Friday Favorites {6.29.12}

I usually try to get this post up a little earlier in the day, but yesterday was busy, so, yeah (more on this later). To tell you the truth, this entire week has been pretty busy. Between doc appointments and trying to take care of slash entertain these little rugrats on mine during the day, I've had little time to do much of anything else. Which in a way is quite strange, because since I can't drive anywhere, or leave my house for that matter (because there are steps), I thought all I'd have was time. As it turns out, though, most of my daily tasks are easily taking 3x the amount of time they normally would. Sigh. I just keep trying to remind myself that all of this is temporary. I have an appointment with my ankle surgeon next week and am crossing my fingers that I'll get a boot (not the boot) then.

In other news, we've been getting out a bit more. Well, more since my parents left, anyway. Just to do errands and stuff, but still, it's nice. You know those motorized carts they have at most stores? Has anyone else ever used these before? Please tell me I'm not the only one. Anyway, yeah, those things suck! They have seriously died on me every. single. time. Which leaves me wondering, what do people do if this happens and nobody's with them? Yell is the only reasonable answer I can come up with. So yeah, our new thing is to do a family train through the store. Never heard of it? Well, if you're crippled and must get out, I recommend it. Picture this: kids in the cart (or Lola in the cart and Nico on the hub's shoulders, as was the case yesterday), me in the wheelchair pushing the cart, and then Dan pushing me. Yes, I know this sounds crazy, and probably a bit too embarrassing for most people to try, but we have no shame. And you do what you've gotta do, right? So if you see a train of crazies out and about in Northern Virginia, it's probably us. Feel free to stop by and say hello. Don't worry, our train makes frequent stops.

Anyway, as far as the weekend goes, I think Dan's gonna try to take Nico to Six Flags tomorrow morning before the weather becomes suffocatingly hot and humid. Also, I'd (and by I, I mean Dan) like to set up the baby pool and beach ball sprinkler for the kiddos. And then we promised to take them to see Brave, as well (something we failed to do last weekend b/c Nico re-got strep). It should be fun.

What do you guys have planned this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope y'all enjoy yourselves.

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1. How amazing are these honeycomb pots? I'd like one in every color, please and thank you!

2. Speaking of honeycomb things, I'm pretty obsessed with these DIY shelves as well.

3. I seriously can't wait to see this movie! I used to not get the Channing Tatum obsesh, but after watching The Vow and then seeing him do a ton of interviews for MM, I kind of get it. I like a dude who doesn't take himself too seriously.

4. This store is filled with things I want for my home!

5. I think this is a topic a lot of mommy bloggers struggle with (or even just bloggers in general).

6. It's a shame we just got a new comforter, because I'm pretty sure we need this bedspread. I love me some Orla Kiely!

7. Neither of my kids still wear onsies, but this could just as easily be done with shirts. So fun!

8. Just a great post from one of my favorite mommy blogger's.

9. I'm pretty sure I just died b/c Nutella & Cool Whip popsicles? Hell to the yes!

10. An amazing list of ideas for repurposing cardboard into kid crafts/toys.

Kiddo Style {Pt. 2} - Nico

On Nico: top: Next Direct / shorts: Children's Place (forever ago) / sandals: Saltwater

Though you wouldn't know it from these pics, the little guy was feeling pretty yucky over the weekend. Not sure if I mentioned it before, but we all came down with step throat a couple weeks back. Well, with all the craziness going on, Daddy forgot the last couple days of the kids antibiotics (I was in the hospital), and what do you know? Nico got it again (yeah, really). Thankfully, he's been doing much better the past couple days, so hopefully we're through with the worst of it. Phew.

Going through and editing these photos put a big ol' grin on this mama's face because I feel like his personality really shines through. He's such a funny little guy. Always goofing off, that one. I just love him to pieces!

Kiddo Style {Pt. 1} - Lola

On Lola: top: Target / jean shorts: Baby Gap / knee pads: c/o Kneebees / sandals: Saltwater

I thought my kids were looking extra cute this past weekend, so I decided to snap some photos of them for a style post. But, as those with multiple kids probably know all too well, it can be rather difficult to get a decent photograph of the 2 (or more) of them together. This was definitely the case for us. Out of the 150+ pics I snapped, there was only ONE (seriously, just the one) photo where they were both smiling, it wasn't blurry, or they weren't trying to push each other off the swing (no, but really). I was, however, able to capture quite a few stellar images of them separately, so I decided, why not break this post up into two parts? So that's just what I did. These are the photos I got of Lola, then I'll be back tomorrow with the ones I took of Nico (and there are some keepers!).

Despite the chaos of it all, I actually had quite a bit of fun doing this little "photoshoot". In fact, I think I may have to make this a regular feature on the blog.

While standing at the gate, Lola was being so cute. As each neighbor would walk by, she would yell "hiyeee!", and would continue to yell this until they would respond, lol. I love that she's finally coming out of her shell and becoming more social. I am so proud of her!

Footnote: Lola's knee pads were sent to us c/o of Kneebees. When they contacted me, I was super excited because I'd actually been looking for something like this for her for quite some time. She's clumsy like her mama and seems to scrape her little knees up all the time. I can honestly say, after putting her in them for the past two weeks, I don't know how we managed without them before. If you have a little one who wipes out as often as my gal, I recommend you check 'em out!

Friday Favorites {6.22.12}

Well, hello there! Is it really already Friday? For some reason, I was convinced that yesterday was Tuesday, so yeah, there's that. Seriously, I'm all sorts of off track. Between school being out for the summer and being stuck at home all day, I'm really having a hard time keeping the days straight. Thankfully, I should be getting a boot in the next couple weeks, and then a walking boot shortly after that, so this won't be forever. It should (hopefully) all be over within the next couple of months, you know, just in time for my next surgery, lol.

Anyway, I'm not sure what our plans are for the weekend, but since Dan will be home and can drive us places, it's guaranteed to be more exciting than the past few days have been. I mean, I still can't be out all day or anything, as my leg needs to be elevated as often as possible to reduce swelling, but we can do short outings that last an hour or two. Also, we may take the kids to see a movie, since I'd be able to prop my leg up at the theater. Has anyone seen Madagascar 3 or Brave yet? If so, what'd you think? And more importantly, what'd your kiddos think?

Question: Have any of you been in a similar sitch as me before (i.e. limited mobility/can't drive with kids)? If so, how'd you keep your littles entertained? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

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1. I'm trying to remember this right now! Not gonna lie, I've been sort of a Debbie Downer the past couple of weeks.

2. Best wedding vows ever!!

3. As soon as I can decide on colors, I'll be ordering the kids each of pair of these shoes for the summer. I'm thinking crayon yellow for Lola and then either picnic green or popsicle orange for Nico. Decisions, decisions.

4. So, so happy for Heather and her little family on their newest addition, Isla Grace!

5. Lace flowers pots that are both pretty and easy to make? My kind of craft!

6. I just downloaded this Martha Stewart CraftStudio app on the iPad. It's FREE now through July 8th!

7.  I can't wait to try out this bleach dye technique! So fun!

8. I am in love with this handmade wooden swing! If only I could justify the shipping cost...

9. A DIY sea salt spray that'll give my hair beach waves? Yes, please!

10. I'll hopefully be picking up materials over the weekend to make these pillow mattresses with a friend next week. Cute, right?

Insta-life {June 2012} - Pt. 2

If you follow me on Instagram (username: brockpaperscissors), then you've probably already seen these pics. But if not? Here's what we've been up to lately, according to my iPhone.

from left to right:

more waiting at the hospital | eating a "nana" | porch flowers | blawgin'

fist pumps | flower child | morning stretches | ginormous splint

playing with all the things | on the "big kid" swing | excited like woah | free spirit

sibling cuddles | wheelchair thief | laughing at me | temp napping quarters

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

So, my dad and stepmom left this morning and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a bit sad about it. In fact, it kind of really sucks. Not only were they a big help, it was just nice having them around. But here I am, 16 days post-surgery, and somehow managing to take care of these 2 littles of mine solo during the day. *pats self on back* This morning was a bit rough, but I'm slowly beginning to get back into the swing of things. This isn't to say I'm supermom or anything. I mean, it's 2pm and we're all still in our jammies, lol. But, everyone's been fed, has a clean butt and has watched a shit ton of cartoons. I don't know about you, but this equals a win in my book.

P.S. Like my cast? Yesterday, they removed the giant splint and gave me this. I'm not typically a hot pink type of gal, but decided to go for it. Living right on the edge, I tell ya!

Friday Favorites {6.15.12}

This week went by really fast to me, but I think it's because I know my stepmom's leaving next week and I'm not looking forward to that. I am, however, excited that it's Friday because my dad's flying in tonight. I haven't seen him since Christmas, so it should be a good time. I got hooked up with a wheelchair the other day (I'm know, I'm the shit), so we have plans to hit up the Home Depot and get our garden on over the weekend. Be jealous. Oh, and I must also mention that we bought a recliner yesterday. This way it's easier for me to get up and down, keep my leg elevated and all that jazz. Geez, all this talk about wheelchairs and recliners makes me sound like a senior citizen, no? Fortunately, I still have a ways to go, lol.

I want to give a big THANK YOU to those of you who've emailed me expressing your sympathy. It means a lot that you'd take time out of your day to write me. Don't think I'm a total douche if I haven't written you back yet, I've just been uber busy with family in town. As soon as things calm down, though (probably next week), I plan on writing each and every one of you back. Pinky promise.

In other news, with everything going on, I totally missed my 1 year blogiversary! It was on the 8th of June. How crazy is that?! To be honest, when I first started blogging I wasn't sure if it'd stick, but here we are a year later and still going strong! I'm in the process of putting together a little giveaway to commemorate the occasion, so be on the lookout for that!

I hope you guys have a great weekend!

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1. Since I'm now stationary so much of the time, I think I may finally have the patience to learn how to crochet. I could make all sorts of pretty things like these flowers!

2. OMG, this video? Dead from the cute!

3. So now that we have a recliner, I'm debating whether we also need this side table to go with. Yay or nay?

4. A great list of tips for traveling with a toddler.

5. Fun circus-themed birthday party: part one and two.

6. Maryam's easy summer makeup tutorial is spot on!

7. Speaking of beauty tutorials, Jess did a really great one on eyebrows!

8. A banana can remove CD scratches? According to this list of ways to use everyday objects, it's true!

9. This casserole? Nom dot com.

10. Trying to remember this right now because hello! So, so true.

Currently...

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Reading: Right now, I'm reading Dream School by Blake Nelson. It's the sequel to Girl, my most favorite book ever during high school. Seriously, I must've read that book no less than 549 times. In fact, I loved it so much that I even owned and wore out the movie remake of it on VHS. It was awful and did the book absolutely no justice, but I didn't care because I loved the story that much. I'm not very far into this follow-up, but so far, so good.

Watching: The hubs and I recently watched the first season of Sherlock on Netflix. It's not my usual cup of tea, but it was actually pretty interesting. The second season isn't available to view just yet (at least not through Netflix), but when it is, I'm sure we'll continue watching.

Oh, and Teen Mom, of course. I know I should be over shows like this, being that I'm 2 months shy of 30, but I just can't help myself.

Anticipating: What I'm looking forward to the most right now is being able to walk again. I really have no idea how long this may be, as my break was pretty bad, but I'm hoping soon. I truly had no idea what a big deal it is to break your ankle. That thing is important, yo!

Laughing about: If we're being honest, I'd have to admit that there's not much I'm laughing about these days. I'm having a really hard time with not being able to drive, go outside, or do pretty much anything at all besides sit on the couch. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is only temporary.

Listening to: Two albums that I'm really enjoying right now are The Only Place by Best Coast and Boys & Girls by Alabama Shakes. I highly recommend you check 'em out. They're both so, so good.

Eating: Since the cooking's become Dan's responsibility for the time being, we've been eating a lot of food from Costco. Also, as I mentioned awhile back, I started supplementing one meal a day (usually lunch) with a protein shake (specifically, this one). This new diet must be working because when I stepped on the scale yesterday, I was down FOUR pounds from my last appointment with the dietician. And this was with my cast on (which is the largest thing ever, btw), so I'd like to think I've lost even than this!

Working on: I'm currently working on two things. The first would be finding the positive in things. Yes, I know it could be worse, but right now I'm having trouble seeing the plus side to all of this. It's been quite a struggle. I just want to be able to play outside with my kids, but since it's not a possibility right now, I'm trying to find other ways to keep them (and myself) entertained. Suggestions are welcome. The second thing I'm working on is learning to be okay with a mess. There's no two ways about it, I'm a neat freak by nature. I've always known this about myself, but it wasn't until recently that I realized just how bad it's gotten. I literally find myself getting anxious about things like the countertops being dirty/cluttered or the laundry piling up (hence the photo up top). But you know what? I can't do anything about it, and I'm (slowly) coming to terms with this fact. The world isn't going to end because there is spilled milk on the floor that can't immediately be cleaned up. I'm just going to have to take a deep breath and GET OVER IT.

