*Update: When I wrote this, I was struggling with the idea of moving back to Texas and going back to work, which would require me to polish up my online image a bit. As the months ticked by, it became apparent that although we wanted to go to Texas NOW, and had prayed for such happenings, God’s answer was either “No,” or “Not now.” I really wanted to mope about that, but I decided instead I’d just bloom where I was planted. So I’m baaaack.
As the year draws to a close, so does my blogging experiment. For one year, ever since January 2nd when I posted a gallery of photos from the year before, I wrote and kept a public record of my life.
I shared funny stories about the world around me: my son, my extended family and my friends.
I published recipes that were special to me as well as new ones that I just had to share.
During that time, I made some wonderful friends. Some of whom I’ve been lucky enough to meet face to face, and some who I count the days until we get to share a bottle of wine or see our children play.
I’ve discovered that I’m living virtually parallel lives with so many women across the world. I’ve watched as others struggled with PPD, chronic illness and loss in their families and I’ve hurt, prayed and offered support along with the rest of the blogging community.
This entire year has been such a gift to me.
I’ve been amazed to see that during twelve short months, my blog has seen more page views and more followers than I ever though possible. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to earn money for my family through blogging.
I’ve been able to accept, for myself, that if I put my mind to something I can take it as far as I want. That I can be successful.
So, thank you, wonderful blogging family and friends and exceptional brands, for this gift that you gave me.
During this next year, my family has been blessed with a couple of new projects – projects I either can’t or won’t write about just yet. Because it’s so hard for me to not write about what’s happening in my life, I’m ceasing posts on mamamash.com for the time being.
I’ll still be available if you need a guest post – you can find me on Twitter (where I won’t be posting much but will answer mentions and DMs) or you can email me at mamamashblog at gmail dot com. I’ll also continue to subscribe to your awesome blogs and visit you when I can.
I wish all of you the happiest of new years, I look forward to coming back in a few months to update you on our little projects and I leave you with my favorite posts. God Bless!
My favorite stories:
The Five Nap Commandments: My all-time favorite post, written while sleep deprived.
Rookie Mom Mistake: Sending Mixed Signals: When pooping deserves its own celebration.
The Pythagorean Theorem in Real Life: Wherein I explain how my husband got those stitches in his face
The Legend of Captain B: A sort of feature a did about my cousin, the man I’m sure will save us all during the Zombie Apocalypse.
Does that mean I can say fart now: A post about the silly people who are my heart and soul.
Ewwwshi: Sometimes, my family does not share my tastes in cuisine.
Sugar and Spice and some potty advice: The first time I realized that my days of pooping alone were over.
Wash, Rinse, Repeat: How motherhood can be monotonous, but also satisfying.
My favorite recipes:
Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Gruyère Sandwiches
My guest posts:
Today’s PSA: The Drawer – At Multitasking Mumma’s
If I Could Turn Back Time – at Chosen Chaos
Making Memories – at New Mom Survival Adventure
Guest Star – at Mama Wants This
Mamamash 
You’ve had a such a great year, Julie and am glad to have been along for most of the ride!!
What? You’re not blogging for how long??? Don’t be a stranger!
Thank you for coming along in the beginning and helping me push forward! I’m sure you’ll see me around. 😉
I was hoping this day wouldn’t come. But, I guess it has, so I’ll keep praying for you and your family and talking to you on twitter so you have to talk back.
You’ve been such a great friend, Greta. I’m so glad to have met you IRL and I hope you have a blast at Blissdom! I’ll be over later to steal Erv’s sock monkey blanket, btw.
It was a pleasure getting to “meet” you in the short time I’ve been in the blog-o-sphere.
Long life and happiness to you and yours.
Eric, I hope blogging brings you all the joy it has brought me. Best wishes for the coming year and finding what brings you happiness!
Oh no! I’ll be sad not to read your posts. If you need anything let me know!
I still get to read yours though! And leave brilliant, thoughtful comments. Or word vomit, whatever.
All the best Julie! No mention of Blogger Idol? Sure that was the highlight of your year?!
John, I have to say I am grateful for BI because I got to know your obnoxious self. 🙂 What a trip.
I was not expecting this. Julie, you complete me. It’s gonna be rough, girl. But you are right, you’ve had a big year, and I’m honored to have been able to follow it. I hope 2012 is good to you! Lub you.
We’ll always have Facebook. 🙂 I’m so glad to know you, Jen! You make me laugh. Good luck with the job search, lubber.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!
I’m speechless. This rarely happens. I’m sad but I totally get it. HUGS, mama!
