6QLx0dsUor3TEyREETCuv4y8vpCtNU-Rq_MECaMHsQJJrZ4aCOGNMIdawSS7UTdyTe_sdUOG5aOXPpTkBP2MyRBaa_s5TgUEvuLHF3JiDn8bM/s640/blogger-image--1048056389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1rySx6F8JItJonAft16_saXEqyF6eY_6QLx0dsUor3TEyREETCuv4y8vpCtNU-Rq_MECaMHsQJJrZ4aCOGNMIdawSS7UTdyTe_sdUOG5aOXPpTkBP2MyRBaa_s5TgUEvuLHF3JiDn8bM/s640/blogger-image--1048056389.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>In that time too, Brett submitted OVER 50 applications & resumes & kept getting rejection after rejection letter. He would be filling out Applications for 6+ hours a day but nothing was happening. It was grueling & it was really hard on Brett..</div><div><br></div><div>We finally decided to lower our pride again & go get some help with job searching & food. We scheduled a meeting with Placer County's Work Program & also their food assistance program. We walked in feeling lower than low. We literally had JUST qualified that day, after paying another mortgage payment. If we would have come in a day sooner, the money in our account would have been more than what is eligible to get help. It couldn't have been timed more perfectly. </div><div><br></div><div>Brett did the job readiness program that was basically like having a full time job, on top of job searching & interviewing! It was INTENSE. Plus, at the end he had to intern for free for a company so we could qualify for benefits. He worked his butt off. It was humiliating at times, but he did it! Plus, he encouraged many people in his classes & had tons of favor from all the job counselors & teachers. They could see how qualified he was and they bragged on him constantly! </div><div><br></div><div>He ended up getting an interview of a job with an up and coming insurance company, where he'd help with social media & marketing. He told me before the job popped up he felt like God asked him "what do you want to do?", Brett replied "I really want to use my creativity & photography & marketing degree, with pay that will support my family." & sure enough, he got the job interview, wrote a solid plan for the company about what he would do to help market the company & he nailed it! He got the job & was offered MORE than what his end salary was at his last job with pay increases in the future, has weekends off, is home by 5 & is exactly what he asked God for! </div><div><br></div><div>On top of all that, we filed our taxes & it looks like because of having Story & other things we'll be getting back almost the exact amount we thought we'd be getting on our house the 1st time we thought it was sold! Now that is cool! All that we lost, is being recovered.</div><div><br></div><div> That is the adventure of following Jesus into the unknown. He KNOWS even when we don't, we just have to be obedient & go where He's leading.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Through all of this we've been digging in deep at our new church Jesus Culture Sacramento. Week after week, we'd cry as we'd sing songs like Miracles that says "I believe in you, you're the God of miracles!" & Songs like No Longer Slaves that says "I'm no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God" -- Trusting God is surrendering everything you think you know & see. It's not giving into fear that so quickly ensnares your thoughts. It's saying "God, even though I can't see what's in front of me, I know you have me every step of the way." </div><div><br></div><div>I also have the amazing opportunity to be on the Rooted Book Launch Team & got an advanced copy of the book Rooted, by our pastor Banning Liebscher, coming out in May. The timing of this book has been incredible. Banning talks about how God uses situations to help develop our root system, to strengthen us so we are ready & strong when we do the thing God is calling us to do. I feel like our old root system was weak & that through these situations of learning to trust, to let down our pride & basically start from scratch, has helped strengthen us & grow us in ways we couldn't imagine AND in such a short time! I feel like we've grown more in this season than any other in so many ways. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0pesD91pXRccnR6kltQJka0PIkaeihyOQXtc3NBG8wojRtjDx5vwxMZNilxXt2bHV7UfKgBUe8Z5dG5sYv0pGUgR9gvSqQR7OlzSXZZ2q74CS7dvui0OfznEtRTqEMCFadk61RpeEjoK/s640/blogger-image-2109652336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0pesD91pXRccnR6kltQJka0PIkaeihyOQXtc3NBG8wojRtjDx5vwxMZNilxXt2bHV7UfKgBUe8Z5dG5sYv0pGUgR9gvSqQR7OlzSXZZ2q74CS7dvui0OfznEtRTqEMCFadk61RpeEjoK/s640/blogger-image-2109652336.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFmYfdikD-uoVQlIqy4KUpkvJQXUWtjpe6sN7F2uVz2_eh95ZwrLxuaiCSaSrFulH6nSt-rUzuHpTKvEthUiE1Sn4WahURqNxTqFfB7Tp-Tg7yAO4LVfjSciKeakeYCofgGD6W6y9nLga/s640/blogger-image--124456639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFmYfdikD-uoVQlIqy4KUpkvJQXUWtjpe6sN7F2uVz2_eh95ZwrLxuaiCSaSrFulH6nSt-rUzuHpTKvEthUiE1Sn4WahURqNxTqFfB7Tp-Tg7yAO4LVfjSciKeakeYCofgGD6W6y9nLga/s640/blogger-image--124456639.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We are truly learning to THRIVE & be content in all situations. I've learned Money is just money. The important stuff in life has nothing to do with money!! We have been on SO many BIG adventures since moving here that have cost us nothing but gas! We pack a lunch & GO & create memories that last. I wouldn't trade those memories for the world. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0FT5HdPdKjoerf0aKr2yBAvBq5LBC-0WAPw6Z1lBSjGCmCsXNEWbw6TyyQdIyz0uXHFpg-8BMbfLJerKoLMm8XwPw5fF2zM-XUGK2pt2nIgFG1ccp3NzHqRGlf2doxyl_9TiTs-xPUwS/s640/blogger-image-417207507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0FT5HdPdKjoerf0aKr2yBAvBq5LBC-0WAPw6Z1lBSjGCmCsXNEWbw6TyyQdIyz0uXHFpg-8BMbfLJerKoLMm8XwPw5fF2zM-XUGK2pt2nIgFG1ccp3NzHqRGlf2doxyl_9TiTs-xPUwS/s640/blogger-image-417207507.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0FT5HdPdKjoerf0aKr2yBAvBq5LBC-0WAPw6Z1lBSjGCmCsXNEWbw6TyyQdIyz0uXHFpg-8BMbfLJerKoLMm8XwPw5fF2zM-XUGK2pt2nIgFG1ccp3NzHqRGlf2doxyl_9TiTs-xPUwS/s640/blogger-image-417207507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRf4kJncP99GDQXPjT-kvt0AWAdyWojdoE2oyoY__-zqybunkXk-4hSpKf6HI7RFh6yTfMGKcmz1-5dUBqPeIUoaFFq0Q4_tE9LT9zw0XyPKONv6uL2ImMj5fryJDnAtb9zkqMNKvbDrI/s640/blogger-image-3145111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnzgMzTvetxLkXwTaVwphATPIUPFfbIlixUQo9ZcS8lZpQGfbSf3UK0RHv5Abny4_ex0D3-IIbIIc7txGAWVM4uVjwi7heBh0xuwPPrMQeZvkar2yw-Lqbg3iiTaUR8EoIIASCwCTYuhk/s640/blogger-image--306350343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnzgMzTvetxLkXwTaVwphATPIUPFfbIlixUQo9ZcS8lZpQGfbSf3UK0RHv5Abny4_ex0D3-IIbIIc7txGAWVM4uVjwi7heBh0xuwPPrMQeZvkar2yw-Lqbg3iiTaUR8EoIIASCwCTYuhk/s640/blogger-image--306350343.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnzgMzTvetxLkXwTaVwphATPIUPFfbIlixUQo9ZcS8lZpQGfbSf3UK0RHv5Abny4_ex0D3-IIbIIc7txGAWVM4uVjwi7heBh0xuwPPrMQeZvkar2yw-Lqbg3iiTaUR8EoIIASCwCTYuhk/s640/blogger-image--306350343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw4YowP1oBF2Dai3hU-sEL0aDQ8K2ohXlfnw7Bt4-r6kgKEe3-ZV1xCuOodlGB42fwSQSD7pZLkZTsT4N4JSdlrdj5FrY90WTr3uNVoxNdZsZlOwwNDLmJsLm6G-C18xbi8xZmg0RfNQZ/s640/blogger-image-1139580818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDw4YowP1oBF2Dai3hU-sEL0aDQ8K2ohXlfnw7Bt4-r6kgKEe3-ZV1xCuOodlGB42fwSQSD7pZLkZTsT4N4JSdlrdj5FrY90WTr3uNVoxNdZsZlOwwNDLmJsLm6G-C18xbi8xZmg0RfNQZ/s640/blogger-image-1139580818.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Life is GOOD. I'm learning to find joy even when life is hard. There is so much to be thankful for, even when it looks like things are falling apart, hold onto hope! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div></div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-268316678756820252015-12-13T16:20:00.001-08:002016-01-09T21:45:01.966-08:00The hard part of the journeyWe currently find ourselves in the hard part of the journey. We knew this day was coming. We knew when we made the decision to sell all we had, leave everything & everyone we know & move to California there would be hard times. Intertwined in all the hard stuff though has been some of the most raw & real experiences with God & others we've ever known.<div><br></div><div>We feel like we are basically starting over with everything. The familiarity of knowing where everything is, having people to call to hang out with, all the normal stuff gets weird & uncertain. Plus, this past season left us burnt out, fatigued emotionally & relationally. </div><div><br></div><div>We stepped out in major faith coming here & walk it out daily as our house in Ohio continues to sit on the market & Brett still searches tirelessly for a job. On top of everything else, I sprained my ankle & Story is teething! Haha! When it rains it pours right?!