Baby's 1st Picture!

Our baby at 7 WEEKS!!!!

Tentative Due Date: 7 February 2008

Our lil' one is pumping out 144 heart beats per minute!!! (it's a trooper!!!)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!! (to my wife, from her husband!)

Thank you Jesus for this awesome woman! This has been the best year of my life, and it is all because of her (living for You) in my life. I look forward to the many years ahead with you Amanda, and our children (however many the Lord would Bless us with)!

Amanda, you have been such an encouragement in my life since day one. From getting me into the Word seriously and praying for me every day and night. I love it when we read together in bed, falling asleep to the sound of your voice reading God's Word to me. When we get to church, and you are right by my side singing with me to the lord, whether in the pews or Leading Worship for the church.

You have become my best friend, and everyday we grow closer and closer together. Tonight we celebrate how richly we are Blessed; our marriage.

I know my life has never, and will never be the same with you here, and trust me, it has changed for the better and continues down that road every moment!

To all who read this, I just want to proclaim my love for my Proverbs 31, Gift from God, my one-an-only helpmate, my WIFE... Amanda Jeanne.

I love you Amanda Jeanne, Always and Forever...

<3

A REALLY LONG update :-)

So yeah, it's been awhile since our last post here on the 'ol Blogger. So much to say, but what to say??? Where to start???

Well, I guess we can back track to after my grandfather’s funeral:

April 15 – May 3, 2007

After visiting with family in Connecticut, we returned home to continue on with all we had to do; Amanda with classes and me back to the part-time workforce and school work.

Going back to that while waiting for the full-time job opportunity to show itself can become very stagnating. Stuck… Spiritually, mentally and physically:

Mentally: Not feeling challenged in my college courses; I don’t feel I am earning every “A” or 4.0 GPA I get with each class finished.

Physically: Not satisfied being a part-time worker, more like a Thursday and Friday worker. Wanting to get that phone call that says I can start my full-time job. I was feeling a little lower than the average man and husband.

Spiritually: Slipping in prayer, reading and focusing on the Lord. Feeling no movement closer, yet feeling farther, amazing what feeling stuck can do to a relationship.

May 4 – 20, 2007

A little time later, I received some great news; my full-time job was going to start, but I had to wait two weeks before having a video tele-conference (VTC) with the company vice-president. I was ecstatic that I was finally going to start working for Riverside Research Institute (RRI) (www.rri-usa.org).

The only downside is I had to wait the two weeks; I was bummed, but just happy to know my job was all set. Well, it just happened to be that I cam down with a sinus infection, followed 3 days later, pneumonia (yes, 3 days later!). It sucked a lot to have pneumonia, especially when I have never had that before (and I never wan it again!).

Through that time, I felt my relationship with my wife grow closer as she took care of me. There is just something that brings two together when caretaking is involved. I could seriously feel the ministry of my wife in my life as she prayed over me and cared for me physically. God has blessed me with an amazing woman, wife, lover and best friend.

The weekend spiritually was a small stepping stone. I started to pray more, read a little more (not as much as I was hoping, but a start) and of course, was leading Worship Sunday morning. I was scared to get up there and lead Worship, not only for the earthy logistical reasons (band members missing for the holiday, putting together the set, guest pastor speaking, etc.) u also for the state of my spiritual mindset (as I saw it).

It was definitely a time of growth, and putting aside me and focusing on Him. Amanda and I prayed much before this Worship morning, and just stepped out there, because He is deserving of all our Praise.

The morning went without incident and I came out of the Worship a changed heart, remembering what he called me to do.

May 21 – 28, 2007

Started work on that Monday following the two weeks. It was extremely boring, since I had to wait to start my real job with the company on Wright-Patterson AFB. The way I looked at it is I may have been bored, but at least I was being paid for it! Definitely feeling like a provider now! It was a start, and I was feeling like a man again!

The week, although boring as I waited to get on base, was not uneventful. Two employees from my company came from the base and took me out to lunch to tell me little about what I would be doing for work and basically introduce themselves. Finally, the week ended with a large bar-b-que with the company to celebrate Memorial Weekend, and have a large company meeting.

May 29 – 31, 2007

Finally was on-base and doing the job I was hired on for. You know, working 9 hours never felt so fun (well, working 12 hour shifts was fun, when I did the evenings back in Colorado).

I have my on cubicle, my own phone (2 actually), and 3 computers. It’s not a bad deal at all. It is amazing how much more awake, alive, manly I feel while working. Coming home to a beautiful waiting wife, having worked all day, earning my pay… I just feel like a true husband, a true head of the household.

