Falling Upward

When I started this blog in March of last year, I expected to be able to vent about parenting, reflect about the lessons my children taught me, and remember the silliness that they created in my daily life. I expected to offer insight and seek the same from others. What I didn't expect, was to meet other women and grow to cherish our blogging relationship just like a friend who is physically near. I didn't expect to find God so evident in this little cyber community.

Holly at FALLING UPWARD is one of those dear Blog Friends who reminds me each time she posts how incredible life is when it is given to God. She is one who I find myself thinking about and praying for while I'm driving, cooking, or taking a walk... not just while I'm reading her blog. I can count on her for prayers and such genuine encouragement even from so far away.

I honestly couldn't remember how I was first introduced to Holly. I had to dive through both our archives to find out who said hello first and why. The first post I read at Falling Upward was a Daybook entry I discovered randomly through the widget for this meme. Since then, she's lived through more than her share of worry and heartache. Through everything, her beautiful way with words and thoughtful reflections about her life's joys and trials have been so very inspiring to me.

I'm learning that blogging isn't all about gaining readership for advertising, and it isn't even just about documenting my life. It's not solely about finding new ideas, giveaways, or great coupons. It's a chance to find other moms who share my faith and are in the same place in life. It's about getting to know more seasoned mommies who can pass down their wisdom and offer encouragement and prayers. It's a way to connect with women who can remind me to keep hold of myself while I'm being a wife and mother. For me, the blog world is an opportunity for God to work in my life and through my life. And Miss Holly was the start of that epiphany!

If you haven't stumbled upon FALLING UPWARD, it will do your heart good to visit and see why Holly, from Her Very First Post, Inspires me.

Fact Sheet

I've met a ton of new bloggers lately and have genuinely enjoyed soaking in each of your blogs! Sitting on the eve of another edition of Friday Follow, I thought an overview Mammalog was in order!



What you need (ok, maybe not NEED) to know about me:

Mammalog is just that- a log of stuff about me, a wife and mamma of three. I throw my tantrums here, offer my thoughts and reflections, beg for help and advice, give tutorials, share ideas pertaining to my hobbies, and occasionally give away things that I find amazing.

I crave connections and believe that my integrity and character can be stronger when challenged by others. That's why I think the blog community is such a wonderful movement!

I'm a hobbyist- it's unintentional and uncontrollable! I crochet, bake and decorate cakes, take portraits, scrapbook, sew, write, and wouldn't hesitate to try to learn something else to keep from purchasing it!

I feel no need to be equal to my husband in my marriage. We both know that he's great at bringing home the bacon, and I'm great at making it stretch.

I embrace the biological differences between men and women.

I do feel the need to be respected, cherished, and validated by my husband.

I am a stay-at-home mom and homemaker.
Our home does not include satellite or cable. We have a TV and DVD player, but no service provider here! It just seems like a waste of money to us.

We live in the middle of nowhere, Midwest USA, down a mile-long dirt road, in a house that's stalled in mid-renovation. Lucky as I feel to be here, I never dreamed this would be my life.

I feel completely overwhelmed by my kids one day and yearn for three more the next. I am Catholic, and I take the "accept children willingly and lovingly" part of our marriage vows very seriously. I'm not sure my husband loves this about me. HE jokes that we've accepted three of them already!

I met my husband at a fraternity party. That sentence is hilariously opposite of who I am.

Pirate, ho!

Little Mister loves pirates. He dressed as one for his second Halloween, loves the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, and was thrilled when he had a pirate ship play set under the Christmas tree this year. One of his favorite preschool days was our pirate day where we talked like pirates, dressed like pirates, and used booty for mathematics manipulatives. Little Mister named a dear friend of our family who is battling cancer "Pirate Ed" because of the bandanna he sometimes wears. The two of them play pirates whenever they see each other, and Little Mister talks about his pirate buddy all the time. For his birthday (in a couple weeks), Little Mister requested that I make a pirate patch so that he could be a real pirate like Ed.

I now have one less craft project to complete. Little Mister is the proud owner of his very own, real eye patch.

As my son sits here snacking on a "bunny carrot," I'm busy processing the events of this morning. I had mentioned briefly in on of my Day Book entries that my son had had a few episodes where he felt like the room was spinning around him. At our visit to our pediatrician, we found no obvious cause of the dizziness. Before we did further (scary) testing, Dr. Sean referred us to the optometrist for an eye exam. Since the pediatrician appointment, we've had a couple more episodes that were more along the lines of headaches than dizzy spells, so I was more than happy to take him to the eye doctor this morning.

