R-E-L's Blog

Winds of change

2012-01-19T14:06:00.001-06:00

Well, here it is. A new year that brings with it the winds of change.

I have a new job this year. I still volunteer with House of Faith, seeing as how I could never bring myself to leave them completely, but I am not working there anymore. I am now a tutor on the ASU Writing Center. It is a great job: good hours, good pay and I can do my homework if no one comes in for tutoring. (which apparently happens often) It's a sweet setup. I can already feel the difference in stress levels from last semester. It's pretty amazing how the Lord provided me with the opportunity too...it literally jumped into my lamp with no effort or thought on my part. It feels very different though. I mean, I did work at House of Faith for about 5 years, but I will survive, no...thrive in this new environment!

Over the Christmas break, I have had several yearnings to do DIY projects for my house etc. I really want to start decorating in teals, reds, browns, pretty greens and colors that would fit those colors pretty well. I already have a lot of reds and browns, so it won't be too hard. One project I am just DYING to make:

This is truly beautiful

My Mother-in-law gave me "Design*Sponge at Home" for Christmas, and I instantly fell in love with the above project. It would look so lovely in my kitchen above my stove/oven. It isn't too difficult either. All I need to do is round up some peg board and use some leftover paint and voila! However, now that there's school and work, I will have to carve out the time...but mark my words! I will make this!

I have also been drooling over recipes lately...I think I will make some lemon crinkle cookies for our new neighbor (and for me too).

Heaven on a plate

Au Revoir!

2011-11-03T17:25:00.002-05:00

The weather has finally cooled off! Thank you North Wind!

*Side note here: I don't really think that the North Wind is a sentient being...I just like to personify things.

To help put you (aka ME) into a fall sort of mood, here is a picture of the pumpkins Logan and I carved.

Au Revoir my lovelies!

Oh Fall, Where for art thou?

2011-09-23T17:17:00.002-05:00

Today is the first day of Fall according to the calender. Of course, according to West Texas, there won't be Fall...Oh no, there will only be heat, dryness and then a couple of cool days mixed in between until suddenly BAM! Our two weeks of winter hits.

I really just want some cold weather! I want to wear cozy, baggy clothes with my boots and long, warm socks. I want hot chocolate and pumpkin pie latte to make me comfortable instead of sweaty. I want pumpkins and pine cones and turkey and leaves that actually change color. Can you tell I am a bit whiny today?

Here's crossing my fingers that Fall and Winter will actually arrive this year.

My life in Review

2011-09-09T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a while...I decided to post a few pictures to help tell the tale of what my life hs been like these past few months.

Logan and I went as sponsors on our churches youth group mission trip to New Orleans. This was our 2nd time going to New Orleasn...spending time with these guetto ( I mean that in the most endearing way possible) and amazing children is always a highlight of my summer.

Of course, getting to experince the cuture of New Orleans again was awesome, to say the least.

The food isn't too bad either ;)

Tastes better every time...

After New Orleans we moved!

Of course, we picked the week that school started to move...NEVER want to do that again.

Oh yeah...I started going to college again....Yay for being a big girl!

So my house is in shambles...but at least I'm getting a good education...right?

Needless to say, I have been craving great amounts of comfort food, which in my opinion is homemade soup...

Endless amounts of blended drinks (when I can afford them)...

And stuffing my face with anything sweet...

Maybe the Freshman 15 thing has some credibility :/

The best thing that has happened recently is my darling neice, Sophia Rae Reynolds-Byrd. She is the sweetest, tiniest, most precious thing! She is a preemie, so she is very small, but I think that just adds to her charm :)

Well, until I remember to post next time!

Studying the past and the present...

2011-05-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

I was looking at some pictures from a while back and found some very cute/funny ones I thought I'd share...

My sweet pudge...

I really don't know what they were doing...

Yes, this is my husband when he was 13 and yes he is adorable!

It's kind of funny to look at these pictures and see where I am today from where I was then...

Oh, that the clock would stop ticking by so fast!

