my heart...

I promise to do my best not to ramble today.  So many things running through my mind lately.  All of them good, but all of them lessons that need to be learned, which aren't always the easiest.  I have never been a mama before, so I am learning things for the first time with my little bean...and last time which makes it difficult to swallow.  I'm sensing things changing, little by little, but hard to soak in.  My house and world are quieter than ever.  I am struggling with it.  I love it for her because I know she is off experiencing things that every little girl should, making friends, learning to dance, learning to shoot hoops, learning to be a friend, learning to be silly, learning to listen, learning to play the piano, learning about so many things right now.  And, she's just away.  So, that leads me to what I do with my days...I will stop now, or my poor mom might read this and start worrying about me.  No need to worry mom...I know you went through this too.  I know we all do as mothers and it's just my turn right now.

This first card was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch you can find there.  I tried my hand at a Gluber...for those of you who may not know what a Gluber is, it's a huge, sticky glue dot, and I am officially hooked.  I created this ribbon flower using it, and well, I will be stocking up on them.  I have another project I'll share with you in a few days which uses a Gluber in another way...they're wonderful!

All of the supplies used on this card can be found HERE at Emma's Paperie.

Lastly, a card for Cath.  She's been my mentor and my friend and I appreciate her more than she knows.  Thinking of you Cath!

I'll be back with supplies in a bit.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf from lemondropsfoodie.

For now...I feel the need to bake.  It always seems to bring me comfort.  

Enjoy your day!

Melis

Comments

[Virginia L.]

What a YUMMY post, Melissa! Each of your cards is full of delightful and gorgeous elements! Love your exquisite card for Cath as it is crafted from your heart! Thank you for being part of the blog hop for Cath! xox

[Patty O'Malley]

Beautiful cards! Love the flower you created with the Gluber (I've never heard of it). I know how you feel as the house gets a bit more empty at times. It is hard to deal with but you do. I tend to use the quiet times like you--crafting, baking or reading as I enjoy those things so much and my son always shows such enthusiasm when I make something special.

[Troy Louise]

Lovely cards as always! I feel for you in the Mom department. I only have one also & he is getting ready to graduate from college in May. He is also clear across the country. I miss him more than words can describe. But, he is so good about keeping in touch & letting me know what he is doing. I'm sure you will always be close even when she is away. You're a great Mamma. Big Hugs.

[Kolleen moss]

Little ones growing up and spreading their wings can be difficult to adjust to. You will though. She will always love you. We all grow up. I know you have raised her well and that will help. Hang in there.

[Christine Penaflor]

I can certainly understand how you feel, Melissa! Our oldest daughter will be twenty soon, and she's out experiencing more of life than ever before. These are part of the different seasons of life, and I have learned that as long as we continue to be closely connected to them and have their hearts, they will always feel close to us (although it may be more challenging to us as moms to adjust to it! ;D ). You've blessed her with so much love, and I'm sure you will always be close to one another no matter what!

Thank you for sharing your heart and your works of art, Melissa! Your words and projects never cease to inspire me!

[Stella]

You are not rambling. This blog is a part of you and writing about what is on your mind is something you can do whenever you want to...I am with you. With both our sonds living on their own I am so thankful to have them in the same city where we live.Being a mother I really KNOW that it's part of our life that they will be leaving the house. But there is also a heart in every mother and it hurts. They come home often and I soak in every minute of it. I miss them...just being together and sharing all the little things we used to share about daily life. It makes life so special and being their mother means the world to me. I am not complaining. I see them often. But still....On the other side; it's another part of our life and that also offers other opportunities. And that's also precious and wonderful to experience. But yes; it does take time to adjust and find more peace in your heart about the fact that they are grown up.
Your cards; I've seen the glubers before but never used in a way as weonderful as you did. The soft pink you used is a wonderful contrast with green and makes it a perfect match. I love this card. Subtle and your design is just brilliant. Your card for Cath made sigh. Blue is my favorite color and this muted shade of blue is right up my alleye. Another perfect mix and match of papers, embellsihments and design....I love this post; you really touched me. Apologies for a comment as long as a bookpage; have a lovely day. Take care; please know that you are not alone...

[Holly Saveur]

Hi Melis as a mother we all know what you are talking about..it hurts...not only when they are young..but also when they are older...every time you have to take a step back and let them go...
Gorgeous cards as always..your cards are always so sweet and pretty as the person you are inside
Melis.

[Teri Suliks]

Melissa, the good part of letting her go is the fact that she knows that you are there for her always! I understand completely as both of mine are grown and on their own, but now, I am going through it all over again with my grandchildren, I have kept them since they were babies while Mommy and Daddy work, and now that they are 6 and almost 4, they are begining the journey of growing up and my heart hurts all over again!! But we will get through it.... (I am encouraging a third child but it's falling on deaf ears!! lol!) Even though it seems like it has not been nearly long enough, you have to realize that it may now be YOUR time, too!
Thanks for sharing your time with us!!!!
Hugs,
Teri

[laura huffman]

to know that you are loved and able to spread your wings. that is what my mother gave me. and you are doing the same for your daughter. to have a place to come back to where somebody knows you deep down. loves you for who you are regardless of your flaws (those are precious too). always love coming here to hear how things are going. and to see what you've been up to. love how you share yourself as well. happy days to you and sending hugs. my two are just about ready to fly. one in university and one getting ready to go in the fall. life is change. i'm feeling it. struggling with it and trying to figure out what do I do now. have a great week and end.

[Davi]

Such beautiful cards as always Melissa..love the flower made with the glubber. That is a interesting thing hope to be able to get my hands on.Brings tears to my eyes as I read that you are finding out its exciting to watch our little critters spread their wings and fly but there is a hole made in our hearts too.Many bitter sweet moments come as they grow up and yes away from us in the sense they start venturing out and doing things on their own.The process that God has ordained for them to grow and one day become one with their own prince. Treasure each and every moment as I know you do and you have created the safe haven she can run to in her times of heart break and they will experience some of that along their journey too. Mine are gone with precious children of their own and far away but you know I still miss the patter of little feet the sweet hugs and adoring looks as they look you in the eyes and tell you mama I Love You !! Never the less as they grow you will find God always fills the voids and you also get to add those amazing grandbabies to your circle of love! Big hugs to you Melissa :)

[A Facebook User]

Hi Melis, Thank you for writing me, but I'm afraid you didn't get my reply again. I wrote you back on January 30th. Maybe you could add me to your address book? Or we could contact each other via FB?

[A Facebook User]

Ups, that was Anastasia again, sorry. At FB you could find me as Anastasia Tsygankova)) e-mail: nastasiar@yandex.ru

[jan m]

Nothing better than lemon blueberry for a 'pick me up'! Beautiful projects!

[AOK]

Melissa,
You are brave to admit what we all go through and by doing so you help those who do not have anyone to share it with. Thanks for that. Hugs and hugs and hugs all round to us all. Love your posts as always.

[Deirdre]

Beautiful creations - I think one of the hardest things is letting go... I know I want to wrap my little guys up in "cotton wool" until they are 40! Hugs to you.

[Sally]

Your post brought tears to my eyes! Being a mama sure does pull on the heart strings. My eldest (of 2) just started school. New changes in store. Thanks for your lovely designs. I check your blog every morning.

[Lisa]

Oh the mommy pains. You're not rambling Melissa and every mother knows what you're feeling. My only son is grown and married, and I still get mommy pains from time to time. The wonderful part is that he's NEVER SHY about giving me a big hug and kiss on the cheek no matter where we are or who is around. Sometimes he'll pick me up and give me a whirl ;) She knows you're there she's just growing up and spreading her wings. She also knows that love and safety are in your arms. Hang in there sweetie. God gave you this precious little gift and will see you through all of her stages of life.

Your projects today are delightful. I really love the second, such soft lovely colors.

[Beth]

I LOVE your blog... it is so nice to KNOW I am not the only 1 going through Mom things! It is so hard...you want the best for them...I guess we can just love them, guide them, pray and give them hope.. be the very best we can be..and some homemade treats never hurt!!.. seeing that bread makes me want to ignore housework and bake some!! Have a GREAT day.. Thank You for sharing yourself and BEAUTIFUL creations.. and YUMMY recipes with us!

[Linda]

Wonderful post! I need to make that bread:)

[Carrie T]

I don't usually comment, but when I read your post, I felt that I needed to do just that. I believe that one of the hardest things that we do as mothers is let go, but we must so that our children can soar. I celebrate that my daughter is growing and developing normally and that she wants to be with her friends instead of me. (Yes, I do still miss her when she is not here with me.) Why? Because I also have an autistic child who will never have friends and will never "leave the nest". What I wouldn't give to feel the sadness of letting go with him, too, but it is not to be. I know how hard it can be when dreams are left unfulfilled. Take care of yourself, say prayers for strength, and hug your daughter a lot. It helps.

[Nancy]

Hi Melissa!
You are so honest and open with your feelings. I love that about you and it's always inspiring to read your blog.
I've had those same feelings, and am currently struggling as my youngest will head off to college next year.
My adult children are such blessings in my life. Relationships evolve and we move into new stages of life, but the feelings and bonds remain. Your little girl will always be your little girl, even when she has children of her own. And that's when the fun really begins (ask your mom:-))
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely art and life's moments.
Sincerely,
Nancy

[Lharris10]

Hey Melissa,

As many of these moms have commented,what you're going through is normal but yes, it is so terribly painful. I have two daughters myself. My oldest is in her final year at university and my youngest in her last year of high school. I'm going through the same emotions with her right now, even more than I did with my oldest daughter because I know my youngest is going to be the last little birdie out of my nest where it's safe and nothing bad can happen to them. It's hard to watch them get jobs and friends (and yes, boyfriends) and go off and live their lives. Yet, at the same time I know if they were just staying home with me all of the time something would be terribly wrong. It turns out growing up is a journey for parents just as much as it is for their children.

On a lighter note, your card is adorable and I'm totally on the same page as you about Glubers. I LOVE them and I'm absolutely addicted lol!!!!!

Thanks so much for sharing your feelings so openly with the world. It's always nice to know you're not the only one going through something difficult. But it takes courage to actually admit to having these feelings and girl, you've got it in spades! Now that is a great role model for your daughter to learn from.

[Lisa Dolson]

A beauty of a card, Melissa! Your flower is gorgeous.

Hope your world shines bright on you today while missing your little one.

[sarita]

i knew you would get a lot of comments because everyone wants to give you hugs. i truly believe that we are given our children by God. It is OUR job to raise them the best that we can and then to let them fly. It's not easy for sure.She is becoming the person she's meant to be. gosh - we can give you all kinds of words, but it doesn't always help the heart does it? BIG HUGS to YOU.

[sue morris]

How beautiful melissa! and the loaf looks delicious!