As it turns out, Dr. Sean was right on the money sending us to the eye doctor. Little Mister is in the early stages of developing a lazy eye. While his vision in one eye is perfectly normal for his age (when the vision is still maturing), his other eye has been lagging behind, and his brain was starting to give up on it and rely solely on his stronger eye. The bottom line: this could most definitely have been causing the dizziness and headaches.

We'll see what our follow up visit with the pediatrician brings, but my mommy mind is more at ease now. Yes, my son will most likely wear glasses forever, but I can't think of a kid that could pull them off better than him! Yes, he will be wearing a patch for 4-6 hours a day until further notice, but I don't know a kid that would be happier to play pirates that often! Yes, we'll have the super fun expense of vision care with a great out-of-network doctor, but we do have vision insurance that will reimburse a portion of the cost. Yes, Little Mister has a lazy eye, but he does not have a brain tumor, migraines, or vertigo. Today is a day full of blessings.

Remembering Uncle Chuck on National Pie Day

As I sit here writing (with a pencil and spiral bound journal!) in my favorite jeans turned paint attire, glass of wine in hand, Norah playing lazily in the background, deep shades of purple bubble from the crust of my final pie, Apple Blueberry. Today is National Pie Day, after all.

In reality, I didn't even know this day existed until a week ago. I'm quite sure I won't remember to celebrate Pie Day next year (at least not without another reminder from Aunt S), but I do know that we will continue to celebrate my Uncle Chuck in small ways like this. He was such an amazing man, strong and friendly, genuinely compassionate, and a true lover of pie. I am so thankful that I am able to take this day to remember him in such a fun way! My uncle would have gotten a kick out of all of his loved ones baking and eating pies across the country in his honor. It makes me wish we could've done this for him when we could've enjoyed the humor of his reaction.

Today we made two recipes, a very chocolatey recipe to suit my fancy, and the apple blueberry that was more up Hubby's alley.

Little Mister and Daddy were out helping Grandpa, so Little Miss and I spent the afternoon melting chocolate, rolling dough, and enjoying the scent of cocoa mixed with sugar and butter. It was just the two of us. Both our quiet natures left a comfortable silence perfect for reflecting on the memories of Uncle Chuck, many of which were created in this very kitchen... of his laid back laughter, thoughtful questions, and his smile that was reflected just as vividly in his kind eyes.

It was truly a blessing to have a few moments to soak in the memories of family gathered in this kitchen, enjoying coffee, dessert, good conversation, and love. It brings me such contentment each time I realize that I live wrapped in the warmth of my family, my childhood.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: January 25th

For Today... January 25, 2010

Outside my window... I couldn't be more antsy for spring. I can't wait for the week when I talk about the leaves starting to bud on the trees. For now, the only signs of green are the cedars. At least it's not raining today, and there's a blue sky!

From the kitchen... A newly stocked fridge, freezer and cabinets from last night's grocery shopping. The kids will enjoy their macaroni and cheese with tuna for lunch, and I'll enjoy a fresh selection of produce for salad. It'll be pot roast for dinner tonight, chili later this week, and maybe some enchiladas one night. I left my e-mealz list behind, so dinners aren't quite as organized as they could be this week!

I am wearing... Grey, flare leg sweats, white T, white sweater.

From the Learning Rooms... I can't believe the difference between last semester and this one. Where I had to almost trick Little Mister into any semblance of a formal lesson, now he's begging for preschool time! We're working on writing our numbers, creating patterns, word families, reading skills, and letter writing this week.

I am creating... Baby hats, booties and afghans! With one cousin due in a few weeks and another newly pregnant, I have great excuses to get my yarn and crochet hooks out!

I am praying... for guidance as we decide what our next step in our family planning will be. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I have no idea how people actually decide to have babies- or to be finished having them for that matter! My children have been a series of happy accidents, and even with my crew, I'm slightly terrified of purposely having another. But, I love the idea of having a big family when they're grown up. I've known huge family gatherings all my life, so it's hard to think that my later years wouldn't be surrounded by the same blissful chaos!

Around the house... Laundry day today! Hubby took off with my keys this morning, so we have no choice but to stay home and be productive!

One of my favorite things... Follow Friday! I discovered this movement here last week, and it was a blast! If you haven't tried it, definitely play along this week. If you're new here because of Friday Follow- it's very nice to have you along!

