I hope your Christmas was as perfect as ours was. Friends, family, food, laughing, parties, tacky sweaters, gifts, movies, advent and a little bit of cold weather to top it off! I think Harpers's first Christmas was a success.
As I write, we are in the car on the way home. What would normally be a 4 hour trip has turned into a 6 hour trip, and counting. TRAFFIC. This is definitely not the most pleasant thing I've ever done. But we're all trying really hard to have good attitudes. Even Harper, who is very hungry and has a FULL diaper, is staying pretty calm. Thank you Lord.
To take my mind off of my current situation, I thought I'd make a list of things that would be worse than this.
5. Running. The biggest running goal I've ever had was a 5k. I did it. Now I'm done.
4. Cleaning up hazardous waste. I've never done it, but I'm sure it would be worse.
3. Driving the car. Standard transmission, y'all. Jake should get a massage for all the work he's doing.
2. Eating blueberries. Yuck!
1. Cheering for Alabama. Nothing worse than that! Geaux Tigers!!
Happy New Year!
Abigail
Friday, December 28, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
A Christmas High Five
I lovelovelovelovelove Christmas. I mean, it's absolutely my favorite holiday. It's possible that we would get into an argument if you disagree. I love presents, lights, snow, Jesus, traditions, music, surprises... what is there not to like? I would like to dedicate this High Five to my favorite Christmas movies and their quotes.
5. Charlie Brown Christmas. I think it's a given. My favorite reading of the Christmas story, by far. "And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid."
4. Home Alone. I know some people (you know who you are...) don't appreciate the family dynamics in this movie, but I just laugh SO hard when I watch it. Plus, I'm pretty sure I picked up the habit of talking to myself in the mirror from Kevin. "...including all my major crevices; including in between my toes and in my belly button, which I never did before but sort of enjoyed."
3. Elf. It's so outrageous that it almost feels real. "I like to whisper, too."
2. It's a Wonderful Life. It definitely is wonderful when you're watching this movie. Jimmy Stewart is magnificent. The time period is perfect. The story is moving. "I wish I had a million dollars. Hot dog!"
1. White Christmas. I only need to say Bing Crosby, but I will say more. I love musicals. I love the WWII era. It's funny. It's romantic. *Spoiler alert* There's snow. Yeah, I think I'll watch it again now. "I looked at the this big ski lodge, and I thought, 'isn't it ideal?'"
I can't wait to introduce this little one to her first Christmas!
Do you have any movies I should add?
5. Charlie Brown Christmas. I think it's a given. My favorite reading of the Christmas story, by far. "And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid."
4. Home Alone. I know some people (you know who you are...) don't appreciate the family dynamics in this movie, but I just laugh SO hard when I watch it. Plus, I'm pretty sure I picked up the habit of talking to myself in the mirror from Kevin. "...including all my major crevices; including in between my toes and in my belly button, which I never did before but sort of enjoyed."
3. Elf. It's so outrageous that it almost feels real. "I like to whisper, too."
2. It's a Wonderful Life. It definitely is wonderful when you're watching this movie. Jimmy Stewart is magnificent. The time period is perfect. The story is moving. "I wish I had a million dollars. Hot dog!"
1. White Christmas. I only need to say Bing Crosby, but I will say more. I love musicals. I love the WWII era. It's funny. It's romantic. *Spoiler alert* There's snow. Yeah, I think I'll watch it again now. "I looked at the this big ski lodge, and I thought, 'isn't it ideal?'"
I can't wait to introduce this little one to her first Christmas!
Do you have any movies I should add?
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Difference in Days.
This week has been, well... I don't know the word. Crazy, shocking, full, short.
Monday, I was worried about getting clean sheets on the guest bed. Friday, I was holding my baby and tearfully offering prayers on behalf of the mothers and fathers who don't have that privilege anymore. My prayers have ranged from pleading for comfort to crying out for healing for our nation and repenting for closing my eyes to the wounds of the people in front of me.
