Sunday, January 31, 2010

Hello!! Remember Me?!!

Hello, Friends!!    I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post!!  Almost a month!!  I promise I won’t let that much time pass between posts again! 

Chuck’s surgery went pretty well.  It was definitely rough the first week and a half.  He was very sore.  We weren’t expecting him to be as incapacitated as he was.  The urologist insisted that the inside of his cheek would hurt more than his “bottom”, but that certainly was not the case!  He was not allowed to sit for 2 weeks – he had to recline.  I had to help lift him off the couch or bed so that he didn’t put pressure on his bottom trying to get up.  Even though he’s allowed to sit now, he’s still a little tender and has to sit gingerly.  He ended up having a regular Foley catheter instead of through his abdomen and will finally get that removed tomorrow!  I think once that’s out, he’ll feel a whole lot better. 

Besides dealing with my hubby that first week, I had a family birthday brunch for Kory and Justin to prepare for at the end of the week.  I definitely missed having Chuck’s help!  We usually make most of the food the morning of the brunch, with the exception of the muffins and the coffeecake.  But since I had to do it all by myself, I made 4 kinds of muffins and 2 pans of coffeecake a couple of days before and threw them in the freezer.  On Saturday, after I took Kory to bowling and then picked up bagels and cream cheese from Panera’s, I made sausage, bacon, hash browns, regular pancakes, blueberry pancakes, French Toast Bake, chicken & broccoli  quiche, plain scrambled eggs and scrambled eggs with green pepper, onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese.   I also baked 2 batches of brownies for our “create-your-own-sundae” bar and chopped some Snickers bars and crushed some Oreo cookies for toppings.  I didn’t get to bed until 11:30 and then got up at 5:00 on Sunday morning to do some last-minute cleaning and other preparations along with putting everything in the oven to warm.  I wasn’t sure how all of it would taste being made the day before, but it turned out pretty good.

We had 18 family members arrive at 11:00 and didn’t think they would stay too long because of Chuck not being up to par, but they stayed way longer than they normally do!!  They stayed until a little after 5:00!  Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed having their company and normally wouldn’t have minded them being there that late, but I was exhausted!!!  On top of that, since the kids didn’t have school on Monday, Justin was having 6 or 7 friends over later that night.  They love my peanut butter cookies with chocolate and peanut butter chips and I promised Justin that I would make some for them.  Well, I was still baking cookies when the kids started showing up.  And the number of kids went from 6-7 to 28!!!!  Chuck ended up going to bed around 8:30 - he was worn out and in a lot of pain.  I wanted to go to bed so bad, but I felt I should stay up until the kids left, which, surprisingly, was 11:30.  I thought it would be much later than that and so glad that it wasn’t!!   Come Monday, I stayed in my jammies all day and didn’t do a darn thing!!  It still took me a couple of days after that to get back to “normal”, if there is such a thing!  lol 

I then went through a period of “winter blues”.  I think it was a combination of being cooped up at home trying to keep Chuck company since he couldn’t do much (and to keep him from doing things he wasn’t suppose to) and the fact that we didn’t have very many days of sunshine.  Our local weatherman stated a couple of days ago that since November 1st we’ve only had 17 days with sunshine! ( I think were up to about 19 now).  We even had a week of fog lasting all day – the temperatures were rising into the 40’s with snow still on the ground creating the fog.  Talk about gloomy!!  I was in such a frumpy mood.  I had no desire to be creative and didn’t even get on the computer for several days.  And what’s even more amazing. . . . . Chuck gave me a gift certificate to one of my favorite prim shops, Primitive Keepings, and I had NO desire to go use it!!  What’s wrong with me?!!!  lol

Luckily, things are looking a little brighter.   Chuck’s feeling much better and almost back to his old self, with the exception of not being able to lift anything over 20 lbs until the end of February.  He’s gotten out a couple of times with me, but feels self-conscious of his catheter bag.  As I said earlier, he’ll get that removed tomorrow and then he’ll feel much better.  This has been hard for him – he’s not used to being cooped up and not able to do anything.  He’s going stir crazy!  The only bright side is, is in the last 3 weeks, he was able to read the four books that he got for Christmas.  One of them is Stephen King’s new book,  Under the Dome, which has 1,072 pages.  Now that’s being laid up!!

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I’ve been trying to “think spring” and have a few projects brewing in my head, so that’s helped lift the winter blues a bit.

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I know I’m way behind and that a lot of you have probably put your snowmen decor away, but I wanted to share this snowman with you.  I bought him several years ago at a craft show and thought it was a very clever idea!  He’s made out of an old cooking pot lid!  The woman that made him said she bought the lids at Goodwill – each one had a different shaped nose due to the handle style.  Isn’t that clever?

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Do any of you notice the resemblance of my blogger background to this picture?

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Yep, it’s my wallpaper!  I had a piece left and scanned it on my computer.  I’ll share more on exactly how I did it at a later date!

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I’m excited to announce that I’m the new Prim Project Coordinator for A Primitive Place!!  Each month I will do a craft tutorial exclusively for APP.  I won’t be posting it on my blog, you’ll only be able to see it by visiting A Primitive Place.  Click on the picture below to check out this amazing forum! 

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My first tutorial is how to make an Artificial Prim Tree.

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Until Next Time. . . . Kris

26 comments:

  1. Hi Kris!....it's so good to know that hubs is doing much better and yep I'll bet he'll feel a hundred times better still with that catheter out!

    Your brunch sounds amazing! so much yummy sounding food! you worked your butt off!

    Congrats on becoming the Prim Project Coordinator for APP, I should look into joining that forum. and I don't put away my snowmen until then end of February because I try to hold off spring as long as I can! LOL! I am just miserable when all the bees, wasps, and miscellaneous flying cooties come out, I despise it!

    BTW, love the blog backgrounds and colors!

    Janet

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  2. I am glad to see you back on!! I am sorry you have had such a rough few months, and I am so glad your husband is feeling better!

    I can't wait for your tutorials! I hope I can get some of the things I will need to make the project here, but I am not sure.

    I love Germany, but I certainly understand the lack of sunshine. We are in the same boat. I really try to keep positive through the dreary days, because I remember it from our last tour here. It's hard though! When that sun does come out, it is going to be blinding! LOL!

    I love your new blog backgrounds! It's very cheery! I hope you have a wonderful day!

    Rachel

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  3. Kris,
    So good to see you back and hear that your hubby is doing good ! Sounds like things have sure been hectic for you. Love that snowman pot lid. I love seeing people come up with these awesome ideas to re~use items that would more than likely end up gracing a landfill. Thanks for sharing that.Praying everything continues to get better for you and your family ! I'm hoping on over to APP to check out your tut. Hope your day was wonderful and your tomorrow is even better =0}
    Prim Huggs n Blessins
    TJ

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  4. Great to have you back Kris!!...You have been missed!!...I think we've all gone through some winter blues this month!!...It will pass!!..Have a good week!!~~hugs,Jen

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  5. It's so nice to hear from you! I'm glad things are getting better for Chuck. Soon this will all be a memory.

    I cannot believe the amount of food you made for the brunch!! Makes me tired just thinking about making all of it.

    I was wondering how you got your blog to match so well. Smartie!

    Looking forward to your tree tutorial.

    Hugs ~ Tonya

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  6. Yes I remember you!! Glad that everything is going well with your DH. The nice thing about blogland is we all have a life outside of this silly computer, and sometimes(!) life gets in the way of our time with each other, but just like "real" friends, blog friends are there for each other when we return. I will agree that our weather has been somewhat of a downer! ~Ann

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  7. Glad you're back & glad to hear that your hubby is doing much better! I know what you mean about the winter blues & not giving a darn about crafting or prims...I went through that about a week or so ago. We all need a little sunshine & warmer weather! I hope things go good for you today!
    Hugs,
    Pam

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  8. I was getting tired reading about that first week!! Youhad somuch tohandle, no wonder you got he blues after. I am so glad hubby is on the mend and pray he does feel better when the catheter finally comes out. And I am exctied to see your first tutorial - how exciting!!

    I hope you get plenty of sun - I am needing this week myself.

    warm hugs, linda

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  9. Hi Kris,

    Wow, I sure do envy you being able to cook like that! No wonder you were beat...than to have boys right after that:)

    I can't wait to see how you do the tree and I really like your background can't wait to see how you do that too!

