Hi and welcome to Mary Martha Mama! I’m Cat and I wear a lot of hats as a 30 something woman, wife, and mama to two little boys here in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom I was a teacher. I love to travel, craft, sew, and spend time with my family. I completed a 4-H Textiles project when I was younger but I really learned to sew when I was pregnant with my firstborn and on a whim I decided to make a quilt for my sister. I’m not afraid to try new things and honestly that can be both a blessing and a cursing.
This blog is something that was on my heart for a few years before I started it in 2014. I wanted a place to let out a little creativity and encourage others to try new things, to pick up that glue gun or sit down at a sewing machine. Nothings makes me happier than to hear from readers that a tutorial has helped them figure it out and try something new.
So why did I choose “Mary Martha Mama” as the title of my blog? It has to do with all those different hats that I wear on a daily basis.
Mary
In the Bible we read several accounts of interaction between Jesus and the sibling group of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary is often remembered as the one who sat listening to Jesus’ teachings. I find my identity foremost in my relationship with God. Before any other role, this is the one that defines me. I am loved and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ, and so I am a Child of God. As wives and mothers, sometimes our lives are very full, but it is so important and refreshing to stop and listen and focus on our spiritual growth and development. And so here I hope to stop and reflect, and share about my spiritual life and in particular books and other resources that I find helpful which in turn I hope helps others.
Martha
While Mary was sitting and listening, Martha was busy preparing the meal and making the house preparations for the guests. The home maker part of me really relates to Martha. I love to make a great meal for others and we are working on making our house a beautiful, comfortable home for our family and guests to enjoy. Sharing great recipes, cleaning tips, and decorating ideas is so much fun and I am greatly looking forward to it.
Mama
I cherish my two boys. They are absolutely gifts from God. Having kids is the most rewarding and joyous thing I have ever done, but it is also the most difficult. Hands down. No contest. So many moms out there have helped me by sharing their experiences and ideas that I hope to be able to do that for someone else. And let me just say, this is a judgement free zone. A lot of moms out there feel the need to be judgmental about other moms’ decisions. If there is anything that motherhood has taught me, it’s not to judge. Yes, you should feel passionately about your decisions and experiences, but don’t assume that your choices are the only correct ones or the right ones for another mom’s situation. We often only see a very small piece of someone else’s picture, so we really can’t know everything that is going on in that mother’s life. Instead of judging, I want to focus on sharing in the journey of motherhood and helping each other along the way.
I am not terribly original and I may not be an expert, but perhaps by sharing my experiences and ideas that I have picked up along the way, then I can help someone else out there too. So come along with me and let’s have some fun as we encourage and inspire each other.
Lea Joy Shortlidge
Tuesday 19th of September 2023
Just found your site on a whim looking for a Mini Tree Skirt Pattern. Thank you so much for providing me with not only a pattern but directions. I taught school for 40 years both here in the USA and in Australia. I am also a strong believer in having God in my life. I am retired now and spend my time sewing, quilting, reading, and taking care of my dog Sox. Bless you, Cat, and I look forward to reading more about you in the future.
Cat
Tuesday 19th of September 2023
Thank you for your kind words Lea!
doris
Tuesday 22nd of August 2023
thank you for sharing your faith. To tell others about the love of God is important. so thank you. Thank you for the potholder's instructions. Have a blessed day. Doris
Cat O.
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
I just stumbled upon your blog today while searching for a potholder tutorial. I have have some cute Cardinals baseball fabric scraps that I want to turn into potholders for my 85 year old spunky neighbor, for Mother's Day. I loved the simplicity of the instructions. I don't have the best internet out here in the country so I really appreciate a picture tutorial. Most of them are video these days and that doesn't work well for me. I am now exploring your blog more and just love your ideas!! Thank you. P.S. I'm Cat with a C as well ☺
Cat
Wednesday 10th of May 2023
I'm so glad that this was a help to you! Thank you for your kind words!
Traci Lowry
Friday 21st of October 2022
I love your baby moses pack. I can't figure out how to print it.
Cat
Friday 21st of October 2022
You will download the pdf and then open it in Adobe. In Adobe you will look at your Navigation bar at the top and under File you will find the option to print. Hope this helps!
M. Wimberley
Sunday 16th of October 2022
This is my first time visiting your blog. I really love the positive energy that it is generating, and it feels good to know that I am not the only one who feels the pressure of a Stay Home Mom. Thank You for the inspiration and spiritual lift! I needed it!!
Cat
Sunday 16th of October 2022
Thank you for your kind words!