The Reynolds Nation

"Guard your heart above all else because it determines the course of you life." Proverbs 4:23

Here are the girls this morning when we got to the local YMCA for their first swim meet. They were really nervous and unsure of what to expect. They look so cute in their new team shirts. And while the girls were hanging out with their team, warming up and getting pumped up for the session...the boys hung out in the pool with some new friends. The sacrifices the boys make... While we waited (we sure waited a lot between heats) Matt took the kids for a little ride. Esther snuck out of waiting with the team and hung out with us for awhile. Here is Esther competing for the 25 m freestyle. It isn't her favorite stoke, but she still did good...she came in 4th place! Here is Bryn at the end of the 25 m back stroke-her favorite stroke....she did really well. She was a bit hesitant at the end because she was afraid to smack her hand on the wall. Even so, she came in 5th. Not bad for her first competition.

After such a busy couple of weeks...I wish that I was out on this dock...with my feet dangling...the breeze blowing in my face...hair whipping around...and a sweet smile on my face...and I was alone with The Most High. Enough said.

I was sitting in my chair at the beach this morning and remembered quietly where I was a week ago today. I can't believe that it has already been a week since Judah's surgery...one week ago we were sitting in the waiting room, restless and nervous about major surgery going on with our son...fast forward one week and I am sitting on the beach watching my children (including Judah) romp in the sand. Isn't it amazing that we dread something coming up in our lives...but then it happens...and speeds past? It makes me realize even more that I am not in control of this life and that God is sovereign! It was a picture perfect day...the sky was the bluest of blues...not a cloud in sight...the water was a lovely 78 degrees...the sand hot and spicy...and I got to watch the joys in my life play. My kids, along with the cousins enjoying the loveliness of summer. It was so beautiful. Makes me appreciate life and love God more.

This past weekend was totally relaxed. We did a few things here and there, but overall we just hung out. It was so nice. Our weekends have a tendency to be super busy...but this is just the way we like it. But I was thinking about how I feel like it is a new day. After Judah's successful surgery I feel like a huge burden has been lifted! There was always something looming and ahead of us....for the past 10 months. Either the next MRI or possible surgery. And, now I feel like it is a new day. It is so refreshing. Though I haven't felt anxious over all of these medical problems...that's where your faith comes in...but at the same time everything was still on the agenda. So now..surprisingly, on the first day of Summer...it is a new day at the Reynolds Nation!

So, on this very special day...Father's Day...the actual 100th anniversary of Father's Day...my thoughts are on a very special man in my life. I have had the privilege of knowing and watching this man grow into his job as Father. It was 13 years ago when he became a father. I still remember the tears streaming down his face while he watched her being born. He was a hands on dad from the first day. He changed a million diapers...help feed...stayed up late hours allowing me to get a bit of sleep...and most of all he started building a relationship with each kid. Just because they are your child does not automatically make them come into relationship with you. It takes time and a lot of effort from the parent. He has camped with them...danced with them...played ball...had early morning sunrises...walks on the beach...drippy ice cream cones...long talks at the dinner table...you name it and he has done it. He spends more time with his kids than anyone I know. He involves them in wh...

Now that we are home, I thought I would write a thorough post about the surgery that Judah had. It has been 10 months since the first cardiologist heard the continuous murmur near his spine. They caught it when they were checking out his heart murmur...not expecting to hear anything but the heart murmur. His heart checked out okay that day, but it disturbed the doctor that he could hear that continuous murmur so loudly. He thought it was an echo from the heart murmur...but when his partner listened and went further down Judah's spine the murmur got louder and louder. So we are so thankful for that innocent heart murmur that he was born with, because they never would have picked up on the spinal fistula (continuous murmur). This fistula happens to people, and then they die young (30's) of an enlarged heart. The heart can't handle the pressure from the blood flow, so it damages the heart. So after 1 cat-scan, and 2 MRI's...they found the problem. Judah had the fi...

Here he is...early this morning at the hospital in Orlando...full of smiles. I am in the waiting room right now...waiting for my baby boy to be done with his surgery. It is so hard to be on this side...not knowing what is going on. It's such a control issue with me...I would like to be in there...to make sure that they are taking care of my baby. So we wait...we have one update, and so far so good...perhaps another hour or so. I will give a full update later. I just thought I would post a picture of my boy...he was full of kisses this morning and giggles. Such a trooper. I am blessed to be his mommy!

Yesterday was our first day of swim team for Bryn and Esther. Since we don't have a lot of time on the weeknights during the school year, I thought this would be a great way to get a sport in without wreaking havoc on our schedule. Small problem...we have to be there at 7:30 in the morning!!!! Which means, any chance of sleeping in during the summer just got blown away. It's not too bad...but I guess talk to me in August...lol! Caleb was going to join us, but he just wasn't a strong enough swimmer. Maybe next year. And William is having his first turn at swim lessons. He was so sweet yesterday. He was so nervous, but super excited too. And then there is Judah...who is just enjoying hanging out at the edge of the pool splashing around. This is our life in a snapshot for the summer....lots of pool and beach time.

Here is the Homebase Homeschool Group year in review. It is a collage of pictures from various members of our group. It was an awesome school year...full of lots of fun, learning, time together and schooling at home. This has been such a wonderful year for us. This year has been a time where I have continued to hear from the Lord that homeschooling is the best option for our family and for so many others. There is nothing like sitting with your kids and teaching them to read...or to add...or to introduce them to Abraham Lincoln or Erik the Red. To see their faces when they discover something. And the best part is know what your child is being fed...they are little sponges, and we have to be so careful about what they learn. Not to isolate them, but to make them aware of life and it's difficulties at the right time. I remember when Bryn learned that not everyone in the world is a Christian. She was shocked. And this year, we learned more about what people believe and how they came t...

Well, I had to post some pictures from this past weekend. We were two of the leaders that attended Camp Revamp with our oldest daughter, Bryn. It was a great weekend for the pre -teens to get together and hear from God and enjoy their friends. This is such a pivotal point in their life...a time to make decisions and to become the people God intended for them to be. Bryn had a great time with her friends and I know that she heard from God. She is growing so quickly and we really see a responsible young woman developing. Here is Bryn at the "Fear Factor" contest. She wasn't too pleased to eat her "surprise" concoction. They set up a water slide and obstacle course for the kids the first day. The water was refreshing in the 90 degree weather and gave the kids some play time. Here all all the kids that attended. Lined up and ready to hear what is next for them! Here is Bryn going down the obstacle course. She had a lot of fun running, playing and staying ...

So here they all are. The race is complete and we had a blast. Though we didn't win, it was worth every bit of the adventure! It was so much fun to work with the kids and to see the relationships built between us, the parents and the kids! Here is Caleb, representing the yellow team. He did such an awesome job riding his bike...over the ramps and through the mud! Caleb and Esther right before they had to race....ready in their helmets and pads. Right before the time to start...pumped up and ready to go. I am so proud of them!!! Here are some of the spectators...my nephews Zachary and Xavier...and my gruesome twosome...William and Judah! Gonzolo on the bike...Bryn behind him ready to take the next round. Who is the cute curly headed child there in the front...? Not the closest shot, but here is Esther coming up from the hill on the race! Turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, turn the children's hearts to the fathers. That's why we were there. Gre...

I can't believe one whole week has gone by and I haven't blogged. I was on a blogging role for the month of May...but it went down hill as we slid into June. The computer had a virus, so that had to be cleaned up ...and then we went with Bryn to camp for three days. So, I have been technically missing in action. Not much to say...just getting my house in order and I will be back in the beginning of the week.