The Reynolds Nation

The morning is super cool and crisp today...a low of 54 degrees. I actually didn't open the windows in the house this morning because it was so cool. The kids came downstairs with blankets and thoughts of snuggling on the couch for a bit. No complaints, just a whole new world of summertime. Warm days, cool days, rainy days...such a mixture. We plan on hanging around the house today...not much needs to be done. Summer seems to be slipping by. Can't believe that tomorrow is the last day of July. I have been printing out lots on the computer this week in anticipation of school. I still have more to do, but it's nice to jump ahead. I still feel like I am adjusting to our house. I want it to feel like more of our home, rather than just a house. I know that it takes time. I still forget where things are all the time. As that gets easier, I think my feelings will change. Our house is so much bigger than our last house, so that is an adjustment. There truly is room for everything...

Matt and I snuck out late last night so we could have a few minutes to ourselves. We grabbed a shake at Kilwin's on Main Street and just sat and enjoyed the evening. Imagine the breeze blowing so nicely, the air crisp with no humidity, and people walking down the street just talking and enjoying the night. It was just beautiful. We can't believe that we are living here...and can't believe that we can enjoy the outside so much in the middle of the summer. Periodically we have to pinch ourselves...how is it possible that we could live this dream? It's just amazing. We are loving every minute of it. We don't ever want to take it for granted, that's for sure. Even on the days that are long and sometimes lonely for friends I am so sure of where we are supposed to be. God keeps on telling me that there is Provision In The House...for friends, family, finances, and our new life here in North Carolina.

Yesterday Matt had the day off and we decided to take a stroll down our favorite street...Main Street in Downtown. It was lovely out...a nice 74 degrees...sunny skies...low humidity. Probably the most picture perfect weather...what so many dream of. Actually while we were sitting there at one of the outside tables, Matt said, "this is a dream." Yes, it is a dream fulfilled. We couldn't believe that we cold be sitting anywhere on July 17th and not sweating like pigs. And to be sitting outside, which is almost unheard of in Florida at this time of year. So, we sat there...for at least 30 minutes...Matt sipped his favorite drink (Cheerwine) and we just hung out and people watched. We laughed, we pet the dogs walking by, we loved on our pug Edward who was with us, and we just enjoyed life. It was so sweet. Love these moments and these days. Life is so good.

Last night we got to attend the Shindig on the Green in Asheville. It's put on by the Folk music council (or something like that) and they host one every Saturday night in downtown Asheville. The stage is in the center and there is a huge grassy park in front of it. Everyone brings their blankets and chairs and sets up for the concert. And it's not just one person the whole time, but a variety of performers. Young, old, male, female...a total mixture. And a few of the groups were cloggers, which we really enjoyed watching. That was my favorite part. So, we hung out with our friends...talked, listened, let the kids run around. It was a beautiful evening out too... a cool breeze and no mosquitoes. Can't beat that for a summer evening in July. We hope to keep going back over the course of the summer...they host it until Labor Day weekend. What is keeping you busy this summer?

Matt snapped this picture yesterday when the boys were hanging out. William was trying to make a list of a project that he is working on...and Judah just needed to be in his business. That's nothing new, right? Brothers can be great, but at times they can be obnoxious. Judah, the fifth child, has never wanted to be left out...of anything. Love my boys...they bring the life into the house...and have added a few grey hairs on my head too. Hope you are enjoying your summer. We are unpacked and getting more and more settled here in Hendersonville, NC. Loving our new home and our new community. I have never met so many welcoming people in my life. God is good. He has paved the way for us!