The Bornman Melody

Friday, October 12, 2012

First Time Going POTTY

Did I happen to mention that Jaelle went pee pee on the potty October 11th? Yep, so I figure I better document this momentous occassion!

She grabbed at her bottom and then Abby said "Jaelle you have to go potty?!" So she grabbed her hand and ran her to the bathroom. Got her clothes off and as I walked into the bathroom I picked up my naked little girl and put her on the potty. And sure enough...."Pssst!" Pee went into the potty. :) Pretty cool for a 16 month old.

Don't know if she's quite ready for potty training but just going to be relaxed and let it happen.....totally different attitude from the last time I potty trained with Abby and Becca. :)

Life is good in the Bornman Household. :)

Letter of Recommendation

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM GRACE ADVENTURES

October 12, 2012

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Cherri Bornman as a worship leader. I am the Program

Manager at Grace Adventures, a Christian camp and training center in Silver Lake, Michigan. Cherri has

lead worship for 3 years in our Women’s Retreat program.

Over the 3 years that Cherri has participated, our program has grown from 100 women to over 250 and

she continues to receive rave reviews from attendees. In fact, she has never received a negative review.

Cherri’s worship style is simple but authentic and powerful. She easily relates to the attendees using

humor, personal stories and testimonies and is then able to smoothly transition into a worship

experience. She is extremely talented vocally and on the piano and has a great balance between types of

songs she chooses from traditional to contemporary, upbeat and slow.

Cherri is very easy and fun to work with. She is flexible and really desires to meet the needs of the

program. Cherri is also organized and always gives us the information we need well in advance.

Although she has only lead worship for us in Women’s Retreats, I have no doubt that she would be

excellent with any adult or family group.

In addition to her musical skill and talent, Cherri is a huge benefit to our program in that she is not just

there to play music but to minister. On many occasions she has gone out of her way to form

relationships with guests, to listen and talk and pray with them. She is a woman of strong faith and her

passion for God’s love is evident in her actions and speech.

If you are looking for a worship leader who will authentically and sincerely draw people into the

presence of God, I highly recommend Cherri. She has a true heart for worship and we have been blessed

to have her as a part of our program and I believe you will be as well. I would be happy to provide any

other helpful information.

Sincerely,

Abby Banfield

Program Manager

(231) 873-3662

abby@graceadventures.org

FEEDBACK ON THE WORSHIP BAND:

Answers to the question, "What has your experience at the Women’s Retreat meant to you?"

It was a wonderful experience with my sister, church and other ladies, listening to God’s Word through Jennifer, worshipping, fellowshipping, and learning.
It was relaxing and allowed me personal time to spend with God and friends in worship.
A fun time of relaxing and growing with new great worship.

Answers to the question, "Please share which sessions or workshops impacted you, and what you’ve learned from them."

I also really enjoyed the worship before each session. 
Worship.
Worship was the best I’ve participated in in a long time.
I really enjoyed the sessions to worship. Deep, deep love of Christ came out of this.
Jennifer Shaw’s sessions, the worship music, session on change, Eva’s open house – great ideas.
Also, Cherry and the worship team are great.
Worship and speaker.

Random comments:

I loved Jen and the worship team
Loved Cherri and the girls doing worship – great blessing! Would enjoy even longer worship times!
Loved the speaker and the worship singers. I would be very happy to see the speaker and singers again next year.

Answers to the question, "How did God speak to you or work in your life this weekend?"

Worship, in His Word, in His music.
God really spoke to me through the Shepherd’s Walk and through the worship times.
He gently reminded me that I am special, unique, and important. Stress, worry, and self esteem issues have plagued me for years. He also showed Himself while we worshipped and sang.

Abby Banfield

Program Manager

Grace Adventures

(231) 873-3662

www.graceadventures.org

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Jaelle Veronica Bornman September 2012, 15 months old

I couldn't let these pictures go without sharing them. This little girl has so much personality and ENERGY. It's not that she is bad, but she surely keeps us on our toes. I don't remember Abby and Becca being so strong willed and determined. Jaelle is a go getter and loves playing and interacting with people of all ages. Bedtime is normally 7:30 or 8pm and she gets up between 6:30-7am every day. Naps have been either once a day for 2-3 hours or two 1 hour naps. I've noticed that she likes to "pick" at Becca. I think because Becca reacts and Jaelle knows she's going to get some kind of response whether good or bad. Abby is Jaelle's little mommy and I love how Abby helps Jaelle and nurtures her. I'm not surprised that Abby is such a responsible big sister.

Jaelle is so beautiful and I just had to share these precious pictures from earlier in the month of September 2012

These pictures show all her different faces in a half hour span.

Aren't I cute mommy?

Very much a thumbsucker. But I'm going to just let her grow out of it and not worry about it.

I try to play piano with Jaelle but she usually boots me off the piano because she wants to perform, or sing or do her own thing. :)

Spacing out face.

Goofy girl- she is very silly and loves to laugh and joke. Jaelle has an usually keen sense of humor for being so little.

And I just LOVE this picture! Yep, Jaelle is trying to go potty. Abby thought that Jaelle was telling her that she had to go potty because she was grabbing at her diaper. So Abby took her and then was yelling from the bathroom for me to help. I come and of course, nothing happens. So I set Jaelle in front of me and tell her to watch mommy. I sit on the potty and then tell her to "listen" and then proceed to pee. Before I could respond/react, Jaelle sits down on the floor in front of me, looks between her legs, and then PEES!! I start to yell but notice that Jaelle is proudly clapping because she peed. So I quickly change from yelling/scolding to "yeah, good job Jaelle!" So this is Jaelle's first pee pee picture and I'm sure we'll have more fun stories to share. But how cool that we caught her first potty picture and story together. :)

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Grace Adventures Women's Retreat September 28-30th,2012

This is my 3rd year attending this Women's Retreat at Grace Adventures in Mears, Michigan as the guest worship leader for the weekend. And how it all came about was from a referral. I spoke for 3 years at a Women's Retreat for New Haven Brethren church and also lead the women in worship at a Bed and Breakfast in Saugatuck MI. It was such a wonderful thing for me in that it was my first time speaking for a whole weekend and because the women who go to this retreat are just so loving and made me feel part of their church family. I met Noelle Gable, an amazing woman ministering to young girls in the Grand Rapids area. I had an opening Ice Breaker question asking who in the audience had the most children and everyone yelled "NOELLE!" And I asked "How many children do you have?" And she replies "I think 16" and then someone in the audience says "And she's not married!!" And I said "Ok, well I just opened a can of worms!" And we all laughed....but later I was able to sit and talk with her to hear her ministry to young troubled girls in Grand Rapids, how she lives with them in a home and basically becomes a mother to them. Anyway, Noelle was the one who mentioned me to Grace Adventures when they were looking for a woman worship leader for their upcoming women's retreat. And that is how I ended up with the opportunity to minister in music and continue to return. I just finished my 3rd year this year and they asked me to come back again for 2013! I couldn't be more excited about it. Grace Adventures truly has a unique and most amazing campus. They have such a GIFT of hospitality. You instantly feel loved, accepted, and pampered while you are there. The campus is beautiful and the activities range from Zumba, zip line, horse back riding, massages, shooting, paintball, or SLEEPING or no sleeping. One of my favorite things to do at Grace Adventures is to go to Eva's house. Eva is the wife of the maintenance director at Grace. She opens her home anyone to visit. She oozes God's love and her home is so cute. Every crick and cranny is filled with little things she's created. She has wonderful ideas on food, hosting, and especially giving little gifts that cost pennies to make to give to someone to make them feel loved or special. I just love Eva and I think its because she's such a perfect example of what it looks like to use your gift to the fullest to bless others. Her gift of hospitality and service and "works of her hands" are so evident in her home and life that Christ is honored and all people are blessed who come encounter her.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Jennifer Shaw- Songwriter, Vocal Performer and Speaker. Tremendous woman of God- because she was REAL and her message was straight from God's word and not of her. It was amazing ministering with her in music this weekend and being apart of her vision for the weekend. She came with laryngitis and wasn't able to sing until Sunday morning. But she did speak every session and God used her mightily!

My favorite picture from the weekend- my sister and me

On top of Little Sable Lighthouse with Elissa Green, Gina and Kendra Battig

Here is the gang who came with us to Grace Adventures. We loved bunking together and spent a few hours Saturday at Little Sable lighthouse and lake Michigan enjoying the sun and view. Gina and me even ran up one of the sand dunes. :)

Gina and me had to take a foot picture

Very happy me

I am actually terrified of heights but the view was breathtaking and I was glad that I overame my fear and went up on the balcony at the top of Little Sable Lighthouse.

And the older I get, the more I like my stubby little nose that God gave me. :) Thanks God!!