</div><div><br></div><div>We've had the COOLEST confirmations since we've been out here though, there is no denying, we are where we should be. Little things, & big things. It's just so neat to watch the story unfolding before us. I feel like we are in the part of the Story where everything seems like it is falling apart and suddenly things start happening & changing for the better! One can only hope right?? </div><div><br></div><div>Oh, HOPE! Hope is my "word" right now<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. You know how in some seasons of life certain words just kind of pop out at you? Well, Hope is my word right now. I see it everywhere. I hear it randomly in a song. Something on FB says something about it... It's in my face! I really feel like in Ohio, I was losing hope in a lot of areas.. Hope of connecting with Brett on a deeper level, hope of fully living our dreams but feeling contained in a box that didn't reach very far, hope of deeper relationship with Jesus without pressure & performance & hope of my family being together. I'm seeing hope dawn in every area! It's not fully crested over the horizon yet, but the soft glow of it draws my gaze & I know things are going to be alright.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The middle part of the journey always sucks. You get fatigued, you feel confused about where you are going and wonder if you took a wrong turn, but the destination is worth the sucky middle part & you find out so much about yourself along the way. Also, if everything always went right or just the way you planned, it wouldn't make for a very interesting story would it?!</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Cheers to enjoying the Journey. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww7FvxLXNYXptmYO0sDz-idMUKSsakCdbTzeKp-3c3-kaPQyFAd_4YwZmB0LXI12usxkvh-tNZPzWuYXlPG1RsDSsb2VjTPtbjPwzWTmHKSUFjbCUh5AehVqMjiYaIrv9mWARiRC8cuIP/s640/blogger-image-1672236024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww7FvxLXNYXptmYO0sDz-idMUKSsakCdbTzeKp-3c3-kaPQyFAd_4YwZmB0LXI12usxkvh-tNZPzWuYXlPG1RsDSsb2VjTPtbjPwzWTmHKSUFjbCUh5AehVqMjiYaIrv9mWARiRC8cuIP/s640/blogger-image-1672236024.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-37954905378412732902015-10-14T07:44:00.001-07:002015-10-14T10:29:19.619-07:00California Here We Come!!The past few days have been a mixed bag of emotions.. We officially announced to our family, friends, & the youth group that we are embarking on a new adventure to California!! Many were shocked, some cried, some were excited & knew the move was inevitable since within the last year both my sister & mom and dad made the move to Californina.<div><br></div><div>Me & Brett have had a restlessness in our hearts for a while now, knowing we needed a change, but not sure what it looked like and where it would lead us. Honestly, our family has endured a lot the past 8 years. From a devastating miscarriage that led to complications & major depression, to 2 crazy life threatening pregnancies & crazy recoveries, 2 babies with colic & tummy issues leaving us operating on 2-4 hours of sleep for months, to crazy hard transitions in the youth department, to Brett working LONG hours picking up slack & working weekends faithfully week after week making it difficult for us to attend church TOGETHER & leaving me feeling alone. I miss my husband. I miss having someone to sit with in church. He misses seeing his kids like most parents get to on the weekends. But we pressed through. We knew God was teaching us, helping us through even though at moments, we weren't sure if we'd come out on the other side whole. It's no ones fault! It's just life can be tough you know? </div><div><br></div><div>Youth ministry was SO FUN & amazing when we were single or married without kids, but with the hardships of life we've endured & with having young kids it's difficult to do it together like we once did.</div><div><br></div><div>All that being said, before the big youth events, The National Conference & Summer Camp, we planned a trip to California to visit my Sister & Brother in Law & 2 nieces. They moved to Lincoln, California for a job Transfer & when they were looking for houses, they found a gorgeous 6 bedroom house that was foreclosed on that they got an amazing deal on! They felt led to buy this giant home & Jesse had a sense "this home is going to be for more than just our family.." </div><div><br></div><div>As we were flying out, we were stressed about bringing 2 small kids on the airplane. Brett had a funny code word "Oregon Trail" to keep the trip in perspective. That no matter how hard it got, it was nothing like what the pioneers faced heading out west!! Haha! We kept saying it to each other when things got tough & it helped keep us on the same page & focused. Cuz, we don't usually travel well together 😆</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x7WH0HbBLKXYjMFo-v26rCbdUiQ97XHT-3OWqsDs3jkrEZHD180l_lxnGgyvsGxJrdkRIm41oBO47AOdC1mt1K1ANzPx8Bfvk3ywu_g708lQ5d7eIE1SpyKLaUELE1_PldYSE6O4Vk-_/s640/blogger-image-804941334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x7WH0HbBLKXYjMFo-v26rCbdUiQ97XHT-3OWqsDs3jkrEZHD180l_lxnGgyvsGxJrdkRIm41oBO47AOdC1mt1K1ANzPx8Bfvk3ywu_g708lQ5d7eIE1SpyKLaUELE1_PldYSE6O4Vk-_/s640/blogger-image-804941334.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3x7WH0HbBLKXYjMFo-v26rCbdUiQ97XHT-3OWqsDs3jkrEZHD180l_lxnGgyvsGxJrdkRIm41oBO47AOdC1mt1K1ANzPx8Bfvk3ywu_g708lQ5d7eIE1SpyKLaUELE1_PldYSE6O4Vk-_/s640/blogger-image-804941334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbcMPjn2VJXxtYST2t3E3SkBxEnNSxRvOCnalJYnNkvOmKz2flfi38cgvFsisXwzjAUGFLp5FVAuCfL9bTuAqQzh96PgACJNpAMARnGRJkpLtXuREV9Lid0kHQ3RbfzcIJVL3oTvSDUC6/s640/blogger-image-1867557264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbcMPjn2VJXxtYST2t3E3SkBxEnNSxRvOCnalJYnNkvOmKz2flfi38cgvFsisXwzjAUGFLp5FVAuCfL9bTuAqQzh96PgACJNpAMARnGRJkpLtXuREV9Lid0kHQ3RbfzcIJVL3oTvSDUC6/s640/blogger-image-1867557264.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>Reuniting with my sister was like coming home. Brett felt it too! They lived in Columbus for a year before they moved & we were constantly at their house & when I was very sick and pregnant with Story, I lived there & Amy helped with Trust and made sure I ate. Brett would come and hang out in the evenings and watch movies with Jesse and we felt supported. Brett also didn't worry about us on the weekends when he was working because I usually ended up at their house. When they left last January, I felt like a rug was pulled out from under me. My support was gone. My best friend was gone. Yeah, I have other friends, but there is something different about family. You don't have to hide anything. You can be. We were safe.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCbKLI58sAS2hEKLS3kveBZAV9zu-hWW9TL9H9pu7M6ERwUMrkJ2duLQEg1keUM2kSICPcl-QojxSc6ClcAMCjfOiQdbMVofd370CZJuN2DOMZHrrW_pl8FAiKlbE4K2TXQ3it920pRrk/s640/blogger-image-542541898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCbKLI58sAS2hEKLS3kveBZAV9zu-hWW9TL9H9pu7M6ERwUMrkJ2duLQEg1keUM2kSICPcl-QojxSc6ClcAMCjfOiQdbMVofd370CZJuN2DOMZHrrW_pl8FAiKlbE4K2TXQ3it920pRrk/s640/blogger-image-542541898.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCbKLI58sAS2hEKLS3kveBZAV9zu-hWW9TL9H9pu7M6ERwUMrkJ2duLQEg1keUM2kSICPcl-QojxSc6ClcAMCjfOiQdbMVofd370CZJuN2DOMZHrrW_pl8FAiKlbE4K2TXQ3it920pRrk/s640/blogger-image-542541898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_htjj09nFml-zGGWXUwhRRJMuKKtafVWaq3eC5Jhn8k0HVPb5kZalUjDBhKpCz1AdY15KcvpMir5f9MrNF-OGhmQzcKadSSaZG8qCRTxYZIIYv_fGpwj3JP_X5UongtQ8DBMm1JaSEl_/s640/blogger-image-686929251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_htjj09nFml-zGGWXUwhRRJMuKKtafVWaq3eC5Jhn8k0HVPb5kZalUjDBhKpCz1AdY15KcvpMir5f9MrNF-OGhmQzcKadSSaZG8qCRTxYZIIYv_fGpwj3JP_X5UongtQ8DBMm1JaSEl_/s640/blogger-image-686929251.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>While we were in California visiting, we got the opportunity to attend the Jesus Culture Sacramento Church that had just been planted in Sacramento a year ago. The moment worship began both me and Brett had STREAMS of tears flowing down our cheeks. We didn't know the songs, but the words hit places we didn't even realize needed healing. Brett expressed afterward that he enjoyed worshipping next to me and it made him cry that we don't have that now. It felt natural going there, like we could really find some good community!