Sunday, December 29, 2013

A VERY BLONDIE CHRISTMAS


My descent into pain and misery occurred after all of the festivities of Christmas so I still have much to share with you.  I have done this post in baby steps so I don't get yelled at for being out of bed.















This year I veered away from the usual overnight egg casserole as I found a slow cooker recipe that sounded really neat.  It's layers of frozen hash browns, peppers and onion, 2 types of shredded cheese and then an egg mixture poured over.  Problem was, I'd have to wait until 2:00 a.m. to have it ready in 8 hours, or 6:00 a.m. to do it in 4 hours on high.  So I set my alarm for 5, jumped up, threw it together and then went back to bed for a few more Zzzzzz's.  It was delicious, very moist and so easy to serve right out of the crock.

Along with the egg dish, we had pancakes, bacon, toast and fruit.  I set up little 'cooking stations' so everyone could help.  MC was in charge of bacon at the stove, Deirdre made pancakes on my big electric skillet, Abby made toast and Emily fussed with the buffet.  





Brunch wrapped up about 1:00, and then The Husband and I joined Kevin and MC at her sister's home with her whole family, all of whom we love.  Abby and her boyfriend, Tom were also there.  Emily and Jeffrey had other plans.  Katie does a beautiful dinner of fillets, mashed potatoes, asparagus, homemade rolls and plenty of beautiful desserts.  We had such a great time, although this is about when my back started going to hell. :(





Okay, I've been up long enough.  If I had done this post in parts between going back to bed, this would be about Part 8.  Ha!  My doctor is a great lady and she gave me this tip for icing my back and I thought it was so great that I'd pass it on to anyone that might have to use it (hopefully not).  Fill a Styrofoam cup with water and freeze it.  When it's ready, peel off about the first inch and then hold it by the cup part and massage the ice on your back (or wherever).  So much better then an ice pack.  I can't say anything good about the pain medication, it gives me a headache.  How can that be?  Should I take Tyelenol with it for the head part?

I will be back in a few days with my "Year In Review"  I did that for the first time last year and I really enjoyed going through my old posts and pictures.  As my blogger friend, Carol, wrote to me today, it gives you a nice perspective on the year.  I've often gone back to that post, it cheers me up when I feel I'm not accomplishing things...yes, Jane, you have and did.  And it makes you feel amazing that you made it through some rough waters...yes, Jane, you survived!

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year! :) 

XO,
Jane

53 comments:

Unknown said...

So sorry you are having back problems. I get them from time to time. Not fun! Sounds like Christmas was great at your house. We had a fabulous time with the kids and grandkids! So much fun. I think everyone got what they wanted, at least the grandkids did for sure!! We do spoil them, but what the heck!!

Hope you get better quickly and hope the New Year is good to you!

Take care!

awal.ny said...

How sorry that you are not up to par. I am glad you had a great time leading up to it. I hope you are feeling better soon. Have a wonderful New Year. Alaina

Anonymous said...

oh Jane, I'm so so sorry you are down and out, take care and heal up, do what the doctor says, you had a beautiful Christmas, everything looks so fine and elegant, very tasty too!I love the napkins with Santa reindeer on, so cute!

Wanda said...

What a lovely Christmas, and that you got through it...so sorry about the back pain. I've only had a bad back once..OUCH, it was enough for a lifetime.

Love all your decorations, the lovely pictures of your family, the your dollar store vases with cranberries...I'll remember that for next year.

Wish you much health and 'HAPPY' in 2014.. Like your choice of your word for the year. I need to get a word for my year. Have several in mind, but gotta pick one.

Happy New Year.

Lynn said...

Sounds like you had a great Christmas Jane! Sorry to hear about your back, be sure to take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon:@)

Sarah said...

Jane, glad you made it through Christmas before the back pain began, but sad you are dealing with it now. Take care and get better soon. Don't rush it.
Your family Christmas looks like special times. Ours was very quiet, but lovely. I like your new word for the year. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Life is good.
Happy New Year!

Deb said...

hi jane
hope your back is feeling better!
sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family xo
Happy New Year ~ wishing you much love, luck & laughter ♥

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Hi Jane, sounds like you had a wonderful holiday with family. Sorry to hear about your back too! Wishing you a a Happy New Year!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

So sorry to hear about your back Jane...rest up and feel better! I'm glad you guys had a great Christmas!

Junkchiccottage said...

Jane,
I hope you feel better soon. I had a back problem in the beginning of the year and I know how painful that can be. I wish for better days ahead. It was fun to see your Christmas celebrations.
Kris

Kathleen Grace said...

Ugh, so sorry that your back is hurting, that is the worst pain. I hope the medication and icing it help. It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas though. We have our extended family Christmas next Sunday. It was supposed to be today, but Earl and I were sick the entire week of Christmas and since we are hosting I had to push it back. Today is the first day I have felt able to dso more than dsoze in my chair. Happy New Year friend!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

So sorry to hear about your back. I know that can be so painful and frustrating. It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas.

Wishing you a pain free back and a wonderful New Year!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I'm so sorry about your back. What an awful way to wrap up the holidays. However, I'm so glad that you enjoyed Christmas with your family. I've really enjoyed reading all about it. If I had a mimosa or two I probably wouldn't remember much after that! LOL!

I hope you get well soon.

hugs
Sissie

Linda said...

What a wonderful post!! SO sorry about your back but SO happy you had a great Christmas BEFORE!!
I do so love hearing about your wonderful life!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane,
So sorry to hear about your back - I have a curved spine, so I know what a bad back is (and pain meds give me a headache too - I think it has something to do with fighting it all while in the midst of it, lol).

Your Christmas sounds wonderful - from the breakfast ( I did that with my kids, after hosting the big family dinner the night before til 2am). Catering sounds like a great idea, although I am STILL loving all the leftovers (tonight was probably the last of most of it). Might need that casserole recipe, and those drinks! Haha, love how you said the younger generation had the recipe backwards for the mimosas.

My husband & I don't exchange gifts, but I also bought a useless PB pillow at the last minute (with lots of buttons). The Nora Ephron books looks like a winner too.

I hope your back heals quickly - see you in the HAPPY New Year. I love that sign and your word - HAPPY.
xo
Rita

Kit said...

OMG! Such a small world. The day after Christmas I could barely walk my back was so bad. I have been alternating lying down and short walks and lots of pain killers. We also ended up buying a brand new mattress and that has helped immensely. I feel for you for sure. Take it easy and I remember thinking I was so glad it happened after Christmas. If it had to happen at all. :( So glad you had such a lovely holiday! Kit

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! I'm so sorry to hear about your back! You take care of yourself. Loved your snaps from Christmas. Take care and we'll be blogging together next year too.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Beth said...

Jane, I am so sorry about your back. I said a prayer for you today. I once took a pain pill (Ultram or tramadol) that gave me a beast of a headache - and I'm not one to hardly ever get a headache. I asked for Vicodin instead. lol
It looks like you had a very nice Christmas, Jane. Family time is awesome, especially when good food and fun gifts are included!
Hugs to you, Beth

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Oh, I hope you are feeling better soon, hate a bad back, my hubs suffers with one so I know how you can be feeling.
Wonderful Christmas picture and the baby is chubs for sure:)

Debby said...

So sorry about your back. It was probably building up during all the preparations and then just finally had all it could take. I have degenerative discs in my back.......as most of us have. I had one back surgery and had been doing well. I had a flare up this fall for about 3 weeks. I was beginning to think I was going to have to see a surgeon and it finally got better. It's funny we were talking about the cups of ice tonight. They are a great idea. My mother was given Tramadol before and after her recent back surgery. I am on it daily for my headaches. It doesn't contain narcotics and isn't habit forming. It really works. Pain pills might work one day for me then they do nothing. You might ask about it.
Sorry about your son and his wife. It is hard anymore trying to make it on one salary for these young couples.
We had a great Christmas. My daughter and her two children just got here last night so we have lots of celebrating to do. We were all together at my son's house tonight for HUbby's birthday. What crazy fun.
Feel better. The rest does help. Don't overdo it when you start feeling better. (((((HUGS))))

Melanie said...

I am hoping that by tomorrow, that back pain will be much less...I know how awful that pain is! I loved reading about your Christmas; sounded busy, but lots of fun. xoxo

Pine Tree Home said...

Happy New Year and will be praying that you have a speedy recovery.

bj said...

My dear friend, Blonde Janie...I am so so sorry your back is acting up..will pray it all gets better really quick.
It sounds like you had a great Christmas....(thankful the back didn't hurt until AFTER)...your breakfast sounds awesome...might do that for next year. :)
Take good care and Happy New Year...
xoxo bj

Marigene said...

Wishing you a Happy Healthy New Year, Jane. There is noting worse than having your back go out for just moving the wrong way. Do what the doctor says and get well soon!

Primitive Stars said...

That's what its all about, family, fun and food, love all the pictures......Love that Jingle pillow, sweet....Sure hope the back feels better, no fun at all.....Happy New Year to you and yours, Francine.

farmhouse-story said...

fab post--wishing you a happy, pain free back in 2014, jane!

Leslie said...

Sounds like it was a wonderful Christmas. Sorry about your back ~ take it easy and don't over do it.
Survived is my word for 2013 ~ we did our best to make the most of a crappy year and we made it through it.
Have a great 2014!!!!

Theresa said...

Oh Janie, I am sorry you are having back problems! I will put you on my prayer list right this minute and pray that you are in those new shoes very soon! Love seeing ALL of your Christmas pictures! Looks like everyone enjoyed it! Have a blessed and restful day dear friend, BIG HUGS and continued prayers coming your way!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

So sorry about your back! At first I thought it might be from hoisting one of those babies or small children around as when my boys were little and then when my grandson was little, that 's how I threw mine out. But it seems to have happened a few days later so who knows :( I just hope it improves soon..back pain is horrible.

Meanwhile your son is a hoot with his DECOR advice, ha ha .

Your whole post was fun to read aside from your back...get well soon !

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It sounds like you had a great Christmas, Jane! Well, except for your back going. I had that happen after I put all the bins back up in the attic after decorating. This year I started putting everything away early and did it over a couple of days. I was worried it would happen again. I had to laugh at how your son gets riled up over things like your pillows. My son does things to rile up my husband and I know I said more than once to him, "Why do you have to rile him up?!". I hope you will be feeling better soon!

Happy New Year!

Beth said...

It all sounds wonderful! The photos are great.

I hope your back is better soon!

Claudia said...

I'm so sorry about your back, Jane. I know from experience that it can be very painful indeed. Take care of yourself and do what your doctor tells you! Much love this holiday season,
Claudia

podso said...

I'm sorry about the back problems and hope you see improvement each day. Thanks for the ice tip. I think you may have got your centerpiece idea from me--I had a fatter glass container and included some tangerines … I found it on pnterest last year. I do love using it! IT sounds like you have a wonderful Christmas and were well organized for it all! Hope the weather behaved. A very happy 2014 to you!

Vel Criste said...

I'm so glad you got to enjoy your family and Christmas still despite your back problems Jane! Hopefully the exercises will make it better...

Love the centerpiece you made and that pillow! I too held back on ordering from PB and got the chalkboard pillow (which will make a show for it come next Christmas).

I love your white elephant gift too, makes me HAPPY already! CHEERS to 2013 dear and also to 2014!!!!!! Take care!

Julie Marie said...

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas Jane... just so sorry you hurt your back... hope it starts feeling better real soon... I can't take a muscle relaxer, they make me REALLY goofy!... try some moist heat on it (I sent you an email about it)... love those cute little reindeer napkins, are they new?... and I think your pillows are cute too... sending lots of get well wishes... and a Happy New Year to you!... xoxo Julie Marie

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Oh no! Few things are worse than severe back pain, and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this Jane. I wish there was something we could do to help :(.

Every time I read your posts I have to make mental notes on what to comment on. lol They're always full of tons of information about your very busy life. Firstly, your daughter is beautiful. Secondly, your niece's chubby baby is precious, and lastly, that dessert table looks yummy and it sounds like you had a lovely Christmas.

I was wondering about you recently and thought perhaps you've just been busy like so many people. I wish that's all it was. Please keep us informed and may 2014 being you all good things. (((Hugs)))

Terra said...

