Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Simpson Park.

Well I've made it to Wednesday... now I'm just watching the clock, tick tock, tick tock... Ahh, so sleepy today. From the office window is looks nice and sunny, perfect conditions for an afternoon nap!

I cannot believe that it is almost July-- where does time go, honestly? July should be a good month though! As many of you know we head to Church Camp every July and get to spend some quality time with some quality people. "Church Camp" aka, Simpson Park aka Romeo is a place like no other! In all of my 23 years I have never missed a single year. When growing up and through high school I never missed even a day... as I've gotten older with much more responsibilities it's become more of a challenge.

It's amazing to have Braylon attend now. Last year my little three month old baby attended the entire week! Aunt Prudie's cabin is where he took up residence and where he will each year until he heads to the dorms as a 6th grader! Our entire family attends... Great Aunts, Great Uncles, cousins, cousins of cousins, grandbabies...etc. It's an entire week of love love love!

Holy Grounds. If I had to describe Camp in anyway, that's how I would describe it, Holy Grounds. It's a place like no other. It changes people's lives... it surely changed mine. I remember when I asked Jesus into my heart, sixth grade, Hastings House. Hastings House is for the "dormers"... a place we attend each night while the adults are at service in the wretchedly hot tabernackle. I wasn't quite sure what I was doing when I asked Jesus into my heart, I just knew, it was the right thing for me. Thankfully, I did! I look forward to sharing my camp experience with my kids and gradbabies someday. A few years back, my Aunt P bought a cabin at Camp. The Childs family now has place to pass through the generations. It's great!

This July, Braylon is having his dedication the first Sunday at Camp. My sister is flying in and the rest of our family will be there as well... what a great way to start off the week right? Last year, Dajuan wasn't able to go with Braylon and I, so I'm anticipating showing my Hubby how special Simpson Park truly is this time around!

Simpson Park is a campground full of people from all over the place. It's a community of Christians who have shared their walk in Christ together over the years... near and far. Each year as campers, we would make new friends and be reunited with old and spend our week growing together, sharing stories, building trust, and loving God.

I remember growing up, when I would be at home, my friends would ask me about camp. "What do you do there?" "How could 'Church Camp' be so much fun?"... I never had a real response and I never will. When you are in the presence of God and walking on Holy Grounds; you just have to be there, there are no words.. Camp is fun, trust me. It's fun to just be there. Sit around and chat. It's really laid back and offers a plethra of opportunity.

While in college, I didn't view camp the way I typically did before and do now again. I was so mad at God. I had a really hard time even thinking about Simpson Park. Tt was more of a chore to go than anything. I would purposely schedule myself at work, or plan something important that week in order for me to back out on going. I would still go, but only stay a day here and a day there. I didn't want to go, because I knew that if I went I would have to face my issues. Isn't that the truth though? So many times in life, we avoid places or people because of an underlying issue.

For me, I had issues then that I didn't even know at the time. I thought being in college, I could do anything. I let go of who I was. I became a person I wasn't proud of... makes me sick to even think about now. Wow, was I mad. I was so mad at God. I remember driving back and forth to school from home, screaming at God. Cussing his name, yelling at him and telling him he was worthless. I'll admit it. I couldn't understand why God was letting my parents get divorced and why he was taking everything away from me. I thought my world was over and was going to do anything I could to run from it. I was so ashamed and scared.

College is so bittersweet to me. Most of it I can't remember, for many reasons. I feel like my mind has blocked out a huge chunk of my life, due to stress and pain. Another part of my brain can't remember anything due to massive amounts of alcohol and bar nights. At the time, I thought I was going to escape my home life by acting out in my college life. Wrong.

Now, where I'm at today, I've made a mends with God. Not totally, but I'm definitely on my way there. Each day, I try to find the good in life and let go of what's holding me back. I'm not where I want to be yet, but that's okay. I have a lot of shame and guilt, that I have to still work on. My sister always reminds me that God has already wiped my slate clean--- he doesn't even remember what he has already forgiven me for. So why can't I just forget and move on?

For those of you going to Camp this year, let's make it a good one. I'm praying that this will be the year that I find complete healing and will break from these chains once and for all. If you have lasted this long to make it all the way down to the bottom of this post, YAY! Sorry it was more of a journal entry than anything.