Tricia, I am so excited about the necklace. I can’t wait to show it off. It’s great to know you! 🙂
Oh-bittersweet- Glad for you, sad for me.
Thanks for the laughs. You’ve done a great job.
See you around.
M
Thanks, Megan. I will think of you often this year, because I can’t do what I have to do without some SERIOUS decluttering.
One in, one out. One in, one out. 😉
HAHAHAHA! I totally get that. You cheeky (sock) monkey!
I’m sad that I won’t have your witty posts to turn too for a little while but I’m excited for your family and your “projects.”
I’ll be here waiting!!!
Thanks a bunch, Sam! We’re so excited about what this year will bring. See you around!
Well, I’m sad to not see your posts (what am I gonna cook???) but I know that we’ll keep in touch. Truly, I’m grateful that the interwebz have brought us together somehow. We talk more on Twitter anyway, lol! But I’m excited for the big changes in your life and wish you nothing but happiness, love and peace.
Hope to see you back blogging again though b/c I do enjoy your posts, lady!
I’m only a text away, Rach. But please don’t give Brian my number, because I don’t want knock knock jokes at 3 am. 😉
I’m sad to hear you won’t be blogging for a while. But I wish you the very best in your upcoming opportunities. Keep in touch.
Sarah
Thank you Sarah. I love seeing how many people have joined your 101 in 1001. Wishing you all the best of luck!
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, sweet lady. Your encouragement and humour has helped me smile when smiling seemed like the hardest thing ever, and I am so very, very grateful. ((hugs)) All my best to you for 2012!
Oh Desi, you are so gifted and I consider it such a privilege to have you visit and comment here. I look forward to big things from you in the future!
I am so glad to have met you through the online world. It really has given me wonderful people that I can now call my friends.
I’m sorry to see you take a break from blogging, but I’m very excited to see where your new ventures take you. Don’t lose touch, ok? I’ll haunt you Twitter. 😉
Ditto, Jersey girl. 😛
We’ll definitely be in touch. Rock Blissdom for me, ok?
Oh, we’ll miss you! Best of luck to you in 2012, and I hope you won’t stay away too long. I know you’ll have fabulous stories to share with us when you come back. You WILL come back, right??? Happy New Year!
Of course! With big news and lots of fun stories. 🙂 Happy New Year!
I will miss your name in bold in my reader. It’s one I scroll to first. Best of luck to you and your family Julie!
Oh, my! This was a surprise. I hope that your next projects – whatever they are – are fulfilling and bring you great joy. I’ll miss you!
I will be thinking of you.
You are a force. Don’t forget that.
Stay strong and enjoy every second of that adorable child.
I look forward to an update
I will miss your posts Julie. I always love reading your blog. You can guest post on my blog anytime you feel the need to write something.
Well, I’ll miss you! Hope we can stay in touch through other social media outlets. Good luck to you! Hope to see you back soon. 🙂
I read this a couple days ago, but didn’t comment because I was too bummed (for me, not you). But now that I’ve had time to digest it, I can stop being selfish and be happy for you. I will truly miss reading your blog, Julie. I hope you’ll come back to us in some form when you can! Whatever you’ve got brewing is going to be epic. (I have a guess!) Please keep in touch! with love, Iris
I’m sorry to see you go! I’ve loved coming here to read & laugh and compare recipes on Monday.
I hope to see you back soon and know that we’ll all miss you dearly & be waiting here when you return.
Will we see you at Blissdom still?
Nooooo!!! I was already swirling around thoughts for a Monday Meals post! This is what I get for being late. I will be counting down to your glorious GLORIOUS return and all the exciting news/stories.
I hate being late to the party and wish I would have found you sooner. I feel like I missed the Mamamash boat. I do hope you enjoy your respite, but I hope you return soon. You have so much to contribute to this wonderful, crazy blogging community!
Yay for you. Excited to hear about your family’s new adventures & endeavors when you pop back up again. Best of luck to you… truly!
“ceasing posts on mamamash.com” makes me a little sad. Nevertheless, I’m really happy for you that you’ve got some exciting projects to work on. Here’s wishing you every success in the new year! And lots of happiness too! 🙂
Oh, good luck, Julie. I really enjoy your posts and hope you won’t stay away too long! Good luck with your projects!
Aww. Just when I found you! Sigh. Do come back. Cheers!
I am going to miss seeing your face in the blogging world! I know you said you will be around, but it just won’t be the same. I get it, though. I do. Blogging can be so time consuming. I wish you the best in all of your projects!! It has been fun getting to know you. 🙂