Jane, your back problems sound very painful and limiting and I hope you are recovering quickly, with your upbeat spirit. What caused this attack? Is there prevention? On Christmas eve I had severe hip pain for the first time (I could not walk) so I am relating to you a lot. Your family sounds like a close and caring group. Be well my friend.

Lori said...

So sorry to hear about your back ~ thankfully it happened after Christmas and you were able to enjoy the festivities. Happy New Year! xo

Anonymous said...

I am soooo sorry to hear of your back condition. Not fun, as I have been there at times also. It does however sound like a perfect Christmas celebration at your place this year. Get well soon, strap on those awesome shoes and exercise daily. Xox

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Hope your back is getting better by now. Back pain is not fun. Sounds like you still had a great Christmas though. I love your pillows!

Maggie said...

Jane, your stories make me grin every time I visit Blondland, love the idea of the White Elephant game and well done, Mom, for finding the numbered bowls on ebay.Ouch to the bad back though, no eggnog for you next Christmas!
Wishing you all the very best for 2014, see you next year!

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

I had a sore back for about a week and it was horrible, hope yours is better.

Looks like a lovely family holiday. Hope you have a wonderful New Year.

Sue

Anonymous said...

So sorry that your back has put you in pain. I'm happy that you got to enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your family before it starting hurting. Hope you are better soon. Wishing you all the best for the New Year.

20 North Ora said...

Hi Jane - hope your back problems are better! This is no time of the year to have that!

Happy New Year!

Judy

Kelly said...

It was fun reading about how you spent your holiday. It sounds like you had a great time with good food and everyone special around you. That is wonderful! I'm so sorry to hear that you're flat on your back in pain! That is no fun. At least it didn't happen until AFTER Christmas! I wonder if you should try a chiropractor. Some people swear by them. We have a friend who has his back go out from time to time and he just calls his chiropractor and gets an adjustment and then is good as new! I don't know exactly what your problem is so it may or may not be a good idea. It's just a suggestion. Hope you feel better soon!

Betsy Brock said...

Oh, I enjoyed this post very much! I love your useless pillows. haha...tell that son that they have a use...they make you happy! lol....

Happy New Year to you....and I hope your back starts feeling better, too! xo

Elaine said...

So sorry that your holiday fun was cut short by back pain. Prior to that, it sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with family. I have been watching movies like crazy too. Far too much television but it is good to relax ever now and then.

Hope you are out and about soon. Happy New Year!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jane! I enjoyed seeing all of your family photos. I'm sorry that your back has been bothering you during Christmas. That makes me sad for you! I hope you're better in a jiffy.

I love your plates! And your white elephant gift is great. I'd proudly hang it in my home, too!

Happy New Year!

xo,
RJ

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I am caught up with you now!
So sorry about your back dear, hopefully your on the mend now.
I just loved seeing all these pics!
Your beautiful family, your pretty decor and great eats too.
Dan and I are pooped after our adventure to the Mall of America with Addison.
Oh man can that little gal go.
But it was fun.
Sounds like you had a pretty wonderful Christmas minus the back pain. Oh and your pillows are darling, why do they need a purpose? The purpose is to make you happy!!
Big Hugs friend and stay warm,
I am getting mighty tired of our sub zero temps.
Cindy

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Oh my
how I enjoyed reading about your life. In many ways similar to my large family and I seem to now focus on my cottage in the woods and gardening :)
Thank you for your kind comment to me...
I like the word "Happy"
and have used "Grateful" and sure have "Simplified" over the last years....

At Home in English Valley said...

Seems at a certain age we pay the price for all the work involved in holiday preparation. So sorry that you are in pain, and flat on your back. Loved getting a little peek into your family and how you celebrate. How many bottles of champaign? You know how to throw a party! Wishing you health and happiness in the new year! Hope you are better very soon. Love, Penny

Stacey said...

My other comment disappeared:-(. I felt like I was right there with you because of the way you described the festivities! Sounds like so much fun! Love your centerpiece and the slow cook casserole sounds delicious! I am sorry that you hurt your back though and I hope you have a speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing the icing tip. Take it easy and just relax:/). Happy New Year. xx

oldgreymare said...

What a wonderful holiday- You are truly blessed.
Hoping your back is completely healed soon. The post made me smile this morning..as you know hard to do :D