Speechless.........

No. Really. I am.   I know...I know....all you regulars out there can't possibly believe it.  "Call her doctor stat...... for God sakes call 911...this must be serious...because she never shuts up. No. Seriously. She doesn't. Just ask her husband" 

But I am.  Speechless.    I pondered not saying anything at all as to not bring negativity into other's lives.  I thought maybe I could say my absence was due to People finally seeing the errors of their ways and picking me up for the Snark Daily column of their magazine.   Or, maybe The "CEO of Tomfoolery" finally got fired for insubordination and watching Wow Wow Wubsy on the job resulting in my new crazy busy position of "CEO of Chaos."   But, then I thought, no, I lay everything else out here on my blog like a tableloth, why not this.  Plus, just being able to write about it and get it to travel from my head to my fingertips to the keyboard to a blank page helps to maybe make sense of it all.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has stopped by to say hi and offer prayers.  I am trying to answer everyone personally....but getting a bit behind.  I been busy over here trying to make life as normal as possible before we venture into a new crazy normal. I thought I could give you an illustration of how I have felt lately:

 

A rollercoaster. This was when we went to Legoland while waiting for the biopsy results.....I love this picture.

I also wanted to share my new snappy short haircut.  We are dubbing it the "Now you see it...Now you don't" do. 

   

We had our 6th Annual Halloween Chili Party as usual over here at the Chaos house.  We get tons of Trick or Treaters so it's alway a fun night......combine that with a bunch of friends, their kids and mulled wine cider and you have a blast. Did I mention lots of mulled wine cider?  Do you like my costume?  It's called "girl who lives in Southern California and gets to wear a tank top on Halloween night"  I'm sending it to my sisters who are in 40 degree Michigan right now.  They hate me.

Here's Carlos as Darth Vader 2nd year in a row......I like to think we're being "green" this holiday by recycling costumes.....

 

Here's part of the gang on the lawn........

 

ignoring trick or treaters while these two guys below doled out the candy.....

 

I think this is where the 18 year old girl dressed as a "sexy" bumblebee walked up....hence the expression on my husband's face.   He kills me when he hands out the candy.....Not only do you get a piece of candy...but a bit of snarky attitude if you are  a) trying to pass yourself off as a "15 year old kid dressed in a t-shirt"....  b) pushing an infant in a stroller collecting candy for said infant..... and, c) a 16 year old girl wearing a waaaaay to revealing outfit and calling yourself a bumblebee.  They all should know after all these years to just bypass our house  Because, really, no Fun Sized Snickers bar is worth the comments from Cosme.  But come they do....

And, then here we have the CEO trying to come up with a last minute costume. After weeks of telling me "no halloween....no dress up....I be Andres."  I find him walking down the hall last night with his bed quilt on top of him.  I asked him what he was and he said "a bankee"  I suggested the smaller Thomas blanket (which is actually a yard of fabric that was fully intended to be a blanket at some point) and he obliged.  Here he is looking more like a little sheperd boy who was really into Thomas the Trains......

 

I, of course, was branded the the uncaring clueless mother sending her kid out with a fabric swatch on his head to go collect candy for me to eat later while watching Late Night with David Letterman. Luckily he only made it to 3 neighbor's house.  And, frankly they weren't surprised with his costume in the least.....

 

 

So there you have it......

As I enter into the last week before the big day I will be popping in and out.  Heather will be posting for me after surgery here on my blog with updates on everything since I probably won't be able to post anything for a while.   

Oh...you know how they say good always comes out of bad?  Well, Gail will be coming down from LA on Thursday before my surgery with her arms filled with unedited Judge Judy tapes.  Yep.  I will be recovering with marathon, back to back  episodes of unedited Judge Judypalooza.....Will the fun never end? 

