The Reynolds Nation

Years ago my mom was hurt in an accident and she was hurt pretty badly. She wasn't able to walk for a few months. She basically hung out in the recliner at my house waiting for her knee to heal. It took several months. I was her caretaker those months…I had to do everything for her. It was tough. I had five kids…my youngest was only 2 years old, I was homeschooling and my house was really busy. But you do what you have to do. Right? Now, with my mom gone, I sure wish I could go back to those days. Now I realize it was an honor to care for her. This blog post really isn’t about that. During that time she watched a lot of television. Of course, she didn’t have anything else to do. We still have crazy memories of her watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers over and over again with my girls. Not her choice…it was the girls who were obsessed with that movie. After those few months she absolutely hated that movie…lol  And she seemed to watch QVC a lot. Remember QVC? Where ...

When we prepared to move back down to Florida my husband encouraged me to take a rest when we moved and to start with a clean slate. I was wearing so many hats...babysitter, mom, tutor, doula, homeschooler...and he suggested that I pray about what I was to do next. Go to Florida with no expectations. First, I was to rest. And that was so important to me. I needed to get my life back and to get strong again. I was weary and tired when we signed on our house on that afternoon of January 25th. I was more tired then I have ever been. Mentally, emotionally, physically...I was wiped out. And then we had to move our family 500 miles and set up a new house. I needed a rest. I am still resting and enjoying my new life here. I am being careful about not jumping into too much. My family has to be my priority. And that's where I am right now. But I also have been in prayer about what will be next. What did I want to keep in my life and what did I want to bring to a close. Working as a dou...

So, how exactly did we get here? Back to the beautiful beaches of Florida.  How did we leave such luscious landscape in the mountains and the clear, crisp air? We never thought that we would be back in Florida...except for an occasional vacation. It was never on our radar...we were so happy and content making roots in NC. Why would we ever leave? Even my mind is blown from the events of the last nine months. So, here is our story. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9 Last September, Matthew was gearing up for the next open enrollment season in his job as an insurance manager. He would spend weeks training new and old agents as they prepared to sell for the season that runs from October to the end of December. Matthew, for the past 3.5 years, continued to work for the same insu...

Wow, it's been forever. So much has changed in my life in the past few years. I loved blogging a few years ago and then my life went on full speed ahead. And now I am back. I surely am not the person that I was just a few years ago. So, here are 30 things about myself that will get us reacquainted. 1. I am living back in Florida. Wow, how did that happen??? 2. A door opened that we couldn't ignore in my husband's career and we took it. 3. I miss so much about NC, but at the same time I am at such peace here in Florida. 4. We have such a lovely home here in Florida. 5. We have a pool. 6. I have been living in my bathing suit. 7. The heat hasn't bothered me yet. (Maybe I shouldn't say that yet) 8. I am still married to the most amazing man...22+ years and counting. 9. Five kids still...one in college...two in high school and two in middle school. 10. I don't miss the baby stage at all. 11. This season we are in is wonderful with the kids....

Who knew...16 years ago this journey would look like this? Sixteen years ago these kids weren't even alive...lol. Our oldest actually took the picture, as she was on her way to class at college. Now, truth be told...this picture took several times to take. No, we weren't waiting for any babies to smile...just for my youngest, yes my 10 year old, to get himself together. He still has a funky look on his face, but  I will take it. Not everyone is happy all the time. And one day we will laugh at this picture and all of Judah's antics.  These treasures have made this journey incredibly difficult, but it's been worth every step. I am so blessed to be their mom. And glad that I get to be their mom. Blessings on this next year!

I am back to this blog. I switched over a year ago and I didn't like it too much. So, I am back here. I am wanting and needing to write again. I am heading into a different season with my kids...they are getting bigger by the minute and they don't need me as much. I am not sure how to walk this out. It's a strange place to be. So, what's next? I am not sure, honestly. This has been one of the hardest years of my life. Losing my mom this past October has shaken me to the core...and I am such a different person. I am trying to find my place, and see what is next. The season is changing, but just not sure where I am going. Hold on tight!!!!

Keeping the house clean... The struggle is real and true...and many of us don't know how to get out of the vicious cycle. I understand. I have been there. I have five kids going in 5 different directions. I know. I so know what it feels like to get one area cleaned to turn around and see another disaster. So, how do you conquer this?  Ok, Ok, you can't get rid of the kids...or in some cases, your husband. Yes, I said it. Sometimes, it may be your other half. Even if it is, what can you do?  I have walked through this struggle. And to be honest ladies, it's really not a struggle for me. Ninety-nine percent of the time my house is company-ready. I like it to look nice, just in case somebody stops by. I never want to be embarrassed. But at the same time I am not a slave to my house. I have found that the more organized I have become the more time and spontanaiety I have in my life. Order can be a freeing thing. And yes, when the kids are younger it is har...