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEvhMyEdFusyFSrJBJDjLM7mMSq9V00oKI2iDLsOdsdA76E4QsRD65_a_N_rlU7RfvfFfDID0g8SYWnGfoWdw70CGEPeR5lULD2Pi1GUbwYe_wi5kiwWvEOn6D3ygRFTg_zV3rqGAIsbn/s640/blogger-image-507324488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEvhMyEdFusyFSrJBJDjLM7mMSq9V00oKI2iDLsOdsdA76E4QsRD65_a_N_rlU7RfvfFfDID0g8SYWnGfoWdw70CGEPeR5lULD2Pi1GUbwYe_wi5kiwWvEOn6D3ygRFTg_zV3rqGAIsbn/s640/blogger-image-507324488.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We kept asking God "is this where you want us?" & we asked for "signs" & even dreams to confirm what we were feeling. Brett got a pretty solid dream the very same night he asked for a dream (& he NEVER dreams!) & I also got a dream! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then, Me, Brett, Amy & Jesse went on a hike down a mountain in Squall Valley & I kept praying & felt God speak to me on the journey. I'm not even joking, there was literary a "sign" on our trail that said "Oregon Trail" like the code word me & Brett used on the way out to Cali for when things got hard & I laughed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr6_CrhbJMAnOUMPrh9tYqa-ss_BxjYhB_T4TAwF8qSdt0z7qLyWHZadbTfeY_JPZpFxF3xAoxUW7tWNwsVF0hKxBIFcakt4njVHAyAgGnffXN9rLGV5nvF7euzOTyRJ7c87K4cvP-BB6/s640/blogger-image--1841399552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr6_CrhbJMAnOUMPrh9tYqa-ss_BxjYhB_T4TAwF8qSdt0z7qLyWHZadbTfeY_JPZpFxF3xAoxUW7tWNwsVF0hKxBIFcakt4njVHAyAgGnffXN9rLGV5nvF7euzOTyRJ7c87K4cvP-BB6/s640/blogger-image--1841399552.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I got this cool analogy climbing down the mountain about life. That when you start out with something new, it's exciting, you're taking in the view, taking pictures, enjoying the process & the scenery. After a while though, you start getting fatigued, your footing gets rough & you forget about the beautiful scenery because you are focusing on your feet & not tripping. It becomes as Rich Nathan always says "left foot, right foot". You get nervous because you're not sure you're on the right path, and you get anxious, afraid you've missed it or that you've lost your way. But then, the path clears and you see the end! Hope is restored to your eyes & you realize you should have enjoyed the journey more, but the anxiety of trying to find your way overtook you. You celebrate how far you've come & what you've learned (like next time wear better shoes & bring more than 1 water bottle!). The next day you feel the aches & pains of the journey & you realize, though it's over, there is still healing that needs to take place.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwosfQ1L4eOX9ywPaOyp834EZpdc0atzQjpgsKcnPKiPk-4DtT22nBX3UqaNxW7fCIcd7vawAptqfDKwQ-hvRhtnY9I9ezgCJqb0drQUhl6iZLmomRcaDoky-5eZ1jkNxoIFL_DefvhzeA/s640/blogger-image--1308610876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwosfQ1L4eOX9ywPaOyp834EZpdc0atzQjpgsKcnPKiPk-4DtT22nBX3UqaNxW7fCIcd7vawAptqfDKwQ-hvRhtnY9I9ezgCJqb0drQUhl6iZLmomRcaDoky-5eZ1jkNxoIFL_DefvhzeA/s640/blogger-image--1308610876.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I feel like me and Brett are finishing one journey & are headed into a new one but know healing needs to take place. Healing we both need for our strained relationship & for our family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have had many other confirmations & a few others we needed to happen were 1.) selling our house & 2.) selling both cars. Well, our house sold in less than a day at FULL PRICE & both cars sold in days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also needed a place to stay until we got on our feet.. Remember that 6 bedroom mansion that Jesse bought thinking "this is going to be for more than just our family.."? Well, we are staying with them & using my parents car!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My parents also just sold their cleaning company & will have a very well paying job that will supplement what we need. Amazing timing. Though we won't need much! Just food & phones really! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brett doesn't have a job yet, but will be doing part time admin stuff on the computer for a friend until he finds something. He's gotten some amazing leads but they closed the door when they found out he was in Ohio. So we know that will be no problem when we are located there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are literally selling everything we have & I LOVE IT. Why do we accumulate so much stuff?!?! It is SO freeing to let it all go & say, what matters isn't stuff & money & cars & houses... It's people, it's our little family that matters & following God! That if we have our core family, we'll be ok & will thrive anywhere. At the end of our life we won't be able to take the "stuff" with us you know? It's radical, I know! And soooo good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have you ever stepped out in faith & risked everything to follow God's lead? Yeah, me either! Hahaha until now!! This is one of the coolest, craziest things we've ever done. Stepping out into the unknown, trusting the unknown to a KNOWN God. He has brought us this far we know He won't let us sink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pray for us. It is still hard & sad to leave everything we know & everyone we love. Yet, we know it will be so good!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAGt31kPsSQuUslMlKVZBtt_LWhjnL5elHkR_IYgGLlUBWNhDIzdHsRd8S8IrYU-412V4o9BxivgvLLZmxBazkesWuFuqdsQRHOli9SG28YhGtsYSFXdT6-KgzFEWXXLkASwhXOxcSxC9/s640/blogger-image-307541497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAGt31kPsSQuUslMlKVZBtt_LWhjnL5elHkR_IYgGLlUBWNhDIzdHsRd8S8IrYU-412V4o9BxivgvLLZmxBazkesWuFuqdsQRHOli9SG28YhGtsYSFXdT6-KgzFEWXXLkASwhXOxcSxC9/s640/blogger-image-307541497.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> </div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-58823686529775689892013-11-13T08:47:00.000-08:002013-11-13T13:32:13.410-08:00"Until the Day I Can Hold You in my Arms"Last night I got my 1st tattoo.<br />
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I'll probably get 1,000 hits on this post because I'm sure people thought I'd never get one or would want to get one! Haha! But I didn't do it for anyone or to rebel or to be "cool" or anything.. It's been a long time coming :)<br />
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Ever since we lost our 1st babe Lily (we believed she was a girl b/c of dreams we had) in a Miscarriage at 12-13 weeks on Easter Sunday, I wanted one. I had a REALLY rough miscarriage. I was OVER the moon excited when I found out I was pregnant and had no idea miscarrying was a possibility for me, until one fateful Friday (good friday) it began. They told me on Easter Sunday in the ER I was in fact losing my baby I had so hoped and planned for. I was in excruciating pain for over two weeks, and the doctors finally had to do a surgery to remove the baby. It was emotionally draining knowing over those two weeks I was losing my child and there was nothing we could do. It was all too much. We never had a memorial service, gravestone or anything BUT we planted a beautiful, pink lily at my parents house, that blooms just in time for Mother's Day every year. My heart skips a beat when I see it. I also smile on Easter Sunday when I see all the lilies that fill the church. I think of her so often.<br />
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I wanted something tangible to remember her, to hold on to her until the day I can hold her in my arms.<br />
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I asked around and found a great Tattoo artist named Jeff that many of my friends have gone to over the years. I didn't hear anything for a while, then one day he texted me out of the blue and said he had an opening for the next night. I was nervous, so I asked my friend Shannon if she could come with me. She had a free night, so I set the plan in motion.<br />
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We got to Jeff's tattoo shop and met Jeff and he showed me the design for the lily with the colors. Crazily enough, it looked exactly like the lily we planted at my parents house, colors and everything!! What in the world?!?! I wanted it on my left arm to go along with the lyric I wrote in a song on my latest EP called "Heaven Come Soon" that says "Until then I will hold you in my heart, Until the day I can hold you in my arms, you're in good hands there, no more sorrows no more tears.."<br />