I think this about sums up the recent happening in my world. What have you guys been up to lately? Anything I should be reading/watching/listening to that I'm not? Do tell.

Original inspiration for these posts provided by Danielle over at Sometimes Sweet.

Garden Inspiration

Over the past few weeks, I've been really into potting flowers and getting a little garden started for the summer. Unfortunately, because of my accident, things have been on hold for a bit. However, as soon I get my walking boot, you better believe my home and yard will be looking top notch.

While I'm stuck on the couch, I thought I'd share some images that are inspiring me to really get my green thumb going.

Indoor plants:

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Outdoor plants:

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I've hung and planted a few things on my front porch and started a small herb garden in my kitchen window, but I can't wait till I'm more mobile so I can add to these little projects of mine. I'm especially excited to do something with succulents, because as you may have guessed, I'm just a wee bit obsessed.

To see more of the gardening ideas I'm loving right now, you can follow my Pinterest board here.

Ankle Surgery: An Update

First, let me start off by apologizing for my lack of blogging as of late. Going into surgery, I truly had no idea how difficult it was going to be for me to recover from all of this. I can't say the surgeon didn't warn me, but for some reason, because it hurt so much pre-surgery, I was convinced that it could only get better afterwards. Boy, was I wrong. Apparently, the right side of my ankle was so shattered that they had to do a bone graft. This, along with adding a plate and seven screws? And let's just say my recovery has been less than pleasant.

After doing an extensive amount of research and having multiple convos with the surgeon, I opted to have the nerve block as well as general anesthesia to manage the pain. Because of the amount of discomfort I had been in prior to surgery, the doc was afraid if I didn't have both of these (instead of just one or the other), I would be severely uncomfortable after surgery. In the end, I am so, so glad I took his advice because afterwards? I felt like I got run over by a truck times ten. Not only that, but there was a part of my ankle that the nerve block didn't block the pain from and holy shit did it hurt! I literally woke up from the anesthesia screaming, and did not stop screaming until they gave me a second block. It was that bad. I then spent the next 3 days/nights in the hospital where they slowly began to wean me off of my IV meds. Finally, on Saturday morning around noon, I was able to go home.

As I mentioned before, my stepmom flew out the night before my surgery, which has been such a blessing. She took care of the kids during my hospital stay, brought them up to visit me daily and has been a HUGE help since I've been home. I seriously don't know what I'd do without her. For the time being, I've been instructed to stay off my foot except to go to the bathroom, which would make taking care of the littles by myself (since Dan's returned to work) a near impossible task. So the plan is for her to stay until after my follow-up appointment on the 19th, at which time I may be getting a walking cast (crossing my fingers). If not, I should at least be able to crutch around and handle the day to day tasks with the kids on my own. Also, Nico will be done with school by then, which works out great, seeing as I can't drive to take him to and fro. Not having to stress about all of this has been really nice. Right now, my main focus is just to recover. And recover, I will. You know, as long as I can sit down and relax, which has proven to be quite the challenge, but more on this later.

Do any of you have any stories about broken bones and/or how you dealt with the recovery process? At times, I'm not sure if my tolerance for pain just really sucks, or if this something that's extremely unpleasant for everyone. I'd love to hear your stories! Primarily with the hope of discovering that I'm not just being a complete baby about all of this, lol.

Insta-life {June 2012} - Pt. 1

from left to right:
side eye | hummus | in & out | cookie party!
after getting sick in Target | juice | princess gone wild | about to get his hairs cut
freshly planted herbs | watching Mickey | new flowers | our fridge
broken ankle | waiting at hospital | talking to "Elmamo" (Elmo) | no pants

Here's what we've been up to lately, according to Instagram (username: brockpaperscissors). Sorry for all the iPhone pics, but due to my lack of mobility, camera use has been a bit scarce as of late. Have you ever tried taking photos while stuck on the couch with your leg elevated? No? Yeah, well I don't recommend it, lol. Thankfully, if all goes as planned, I'll be having my surgery tomorrow (I was, unfortunately, still too swollen to have it Monday), which means my days of being a total couch potato are numbered. Well, sort of. After surgery, I'll be required to keep my leg elevated for an additional 72 hours, but after that? I'm free to crutch around as I please. Also, I've been hounding the surgeon for a wheelchair, because after attempting to get around Target on crutches last weekend? No thanks!