I am pondering these words... "There are more things that frighten us than injure us, and we suffer more in imagination than in reality." ~Seneca

A few plans for the rest of the week... A play date field trip smashed in the middle of a week of cleaning, taxiing, cooking, and teaching.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Little Miss enjoying the aftermath of National Pie Day/Remembering Uncle Chuck Day!

Join the daybook group or see other daybooks here!

Opposite of Serious

While working on opposites with Little Mister today:

"If you're not dirty you're..."

"Clean!"

"If you're not loud you're..."

"Quiet!"

"If you're not sleeping you're..."

"You'll be tired FOREVER!"

Needing Some Suggestions

It's been a month since my uncle passed away. Last week was his birthday. I think everyone who knew him probably knew about his love of pie. Raisin pie is what I remember him raving about all my life. Maybe that's because he had a wife who could make it just the way he liked it. Last week, an email from my aunt (Uncle Chuck's little sister) was forwarded around the family and beyond...

Today is Chuck's birthday so lets celebrate a life well lived. I have

an idea for commemorating this amazing guy. Most people know that

chuck's favorite food was PIE. On his travels he searched out

PIES--from Alaska to Florida; from Pennsylvania to California and all

points in between. So....... since Sat. January 23 has been designated

as National Pie Day, I am asking everybody to honor Chuck's memory by

having or baking PIE that day. Then email me to say what kind of pie

you had. I will forward the comments to N.

I just know that an email full of our pie stories and pictures will be a welcomed surprise for my Aunt N, and I'm so excited that this idea popped into Aunt S' head!

I've been mulling my own pie plans in my head, but I haven't been able to come up with a great pie recipe yet. I'd like to make something new, something silly perhaps... just something different.

That's where you, my sweet friends and readers, come into play! I need SUGGESTIONS! If you have a type of pie that you love, one that you've wanted to try, or one that might just be an adventure to create, please let me know! Of course, I'll be photographing and blogging the experience over the weekend!

Thanks in advance,

Free Photoshop Valentine Card: Template #4

A Valentine's Day Card for those of you who enjoy any excuse to mail out (or email) pictures of your kids!

Thanks to this site, I've found lots of amazing complimentary tools to add to my Photoshop goody bag! While I can't use them professionally, I'm getting lots of design practice, and you all get the opportunity to results of my experiments!

If you like this design and would like to use it, leave a comment or email mammalog@gmail.com! I'll be happy to email you the editable .psd file.

If you're not a Photoshop (or Elements) user, you can email me (mammalog@gmail.com) up to two pictures, and I'll send you the card as a high resolution .jpg file that you can then get printed at your favorite lab.

I'd hate for my doodling to go to waste!

(Photoshopped tattoo!)

Another card you might like

Or Perhaps This One

Or this

Tuesday's Tirade (in which I spend a bit of time screaming about something insignificant)

Don't buy this game for your kids! It is an instrument of torture packaged with preschooler marketing savvy. If you're looking for a game that will buy you time for laundry or a trip to the bathroom, this is NOT your answer!

Hasbro includes a cute little poem of directions.

"Tap out ice blocks one by one.

They won't melt when you're all done!

Take your time and do some thinking

To keep the polar bear from sinking.

To win, the bear must stay on top.

One wrong block- he'll go ker-plop!"

In reality, this is how the game will work:

Parent will spend 3 minutes assembling the 33 pieces of ice.

Your preschoolers will enjoy a blissful 3 seconds of destruction, possibly injuring sibling or self in the process.

Tray will be returned for reassembly by parent.

The cycle will likely repeat itself, oh, 33 times.

The box indicates an appropriate player age of 3 and older, but don't forget to read the fine print that says Adult Assembly Required. That it NOT an understatement! Do not fool yourself into thinking that your older children will be able to reassemble said ice pieces.

Don't Break the Ice. A game that will leave you (the parent) yearning to break not only the ice but the frame, the mallets, and the legs of the cute ice skating polar bear.

In reality, I LOVED this game growing up and would recommend it for some quality parent child bonding time or for school age children.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: January 18th

For Today... January 18, 2010

Outside my window... grey. A thick veil of fog set into our valley overnight. At first I'm tempted to be mopey- after all, the sight outside is dreary enough to warrant a lazy day in pajamas. But the fog reminds me of hiking with my husband along the Oregon capes. And trekking with my little sister to see General Grant in The Redwood Forest. No, fog is not permission to stay in; it is an invitation to explore the world when it seems almost magical!

