Deep Breaths

Sometimes we all just a need a little reminder throughout the day.

The Endurance of Faith

“To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” ~ George Mueller

 

 



There is nothing more beautiful than God's work, whether we take the time to see his creations or are too busy with ourselves that we become oblivious to the beauty around us. There is an easiness and peace of mind letting go and letting your life go on according to God's plan, I am learning to ease off the ropes and allow God's work to surround my life. I am truly blessed with all the trials and tribulations I have experienced in my life, for without them I would be the person I am today. I believe in the power of the word of God. The hubby and I have had a difficult past month, but the experience is making us stronger as a couple and allowing us become closer to our families. I have truly never felt so much love and support and for that I am internally grateful.

On a much brighter note, which is usually the perspective of my blog, I have already started a countdown. Yes, a countdown, I am notorious for creating a countdown for all events I am beyond excited about. What is this countdown you ask of? Why of course, it is our anniversary cruise! We are setting sail in exactly 9 days, and  I am beyond excited that I am speechless. We are heading to the Bahamas to celebrate our first anniversary!! 

Current addictions that just have to be mentioned:

#1: I have also been able to branch out and experience the wonderful and exciting experience of what we call sushi. Now its all I am craving. And to be honest, I think about it at least twice a day, is this on a verge of addiction? Quite possibly, for I had sushi with a friend and then the Hubby all in one week and then tried to convince the Hubby to go again two days later. Of course, my first sushi roll just had to be documented (pic below).

#2: My new read: "The Paris Wife", although I just recently began this book, I am just enthralled with it. The idea and story beyond the life and times of Hadley Richardson who married and was the definition of a muse to Ernest Hemingway, set in Paris during the roaring 20's captives me both heart and soul. Be prepared to hear all about my reading going forward. Not to mention in the very least the beautiful play of words author Paula McLain creates in expressing their lives. Simply put its magical.

#3: The Keurig! I am pretty sure there is no need to explain why I love my Keurig and how my life has been completely and utterly changed since The Keurig has stepped into my life (a little dramatic you say- not in the least). My morning now flows with ease and my coffee in hand+ walking out the door ratio has been cut in half! And let me tell you by the middle of the week I get later and later leaving for work (no bueno!). Many thanks for this sweet savior of time and my continuous coffee addiction to Nova, my sudo-husband (when you get married and your husband has a best friend, you are pretty much marrying them both). Nova you have given me the best gift in the world!

#4: Early mornings. I have never been a morning person. You couldn't pull me out of bed with the jaws of life dandling ice cream in front of me, that is how much I had dreaded mornings of any sort. As I grow older (yes older as much as I resent the word), I have come to appreciate the beauty of the mornings. There is something so magically seeing the sun rise up over the sky, God's mystic creation.

Be still my heart

My precious nephew- if only as adults we could view the world as he does now:

Big belly laughs. Endless smiles. "UP!". Fragrant hair. Gripping little fingers. Big brown eyes. Peek a Boo's. 

Be still my heart.

If you really knew me....

Over the past few months since I begun my little blog in the vast Internet world, I have found many bloggers whom I have just fallen in love with. Their lives, and stories are so encompassing that its difficult to go a complete day without hoping they updated their blog with something most spectacular! In the attempt for anyone who reads my blog (which I assume is only The Hubby and Dexie) here is your chance to get to know me better:

If you really knew me:

you'd know I talk in circles and mostly about random things.

you'd know I become insincere in large crowds and tend to become quiet

you'd know I heavy rely on my caffeine intake daily
you'd know I cherish Sunday afternoons and all the peacefulness it encompasses (even household duties)
you'd know I have bunions  but refused to say the word out loud, therefore I say "B's"
you'd know my favorite movie of all time is Mary Poppins, and I watch it every year on my birthday
you'd know I am pretty obsessed with my puppy, Dexie (he is pretty much human)
you'd know I have a love for raw cookie dough, I know, I know....
you'd know my favorite time of year is Fall especially for the holidays
you'd know I'm the luckiest person in the world to have a man who loves me unconditionally
you'd know I have a large sense of adventure
you'd know I cry when I get frustrated or overwhelmed
you'd know my favorite comfort food is Ice Cream (yes it deserves caps)
you'd know I do not have a green thumb
you'd know I do not have an emotionally attachment to my hair (like many girls)
you'd know I want to get my masters
you'd know I have a slight fear of open water, heights, roller coasters, zombies, haunted houses, and clowns (among other things)
you'd know my greatest accomplishment is my marriage and all that it produces

 

I truly hope this entices you to continue coming back to my blog and follow along while I pursue continue my journey of life! 

