A Magical Discovery. The Gratitude Month.

 

 

I hate mosquitoes. Unfortunately, they love me. And, unfortunately, we live in a swampy area.

I have tried numerous bug-sprays and have made my own. Some help a bit. But, I haven't found the Magic Bullet, yet. That means I can't enjoy our Back-yard as much as I would like to (especially during the Summer).

Halloween Day marked the last time I got bit. Now, we can spend more time in our Back-yard. Now, we can explore our Neighborhood more and go for a Daily Walk.

Two Sundays, I made this Magical Discovery.

Less than a block from our house is an ENTIRE PARK with trails and a Creek. How did I not know this existed?

I can't tell you how thrilled I am! Feeling much Gratitude about our Discovery!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheerful Flowers. The Gratitude Month.

 

 

 

 

Last Week had so many dreary days. Several of the days were warm, but over-cast all day.

 

I felt low.

 

Even though, I followed my own advice and went on a Daily Walk and sat under the Sunlamp, I still didn't feel like my usual self. One thing that did get a smile out of me was looking over at my yellow roses.

  

They arrived last Saturday, after Papa Bear and Nye went to visit old friends. Mrs. B is a florist. Papa Bear worked at her Flower Shop in High School. She gave a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses for Nye to give to me. What a nice surprise when they came home.

 

I'm feeling Grateful for such sweet Surprise that brighten up my entire Week!

Baby Socks. The Gratitude Month.

One great think about De-cluttering your house?

Finding your favorite pair of Rainbow Baby Socks. My First Born wore them frequently for the first few months of her life. They were knee-socks on her and I melted each time we wore them. I was so sad when she finally over-grew them.

Not surprisingly, I put them in a special place and promptly forgot where I put them. I had given up hope of finding them in time for my Second Born to wear them.

I found them after My Freak-Out about organizing our Home. Amazing how that happens.

Luckily, Anala-Bears has dainty feet for her size. The socks may not be knee-highs on her but they still fit! I smile each time I have put them on her. And my heart is full of Gratitude for my Sweet Peas and their beautiful Baby feet that grow way too fast!

I Feel Sorry for Her.

Poor Bears. She's got a Boss Lady for a Big Sissy. Last Week marked the beginning of my girls squabbling.

The Honeymoon Period is over.

The Baby's favorite thing to do now is spy one of her Sissy's toys on the floor and crawl as fast as she can over to the toy and gleefully grab it. Nye immediately snatches the toy from out of Bears' hand and says, "my toy." This happens even if it actually is the Baby's toy.

Nye has started giving the Baby lectures on "danger." Nye's forehead becomes furrowed, she shakes her finger and her tone of voice turns very fierce. Do I look that mean when I redirect? Yikes, I hope not.

Last Thursday, Bears crawled into the Kitchen and started opening one of the cabinet drawers. Boss Lady was there in a flash and proceeded to ream her out for 2 straight minutes. Bears just laughed.

Here is a little video clip taken when Nye was telling Bears about the danger of cords. "The cords are not for YOU." I wasn't able to get a video of the actual two minute reprimand but in this video you can see the finger shake and watch Bears laugh.

I guess I should be Grateful to have a second pair of eyes watching our Little Explorer!

501 Posts. Gratitude Month.

This is my 501st Post here on Catoctin Mountain Mama. Two years have come and gone. Lots of Changes, lots of Struggling, lots of Growth. I am so glad to still be here.

This space has been my Creative Outlet, my Release. It has given me a little bit of structure as I wade through the Chaos of Mothering two small children.

I am so full of Gratitude for this little Blog and for my small (but dedicated) group of Readers. Thank you!

I have decided to listen to my dear friend, Ed, and finally join Facebook as Catoctin Mountain Mama. Please head over there now and find me! Much Love...

Autumn Discovery Basket.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

I put this "Autumn Discovery Basket" together for Bright Eyes, three weeks ago. Remember the Volunteer Tomatoes, I fermented?