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We got to talking and were talking about kids and whatnot and I told him I had a 3 year old and he asked what his name was so I told him "His name is Trust". He was like "that is a really cool name! How did you guys come up with that?" Perfect convo for a long sit, So as I sat there getting my lily tattoo, I told him the whole story about how we got to have Trust. How we lost our 1st baby on Easter Sunday and thought we'd lose Trust many times, but knew we had to trust God with his life. I realized in that moment... Even though lily never got a chance to live here, her story lives on and continues to touch peoples lives. I'm excited to be able to have a topic of conversation to talk about with people when they ask about my tattoo and what it means. I am not afraid to go deep and I hope it helps other women open up and share with me about their losses.<br />
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I'm taking him a CD of the "Songs for Healing" EP I wrote for parents grieving the loss of a child to go along with the Tattoo he gave me! Check it out on iTunes, Amazon etc or CDbaby: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/heatherevans4" target="_blank">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/heatherevans4</a><br />
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A Pic of me wearing my tattoo naturally around town. :)<br />
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I'm so glad I got to get this tattoo and keep a piece of Lily with me always.Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-60769606016766317772013-10-05T09:33:00.001-07:002013-10-05T09:33:02.232-07:00Wrapping up "Songs For Healing"- Songs for Grieving ParentsLast night was an emotional, magical experience wrapping up the vocals for the "Songs For Healing" CD I've been working on with amazingly talented producer/musician Chris Gatton. We've been working on the CD off and on over the summer and it was sad/happy to finish the songs last night.<br />
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We worked on an anthemic song called "Heaven Come Soon" first. When Chris played the song for me to hear with just the instrumentation, I had goose bumps and felt moved & inspired! I dove into the vocals and we kept the 1st vocal take because it sounded as it should, raw and emotion filled. I felt my throat tighten up while singing the 2nd verse "I saw you once in my dreams, hand in hand with Jesus you turned and waved to me.." the way it does when I'm about ready to cry, but it translated well into the feeling of the song. Toward the end of the song, we added a cool spontaneous vocal part that goes "This is not our home" that me and Chris sang together at the end of the song and doubled that sounds like a bunch of people singing together at a house show. Chris added some awesome harmonies on some key parts of the song too. It was seriously magical!<br />
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We also worked on an instrumental song with just oo's and ah's. Chris said when he recorded it, it reminded him of a balloon floating away. I was inspired by what he said and came up with the only lyrics in the song that is sort of a repeat that me and Chris alternate..Me:"Let it go.." Chris:"Time to let it go.." It's a hopeful piece that will hopefully give listeners a time to think and even blank out for a second.<br />
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My hope for this CD was to be able to GIVE it away to parents and families who have lost babies. I wasn't sure how it was going to happen, but I prayed and I just started making the CD and hoped the opportunity would present itself. Sure enough, I am helping put together a <b>Memorial Service at Vineyard Sawmill Campus on November 3rd at 3pm </b>for families that have lost children and we will be able to hand out the CD to each family to hopefully help the grieving process! So amazing to see this come about.. And obviously it has helped me work through a lot of my own grief of losing our first babe and process through a lot of the emotions again.<br />
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Though it is hard, I am thankful I get to do this and that I get to give away something meaningful that will be a support to people going through similar things.<br />
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<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-29191428177859798892013-06-17T12:15:00.003-07:002013-06-17T12:16:36.665-07:00The Sweet Princess Project Fallout- a Call to Action<br />
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_30_1371494195078_76">So the Fallout of the Sweet Princess Project has been pretty cool!!! It's reach is going farther than what I ever thought possible and it's so amazing to see.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_30_1371494195078_84">My heart is SO full and I feel a bit like I could burst with how this whole project has shown me that little people working together can make a BIG impact! My creative mind can't even contain the possibilities that lie ahead. This project has shown me that when you dream big, don't be afraid to step out if it is TRULY something you should be doing, the right doors will open.</span></div>
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But I'm left asking questions.. My wrestlings are: where do I go from here? How do I and can I continue to raise awareness with this tool and not just let it fizzle out? What can I do personally to reach out to women at risk?</div>
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I LOVE coming to these crossroads in my life because it feels like narrowing my focus down a bit and clearing out the clutter in my life.. if that makes sense.</div>
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I realized I want to get involved HERE in my hometown with a local organization called Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition and get all the training I need to speak about Human Trafficking and also training to do the street outreaches to women on the streets and who are at risk of being trafficked. </div>
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As I gain wisdom and training here, I'd love to be able to go out, possibly to reach kids in other countries.</div>
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I also realized I love to write short stories. I see this story being like a comic or illustrated somehow.. I recently wrote a short story/analogy about a girl with a hole in her heart who doesn't know her worth. She is lured into the deep dark underground world where she finds hundreds of thousands of others just like her. They don't know who they are. They don't know their worth. At the end, Her Father (who represents God) comes and rescues her and tells her who she is and that she is worth more than anything that He'd give everything to get her back. </div>
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I think that is the 1st thing I want all women to know, their great worth. And that foundation is taken from so many women and people who have been abused, mistreated, told they are less than, trafficked. We need to re-instill worth back into people. That we aren't just robots that can be controlled and used for personal gain. We are PRECIOUS in God's sight. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So... as the ripples of the fallout of the Sweet Princess Project keep going out, I hope it inspires many, like it did me. That we don't just see the hurting as literal "Projects" but as people who deserve love, respect and who are worth everything to rescue, even if it's just one. :)</span></div>
Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-6572773445199593932013-06-16T08:03:00.000-07:002013-06-16T08:12:31.434-07:00The Sweet Princess Project Launch Event at Gateway Film Center<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's taken me a while to process the events of this past week. I'm overwhelmed by the response to the Sweet Princess Project Launch. Thank you to the countless people who were involved (Post House folks you know who you are) in this project and who have shared the videos on facebook and through email, you are helping people become aware of Human Trafficking! That was our main goal.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">200+ Friends, Family, Local Abolitionists, Film-makers, Musicians, Gov Officials, News Crews came to the Sweet Princess Project Launch Event last Tuesday evening at the Gateway Film Center. It was a heavy, yet hopeful evening Hosted by Johnny DiLoretto with Music by Heather Evans (me) and Cellist Andrew Gordon-Seifert & Jason Turner. We heard from Speakers Connie Anderson (Intervarsity) & Nicole Bromley (OneVOICE) and watched the videos produced by the Sweet Princess team including a moving Documentary Short: 'This Nightmare Will End', Behind the Scenes 'Making Of' video and the 'Sweet Princess' Music Video. Director Rick Green and I also shared about the project and why we wanted to do it. Just an incredible evening!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">One of the most wonderful feelings was seeing this 'Passion Project' that everyone had been working on TIRELESSLY for the last few months blown up on a 40ft screen and to look around and see the reactions on the faces of the people watching. Seeing tears stream down faces and anger in people's eyes as they watched the saddening and frightful reality of millions of women, men and children being trafficked, to see hearts breaking and being moved to hopefully be moved enough to action. That was our hope.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">We are excited to see The Sweet Princess Project has gotten a bit of Media attention over the last few weeks. Here are the links to the stories:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">10 TV: <a href="http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/06/05/columbus-sweet-princess-project-designed-to-raise-awareness-for-human-trafficking.html" target="_blank">http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/06/05/columbus-sweet-princess-project-designed-to-raise-awareness-for-human-trafficking.html</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NBC 4: <a href="http://www.nbc4i.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8982517" target="_blank">http://www.nbc4i.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8982517</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will be showing the Sweet Princess Music Video at the Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition's Annual Conference at the end of June and more exciting things are in motion for the Sweet Princess Project!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Nightmare WILL end, but it takes us being heart broken enough to DO something! To realize she/he is someone's daughter or son and that in reality it could be our daughter or son.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Sweet Princess Project Videos:</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8-Q6u3NfFto" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q3arnACuXV4" width="640"></iframe><br />
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LINKS:</div>
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Go to <a href="http://www.sweetprincessproject.com/">www.sweetprincessproject.com</a> to find out MORE about the Sweet Princess Project</div>
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Follow us on Twitter: @SweetPrincessPr</div>
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Like us on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sweetprincessproject">www.facebook.com/sweetprincessproject</a></div>
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Watch the Videos on Vimeo & YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SweetPrincessProject" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/user/SweetPrincessProject</a></div>
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Email us at: sweetprincessproject@gmail.com</div>
Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-55943536177475818252013-04-15T13:50:00.000-07:002013-04-15T14:52:37.961-07:00The Sweet Princess Project2 weeks ago I had the honor and the privilege to work with some of the most talented, good hearted people to make a music video to raise awareness about Human Trafficking.<br />
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Let me start from the beginning.<br />
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In December of 2012, I posted a picture of my goals for 2013 on my Facebook and my old friend Rick Green messaged me shortly after I posted the picture. Rick said he wanted to help me with #5 on my goals list: "Make a human trafficking awareness video". My jaw dropped with amazement. I wasn't sure how it would happen, but I knew Rick would get it done!<br />
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From there, I sent Rick a song I had been working on called "Sweet Princess". It was inspired by pictures my friend Nicole Bromley (<a href="http://www.onevoice.org/">www.onevoice.org</a>) was taking of her time making a Documentary about young girls working in Brothels in Cambodia. I saw the faces of these sweet young girls who's innocents was taken from them and I just wanted to tell them their worth, who they are. That they are princesses no matter what has happened to them and that there is hope!! There is a movie called "A Little Princess" that inspired this notion that "All girls are princesses, Hasn't your father ever told you that?". Every girl has worth and is precious in the eyes of God!!<br />
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After sending Rick a VERY rough version of the song (the second verse wasn't even written yet!), he emailed me back a very organized, very visual PDF of the idea he had for the music video. Again, my jaw hit the desk and I was inspired by his vision to write the 2nd verse of the song, and I got it recorded professionally by my producer Rick May and things started to get set in motion!<br />
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I met with Rick Green and some of the Video Crew from a production company called The Post House (<a href="http://www.posthouse.tv/" target="_blank">www.posthouse.tv</a>). Rick Green, Tim Flaherty, John Massarella, Justin Dabney, and Scott Baldner all talked about aspects about the upcoming shoot and I tried to play it cool as these really talented dudes "talked shop" about shots, locations, equipment and logistics. My mind was blown that these really awesome video guys were willing to donate their time, energy, MORE OF THEIR TIME, their equipment and more to help with this project. I think I was a bit awkward, because how do you thank someone or show gratitude for something so HUGE?!<br />
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Here is part of the PDF of the details for the Sweet Princess video and inspiration:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>‘Sweet Princess’ is hopeful ballad that speaks to the unimaginable-yet-rampant scourge of human trafficking afflicting millions around the world. From
the tragic cries of young children, to the faint hopes of adult women all trapped in a nightmare - singer/songwriter Heather Evans begs these victims to
‘hold on’ - to know that they have not been forgotten - and that someday they can - and will - find their worth, or their ‘kingdom’ - that they will step into
the light of freedom and be treated like a Princess - after all, ‘...all girls are princesses...hasn’t Your Father ever told you that?’ The song is analogy,
mixed with a dose of reality - swathed lightly with a bit of underlying spirituality.*
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Verse 1
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They don't know who you are<br />
You're a princess but your Kingdom was stolen<br />
"Please don't hurt me again" as she cries in her waking nightmare
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Chorus:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your Kingdom is coming hold on sweet princess, You're the heir to the kingdom come<br />
This nightmare will end you'll see sweet princess, Your kingdom is coming
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So just hold on</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">((guitar interlude - Human Trafficking Stats/Facts))
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Verse 2
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear - Grips your heart<br />
As you lie in wait, for footsteps approaching</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoping for someone to save you As you despair in your waking nightmare
</span></span><br />
<b><i>Bridge:</i></b><br />
<i>So let the kingdom come, let it dethrone the wicked and elevate the broken (x2)</i><br />