BELOW IS AN EMAIL I SENT TO FRIENDS REGARDING THE WEEKEND:

We're back from an awesome weekend at Grace Adventures! The speaker and song writer/vocal artist was Jennifer Shaw. Wonderful woman and we totally enjoyed ministering with her in music this weekend. We left feeling more encouraged in our gifts and the call on our lives to use music to touch women and bring them closer to God. I’m excited to see where God will take us this coming year with our music. And they booked us for next year again and both Grace Adventures and the Musical artist are writing a letter of recommendation on our behalf!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!! They mean so much. Keep praying for Gina. It’s a long road and I still see her wanting go back to Freddy-Only God knows what the outcome of their seperation will bring. She so badly wants to honor God with her marriage and love Freddy. But the emotional/mental abuse was strong and so evident in her behavior, patterns and actions. I hope she remains steadfast with her decision but time will tell. I keep remembering that verse that says “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”

Anyways, I am learning every day what it is to trust God with family and to see God work in a tangible way in Gina’s life as she works through and deals with her trials. She continues to amaze me with her simple “child like” heart and faith. Gina is such a loving/merciful person and I want that quality too.

Cherri

P.S. HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND-We met a girl who survived abuse (the last day of the retreat at breakfast) All I asked her was “Do you mind me asking how you became a single parent?” And she started in with her story. By the end, Gina and I were both a mess. Anyway, I call it one of those “divine appointments” and Gina feels that her meeting this girl was totally why she was supposed to go this weekend. Gina got her phone number and info and she recommended some programs for Gina. It was good for Gina to see and meet with another girl who has survived, thrived and overcame.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

13th Wedding Anniversary

What can I say? I landed the jackpot when I married Cornelius. He's intelligent, kind, hard working, faithful, committed, loyal, authentic, fun, adventurous, a Spiritual Leader, loving, a servant, and he's MINE. :) We've gone through our ups and downs like most marriages. But I firmly believe that Cornelius and I have had an "unusually" blessed marriage. Yes we've faced financial hardships and a miscarriage. But really, we've mostly experienced blessing with our 3 beautiful daughters, family that loves and supports us, good jobs and a home that is full of real friendship, intimacy, and I feel like...dare I say it, God's favor and blessing.

I remember the day Cornelius professed his love for me. It was under the willow tree at the home we presently own. At that time it was my Aunt's home- who would have known we'd own that willow tree and have that precious memory in our back yard?! And I knew that he was the man God had chosen just for me. I was still dealing with old emotions from a past relationship at that time, and still in the process of healing from my car accident when Cornelius told me he was committed to loving me the rest of his life. So I wasn't full of mushy gooshy love and butterflies when he told me "He Loved Me". Instead I was full of peace, confidence and assurance that this was right and that God's way is the best.  Two months later in January of 199, Cornelius proposed and then married August 7th 1999.

It rained on our wedding day. I was on cloud nine and just a very typical giddy bride. Mom was afraid to tell me it was raining outside...you know, all the talk and superstition on having rain on your wedding. BUT, the first thought that came to mind when they told me it was raining outside was "SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS.....I shall have showers of blessings."

And now here we are, 13 years later. Now, with all this said, I don't want to sound like we have had perfection or 13 years of wedful bliss. I want to make sure that this blog represents the whole spectrum of our colorful marriage. The first month of marriage I was telling Cornelius to get out of my bed and sleep on the couch- and when he wouldn't go, I went to the couch!! And I was praying "God, change Cornelius! He needs to be like.....blah blah blah." And it was in that first month God taught me a valuable lesson. Marriage is not about changing people- but it does change you. It changed my attitude and heart when God spoke to my heart about ME needing to change.

I did tell you that Cornelius makes my life adventurous so now I have to tell you a story. Today I had to drop the girls off at the sitters.  I got there at 7am and she wasn't there- and I realized that Cornelius must have forgotten to communicate with her that I would be coming early with the girls. So I wait and thankfully Amanda arrives ahead of time. I leave quickly and as I'm driving and had the truck on cruise, the truck pulls out of cruise and proceeds to sputter and slow down...."Could it be that I'm out of gas?" and then I remember that Cornelius did mention he needed to put gas in his truck the day before. So here I am on the side of the road, no cell phone (because it got washed in the washer the night before) walking from house to house, looking for someone to help me. After my 3rd house, a gentlemen offered to take me to town to get gas and fill up his little gas can. I was feeling so overwhelmed and worried about getting to work, that I just got in his truck and away we went. Thankfully, he was truly a good samaritan and alls well that ends well. So, I TOTALLY BLAME my husband for this adventure this morning. 13 years ago we had an adventure when we went camping on our honeymoon, and I got a horrible UTI and Cornelius was trekking me through the woods, rivers and caves and I finally had to have him take me to civiliazation to get medical treatment for my UTI.....I can smile when I tell people about this story now.

Oh and there have been other fun adventures and some not so fun but here's what I said on my Facebook today:

"Thirteen years ago I married a man who has added adventure, love and joy to my life (and some headaches!) But he has taught me that through thick and thin, we are committed to eachother and that our love is strong even in the valleys of life and I'm so thankful for that. Cornelius, here is to many more years together and to becoming more and more beautiful as we "age". :) Happy Anniversary!"

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Taking Inventory of My Life and Lifestyle Change

So I've really been slacking on my blogging. And I love to blog when I do it. I think its because I'm avoiding how I feel or what I'm thinking. I get that way sometimes....where I feel like there is so much going on inside that it's easier to just glide through life and not think about it too much and writing about it makes me think and "feel". I'm such an emotional person anyways and feeling things that are bubbling inside can make me feel like a shaken soda can that is about to POP! :)

Today I can say that I have been faithful to my Life Style Change. I continue to make gains in choosing obedience to Christ in being a good steward with my body. Its a daily choice and struggle sometimes to say no to frivolous eating. I do have icream or something sweet on occassion, but I've learned to do it in portions or to choose a more lighter fare. Its hard and I get that "old" thinking of "Its not fair that I have to be healthy!".....and then there was one night that I was just angry because I got to the store late because I went walking before I went to town to get a birthday gift for a friend. And the store was closed and I was like "If I wasn't so fat, and didn't need to excercise, I could have been here earlier!" And I literally threw a grumpy tantrum and said that outloud while walking back to the van....Cornelius heard it all. He got back into the van quietly and didn't say anything. On another day he told me that no matter if I was skinny/healthy, you always need to exercise and take care of your body.
Some days are easier than others and then there are "those" days. And I think, "will this battle never end?" But what can I expect? I've struggled this food battle since I was a young girl. It's going to take time and it's going to be where I daily turn to God. One thing I get worried about is not making this about being skinny- but about being right with God and healthy. That is what this has to be about for the long haul. If it's about the surface and not heart felt, its not going to stand the trials of holiday food and the trials of emotional eating.
So here is the stats for today. I am 29 pounds lighter than what I was on April 18th when I weighed in with Julia. I figure that by the weekend or the end of July 2012, I will be 30 pounds less than what I was April 18th, 2012. And yesterday I did my best time on my walk/jog. I did 3.09 miles in 44 minutes and 5 seconds!! From someone who wasn't even walking, let alone jogging, here I am today jogging/walking 3 miles in under 45 minutes.....happy dance!!

But with even this good news- I feel like there are still some things that steal my joy and focus. Its been hard working this summer. Last summer I was home with the girls and loved it. With Cornelius laid off from work, I sometimes get jealous or angry. Not angry at him because he's so wonderful with the girls and cooking meals, taking care of the garden and animals. I mean, he has a full time job at home. But I get angry- angry that I'm working when I'd rather be home. Angry that we have expenses that keep me working. If Cornelius gets a job, I still have to work- or do I? Could we live on one income? We still are getting Unemployment and we are making the bills, its tight but we're doing it. So then I think, "well, if he gets a job making what I make with his Unemployment, then I could stay home." But then I get angry at myself because it boils down to my comfort level and not wanting to give up my "cushy" lifestyle. I like THINGS....and liking THINGS, shopping and having an appearance of money, keeps me working. So is this the next lifestyle change I need to make? Do I need to work on my heart attitude regarding status and money and things? OUCH.....I really didn't want to write this or confess it .....cause I feel like I'm confessing it and need to be held accountable regarding this since I verbalized it. Right now its like the big white elephant in the room that I'm tiptoeing around. I need prayer. Prayer to know how and what God wants me to do and to be obedient and not afraid. Right now I'm working and need to be while Cornelius is laid off. And I'm going to just keep focused on being a good worker and let this sit awhile......but I need prayer about this.....and I NEED TO PRAY ABOUT THIS.

Ok, phew! Now on to life in general. We've had a very busy July. Sarah visited with her new baby and Lindi and grandma Bornman came along too. I thought to myself, "when are we going to have them stay with us for a week like this ever again?" It was special. I think by the end of the week though, everyone was tired and ready to go home.
The next day, July 10th, the girls went on the train with my mom to Chicago for a whole week. It was so special for them to have this time with grandma. And they had a blast and experienced a new world in the city. They brought back 2 cousins with them who stayed from July 17th-20th. When the left, we were all ready for us to have our home back to normal with just our girls and no guests. Those cousins sure experienced a new world in the country. The one girl had never made home-made cookies. So when Abby asked her to make cookies with her she just looked blankly at Abby. It was wonderful that Abby and Becca could show them how relaxed and fun it is to live in the country and not go shopping every day in a mall or store of some kind. They loved all the animals we had. I asked Becca if she liked the city or country better. She told me "I like the country better mom." :)

Soon I will post pictures from the month of July. We have taken some beautiful pictures. We've been blessed and have had a good summer so far. Looking forward to what August holds for us. We're doing our family vacation in August up north in Munising to see the Pictured Rocks. Can't wait!