 

We also had some Volunteer Squash. Our entire deck was taken over with them. It was amazing. Nye helped me collect at least 20 of the gourds and we used them to decorate for Halloween.

 

They also have made a terrific, textured material for my 6 month old to hold and gum. I just made sure there were no hard stems to break off.

 

Pretty and free...what's not to love?

 

 



 

 

 

One of My Biggest Challenges.

 

My absolutely least favorite thing about being a Stay-at-Home Mama is being in charge of everybody's stuff. I can barely keep myself organized and now I am responsible for staying on top of other tiny folk's things?

Holy Moly.

I never used to put things back where they belonged. My poor Mama tried drilling it in me. But, it didn't stick until I started having kids of my own.

Now, I totally get it.

Now, Karma is totally biting me in the ass.

I have a partner who is even more organizationally challenged than I am.

I get so mad at him because, if I can put my dirty clothes in the hamper, anyone can. (One of my Mama's favorite stories is when she threw all my dirty clothes out of my 2nd floor Bedroom, when I was a Teenager, because I hadn't cleaned up my room when she asked).

It's fine to be messy when you are single. Or when there are just two adults in a family. Or your kids have stopped putting random things in their mouths. But, when you have crawling babies, keeping crap off the floor is a Life or Death Matter.

It takes some serious effort EVERY SINGLE DAY to put stuff back and beat back the clutter. I have found that I feel much calmer and happier when things are organized.

I had a minor Break-down yesterday. Like with tons of tears and a poor Kiddo crying, "Stop crying Mommy, stop crying." I was flooded with some intense feelings of being completely over-whelmed.

Our Landlord is on the finicky side. He just notified us that he wants to come for a "walk through" to see how the house looks, a year after we moved in.

On one hand, I am Grateful. That means I have the kick-in-the-ass I need to go through the Basement, organize the Laundry Room, finish up the Playroom, clean up the Screened-in-Porch, get the Living Room under control and finally go through all those boxes in our closets left-over from our Move.

On the other-hand, I have THREE WEEK-ENDS before he comes.

Plus, I need to finish switching out our Summer Clothes for Winter Clothes. I still have not been able to located the box of my Non-Maternity Winter Clothes.

I'm trying to take each project and break it down into little pieces. Tiny bit by tiny bit. It's not the End-of-the-World, if I don't get everything done, but I know I'll feel a lot better.

I am thinking about doing Slow Your Home's 2014 in 2014 Declutter Challenge this January. I think that would help provide the structure I need to develop good habits and tame that damn Clutter Beast (at least until our next Move).

Home Again, Home Again. The Gratitude Month.

We made it Home to our two girlies and I couldn't be happier.

Papa Bear and I went on a long-awaited trip to the Bahamas to help celebrate the Wedding of friends.

It was the longest I've been away from our 6 month old and had spent weeks before we left working myself into anxious tizzy (totally freaking out about us both dying in an airplane crash or boating accident).

We were gone for 5 days and 4 nights, but dropping off the kids to different Grand-parents meant I was away from the Bright Eyes for 6 days and Nye for 7 days.

It's amazing how much your kids can change in 7 days.

I came Home to a baby trying to pull herself up on furniture and an even more vocal 2 1/2 year old. They both looked so different, it blew my mind.

Last night, I didn't mind the 2 1/2 year old wanting to touch my ear for 1/2 hour before she fell asleep. I found myself having so much more patience today.

This was the longest trip Papa Bear and I have ever made together and we survived it! We were even inspired to Renew our Vows (more on that later).

Feeling very, very Grateful that we were able to have that Adventure together and that our daughters were in such safe hands! Many thanks to Ra-Ra, Papa, Dadi and Dada!

Fermented Green Tomatoes. Gratitude Month.

I've been interested in the "Health Benefits of Fermented Foods" for a long time. Unfortunately, I don't like the taste of Sauerkraut and Kim-chi is way too spicy for me.

But you know what? There are TONS of foods you can ferment.

Like Green Tomatoes.

