Resolutions……

It’s January 10th, and I have lost count of the number of people who have posted (whether on Facebook, Instagram, twitter, blog, etc.) their New Year’s Resolutions. I actually started to feel bad that I had not set couple of resolutions for myself, so I started to consider some of the following…

• Get back to (insert weight) in (this time) after giving birth.
• Only eat out (insert number) times per week.
• Complete all assignments for school minimum two days ahead of due date. (i.e. this is the year I finally stop procrastinating.)
• Complete one craft/DIY project each month.
• Organize home office and KEEP it that way.
• Post (insert number) blog posts per month.

As I started making my list, I realized I could go on and on. There are several things I would like to accomplish this year. Considering the fact I am giving birth to my first child in April, this year would be a good year to finally become the wife/student/worker/mommy/<insert title> that I “should” be. And then I remembered………………..

I AM GIVING BIRTH TO MY FIRST CHILD IN APRIL!!!

I am going to be stressed, sleep-deprived, emotional, and overwhelmed. I will probably definitely want to kill my husband MORE THAN ONCE throughout the year. Yes, I obviously want to provide my husband and child with healthy home cooked meals every single night, maintain a spotless home, stay organized and on top of everything I have going on, blog every week about the joys of motherhood, sew my baby super cute clothes, and become that MILF that I see in the magazines, etc. etc.

But do I really have to make, and shout out to the world, a few new year’s resolutions to accomplish the things I want to do. For me personally, that is just another added item to my ever-growing to-do list. Yes, I am driven in what I want to accomplish in my life. Yes, I do have goals. But I am also human, with weaknesses. I know myself well enough to accept my flaws and to realize that I should not add any extra expectations on myself that what I already have, especially this year. I do have a good marriage. I will be a good mom. I will find success. But I will fail and make mistakes at times.

I am proud of those that can make New Year’s Resolutions and stick to them. I am proud of those that stay super organized ALL of the time, are the ROCKSTARS in the classroom/office/home, are home-maker GODDESSES, and  can whip up fantastic super healthy recipes 90% OF THE TIME. I look up to those women (and men). Good Job Guys!!! Keep up the Hard Work!!

However, this year, I am just going to try to enjoy my third trimester of my first pregnancy. I am going to love on my brand new baby girl in April, and thank God every day for my little growing family and those I have in my life. I am going to be thankful that I have family to support me while I go to school, establish my career, and experience motherhood. Mainly I am going to try to stop and smell the roses MORE TIMES than I have a meltdown.

I am scraping the whole “New Year’s Resolutions” for the year 2014. Good luck to those who have set them. For me, though, I am just going to go with the flow, relish the joys and accomplishments this year, and just shrug off the days I come up short of my expectations for myself.

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Just For Today…….

“JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.

I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. If I’m overweight, I will eat healthfully — if only for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsibility for my own actions.”
― Abigail Van Buren

Found this here.

2013 – A Look Back

Highlights from 2013..

Around the World in 2013 – Know your history!! Key events from around the world for the year 2013 can be found here, here, and here.

Image courtesy of here.

Personal highlights

• Finally started my own blog. Hopefully 2014 will bring more dedication to actually posting on regular basis though.
• Really dug in to beginning “DIY/Natural homemade lifestyle”. Some recipes that I made and actually continue to use include cleaning products, facial toner (this recipe), laundry detergent, and no-poo hair routine (similar to this routine). Made first ever maxi skirt (used this tutorial) and dyed my own shorts for summer. Actually completed some crafts that I have “pinned” on Pinterest and pictured in my head including turning wooden crates to bedside tables, door hanger, and flower tower.
• Had a column published in the  local newspaper. And actually was paid for it!
• Completed 12 hours towards my Master’s degree, while still working full-time and continuing to grow in expectations/responsibilities at work.
• Was successful at first ever public speaking engagement that was actually for my job rather than for a grade in school.
• Quit smoking!