Here is a verse to conclude my thoughts today:

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27

Saturday, June 30, 2012

JUNE 2012 Events

I haven't been able to blog like I wanted to for the month of June. Not because I didn't want to, but because we have been LIVING! Our family was very busy this month with many things and so I've decided to write them down so that I don't forget. (there are some things I did that aren't mentioned but these few stick out in mind)

1. Softball- the girls played softball on the same team this year. Very competitive but FUN. Their coaches, Brian Zinn and Chad Mortenson, made it a very memorable season and not only taught them tenique and skills for working as a team, but life skills as well. It was so fun to go and hear these men invest in these girls and see how they challenged them and each game, they grew and got better. Very proud of my girls and all they did on their softball team. Becca was on of the catchers and worked her butt off! And Abby did amazing in outfield by 3rd base. She even caught a pop up ball out in the field and it totally charged her up and lifted her spirits. We started out wondering if this was really a fit for Abby, and learned that she was up for the challenge.

2. Small group camping- our Small Group went camping at School Section Lake in Mecosta County June 22-24th. Abby took a friend with her and it made her time camping even more special. Jaelle did awesome camping and our whole family was able to really enjoy eachother and enjoy the time with friends in a new environment. Stephen, our pastor, preached Sunday morning and it was so wonderful to have the kids involved and engaged in the service. Chris Shebester and I lead worship together and there's just something about worshiping outside in God's creation.

3. I sang at a Women's Tea Event at First Baptist Church in Vestaburg- The same weekend of the camping trip I sang a few songs at this tea. It was fabulous event. The church did a wonderful job of making us feel so special, so spoiled and probably one of the neatest things was that we had tea and were served tea just as if it was "high tea". The food was scrumptious and beautiful. Each table was decorated by the hostess of that table. And every lady received some gift. What made this event special was that I was able to minister with Cheryl Engle, who is not only my friend but mentor. Cheryl did a tremendous job teaching and sharing from God's Word to these ladies and I know that she impacted women there.

4. Father's Day and Birthday party- June 16th we were at a birthday party for a young gal at our church, Ashleigh, who turned 14. First time with Jaelle at the pool with a bunch of people and she loved it. Then On Father's Day we went to my sister's new house and had a great time with her family and my dad. We swam in the pool and the kids played and played. We didn't leave until 10:30pm. It was a very busy weekend but again, summer is about enjoying the outdoors and making memories with family and friends.

5. First 5K for Cornelius- Today, June 30th, my husband ran his first 5K. I couldn't be prouder of him and his accomplishment. What was so awesome was that he took first place in his age group of 30-39 year olds. He ran it in 29 minutes and 17 seconds which wasn't even his best time. The girls were so impressed and impacted by their dad. It was very special to see him cross the finish line. This evening we went walking as a family for the first time. Ive been walking and jogging with Cornelius and the girls would ride their bikes. Often they would ride along with their dad when he started running. (Cornelius is much faster than me) Tonight after supper, we went and Abby totally surprised me. She ran longer and quicker. Becca kept in stride with me. She got tired but kept pushing herself. Abby did it in 45 minutes flat and Becca and I finished in 46 minutes and 36 seconds. We cheered them on and I noticed that I felt more excitement while doing it with them. It was so rewarding and so fulfilling to do it with my girls. Jaelle was content in her stroller and watched everyone working hard. I told the girls that Jaelle is going to grow up seeing us exercising and she will naturally want to exercise too.

AND I continue to work at being a good steward of my body with how I eat and exercise. I face challenges and temptations, but it keeps getting easier day by day. Sometimes I worry if I don't exercise as often as I think I should or if I eat something sweet or fatty, but then I tell myself that it's not about being legalistic and a drill sargent, but about making intentional choices to surrender my addiction and unhealthy lifestyle to God and find that He's there to encourage me and give me strength and wisdom. At the close of this month, I can say that I have lost a total of 25 pounds since I started this journey April 19th, 2012. YEAH!!!

Here are a few pictures from JUNE 2012