Last week, I picked the last of our Green Tomatoes from the several amazing volunteer Tomato Plants growing in our Compost Heap. Those babies were tough. Those babies were little miracles.

Because you know what? I never watered them. Not once all Summer. 

So, what am I Grateful for today?

Those Volunteer Tomato Plants. Thanks for bearing such lovely fruit for us!

I am hoping my "Fermented Green Tomatoes" will turn out. Supposedly, they will taste a bit like Green Olives. I'll keep you posted.

If you are interested in learning more about the process of Fermenting Green Tomatoes, I read the following posts: this, this and this.

Rainbow Rice. The Gratitude Month.

It's the Simple Things.

Seriously, how have I not made "Rainbow Rice" for my Kiddo, before? It cheap, it's easy to make and occupies my Rugrat FOR HOURS.

I packaged it up for Nye-Nye to take to her Dadi's this Week, while Papa Bear and I are away. It's a perfect thing for her to do at her Grandmother's house.

It cost around $8 for a 10 lb bag of rice and I already had some food coloring and a big, plastic storage bin. If she eats some, it's no big deal. I'm sure you seen it on Pinterest and a million Blogs, so I won't bore you with directions.

What am I Grateful for Today?

Rainbow Rice...Fun, Open-Ended Play for my 2 1/2 year old (perfect for long, Winter Days)

The Gratitude Month.

 

 

This Month's Theme is Gratitude.

 

Very soon after I started my Blog, TWO YEARS AGO, I decided I wanted to use a Monthly Theme to help me focus my writing. Some Months have been more success than others.

 

This is one of the easier ones.

 

Here is an older post about Giving Thanks.

 

What is one thing that I am Grateful about Today?

 

That I live in a State where Early Voting is so easy. Today, Papa Bear and I are traveling and therefore are not going to be able to make it to the Polls in time.

 

On Saturday, we were able to each take turns Voting, while the other one waited in the car with the girls (it was too close to Naptime for our Eldest...we decided not to risk a spectacular Meltdown).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was amazing convenient and made me very, very Grateful that I live in a Country where I don't have stand hours and hours in line to exercise my Right to Vote.



 

If you live in the United States, don't forget to exercise this fundamental Right!

 

Here is an old post on the first time I took my daughter to Vote with me. A very proud day for me.

 



 

 

 



A Simple Secular Dinner Prayer

Praying Hands (Photo credit: C Jill Reed)

I think teaching children about Gratitude is extremely important. A few months ago, I decided it was time for our family to start Giving Thanks before eating.

We eat meat and so I think it's particularly imperative to recognize the fact that an animal gave it's life for our body's nourishment before we chow down.

I was pleasantly surprised by my daughter's reaction. She was around 22 months or so, when we began this ritual. I did it maybe three or four times, before SHE became the one to remind us to pray. She calls it "jay-jay" (what her Indian Grand-mother calls praying).

Honestly, I forget sometimes. And, boy, do I get the smack down from the "jay-jay" police. She harasses everyone at the table to fold their hands properly and close their eyes. And, you better be snappy about it. Of course, she still likes to sneak a bite or two, while I'm saying a prayer (or at least that is what her Daddy and Papa have told me). But, I am happy that our family is making Giving Thanks a daily habit.

Here is a simple Dinner Prayer from The Complete Buddhism for Mothers

The Joys and Pains of all beings

are present in the gift of this food.

Let us receive it in Love

and Gratitude...

I like it because it's brief, yet profound. And, feels it very secular to me. I think I'll start teaching it to my daughter is a few months.

My Wedding Vows

 

 



Guess what I found while packing up last night? A copy of my Wedding Vows! It was perfect timing because there is nothing like Moving to bring out the Grouch in everyone. My husband and I have been bickering A LOT during the last week. So, finding my Vows was a good reminder to be extra-kind to each other during this stressful time.


You came into my life unexpectedly and I resisted at first. You promised that all you needed was one chance and you were right. I have learned that you stand behind your promises. Today, I make you the ultimate promise.  I promise to spend the rest of our lives together as your Beloved.

