Surving the Empty Nest- I Am More than a Mom

Monday, September 2, 2013

Living for Jesus

Hello everyone!  This summer, Angelica from AngSuarez Creative has been submitting prompts on her blog to challenge anyone who is interested to answer a few introspective questions.  These questions have taken a look at who we are as women and the role we play in fostering our own growth and often times hindering it by beating ourselves up with negative talk, etc.  The program called Summer of Enough, comes to an end today with the last prompt. 

Here is the last prompt for the Summer of Enough program...  “If I could tell the world just one thing about my life so far, what would it be?”... 

Prompt #4- “If I could tell the world just one thing about my life so far, it would have to be that it has been transformed.  I was born with a sin nature and by the grace of God I have been saved.  I accepted Jesus Christ into my life.  By far and away this is the best decision I have ever made in my life.  

This was an easy prompt.  One thing, the most important thing in my life. God first. 

Until next time! 

Cindy

Thursday, August 29, 2013

When You Just Want to Say Hi!



I am having so much fun designing and creating handcrafted greeting cards from these adorable digi stamps from Paper Crafting World.  You will see in just a minute that I really altered the digi stamp this time.  I dragged it into Photoshop to erase the fall aspect all together so that I could create more of a just saying "Hi" type of card.

I made this card for a special young lady.  She was one of my former students!  I can't wait for her to see it. 
 
Click on photo to enlarge
This cutting file from Papercraftingworld.com is paired with the adorable puppy and the thought bubble which were both cut from the Create a Critter Cricut cartridge, still one of my all time favorites.  A bit of kitchen twine and a flower were added to  finish off the card. 

I can't wait to deliver this card!!  Isn't that half the fun?  Time to run, as you know, I'm more than a mother!!
 
Cindy

Saturday, August 17, 2013

cricut saturday Welcome to I am More Than a Mother and Cricutlicious Saturday.  Today's blog post is being sponsored by our friends at MyPaperCrafting.com!

As some of you may know, my son Dalton is proudly serving in the U.S. Navy.  One of the many sacrifices he makes is being away from his family.  This is difficult for me, especially during the holidays.  It has been comforting to know that for the past several years there have been many different individuals and families that have taken him in and have made sure that he was not alone during these times.

As our way of paying it forward, my family decided that we would like to be a host family to young men who find themselves in a similar situation, that being away from home and in need of a place to stay.  For the past two summers we have been a host family to either one or two graduating seniors who are leaving home for the first time to play summer baseball prior to starting their college baseball careers.

This experience has been a true blessing for our family.  I know as I give my time and love for the young men who stay with us, there is someone nearly 3,000 miles away who has done the same thing for our son.  

The canvas that I created today holds a picture of this years North County Indians.  This is the Semi Pro baseball team that I not only had the pleasure of working for this summer, but the team that our two host sons, Alec and Nick, played for.

 Click on photo to enlarge
The canvas came to life with NAVY blue paint to cover the bland white background.  Using the Sports Mania Cricut cartridge, the baseball glove was made to hold the team photo.  It was inked to give the glove that worn in look.  Playball was also cut from the Sports Mania Cricut cartridge, as was the batter.  You can see that inking the edges of the batter really helps define the image.  The black ink sets off the shoes and the batting helmet, while the red defines the belt.

While there are any number of font cartridges made by Cricut, on this canvas the Robotz Cricut cartridge was used to cut the "2013".     

As you can see, it is easy to keep your memories alive on a canvas by using your Cricut and your imagination.  The possibilities are endless.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me an email at cindy womack @ charter . net (no spaces)

Best of luck Alec as you head back to school and begin your college career.  We can't wait to watch you play ball in the spring.

I have a busy day today.  As you know by now...
I am More Than a Mother.

Until next time.
 
Cindy

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Creating for a Cause! Pleases join us:)


I am having so much fun designing and creating handcrafted greeting cards.  For those of you who are new to blogging and crafting, the Paper Crafting World Design Team creates handcrafted greeting cards, scrapbook pages, altered items, ect. using cutting files and digi stamps from the Paper Crafting World collection.  We are here to show you a variety of different ways that these products can be used and just how easy it is to make simple, yet beautiful, handcrafted items.

This week I made a card for a special cause, the I Feel the Love Project.  As some of you may know, the I Feel the Love Project collects and sends handcrafted cards to individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a difficult time in their life/lives.  For the month of August, unsigned birthday cards are being created and collected so that they can be sent to SAFEHOME, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence.  The women and children in the shelter will thus have birthday cards on hand to give to one another when they need.  How great is that??

This birthday bear digi stamp was created  by Ms. Melin at Papercraftingworld.com and is available for just 99 cents.  I decided to change it up a bit by using Photoshop.  Luckily for me, I had a wonderful teacher to help me through this process.  My daughter, Madison, showed me how to erase the strings so that I could use my own string.  She also showed me how to color the arm back in once the string was erased.  The balloons and birthday hat got a new paint job as well.  Here is what I came up with after  my changes.


As you will notice in the card, once the image made it to the Cameo, it was flipped before cutting.

Since I wanted to make a card that a boy could use, I chose to stay away from the pinks and purples.  A pom pom was added to the top of the party hat for fun!! 

Time to head out the door to work.  Thursdays are a busy day for me.  As you know by now...
I am More Than a Mother.

Until next time.
 
Cindy

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Happy Birthday to My Fabulous Husband!!


Happy Birthday to you Wo!  We all love you!

 
Looking forward to having a fun family day. I only wish that Dalton and Sami could be here with us to celebrate your special day.

Have a fabulous Sunday everyone.

Cindy
 

Thursday, August 1, 2013

A heartfelt thank you


I am having so much fun designing and creating handcrafted greeting cards.  For those of you who are new to blogging and crafting, the Paper Crafting World Design Team creates handcrafted greeting cards, scrapbook pages, altered items, ect. using cutting files and digi stamps from the Paper Crafting World collection.  We are here to show you a variety of different ways that these products can be used and just how easy it is to make simple, yet beautiful, handcrafted items.

I love crafting for a cause and this week's inspiration comes from a recent experience I had.  Without going into too much detail, I just want to say that I was genuinely moved by a generous gift I just received and I wanted to express my sincerest thanks.
Click on photo to enlarge
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
 
This cutting file from Papercraftingworld.com is very easy to cut and use.  As you can see, it was utilized for a thank you card on this occasion.  
 
Until next time.
 
Cindy

Monday, July 29, 2013

Creating Love from the Heart(s)

Thank you taking a moment to stop and read what I think will warm your heart.  As you know, I am involved with the I Feel the Love Project, a card for causes non profit organization that collects handcrafted greeting cards for those who are experiencing a difficulty in their life/lives.  

Yesterday, we received a package in the mail.  It was a set of handcrafted thank you notes for this month's I Feel the Love Project.

Here is a part of the letter that came with the that you notes...

"... In 1986 the family was gathered at the hospital waiting for the arrival of their new addition.  Immediately the doctors  rushed baby Jessica to ICU because she was born with a cleft palate, a club foot, paralysis to the left side of her face, thus making her an at risk baby.  She was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 and a heart murr mur.  The statistics at that time were that 90% of children born with these conditions didn't live past the age of 3.  If she did survive, she would most likely have a low IQ, and have difficulty walking and talking if at all.

With years of therapy, two cleft palate surgeries, an eye surgery, three ear surgeries, a feeding tube, learning sign language... Jessica started walking and talking and is now an energetic and very expressive young lady who wants everyone to be happy..."

It is with this love and enthusiasm that Jessica helped design and created these thank you notes for the I Feel the Love Project.  

Jessica loves hearts and the background on the cards are hers and hers alone.  There was no input from anyone else, no guidance or even suggestions given!  There is such a magical rhythm to these hearts.  

Some are open, some are closed, some have side pockets.  And to add to the magic of these cards, they were completed in spite of a tooth extraction and a traumatic seizure.  Jessica is a trooper!

Ms. Sandi added to read hearts and the word cloud on the inside of the card and packaged them to get mailed out.

We sincerely hope you appreciate and enjoy the "thank you" notes and gladly share the magic..."

(click on photo to enlarge)
Set of 12 thank you notes, box, and envelopes.

 
If you would like to be a part of this project...  
  
All you need to do is:

Submit your hand crafted card/s by July 31st to:

Madison Womack
IFTL Project
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA 93423

Project #23
 
Please share your project with everyone by linking it to the I Feel the Love Project photo gallery before you put it in the mail. Click HERE to find the photo gallery. Thank you all in advance.  This could never work with out you and all your continued support.  Spread the word!

The I Feel the Love Project is now on Twitter. Follow us at:
@IFTLProject
Cindy

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The sweet smells of home!

