Last week. This week.

LAST WEEK...

bonfires. hobo pies. story telling. and monopoly with the cousins.

38 week picture documented. and a sewing project.

38 week pic

sewing projects: 2 roman shades in the nursery in need of a hem

BEFORE

(another project is currently in the works

using the leftover 2 panels I cut off the bottom of the shades)

AFTER

THIS WEEK...

Doctor visit on Wednesday. More sewing projects. Last minute house cleaning.

And I'm wondering which one of the following babes our little girlie will look like...

Mr. Gregory Peter

OR...

Miss Shannon Michelle

A weekend retreat

Over the weekend I was blessed to attend a fantastic retreat in northern MI with two of my dear friends, CJ and Lynelle, as well as six other women from Engedi Church. We stayed two nights in a B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L cottage by the lake, just a few feet away from the water...literally. Now, just a reminder that it's March here in good 'ol MI (for my western, southern, and overseas friends). So, no we did not slip into our swimsuits and sunbathe like the pictures may suggest. But, we did escape the rain from our home town for all 3 days and enjoyed lots of brisk walks in the cold air, wearing our mittens and hats.

We shared stories, encouraged each other, offered wisdom and prayed as a group each morning...and even sang a few songs. But, the rest of the time was our own. I LOVE these kinds of retreats! I get the most out of them, when I just have time to journal and read and pray on my own. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the fellowship of retreats with crafts, and speakers, and organized music....but there's something about getting away for a quiet, restful weekend with no schedule.

This weekend was also significant to me personally. One year ago on the first weekend in March, I reached the climax of crisis in my life. I was at my worst as far as depression goes, I couldn't control what happened in my family history, and was making sinful choices that were affecting my health and marriage. So, I fled town and started driving up north. I had no idea where I was going, and how long I would be gone. All I grabbed were a few clothes, my Bible, journal, and some money. I spent 4 days in a tiny motel in Ludington. I wrote about 15 pages filled with struggle, questions, and hopes. I never prayed so much in my life in those 4 days. I encountered God in a brand new way, and was brought to tears by what I had been doing. I wanted to be changed and made new. Upon returning, my life did not change overnight, but that long weekend was a huge step in my recovery. Three months later my dear and compassionate friend CJ (who I had confided in regularly) brought me to Lynelle (who has turned into an amazing mentor and friend). She had been through similar experiences, but had seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I was at the right time in my life to really make the change, and through a series of these kinds of relationships, God brought it about. I will always be grateful for how friendships blossom...especially these two ladies in my life :)

So thank you to Engedi Church for welcoming me into your group for a weekend together with sisters in Christ. It is yet another year I won't forget!

The Secret's Out...

Here's the announcement...






The verse at the bottom got cut off, but it reads
Psalms 37: 4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart".
And we are expecting September 9, 2009....how cool is that?? 9.9.09! I know I know, it rarely happens that you actually give birth ON your due date, but still fun to say.
All I can say is how completely PERFECT God's timing is. Greg and I have had a rough last year and a half with family issues on my side, and struggles within our own marriage. But, we have definitely come out stronger on the other side by the grace of God. There were so many times when I just wanted to be pregnant, and let that be my escape from all my other problems. Especially when all I could see were all the OTHER pregnant women around me. But, God protected us from that situation, as it could have been disastrous. I would have used it as a tool to protect myself from further hurt, instead of rejoicing in the fact that God has given us great responsibility and privilege to carry a child He has created.
So here we are...after waiting (not always so patiently), in our new house (with still a LOT of projects and painting to be done), basking in thankfulness (even though I'm not so thankful to be sick sometimes), and ready to take on the journey (even though we don't know the future). Bring it on!
Some other tid bits for those who are wondering how I've been feeling: I've definitely been nauseated, but am thankful to never have thrown up. I don't feel sick everyday. But, sometimes it just hits me unexpectedly. Naps are a MUST once a day. I usually hit a wall around 3:00 and have to lay down for a while. Greg has been patient with my crankiness, and my short tongue. Last Wed we had an appointment and were able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. The doc found it right away, which eased my nerves. It was so LOUD and fast! Greg and I looked at each other and started laughing out loud we were so giddy. I'm just starting my 12th week, so we're almost 1/3 of the way there! Stay tuned...Oh, and we are DEFINITELY finding out boy or girl! We didn't even have to have a disagreement on that one :)

25 Random things...

This interesting idea has been floating around on facebook for a few weeks now, so I thought I'd join in the fun!

Here are 25 random things you might not know about me:

1. I always choose sweet pickles over dill

2. I wore braces for 6 years! And I'm proud to say just the other day, my dentist told me I could be a tooth model...if only he could have seem them when I was 12 :)

3. I played the violin as a kid, and now enjoy playing the piano on occasion. Mind you, I have NO form at all, and it takes quite a long time for me to read music. But, it's a small accomplishment nonetheless.

4. I love a PB and banana sandwich anytime of the day!

5. I absolutely laugh the hardest when I hang out with my SISTERS

6. Greg and I both shared our first date, first kiss, and first love with each other :)

7. My fingers and toes look dead when I get really cold sometimes....kinda weird I know.

8. I actually ENJOY DOING LAUNDRY. It just feels so warm, I love folding and organizing the closet, and I love the smell of clean!

9. I love distressed furniture

10. It would be my dream to have a set of boy/girl twins someday

11. I own about a dozen tubes of lip gloss, but rarely ever wear them

12. CHOCOLATE...need I say more?

13. My favorite seasons are the hot and beachy SUMMERS in Michigan filled with ice cream shops on every corner and shorts and tank tops until 10 at night; and the green and luscious SPRINGS in California where wildflowers grow on every rolling green hill...ahhh...miss those sometimes.

14. My house is usually cluttered, and the bed is rarely ever made....but at least the laundry is always done!

15. The strangest thing I ever ate was a dried octopus tentacle....wouldn't recommend it

16. I still bite my nails

17. I've always wanted to take a trip to Australia

18. I moved 8 times growing up

19. I am almost ALWAYS late, and just never seem to know why :)

20. Am I really 25 years old and STILL having occasional breakouts?! Seriously...

21. I tend to complain about a lot of things, but then BRAG about them later....you know excatly what I mean :) The girl that complains about being dirty while camping, but then tells her friends the next day how totally awesome it was!

22. I love pets....in OTHER people's homes. It's just difficult in MI when you have to keep pets indoors in the winter. I'm all about a pet...as long as it can stay outside.

23. My Mom's cookies are way better than yours....not even kidding

24. I love doing puzzles in the winter

25. The furthest I've ever run at one time is 4 miles...some of us just aren't born runners :)

I finally did it!

Welp....I've given in.

...given in to the world-wide phenomenon of blogging. I'm usually a late bloomer when it comes to the newest technology. I owned my first cell phone my third year of college. I fought tooth and nail to join facebook, and eventually gave in 2 years ago to become an official facebook junkie, and now, I am beginning my first ever blog! I still don't text though, so don't bother sending them. :)

I have seen much value in reading numerous blogs however, as it's a great way to keep updated on friends and family all around the world. I always get excited when someone posts something new, and I often wonder if people are as curious about my life as I am theirs.

The title of this blog has a couple different meanings. First, it is simply so you can stay tuned into my life through fun and hopefully witty updates :). Second, it is my goal to be in tune with my God, and the people around me as best I can. The times when I am completely tuned in to what He wants for my life are moments I don't forget. They are not always easy per say, nor come often enough, and might not make much sense at the time. But, looking back on them is a priceless reminder of what He has brought me through. So, stay tuned in to my life as I seek to stay tuned into God.

Welcome to my blog!