Let's hope I take some initiative...

2011-01-19T15:33:00.001-06:00

...I need to be productive! I need to DO something! I want to be crafty! I want to paint & refurbish furniture, and take awesome photos for my walls! (or at least be good at finding photos for my walls) I want to be a master chef and most of all, I want interesting things to blog about. I think that’s why I don’t blog as much…I’m so boring…

I have been baking a lot lately though. I LOVE to bake. It’s so wonderful to make wonderful, sweet, scrumptious creations, stare at their prettiness for a while and then eat them, or give them away. It is one of my favorite hobbies. However, the amount of flour, eggs, milk & butter needed for most (if not all) recipes can add up to be quite daunting. Especially when your husband likes eggs at all times of the day!

Anyway, I made these Big Chocolate Chip Cookies the other day. SO GOOD! Make them. I'm serious. The biggest, tastiest cookies ever...

Of course, I have no pictures of my own cookies...I need to teach myself to take pictures of the things I make! I have made some awesome meals and baked goods, but no one will ever know, because I failed to document it. *Sigh*

Perhaps, I will be posting something semi-interesting soon. Until then…

Holy Guacamole!

2010-12-10T10:51:00.001-06:00

*The story that follows is 100% true. No one was harmed.*

The Backyard Bible Club Christmas parties were finally complete.The presents were opened, the kids safe at home, and all of House of Faith was tearing down, cleaning and getting the Church in order for Sunday Service.

I had just returned from dropping my kiddos off, and as soon as the van hit the parking lot entrance, the (ABS) light came to life and a sickening hot metal smell filled the air. Being generally afraid of a car when any sort of light turns on, I quickly put the van into park and went inside to find our vehicle know-how man.

After telling him what light was on, he told me that the brakes needed to be replaced and that when I drove the van back to House of Faith, I needed to be very careful. Of course, I wasn't too happy to be the one to drive it, but I told Logan to meet me at House of Faith and took off.

Right away, I could tell the poor van just wasn't in good shape. I took a deep breath, turned my hazord lights on, and slowly turned onto the main road and only brought the speed up to 35 mph. A little ways down the street, I hear a giant POP, and the steering wheel wrenches out of my hands, making me swerve into the far left lane. (thank the Lord that there were no cars near me.)

After I straightened the van back out and slowed my racing heart, I decided I needed to stop and see what had happened. Well, as soon as the thought left my head, the Front right tire shoots out in front of me, into the Town & Country Parking Lot, nearly hits a man, rolls in a cirlce through 6 intersections and finally, the man who almost got hit, brings it back to me.

The whole time the tire is rolling, I am on 3 wheels, scraping to a halt into the Town & Country Parking lot.

It's pretty incredible that no one got hurt. It's pretty incredible that I was right in front of Town & Country. It's pretty incredible that the tire stayed on when I had 15 children inside. It's pretty incredible how God takes care of everything.

R-E-L

The kitchen life...

2010-10-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

I have really been enjoying looking up cooking blogs and recipes lately. I haven't made a whole lot of them yet, but I like having them around when I'm looking at my choices. Last night I made fried chicken tenders with gravy and Au gratin potatoes. YUM! I should start taking pictures and posting what the end result of my kitchen efforts look like. But then again, I forget I even have a camera most of the time.

The other day I rearanged the bedroom all by myself; furniture and everyting! Logan was at work and I just got it into my head. My back is suffering because of it, but I like the new set up alot more than the last one.

It's weird how I WANT to clean the house and make everything neat since I got married. It's like becoming a wife automatically made me a clean freak or something. Of course, living with Logan is not always the cleanest experience...I have to constantly remind him of things that I have done all my life! It surprises me how differently we grew up. We were joking the other day about which characteristics from our families will make it into our kids...Hmmm....guess we'll just have to wait and see!

<3 R-E-L

It happened!!!

