The Reynolds Nation

Well, today is the first day that we are going to a new church. I hate doing this. I hate being the new people. I hate wondering if this is the place for us. After 3.5 years at our home church before, we have decided to move on to a new Church. I miss our old friends and our pastors. I miss the word there. I miss their love. But I don't miss some of the things that we didn't agree with. I don't miss the conflict that it constantly caused within our family. I don't miss the reality that our daughter was never received. There are a variety of things I could say, but won't. It has been one of the hardest things I have ever done...it has brought turmoil in my soul. But I am walking this out. This has been our season, our summer of change. Matt and I reevaluated what we believed and what we were part of... and did it truly go along with our core values. We decided this summer that if it didn't line up with our core values, then we couldn't be part ...

Today is day 5 of Matt's business trip to Chicago. He flies home tonight. He went to a convention up there to learn more about the change that Obama is bringing forth in regards to insurance regulation and how to deal with it. So, what have the rest of us been doing? We have been very bored. We have tried to stay busy..but it doesn't seem to be very successful. I am very tired...taking care of 5 kids by myself, working and taking care of the house and property has taken it's toll. I am in a much needed break.

I thought I would post this morning a shot of our teenager. She is so beautiful in this shot! She is an amazing girl. She has had a lot of changes lately, and it has been hard for her to deal with. Thankfully, she has a firm foundation with Matt and I...and we are walking her through it. Matt and I have been focused on raising a different type of child...not focused on the world and all that it has...but on the Lord and what he has to offer. It is a tremendous adventure in this day. His way is the only way! So as we walk with a sure step(His steps) into the teenage years...we keep our eyes on Him.

A picture taken by a friend today of a double rainbow. In the midst of trouble, there is always hope with the Lord. He is the promise.

Boys Will Be Boys

So, I had my first amazing Ebay moment last night. I haven't gone on that website in awhile...it is so easy to be hooked in and buying things that you wouldn't normally buy. But with the school year looming, I have been looking around trying to find the curriculum that I want this year for my kids. So, yesterday I put a bid on for a particular curriculum set for Bryn. The cost I put down was for 76.00. I had it set...only one other bid had been put in and it sat on my bid all day! Then, Matt says, "you probably should put in a maximum bid too...just in case you are not there when it goes through." At first, I said there isn't a need for that. But then I changed my mind and raised my bid to $85.55. I didn't want to go up too much...but I really wanted to win this. This set brand new goes for $160.00. This was a good deal. After watching a movie last night with Matt I sat on the bed with the computer watching the Ebay site. All was good. Silent. No...

Not much to post today...up very early this morning to make blueberry muffins for the kids for breakfast. And then we are off for the girls last swim team practice. The summer has gone by so fast...everyone is getting ready for school again. The girls had such a good time...making friends and really learning how to swim well. I am amazed on how much they really accomplished this summer. I think the girls swam enough laps to cross the Atlantic ocean! It's amazing. Other than that, I am just busy with work at the county as a lactation counselor...I went back to work there. It's been great, just a huge adjustment. And of course in the back of my mind, we have school coming soon too. We usually start in September-I am a true Northerner! So, for the next few weeks we are just enjoying the sun...and the last few days of summer. God has been good this summer...in the midst of all the change, he has shown his face!

I thought I would post these pictures that my mother-in-law sent to me. She took them the other day when she was watching the kids. My kids spend more time in the water...it's amazing. But of course, with this hot summer, that is the only thing you can do. My favorite is the one of Will...Mr. Confident in the water now...his swimming is coming along very nicely. I have the best kids!

Here is Bryn swimming the breast stoke at the past swim meet.She came in second place! She really has done well this season. She went from dreading each practice because it hurt so much, to loving each one and getting physically fit. Enjoy the video!

Here is a glimpse of Esther during the swim meet on Saturday. She did a fabulous job swimming the breath stroke. She is the swimmer on the right. She looks like a skinny minny in her speedo bathing suit and goggles. She has come a long way this summer on the swim team. When she started she couldn't do any of the strokes and now she looks like a real pro. I will add a clip of Bryn later this week.