The Least of These

I was recently reminded to count my blessings daily…did you hear that daily and many times a day at that.

 There is just so much going on in this world which we often don’t even know about or don’t care to know about. That is a sad realization for so many children around the world who are without a family or have severe medical conditions unseen. Yesterday I took Makayla to see Dr. Miller, a neurologist here in town. We think she may be suffering from petit mal seizures, which are uncommon in children under four. Makayla's pediatrician, Dr. Blackmon referred us to Dr.Miller just as a precautionary measure. I will write an update after her scheduled EEG (in September). We are praying that she is not having seizures, but if she does indeed suffer from those types of seizures they are considered mild and not dangerous like other types. While at the appointment we began talking about a mission trip Dr. Miller and Dr. Greg went on together.

Well, fast forward a few hours and we were at the kids’ pediatrician, Dr. Blackmon. Both kids had their well-child checkups which is another post in itself. I mentioned to Dr. Greg (that’s what everyone calls him) that we had met Dr. Miller and heard they had recently returned from a mission trip to Haiti. I wanted to know a little more of what they did over there so he so kindly took time to tell me. He told me that while on a previous mission trip he met a little boy that was completely immobile and didn’t speak at all. He thought the boy was having seizures and asked Dr. Miller to return on another trip. He said the little boy has several sisters, but the sisters have no idea they have a brother. Really?! Dr. Greg said, ‘Over there, the least of these get the least”. Think about that for a moment. The little boy was kept in a back room of their house (or what they call a house) and was not taken care of well. The healthy family members are the ones who come first. Why? Because that is how some survive, while others die. Why? Because some WILL die.

This is a reminder to me, and hopefully others, to pray for those people who are unseen. Help people who think they don’t matter to anyone. Assist people who are alone or lonely. Take care of the children. After all, all people are part of God’s creation. All people want be loved and seen…even the least of these.      

“…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Dr. Greg plans on returning to Haiti with medical supplies and/or medication to help that little boy get better. May God bless them on their mission.

Blessings,

Shawna

Meal Time Chicken Dinner

Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Vegetables

Delicious & Colorful

It looks fancy but you can't get much easier than this...trust me!

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (Get the amount that is right for your family.We typically buy 4 breasts.)
• 1 bag of chipotle seasoned fiesta vegetables. You can usually find this in the freezer section of your local grocery store. If not just buy the items separately.                                                                         If you purchase the veggies separately then you will need:
• 1 bag of frozen corn
• 2 Sweet potatoes chopped and cooked (or 1 bag of frozen)
• 1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions 

Season your chicken breast with a spicy or chipotle grill seasoning. You can also choose a marinade if you don't like seasonings.

Put the vegetables into a pan. I use a large pan to make sure all the vegetables are warmed/cooked thoroughly.

Plate the food. I like to cut the chicken, but you can always just serve the whole chicken breast on top or beside the vegetables. 

Serve warm with a glass of ice tea! This is so Southern! You will love it. We always have left over vegetables that I use to make a yummy lunch later in the week.  

Grilled tofu with sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans
Kids even love this dish as a main course or side dish

MG's Lunch

Grilled Cheese Hearts, Veggi Sticks, and Hummus Dip

 

 My daughter, MG, absolutely loves hummus dip. There are so many things you can use hummus for but one of her favorites is to dip veggi sticks in it. Veggi sticks and chips are a healthier alternative to regular 'ol potato chips.

Summer Time Fun

So glad it's the summertime! Nothing can beat having time off work to spend with the family, grilling out, staying up late, swimming, and all the other stuff that just makes this journey even better!

MG & LJ

they look so much alike

Both kids love the water so any time we get a chance to swim in a pool we take it! We went over to my sister April’s townhouse the other day and had so much fun with the kids. FYI: April is engaged & I’m so happy for her and Scott.

I can’t wait till this weekend and next week when we get to splash around in a pool some more. Too bad we don’t have one at our house. Haha! Laughing by myself right now cause I just remembered when Tim & I got the stupid smart idea to buy a pool for our backyard last year. Well the pool was much bigger than our yard so we ended up taking it back to Wally World. Lesson learned. Anyhow here are some pics. 

Jackson's 1st time at the pool

splish

splash

Fun!

Makayla Turned 2!

 

Well I can’t believe that my baby girl turned 2 years old this week! I remember the day I met her like it was yesterday; that was the day I fell in love again. We had her birthday party over at my parents house in order to accommodate so many people. God blessed us that day by sending the clouds and rain away in time for MG’s Dora themed pool party. Everyone had a blast! I am so glad so many family and friends were able to come celebrate with us. Makayla & Jackson even got to meet their great grandmother (Tim’s side) for the first time this past week....very special! Enjoy the pictures. ;-) 

beep beep There she is...there she goes.

yummy to her tummy

a little sleepy after a lot of fun times

This picture makes me laugh..it says "Long Day" lol

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKAYLA!