The Reynolds Nation

I snapped a picture of my new love...sweet potato fries.  Yes, I know a lot of people don't like sweet potatoes. Including me.  I don't like them. I tried them again this Thanksgiving and I still don't like them. But awhile back I tried them in the french fry variety and I love them.  Now the ones at the restaurant were fried, so of course they were yummy. But here at home I tried baking them...and voila they were fabulous too.  I just slice them up really thin...put on my stone...sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic and a little olive oil...and then bake on a high temp. Watch them like a hawk, because they will burn easily. Never did I think I would like these...especially since I am a faithful potato lover. I love potatoes anyway that you make them...boil them, fry them, bake them...whatever...yummo.  But with my new found food freedom, I am trying new things...and I guess your body likes sweet potatoes better than white potatoes. I am so glad I gave it a try. ...

Every once and awhile I will tell you about a new blog that I have stumbled upon. Awhile back a friend of mine messaged me on Facebook and told me about this blog. She thought it would be really inspiring for me.  The blog is called www.runsforcookies.com ... and it's about a girl who lost 100 pounds and how she did it.  And she became a runner partially the way through her weight loss. And of course this has helped her weight loss tremendously...and slimmed her down like crazy. It's my favorite blog lately...she posts almost every day and she is totally REAL. A regular mom who battles the food issue.  If you go to her blog look back at some of her old posts.  It truly is amazing.  And I love her posts about running. It keeps me inspired and motivated to keep running and to keep losing weight. Her title says it all...she runs so that she can eat yummy foods too..like cookies (or in her case, Peanut butter).  Check it out this week. You will love...

 Yes, I am doing a whole bunch of what you see in the title.  After a crazy busy week of food prep for the big holiday, I needed a few days to down load.  So we literally have been hanging out at the house..eating lots of pie, lots of turkey and stuffing and totally relaxing.  And it has been wonderful.  And included in my days off I added some old chick flicks.  Steel Magnolias...and Sleepless in Seattle. Lots of laughter and a lot of tears.  Funny how you still cry twenty years after you first saw the movie.  Not much more to report than that.  Just a whole lot of nothing. Which feels totally great.  How was your holiday?

I had every intention to blog yesterday...just to wish you a great Thanksgiving...but time slipped away, and it didn't happen. So, I hope you had a fantastic holiday. As you can see by my picture, we had a packed house yesterday. Full of family and FOOD. Lots of both.  It was a fabulous day.  It all went as planned. I feel so blessed to have been the one who helped plan it (the other half being my dear husband, Matthew)...and then blessed to be part of it.  Hope yours was as wonderful as mine.  Have a great day friends :)

I snapped this picture yesterday...just the four of us.  William had pleaded with me for weeks to take him running...and then he started talking about running a 5k.  I didn't think much of it, but he wouldn't give up.  He was serious.  And when William has something in mind, he doesn't give up. So, I promised him that the week after my 10k that we would do the Couch to 5k program (it's the one I used to train for my 5k).  He would train to build up speed and endurance and I would use the time to sprint so that I could get faster.  Next thing you know, I have two more kids wanting to join.  So, yesterday the 4 of us headed out at 6 in the morning and did our time.  After the initial giggles and excitement they got into it.  They are fast. Much faster than me.  So, I will keep you updated.  A family who works out together, lives long together!

 Here is the evidence of me "carbing" it up the night before the race.  We headed up to St. Augustine on Friday afternoon and I had BIG plans to eat one of my favorite foods.  I love pizza, but I don't get to eat it much these days.  But it fit the bill that night...I went carb crazy.  Here I am the next morning with the shirt that my husband designed for me.  I wanted to have something special.  It's been a special year.  It's been a fantastic year and I wanted to shout it out to everyone!!!  When I see this shirt it just makes me think that anyone can lose weight...if I can, then anyone can.  This story is a testimony to others that they can change their life today....TODAY!  Here is my number.  I heard that 1300 people were running in all three races.  They were having a 5k, 10k and a 1/2 marathon over the course of the weekend.  I had only registered just the day before...I guess I am always afraid somet...