2010-08-17T16:48:00.001-05:00

I am officially married! It's so strange that I am not going to go home to live with my mommy anymore. Logan and I have our own home, our own responsibilities...we are adults! I like it :) I know it won't always be easy, but I think it's worth it. Now if we could only get the house in ship shape order, haha.

<3 REL

37

2010-07-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

It's almost here! I am getting more excited...the joy and nervousness are bubbling up inside my gut. Only 37 more days until I am Mrs. Arielle Lynn Reynolds!!!!

R-E-L

Sometimes...

2010-05-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

...I don't like my job.

Most of the time it's great! But every now and then, especially when I have to get something done, everything seems to go wrong. I set deadlines; they get ignored. I print the documents; the copier starts acting up. I end up working late hours until the job gets done...really late hours. So, yeah...I'm not in the best mood about it. Everyone says I'm so patient and sweet...well here? I am not going to be those things. I can rant all I want and not care. Right now I am not happy and I'm not going to pretend to be.

~REL~

It's my birthday!!!!

2010-04-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

I love birthdays...especially my own :) I just feel extra speacialand extra loved on my birthday. Sometimes I even get presents! That's the best part...I LOOOOVVEEE presents. Gifts is definately one of my love languages. Logan is speaking my love language today for sure...he's cooked up a day long surprise for me and I am so excited to know what it is!!! He'll be here any minute...

Abba,
Thank you for an amazing 21 years of life. You have blessed me beyond measure and love me so well. I love you Abba.

~REL~

Vintage dreaming

2010-03-22T01:05:00.000-05:00

Hello all...I am still working on that next installment of the story I so cruelly posted and never finished...but I promise I will post it when it's ready.

Life seems to be so busy lately, even though I'm not really doing anything at all. Well, other than helping a best friend get married, slowly preparing for my own wedding, trying to figure out the financial side of school, not getting in the middle of family affairs, spending time with my fiance, church and work of course...so maybe I am doing something every day. I guess my point is, I feel as if those things keep me running, and then, when they stop for a time, my life seems kind of...empty? Yes, I guess that's the word.

I am becoming restless, unsatisified unless occupied, purposeless without a task at hand. I find myself daydreaming about what life must have been like years back, around my grandparents younger days. Was it different for them? Did they feel the same as I do? In my head, I tell myself it was much simpler living then.

I've become obsessed with all things old, vintage, aged, wishing I had really been apart of that world. I make legitimate excuses, but deep down I know I am just searching for something...some kind of filler for the hole I keep making deeper. Of course it 's more than just that, it's all those things I mentioned before. I've let them take me over. Most of them aren't even terrible! They are good in their own right. But I keep saying, 'Maybe if I keep moving and don't think...if I just keep busy with "important" things, maybe my soul won't keep withering away.'

Most of the time I'm oblivious to what I'm doing to myself. Blind and stupid. I think I will continue to be for a while yet. It's just who I am...but the longing for abundant life is starting to strain against the chains I've encased it in . It wants out...and I am beginning to weaken in my resolve to keep it locked away.

The Sinful Woman Part 1

2010-01-29T10:41:00.001-06:00

The sun was low in the sky, streaking the clouds floating overhead with a pinkish red hue. A young woman swiftly made her way through the crowded streets, glancing every few seconds at the people milling around her. She kept her head down while covering her face with her dark hair, not wanting to risk someone realizing her identity and offering her work; not tonight. She was about to round the corner onto her street when she passed a large group of men talking loudly.

“Simon asked Him to dinner tonight!” a large man with multiple chins exclaimed to the crowd. A smaller man, with a pinched face spoke up. “That’s impossible. The Pharisees would never affiliate themselves with Him, it must be another man.”

She slowed and hid in a doorway trying to hear more of what they were saying.

The men were speaking among themselves, some with angry expressions on their faces. Their voices were almost to the point of shouting, when a tall, good-looking man began to speak. “Even if Jesus is the man we speak of, Simon must have good reason for how he’s acted. He wouldn’t allow Jesus into his home unless he had a plan.” The group quieted as he spoke. Apparently, he had the respect of these men. “Go Home.” He said to them in a low, calming voice. “Go see your wives and children, fill your bellies and hear what is to be heard about this in the morning.” None of them even noticed the woman in the shadows as they dispersed to their homes.