Hello everyone!  As you know, each week Angelica from AngSuarez Creative will be sending a prompt to challenge those of us who are interested in self exploration.  We are taking a look at who we are as women and the role we play in fostering our own growth and often times hindering it by beating ourselves up with negative talk, etc.  The program is called Summer of Enough 

This week for the Summer of Enough program we were given the following thought to finish... I  am Confident in My Ability To...

Prompt #3-  I want to share with you that I am confident in my ability to bake fabulous biscotti.  I bet you didn't see that coming.   


I am a full-blooded Italian and I grew up with women who knew how to cook and bake and of course everything was from scratch, even all the pasta noodles.  I loved watching my Noni, Grandma and Great Aunts cook.  Their houses always smelled so good.  I knew that I wanted to at least be able to make one Italian dish or dessert.  I found that I loved baking biscotti and it is a treat that I take to my Italian relatives every Christmas.  I tend to make it for special occasions, but mainly at Christmas.  Here is the recipe for the biscotti seen in the picture above: 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups almonds
1/2 cup butter
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs, separated
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange, finely chopped
3 cups all-purpose or unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped chocolate


Directions

Place nuts in a shallow pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool.  In a mixing bowl cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg yolks, vanilla, and orange zest.  In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add to the creamed mixture, mixing just until crumbly.  In a separate bowl mix egg whites just until soft peaks form and beat in remaining sugar, beating until stiff but not dry.  Fold meringue into the crumbly dough, mixing until it clings together.  Cut nuts into halves or thirds and fold in along with chocolate.  Divide dough in half.  Form into two logs on a greased and floured baking sheet making them about 1/2 inch thick, 1 1/2 inches wide and 16 inches long spacing them at least 2 inches apart.  Bake in the middle of a preheated 325 degree oven for 25 minutes or until set and golden brown.  Transfer from the baking sheet to a rack.  Let cool 5 minutes.  Place on a cutting board.  With a serrated knife slice diagonally at a 45 degree angle about 1/2 inch thick.  Place the slices upright on a baking sheet and return to the oven at 300 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes to dry slightly.  Let cool on a rack.  Store in a tightly covered container.

I hope you have enjoyed today's post.  Leave me a comment and let me know.  Have a fabulous day! 

I look forward to exploring my past, present, and future.  There is so much to learn.  After all, I am more than a mother!

Until next time! 

Cindy

23 years of LOVE


Click on link to see digi stamp!

I am having so much fun designing and creating handcrafted greeting cards.  For those of you who are new to blogging and crafting, the Paper Crafting World Design Team creates handcrafted greeting cards, scrapbook pages, altered items, ect. using cutting files and digi stamps from the Paper Crafting World collection.  We are here to show you a variety of different ways that these products can be used and just how easy it is to make simple, yet beautiful, handcrafted items.

I love crafting for a cause and this week's inspiration is my husband Larry.  On Sunday we will be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary.  Here is how we looked on July 21, 1990.
Cindy and Larry Womack- July 21, 1990

And here is how we look 23 years later at our oldest son's wedding nearly one month ago. 
Madison, Cindy, Sami, Dalton, Larry, and Aaron Womack- June 22, 2013

Happy Anniversary Wo!  I love you.  We have been blessed with an amazing family.  

So here is one of the cards I am giving to Larry.  I love making cards for him.  This QT Patootie Digi Stamp from Papercraftingworld.com is the center of attention on this card.  She is holding onto a balloon made of wire and a heart charm.  These items give the card dimension without giving it too much fluff.  I think because they are made of wire and silver they go with a masculine card.  What do you think? 
For those of you that are new to card making, this is an easel card.  That means it sits up and can be displayed just like it is being shown here.

To learn how to make an easel card click HERE.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
FCCB- Challenge # 169 - Set the Scene -
( "23" Pooh Font Set Cricut Cartridge) 

Time to head out the door to work.  Thursdays are a busy day for me.  As you know by now...
I am More Than a Mother.

Until next time.
 
Cindy

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

What Would I Do If I had to Spend 1 Day Alone?

Hello everyone!  As you know, each week Angelica from AngSuarez Creative will be sending a prompt to challenge those of us who are interested in self exploration.  We are taking a look at who we are as women and the role we play in fostering our own growth and often times hindering it by beating ourselves up with negative talk, etc.  The program is called Summer of Enough.  

This week for the Summer of Enough program we were given the following question to answer...What would I do if I had to spend 1 day alone? - no kids, no work, no phone ... ALONE!