 

Mending Hearts One Step at a Time

In loving memory of my father, Gary Montgomery, my husband and I participated in the American Heart Walk in Tampa, Florida. It was beyond remarkable how many people came to support such an amazing cause.

Our puppy even got involved , sporting a bandanna for his Grandpa!

 

Finding Tranquility.

is finding Peace:

There is a simplicity when I am gathering my thoughts and reflecting my inner most self, at the park during my lunch breaks from work. It is as though a fresh breath of air seeps into my soul.

I have found a safe haven at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. Although it is only a few miles from my office, I tend to travel to this park almost daily, sitting on the very same bench unless its much too sunny, overlooking the river seems to calm me instantly. Nothing in the world troubles me while I view what a magical world we are only so lucky to be apart of. As the sun glistens across the rippling waves, the pelicans roar in the light blue cloudless sky and a light breeze flows through my hair, I am reminded how truly lucky I am and for all the blessings I have in my life both near and far. 

Some days we all just need a small reminder at what life truly is, for it isn't the occupations we do, or the money we earn for it is the life we have with our family and friends. Life is short and we never know what is in store for us, we hold our lives in God's hands, no place better to be.

I hope we all as a society can have these little moments where we can all grasp God's grace. 

 Happy Tuesday!

Kay-da-Boo

Exactly a year ago today, I was sitting in my sister's hospital room waiting for the arrival of the most precious little boy to come into this world. Waiting is an understatement, more like pacing back and forth and trying to contain my excitement!

Today that little boy is One years old. It's beyond crazy how times flies. Although Caden has only been in the world for a year, it feels as though he has been here all along. To say I'm obsessed with Caden is an understatement, he is pure sunshine on any day!

I wish whole-heartily that I could be there for your birthday, Caden, my heart is with you today as it is always! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Last weekend was my niece, Rebekah's fifth birthday! Rebekah has grown to be such a sweet little girl, a true Montgomery for Rebekah has the tendency to be soft-spoken yet boastful. I cannot believe she is already 5 and off to Kindergarden. Time.....where does it go?

I also took my first stab at making beef stroganoff, this past Wednesday, it came out fairly well if I do say so myself. A few hundles along the way, a couple of mishaps but nothing this chef couldn't overcome!The Hubby certainly wasn't complaining, he is always up for my adventures in the kitchen.

Especially if the food is tasty and leaves him on a full stomach :)

The Hubby wasn't the only one craving some beef stroganoff, our Dexie insisted on joining his parents at the table for the delicious view, as well as a few samplings.

I would rate this evening a 4 out of 5, for the meal needed a pinch more of flavor, but the company was nothing short of fabulous!

Hope everyone has a delighful-fun-filled weekend!

 

Across the Pond

Explore.Dream.Discover.

I dream of the day, most frequently on a daily occurrence, of walking into the British Airways terminal and making those relatively small steps onto the aircraft and closer to my dream of traveling through the United Kingdom. If you really know me you know I love absolutely anything British, the culture, the language, the history, absolutely everything! Lately, I have been encompassing my time by researching and making elaborate day schedules of where I would travel, the times I would visit the museums and the lavish gardens on the Windsor estates. The Roman Baths, The Shambles, Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Piccadilly Circus. I could continue onto a much longer list of all the places I truly wish to see and experience. Ever since I was little I have been attracted to the culture and heritage of  all things English. Not to mention the accent is to die for! 

Windsor Castle-courtesy of their Official Travel site

The Vatican City-courtesy of their Official Travel Site

 

Is it absolutely ridiculous to plan a trip when I have no idea when I could travel across the pond? I wish I could drop everything and just go! Travel to the unknown, experience what the world truly has to offer, and learn along the way. My need to travel and experience the world I believe hinders me, unfortunately unbeknownst to me the majority of the time. There are so many opportunities I want to grab a hold of and accomplish and I know patience is a virtue, but this virtue is just something I have not been graced with. What would truly happen if I were to book the flights to Heathrow airport? Believe me, my fascination is not only with England, it is also with Italy, Scotland and Ireland. I dream of traveling through Italy and experiencing the pastries, pastas and their love of life. In short the only three words that have been circling around in my head for the past months have been:

 

And One Day I Shall!

Until that day arrives I am much busy this weekend with my Niece's birthday, The Hubby participating in 5k Hog Run, my Mom comes into town and of course all things wonderful and filled with sprinkles! Happy Hump Day to all! 

Grounding

 ”Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.” - William Shakespeare

Every now and then I tend to fall through the cracks of life, submitting to my lack of faith, belief confidence in myself. There is really no reason for my fall into the darkness of self-pity, it just tends to happen. Here I am yet again, on the rise. If you want change in your life, you have to be that change.

Over the weekend, The Hubby and I went on a mini-date to 900 (degree) Woodfired Pizza, a true homage to Italian pizza. The Hubby wasn't a particular fan, but oh how I loved it! 

Afterwards we ventured over to Barnes & Noble, which so happens to be a usual occurrence for us on Friday evenings. As we walk along, through aisles and aisles of books I had an overcoming need to venture to the Art section. I haven't been to this particular section in months, maybe close to years, but I felt I need to be there. And suddenly, after only 15 minutes I was overcome with ideas, thoughts and inspiration.

Lucky, I have added inspiration from The Hubby would supports my artistic-side. I may have walked away from the Arts, for numerous reasons, but I am ready to be submerged back into the life I once knew and had. 

Side-Note: Over the weekend, besides my new found enlightenment, The Hubby and I did a little household project together, while he insisted it was 'crafts'. I think it looks just darling! Pictures to come!

Dexter and his cousin, Rocky had a sleep-over this weekend

"A Wish is a Dream your Heart Makes"

June 21st was The Hubby's 25th birthday, and what to do for a man who is all about celebration? Well, I choose to beat him at his own game. As a surprise to my husband, the goober-cheerleader of America and anything American (sports, politics, foods, beers) I decided to capture his dream over the weekend. We went to Washington, D.C. a dream/goal of his since....well since I have known him.

Because I cannot even fathom putting into words the trip to Washington D.C. for The Hubby's birthday, you will just have to make do with the photos below. Enjoy!

Leaving on a Jetplane...

in T-minus 2 days!

More to come...Stay tuned :)

XOXO

Birthday Celebrations

Sometimes I am a melting pot of jargon with so much to say, my mind racing at top speed to contemplate something considered witty and comical to share into the conversation at hand that all the while the pressure I have created myself leaves me in complete and utter silence. When did I create this inward silence at the mere thought of conversing? Worry. That's what I do, I worry continuously that the words that come flying out of my mouth are not the right ones, that something else could have been said in that lingering absence that I somehow created. Or even worse the thought as the poor subject of my conversation walks away thinking "what? who says that? hmmm? awkward?"

Don't get me wrong I can carry a conversation. I do not have a fear of conversing in the least. I chuck it up to comparing this situation to the formation of a zit, you never know when it's going to form and once it does you are trying everything and anything to get rid of it.

Somehow this leads me to my birthday weekend, it will all get tied together (well in one way or another). And yes I said weekend. The Hubby believes in celebrations, as in it doesn't really matter what we are celebrating, as long as there is a good time and good people The Hubby is there. The Hubby took me on a romantic sailboat excursion in St. Petersburg. Pizza, beer, dolphins and a beautiful sunset=nothing could be better! We also ventured to the Dali Museum, which I was truly excited about for I have never been. I'm usually not a fan of surrealist artists, but as we joined a tour, our tour guide (who was extraordinary) enlightened my need for knowledge of the humanities world once more. If you haven't been I suggest you make the time to pay the museum a visit.


Monday, my actual birthday, I went to work as usual. Except when I walked into my office it was full-on decorated with balloons, ribbons, cupcakes and cookies. I just loved it! The day flew by and when I came home I was welcomed with birthday cards and a gift from The Hubby. Nothing could have been more fantastic, and I was simply wrong. The Hubby always has tricks up his sleeves when I'm least expecting them. We walked into the restuarant and low and behold our friends were all waiting for us to arrive! It was the best birthday by far.

