Sunday, December 30, 2012

One more day this year

So tomorrow is the last day of 2012...I can't believe the year has gone by this fast. Looking forward to 2013 and posting a few more of the Reynolds escapades. 

The boys are getting bigger and bigger each day. Mark is now 4 and Matthew 11-1/2. It's funny to hear Matthew complain about Mark talking so much or asking him so many questions. Mark calls him 'Brother', not Matthew. I think it's because we always refer to him as 'brother'. Who knows...

A few updates on the family...
- Mark is going to be our stylish dancer/artist. The moment music starts playing, his hips start wiggling, whether he's seated or standing. It even happens at school and the teacher's LOVE it! He is also very much into arts and crafts, which means I have a couple boxes of paintings, drawings, etc. And, I am being a total packrat because I want to look back and remember these days when he is all grown up. He is stylish in his own way, but seems to care more about his clothes than big brother. May be just a phase...let's wait and see. And, he is definitely his father's son. I had a moment the other day when I glanced at him quickly and had to look back because it was as if I saw a *little* Joe right in front of me. He has dad's curious nature and desire to know how things work. He's not afraid of, really, anything. Not sure if that's a dad characteristic or mom... Anyway, he brightens every day in our lives and we feel blessed that he was brought into our lives when we thought there would be no more children.

- Matthew is getting big...and entering the pre-teen years. OY VEY!! I guess I didn't realize the smell that trails along behind boys. Daily reminders of deodarant and actually using soap in the shower don't always work. He is getting better, but it's still a battle. He has no real concerns about whether his clothes match. He is into flag football...well, football in general. Next year, maybe tackle. Maybe. BIG Maybe. Matthew struggled transitioning into 6th grade this year, but now I think he's got it down. They made some changes at the school and I think it's been a transition for the teachers as well. But I do enjoy his teachers...getting tougher as they get higher up. It's all good. The one thing he and Joe share a love for...bowling. Bowling. Whoda thunk?! But it's special time for the two of them doing something they can enjoy. Took him to a Notre Dame game in So. Bend this past fall and it has bonded us more than ever. He saw my roots...saw where I grew up as a kid. Fell. In. Love. It was fall...cold weather...leaves changing...perfect time to get him back there. I love this kid...he is about 90% me and 10% his dad. 

- Joe...well, he's still cranking away with Skyline Productions. Moved into a new space in late January and business has been good for him. He produces a live weekly broadcast of the Mass via internet, TV and radio to the homebound. It's an amazing piece of work and many are impressed with the quality. He bowls once a week on a league and loves that time (would love it more if he had higher scores...all in time). He has completed 2 marathons and is going to try for his 3rd...yes, I am speaking about Joe Reynolds. Amazing. When we met, 15 years ago, he was into drive thru food and iced tea. He hadn't set foot in a gym. Exercise? Yeah, not happening. So, to see him now blows me away. He gets cranky when he doesn't get his workout in...or when he doesn't get food in. Between him and two boys, my food budget is out the window. I am proud of him. He has come a long way in life, both personal and professional, in the 15 years that I have known and loved him. 

- Jennie...me...well, still working away at MGMC in the Admitting department. Healthcare was definitely not what I planned on doing as a career, but it's a good and stable job for the family right now. I still have the bug for travel, but will see if that ever comes to fruition. As long as I can travel for leisure every now and then, I should be good. As stated above, took a trip home to So. Bend for an Irish game...a win, nonetheless, in OT. It was AWESOME. AMAZING. Game. Of. A. Lifetime. Too much to share about it but maybe another post for another day. Working towards my first marathon in January. Not sure if I will be able to do it, but Joe told me it's not about winning or great time, just finish it. That's so true. We shall see. 

Looking forward to 2013 and whatever it brings. We will face it together as husband and wife and family. God is my focus this coming year and bringing our family more aligned with the vocations we are all called to. 

Check back often as I am hoping to get updates on here at least once a week. May your new year bring much happiness and love to your family!

OHHHH...Notre Dame, how I love thee...

(This blog should have been posted in October 2012 when I was back in South Bend with Matthew for the ND/Stanford game...just a little behind...)

Notre Dame...what can I say...I so enjoyed my time with you. I loved sharing you with my son. I'm so overjoyed that you didn't disappoint in the excitement of TRUE college football excitement.

Just a few pics to hold onto until we meet again!













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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas...again

It's Christmas again, where has the year gone. The day itself goes so fast I wish it lasted longer.

Joe was right..Mark LOVED the go cart. He is truly his fathers child. I got my Keurig. Matthew got a computer. Joe got sunglasses and a gift card.

But best of all, we had the day together...with family. I am learning to treasure these times more as our parents grow older. It's our turn soon to become parents to them. I love them all...love what they've done and continue to do for us and the boys. I pray they are with us much longer but know the reality of age.