    Have a great week ahead:)
    Rondell

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  10. Glad you are back Kris!! You have definitely been missed however, it sounds like you have had a full plate lately. Glad Hubby is doing better and I pray that he continues to improve daily. I think I gained ten pounds just reading all that food you prepared!! Going now to see your tutorial. Have a wonderful day!!

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  11. Hi Kris, It is good to know that your husband is doing much better. Your brunch meals sounds so yummy. I missed your posts. Can't wait to see your new projects for APP. Welcome back!

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  12. Welcome Kris. I'm looking forward to your prim tree tutorial. I had been searching just this weekend on a "how to" make one. I love your background too!
    Sounds like you've had your hands full lately and glad for you that your hubby is on the mend.
    Sheila @ Seasons of Thy Heart.blogspot.com

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  13. Welcome back Kris! I have really missed your posts! Wonderful news that your hubby is getting better each day!

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  14. It is good to hear you weren't just laying around being lazy all of this time! LOL
    Geez girl...You just exhausted me reading your post!
    I am glad that hubby is feeling better...it sounds like it has been ordeal for all of you!
    It is sunny today...Yeah! How long do you think that will last?
    Have a relaxing yet productive day today...and Congratulations on you APP position. I am looking forward to reading your new post!

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  15. So glad hubby is doing better. That will certainly help with everyone's blues. I knew we didn't have many sunny days this year, but I didn't know it was that few. No wonder we have the blues. It is supposed to warm up here a little this week. I hope it does for you as well. Your brunch and cookies sound yummy!!! You're such a good mom!! Have a great day and it's good to have you back.
    ~Melissa~

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  16. Glad you are back, Kris!

    Sounds like hubby is on the mend. Hope you get some rest, Janie

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  17. Hi Kris,

    Wow girl, you have had a lot to deal with. Glad Chuck is feeling better, and hoping he continues to heal quickly.

    Your brunch sounds so yummy! Made my stomach growl just reading it! ;-)

    I've been MIA from blogland myself for quite some time. Sure have missed everybody.I've been trying to catch up the last couple days.

    I'm looking forward to your tutorial! Take care Kris!

    Prim Blessings,
    Kim

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  18. Kris,
    Now that Chuck is on the mend,and we're finally getting through that Winter hump...we have your tutorials to look forward too!We all get those Winter Blues...we so need to chase them away!Blessings

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  19. Hi Kris.....I am so glad to see you back blogging again. I have been thinking of you, so glad to hear that your husband is recovering nicely. You sound like you make a great "nurse".
    I can't wait to read how to scan something into the computer for backgrounds.
    I have never been to Primitive Keepings yet, so how about I go when you do and hold all of your stuff! Take care.
    Linda/simplycountryseasons

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  20. Hi Kris...I am so glad to have you back. I certainly have missed you. It is good to hear that hubby is doing better and soon will be well. Take care...
    Susannah

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  21. Welcome Back, my friend! I've missed you too...

    I'm so glad your husband is on the mend and feeling more like himself these days. Hopefully his recovery will continue to go well -- and quickly.

    And it's now wonder you're wiped out! What a month you've had! I hope the sun and your new projects will perk you up as you start thinking spring.

    Can't wait to see more! Don't forget to take care of yourself too ...

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  22. Wow you have been so busy! Glad to hear your hubby is doing ok. Looking forward to reading your tutorials!

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  23. Glad to hear that your hubby is doing better.
    And congrats on your new position on the APP staff! I know you will do great!
    Have a wonderful week!

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  24. Glad to hear that your husband is feeling so much better. I enjoyed your craft on APP site. You have been one busy one, cook, chef, hospitality, nurse, caregiver, crafter,etc, wearing alot of hats. You deserve some rest! Enjoy yourself!

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  25. Kris, u sure have been one busy girl taking care of Chuck as well as the rest of your family.
    Sounds like u need some Kris time soon! Happy that Chuck is on the mend. We have missed u and your projects!

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  26. Glad things are beginning to get back to "normal" for you. I have had the winter blues too and am soooo ready for spring!! Can't wait to check out your tutorial! You do such great work!
    Hugs,
    Donna

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