I'll talk to you soon! Karin :)

Comments

[Julie Adams]

Karin, We at "Paper Tales" adore you and your great sense of humor. Especially now. I really admire you and the way you are so positive in handling this frustratingly difficult situation. It stinks! But you will recover and continue to be a great inspiration to all of us!!!
My prayers will be with you! Love, Julie

[Mary]

I thought that was what your husband was thinking... "what in the world are you doing dressed like that, if you were my daughter..." LOVE your family fun photo!!!!!
I guess you get parents trick or treating out there also! But those little kids they are bringing along are quit adorable! I also think that they want to get home and eat there candy!
Mr. CEO is reminding me of a stage Doug went thru... not the no trick or treating part (never that ) but the "i'd like to stick near mommy for a bit"
What a nice tradition for Halloween!
Hugs,
Mary
p.s. i grew up in Portage, MI then we moved to St. Clair (I called it 'a Disney town', but with a big grapevine". Married and moved to Plymouth then Chicago! Where are your sisters???
Is gail qualified to take care of you!??? Hmm, we better investigate her, nothing but the best for YOU! :)

[Julie Adams]

Karin, I guess my comments didn't post so here I go... Just want you to know how much we at Paper Tales admire and adore you. You are such an inspiration to all of us during this frustratingly difficult time. It just stinks! Thank you for showing us how to handle tough situations with such humor and grace! You're the BEST! I will be praying for a speedy recovery and can't wait to see you back at the store. Love, Julie

[Cindy (Junque Art)]

Karin I have to say I did not put two and two together when I got an email from Heather. I had no idea you were the Karin she was speaking of. You are sooooo in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you all the best and I admire you for handling this difficult time with grace! Big Hugs to you and your family!

[bj]

Karin, my name is bj and I am a fella blogger. Beverly at How Sweet The Sound posted today about you and I wanted to stop by. I am praying for you, sister friend. I am so thankful you had a mammogram...finding it early, they say, is soooo in your favor.

Looks like you and yours had a fabulous Halloween...and what a handsome family you have!
love, bj

[Pat]

Hi Karen
Beverly told everyone about you on her Pink Saturday post today and I wanted to extend my positive thoughts and wishes to you and let you know I will add hyou to my prayers that all will go well and you will have a full recovery!
Hugs, Pat

[karen]

Karin,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers! I am glad that we will be kept posted even when you can't. There are alot of people out in our funny little art world that care about you and love your wicked sense of humor.... We will take you any way we can get you!
Hugs! karen...
and PS...you dont need to write back! I know how crazy it is for you now!

[jessi nagy]

great post!! im thinking of you allot!!
send me your addy!
i bought you 3 boxes of count chocula!!
tee hee
oxoxox,
jessi

[Shirl Hubbs]

Hello Karin, this is the first I've been to your blog. I'm so sorry to hear of your surgury I will keep you in my prayers. YOur blog is beautiful and you have a wonderful sence of humor. I wish you the best!
Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

[thrifty_misspriss]

how sweet that your are trying to answer everyone! This is not necessary! Just know you have a lot of women out here thinking and praying....your attitude is tremendous.
hugs
Robin

[SONIA]

IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT HALLOWEEN. I AGREE WITH YOU, THE WEATHER WAS GREAT. NO NEED FOR SWEATERS OR LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS UNDER THE COSTUMES. ALWAYS REMEMBER, GOOD OR BAD WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.

[Beverly]

Karin, I'm just popping in to say hi. Please don't be concerned about writing me. I'm relieved to see that we will be able to get updates on you.

The haircut was a great idea. You look beautiful, and you always will.

Take care dear one. My prayers will be constant.

[allie]

What a blast it is at your house! Sitting out in the yard with all your friends while trick-or-treaters come by looks like my kind of way to "do" Halloween. And I LOVE your costume! Each year I go as "One Cool Mom"....we must go to the same costume maker!! :) Hugs to you every day......~Allie

[Liz]

Hi, my name is Liz and I heard about your illness through Pink Saturday - I'm so sorry, and wish you a speedy recovery. Your sense of humour is amazing, and you have a lovely family and friends to support you,
all the best.

[Sherry]

Just remember that you are loved, that you are in good hands and that you are one helluva woman. Know that the road is paved with many footsteps for you to step into...and those of us ahead of you will guide you along. You are not alone

[Natasha Burns]

Hi Karin,
It was so great to talk with you the other day, and so good to hear how upbeat you are. You're an inspiration in the true sense of the word. Thinking of you always,
Natasha xo

[Miss Rhea]

I just found you through Natasha. I am SO sorry. Praying for you that this will all happen quickly and painlessly and you will be back to yourself in no time.
Hugs,
Rhea

[Kerryanne English]

Karin, I admire the way you are continuing to carry on as normal with your boys. I can only imagine what you really must be thinking and feeling inside. Just remember that we are your friends and care what happens to you, so please continue sharing your news and views with us. You are not alone.

Sending positive thoughts your way and big squeezy hugs. Enjoy this week with your boys and all the best for your op.
Hugs,
Kerryanne

[Lee W.]

Best of luck with your surgery! I love the halloween pictures.

[Lori]

Karin, words cannot express how i admire your wonderful attitude:) you are truly an inspiration...i wish you all the best with your surgery, i will be praying hard for you and your beloved family!!! you look really cute with your sassy new do:)

[Lisa Oceandreamer S.]

This is what I have always adored about you.....your ability to find the humor. I absolutely KNOW this is going to see you through all this and I couldn't be happier we will be getting reports.
I only wish I could come down and help in some way....if only with laughter. I don't cook but I do make a really delish pumpkin bread and I do laundry and I'm pretty good at knowing the Thomas train names now. (thanks to a friends grandson)
I hope you don't mind I posted about you on my blog recently.....the collective well wishes (even if you don't know the people) have POWER!!
XOXOXOXOXO

[skybluecrayons]

Karin,

Hope your surgery and recovery time are short! Your positive and funny attitude shall help you!
My sister was diagnosed w/breast cancer at age 35 and now 10 years later she is happy and healthy.
God Bless,
(~~)
Julie

[jennifer Paganellli]

what a beautiful life....

[Beverly Keaton Smith]

Okay Karin, First to confess, I've not visited your blog in awhile...or any blogs as far as that goes. Life has carried me in other directions. For some reason, you and your blog kept creeping into my mind...so, today I clicked over and what do I see? Well, of course, your wonderful sense of humor and beautiful photos AND art...but also...that you are having surgery. I am so deeply sorry to learn this...and at the same time so glad to know about it. I will be thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts from afar. You are an incredible, amazing, strong woman and you have a great circle of support. You are loved, loved, loved by many. Beverly

[Michelle May]

Hello oh one of fun! I shall be sending hugs and smiles across the miles to you. Your humor and sunny outlook will help you through this.
Your Halloween looked like a fabulous time! The look on Cosme's face is hilarious and Andres totally cracked me up with "fabric" as costume of choice. It was a full blown affair for my sister to get her three kids dressed! She would have been happy if one of them wanted to be a blankee. LOL!
Hugs to you.
Shell

[Sandi]

Hi,
I love your blog and read it frequently. I admire you so much for the way you handle everything, and, of course, your crafting adventures too. I, am thinking of you and sending you all good and healing thoughts. And now I'll call about that mammogram I've been avoiding. Take care. So many of us are behind you.
VictorianGypsy

[sherri]

Do not use up any of your energy responding to my posts. I imagine there are others who feel the same. I am pulling for you and praying about you. You are adored by many many people. Right now you will need time to focus on you and your family. I'm glad Heather will be able to post for you for a while--we will all be wondering about you, but as I said, want you to focus your energy and strength on yourself & the boys. :)

[natalie]

Karin,
I will be sending healing and happy thoughts to you and your family, while you are dealing with the upcoming "chaos"... I know that you will be able to handle it with grace and SNARK! (which helps so many of us through the tough times). Thinking of you, Natalie

[Tina]

Karin,
God Bless You, Honey~you are such an inspiration and so filled to the brim with positive energy that i know for sure you will heal quickly and completely.
I'm so happy that you're going to do a "JudyPalooza!"And unedited...hahaha you will laugh yourself well!
Laughter truly is the best medicine~and love.
Thinking of you~
Tinaxx

[Michelle M White]

Love your hair...so stylish! Maybe I'll have to keep you company with the un-edited Judge Judy! (I've always liked Burt!!!)

[Wanda]

I love the new do....you look fabulous. Your Halloween party looked great. Man, the doctors and nurses are going to love you. Little Miss Snarky 2008. :) Just remember all of us are thinking of you...the blogging world is a better place because of you.

[Kelley]

Oh thanks for sharing, we are all sending prayers and positive thoughts. I sounds like your wonderful sense of humor is intact. Hugs, Kelley

[karin]

thank you so much for sharing with us. You know you will be in so many thoughts and prayers.
You are not alone.

Looking forward to your wonderful attitude and sense of humor during your recovery.

~karin

[Karla]

Don't ever lose that fabulous sense of humor! I'm so glad you did decide to share as you are a very inspirational person.
Karla

[Julie]

I read about you on the Lollishops blog and I wanted to tell you that my family will be praying for you. You seem like a beautiful person with such a wonderful spirit.

[Tricia Samsal]

I will be thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery for you. Your humor with it all makes it a little easier to think about. My heart is with you and your family. Make sure to give the "CEO" a raise. :) He just gets cuter and cuter. :)
Tricia

[Michelle]

Found your blog through Kim over at Kim's Treasures. I was diagnosed with breast cancer this past July so I completely understand what you're going through right now. Keep a positive attitude and sense of humor...it helps more than you know! I'll be keeping you close in prayer and please don't hesitate to get in touch with me, if you feel like talking. Take care - you're gonna get through!

Michelle
'Treasure the Moment' blog

[karen]

Hi Karin!
I want you to come over to my blog and see my mom.....9yrs. cancer free after stage 2 breast cancer....
You too can be this goofy once again!
Try to keep smiling! Love the new "do" karen...
recycledrita.blogspot.com

[Melissa Bolton]

Blessings to you and your family as you face this challenge. I have always admired your work as well as your sense of humor...to see it shining through now more than ever is just wonderful. Your family is beautiful- I had fun reading your Halloweeen follies! Melissa

[beth]

that is such a crack up about the blankie - yes i know the feeling of eating of the candy after they have went to bed !! my little guy was darth vader too - we went from thomas to star wars so i guess you have that to look forward too !!
so glad you got to enjoy legoland too !!!
big hugs !!!! thinking of you as always !
xo,
beth

[karen]

Karin, I could not pass by without wishing you well and telling you I am going to make a mammo appt. I have seen too many cases of it popping up lately and I wonder if my angel is trying to tell me something. Your angel will watch over and bless you. Be well,
karen

[Helle Greer]

Dearest Karin,
I was Hoping to see u in person at the store, as I wantes my words to be more personal, but as the time is running away here I want u to know that u are in my prayers, I was in u shoes, in 98, but got to keep my girls, but know how u feel. With your great spirit and positive energi you will bounce back in no time.
The best of luck, sending you tons of hugs, and kisses.
Helle Greer

[Briony Skerjance]

Hi Karin! I love all your blogs...they are always so fun. Haha...the reaction of your husband to the bumble bee is hilarious.

I don't know if you do these things but since I am an avid reader I thought I would pass the game onto you...If you are interested visit my blog and check out the rules. It's all in good fun and a great way to learn about fellow bloggers :)

[Tabitha Blue]

Hi Karin! First time reader and already a fan. You seem like fun and have a good attitude in the midst of what you're going through.

Looks like a super fun Halloween too!! :)

[ArtsyMama]

Thanks for the smile and the tears from reading this post. You rock, girl!!!! Your humor and your strength ring so true. You are in my thoughts. HUGS!
Kari

[Judy]

Good Morning Karin, Just read the post over with Beverly, Please be assured my friend that our God never gives us more than we can handle. We will all be praying for you and with you.
Hugs,
Judy

[Sarah]

wow i have to say i am seriously jealous of the judge judy tapes I love that show! haha I hope all goes well with your surgery but for some reason I have this amazing gut feeling that it will all be okay!! My prayers and hugs are with you be strong and your happy self! hugs

toodles-
sarah

[Monicaa]

Thinking of you today and sending a big hug and my prayers .

[SusanG]

I just read today about your diagnosis - and today is your sirgery! best wishes for that - hope all went well. I too was diagnosed at the age of 40 (my older daughter was 8 years old, and I had an 11-month-old baby) - no family history etc. That was over 10 years ago, and I'm still here and going strong. I had surgery, chemo, and radiation. If you need to vent, whine, cry, whatever, PLEASE feel free to email me.

Susan - scrapsalot1@yahoo.com

[Beverly]

I was just checking to see if there is an update. You remain in my prayers.