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THE STORY:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Story: We open on our young woman - worn and a bit tattered - nervously moving towards the door of her
stale room - the door is cracked open and she leans hard on it as evil leans hard from the outside - we see only
his mouth, his eyes and his dirty hands trying to push his way in - with all she’s got she closes him out and returns
to the safety of her loneliness - as she moves about her dull chamber - moving from the mirror where she
searches for herself; to the bed where buries her face in tears; to the chair where she pulls her knees to her chest
as if to protect her heart - you (the viewer) catch glimpses of lights/twinkles - little bits of light - in the mirror, on the
floor and out-of-focus in her background. During the guitar break between verses - we leave the room and cut to
the hallway - multiple doors line this hallway - in the foreground we cut to multiple people - one at a time (maybe
as many as 8-10) who represent the faces of human trafficking - young, old, black, white - everyone - and each is
holding a tattered piece of paper with a staggering human trafficking fact scribbled (legibly) on it - the messages
hit hard (“27 million victims” - “80% victims of sexual slavery” - “average cost of human slave is $90” - “2 out of 3
are girls” - etc - think of Sarah McLachlan’s ‘World On Fire’ video) - after the guitar interlude - the source of the
‘light’ is revealed - as the woman continues to lament her situation - a small girl, wearing a simple princess’ tiara
and a simple, plain ‘princess dress’ is dancing (slow motion) in the room - she’s dancing amongst the dank room
with a smile, laughing eyes and a twinkling princess wand giving off bright glimmers of hope. Eventually, the
woman notices and acknowledges her princess - takes her hand and leads her out the door and down the hall to
freedom - holding hands with her newly-found princess, our ragged woman looks back down the hallway over
her shoulder - where she sees the bad guy, from behind, pounding on one of the other doors with his fist - trying
to fight his way into another room as she slips out to freedom - finding her princess and her kingdom of freedom -
and she gives a slight but hopeful smile... </i></span><br />
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<b>MOVING ON TO THE MAKING OF THE "SWEET PRINCESS" MUSIC VIDEO, MINI DOC & BEHIND THE SCENES PIECE...</b><br />
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We arrived on Friday on location at a HUGE, old, 2 story warehouse to set up for the Music Video Shoot on Saturday. Rick took me upstairs to take a look at the space we were going to shoot in and I was amazed at the scale of the place. He showed me where the "apartment" scene was going to be shot and I felt an eerie feeling as we peeked into the dilapidated room. It was so realistic and such a sad room it creeped me out a little, but it was perfect for the video. We had some great helping hands on set up day Susan Little, Rick Green, Tim Flaherty, Ruth Payne, Robbie Davidson, Anthony and Diana Tambini and some other folks.<br />
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I met the Production Coordinator Susan Little and she is small but MIGHTY! She had all of the logistics for the food, drinks, release forms and all the ins and outs of the day organized. I am so glad I got to work alongside of her and that she was there to keep things running smoothly.<br />
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This project was truly a "Passion Project". Everything we used was donated to the project from the Warehouse (that rents for $2,000 A DAY), from the furniture from goodwill for the sets, to the food & drinks, the Rent-A-John, the talent, the set up, the behind the scenes photography, the equipment, the christmas lights for the performance piece, to the hair and make up artists. Rick estimated the Budget would easily be a $100,000 budget, but all of it was donated to push the cause forward!<br />
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The day of the shoot was electric. There was a buzz in the air of people working and getting prepared to shoot. Everyone was working together so well and you could sense the camaraderie and common goal. It was fun, yet serious.<br />
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Actress Elizabeth McPherson played the main actress portraying a woman being trafficked. She is such a beautiful woman and when the make up artist Abi finished her makeup, she looked so worn, so beat up and downtrodden.. Her beauty was still there but just transformed into someone sad and broken. Elizabeth was fabulous at portraying her role and was steadfast all day long despite the freezing temperature in the warehouse.<br />
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The Little Princess Ellie Maetzold arrived and lit up the set with her child like joy and sweetness. She was beyond perfect for the role as the symbol of HOPE and innocence that was taken from the older version of herself, Elizabeth. I made her a princess wand that she carried with her the whole day and the crew fell in love with her. Thank you mom and dad Kristen and Dave Maetzold for allowing her to be in the video!!<br />
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There was a small crowd watching the footage the crew was shooting in the apartment room and when they started the song "Sweet Princess" and saw Ellie and Elizabeth together, There was an emotion that swept over everyone. Even Rick peeked out of the room with wide eyes and said "Phew". Saying with his eyes how emotional it was. I, along with a few others had streams of tears running down my cheeks. It was powerful.<br />
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The "Bad Guy" Chris Apfelstadt also did an outstanding job at his role. He is a funny, fun guy, in real life and Rick directed him and helped him channel his angry side, and sure enough he delivered. It was completely dark except for the monitor and the lit up set and his angry, explosive performance sent chills down the audience's spines. I had my hands up to my mouth and felt a little bit afraid myself. Even Elizabeth the actress in the room was shaken up a bit. He also donated some of the Christmas lights for the performance part of the video. :)<br />
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At 4pm or so some people where arriving for the behind the Scenes Mini Documentary about human trafficking that Scott Baldner and Matt Shedenhelm were shooting. They did interviews with Nicole Bromley: Author of "Hush" and founder of OneVoice, Marlene Carson: Survivor and founder of Rahab's Hideaway, Connie Anderson of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship & Human Trafficking Awareness on College Campuses, and Kendra a survivor. I asked Scott at one point "How are you doing?" He answered "I am wore out! The content is so heavy.." I think even the crew were affected by being exposed to the stats and true stories of victims this crime affects.<br />
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There were about 8-10 extras of all ages & ethnicities that held stats about Human Trafficking for one of the shots for the video.<br />
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Lindsey Turner came later in the day to help me with my wardrobe and Make Up for the Performance part of the video. She has a blog called <a href="http://www.thriftandshout.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thriftandshout.blogspot.com</a> and she donated some clothes for the set and also found me the most amazing Vintage 1950's dress that went perfectly with the performance set! </div>
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There were 5,000+ white lights hung from the rafter beams and wrapped around columns over a big space with rustic wood floors. It was magical to say the least. We started filming the performance part of the video around 10:30pm but amazingly I still had plenty of energy for the shoot. Tim, John, Justin, Andrew and others set up the lights and the track for the "Jib" for the camera to roll on. It looked like a real movie set!! Jordan Green worked the ipod playback for the performance too.</div>
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Lorie Williams was shooting behind the scenes photos the whole day too. She is such a wonderful lady!! check out her photos at her website: <a href="http://www.studiowilliams.com/" target="_blank">http://www.studiowilliams.com</a><br />
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We were all exhausted and exhilarated when the shoot was over. We are hoping to do a pretty fun release party when the videos are released in June sometime! After the release, we are hoping to give the videos to organizations that can use them as a media piece to raise awareness for human trafficking. Not just locally, but nationally and maybe internationally. My hope is that this video is passed around and that young and old can learn more about this issue and help people who are stuck in similar situations. One by one we can play a small part. But together we can END SLAVERY!<br />
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<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-37167467725667104182013-03-28T13:30:00.000-07:002013-03-28T13:30:33.507-07:00All things newI've been keeping quite busy these days. Exciting things are on the horizon!<br />
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I've been recording a vulnerable, acoustic-y project with a friend of mine Chris Gatton in his home studio. We've done 2 songs already and I am thrilled with what is happening with each song! He just had Chris Westra lay down viola and Andrew Seifert lay down Cello. My plans for this project are to give it to women who have lost babies, people wrestling through grief & depression and to counseling centers to give to people to heal. It's really a CD that I hope can be the soundtrack for healing in a lot of people's lives. When I was going through some of the hardest times of my life I wished I had music to get me through, so I wrote my own music :)<br />
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I've also had some wonderful opportunities to lead worship at my church Vineyard Columbus, alongside some very talented folks & I am learning a lot. I have come a long way and have much farther to go, but I'm having a blast working with some cool people!! I'm apart of Joshua House's (the 20 somethings ministry) Worship team, I help with Fusion Middle School's worship (my husband is the youth pastor there), I led at the Women's Conference alongside of Noelle Shearer and Carrie Mitchell & I lead once a month at my Mom's Group. My heart is geared in such a way that worship really connects me to God. I am really feeling in my element these days!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL8moUDQ9XNnJuyLnR3qDkn6MMO6p_mGvotoEhbgp4TyImAh1E5OhPj9w6NyRcfAcbv9-M17GyhPvD2wWFWMSbvlFFYfcIu-yp1OOnQI_Pm25Yqh0slnybl6zpU9C4I_D81Repht4O-oq/s1600/253159_10151472450994204_436087188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL8moUDQ9XNnJuyLnR3qDkn6MMO6p_mGvotoEhbgp4TyImAh1E5OhPj9w6NyRcfAcbv9-M17GyhPvD2wWFWMSbvlFFYfcIu-yp1OOnQI_Pm25Yqh0slnybl6zpU9C4I_D81Repht4O-oq/s320/253159_10151472450994204_436087188_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekpVAXeTUJSrAETs6PZUCLM6fPE3all7KaXy0N7gxqqJQl74pVmJO8c0sNIOwFFh34dyNYJBziwM2-RaSTHSqGiKCdva5IL05WDLkX0P9kihFGcvehY_RSvJE1bYJ3QQA6MVLIRMBduZ7/s1600/408463_10151361158544204_2079689962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekpVAXeTUJSrAETs6PZUCLM6fPE3all7KaXy0N7gxqqJQl74pVmJO8c0sNIOwFFh34dyNYJBziwM2-RaSTHSqGiKCdva5IL05WDLkX0P9kihFGcvehY_RSvJE1bYJ3QQA6MVLIRMBduZ7/s320/408463_10151361158544204_2079689962_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me and a buddy of mine Jason Turner have been writing some super fun songs for the last couple years and we are going to be playing them out for the 1st time at a <a href="http://www.heatherevansmusic.com/?page_id=2" target="_blank">Benefit show at Kafe Kerouac on Saturday, April 20th</a>! Our duo act is called "Fine Citizens" and I seriously can't wait to start showing people some of the stuff we've written!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPptB38lPqsPaX9uKTfrGJaJ1bp1_O9n775_EKkces5UqaKW3bKnh8FhRWiH6RM16nBA86RDmTWFQiKj31x-BCySctpciSzXFbC2DQy-UcK6gDyW5vhphG6GCouUGcOvBnZj9_79wx_zu0/s1600/524911_10151460649224204_1456722317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPptB38lPqsPaX9uKTfrGJaJ1bp1_O9n775_EKkces5UqaKW3bKnh8FhRWiH6RM16nBA86RDmTWFQiKj31x-BCySctpciSzXFbC2DQy-UcK6gDyW5vhphG6GCouUGcOvBnZj9_79wx_zu0/s320/524911_10151460649224204_1456722317_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am also sharing the stage with singer/songwriter <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JaneMarczewskiMusic" target="_blank">Jane Marczewski </a>at S<a href="http://www.heatherevansmusic.com/?page_id=2" target="_blank">carlet and Grey Cafe on Friday, April 19th</a>. Amazing Celloist Andrew Seifert will be playing with me that night. SO pumped!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX70wCwhORYLBeQFZRDmrsm-SUBeYn87YdmLsKpO5vMF9fWjCac8QLWJ-fpRUekiMyMAeAMMCVepNPIzm13GQg0vX85uKoW2aMK4I4761HVIrkD734oa34bmUFI3r0YfqnL041Ol5v0gHa/s1600/lunapic_136328642480712_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX70wCwhORYLBeQFZRDmrsm-SUBeYn87YdmLsKpO5vMF9fWjCac8QLWJ-fpRUekiMyMAeAMMCVepNPIzm13GQg0vX85uKoW2aMK4I4761HVIrkD734oa34bmUFI3r0YfqnL041Ol5v0gHa/s320/lunapic_136328642480712_11.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Next Saturday is the Official Music Video shoot for "Sweet Princess" a song I wrote to raise awareness about Human Trafficking. An old friend of mine, Rick Green has been INCREDIBLE at putting together the storyline, actors, film crew, and more! It is going to be a legit professional video and will definitely do the cause justice!! I've been gathering props this week to prepare for the shoot and my good friend Lindsey Turner, stylist from the blog <a href="http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thriftandshout.blogspot.com</a> loaned me tons of awesome clothes for the shoot including an amazing Vintage Dress for my performance piece of the video! I'm looking forward to letting organizations use the video as a media piece to take with them places. Sometimes hearing a stat just doesn't move the heart like hearing music and visually seeing someone affected by Human Trafficking you know?<br />
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I am also apart of 2 different Compilation CD's to raise awareness about Human Trafficking! It is so great to see the vision of using the songs I've written to help organizations & people to come into reality. No dream is too big! Seriously, I'm learning that time and time again. I feel so inadequate sometimes but if the Lord calls you to do something, you can't worry about it! He will make a way for it to happen if it is supposed to happen :)<br />
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<b>^All of these things above are a miracle considering where I was a year or so ago. I had no vision, no dreams.. Stuck in Post Traumatic Stress, depression and Sickness that made it almost impossible for me to leave the house. I am beginning to see the awfulness & mess of those days turn into my mess-age if you will. My past doesn't have to grip its hold on me anymore. The Lord is turning the awful winter into spring. The broken fragments of my heart into a beautiful masterpiece. He is making All Things New!!</b><br />
<br />Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-58163294856489606172013-03-06T13:27:00.000-08:002013-03-06T13:27:07.903-08:00Trust's Food Allergies & Allergen Free Lasagna RecipeWe recently had quite the ordeal taking my son Trust back & fourth to the doctor for various ailments. He kept complaining about his tummy hurting, was acting SUPER whinny, was not eating very much & had chronic diarrhea. After a few blood tests the doctor figured out that Trust has low iron AND Allergies to Gluten, Egg and Milk (and possibly other things). <div>
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My jaw dropped to the floor as I realized many of his favorite foods contain these items. I cried for a day, then got myself together and went into fix-it mode.</div>
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If you've ever been in fix-it mode you'll know what it's like. Researching at all hours of the night, asking questions to people who have allergen free diets, obsessively inspecting every label before anything touches your grocery cart... it is exhausting!!</div>
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I have since found some REALLY good alternatives to Milk & Cheese. Almond milk & Almond Cheese are our favorites so far! The almond cheese is tricky to find, but my husband Brett found Mozzarella Almond Cheese (in a block) at Whole Foods. It is mild and very much like Mozzarella to my surprise.</div>