From the kitchen... It's sad, really. I'm very happy to have finished our week of using ingredients on hand. My freezer contains a few packages of venison, a couple bags of frozen vegetables, and ice. My cabinets are slightly better but still contain only staples.

I am wearing... Jeans and a brown camisole. For once, I'm up and showered before I reflect on the week gone by and the week to come.

From the Learning Rooms... Little Mister is becoming quite the reader. He can read so many stories from the Dick and Jane series. He's still not sure that the words exist in the books that he loves. Once in a while we'll pick up a storybook and he'll find that he can read most of it all by himself!

I am creating... Valentine card templates! They're here for viewing and sharing!

I am praying... for Haiti. Hubby is on call with the Air Force. He could leave at any time to offer aid. I'm so thankful that this duty will be one free of war if he leaves. Big Sister is sewing diapers with my mom tomorrow as part of a national effort to help out the little ones there.

Around the house... It's a little crazy in terms of housekeeping! But I painted the outdoor ceilings yesterday, and hubby installed our porch lights. We'll finally be able to send guests to their cars at night without fear of them getting lost in the woods!

One of my favorite things... Making a small change in my life and having it make me feel ten times better!

I am pondering these words... "Pretend you're 15 and he's 16. Flirt with him all the time." ~ Dr. Laura

A few plans for the rest of the week... Grocery shopping with my mom and grandma, a play date, and hopefully some time to catch up with friends! It seems like it takes a couple months to regroup after the holidays!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Hubby with Little Miss (see her arms?) on our Oregon hike in 2008!

Join the daybook group or see other daybooks here!

Friends... or not

Have you ever wondered why someone doesn't like you? Maybe she seemed to at first. Maybe he never did. But whatever the circumstance, it's evident that there is clearly a negative opinion of you with no obvious reason behind it.

I find this truly frustrating.

And unfair.

Because I think everyone should have the opportunity to defend or explain themselves.

Because I think everyone should have the opportunity to grow and change.

Free Photoshop Valentine Card: Template #3

A Valentine's Day Card for those of you who enjoy any excuse to mail out (or email) pictures of your kids!

Thanks to this site, I've found lots of amazing complimentary tools to add to my Photoshop goody bag! While I can't use them professionally, I'm getting lots of design practice, and you all get the opportunity to results of my experiments!

If you like this design and would like to use it, leave a comment or email mammalog@gmail.com! I'll be happy to email you the editable .psd file.

If you're not a Photoshop (or Elements) user, you can email me (mammalog@gmail.com) up to two pictures, and I'll send you the card as a high resolution .jpg file that you can then get printed at your favorite lab.

This card is a 5x7 size and comes with a front panel and inside.

I'd hate for my doodling to go to waste!

(Front)

(Inside)

Another card you might like

Or Perhaps This One

Giving It

Two years ago, I found this on the clearance racks during my winter clearance shopping out the outlet mall.

I snagged it, thinking with my practical mind that I could give it as a gift if I didn't need it myself. My hormonal, sleep deprived mind (I'd given birth about 3 months prior) assumed that the shirt would end up hung in Little Miss' closet when she was wearing a 2T, and I have been secretly looking forward to it ever since.

A few days ago, I pulled out the pastel pink and purple storage tub containing the 2T clothing. The big sister shirt was laying neatly on the top of the pile as if I hadn't wanted to shove it into the bottom crevices of the Rubbermaid. As if it held a place of honor.

I cried.

I am not a crier. But in my defense, I had been stuck mommying indoors with a husband away for a week and simultaneously entertaining my monthly visitor.

I cried tears disappointment and guilt.

I cried because I thought we'd have another baby on the way by now... maybe even one squirming in my arms right then.

Because I thought I'd be that much closer to life with independent children, life with a few hours of silence while the kids were at school, of life with time for gym memberships and hair appointments.

I cried because I've been a mother since I was 16 and because I'm ready to be finished raising little ones, as much as I love babies and would love another.

I cried because I'll be giving Little Miss' shirt to my dear cousin. My cousin who has a little boy the same age as Little Mister. And a daughter the same age as Little Miss. The cousin who started trying to get pregnant again when we did. The cousin who will meet her newest baby boy in a couple months.

And I cried because I realized how incredibly selfish most of my emotions were.

And then I gave it to God, wiped my eyes, and unpacked the box of clothes.