  After training for 25 weeks...holy cow, can it be that long.. I will be running my first 10k tomorrow.  Wow, I am simply amazed.  It went by so fast. It seems like I was just training for the 5k and that was a huge hurdle to jump over.  And now, I will be doubling that.  It has been an amazing journey.  When I started 25 weeks ago I was running 22 minute miles.  Which is incredibly slow.  But that's okay.  I was carrying a lot of weight...about 50 pounds more than I am now...and my body was still in major training mode.  And now, I am running my miles in the 13 minute  range...still slow, but so much faster than I was.  I am so proud of myself.  Really. It was a lot of hard work.  It was a lot of mental blocks that I had to jump over.  A lot of getting up in the dark and running.  And doing it by myself.  I am so blessed and humbled because I know the Lord was with me this whole journey.  I ...

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that Wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You Will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so Remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight With your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things An old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, And you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take  TOO Many pictures, laugh  TOO  much, and love like you've never Been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset Is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be Afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin...

 Gosh, it has been a slow week.  Well, a rather fast week for me, but a slow week on the blog. I had many intentions to blog, but the days have slipped by me.  I just didn't want the week to go by without embracing the camera again. This picture is from last night when Bryn went to her swim banquet.  All dressed up with a place to go...lol. She did great this season, despite an injury or two.  We are so proud of her. On Tuesday we had our first professional pictures done of our family. We have never met a photographer on location, so that was a lot of fun.  She already sent the pictures to us and she did a fantastic job. As soon as we get them I will post them for you. Mia the pug decided to Embrace the Camera too this week.  My sweet girl. Don't forget to head over to Emily and see her crew.  Have a fantastic Thursday!      

After getting my kayak last weekend, we didn't have a moment to get out there for it's maiden voyage.  With the time change it has been difficult...it's dark by 6:00...and the hubby just gets home from work by then.  So, yesterday we were out first thing. Oh my, it was so awesome.  I love it. I can't believe that I was even out there.  Never did I ever imagine that I would be out there kayaking.  This amazing journey has opened up so many door for me.  It makes me want to cry.  God is so good.  Every bit of sacrifice and work is worth it...especially when I look at this photo!

That's me and my JuJu...taking a moment out to vote.  I always like to take a kid with me...and he was the lucky winner this year.  He was really proud of his sticker!  We headed to the fair this past week...something the kids look forward to all year.  We snapped this picture before all of the action.  It turned out to be a great shot of all of us. Matt and I taking a moment together to kill our pumpkins...for Thanksgiving dinner.  Really cute face he is making, right?   Just some random shots this week. Don't forget to Embrace the Camera.  This has been one of the best things I have ever done...one day our kids will actually be able to look back and see our life...with me in it.  Not just behind the camera.  Don't forget to see Emily this week too!!!              

Matt took my picture this morning of me and my present from him.  He promised this to me over 50 pounds ago and last night the dream came true.  He bought a kayak for me as a gift for losing 100 pounds.  I am so excited.  I am thrilled to pieces.  Amazing moment.  I am so loving this.  What a great husband.  He came through with his promise...which he always does.  I hope to take it out tomorrow for it's maiden voyage.  This journey of mine this year has been the most excellent.  What a fabulous life!

 Matt and I took Esther to a local Food Truck Rally...yum, yum...what fun was that.  A special date...just us and our little Roo.  There is nothing like eating cupcakes from truck, lol  I had to add this one.  Judah was in class the other day waiting to be taken to speech therapy and he was snapping pictures on my phone.  Not the best picture of me working away in my friend's class...but it was taken by my boy...so it's cute.  Had to add this too.  It's been boot weather here in Florida...and I wait for these days. So, I snapped a picture of me and my boots.  It was the only way to keep my feet warm the other day.  We take each day that we get.  It has been a glorious week in regards to weather...no air running in the house...and just enjoying the outdoors! Make sure you take time to Embrace the Camera today.  Get in those pictures with your kids.  Don't let time slip away...and make sure you stop by and s...