What’s Up With the Finstad’s?

We have been a little too busy lately, but that’s very typical every year when August hits. August is “Mommy Goes Back to Work Month”…haha! No really it’s like every routine I’ve worked on and mastered during the summer gets thrown under the bus. Man it really sucks and I will never get use to that. Tim and I have been in prayer over a lot of important decisions lately. While I might not mention them on my blog, I will ask for friends and family to pray for us as we seek to follow God’s direction, and to see the path God has laid before us. We whole-heartedly want to do what is right for our family, and especially our children. Children are like sponges; they soak in everything they are taught. My opinion is that these early years shape and mold them into who they become as tiny individuals. We recently started going to a class at church on Wednesday nights; Intentional Christian Parenting. It is exciting to dig into scripture and specifically search for answers on parenting. Being a mom is hard work…really hard work. It is also the biggest blessing I have so graciously received.

Tim has been working hard and has finally recovered from a shoulder injury he got a few months ago. I think it’s time for him to start mowing the grass again. Yay! Tim is in his 4^th semester at Western Governors University, and is working hard for his degree. He is so smart and I admire him for his hard work and dedication to our family.

Makayla and Jackson are getting so big, so fast. Makayla is already wearing a toddler size 7 in shoes. We joke that she has her daddy’s feet, but that’s okay. She is at the stage of learning ways to express her emotion so it has been a learning experience for all of us. What I can say is that our daughter has excellent manners and listens to us most of the time. In fact, I think some older kids I know could learn a few tips from her. She is a beautiful child who more importantly has a beautiful heart. Jackson has mastered crawling and pulling up. It’s only a matter of time before he ventures out, with one foot in front of the other. He will be 8 months old in a few days, which means he is only 4 months away from his 1^st birthday! Time is flying by and I’m so glad we are treasuring these precious moments. The kids go stay with their Nana during the day while Tim and I are working. They are learning so much over there while getting lots of love from their Nana. We are so thankful that they are able to stay there.

Well, I have a lot of other updates to write about as well. But I’m going put those in another blog entry; this one is already long enough. So to all my friends and family that have been wondering what we’ve been up to, there you have it in 519 words.

a little poem

To have my heart, to have my heart breaking

Sunshine feels my soul-He is the one making

He’s making me new

Oh but I still feel not good enough

Bruised and scarred

Never been good enough, just hanging on

I’m tired of this weakness--just wanna be tough

Bruised and scarred, waiting for a new dawn

To have my heart, to have my heart breaking

Sunshine feels my soul-He is the one making

He’s making me new

Always felt like the one out of place

So use to coming in second

Or maybe even last, stepped on twice

Tried so hard yet never one the race

Wonder why I even try to be nice

To have my heart, to have my heart breaking

Sunshine feels my soul-He is the one making

He’s making me new

I am changing inside, but there are some who are not

I pray for them to find Him. Just find Him

Please find Him

He has given rest to my soul, and taken burdens out

Of my heart

He will never leave me, He will never part

To have my heart, to have my heart breaking

Breaking for the ones who long to feel peace

He can fill your soul with light, and make you

….new

as Sanctus Real said,

"When I don't measure up to much in this life
Oh, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ "

♥ God has my heart. I am spoken for. ♥

Schools Around the World

This morning I became curious to learn about schools around the world. Now, being a teacher, I am not oblivious to the different types of schooling around the world. But I just wanted to remind myself in case I find myself complaining about my classroom this year. We are so blessed in this country! For many of us to sit and complain about or constantly make negative comments about different aspects of our kids school is seemingly absurd! It's also disrespectful to the educators who have put in 60 plus hours at school this past week to prepare for their students. Americans need to stop being so self-centered and take a look around!

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary!

camera ready 3...2...1..snap!