Say a prayer, that this year, Simpson Park will continue to change lives, even mine!

ONE Love.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Red White & Blue

I've decided that if I can't afford to take a vacation, I'm going to go vacationing in my mind. Right now I'm floating in a nice raft in the middle of a crystal clean Michigan Lake listening to a little Kenny Chesney... I can almost feel the sun bronzing my face.

Have you ever just needed to take a break from your day and let your imagination run wild? Lately, my life has been so consumed with work, deadlines and appointments that I've found "me time" is "no time".

I've decided I HAVE to have "me time" regardless of how ridiculously busy I am. Hmmm maybe blogging is my "me time " hehe. I do enjoy it and find it uber relaxing.

So anyways, now that I've gotten some relaxation going, whose ready for the holiday weekend coming up? I know that I am! Forecast is calling for low 80s and sunny skies in Michigan... YES please! I'm hoping Braylon will love the fireworks this weekend as much as he loved the ones on Memorial Day weekend. I might even buy some sparklers and see what he does!

Red, white and blue... mmm love those colors, and love the fact that I see them everywhere in the weeks leading up to the 4th of July. I love what they represent and the pride they have.

Did you know that June was the deadliest month in the war thus far? Nearly 3 dozen soldiers were killed this month, sad but true.

The 4th of July represents so many powerful issues in this country. Regardless of your political stance, as Americans we unite for one day and show our pride for a country built on simple principals: Freedom, Bravery, Pride. I encourage you this weekend to really take in the meaning of the 4th of July. Show respect to our country, our leaders, our troops and our FREEDOM.

Happy 4th of July to you, my fellow Americans! I couldn't be more prideful in such a troubling time in our country. Prayers prayers prayers... keep them coming for the safety of our troops and the decisions made by our leaders.

ONE love.

Friday, June 25, 2010

1 Peter

So lately I've been really praying that God would make my desire to learn more about him grow. I want my walk with him to flourish and expand. I want to learn more. I want to know what I really believe in. I want to feel his love and show it too... when I say that, I really mean it.

I want to repent. I truly do. I pray each day that God forgives me for all my sins. I want him to wipe me free everyday. My sister mentioned a few nights ago that I start in 1 Peter, claiming that it was an easy read and somewhat relatable and interesting. Finally, I dusted off my personalized bright pink leather-back bible and began to read. I started slow, only reading a few chapters the first night, you know to kind of get my feet wet. Turns out, 1 Peter really spoke to me.

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

I feel that if I can learn to love and show love, my true character and personality will shine. I will let free of over hanging stress and allow God to have his way with me. I'm the type of person who dwells on the little stuff in life. I like to have my life on a strict schedule. I have our bills (checks included) wrote out weeks in advance with sticky notes marked with mail dates. I like to have Braylon's clothes picked out each night before bed and my mine as well. I don't like when things happen unexpectedly. What it comes down to is, I don't like it when I'm not in control.

The truth is, am I ever really in control? My goal is to learn how to love and let go. To be myself and ease up on stressing out on pointless issues. I'm praying that God will allow me to relax enough to see what he is doing in my life.

"God opposes the proud, but gives life to the humble."

My hope is that my walk in faith will only get stronger. I can feel each and everyday my desires becoming more clear. I am a child of God who is slowly but surely finding her way. I find it comforting to look back and see how far I've come and know how far I still have to go.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Couldn't have said it better myself, thanks Peter! Literally just laughted outloud.

Hopefully everyone has a great weekend! I picked up a couple of shifts at Zehnder's this weekend hoping for some extra money... so much for my weekend! On the bright side my dad is flying in for a few days, can't wait to see him, it's been a while!


ONE love.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Fly ((high)) ANGEL

Hope you all had a great weekend! This past weekend, Dajuan and I and a group of our friends headed up to Ludington for the Gus Macker on the beach. Couldn't have asked for better weather; needless to say I look like I've been cooked to medium well!

It's funny, I'm just not used to being around adults outside of work anymore... I'm not sure if you really understand what I'm trying to say. To put it in simplier terms, I just can't hang like I used too. You are probably thinking, Oh Abby, you're only 23 years young! Honestly, I'm tired by midnight and not into the party scene at all anymore.