I've been reminded once again that this life is short, and very far from heaven. When something so tragic happens, it's easy for me to want to just shut down and move on from the hurt and pain. I don't want to deal with the rising feelings of past personal tragedies and hopelessness in the world. I'd rather just forget. But I'm learning that forgetting is a short term solution. Remembering is the real key to healing and peace. Remembering the present and intended goodness of God. Remembering His faithfulness in the face of this senseless loss. Remembering His promise of heaven. Remembering His nearness in the midst of miscarriage. Remembering the hope that abides in the person of Jesus. Remembering that prayer is powerful and effective. Remembering doesn't make everything magically better, but it, sometimes slowly but surely, brings restoration.
Prayer might be the only thing we can do for the families, friends, and community of Newtown, CT and for our nation right now. So, please pray with me. Pray that God would heal their broken hearts and bind up our wounds (Psalm 147:3). Pray that what the enemy intends for evil, God would use for good (Genesis 50:20). Pray that people would find hope in Jesus (Hebrews 6:19-20) Just pray.
Abigail
Monday, I was worried about getting clean sheets on the guest bed. Friday, I was holding my baby and tearfully offering prayers on behalf of the mothers and fathers who don't have that privilege anymore. My prayers have ranged from pleading for comfort to crying out for healing for our nation and repenting for closing my eyes to the wounds of the people in front of me.
I've been reminded once again that this life is short, and very far from heaven. When something so tragic happens, it's easy for me to want to just shut down and move on from the hurt and pain. I don't want to deal with the rising feelings of past personal tragedies and hopelessness in the world. I'd rather just forget. But I'm learning that forgetting is a short term solution. Remembering is the real key to healing and peace. Remembering the present and intended goodness of God. Remembering His faithfulness in the face of this senseless loss. Remembering His promise of heaven. Remembering His nearness in the midst of miscarriage. Remembering the hope that abides in the person of Jesus. Remembering that prayer is powerful and effective. Remembering doesn't make everything magically better, but it, sometimes slowly but surely, brings restoration.
Prayer might be the only thing we can do for the families, friends, and community of Newtown, CT and for our nation right now. So, please pray with me. Pray that God would heal their broken hearts and bind up our wounds (Psalm 147:3). Pray that what the enemy intends for evil, God would use for good (Genesis 50:20). Pray that people would find hope in Jesus (Hebrews 6:19-20) Just pray.
Abigail
Friday, December 7, 2012
Schooled.
Y'all, I was in college for 6 years. And no, I do not have a masters degree. But I guess I really only took 5 years of classes. It went like this: two years at Baylor (meet a hunka hunka burnin' love), do Elevate (the discipleship training school at Antioch in Waco), one year of more pre-reqs and retakes, two years of nursing school. In that time, I took a lot of finals. And I always loved finals week. I'm sure you'll understand why after this week's high five.
5. Two words: dead days. Nothing to do; nowhere to be. Classes are over, but tests haven't started. It's only a couple of days, so it's perfect because any longer would just be lazy, you know.
4. In the winter: you have to bundle up and drink tons of coffee and hot chocolate and sit around all day. And your friends do, too. You're looking forward to Christmas and family and the new year. It's magical.
3. In the summer: you get to lay out by the pool for hours on end, studying of course, or make sno-cone runs for a study break. School's (about to be) out for summer.
2. Study parties. Pancake break. Finals baking. Junk food. Coffee. Library pranks.
1. Relief and hope. It's as if you can breath again after that last question on the last test. The semester is over. You can look forward to whatever is coming in the next season. You get a clean slate. It's so wonderful.
That being said, I am so glad not to be in school right now. Because I'm not, I'm living vicariously through the college students at church. We've had a study party, made coffee, sat around and gone to bed late. So. Much. Fun. You can hate finals, but I think we should all agree that finals week is the best.
5. Two words: dead days. Nothing to do; nowhere to be. Classes are over, but tests haven't started. It's only a couple of days, so it's perfect because any longer would just be lazy, you know.
4. In the winter: you have to bundle up and drink tons of coffee and hot chocolate and sit around all day. And your friends do, too. You're looking forward to Christmas and family and the new year. It's magical.
3. In the summer: you get to lay out by the pool for hours on end, studying of course, or make sno-cone runs for a study break. School's (about to be) out for summer.
2. Study parties. Pancake break. Finals baking. Junk food. Coffee. Library pranks.
1. Relief and hope. It's as if you can breath again after that last question on the last test. The semester is over. You can look forward to whatever is coming in the next season. You get a clean slate. It's so wonderful.
That being said, I am so glad not to be in school right now. Because I'm not, I'm living vicariously through the college students at church. We've had a study party, made coffee, sat around and gone to bed late. So. Much. Fun. You can hate finals, but I think we should all agree that finals week is the best.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Head-butts and Harper's cold
Babies. They are sweet and cuddly and mushy for about 2 months. Then they start lifting their heads and kicking their legs. Head-butts and kicks in the stomach are not conducive to cuddling. Add that to a baby that is somewhat independent and increasingly mobile and you find yourself wanting to go back to those newborn days when she literally could only lay in your arms... or you find yourself wanting her to get sick. Wait, what? Yes. I said it. There is a small percentage of my heart that enjoys a sick tiny Griffin. Sorry grandparents and those of you who think I'm heartless. But at least let me explain myself before you get all, "oh no she didn't." Here are my reasons:
5. The humidifier acts as a sound machine. Brilliant. She takes awesome naps! I'm not convinced yet that it's serving its intended purpose, but who cares?
(I don't use a sound machine all the time, though I know many people who swear by them, because I try to avoid sleep props)
4. Flushed cheeks. They're so cute and edible! Truthfully, this happens some when she's not sick and so I get a fix and she doesn't have to be ill.
3. Cherry-flavored clear tylenol. Harper likes it and I think it's funny that she lunges for the syringe and sucks like the world is ending tomorrow.
2. Harper's mood doesn't change. So far in her short life, her illnesses have been mild and it doesn't seem to affect her demeanor. I think that if she was fussy or crazy, I probably wouldn't be saying any of this.
1. CUDDLES. I love when Harper just wants to lay on me. She sometimes strokes (read: pulls) my hair and lays very still. It's unbelievably sweet.
In actuality, I don't want her to be sick, but those things just make it bearable, I guess. So you can stop questioning my fitness as a parent now...
Abigail
5. The humidifier acts as a sound machine. Brilliant. She takes awesome naps! I'm not convinced yet that it's serving its intended purpose, but who cares?
(I don't use a sound machine all the time, though I know many people who swear by them, because I try to avoid sleep props)
4. Flushed cheeks. They're so cute and edible! Truthfully, this happens some when she's not sick and so I get a fix and she doesn't have to be ill.
3. Cherry-flavored clear tylenol. Harper likes it and I think it's funny that she lunges for the syringe and sucks like the world is ending tomorrow.
2. Harper's mood doesn't change. So far in her short life, her illnesses have been mild and it doesn't seem to affect her demeanor. I think that if she was fussy or crazy, I probably wouldn't be saying any of this.
1. CUDDLES. I love when Harper just wants to lay on me. She sometimes strokes (read: pulls) my hair and lays very still. It's unbelievably sweet.
In actuality, I don't want her to be sick, but those things just make it bearable, I guess. So you can stop questioning my fitness as a parent now...
Abigail
Friday, November 23, 2012
Ode to Thanksgiving pt. 2
Last week for high five, I shared about my favorite foods. I hope you enjoyed a little taste of the holidays at my house. This one will be a little bit deeper. These are the things I'm most thankful for, in no particular order.
5. Dr. Pepper. The drink that will be in heaven. If you know me, you know I love humor. So, sorry, but I couldn't be exclusively serious.
4. The Church. I've learned to love the Word, the person in front of me, and the people across the world by being in the church. I love the way God uses the church to shape us and the world around us. His plan is the best plan and I've been blessed to be part of it my whole life. Celebration, Antioch-Waco, Antioch BR: I would not be who I am today without you!
3. Family. McBrayers, Griffins, team, old and new friends. Some we are blessed to be born with and others come beside us in different seasons. Whatever category you fall into, I am rich because of you. You bring security and fun and refreshment into my life.
2. Jake and Harper. How could you not love those faces? I love that they both are so sure of themselves and know what they want. It's helpful to an indecisive person like me. This has been a big year for our family. One that proves to me we can do anything relying on the promises of God. I love them more everyday!
1. Grace. I've been given the most selfless, loving, and personal gift. This gift is Jesus and He offers himself to all of us. I am eternally and daily changed by this grace, this gift.
What are you thankful for?
Abigail
5. Dr. Pepper. The drink that will be in heaven. If you know me, you know I love humor. So, sorry, but I couldn't be exclusively serious.
4. The Church. I've learned to love the Word, the person in front of me, and the people across the world by being in the church. I love the way God uses the church to shape us and the world around us. His plan is the best plan and I've been blessed to be part of it my whole life. Celebration, Antioch-Waco, Antioch BR: I would not be who I am today without you!
3. Family. McBrayers, Griffins, team, old and new friends. Some we are blessed to be born with and others come beside us in different seasons. Whatever category you fall into, I am rich because of you. You bring security and fun and refreshment into my life.
2. Jake and Harper. How could you not love those faces? I love that they both are so sure of themselves and know what they want. It's helpful to an indecisive person like me. This has been a big year for our family. One that proves to me we can do anything relying on the promises of God. I love them more everyday!
1. Grace. I've been given the most selfless, loving, and personal gift. This gift is Jesus and He offers himself to all of us. I am eternally and daily changed by this grace, this gift.
What are you thankful for?
Abigail
Friday, November 16, 2012
Ode to Thanksgiving
Slap hands! It's high five Friday.
I love the Fall/Winter. The weather, the clothes, the festivities! I especially love the holidays! This week our lifegroup had a Thanksgiving feast. This was another reminder of how much I love community. And food. I'm not really a foodie, but I love some good southern holiday food! There is something so right about eating dressing (stuffing, in case you're confused) and my mom's sweet potatoes. I've been known to refuse to make something, like mashed potatoes, in April because it's not the holidays... It makes sense in my sentimental head. Here are my top five favorite holiday foods.
5. Dressing. I make the dressing in my family. My hands are the mixers. Cornbread, toast, sage, boiled egg, turkey drippings... what's not love?!? I'm not sure if I like it more raw or cooked. You can stop gagging now.
4. Layer salad. Water cress for crunch, peas for sweetness, and mayonnaise (some people accuse me of being northern for liking it...). Annnd it reminds me of my Grandma Hassell.
3. Buttermilk pie. If you've never had this, please come to my house and have some immediately. You will never be the same!
2. Sweet potatoes. My mom's are by far, hands down the best. I'm not hating on the marshmallow topped, but her brown sugar/pecan goodness is like heaven in my mouth. And Harper will be having her first McBrayer sweet potatoes next week. Stay tuned for how it goes...
1. Mashed potatoes. The best, most satisfying, and utterly delicious food on the planet. I'm not exaggerating. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. Allison, if you're reading this, double the recipe this year!
I wanted to add canned cranberry sauce to this list, but I didn't want you to judge me. Now you know.
Maybe I should expand my list. What's your favorite holiday food?
Abigail
I love the Fall/Winter. The weather, the clothes, the festivities! I especially love the holidays! This week our lifegroup had a Thanksgiving feast. This was another reminder of how much I love community. And food. I'm not really a foodie, but I love some good southern holiday food! There is something so right about eating dressing (stuffing, in case you're confused) and my mom's sweet potatoes. I've been known to refuse to make something, like mashed potatoes, in April because it's not the holidays... It makes sense in my sentimental head. Here are my top five favorite holiday foods.
5. Dressing. I make the dressing in my family. My hands are the mixers. Cornbread, toast, sage, boiled egg, turkey drippings... what's not love?!? I'm not sure if I like it more raw or cooked. You can stop gagging now.
4. Layer salad. Water cress for crunch, peas for sweetness, and mayonnaise (some people accuse me of being northern for liking it...). Annnd it reminds me of my Grandma Hassell.
3. Buttermilk pie. If you've never had this, please come to my house and have some immediately. You will never be the same!
2. Sweet potatoes. My mom's are by far, hands down the best. I'm not hating on the marshmallow topped, but her brown sugar/pecan goodness is like heaven in my mouth. And Harper will be having her first McBrayer sweet potatoes next week. Stay tuned for how it goes...
1. Mashed potatoes. The best, most satisfying, and utterly delicious food on the planet. I'm not exaggerating. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. Allison, if you're reading this, double the recipe this year!
I wanted to add canned cranberry sauce to this list, but I didn't want you to judge me. Now you know.
Maybe I should expand my list. What's your favorite holiday food?
Abigail
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