Bringing out the fall decor

I love bringing out my fall decor. This season makes me happy. 

I love the slight chill in the air and changing leaves. I love warm comfort food and anything pumpkin.

I found some great (cheap!) items to add to my fall collection.

My house feels so cozy and warm!

The Dollar Tree had some cute ceramic pumpkins so I picked up a few in different colors.

 I simply glued this one on a wooden candle stick. It looks great on my mantle! And only one dollar!

Another Dollar Tree find! These sweet felt leaves. 

I simply strung them up on some gold string for a garland.

Over the summer I found this owl at a local flea market. It was maybe around $5.

 I knew it would be perfect for my mantle!

The Boys made our front porch look creepy with webs, spiders, bugs, and skulls.

They were very excited to bring out Charlotte. Didn't they do a great job!

I found these glitter skulls at Dollar Tree also. 

Happy Fall!

Blessings, Nicole

Recovery Update #2

I had my first post op appointment today. Things are healing well. 

My incisions are looking great. Speaking of incisions, if I get another laparoscopic surgery involving my belly button, I might need a belly button lift. Kidding....but seriously, do they have those? 

Since they had to give me stitches in my rectum....that is even gross to type!  How about we will just call them my butt stitches. There is at least a little humor in that. Since they knicked my butt and had to give me butt stitches, my doctor needs to keep a close eye on me. I have to see her every week for the next few weeks. I seriously don't even feel the butt stitches at all, but I guess if they come out there is a big problem. So, I will be seeing her a lot over the next month or so.

And that's all I have to say about my butt stitches.

 I'm actually feeling really good over all, considering I've been out of the hospital merely a week. I'm able to taper off on my pain meds a little at this point. I'm getting around pretty well. I look a little hunch back esque when walking, but I'm getting there.

I have to take it easy for a while. Short walks are approved but, lifting anything over 12 pounds is a big no, no. If you really think about how many things are 12 pounds it really limits me. Carrying laundry baskets, vacuuming, grocery shopping, basically all my "mom duties". Poor me right? But I have 3 boys! So, I will be delegating the lifting to them and do what I can.

I tend to get bored and frustrated just sitting around, silly I know. So, I have been reading, drawing and watching Once Upon A Time on Netflix. Great show by the way!

You know you are bored when you are making cartoons of your animals complete with thought bubbles and captions.

Have a good week!

Blessings, Nicole

Recovery Up-date

A card from Caleb.
I love that Mr. Tumor has a mustache and resembles a taco.

Hey people! I'm alive!

My surgery last week had some complications however, I've been home since Wednesday. The phrase, "no place like home" is my mantra right now. Being home is not just being in your house but being with your family. 

My surgery ended up taking 6 hours instead of the estimated 2-3, because one of the doctors knicked my rectum in two places. That just sounds gross, does't it? Says, the girl that posted a picture of a tampon in her nose. 

Of course I had no clue, till I woke up. But it should heal just fine on it's own. 

They were able to do my hysterectomy laparoscopically. Which was fantastic! 

I only have three small incisions on my belly.

Mr.Tumor was not the size of a grapefruit but a cantelope! I can't believe he was that big! Know wonder I was so uncomfortable I was carring a melon in my tummy. Crazy!

My pain is well controlled with medication and oh, my goodness! There is tons of medication! My mom has been an awesome nurse. She sets my alarm and lables my pills. I'm going to be lost without her! 

Kevin has been awesome and helps me with everything.

I'm so grateful for all you who prayed for me! 

Im grateful for the hosptial visits, cards, balloons, flowers, meals......everything!

Thanks!

Top 10 uses for my lady things

If you know me or read my blog you know about my upcoming surgery (a partial hysterectomy) to remove Mr. Tumor this Monday. EEKk so soon!

Today, I came up with a fun idea. Well, you could call it a deliberate distraction really. 

Since I'm nervous as heck!

I have quite the surplus of "lady things" as my boys say. And since I will no longer need them (hooray!)  the husband, kiddos and I came up with some useful applications for them. 

1. Nerf darts

 2. Ear plugs

3. Nose bleeds. Obviously!

4. Cat toys

5. Straw/bubble maker

6. Tongue depressor 

7. Fire starters

8. Belly button cleaner

9. Spitball gun

10. Dental floss

Who knew Tampons could be so useful! 

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...the $7 top.

Top Fallas (an uber cheap discount store) only $7! Jeans Abercrombie, booties Born thrifted, necklaces Tiffany and Co (gift from Hubby) charm necklace Stella and Dot.

 I debated purchasing this top. For one, I wasn't sure about the cut outs and for two, there was no dressing room at the store. However, I loved the print, it reminded me of a style that would be sold at my very favorite store Anthropologie (a store I can rarely afford) and for the price I was willing to weigh the risk. I'm so glad I did! I love the cut outs and the fit is so flattering. I even got a complement from a 18-20 something girl at the coffee shop. I don't know why but that made me feel hip or something, ha! 

I think I will go back and get the burn orange one too! 

End of story.

One of my favorite Stella and Dot necklaces

Have a good week!

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: The Pleated Poppy

Inspired by Pinterest~Pizza Rolls for school lunches

I am always looking for ideas for school lunches. 

The kids get pretty burnt out on sandwiches everyday. 

I recently Pinned this: Pizza Rolls and I knew The Boys would love them!

They were so easy, especially since I used store bought dough.

 Next time I will definitely make more to freeze. 

I used Trader Joe's pizza dough, pepperoni, and my simple pizza sauce recipe below.

Simple Pizza Sauce

Half a can of tomato paste

a couple tablespoons of water for a thinner consistency

a 1/2 tsp dried basil

a 1/2 tsp garlic powder

sugar to taste (I use a smalll pinch)

salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients and spread on dough. This makes enough for one pizza.

Lunch boxes came home empty today. 

It's safe to say this recipe is a keeper!

What do you all make for school lunches? 

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...church heals.

Bird print high-low dress Kohls, belt Anthropologie sale, and shoes Goodwill Outlet.

This is one of my very favorite dresses. Birds, lace, high-low hem...what's not to love?!

I was also excited to wear this Anthro belt. I bought it for a steal last year and have never worn it. I don't know why, but I felt I could never style it with anything. But I think it works perfectly with this dress!

These heals are killer on the feet (ouch!) but I love the vintage style. They are definitely church heals because my toes couldn't take wearing them all day. An hour or two is doable!  

Hope you all have a great day!

Blessings, Nicole

Linking up here: Watch Out For The Woestmans
Plane Pretty and The Pleated Poppy