Tim and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary this past Thursday! I remember our wedding day like it was yesterday. During our wedding reception, my dad dedicated a song to me (well actually to Tim too cause my dad is like Tim’s other dad). It ended up being a song Tim and I play often to reminisce about our wedding day. I thought I would share it....My Wish by Rascal Flatts

We were unable to find a babysitter for dinner out….so we took things into our own hands. After the kids went to bed Tim went out and picked up Japanese food. Yes, we ended up eating dinner at 10 pm but it was a wonderful time of conversation and reflection about the last five years. The food was absolutely delicious, and the entire quiet night at home seemed absolutely perfect. If you don’t already know, I have an awesome husband who loves Jesus, his family, his friends, and maybe a good football game or two. ;-) Really I couldn’t have dreamt of any better man. God is so good! 

Add caption

I'm such a dork.

The food was great!

"Wrapping Up" the Summer

 I cannot believe this summer break is coming to an end. Makayla and Jackson have grown tremendously over the summer and I'm just so thankful I've been home to witness it all. I am sad to leave them next week when I go back to work. The good news is that Jackson is finally taking a bottle so that is one thing I do not have to stress about.

The first few weeks of summer involved getting routines down; it wasn’t always easy, but now things go pretty smoothly. Makayla turned 2 years old at the end of June and has become Mrs. Independent. This is not always a good thing as we are working on following directions, obeying mommy and daddy, and sharing. I’ve always heard of the ‘terrible twos’ but never really believed it. I always thought “those parents are doing something wrong. MY child will never act that way.” Well, little did I know what was in store for me. I’ve prayed to God for patience and he has given me circumstances to learn patience. I’ve prayed to God for strength and he has restored me by helping me see little accomplishments throughout the day. God is so good. I totally understand why society has nicknamed this stage the ‘terrible twos’ but honestly there are much more wonderful times than difficult ones; I would rename it the ‘Terrific Twos’. Makayla is learning so much every single day. She is talking in complete sentences, and already learned a few sight words. She is super sweet to her baby brother and loves reading him books and singing to him. She has such a fantastic personality; with smiles, hugs, and words to melt anybody’s heart. Makayla is growing into a little girl now, but she will always be my angel baby. 

Jackson is almost 7 months old, and I find myself often wondering where the time has gone. Seriously, these are the days I will cherish for a lifetime. Jackson found his voice and is constantly chattering up a storm. I still think he is teething, but hey I’ve thought that for 3 months now and have yet to see a tooth pop through…haha. He has been sitting up on his own for about a month and half now. He is a strong little fella who really wants to start crawling. For now, he reaches for toys or rolls around the floor. Some of my favorite times are when I watch Jackson and Makayla make each other laugh. I don’t always know what they’re laughing about, but they know…and I guess that’s all that matters.

           

            So as we wrap up our summer break, I am reflecting about how truly precious time is. Time goes by so fast and we can’t ever get it back. It’s so important to cherish each moment and not let the little miracles of each day pass us by. Keep God on the forefront, always seeking Him first. Keep family a priority, and always remember they are the ones who love you most. Work hard, but work at the things that matter most. Take time to tell the ones you love how much they mean to you. Always make time for your friends because they are like your extended family. And imagine each day 'wrapped up' with a big bow on top…because each day is truly a gift.

(redo...actually a re-thought)

            So as we wrap up our summer break, I am reflecting about how truly precious time is. Time goes by so fast and we can’t ever get it back. It’s so important to cherish each moment and not let the little miracles of each day pass me by. I am keeping God as the steady center of my life, knowing He is an ever-present presence in my daily journey.  I’m keeping family a priority, and reminding myself that they are the ones who love me most. I will work hard, but work at the things that matter most. I will take time to tell the ones I love how much they mean to me. Be more easily forgiving to others..because lets face it, we 'humans' are messy. And I will try my best to make time for friends because they are my extended family. As I type, I’m imagining each day wrapped up with a big bow on top…because each day is truly a gift.

Here are some digital scrapbook pages of the family I put together. I enjoy digital scrapbooking so it’s nice when I get a chance to do it. Enjoy & God bless.

Shawna 

 

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!