Jekyll Island, Georgia – first full family vacation where Ronnie Dean got to experience a full week of vacationing with my family, and my family experienced a full week of vacationing with Ronnie Dean. This included:

• Ronnie Dean was able to truly experience my sister’s love of “birding” – as in every time she yelled at Dad to randomly pull over on the side of the highway for a picture of a “rare” bird.
• The family experienced the Montgomery focus and dedication when discovering a new way of hobby. Ronnie and I discovered the “old school” way of catching blue crab, and Ronnie also got to walk along the beach with a homemade spotlight looking to “spear” fish. Although they have heard me talk about it, they finally experienced first hand how Ronnie Dean is like a kid on Christmas morning when discovering a new kind of “hunting”. Poor Dad did not realize that staying with his daughter and son-in-law on the beach to catch crabs would last until 2:00 in the morning.
• This family vacation also provided Ronnie Dean’s first actual flight and the first time we actually flew together. Saw Captain Sig Hansen from Deadliest Catch tv show in the Atlanta airport – Ronnie Dean got pretty excited! 😉
• Ronnie Dean and I discovered that no matter where we go, we can always find a fellow “redneck” to discuss fishing/hunting and the different techniques in different parts of the United States, hence the “old school” crabbing and the spear fishing.
• Whole family went deep-sea fishing. It was fun seeing my parents and sister, especially my mom and sister, reeling in the black sea bass. They even touched the fish! And of course we have the large fish we caught at the taxidermy to go on our wall and the piece of driftwood hand chosen by Ronnie Dean on driftwood beach for the fish to be mounted on!

Mom caught a fish!

Catching our blue crabs!

Found a baby shark washed up on beach.

Sums up our goofy family.. and yes we actually did pedal that thing around a parking lot!

Ronnie Dean’s favorite piece of driftwood ever!

Ronnie Dean and his crab

Hunting highlights

• Ronnie Dean broke his bad hunting streak and got that buck he has worked towards. Plus the freezer is full of venison!
• Got my first coyote!

Ronnie’s buck! Dec. 15th

First ‘yote! Dec. 1st

Family highlights

• Ronnie Dean and I grew our first garden. And plants actually grew!! Abundantly!! We  are loaded down with pickles and peppers still. First garden and canning adventures were a success. This also led to my first ever HOMEMADE PIZZA!! and it was actually tasty!
• Celebrated our third year of marriage, September 18th.
• Our slobbery bloodhound turned three, July 18th.

Pickle anyone?

Canned tomatoes…

Pepper anyone?

Bountiful harvest

It has been an eventful year with lots memories made. However as with everything I saved the most important change/highlight of 2013 for last. This past year, Ronnie Dean and I made the decision that we were ready to expand our little family. I did not refill my birth control prescription for June and we made the decision to not exactly “try” but rather to quit trying to prevent it and if it happened, it happened. In all honestly, we thought it would take months for the birth control to get out my system and there was no reason to stress/rush the process. Well needless to say what we thought would probably take months to happen, actually took less than a month. (Yes, turns out I was actually pregnant when we went on that family vacation. In fact, my sister informed me last night that while on vacation, she actually asked Mom if she thought I might be pregnant!)

As of today, December 31, 2013, the last day of the 2013, I am 26 weeks and 5 days (based on my estimated due date). The baby is around 14-15 inches from crown to heal and weighs around 1.6 to 2.2 pounds. (Based upon three different pregnancy apps.)

Miss Harley Cheyenne Montgomery is expected to be here April 3, 2014.

Gender reveal picture…

Harley Cheyenne

Oak’s even trying to bond with the baby.

Christmas 2013. Next year baby will be in picture (and Ronnie Dean will probably still be in camo! 😉

Needless to say, 2013 was an excited year with lots of memories made and milestones. However, the year two thousand and fourteen is shaping up to be the most life-changing so far, and I for one cannot wait!

The Singing Made All the Difference….

Every year around this time, anytime you walk into a store (Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc.) you see the Salvation Army people out, ringing their bell, and asking for money. I know this is for a good cause and they should be applauded for volunteering to stand out there; but most of the time, they are just plain annoying. I have met some who are rude and or borderline pushy when asking for money. I hate to admit it, but usually I just walk right on by with a feeling of guilt that lasts about half a second.

But then last Friday happened….

I was heading into Kroger after work to pick up some medicine. As I was pulling in, I saw the old gentleman standing at the door, ringing his bell, and I began to dread having to walk by him. I pulled into my parking spot and began to walk to the door. On my way, I kept seeing people stop and just stare at the man. People heading out of the store, going into the store, stopping and watching this little old man, despite the fact it was cold and dreary outside. As I got closer, I realized the man was singing. Old, traditional Christmas songs. A Capella. With a beautiful, quiet voice. I watched as he stopped one man in his tracks. The man turned around, listened for a few seconds, smiled, and gave some money. At the same time, this other man with two little sons came out of Kroger. One little boy ran up to the Salvation Army man with the brightest smile on his face. The old man let the little boy ring the bell while he finished out his song. By now, I was at the door to Kroger and the Salvation Army volunteer had a crowd.

I went inside with a lump in my throat. I cannot remember the last time I saw a crowd gather around one of the Salvation Army volunteers. I cannot remember when I have heard one of the those volunteers sing such beautiful songs that would stop people in their track. Literally, make them stop, listen, and turn around. Most days it seems we are all in a hurry and do not have the “time” to stop and listen.

As I left the store, I made sure to walk by the old man again. This time a woman was standing next to him listening. “The singing makes all the difference!” I said to her. She replied, “Oh my goodness! It does! Doesn’t it!”. The Salvation Army volunteer simply replied, with the warmest smile on his face, “Thank you ladies! The singing keeps me warm out here.” And he began another song.

Times like this reminds you of the true Holiday Spirit we should have. Giving to others, connecting with strangers, and taking the time to listen to others. I got into my car and felt truly blessed and touched that I was able to hear that old man sing. He truly was, to me, an angel reminding us all what this time of the year is about.

Happy Birthday Oak!

Happy Birthday Oak!! Our pretty boy is 3 years old today!!

He is goofy, loud, slobbery, wrinkly, big, stubborn, hungry, playful, hairy and a complete mess. He is our “child”, and he loves us unconditionally!

Take a look back at the past three years of the crazy, loopy, howlin’ bloodhound that we call Oak!

“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.” ― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog

Rummage Sale-I just had to stop!!

I just couldn’t resist…. passed three rummage sale signs all advertising the same place on my way home from work. After the third one, my curiosity got the best of me. Whipped the truck around and went to see what they had to offer. Turns out I found some pieces to add to my closet! 😉

I apologize in advance for the awful pictures (bad lighting and bathroom mirror pic-ugh) but I just had to show what I found! Another man’s (or little old lady in this case) junk is going into my closet! 😉

Blue jean jacket, two sweaters, silk button tank, and silk square scarf = $2.00!!

I have been on the lookout for a silky, long button tank. Tucked in or left out, I’m pretty much loving it! And yes it is missing a button, but thats a quick fix!

I can never have too many blue jean jackets- especially if I get it for $0.25! It did have a rip in it, which I can patch right up! Plus the fact that I have a new scarf to wear at the lake and on the weekend to cover my messy hair…. I am one happy girl!

So I’m thinking…. this sweater, leggings, and boots curled up by the camp fire this fall. I am loving the pattern, plus it’s super soft! And yes… I so just bought a sweater in 100 degree Arkansas weather!

Before you think I am crazy for buying an “old lady sweater” let me explain! I love cooler weather and oversize sweaters! They are awesome for cozying up in the cold. I love the colors, and with a scarf and boots, I will so be rocking this come winter!

Just remember that, ultimately, dressing is always about attitude, feeling comfortable, and confidence. -Kate Moss

Personal style is about having a sense of yourself….. When you have that confidence you can wear whatever you want. -Ralph Lauren

Can you find your style at a rummage sale hosted by a little old lady?

Veggie Pizza – A Recipe Experiment Success!

Our first garden is doing better than Ronnie and I expected, so we have been canning and trying out new recipes like crazy. Also, my husband has been working on the road during the week, therefore he is only here on the weekends to help me figure out what to do with all these veggies. When we decided to grow our vegetable garden, it was centered around having the vegetables to make pickles, in which Ronnie swore he would help with if the garden was a success. Well as you can see in the picture above, we are in veggie overload, especially on cucumbers and zucchini, and he can’t really help from a hotel room! It sucks when he has to work on the road and stay in a hotel room throughout the week, but it does have one advantage. I always try out new recipes whenever he is gone. This is because if the recipe is good (and I know what Ronnie considers good), then I have something to surprise him with when he gets home. If I try out a recipe and it is bad – no big deal. I can just eat it/dump it and no one has to know!

Well last night was one of those “let’s try something new” night since I have all these veggies that need to be taken care. I had to stop by Kroger on my home anyway (needed ingredients to pickle my cucumbers!), so I went ahead and bought thin pizza crust dough and pizza sauce. I chose Prego Pizza Sauce Veggie Smart – no specific reason other than it was on sale. I chose Pillsbury brand for the dough because again, I just focused on sale items. If this recipe was going to stink, at least it wouldn’t cost a lot! I have on my kitchen bucket list to make my own pizza dough and pizza sauce, but for now these will work. In the end the pizza turned out AMAZING! This will definitely become a surprise for Ronnie when he gets home

Ingredients:

*Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza Dough

*1/3 cup Pizza sauce

* 1/3 cup Zucchini – sliced

*1/3 cup Squash – sliced

*1/2 cup Carrots – shredded

1 pod –  Okra – sliced

*1/4 cup Shredded CheeseSeasoning/Fresh Herbs

*These are rough estimates of the amounts. I used these
numbers to enter data into My Fitness Pal in order to have the nutritional values found below.

-Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.                   -Bake 10-15 minutes

-While the oven preheated, I rolled out my dough. As you can see, I did not exactly get a round pizza. I think my dough got too warm on my way home (happens in 100 degree weather here in Arkansas). The package said it would just roll out, and well it didn’t. It still worked just fine, and the shape didn’t bother me. I used my pizza stone to bake the pizza on, but you could use a basic cookie sheet as well.

-Once you have it the size (or shape) you want, place in oven for about 5 minutes (followed this step based off instructions of Pillsbury container).

-While waiting for dough to pre-bake, slice the veggies you want. I used my Mandolin Slicer, so about five minutes was all I needed to get my veggies ready. We already had the shredded carrots in the fridge, so I added those as an afterthought.

-After the dough is done pre-baking, take it out of the oven and spread your pizza sauce on. The recipe on the dough package called for 1/3 cup, but I just     eye-balled the amount until it looked right. After that I added my veggies and shredded cheese. I added some dried herbs on top. **Please note, whenever I try new recipes, I just grab random herbs/spices and then can never remember which ones I used. That is part of the fun of trying new things, you don’t have to be too serious about it. For this recipe, I used basil and Italian seasoning. I know I used one more, but for the life of me cannot remember what it was.

-Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until you reach the desired crust. **The package stated 6-9 minutes, but as my dough turned out a little thicker, I put it on for longer until my crust looked a little darker. I like my crust a little on the crispy side.

-Let the pizza cool, and enjoy! This took all of 30 minutes,which would have been shorter if I didn’t have to fight the dough with my roller! Simple, easy, and delicious!

Please ignore the “Goal” column. These are my personal goals set up in My Fitness Pal, which is a free app that makes it easy to track your food intake and exercise goals. Plus it comes in handy for determining nutritional value for new recipes!

Thanks Mom!! My Mandolin Slicer

So yes, I am a dork. I am thanking my mom for a mandolin slicer. Back-story: my mom gave this to me over a year ago. We tried it out while she was at my house with an orange. It made a mess; I think we did it wrong. Ever since, it has been in its box in the back of cabinet. Last night, I decided to make zucchini pickles and was DREADING having to cut all the slices. I can never cut them even, and it just takes forever. Then I remembered that weird little slicer in the back of the cabinet. I decided to give it a shot, and the outcome: IT’S AWESOME!!! My slices were perfect, and it took no time to slice the veggies. YAY!

So we are starting to get quite a few zucchini from the garden, and with the hubs on the road this week I am tired of trying to eat them all by myself. So after giving some away, I headed to Pinterest to find a zucchini pickle recipe.

PERFECT SLICES!!

I found this Pickled Zucchini Recipe at neckredrecipe.blogspot.com. Really simple recipe.

Sunday Afternoon Door Hanger

Yesterday afternoon I had time to kill so I decided to make decor for my front door.

 For this project, I used an old frame I had, plus letters purchased from Hobby Lobby for our initials. As you can see, my “M” broke in half, which was quickly remedied with a hot glue gun and duck tape. 😉

First I painted the letters and frame green. It looked a little plain to me, so I dug into my paint stash and found pink, white, and blue paint. 

I used a skinny paint brush to paint white on the frame. I added pink and white lines with blue dots on the letters.

After the paint was dry, I used clear fishing line to tie the letters together and attach to the frame. It still needed something extra, so I used colored burlap and burlap flowers (both purchased from Hobby Lobby) to add some depth. The door hook was also purchased at Hobby Lobby – I just love that place!

Oak keeping me company in the garage while I paint! Ain’t he cute??

Finished door hanger for the front door! All together this project took me a couple of hours, including time for the paint to dry.

Just a little Backroad….

There’s nothing like hitting a little back road. Cruising with the hubby while singing Ol’ Red with Blake Shelton. Checking out the corn, rice, beans, and peanuts growing in fields lining the road. Just a little relaxation and bonding time on an Arkansas Saturday afternoon. We haven’t gone on a Backroad together in a while, and it sure did feel good!