I had the best time at the beach all day Saturday. We had our toes in the sand, soaking up the rays and sipping on some cocktails. I even braved the bitterly cold Lake Michigan to take a quick dip! By 10 pm, I was ready to call it a night. Meanwhile everyone else was just getting started...wha wha wha!! My mind was trying to coach me through it, "Abby you can do this, come on, you know you can." My body was screaming, "Abby you can't do this, come on, you need to go home to bed." HAHA. It was one of those situations where I knew I was overly tired but I wanted to prove to myself that I could still have fun and be a mom at the same time.

I apologize to those of you I was with that night for not feeling good and being a Debbie Downer!! Overall it was a great weekend with friends, can't wait to do it again next year :)







After heading home from Ludington, we were all exhausted except for Baby Braylon, he was ready to play! He missed us hehe :) Considering it was Father's Day, I made Dajuan his meal of choice. Shake and Bake Chicken, cheesy potatoes, veggies and rice. Two starches, just what my rear end was asking for! After dinner, Braylon kept daddy and I on our toes climbing and crawling all over the place... It's amazing to me how kids his age show no fear. Regardless, I love watching my baby boy be so active.

Today, I headed into work, looking somewhat like a lobster. Regardless, I was happy the weekend was over and I heading back to work. One of the ladies I've met since working at Air Advantage, Mary Jane Borchard, was in the office bright and early as she is every payroll Monday. She is usually as chipper as a bird, smiling from ear to ear. Today was different. Her demeaner was quiet and somewhat off. I wanted to approach her but waited for her to say something first.

Let me give you a little background about Mary Jane (MJ). Her husband is running for Saginaw County Circuit Judge right now, if you live here, VOTE for Jim Borchard!! He's a good guy and stands for what we need here! Aside from that she is huge into family. From the first day I started at Air Advantage she couldn't stop gushing about her family; I found it comforting. She slowly began to unravel about her young niece, Anaya Kathryn. Anaya just so happens to be the exact same age as Braylon. They were born two weeks apart, so of course I enjoyed hearing stories about her young niece because I could relate.

What MJ finally told me was that Anaya was diagnosed with a rare disease just after the first of the year. At first they weren't sure how severe it would be, the doctors ran a series of tests and couldn't really give them a straight answer. Her symptoms were heavy congestion, she couldn't sit up, or turn her neck on her own. In February she caught a cold from her 3 year old brother, Thys, which eventually landed her in the hospital. She was given hours, even days to live. Her parents were in shock, her family (MJ)was overwhelmed and saddened. I couldn't stop thinking about this little girl, who deserved none of this and how lucky I was to have such a healthy baby. I prayed for Anaya every night when I rocked Braylon to sleep. I would look at him and could only imagine the pain and fear Anaya's parents had to be feeling.

Hours turned to days and days turned to months... before you knew it little Anaya was released from the hospital and spent her days being a "Diva" according to MJ. I became fasinated with this little girl and her family whom I had never even met. I followed her carepages daily, reading her updates and filing through her gorgeous pictures. Anaya's mother did a fabulous job with her pages she posted. It was amazing the strength this woman developed through such a trying situation. She always was faithful to God and looked to him for peace and strenth.

Recently, I realized the carepage posts got fewer and far between and MJ stopped talking about Anaya as much. A week or two ago I approach MJ about Anaya. She was all smiles! She said, "Abby, I just don't know what to think, it boggles my mind how well she is doing, she's truly a miracle. She then said, "I'm scared though... I'm scared because the future is so unknown." What a powerful statement, right?

MJ is right the future is unknown, it is unknown for all of us though. In one split second our lives could change forever. Just like that, life did change for Anaya and her family. Early Sunday morning, Jesus took Anaya's suffering away and she went to be with him. I stood there in shock and tears when MJ told me the news. I thought to myself, that can't be, MJ had just told me how well she had been doing.

The truth is, it doesn't matter how well she had appeared to be doing, her time here on earth was over. God has a plan for her family and a reason for why they took their baby girl so soon. I again was taking back, thinking to myself, how blessed I am to have Braylon and how our lives are so unknown. I ask that you all pray for Anaya and her family right now during this very difficult time. May this be a reminder to you all that our life here on earth is really nothing to the life that God has planned for us in heaven. Fly high baby angel!

One Love.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Weekend Recap

Tuesday already? Wow! I was hoping to be able to post yesterday but work was quite hectic. Well things are sorta starting to settle down at the Jefferson house!


This weekend was great too :) I was able to head to the Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker concert at DTE on Friday. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get out of work in time; thankfully, my boss let me go and Morgan and the girls waited on me!



Can I just say, Darius Rucker is BETTER in person than on the radio. I love his current country album and his older Hootie and The Blowfish records too. He played both types of songs, it was so AMAZING!



Morgan's boyfriend, Marc was able to buy the tickets for us and WOW we were close... as you can see from the pictures we were ten rows from where the stage comes out. I couldn't believe it when we started to walk down to our seats we just kept going closer and closer and closer... :) It was great, I felt so blessed to be able to go in the first place and the up close seats were a nice treat!







Okay okay, I'll stop bragging but I just wanted to let all of you know how great of a concert it was!!!! Thanks Morgan and Marc I love you both :)




So after a fun filled Friday, I woke up and worked around our new house all day! Braylon was a big helper for mommy and daddy for the most part... Here are a couple of pictures of our progress this far. Of course we still have a lot of work to do; but, we think it's coming along nicely :)












I didn't get a chance to really put anything on our walls yet; but you get the jist of it right? Our room was messy so I didn't really take any pictures of that or our bathroom; our new bedroom set though is absolutely GORGEOUS! I'm so thankful that God is providing all of this for us. He is so great, and my sister is so right... anxiety is all a mind game. Lately, I've been so anxious and I'm not sure why. I am trying to learn to take it day by day and know that God already has it figured out.

"Take captive every thought to make it odedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5
"A heart at peace gives life to the body" Proverbs 14:30

Thank you Emily for the quotes--- I've been reading them all afternoon!

Then on Saturday night, I had Becky Mohn's bachelorette party! It started around 6 pm and the weather couldn't have been better. Sandy did a cook out for all us girls and the food was DELICIOUS! Then we head downtown to Tiffany's where Becky took full advantage of being the 'Bachelorette'!! I had brought this card game that of course had Becky doing all types of funny dares--- she took it like a champ! Congrats to Becky and Vince, can't wait for the Wedding August 7th :)



Sunday was all about relaxing with my baby Bray while daddy was away at one of his numerous basketball game hehe :) Later that afternoon I headed down to Zehnder's to attempt to make some extra money this month (( didn't happen )). OH well, gave it an honest effort; like I said, God has it under control!!


I hope everyone had as great of a weekend as we did at Jefferson Junction! I'll leave you with a picture of the sweetest boy of all time, if you're having an ugly day, he's sure to make it better :) ONE love, Abby

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Women Prevail... YAY!!




I've been keeping a close eye on Rep. Haley throughout the past week or so. I think she is a fresh face that is what South Carolina (America) needs. A real womean who knows how to balance her check book and keep her priorities in line. So what if former Gov. Palin supports her? Is that really a bad thing? PLEASE! You go girl!

On top of Rep. Haley's poll pull ahead, four other women have topped voter polls as well. It's a good day to be a woman. :) I'm not one of those people who are pro-women all the time; I will say that I do believe that states like South Carolina and California need to see a change and this may be exactly what they need.




I wish I had the ability to have my voice heard the way that these women do. I believe in everything they are saying. I want the voice of the American middle class to be heard. I want to know that our government does have concerns with how we feel! There are so many issues I am clueless on, but my inner being yearns to learn more... I'm not sure what about politics thrills me but I find myself researching random topics.

I also envy the ladies of The View. I think that show is GENIUS. These women have one hour every single day to voice whatever is on their mind. Fashion, politics, motherhood, Hollywood, religion... amazing! When Braylon was little and I didn't work morning I would watch The View every single day. Usually when the hour was over I was worn out from screaming right along with the ladies, HAHA!

Either way I think that women are such an inspiration to our country. We are smart, independent and the backbone of a real man :) Congratulation ladies on a job well done!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Update--

Sorry it's been a few days--- been a very crazy busy week. We are finally fully moved into our new house, AMEN! Unfortunately, Saturday morning I started with the shakes and ended up getting a high fever which turned into the stomach flu I believe.

