Christmas Eve Concert

Christmas Eve was busy for the Baer family this year as we performed at the AZ LDS Temple Lights again. Instead of cooking goodies and then caroling to a few friends on that special evening, we had the opportunity to sing to several hundred folks in the chilly night air on one of the most sacred nights of the year. When it was all done, the night turned out magical with many friends and extended family there to hug afterwards. But I must say that practicing harmonies, finding tux bowties, matching dresses, securing accompanists and such made for a stressful week up til the big day. LtoR is our family- Tyler, Corey, Michele, Sterling, Brian and Marisa. We also had Sarah Thaxton singing with us as an extra Soprano to help balance with all the men's voices. She was wonderful.

Brian sang "Little Drummer Boy" with his guitar and did a smooth job.

Then Tyler Sang "O Holy Night" with a Josh Groban arrangement background and sounded awesome. We heard many great comments afterwards about their songs.

I had the chance to sing "Gesu Bambino", one of my favorite Christmas Solos and also shared the popular song, "Merry Christmas Darling"

I think the best part was watching my children and husband enjoy performing for others and having the audience join with us on the last verse of Silent Night. It was sweet and stirring. Special Thanks to Sharon Overall for playing the piano for us and 2nd cousin Morgan Wood for jumping in at the last minute with violin!

CD DISCOUNT SPECIAL- 2 CD's FOR $25

After an amazing lineup of fall performances at 3 Book of Mormon Conventions, I have been busy with around 2 performances a week since then. Christmas concerts and musical numbers are really a joy to do.
Just this week I sang for an hour at the downtown Mesa AZ post office for the customers waiting in line to mail packages. I sang mostly Amy Grant or Karen Carpenter Christmas tunes and of course some old favorites like "White Christmas", but also featured a few of the songs from my CDs. How fun it is to see hearts soften and faces brighten up as they listen to music with the spirit of Christ. Most refreshing is to notice how all children respond with a ready smile and love in their eyes when they see me singing.
By the way, if anyone is interested in getting a discount on my CD's, just go to my website and you will see a special with a phone number to call. They make great gifts for friends or visiting teachees. www.MicheleBaer.com

BOOK OF MORMON EVIDENCES CONFERENCE

It has been an exciting and informational experience to sing at the two recent Book of Mormon Evidences conferences with Rod Meldrum, Bruce Porter, Wayne May and Kieth Merrill. I have enjoyed meeting some great folks and hearing compelling evidence that quite possibly the events of the Book of Mormon took place in the North American Continental area. I hope that if you have any curiosity, you will visit the website, http://www.bookofmormonevidence.org/ and read for yourself the scriptural, textual, archaelogical and dna evidences that have come forth.

EXCITING GIVEAWAY ON ANNE BRADSHAW'S BLOG

If you didn't know, I am featured as the giveaway of the week on Author Anne Bradshaw's blog.
She is featuring me because I am one of the contributors in her new book, 'FAMOUS FAMILY NIGHTS'. To find out more about the giveaway, go to www.annebradshaw.blogspot.com
The book is available at Deseret Book and other fine LDS Bookstores. You have to get it because it has great ideas for FHEs and because in my entry, I share the Woodies favorite Family night games from growing up. CHECK IT OUT!

NATIONAL ANTHEM AUDITION

Amazingly enough, I had the chance to be at Dodger Stadium on Mormon night after making the top 6 finalists out of over 500 auditions. My audition video is the link here, but the pictures show that it was indeed an honor to be there with Elder Ballard and enjoy the night. I am glad Shea Owens was able to sing the anthem, as he did the most awesome job and is so deserving of the opportunity!

FLAGSTAFF 5 STAKE YOUTH CONFERENCE

What a fabulous experience! I had the privilege of doing a musical presentation for the kids from Northern AZ just before Sis Ann M. Dibb spoke. I sang 6 songs and shared my testimony with the most amazing kids. There was a great outpouring of the spirit and we were all uplifted together. Sister Dibb shared a great message and stories about her father, Pres. Thomas S. Monson. What a special evening. In the picture are LtoR-Sis Petersen, Sis Dibb, Me and Sis Becky Oldroyd.

FATHER'S DAY DEDICATION

For this Father's day, I am preparing to help my kids honor the wonderful Dad in our home, my husband Sterling Baer. He has done amazing things to inspire and lead the way for our 6 children.
But for this blog, I want to honor my own father, Vince Wood, a wonderful Dentist from Northern Calif who loved to hear me sing Karen Carpenter tunes back in High School. He is the one who really encouraged me to sing, following in the footsteps of my Mother, who has an amazing natural contralto solo voice. He also sang in Music Theatre and Men's Quartet groups, but deferred to my Mom for the stronger talent. I think they made a great musical match and I was so happy to be able to finally record a Carpenters number on this last album,

You're Worth It All

I want to dedicate it to him. He will be enjoying it from the more heavenly realms where I'm sure they have a beyond awesome surround sound system!