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We also found some killer Pretzels (Glutino Brand) at Giant Eagle that taste better than real pretzels in my opinion! And Amy's Graham Bunnies has allergen free bunnies at Whole Foods that Trust loves too. Trust also loves yogurt and cried when he couldn't have any, but I found some Soy Yogurt at Giant Eagle that he gulped down. SCORE.</div>
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To be honest, we are a LOT healthier these days. I am eating the same things Trust is eating and most of our diet is, meat, fruits, & Veggies. So maybe the verse that I cling to "All things work together for good" really does stand to be true! </div>
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I am slowly noticing a difference in Trust's overall mood (although it will take some time for him to get all the bad stuff in his system). I still suspect he is allergic to some other things though because he had some diarrhea today, but we are taking it a day at a time you know?</div>
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I adventurously made some DELICIOUS <b>Organic milk free, gluten free, egg free, soy free Lasagna</b> the other night and want to share the recipe with whoever can use it!! The sad part about having so many allergies is not being able to enjoy comfort foods, but now you can!</div>
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I<b>ngredients:</b></div>
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Brown Rice Lasagna Noodles (Tinkyada Pasta Joy-Giant Eagle)</div>
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Pasta Sauce (I used the kind with Basil in it from Trader Joe's)</div>
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**Optional- I added Diced Red Peppers, Spinach & Onion to the Pasta Sauce</div>
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-Splash of Almond milk (or soy) </div>
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Ground Turkey or Ground Beef (All Natural, hormone free is best)</div>
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Almond Mozzarella Cheese (Lisanatti Foods- The Original Almond-Mozzarella Style)</div>
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Lasagna Glass Pan (Long Brownie pan)</div>
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-PRE Heat oven to 375 degrees</div>
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-Shred Almond Mozzarella Cheese with Cheese Grater (do the whole block or more if you like lots of cheese) & set to the side</div>
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-Boil Brown Rice Noodles for 12-15 Minutes- add Olive oil so they down stick</div>
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-Brown Ground meat in Deep Pan (deep enough to add sauce later)</div>
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-Once Meat is cooked through, add Pasta Sauce, Splash of Almond Milk & desired Chopped Veggies to Meat</div>
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-Strain Brown Rice Noodles when they are done </div>
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-Spray Olive Oil (or desired oil) on Glass Lasagna Pan (Long brownie one)</div>
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-Put thin layer of Pasta Sauce Mixture on bottom of Glass Lasagna Pan</div>
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-Layer Noodles on top of Sauce (3 long ways on the Long Brownie/Lasagna Pan work great)</div>
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-Add Sauce Mixture on top of Noodles (thin layer so you have enough)</div>
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-Add Almond Cheese on top of sauce </div>
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-Repeat Noodles, Sauce, Almond Cheese until noodles or sauce is gone.</div>
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-Add Almond Cheese to the top</div>
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-Place Lasagna in preheated (375 degrees) Oven for 20-25 minutes.</div>
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-Check to see if it is bubbling and hot in the middle</div>
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**EAT IT!**</div>
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*Yummy to serve with Rice Bread (Whole Foods) with Olive oil, sea salt & Garlic powder on top. place in already preheated oven for 5-7 minutes and you are good to go!</div>
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Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939241186235894959.post-21613923674234938642013-01-25T08:14:00.001-08:002013-01-25T08:14:29.605-08:00Songs for HealingI've started work on a new music project called "songs for healing". <br />
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I wrote a few songs after I had a miscarriage on Easter Sunday 5 years ago, and more after the crazy life threatening pregnancy & delivery I had with my son Trust. I never thought anyone should ever hear the songs, that maybe they were just for me to process through my emotions. <br />
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Well, this isn't the case now. <br />
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I meet with a counselor to work through the depression, post traumatic stress and the emotional wreckage these past 5 years have brought.<br />
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One session I was talking with my counselor about the songs I've written during the healing process and she simply said "Heather, I need these songs! Do you have a recording of them anywhere?" I'm sure I looked flustered when I answered "Well, I have some rough recordings and could lay down the rest of the songs for you I suppose.." She went on to explain there was a woman she meets with that had still births and that she wanted to give my music to her. The next couple weeks I got all of my rough recordings of the songs together and gave the CD to her to give to the woman.<br />
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Weeks went by and I didn't hear anything and I thought nothing of it. <br />
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I went to see my counselor one day and she greeted me at the door and said, "heather, there is someone I want you to meet." She continued to say "this is the woman I gave your music to." Me and the woman locked eyes and both started to cry. We hugged and cried together because we knew what the other had suffered through and she thanked me.<br />
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This CD is super vulnerable and touches the deepest hurts in my heart and I love it. I think people need to know that it is ok to not be happy all the time. That it is ok to grieve when you've lost someone. It's ok to crumble and not have to put on an act that you are doing fine. It's ok to cry and it's not a weakness but a tool.<br />
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We tend to wear masks in front of each other and I think it's time to start taking them off and being real. No matter what you are going through, we should be able to bear with each other and not judge how far on the journey to recovery each person is at. Instead, embrace the place on the journey you are in and walk it out and grow through it. There is no sense in jumping ahead if you aren't ready yet.. Walk at a pace that is good for you, and walk it with Jesus.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJnbEkW2Ho7jhVQ0OtLIZy58aVPHKD7sdnSRpYnRb6ru89kPwpIhdaXw3UG2kPO3bGtAuFTP6iI-h6-T-u6e-SSpNn77UPKOJ_pM525VEFnzh9jOgxkqn9xwensgr0WjGRgDRfz5pQSxi/s640/blogger-image--1879221417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJnbEkW2Ho7jhVQ0OtLIZy58aVPHKD7sdnSRpYnRb6ru89kPwpIhdaXw3UG2kPO3bGtAuFTP6iI-h6-T-u6e-SSpNn77UPKOJ_pM525VEFnzh9jOgxkqn9xwensgr0WjGRgDRfz5pQSxi/s640/blogger-image--1879221417.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34EHtbE0km1yy2Ky1w6r8ST4HCKT3qkBGm9mloJoZesUGyMPL6ICPqtFhNtZOPsy_ppcYvv9V-qPriCLsfAChfQr2P1MfOz6XB8xFtJQ9vEOo5x_E1lX6veBzaB5zEvmz-KlOB5y340Id/s640/blogger-image--1879585678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34EHtbE0km1yy2Ky1w6r8ST4HCKT3qkBGm9mloJoZesUGyMPL6ICPqtFhNtZOPsy_ppcYvv9V-qPriCLsfAChfQr2P1MfOz6XB8xFtJQ9vEOo5x_E1lX6veBzaB5zEvmz-KlOB5y340Id/s640/blogger-image--1879585678.jpg" /></a></div>Heather Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13130235734159025897noreply@blogger.com0