The sky was completely dark by now. She stood in the doorway unmoving as the men left, recognizing several as they walked by.

“Jesus.” The name echoed in her mind. She knew that name. He was the miracle worker; the healer. Some had even been calling Him the Son of God, nothing but blasphemy according to most. She had wanted to attend His teachings while He was in the city, just to see if He was as wonderful as others had portrayed Him, but she could never bring herself to go.

She ran out of the darkness, quickly crossing the street and ducking into her small clay hut. She barred the door securely, not giving anyone the chance of entering unannounced. So often she had one too many visitors who overlooked the common courtesy of knocking.

As she lit the candles on the little wooden table near her sleeping pallet, her thoughts went back to the conversation of the group. The men had been upset about His being at the Pharisee’s house. How could one man illicit so many different reactions? A man that only seemed to be helping others and showing kindness to even the worst of people could not possibly warrant such anger. Unless of course, He was who He said He was.

Shaking her head, she sank down, sitting on her blankets with her back against the wall. No. Impossible. But…why else would the Pharisee want to dine with Him?

It couldn’t be, but something in her said she was right, and if she was... “Jesus.” She spoke His name this time, the sound of it sending a shiver down her spine. The rumors must be true then, and Simon wanted to confirm them for himself.

Suddenly, all she wanted to do was see Jesus. A feeling of panic began to creep into the back of her mind. What if she missed Him? What if she was too late? She rose off the makeshift bed and hurried to grab her cloak. Wrapping it around her self, she rushed to the door, unbarring it as fast as she could.

Almost without thinking, she started running into the street, excitement rushing through her veins. She would be different; she would speak to Jesus, He would heal her, and she would be free to leave this wretched life behind.

She had made it to the far end of the street, when a thought abruptly pushed itself into her head, making her stop and putting a catch in her throat. “What makes you think he’ll help you?” She leaned heavily on the wall behind her, feeling the course texture of the mud against her hands. “He’ll only be disgusted by you. You aren’t worth anything to anyone, so why would he even look at you?” the dark voice hissed. “The Pharisee will know that you entered his house, he will have you killed…protect yourself…go back.”

The words rang in her ears almost as if someone had spoken them to her. Trying not to cry, she slowly began walking back the way she had come. She should go back. She would be foolish to even consider continuing on.

“Danna! Is that you sweet?” a deep voice called out from the shadows. Hearing her name, she froze; dread curling into a familiar ball at the bottom of her stomach. “It is you. I was looking for you lovely. I’ve missed you since our last meeting.” The deep voice materialized into a tall form, a man with black hair, black eyes, and an equally black heart.

Danna shrunk back from the man. “Achan, I am not feeling well. Perhaps one of the other girls will be able to help you this night.” Achan scowled at her. “I prefer your company my dear.” He took a strand of her hair between his fingers, feeling the softness of it as he spoke. “I am not very fond of the other girls you know, they are not as pleasing to look at as you are, and they whine continuously.” Achan took her wrist into his hand and pulled her around until she was facing him. “Are you sure there is no way to make you feel better?” Danna felt sickness wash over her. “Please Achan; I do not make excuses unless I must. I am very tired and my dinner is troubling me.” She gently twisted her wrist free and touched his face with the tips of her fingers. She plastered a tiny smile on her face. “Another time my love,” she whispered.

As another wave of sickness rose in her gut, she forced herself not to wretch as Achan smiled and pulled her into a kiss.

So here it is...

2010-01-20T11:20:00.004-06:00

So here it is...a new blog...I hope I do a better job of actually writing on it...I'm trying to figure out if I can import my posts from my old blog, but the most I can do right now is put the link in my blog list. I will write again soon...once I figure out something to talk about ;)