I found inspiration in the Buddhist precepts for my vows.

I promise to wake up each morning with the following intentions.

May I be generous and helpful.
May I be faithful.
May I be patient and forgiving.
May I be energetic and persevering.

As we start our life together as husband and wife, I look forward to us living life with a joint purpose. I look forward to us loving each other and shining together in that love. Let us grow together whenever possible and understand the other's growth when separate from our own. Let us not swerve from the path of our love, devotion, and commitment and friendship with each other. May we both remember to be complementary and peaceful in our thoughts, speech, actions and feelings.

You are my mirror, my journal where I will record my history. you will help me know myself and remember myself. I promise to be your mirror, your journal.

My Gratitude Practice

 

 



I have always considered myself a rather Spiritual person. I remember being 8 years old, sitting on our stone fence, looking out at those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, contemplating Life and its Meaning.

Since becoming a Mama, my mediation pillow hasn't seen much action and my private little altar has gathered some serious dust. I haven't mediated regularly this past year. Nor, have I prayed much.

But, what I have done is think of "Five Things I'm Grateful For" every night before I go to bed.

I can actually give credit to my Blog for jump-starting the habit. Last November, I decided to write out a daily list of "Five Things I'm Grateful For." It stuck.

Some nights, I struggle to come up with five. Other nights, I just keep going and going. It's a really peaceful way to end your day. I'm looking forward to introducing the concept to my daughter, in a few years. Nothing like Gratitude to cut through all the muck in your life.

Stewed Pears in a Slower Cooker

Illustration of a pear variety from the Herefordshire Pomona (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 This past week-end, my family gleaned some pears from the neighbor's very old tree. My sister was hankering after some stewed pears, so we got busy.

She cored and peeled the pears, while I sprinkled a little bit of this and a little bit of that until it was just right. I got inspiration from several different recipes, but was concerned when I turned on the Slow Cooker that maybe I over-did it on the number of ingredients.

No worries. They turned out heavenly. Even Papa, who rarely eats his fruits and vegetables, raved about them.

I'm thinking about cooking another batch for Thanksgiving. It's a super-simple, quick dessert that anyone, including kids, can make and it offers a slightly healthier alternative to all those pies and whip-creme.

15 or so Pears cored and peeled
2/3 a cup of Brown Sugar (couldn't find the Maple Syrup, otherwise I wouldn't have used the Brown Sugar)
3 tablespoons of Butter
3 teaspoons of Ginger Powder (didn't have any fresh or would have used that)
2 Cinnamon sticks
10 Cloves
1 cup of Apple Cider
1/2 cup of White Wine

Cook in Slow Cooker for 4 hours or until they are nice and soft. Unless, you prefer yours to still have a minor bite to them. Doesn't get much easier than that, does it?

I am awful grateful for all those free pears and for that lovely, nameless person who planted that tree many, many years ago.

Packing Madness

Moving Boxes (Photo credit: Justin Shearer)

Drowning in boxes over here. It's Moving Week and so most of my energy will be focused on packing up our home and spending time with family during my absolute favorite holiday of the year, Thanksgiving. Lots to be thankful for this year.

We are only moving 4 miles away. Now that we are the throes of packing, I've become sentimental about this little place. My daughter was 5 months when we moved here and she will turn 20 months, tomorrow. It has treated us well this home.

What I am very, very thrilled about is moving from a basement apartment to a duplex with our own back-yard. Nye-Nye will have more room to run around (both inside and outside) and the Living Room is full of light. There are numerous walking trails near-by and we will only be 2 1/2 miles from one of my favorite places in NOVA, River Farm. I am very grateful.

The Gratitude Month. A Free Acupuncture Clinic for Veterans

Day 72/365 (Photo credit: SuperFantastic)

In honor of yesterday being Veterans Day here in the United States, I wanted to share a wonderful organization with you. "Annapolis Veterans Acupuncture Clinic" is a FREE clinic for those serving in the Armed Forces, their families, Veterans and folks working with these populations.

