Friday, December 14, 2012

12.14.12 Tragedy in Connecticut


My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the horrific events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary today.  I cannot even begin to understand this.  Please stop and say a prayer for those involved if you feel moved to do so.

Heartbroken today.

~Madison

Thursday, November 29, 2012

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...


In my craft room!

Migdalia

Nancie

Rae Anne

Jessica

Olivia

Kimi

Thanks to all the cards and banners that have been coming in for the
I Feel the Love Project Nov./Dec 2012




The I Feel the Love Project will be making Christmas Cards during the months of November and early December to be given to the children who will be spending the holidays at Children's Hospital Central California. We believe that delivering hand crafted cards at a major holiday such as Christmas can promote the well being of the mind, body, and spirit of the children staying at Children's Hospital Central California for the Christmas holiday.  I hope you will join us in making cards for these deserving kids. You will be go happy you did! 

This will be one of our biggest projects to date.  Let's see just how many cards we can collect for this project.  Every month this project puts out a call and every month you all deliver.  If you would like to be a part of this project...

All you need to do is:

 Submit your card/s by December 10th to:
Madison Womack
(IFTL) Funky Cards
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA  93423
                 Project #16

 Please share your project with everyone by linking it to my blog before you put it in the mail.  Click HERE to find the photo gallery.

~Madison

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Birthday Ethan

I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT
and Ethan's 3rd Birthday Blog Hop


If you arrived from Scrappin Madge's Lounge you are in the right place, if not, please head back to the beginning of today's hop to Melissa's blog so you don't miss any of the wonderful tributes to Ethan.

I had the opportunity to get to know Melissa and her son Ethan last year.  Ethan will always have a special place in my heart.  Ethan was the fifth recipient of the I Feel the Love Project's cards.  IFTL Project sends cards to individuals or groups of people who are experiencing a difficult time in their lives.  Ethan was born with a liver disease and had over come many hurdles in his young life. Last year I wanted to do something special for Ethan to help him celebrate his 2nd birthday, which was an amazing milestone. This year I am so happy I can do something to help him celebrate his 3rd birthday as well.  Ethan, you are a fighter. You have been through a lot. I will continue to pray for you, your family, and the doctors who look after you.  God Bless you! 

I heard that you like cars Ethan.  I designed this card with you in mind.  It seemed fun and whimsical.  Many blessings to you Ethan as you journey down the road of life and the twists and turns that lie ahead of you!!  


Look out world!  Here comes Ethan! Happiest birthday to you Ethan.  You more than deserve it my little friend.


We do have a few Generous Sponsors for you all today!


5 Winners will receive $5.00 in free files!

  3 Digi Stamps

6 flowers and Ribbons

In order to be eligible to win, you must comment on each blog and follow all three sponsors' blogs.  Please be sure to  thank all of our wonderful sponsors!

It is time to head over to Cally Ann's Crafty Creations.

Thank you for stopping by today.
~Madison

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Amazing Projects

I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

My heart is so full. I am so happy. Cards and banners are pouring in for the kids at Children's Hospital Central California, our Nov./Dec. recipients of the I Feel the Love Project. We have collected nearly 200 projects so far and it is only November 18th. Can I just say once again that you are all so generous with your time and talents. 

Demi

Abi

Jen

Karen

Lori

Shawnee

Ellen

Theresa

This hospital does have the capacity though to hold 300+ kids so there is still a need for more cards, wands, and/or banners. The more the merrier!! I just can't wait to spread the love to these amazing kids. I couldn't do it without you.

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


Submit your card/s by December 10th to:
Madison Womack
(IFTL) Funky Cards
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA 9342
   Project #16


Please share your project with everyone by linking it to my blog before you put it in the mail. Click HERE to find the photo gallery.

~Madison

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Have You Heard?

I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

Message from Madison:
Amazing News!!  

This news comes from Kate McRae's mom.   For those of you who are new followers, Kate was the August 2011 recipient of the I Feel the Love Project.

"Tuesday night we found out that Kate would not be able to have general anesthesia for the 2 1/2-3 hour MRI. The pneumonia clearly ruled it out. We decided to attempt the scan without sedation, Kate being quite determined to do so. Minutes before the scan began Wednesday morning however, her cough was thick and fierce. This caused many to comment that it would be unlikely that they would be able to perform the scan. Well, I should have known Kate's mind was clearly set on doing it, and so she did. 2 1/2 hours later climbing off the MRI table sweaty, cramped and slightly smirking. 

2 hours later we were reveling in the news that there was no evidence of cancer in her brain or spine. Yes, none! No evidence of recurrent tumor. This time Kate couldn't help but grinning from ear to ear. 

18 months ago we were told there was little to no chance she would survive this second fight with cancer. We had known from the beginning we had one chance to beat it. Then it returned. A deep grief seemed to accompany the fear that our days could be short. We were well aware that recurrent, metastatic cancer oftentimes doesn't respond to treatment. This form in particular is a deadly beast. 

Daily a deep grief seemed to inch its way through my soul. The emotional agony of anticipating the potential days ahead leaving me with an overwhelming longing for the days before this monster. It seemed death was coming and I could do nothing but watch and weep. 

So to sit on this side, a year and a half later and see smiles all around the room as the words "no evidence of recurrent tumor" flutter across the paper in front of me, is quite humbling. God in His mercy, not deserved, not earned, showing mercy for my sweet little girl. I wonder if my heart could ever be the same after a taste of that. I hope not. I hope not!

After the news we glided down the usual list of things that need to be followed for a small child having so much seemingly barbaric treatment. Seems few things are left without potential for harm. But I remind myself of what we just heard, life. When most everything medically had pointed to the contrary. We would take the side effects one day at a time. 

We learned that for the first time in over 3 years, we are extending the time between some of her scans. Her brain MRI's will continue to be every 3 months, landing the next one on February 6th. Kate will however, be able to go 6 months between MRI's of her spine. A first I pray of many steps in that direction. 

The next day the news continued. From previous testing we had been told that Kate had potentially lost a good deal of right sided peripheral vision in both eyes. The tumor, the surgery, the radiation, you can take your pick of culprits. She seemed to compensate fine despite it, but we had no idea if it would worsen or simply stay the same. Yesterday we found out that the damage was less than we had initially thought. Our wonderful Dr did a more specific test and determined that she had only lost the upper part of her right peripheral field. I grinned obnoxiously and Kate nodded satisfied. She had always said her eyes were fine. Her Dr then teased that there would be no professional basketball, sky diving or being a trapeze artist in her future, anything else was up to her. She debated the sky diving but slowly conceded. 

And today proved more good news. Her hearing remains normal after high doses of chemo that are very potentially damaging to her hearing. The drugs can damage her hearing for nearly 2 years after its given. We are slowly inching closer to that 2 year mark.

So a week full of God's mercy. Now back to therapy and in December we were given the green light to fully test for growth hormone deficiency related to the cancer, and to begin treatment if warranted. Kate is more than ready. 

We continue to have a lifetime of things to watch for, and war against. The recurrence of cancer being one of many. But we are in an unusual and unexpected place. A gift no doubt. We wanted you to know, as you have prayed alongside us, we now want you to rejoice with us as well! Thank you Jesus, for our most precious of blessings..."

I couldn't wait to share this news with you.  This information brought tears to my eyes.  Kate was just our third recipient and to read how far she has come in her battle with this horrible disease was so emotional for me.

If you haven't had the chance to become a part of this amazing team of crafters who give a card, wand, banner, or some type of handcrafted item to an individual in need please consider doing so this month.  You will be so glad that you did.  You can find all the information you need by clicking HERE.

We can't do this without you!  Thank you so much! I am humbled by your continuous support. 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town


I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT
So who can believe the first week of November has already come and gone?  Not me.  It has been 90 degrees here this week, which hardly seems like November weather.  I do think that we are in for some rain towards the weekend though.  Maybe then it will start to feel more like Christmas is really coming soon.  

Speaking of Christmas, how are those Christmas cards coming along?  We already have over 100 cards for our project thanks to the amazing Girl Scout Troop 928 out of Florida. I will be posting a big thank you to them soon.

I want to share with you a card I made.  It was on my other blog but I will share it with you here in case you missed it:

I just love how this turned out!  Would you like to be a part of this month's I Feel the Love Project and join us in sending Christmas cards to

All you need to do is:

 Submit your card/s by December 10th to:
Madison Womack
(IFTL) Funky Cards
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA  93423
                 Project #16

 Please share your project with everyone by linking it to my blog before you put it in the mail.  Click HERE to find the photo gallery and additional information.

~Madison

Thursday, November 1, 2012

I Feel the Love Project- Nov./Dec. 2012


I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT
I Feel the Love Project Nov./Dec 2012


As stated on the home page of CHCC, "We are a not-for-profit, state-of-the-art children’s hospital on a 50-acre campus with a medical staff of more than 525 physicians. In California, we treat more inpatient cases than any pediatric hospital north of San Diego, making us the second largest children’s hospital in the state. 


Our 348-bed facility is one of the 10 largest hospitals of its type in the nation. We are the first children's hospital west of the Rockies to receive Magnet Nursing designation, the highest nursing benchmark in the world, and we are one of fewer than 10 pediatric intensive care units in the nation to have received the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. We are also accredited by the Joint Commission. We perform more than 11,000 pediatric surgeries a year and our pediatric and neonatal intensive care units have some of the lowest mortality rates in the country while treating some of the sickest kids.

Our Cancer Center is a member of the nationally recognized Children’s Oncology Group, and sees more than 100 new cases a year. Our Willson Heart Center has pioneered pediatric heart care for over 50 years. The mission of Children's Hospital Central California is to provide high quality, comprehensive healthcare services to children, regardless of their ability to pay, and to continuously improve the health and well-being of children."

The I Feel the Love Project will be making Christmas Cards during the months of November and early December to be given to the children who will be spending the holidays at Children's Hospital Central California. We believe that delivering hand crafted cards at a major holiday such as Christmas can promote the well being of the mind, body, and spirit of the children staying at Children's Hospital Central California for the Christmas holiday.  I hope you will join us in making cards for these deserving kids. You will be go happy you did! 


This will be one of our biggest projects to date.  Let's see just how many cards we can collect for this project.  Every month this project puts out a call and every month you all deliver.  If you would like to be a part of this project...

All you need to do is:

 Submit your card/s by December 10th to:
Madison Womack
(IFTL) Funky Cards
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA  93423
                 Project #16


 Please share your project with everyone by linking it to my blog before you put it in the mail.  Click HERE to find the photo gallery.


~Madison

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Many Thanks To You


I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

Message from Madison:
As this month comes to a close I want to thank you all again for your continued support of the I Feel the Love Project.  I am packing up the cards to send to Surrey Place Care Center and the large box is stuffed.  There are actually over 90 cards which means every resident gets a card plus the staff does too!  How great  is that!!  You are so fabulous:) 

We have two amazing teens going to hand deliver the cards and sing to the residents.  It will be a wonderful day.  I hope to get some pictures of the event to share with you.  Come back tomorrow as we announce the project for November and December.  It will be our largest project yet.  

Thank you again!
~Madison  

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Thinking of You


I FEEL THE LOVE

Thinking of all of you who live on the east coast.  Sending thoughts and prayers to you today.  Please stay safe and follow all of the warnings that are posted.  

Love, 
~Madison

Monday, October 15, 2012

Thanksgiving Cards Needed!


I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

I hope you are all having a fabulous day!  I will be working on a few Thanksgiving cards for the I Feel the Love Project October 2012

Take a look at several of the cards that have come in so far:

Jen

Suzanne

Tami



The I Feel the Love Project will be making Thanksgiving Cards during the month of October to be given to the residents of Surrey Place Care Center during November for Thanksgiving. We believe that delivering handcrafted cards at a major holiday such as Thanksgiving promotes the well being of the "mind, body, and spirit" of the residents at Surrey Place CareDo you want to be a part of this experience? Please join us this month! 

All you need to do is:

 Submit your card/s by October 31st to:
Madison Womack
(IFTL) Funky Cards
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA  93423
                                Project #15

 Please share your project with everyone by linking it to my blog before you put it in the mail.  Click HERE to find the photo gallery.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Blog Award

I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

I have just received my first award for this blog and it comes all the way from Germany:)  I received a blog award from Mel, Kreativesuechtig. Mel is a fabulous designer and crafter who lives in Germany and is a supporter of the I Feel the Love Project.

I am humbled to have so many wonderful supporters.  Mel thoughtfully awarded me with this awesome blog award (if you speak German you will understand!)  If not I will tell you that it means "someone gave me this award because he really likes my blog."

Love it!!

Thank you Mel.  I really appreciate it!!
~Madison

Thanksgiving cards needed :)

I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT


Happy Friday to you.  Today I want to share one of the Thanksgiving cards that I made for this months I Feel the Love Project.


Don't you think one of the residents at Surrey Place Care Center would be happy to receive this adorable Thanksgiving card this year?  It makes me smile and warms my heart to know that I can spread joy and love to someone I don't even know.  You can do that too!!  Join us today by creating a Thanksgiving card to send to an elderly person who would be thrilled to receive a card from you!  

All you need to do is:

 Submit your card/s by October 31st to:
Madison Womack
(IFTL) Funky Cards
P.O. Box 1203
Atascadero, CA  93423
                      Project #15


 Please share your project with everyone by linking it to my blog before you put it in the mail.  Click HERE to find the photo gallery.


~Madison

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Sweet Marley


I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

I want to share the post that was written today by Marley Moore's aunt on the CaringBridge page dedicated to Marley. As those of you who have been following me for sometime know, Marley is the face of the I Feel the Love Project, the cards for causes project I started in June of 2011.  Marley was the recipient of our cards for the month of July 2011. 



"It's been one year today since Marley went to meet Jesus. 

I remember it like it was yesterday. We had just returned from our honeymoon, and by the grace of God, we were able to go see her and spend time with her during her final hours. Even in her last moments, she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. 

While it's been a year, some of the memories still remain so fresh. I will never forget the pain of watching her take her last breaths, and the agony of watching Brent and Nikki say goodbye as they held their sweet little girl for the last time.

But was it really the last time? 

The world wants us to think that when we let her go one year ago, we let her go forever. But we didn't. It's one year later, and the pain is still there...she's still gone, there is still a void. But our HOPE is not gone. 

One day, in the blink of an eye, we will meet our Creator. We will bow in awe at the beauty of our Savior, just as our precious Marley did one year ago. As we walk down the streets of gold, we will stand captivated by the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.Then, off in the distance, we will hear a small, childlike giggle. We'll look to see her running towards us. We'll greet her with tears and smiles, and scoop her up in our arms, spin her around, and cling to her beautiful, perfect, healthy, little body. 

And then...we will never have to say goodbye again.

So, while today marks one year without her, it also marks one year closer to seeing her again. One year closer to spending eternity with her. One year closer to praising God right alongside her...forever.

Looking back over the past 12 months, I can't count the number of times that Nikki has said to me, "I don't know how people do this without God." And the fact of the matter is, they don't. 

They don't have hope. They don't have peace. But most of all, they don't have eternity. 

But we do. And Mar, we will see you again."

Thank you for letting me share this with you.
~Madison