Free Photoshop Valentine Card: Template #1

A Valentine's Day Card for those of you who enjoy any excuse to mail out (or email) pictures of your kids!

Thanks to this site, I've found lots of amazing complimentary tools to add to my Photoshop goody bag! While I can't use them professionally, I'm getting lots of design practice, and you all get the opportunity to results of my experiments!

If you like this design and would like to use it, leave a comment or email mammalog@gmail.com! I'll be glad to email you the editable .psd file.

If you're not a Photoshop (or Elements) user, you can email me (mammalog@gmail.com) up to three pictures, and I'll send you the card as a high resolution .jpg file that you can then get printed at your favorite lab.

I'd hate for my doodling to go to waste!

Another card you might like

Free Photoshop Valentine Card: Template #2

Another Valentine's Day Card for those of you who enjoy any excuse to mail out (or email) pictures of your kids!

Thanks to this site, I've found lots of amazing complimentary tools to add to my Photoshop goody bag! While I can't use them professionally, I'm getting lots of design practice, and you all get the opportunity to results of my experiments!

If you like this design and would like to use it, leave a comment or email mammalog@gmail.com! I'll be glad to email you the editable .psd file.

If you're not a Photoshop (or Elements) user, you can email me (mammalog@gmail.com) up to three pictures, and I'll send you the card as a high resolution .jpg file that you can then get printed at your favorite lab.

I'd hate for my doodling to go to waste!

Another card you might like

As Requested- Recipes!

Some budget-friendly suggestions from the Taste of Home archives!

Sunflower Broccoli

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 T canola oil

2-1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into florets (about 10 cups)

1/4 C chicken broth

1/2 t dried oregano

1/2 t salt

1/8 t pepper

2 T sunflower seeds

In a large skillet, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute. Add broccoli; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add the broth, oregano, salt and pepper; cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds.

Three Cheese Shells

1 package (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells

3 C (24 oz) ricotta cheese

3 C (12 oz) shredded mozzarella

1/2 C grated parmesan

1/2 C chopped green pepper

1/2 C chopped fresh mushrooms

2 T dried basil

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

2 jars spaghetti sauce

Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the next 10 ingredients. Divide the one jar of sauce between 2 ungreased 9x13 pans. Fill shells with the cheese mixture and place in a single layer over sauce. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over shells. Cover and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer.

After Thanksgiving Salad

3 1/2 C diced cooked turkey

4 celery ribs

4 green onions, sliced

1/2 C chopped pecans, toasted

1/2 C chopped sweet red pepper

1/2 C mayonnaise

1 T lemon juice

1/4 t dill weed or dried tarragon

1/4 t salt

1/8 t pepper

In a large bowl, combine turkey, celery, onions, pecans and red pepper. Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper; stir into turkey mixture. Refrigerate until serving.

Dilly Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced

2 T butter or margarine, softened

1/4 C milk

1/4 C sour cream

1/2 t dill weed

1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender; drain. Mash with remaining ingredients.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: January 11th

For Today... January 11, 2010

Outside my window... a pale blue sky and the promise of a warmer week. I sure hope the weather forecast is on target. The snow around here has been beautiful, but it was too bitter cold to send the kids out to play in it for more than a few minutes.

From the kitchen... Using up what I have on hand this week. The complete menu is on yesterday's post.

I am wearing... black pants, black and pink tennis shoes, green and blue striped shirt and a black cardigan. No, it doesn't match any better than it sounds like it does!

From the Learning Rooms... The first week back was pretty smooth. Little Mister was cooperative and actually seemed to be happy to have his preschool mornings back!

I am creating... Too many lists! Calorie counting, budgeting, tracking spending, chores... it's a little nuts!

I am praying... for Little Mister as I take him to the doctor today. Twice this weekend he became almost hysterical because he said the house was moving back and forth around him. A quick google search made me a nervous wreck. And a call to the nurse hotline confirmed the need to see the doctor today. On the plus side, we LOVE our pediatrician, and I'm sure that by the end of the day, we'll be feeling much calmer!

Around the house... everything is tidy in the main rooms and only a half load of laundry left to do. Not bad for a Monday!

One of my favorite things... A kid snuggled on my lap!

I am pondering these words... "Who begins too much accomplishes little." ~German Proverb

A few plans for the rest of the week... Doctor visit, installing shelves in Little Mister's closet, and staying close to home.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Where I'd love to be this time of year!

Join the daybook group or see other daybooks here!