My Beautiful wife!

Praying has become more of a focus between my wife and I; dedicating time, especially before bed to speaking to Him individually as well as together. Yes, sometimes sleepiness is too much to pray a lot, but I make sure I pray over my every night and morning.

It is a blessing to be a working man and husband for my wife.

June 1, 2007

Now this day was the bearer of the greatest news since our wedding day…

I believe this picture explains it all… J

We found out, by the test and the doctor’s office that we are going to be parents!!! How amazing is that!

Of course, the questions came like a flood… “are you ready?” “was this planned?” “was it a surprise?” “umm, you’re what?”

Our response has been, yes, we are surprised, no, we are not ready (what first-time parent ever is???) and was this planned… well, we say, “we weren’t trying, but we weren’t preventing.” That pretty much sums that up!

Right after we received the call, we made a knee-dive for the floor and started praying over each other, the baby God has blessed us with and my wife and baby’s health. After that, we got up, had a good cry and well, I pretty much started jumping up and down; I am going to be a dad!

June 2 – 3, 2007

This weekend we pretty much started spreading the news to our family and close friends that we had received news of good cheer! That the stork, per say, had visited our home. What a thing to be telling people, that we are pregnant (well, she is, but you know what I mean!)

June 4, 2007

This was Amanda’s 26^th Birthday! Yes, my amazing wife is one year older, one year wiser and more beautiful than ever.

Posing before her Birthday night out

I took her out to Jay’s Seafood restaurant. It is the best place we can go for actual fresh seafood here in Ohio. A little pricey, but worth it once you get that fresh Maine lobster on your plate, mmm mmm! The waiter brought over a cake with a candle at the end of our evening. It was a great night, and Amanda was thoroughly happy.

My baby all dolled up!

June 5 – 6, 2007

Basically, I had class, and not much happened for myself here. Amanda had the wonderful stress of finals, but came out unscathed and ready for the next few weeks off.

June 7 – 8, 2007

Amanda’s sister (my sister-in-law, affectionately called SIL by yours truly) and friend Claire came for a visit. It was so awesome to finally meet my sister-in-law, and a wonderful time too, since the news of our bundle of joy! They brought with them many gifts, including a Sari’ from India…

Gorgeous!

As you can see, she is a natural for Indian beauty. We got to hear their stories, and even try a taste of cultured cuisine; not just Indian. (Minus the meat, since they are vegetarians)

Also, they brought some items from her Aunt Donna. It wasn’t exactly exciting, since they are items she was passing on as she knows her time is near. Amanda cried, and they shared stories of Aunt Donna and Uncle Steve.

Also that evening, as they hung outside with the dog and a friend of ours I went and bought an ice-cream cake (her fav as well as mine!), and put 26 candles on it, and had everyone come in. She was definitely surprised and full after the cake.

June 9, 2007

Well, this was the big day!!!!! Amanda’s Surprise Party!!!! Yes, it was awesome, and she was almost surprised (we kinda arrived early, and her friends arrived same moment, so it kind of gave it away) J

It all happened at Dave & Buster’s in Cincinnati. Everyone had an awesome time playing the games, eating the food and enjoying each others company. Amanda made sure to play a lot of Dance, Dance Revolution (DDR).

All the party-goers and some not there all chipped in for her birthday gift…

An XBOX360 w/DDR Game, 2 DDR Dance Pads, 2 Wireless controllers.

Well, that is the update over the past “few” days J

Till next post… <><

Good-bye Grandpa

Edward Salmoiraghi
April 28, 1925 - April 9, 2007

This morning, my grandfather died. Edward H. Salmoiraghi. 81 years young. His body was slowly failing him, day by day.

Even though his death was expected, it is still shocking, and painful.

What do i say? I don't know.

Amanda and I were hoping to see him once more this coming weekend during my father's 50th b-day party. We wish we could have sooner now. We rejoice in that Amanda was able to meet him over the Christmas Holiday, and my grandfather fell in love with her (and the puppy) on the spot. He will be missed... Till we see you in heaven...

Please be praying for Amanda and I, my family and especially my grandmother. her world has crashed down around her. She is thankful her children surround her, but to lose a husband, lover and best friend is more than a person can take sometimes.

Thank you Lord for the many days I spent with my grandfather, learning from him, watching him work hard and hear the stories of his life, may I NEVER forget them or lose them in my lifetime or my children's.

New Weapons of Worshipping Warfare (Coming Soon!)

Well, with help of an awesome brother, and the money I have put aside; a new member of my arsenal of worship weapons...

Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar



Gibson Case :-)



VOX ToneLab SE Tube Driven Modeling Floorboard Processor

Some of you may be wondering... "Why?!?!?!" Well, it is simple... As many of you realize, I have been a primarily acoustic Worship Leader and have been wanting to extend to some electric work, rhythm and some lead training. With this equipment I can begin some serious expansion of my playing skills. Especially as I am leaning more towards Hillsong / Hillsong United / Desperation Band style of Worship Leading. Also, as I expand my talent borders, is learning to the use the electric in a softer environment, like Tomlin, Redman, Crowder, Hall and other Contemporary Worship artists.

God is good and worthy of our praise! I am excited to receive these tools into my hands, to turn them right back to Him in song!

As you may/or may not know, my wife and I are available to lead Worship if you have a need or a want in this area. You can contact us through here or at j.michael.project@gmail.com or at our MySpace page.

- God Bless <><

Semi-Wordless Wed?

Chris Tomlin (left) and Matt Redman (right) live in Columbus, OH, March 25th
Worshipping Loud and Clear!

A New Day Begins

A new day, what does it hold and why?

Priorities change. Once the borders and lines that separated the priorities were skewed and blurred beyond recognition. How did this happen? It could have been when we both started school work and found ourselves stressed and when needing relaxation, we chose to do it right before bed with the warming glow of the television.

it started slowly, with the addiction of Law & Order:SVU and Law & Order:CI, then on to the talk radio programs of Neil Boortz, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Howard Clark and Michael Savage. It began to replace the sermons I loved on CDR (Cedarville University's Radio Station) Radio, and the music I was listening to on, sadly, K-Love (as many of you know, I can't stand the 'soccer-mom' oriented programming on this particular syndicated radio station...), even forsaking the FM Transmitter for my iPod (gasp!), and still choosing to listen to the talksters.

Soon prayer left the room faster than a fat Elvis looking for the last apple strudel, and the personal worship time was replaced personal laziness and school work. Instead of praying for each other we were arguing over who was more stressed (obviously she was and is - Master's vs. Bachelor's, you take a guess).

As this oh-so-cute picture shows, is how I felt for each day.

"for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: 'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'" - Ephesians 5:14

Basically as I lost sight of the Lord, I lost site of my own wife. She became lost, as she looked for spiritual (and earthly) guidance and leadership. I started to become which I hated and she feared, I was becoming that which she had not married. What was I to do? I knew what I had to do, but how would I do it, what did it take, why did I fear returning to the Lord?

Well, last night I came to a pivotal point of change. I truly realized this and where I was as I was taking care of my wife. I was doing all for her, in love, laundry, dishes, at her beckoning call no matter what she asked. I realized this is what she needs everyday (maybe not the extreme as when she is sick, but still the same none-the-less); for it to be in love, but Christ's love, by His Word and by His strength.

I need to get back in the Word, back in personal prayer time (which leads to praying for and with my wife daily, even more than daily!) and once again pick up my guitar not just for Worship practice, but for my own personal Worship experience. And Worship for myself and us as a couple; yet it is all for Him, from us.

Today has been the turning point. Last night I fell on bended knees to my wife and prayed for God's grace to be in my life. I know I am forgiven (by God and by her), but no longer could I walk/run/crawl under my own power and strength, but only by His. I was on my knees praying, and weeping and felt the strength I needed to start this move forward in the right direction on the right path - His.

I went to bed a different man than who walked and talked during that morning. I awoke feeling renewed and refreshed; I still have many obstacles and personal habits (i.e. not reading the Word, not praying) I need to walk through and break. Today has been no exception, I have found it hard to pick up the Bible, but I will, and pray (which I did in the shower, actually keeping the talk radio off on the shower radio). I want to change, my wife wants me to change and above all, god wants me to change and led me to Him in his own way.

Now, I am taking the steps needed to keep my true priorities in check and solid this time. (1) GOD - (2) FAMILY - (3) SCHOOL - (4) WORK.

It's been a good day of slightly slacking (I will admit), but also laundry, looking good (shaved, decent and all for my wife), taking care of my wife and listening to Worship flow through the house on our stereo system.

Now, I am off to walk the dog and return to homework and spending time in the Word with my wife; who knows, I might even pick up the guitar and sing a song to Him?

It's a new day, the possibilities are endless...