My stepmom, Martha, is flying in this afternoon, which will be a HUGE help. Dan's been off work to take care of me for the past week, which has been nice, but one of his coworker's is going on leave, so they can't really afford for him to take any more time off. Plus, we'd prefer to save his remaining vacay days for my weight loss surgery. Nico's missed a lot of preschool because of this (and the fact that we all had strep didn't help), but now that Martha will be here, she'll be able to drive him for me. Plus, she's just all around BA, and we can't wait to see her!

So, anyway, yeah, that's what's been going on up in hurr. I may stay a night or two in the hospital after surgery, depending on how my recovery goes. At this point, I'd be okay with this since, you know, I seem to have an ish with falling down. The last thing I'd want to do is bite it right after they put everything back where it needs to be, you know? I guess we'll just have to see what happens. I do know that the doc will be giving me a nerve block after surgery, which should help with the pain quite a bit. Thank the lawd, because I've pretty much reached my pain threshold, and have been told it's going to be worse after surgery. Between this and the fact that I'll be put under during the procedure, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scurred. So, if you could keep me in your thoughts, it'd be really grateful and stuff.

Please bear with me over the next few days, as blogging may be a little spotty. I'll definitely try to keep everyone updated via Facebook & Twitter, but it'll probably be a bit quiet around here. No worries, though, I should be back to my normal, blogging, non-broken self in no time!

Friday Favorites {6.1.12}

Not gonna lie, this week has been really, really sucky. Initially, I was told that I was having surgery to repair my broken ankle on Tuesday, but once they removed the splint, it was decided that my foot was too swollen to operate on. They then rescheduled the surgery for next Monday, which I was finally coming to terms with. But then I fell on Wednesday (in case you didn't know, I'm incredibly clumsy), so they had me come in on Thursday to make sure the swelling was going down as it should be. Well, it wasn't. Not only that, but it ended up being even more swollen (and way more bruised) than it was on Tuesday. They said that because of this, there's only a 60% chance they'll be doing the surgery on Monday after all. Sigh. I mean, I get why they can't operate when it's all swollen, but damn if it doesn't hurt like a mother! I'm just so ready to get this show on the road so I can get on with my life! Is that too much to ask? Sorry, I'm still quite a bit perturbed about the whole sitch.

On top of all this, Dan and I woke up sick Tuesday morning, only to go to the doc and be told that all FOUR of us have strep throat. Talk about feeling like terrible parents - we didn't even know the kids were sick! Well, we suspected that Lola had some sort of sinus infection, but Nico? Not a clue. In our defense, when the doctor asked him what hurt, he told her nothing. He's a tough cookie, that one. Anyway, so yeah, you can imagine how our week's been going. A house full of sickies! Thankfully, Dan's work has been more than understanding about him taking time off, which is awesome. Then my stepmom, Martha, will be flying in next Tuesday to help me out once he goes back. You know, since I can't walk, drive or pretty much anything else besides lay on the couch.

On the plus side, I did get some really great news about my weight loss surgery! I was finally able to reach the head RN, and he assured me that even if I haven't lost 10 lb. by 6/26, I'll still be able to schedule my surgery. Mainly because it'd be impossible to get an accurate weight with my cast on. I'll just need to do my final weigh-in (and have lost the 10 lb.) when my cast is removed. If he hadn't agreed to this, I probably would've had to put off scheduling my surgery for at least 2 months or so. Happy dance (er, more like happy shuffle)! 

As far as the weekend goes, I've literally been instructed not to get off my tuckus unless it's to go to the bathroom. So yeah, we'll be doing a whole lot of lounging in the coming days. So far, we have plans to put up the kid's tent and "camp out" in our living room, as well as have a Disney movie marathon. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear 'em! But for serious, please share.

So, since I've written a novel up in here, I'm gonna cut my favorites a bit short this week. How about we do 5 instead of 10, mmmkay?

1. This is so true, and if you say it's not? You're either a) lying or b) a terrible, terrible person.

2. As soon as I can stand long enough to take photos again, I'll definitely be linking up with this photography series. So much fun!

3. These free iPhone wallpapers are the bomb dot com!

4. I'm pretty sure I post something from this blog every week, but OMG! This wedding video is gorgeous!

5. I am so making one of these arrow mobiles! Perfect in every way.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Hopefully next time you hear from me, I'll have had my surgery!