Every Thursday from 5:30 pm -7 pm, Veterans can walk into AVAC and be treated with the NADA (Ear) Protocol. Five tiny needles are placed in both ears, while the person sits fully clothed in circle with other people receiving treatment. Treatment usually lasts for 30-45 minutes.

Acupuncture is being used at Walter Reed Medical Center to help returning Vets deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and flashbacks. NADA Protocol has successfully helped people dealing with trauma sleep better and experience less irritability, stress and anxiety.

My hat goes off to those volunteer Acupuncturalists providing this wonderful service to those who have sacrificed so much for this Country. Pretty inspiring stuff!

If you know of any Vets (or their families) living in Maryland or Virginia, please let them know about this program. Spread the word. Much appreciation...

French Garage Turned into a Home

Papa Bear and I have started House Hunting. Yesterday, we went to two houses (more on that later) and the second house had a solid garage built in the 1950's. I started brainstorming ideas for using the garage and I remembered this video.

A 450 sq foot garage was turned into an interesting modern home full of light. The homeowner also had one massive furniture unit built (a bit too sterile for my liking but pretty darn ingenious). Enjoy!

The Gratitude Month: Days 25-30

To Grandmother's House We Went

I am Thankful for....

Day 25

1. Both sides of the family only living 1 1/2 hours from each other (we spent lunch with my family and dinner with Papa Bear's side).
2. Long car rides promoting good discussions.
3. My Mama's cousin making a beautiful dress 32 years ago that my daughter got to wear (she is the fifth girl in the family who wore this dress).
4. The sight of My Little Ham dancing for the family as everyone made a circle around her and clapped, while I sang "She'll be Coming Around the Mountain."
5. Feeling the Love from our Family.

Day 26

1. A Lazy Day.
2. Being able work on two Christmas presents.
3. Saving money on two Christmas presents.
4. Walking hand-in-hand with Papa Bear.
5. Coming home to our little Nest.

Day 27

1. Good bread.
2. Good walks.
3. Good deals
4. Good surprises.
5. Good times.

Day 28

1. Fun making noise.
2. Chats with other Mamas that like to paint and meditate.
3. Watching my Baby Bird open her mouth for a taste of smoked trout, green beans and cooked onions (????)
4. The sight of my Babe kicking her feet with excitement when we stepped into the Library,
5. Time to Sit and Be.

Day 29

1. Finding the perfect children's book to give to my step-father (about a husband who deals with a wife always rescuing cats).
2. Making it to Trader Joe's despite the rain, getting lost and juggling a stroller, a baby and an umbrella.
3. Seeing my daughter's delight and wonder at the playroom.
4. Getting the chance to swim for the first time in months.
5. Successfully pulling off a family night at the gym.

Day 30

1. Feeling the Sun on my face today.
2. The wonderful lady at the Charles Houston Rec Center who let us in to their playroom for free (they only accept cash and I only had a card).
3. The feeling of snuggling with my Love Bug during our chilly walk today.
4. The taste of the clam linguine Papa Bear made for us.
5. Getting out of the house several times today to go on some mini-adventures.

The Gratitude Month: Days 20 and 21

I am Thankful for...

Day 20

1. Good times at the playground!
2. A yummy time at the Pita House.
3. One present down...
4. Getting started on my Mama's gift.
5. Having a migraine that didn't make me throw up (migraine trigger of lack of sleep + baby still waiting up 5 times a night = more frequent migraines than before the baby).

Day 21

1. Finishing the design for our Christmas Card (Ritz Photo rocks).
2. Finding some interesting balls to add to Lina's Montessori Ball Basket.
3. Having the time to switch out Lina's toys (I try to rotate everything every twice a week, so things are always fresh and interesting for her).
4. The sight of my daughter walking across our living room with my grandmother's sash draped across her shoulders (she looked so proud of herself).
5. Writing some lists and checking them twice.