 

Although because I was seated at one end of the table and my girlfriends at another end, it made it quite difficult to carry a conversation. What do you say clear across the table with everyone listening? Hence where the beginning of this post. For the first 5-10 minutes I sat in utter silence, maybe at the mere thought that everyone came out to dinner just for me (a little overwhelmed with such love) and the pressure to hold conversation with everyone. Luckly for me there is that one person who says the most awkward thing and a silence falls over everyone, so I am no longer alone on the silence train! CHOO CHOO!



Dexter found a new friend!

25 Things I've learned in 25 Years:

Or so I tell myself that I have learned from the following list. And since I am officially an ADULT and there is no changing the fact that I am now over a quarter-century old, I figured I would share some of my life lessons:

1. My dog and I have riveting and enlightening conversations. In reality I am talking to myself, this much I am aware of (well in all honestly sometimes I am aware and acknowledge it). Which is rather interesting that I can carry on such a lengthy conversation with myself.

2.Maturity is being able to stay home by yourself with all electronics off being able to read a book or doing something creative and feel absolutely fantastic being with yourself.

3. Friends may come and go but family will always be there (whether you ask for them or not) Family are the best lifelong friends you can ever have, for they truly know you, love and cherish you just as you are.

4. Live life as if its your last day, you just never know what tomorrow may bring. Love endlessly and without regard. The good, the bad and the ugly, embrace it all and cherish those who love you unconditionally for they are hard to come by.

5. "Either shit or get off the pot" -My mother. I pretty much believe this needs no explanation. Thanks Mom!

6. If you can't stand in your heels, most likely you shouldn't attempt to go out in them either. I mean unless you prefer to look as though you are baby giraffe just learning how to walk, if that is the case, rock those heels as if you are on the cat-walk honey!

7. Patience is a virtue. I am currently still working on gaining more patience but honestly its just taking flipping forever and I may just give up on the notion. Is that considered impatient?

8. Everything can be made okay with a spoon and a big bowl of ice cream. Seriously it can! Nothing in this world cannot be fixed with a bowl of ice cream. Try it. The trifecta of emotion can be knocking on your door and suddenly with one scoop the world seems just a tad bit calmer and less hectic. Now, have you ever seen someone angry eating ice cream? That's because it's physically impossible!

9. The world is not user-friendly- I recommend a manicure, an umbrella and some rain boots. It may get messy.

10. Forever Young is not just a title of an magnificent song by an 80's rock god (Yes, I consider Rod Stewart apart of the 80's-awesome-ness, some may disagree). Getting back to the main point of #10, in essence I believe preserving our youth= drinking lots and lots of water. Who's down with H20?

11. Society lures you to become materialistic. Don't fall into their malice web of dissent for materialism will not bring you happiness when you are 85 years old and are no longer able to drive therefore buying that Ferrari Enzo that sits so nicely in your garage was most likely a mistake.

12. Life doesn't need to be perfect in order for it to be wonderful. Start taking a step back and a deep breath and acknowledge what beauty is surrounding you.

13. Traveling is a must! Especially with a partner in crime (aka my Hubby!)

14. Kissing in the rain is not as romantic as it appears in the movies aka running mascara and eyeliner is not attractive.

15. Nothing can make you feel as though you are 8 years old, like a swing and a playground.

16. Sleep...lots and lots of sleep!

17. "A great many things can be resolved with kindness and even more with laughter, but there are some things that just require cake."

18. Be sure to celebrate the small things in life, good friends, bright days, sprinkles, and anything that has a cherry on top!

19. "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."-Albert Einstein

20. I hold a strong belief that either Denzel Washington or Bruce Willis could save me if I was ever kidnapped or held hostage (the luckily-hood of such an occurrence=very slim). Their past records have spoken for themselves, even if its only in the movies.

21. The past cannot be unwritten nor changed, all you can do is learn from it and move forward. Holding onto the past will only hurt your future.

22. The older you get the more comfortable you become in your own skin.

23. What you see as flaws; others only see as perfections (i.e freckles).

24. There is something to be learned from Mary Poppins, for she is practically perfect in every way.

25. The sun will come out tomorrow (figuratively or literally).