Today is Tuesday and I still just don't feel right? I haven't really ate a solid meal or part of a meal since Saturday morning, crazy I know! I'm hoping it will pass soon - it's making work and unpacking virtually impossible. I'm looking at the clock slowly move and it's only making things worse!

I just wanted to let you all know we did make it in our new house with the help of Dajuan, Marc, Morgan, Nate and my Mom. I honestly was useless!! I couldn't do anything even though I really wanted too... Thank you to everyone who helped with our move, I'm sooo thankful!

I'll post pictures SOON. We love you all -- Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Happy Memorial Day

Good Morning! Hopefully everyone had a amazing Memorial Day weekend. It was a hectic one for the Jefferson clan, but what one isn't?

Friday we headed to Jackson for Dajuan's brother Devlin's graduation ceremony. Congrats Dev!!



Saturday was amazing!!!!! We woke up really early and headed back north to Frankenmuth. I scooted over to get my hair cut and colored (( LOVE IT by the way))!! While I was getting my hair cut, Daddy and Braylon went over to Marc and Morgan's house and worked on the boat :)

As soon as I finished at the hair salon all of us headed north to Sanford Lake... what a beautiful lake!! Braylon was the ultimate sailor, he seriously LOVED the water. We spent the majority of the afternoon watching Dajuan attempt to wakeboard (( what a sight to see )) hahahaha. Although after numerous tries and an hour later, he FINALLY GOT UP!! Whoo hoo babe :) It was such a great day, we got some great sun and relaxed.








After a few great hours we packed up ship and headed back home. It was a such a long day, Braylon was knocked out by 7:30 and didn't wake up until 7:30 am the next day! AMEN, I'm thinking we need to invest in a boat and lakefront property so mommy and daddy get sleep like that more often!!

Sunday was another eventful day... for me at least. I worked 9 hours at Zehnder's. I wasn't thrilled about it, but the money was good and the day passed fairly quickly. That night when I got home, my feet were killing me and my back muscles were so tight.. but Dajuan and Braylon were ready to do something so I sucked it up and agreed.

After all it was a weekend of celebration and tribute to our troops. What better way to salute our armed forces than fireworks!? We decided to head downtown to the plaza. It was such a beautiful night! Dajuan and I sipped on some icy German drafts and let Braylon watch the lights in the sky. He was amazed... he kept studying them; I always wonder what his little mind is thinking. He would stare at the sky and then turn and look at us... I'm assuming it was for reassurance that the loud noises weren't going to get him.



The fireworks lasted for a good fifteen minutes or more. I actually got a bit emotional thinking about the significance of the fireworks. Our country is in such troubling times; it is so important that we take those few minutes to truly understand and adknowledge the meaning of Memorial Day. THANK YOU to all of my family members who served and are serving as well as my friends who are serving here and across seas. You are my heros, you are the people I admire... please know, you are not forgotten. I pray for you all often and am praying for our President to continually make decisions in the best interest for YOU!



After the 'show' ended we headed for home... Dajuan was disappointed we were only gone for a bit, I showed pity for him but inside I was so happy! All I wanted was my bed :) Overall a great night though, love spending time like that with my boys. I want Braylon to grow up witnessing family and tradition... I hope that each year we build more and more traditions like that with our baby boy!

Monday was great as well... I mean the weather wasn't as perfect as the past 7 days had been but whose complaining! Mimi came and picked up Braylon and we all hung out for the day. Bray LOVES his Mimi... she gives him the attention that his mommy has learned to stop giving haha. He swam in his turtle pool and we took afternoon naps :)

Dajuan was gone golfing but when he was done he took me to Art Van...YES! We needed a new bedroom set SO bad. It wasn't just a want, it was an absolute priority. When I came across the sale special for Memorial Weekend we just couldn't pass it up. What better time to buy than now? We are moving this week and they deliver... why not? It's so beautiful and perfect... I couldn't be happier. A great ending to a great weekend!




I am hopeful that you all had a great weekend as well!! Now, it's June and the summer craziness begins... stay tuned for all of our craziness throughout the summer months.. until next time.. xO