19 week Ultrasound

Randy and I are happy to report that the baby looks healthy thus far! The ultrasound today was detailed and checked all the organs, the anatomy, growth, and weight. It's simply amazing to us that in a matter of 19 weeks, such a miracle can take place. Our crib and dresser arrived last week and is awaiting to be put together and placed in the nursery. Soon we'll start our painting project and reorganizing of bedrooms. Thank God for today's good news!

Last Wedding of the Season!

Randy and I have enjoyed attending each and every one of the weddings this season. This past Saturday, a close friend of Randy and also of his brother Omar was married at our church. Drs. Jamie and Tara Taweel continued the celebration with a cocktail hour and reception following at St. Mary's Cultural Center. Unfortunately, I am not good at capturing a close-up of the bride and groom looking at the camera, so here they are in the Zepha. Cocktail hour had a wonderful spread of appetizers and an open bar. We always love the chance to gather with our family.
A pose with "newlywed" Sandy and proud momma Christina. Randy's brother was a groomsman in the wedding. Since I know how much he enjoys pictures, I asked Omar for "Big Smile", at least I see some teeth! I must say, these are 2 handsome men!!!

Baby Freij is dancin' the day away

Here I am, in all my glory :)! Almost 19 weeks and growing everyday! This week I felt the baby move in my belly for the first time. Small flutters here and there, almost like he/she is doing somersaults to get situated. We are looking forward to our next ultrasound on Monday.

Sunday School Begins

Another year of Sunday school began this past weekend at our church. I am hoping to teach as long as I can before the little one comes into the world next year. I am honored to be teaching with Deacon Jim's wife, Audrey King, who has many years experience and a degree in education. We are "team teaching" the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students. Our first day of class proved to be a success, and the day ended with the first ever "Church School Open House and Spaghetti Dinner." The theme for our class is "Disciples of Christ", as we are all Disciples of the Lord, striving to be more Christ like through each and every one of our daily actions. I'm really looking forward to the year ahead!

Weddings, Weddings, Weddings

Congratulations Drs. John and Jen Kulish

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of attending another wedding! This time, our beautiful cousin Jennifer Freij was married to a fellow E.R. Doctor John Kulish. The ceremony was at St. Mary's Church, and the reception was held at the Fisher Theatre in downtown Detroit. The proud father of the bride, Jack Freij, walks Jenny down the aisle to give her away. We gathered for a picture with the bride prior to the wedding ceremony.
The reception was absolutely gorgeous! Jenny and John did such a good job creating a setting that was modern, but elegant, and a true reflection of their unique personalities.

Our family seated for dinner, toasting to the bride and groom. The head table is to the front and left of our table. It may be a cliche', but love was definitely in the air. We wish John and Jen a lifetime of happiness together and want to thank them for a wonderful evening.

The same evening, we were invited to a private Stanley Cup party to celebrate the championship win this season. Thankfully the 2 events were within a mile of each other in downtown, so we could make a quick appearance after the reception. Randy and I enjoyed the party and appreciate the opportunity to share in the festivities.

SURPRISE VISITORS

With some top secret planning between Randy and my best friends from Indiana, I opened the door Friday evening to a group of surprise visitors. After the shock wore off, I couldn't have been happier to see their smiling faces and have them at our home for the weekend. I'm not sure if the visit was to see Randy and I or to make an appearance on the blog, hehe :)! I'll definitely give them an A+ for effort and creativity.Katie, Erin, Megan, and I spent some quality time together catching up and reliving our apartment days in Indianapolis. I am so thankful for their friendship and continued support. My friends are THE BEST!

On Saturday evening, we celebrated Jen's upcoming wedding by attending her Bachelorette Party. This picture is the "bridesmaids reunited." Since our wedding last year, much has changed in each of our lives. Erin was married in July, Randy and I are soon to be parents, Jen will be Mrs. Kulish by next weekend, Megan has a good man her life (John), and Katie and Ryan celebrated another wedding anniversary.

The boys spent the day at "The Big House" watching the U of M football game. Us girls treated ourselves to pedicures and a shopping trip to Ikea, and then we all met for dinner and a comedy show in the evening.

Unfortunately the weekend has to come to end, but a great time was had by all! Go Colts, and we are looking forward to the next visit!

Labor Day Weekend

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Simonds

Jessica and Jeff celebrated their recent marriage with a reception/hog roast this past Saturday. Aunt Sheila and Uncle Kevin hosted about 150 friends and family from Indiana, New York, and Florida. We all enjoyed the beautiful weather by taking a swim during the day, competing in a "cornhole" tournament, and dancing the night away in the DJ tent. Congrats Jess and Jeff!!! Nathan brought a lovely guest for all of our family to meet. What a pleasure she is to have join in the family fun. It was great spending the weekend with my brother and Brett.

After gathering over 50 of our immediate family members for the "McGinley Family Photo", we were able to snap this picture of my parents, brothers, and Randy. The only ones missing are my nieces, nephew, and sister-in law Karen...we couldn't steal the kids away from the pool long enough to get everybody together. Maybe next time.

GRANDPA IS TURING 80!!!

We stole a moment during the reception to give Grandpa McGinley his birthday present. 2 CUBS TICKETS!!! My Grandpa turns 80 next Monday, and he'd sure love to see those Cubs of his win the World Series. From the picture below, looks like he's just excited to be going to the game. GO CUBS GO!!! And Happy Birthday Grandpa...keep on dancin'...we all love you dearly!

Labor Day at the Lake with the Family

Randy and I spent the remainder of the holiday weekend at Lake Freeman with my parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. It had been too long since I'd visited my parents place at the lake, and I'd been longing to spend a weekend there this summer. Besides tanning my ever growing belly, it was a great feeling to cruise in the boat and swim in the water. At dusk, "Captain Don" took us fishing. Even though we couldn't get the fish to bite, what scenery...floating on the calm lake, sky full of stars, fishing with my hubby and dad. It brought back some fond memories from childhood, tagging along with my dad on his Charter Tours on Lake Michigan, reeling in the "big ones." Can't wait till our little one gets his/her first fishing lesson from the "Captain."