Prompt #3: I know what I want to do if I had to spend 1 day alone.  Nothing sounds better to me than to spend the day somewhere extremely relaxing and peaceful, such as a cabin in the mountains.  I just love the outdoors.  I would spend the day with my Bible, a journal, and worship music.  I would read, write, sing, and pray.  There are times when I love doing these things with other people, but I also love to do them on my own.  Having a day to myself to praise God in the mountains sounds heavenly!!  

So what would you do?  Leave me a comment and let me know.  Have a fabulous day!

I look forward to exploring my past, present, and future.  After all, I am more than a mother!

Until next time! 

Cindy

Spreading love one project at a time

Good morning and thank you for taking the time to read my blog this morning!  I have created a special project to share with you today using this adorable digi stamp from Creative Kuts.


Instead of creating a greeting card, I decided to make a couple of paper dolls for Mariyah, this month's recipient of the  I Feel the Love Project gifts.

Click on photo to enlarge
 
Each doll is 5 inches tall.  

 The sentiment "Hugs to you" was added using the Cameo cutting machine software.


The dolls were separated using the Photoshop program where they also received a change of clothes and a new hair color.  It is so fun to be able to mix and match clothes and to play around with these dolls. The combinations of choices are endless.  I just love working with digi stamps and cutting files.  You can design forever and keep creating new and original figures with the same files!

I hope I have inspired you to make a card or project for Mariyah as well.  She can really use as much love and support as we can send her way.  You have until July 31st to get your cards sent in so there is still plenty of time.  To get all the details, click HERE.
 

I will be linking up my project to Pink Cricut's Link it up Tuesday.

The North County Indians have a game tonight at 7:oo p.m.  For those of you who live here locally, I hope to see you there. Let me know if you would like to go or need tickets to a game. As the Guest Services Coordinator I will be there cheering them on.  No time to rest.

As you know.  I am more than a Mother!!

Until next time.
Cindy 


 Please consider making a donation to the I Feel the Love Project- Thank You

Friday, July 5, 2013

A Card for Mariyah and a Free Digi

I hope that all of you reading this had a safe and fabulous 4th of July.  Thank you for taking a moment today to peek in and see what I am sharing with you.

Today Melin at Papercraftingworld.com is showing her support for the I Feel the Love Project by giving away a free digi stamp on her web site - Mypapercrafting.com.   Head over for all the details.

This month's I Feel the Love Project recipient, Mariyah, is a HUGE Barney fan.  This digi stamp can be used on cards to send to Mariyah.   


Here is the card I designed and created using 
this Barney digi stamp.


Click on photo to enlarge

Barney loves to hang out by his swing set, so a swing set was created by cutting tan card stock and inking the edges with brown ink. Swinging next to Barney and also wishing Mariyah well is a sweet girl cut from the Kate's ABCs Cricut cartridge. 
I hope I have inspired you to make a card for Mariyah as well.  She can really use as much love and support as we can send her way.  You have until July 31st to get your cards sent in so there is still plenty of time.  To get all the details, click HERE.



It is Friday and the North County Indians have a game tonight.  As the Guest Services Coordinator I will be there cheering them on.  No time to rest.

As you know.  I am more than a Mother!!

Until next time.
Cindy 


 Please consider making a donation to the I Feel the Love Project- Thank You

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy 4th of July and God Bless America!


I am so excited to share with you today my first ever Design Team post on my very own blog.  For those of you who are new to blogging and crafting, the Paper Crafting World Design Team creates handcrafted greeting cards, scrapbook pages, altered items, ect. using cutting files and digi stamps from the Paper Crafting World collection.  We are here to show you a variety of different ways that these products can be used and just how easy it is to make simple, yet beautiful, handcrafted items.

Today, I am honored to share with you a card I made to highlight those who proudly serve in the U.S. armed forces.  As we celebrate Independence Day today, I would like to take time to personally thank those who make the sacrifice each day to keep America safe and free.  THANK YOU!  

And on a personal note, thank you Petty Officer Third Class Dalton Womack for your service.  I love and miss you.

The digi stamp on this card is a flag waving Uncle Sam and it can be found at Papercraftingworld.com.  The stars were made using the Stand and Salute Cricut cartridge.

This digi stamp comes pre-colored or black and white if you prefer to color it yourself.  I think it is adorable!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Have a fabulous and safe 4th of July.  God Bless America! Now off to check on my house guests because as you know by now...

I am More Than a Mother.

Until next time.
 
Cindy