An oldie but a goodie

I just learned how to upload videos...so now that I can do this, I am going to post an old one of Matthew...SOOO FUNNY!!! It's probably about 3 years old...so he was about 4. I was out of town on a business trip so Joe and Matthew recorded this video on our computer and e-mailed it to me. I remember watching it with the girls I was with and we all got such a kick out of it!

I hope you enjoy...

6 week update

It's been over a week so I felt the need to update. There have been many happenings in the Reynolds house, so here's a rundown of what's going on.

Matthew finished his 2nd quarter of school - so they had a cottage fair! This is a little pressentation they do for the parents and family where they have a play to tell us what they learned. This past quarter it was birds. Matthew was Pa Woodpecker in the play, so he wore his blue shirt. There are a few photos of the play, with a video with Matthew speaking one of his lines.

This is a picture of Matthew with his dear friend Dominic. We seem to get a picture of them each year at the cottage fair so we are watching the two friends grow old together. His mom and I talk about years from now when we will watch them graduate from high school...I don't like to think that far ahead, though!

As far as at home, Joe had an overnight trip to Prescott where he stayed at a camp managed by some friends of ours. So, while he was gone Matthew and I thought it would be fun to camp out in the nursery with Mark. He loves to spend as much time as he can with his baby brother, so I got my parents blow up mattress and we set about the night. Matthew brought in our comforter from our bed along with about 7 of his stuffed animals...here's a picture of our bed.

I don't think that was a good idea...and don't recommend it to anyone. We survived and here's a picture of the loving brothers from a couple days later...yes, they still loved each other after being up almost all night! I guess it's a bonding experience for them.

And, Mark is 6 weeks old today...wow how the time is flying. We are loving him more and more each day and he is getting more interactive and fun. Here's a picture of him from a day or two ago...just enjoying life!

We are getting ready for Christmas...it's been hard to get the shopping done while being at home with Mark. Joe's parents came over the other night so we could go to dinner and get the shopping finished for Matthew. It was quite a relief for me to have it mostly done. Joe and I aren't buying presents for each other, but Matthew should have a decent Christmas. He didn't ask for much, but he's getting most of what he asked for plus some extras (like a toothbrush from us!!).

9 Years Ago Today...

I made a promise...a vow...a commitment...and am so glad I did. I promised to be true and faithful. I made a vow to the Lord our God that I will live my life faithfully alongside my husband. I committed to being a good wife and mother to our children.

I have always thought back and remembered this day knowing that my true love was put before me though I couldn't ever be sure what was going to happen to us...for us...with us. It's not our plan for life but God's and we are always open to what He wants to do with us - and provide us with the strength to get through His plan. I love my husband more today than before as I have grown with him through our life together. I love him for his kindness...his silent strength....his devotion to our faith and family...his love for our children...and his love for me.

Joe is the man I married 9 years ago today. He is my true love...the one that I want to spend every moment of my life with and to share everything with for as long as we shall live. Joe - I love you more than you will know. Sorry I didn't get a card, but I hope this can make up for it!

**This should have posted on 12/10 - not 12/09**

One month old...

(updated with photo)

Yep - Mark is now one month old. Hard to believe the time has come and gone already. I will post a picture later, but the memories we have created in this first month have been great. Some of my favorites have been Matthew camping out with me in the nursery during the nighttime feedings; Joe taking on the responsibility of changing poopy diapers (because I am way ahead on that count); watching Mark see new things or his expression when he hears new sounds; but most of all just knowing this little guy is so in love with me...and that I am so in love with him. The miracle of his life is what keeps me going right now...in times of pure exhaustion.

So, the picture will come, just need to go take a nap now. You know, sleep when baby sleeps...

Thanksgiving weekend

Well, the weekend came and went...a week ago. It was quiet and low key. I enjoyed having the parents over for the meal on Thanksgiving day, which Joe cooked 90% by himself because I had other things to tend to (namely the newborn). He is a fairly good cook - we had fried turkey, cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato balls (I made these), home made stuffing, quinoa and yellow squash, green beans, and for dessert...pumpkin gooey cake and applie pie. YUMMY!!!

Joe and Matthew worked on the tree one night after I had gone to bed...here are a couple pictures:

We had a great time because Joe was home most of the weekend...I love 4-day weekends! I get more time with the boys!!

More to come this weekend...Mark turns 1 month old...already!

The coolest ride on the block

Before Mark's birth, Joe decided it would be fun to build a go-cart with Matthew...because we have the spare time, right? So, it took several months but in the end, they are having fun going around the block in the neighborhood and getting stared at by pretty much everyone. Go Green, right?

The only thing is that Joe has the steering backwards - Matthew has to turn the steering wheel right to go left...and so on. It's quite amusing watching the two of them figure this out...

Carpool Mom

I had my first experience as a carpool mom...and it was AWESOME! I don't know when I will get to do it again, but having a car with 6 boys in it (granted one was Mark who doesn't make too much noise comparatively) was quite the experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything!