Chez Renee' Marie Designs

Mom’s 82nd Birthday

Renee — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:34:30 +0000

Today is my beautiful mother, Helen’s 82 birthday! She is phenomenal. I’ve planned a little get together for her with just family and unfortunately only about 7 of us can be there. I say it’s the thought that counts, however, I absolutely got upset with everyone who couldn’t come and that normally (whatever normal is) is not like me. Therefore, I must now spend the next week apologizing. Oh well, I guess that’s growth on my part. I am just so happy to still have both of my parents that I do try to write in my Gratitude Journal daily.

My mom is a fabulous woman. First of all, she has the patience of Job. She will be married to my father come next Valentine’s Day for 60 years. That alone gives her accolades that should never end. She is the best artist in the world, with a close second coming up behind her; my daughter Rhiannon. They both have this aptitude to just look at a knitted project that has a mistake (here I am talking about my knitting and know exactly what to do to fix it. My mom is a collector of fine items; many I don’t understand the thought process behind, but then that makes her Mom. She collects fine china and crystal. Fenton glass is both hers and my father’s favorite glass to collect. Except I understand it is not “glass”. Opps, I apologize for that error. She collects the most phenomenal rocks and makes the most beautiful necklaces, rings and my favorite, bracelets. She loves music boxes, recipe books, refrigerator magnets, and most importantly elephants (trunk up, not down). She is just an avid collector.

To my credit, I’ve joined her artistic path and design cards, scrapbooks, 3-D home items. She started me on the card designing when she learned how to do this intricate string art. I really have to start photographing the cards as they are beautiful. After I saw all the things she was doing with paper, I got the urge. She however, left it in my hands to collect all the items we need to do every type of paper craft thought of. To date, we now have a beautiful collection of items to assist this in carrying out our crafting.

I do have to mention that my mom is also the most persevere woman I know and she keeps on things until they are complete. When I was young my mother worked full time, kept the house, cooked all meals and helped my father build a mobile home court on her off time. All the while, my mom has always kept up with her crafting and art work. She is amazing.

I just never want to be without my mom, she is so good to me. I’ve never understood anyone in the world who doesn’t put their mom on a pedestal. The only thing is they should always put enough pillows around the bottom because she may goof once in a while, but I put her right back up there. Today, I just want to urge you all to call you mom or see her and tell her how much she means to you. Life is so short and I couldn’t stand it if I couldn’t tell my Mom everyday how much I love her. If your mom is already with God, then talk to her anyway; I believe they know all that is happening with us! And, for those of you who are not mom’s yet; just remember love your child unconditionally and that’s all you need. Oh, and a lot of prayers, that’s always helpful!

I love you Mama, Happy Birthday! Hope this year is your best yet!

How Long Has it Been?

Renee — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:20:00 +0000

I cannot believe how long it’s been since I blogged last. Things in my life have been so hectic and eventful that I just can’t go into it all or I’d be typing all day and you’d be reading all night or drop off too sleep in the middle of the whole boring story.

Mainly, I’ve been working on my studio and slowly but surely getting that together. I’ve re-organized it all, with the exception of the small semi-walkin closet. Last week I found a wonderful armoire for just over $100 to build some shelves in and this is where I hope to house 75 % of my sewing stash. I have some much fabric, however, that I doubt I can even fit half of that in the armoire. The remainder of my sewing supplies will fit though. I will be uploading pictures tonight of the shelves and armoire which I am re-working, just so everyone can see how anything can be beautiful with a little paint and glue. LOL.

The reason my studio is taking so long and why I quit counting the days is because, I am the only one who is doing the work and often times I am at the mercy of family, friends and neighbors to help me move the big items just to continue working on one item.

Also, I’ve had the most difficult month in my life with so many health issues cropping up. Currently, I’m being screened for Multiple Sclerosis. Talk about waking someone up. I’m not as nervous as I was a few weeks ago, however, I just was released from the hospital a few days ago and I’m doing well. Let’s just say, I am a survivor and I know I’ll make it through this trying time and come out ahead! Thanks for all the notes I received in the last few weeks I received wondering where I went. Just had a little forced RNR and now, I’m doing much better.

Oh, here is a fun item. Right before I had to go to the hospital, I bought a Sizzix Big Shot. I absolutely love it. I already have the Xyron personal electronic cutting sytem and the Cricut, but there is just something about the texturing one can do with a Big Shot. The other cool thing; it’s pink. When my best friend saw it at our favorite stamping store, she took a picture of it and sent it to me via our mobile phones and she was right! Pink and rhindstones cannot be wrong! Not for this girl.

Back and Ready to Go

Renee — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:56:57 +0000

I’ve been away from my blogging for a few weeks. I’ve really been going through life lately. All is well on my home front. I’m happy to say that my children and I are on solid ground again. My son is currently fighting for custody of his beautiful four year old daughter. Just out of the blue his ex has decided that he cannot have any more visitation. We are so very fortunate in our family to have connections! My son’s father remarried a lady (unfortunately for her had just a horrible divorce and had to deal with her ex-husbands abuse toward her oldest daughter) who really knows the court system and by that I mean, she knows a Judge who happens to be the Judge in the very county that we live. She also knows someone who works for the Children Services Division and by that I mean she is the Director of that Division! Long story short: My son’s ex filed for a restraining order against him and his step-mom. She went before the Judge Ex Parte and (teehee, giggle, lol…) and her request for a restraining order was denied. Finally, because my son’s step-mom knows the head hancho, finally many of our past complaints regarding the care of my grand-daughter are finally being looked into. All of his restraining orders have been granted. Now, the case goes before the Judge in late September for temporary custody and the final steps being the first two weeks of October are set for the trial. One of her chldren has already been removed from her home for the same issues and she has not even visited him regularly and that was eight (8) years ago. I could never go that long between visits with my children. I think the big guy in the sky is with us on this one. And, by big guy in the sky, I mean God!

I’ve been struggling quite a bit with my health. Still waiting for my MRI for confirmation of the MS, however, I have veen giveb the clinical diagnosis which just means that I have all of the synptoms and enough to warrant a diagnosis. I’ve been trying to keep up the smiles and realized a couple of days ago that I have just been whining like a stuck, chubby, little piggy. Since I realized my pitty party, I have put it under control and know that I am going to be fine. Nothing will be any different than now as there is no treatment over and above what they are already doing for me.

Along the same topic; I spent last Monday sitting at the hospital waiting for my daughter to get out of surgery. They diagnosed her with a dermoid cyst and it turned out during a laparoscopy that she in fact did not have a cyst but endometriosis. Her physician told us that she would treat it aggressively for six months and then it was time for her to begin the path of motherhood. And my reaction to this is…..YES, MORE GRANDCHILDREN! I am so excited I can hardly wait.

More later, I have to call my boyfriend back. Then I have to get myself to bed as I work at 5:30 a.m. in my brolther’s coffee shop until 1:00 p.m. Then off to the post office because I forgot to mail my friend in Australia’s material. Check out her blog it is absolutely wonderful. Especially if you love quilts like I do! Her blog is MagikQuilter.wordpress.com

What is happening with our world today?

Renee — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:40:03 +0000

Usually I write funny posts, but today I am sorry to say is not so funny, in fact, not at all.

I have just found out that all these crazy symptoms I’ve been having for years may be Multiple Sclerosis. I am determined to keep fighting the symptoms, but I’m a little releived that we may have an answer. Unfortunately not an answer that will make me feel better, but an answer. My daughter has cut herself out of my life and doesn’t care. At least all of you do and thank you for writing and asking.

One of my dearest friends found out today that her nephew died of erotic asphyxiation. I didn’t even know what it was but evidently they put a noose around their neck to stop air to the brain and pleasure themselves, when that happened, he jerked back and hung himself. My entire family is in disbelief. Can this really be the thing that kids are doing now days? I guess so.

I can’t give more tonight. I am still upset about my girl (daughter) all I’ve done since BlogHer was over is cry. I’m facing this MS thing. Trying to be strong for my friend. And, I am in a new relationship which is so good, but I’m having trouble not talking about this thing with my daughter. I expect once he hears the drama that she is creating he’ll want to leave. I find that’s what all men do. And, I guess that’s okay. Anyway, I miss writing and next time promise to be happier.

Oh, I know in all this drama that I thought was over from my life since my son turned 18, 9 years ago; I made the cutest scrapbook with only 8 pages. I think I’ll photo it and put it on flickr soon. Bless you all.

Blog Her

Renee — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:38:02 +0000

I am just back from putting my daughter on the plane for San Francisco to attend Blog Her. Evidently anyone who is anyone is at this conference. I think that applies to those of us under 35. I unfortunately am not, however, I am young enough to be excited about it and learn all the fun new things that Rhiannon (my daughter) will bring back to me. Anyone who wants to learn, keep posted.

As some of you know, I’ve been under the weather and now, I think I’m on the mend. I was out all day shopping, which for me is unusual. I love shopping, but on the internet. Today called for actually going to many different stores. I will say, if there is a Linens and Things in your area, you must go this week, the sale is crazy. I cannot believe how much I saved today and they even take competitors coupons! What could be better?

I am finally uploading two pictures of my studio before anything is done. The reason I want to share is less than 6 months ago my studio was set perfectly and there was a place for everything. Since then I’ve added things like, Xyrons, Cricut, professional hand paper cutter, and on and on. I counted over 30 additions–no wonder I have to stop and re-do. I have some health challenges in general so it will take me longer than normal. My fabric along has taken a week to sort, fold and file. Yes, file. I think that’s called OCD but who cares. I love organization. The only problem is that it’s taking me longer to begin selling on Etsy. If anyone has viewed my Flickr and has seen the cards let me know what you think. I’m thinking of selling them in groups of different types of cards in a fancy box for a nominal fee. Almost all of the cards are 3-D and it seems that’s different from what I’ve seen for sale. The cards for sale are lovely, but are mine as worthy? Really, I’d love to hear from you.

Well, now to the EHarmony story. I had to tell my nice friend that I met that I couldn’t see him any longer because even before I met his daughter on July fourth he informed me that he was involved in several law suits because so many had done him wrong. Exit, stage left. Need I say more? That scared me. My month is up and I’ve declined to continue. I have been communicating with a gentleman who lives very close to me and again, he seems nice, however, I am going to take it very easy and go very slowly. Luckily with the first man, nothing happened just a few candlelit dinners and nothing physical. Wew! I’ll be careful and be slow to judge this time around if I even meet with him. I think I am just too old and have lived alone too long to deal with a man. Besides, my two tiny toy poodles need mommy to themselves, LOL.

Rhiannon comes back Monday from Blog Her, will have a report then, but perhaps I’ll write Sunday as I attend my 34th class reunion on Saturday. The fun thing is it is an all class reunion which means my brother, sister and my mother will be attending. Get this my mother had not finished highschool so when I attended the first and second grades, she attended her junior and senior years. She went full time and she was the most popular student there. The community I live in was very small at the time so we were actually within steps of each other and that gave me great comfort as a first and second grader! More Later!

Back to Work, almost.

Renee — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:16:55 +0000

Sorry it’s been so long I’ve written, but I had a serious infection and then the antibiotic the doctor ordered gave me a serious reaction. I’m feeling much better today, but not up and back at it. My daughter is going to the Blog conference in SanFrancisco. She’s so excited I can’t wait for her to get back and tell me all the great things going on in Blogging. Anyway, as I said, I’m just not up to par just yet, hopefully tomorrow. Take care.

This really happened

Renee — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:58:12 +0000

Late one evening, or should I say early one morning at dark o’thirty (and by this I mean 3:00 a.m.) my much loved tiny toy poodles felt the need to sit in a row and stare at me until I woke up. When that didn’t happen with just a stare, Princess Fifi decided to lick my nose–that worked well! I didn’t know what I thought was happening, but I moved out of my slumber quickly. I quickly realized they all wanted to go outside, evidently I left the water down too long. Anyway, I staggered to the door, opened it and they took off running. ( I live in a home that sits on a double lot which is about a quarter of an acre). I turned around and ran into the bathroom and suddenly heard the worst noise I had ever heard, back out to the backyard I went and there stood my 4 pound toy poodle (male, of course) Tobi, with his two front paws onto a smaller varnmint of unknown origin. Not knowing what it was and very frieghtened at this point, I husseled the dogs back into the house, just then my 20+ pound kitty, Boobilou (yes, I spelled boobi, and yes she is weight challenged-here we are not allowed to use the f word because she is very sensitive), ran out. I ran after her and to catch her, I had to lean over the scarey varmint to pick her up and just as I did, the animal jumped to its feet and stuck it’s two paws with extremely long nails up in the air and made the worst noise I’d ever heard. I absolutely panicked and ran into the house and the cat close on my heels. Oh my goodness, it was an opossum, playing opossum (playing dead), I just wished it had continued. Needless to say, I then needed to look it up on Goggle to see what to do. Here’s the weird thing; opossums are marsupials. Those ugly, ugly animals are from some of the cutest creatures on this earth. I learned that most veteranarians will let customers use their trap, which is baited with dog food. It is then set out for the next evening and most often with success the very night the trap is set. Luckily, my neighbors know all the crazy stuff that happens to me and he set the trap for me and the next morning his wife brought me a picture of it trapped. He then took it down to the river and let it go. Thank you God for good neighbors. Now, no matter what happens my little poodles don’t go out after dark or Mommy for certain will suffer a heart attack and die. Just another day in my life! If I don’t laugh, I will cry!

Oh, by the way. The BBQ was lovely and everything went very smooth, just right with my EHarmony guy. His name is Phill, in case I need to say more about him later in the game.

Independence Day

Renee — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:57:20 +0000

Big things happening in my life today, I’m actually going to my new male friends home for a Holiday Celebration. I’m a bit nervous meeting the family but it has to happen sometime. We are having salmon and steaks and I cannot wait to eat! More to come.

I’ve still been working non-stop on my studio. This project is taking much more time than I thought it would. I’ve always been organized, but I’m taking it a step further and becoming so organized, it’s all in a clever little book that I carry with me so I know what I need and what I don’t. I’m trying to cut down on the shopping which overtakes me when I see the word Sale and it’s next to fabric or scrapbooking supplies. Anyway, more on the re-organization later!

Day, oh I forget, Studio reorganization

Renee — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:01:03 +0000

I am so excited. I was able to find the Tiffany Box Blue color and it was so close that when they put a drop of the paint on the box, it was virtually impossible to see any color variation. I cannot wait to complete the project, however, I have to do all of the work just a little bit at a time since my car accident three years ago.

On my very first blog I mentioned that I was going to try out EHarmony.com. Hard to believe because not only has my daughter found a nice young man to go out with, but unbelieveably I have met a nice older man to go out with. Her friends name is Bill and my friends name is Phill. Both of us have ex’s with the same first name. I find this so funny. I know she’s been having fun and so have I. I cannot believe that we have both met men who clicked with us so well–you know how the oh so talented artists we have become. LOL. Anyway, it is fun and funny too. What’s really bad is I do like the guy I met and now I have like 35 more men to talk to and I’m having a difficult time selecting when now I’m not really even interested. Oh well, this dating thing is so new to me, most of the time, I just laugh about it all as it is all too silly. Seriously, any great date ideas, just anything you can give me would be so appreciated. (Ask your husbands and then let me know–great idea, LOL.

Well, off to do more re-organizing. I spent most of the day in the ER today because last night just prior to going to my parents to fix their dinner I fell and sprained my knew and ankle. I cannot believe what a klutz I have become. My feet are only a size six so it can’t be that they are too big.

Take care and I’ll write more as soon as possible. I’m still lovin all of your blogs even though I’m not able to comment on each and every one.

Day Two (really three) Studio, but who’s counting?

Renee — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:38:30 +0000

Seriously, this is an undertaking. I have a picture of the start of the mess. Since the day I moved into this home, I had my studio put together nicely and always had a lovely time while I was in my zone. Then, my 26 year old son moved in for five months and it through absolutely everything off. Reason being, I have a three bedroom; one room to sleep in, one room dedicated to my clothing and my poodles goodies and then my studio. So, when he moved in all of my closet was divided between my bedroom and the studio. I wonder if it will ever get done. Not only that, but I had a good Christmas (that is I was good to myself this Christmas). I ended up getting the Xyron Design Runner and it’s companion mate, the Cricut, new Fiskars stamp press, extra cartridges for the Cricut and the Design Runner. Anyway, now it seems like I have really outgrown my studio which is the larges room in the house.

Today, I got my two 6 foot bookcases which I plan to paint white and my paint. I am also adding an antique desk which I am going to decoupage prior to placing it in the room. Well, it’s dinner time here and I must get going. I fix dinner for my parents every night; tonight it’s halibut. Have a great evening.

Oh, I forgot, I did step out and signed up for E-Harmony. While I’m just at the beginning of the process, I have to say I like that they aren’t begging for my phone number right off. EHarmony has what they call guided communication. After not having dated for a long time, this is just the speed I need to go at…SLOW! I hope I make it through this, I’m really nervous, hopefully, I’ll calm down soon. Not to mention, it’s expensive to sign up with eharmony.com. I friend of mine mentioned another dating dot com, which I will check out if this is a bust. Wish me luck!