Looking forward to a FABULOUS 2013!


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Friday, November 9, 2012

Trying it out

Trying out this new app. Allows me to update my blog from the phone so I can do it more often. Can't wait - hope it works!

This was part of my racing gear from last wknd.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:E Harmony Ave,Mesa,United States

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Fat

My 3-1/2 year old was touching my stomach this morning saying (and I
quote), "Mommy, you're so fat. Mommy you're so squishy."

Really? Joe told me to consider the source but he's a pretty smart kid.

Hmmmmm...do I need to get back on the treadmill for another hour? Or
do I give in to the pancake sitting on the counter?

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

It's that time of year...

I turned another year older...and I am hanging on tight for the next, oh, 357 days. The actual day was last week, but I am just able to sit down and write about it. It was a great day...week. The actual day itself was a bit hectic, and I ended up going out to pick up my dinner and bring it home by myself, but hey, what's another day in life, right?

The bday really started on Thursday evening. I went out for dinner/drinks with my dearest girlfriends. Shared so much *wife* and *woman* stuff...it was great. I love being able to talk so candidly and openly about everything in life and relationships. It's actually amazing how much we all go through that is so much alike.

And then, my husband. What can I say but he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He worked for 2 months to put the surprise together...and what a job he did! I was surprised...surprised at what he gave me...surprised at how romantic he was in putting it together. A weekend away, just the two of us (I took care of arrangements for the kids - for the WHOLE WEEKEND).

It started on Friday at 4pm sharp. We headed out of the driveway and I knew not where we were going...all part of his plan. We ended up at a resort in Scottsdale for the weekend, totally fine with me. No kids. Quiet. Who could ask for anything more...but, oh so much more there was!

When I walked in, there were 18 roses in a vase and a bag on the chair with gifts. A bottle of wine and cheese and crackers. I walked through the place and on the bed were rose petals and a chocolate bar (pics below). It was AWESOME!! Yes, he has set the bar high, friends, VERY high! We had a 4-course meal on Friday night that started at 7p and we didn't have dessert until 1030p. OMG! I was so stuffed, but that chocolate cake was YUMMY! Oh, and the bag of gifts...a robe (which I love), a necklace with the 26.2 on it (because I am signed up for the race in January) and a pair of petite diamond earrings...which I have been asking for since we have been married!!

Saturday - well, let's just say we did get a workout in, but we didn't eat breakfast until 11am. And, no lunch, but a restful day and then dinner that night at the White Chocolate Grill...again, OMG! Such great food...horrible for my nutrition plan, but oh so good! And, yet, another peaceful night sleep by ourselves in quiet...beautiful, this silence thing.

Sunday - as a friend put it...re-entry is the hardest part after a weekend away. And, that was the truth. We arrived home about 1p to nerf bullets flying our way. No 'I missed you' or 'Welcome Back'...no hugs or kisses. I guess that's what boys are about. They survived without us...don't even know if they realized we were gone. We survived without them.

Great job honey! Great job...I only hope I can meet the very high bar you have set.

I love you all the more for this and will treasure our weekend together alone forEVER!!



Thursday, May 17, 2012

My husband left me today...

For a week long trip to Hawaii. Again, why did I say he could go? I really don't know why I agreed to this.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

My Little George

Matthew's school had their annual wax museum this past week. The students were responsible for learning about a person in history and become that person.

Matthew had the honor of learning about George Washington. He did a great job learning about our first President. I, however, am not as skilled at sewing so chose to use a hot glue gun. I lost some skin but in the end, he looked like a young George.

Will post a video as well...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Lent...Give it up or bring it on

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, a day we as Catholics begin our 40-day
journey of Lent. Most people talk about what they will give up as a
sacrifice. Some talk about taking something on. I usually try to do
both and have been struggling with what to choose.

I eat sweets, but not in large enough quantities on a regular basis to
think I need to give it up. I am a fairly healthy person so not
thinking food will be in the category of what I give up. I'm thinking
more down the lines of talking about people or what some might call
'gossip'. I don't know if I do it a lot but I know I do it and it does
no good.

What will I take on? I was thinking of something physical like running
every day...but again, I'm fairly healthy and do exercise regularly.
Think I'm going to have to go with something deeper like daily prayer.
Don't do it often enough and need it more in my life...a lot more!

So as I start this journey, I ask the Lord to stand by me and give me
the strength to go on this journey. It will not be easy but I need
this in my life right now. I love this time of year...it's always been
a great time of reflection and growth.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Good Night!

I haven't updated in a long and am going to try and make a concerted effort to do it more often. But this picture just shows the love between these two brothers! Joe peeked in when we were going to bed and came and told me I needed to go see...so, camera in hand I went to their room. Love my boys!! All 3 of them...