Happy Halloween

Short post tonight because not too much new here.
I have been busy listing, mailing and buying. I love it when I can get a dozen or 2 dozen items out the door each day.
Ellie is officially on the 6th grade basketball team. All her games are at home and she will be done by Christmas. She came home today thrilled that "her row" was finally filled in and she got the reward for Principal's 100. She gets to pick a friend and play wiffle ball with the principal.
I volunteered at school yesterday. I got to help refine some stories and work on story boards with a few friends. I stopped at Target afterwards to pick up a couple things I needed for the school party but I was also able to get some presents I needed.
Rob has been busy at work. He has to stream the volleyball game tomorrow night - North vs West.
Mom and Dad came over for dinner. We had a great time. We put together a puzzle - might have to look for more because it brought us all together. The kids put on a magic show.
Should be a busy rest of the week...Halloween, 1st basketball game, rummage sales/thrifting, my birthday, family Sunday.
Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Another Whirlwind

This weekend has been non-stop adventures. I did some thrifting on Thursday. I tried doing my Salvation pull on Thursday...my stuff wasn't together on Saturday, so I won't be doing it that early again. I went in for my meeting with the speech therapist at school. Nick will be getting one session a week of speech for about a dozen specific sounds. Ellie helped me make some double chocolate zucchini muffins. I just love that combo.
I listed on Friday, got a bunch of items up. Ellie had her first middle school rec night. It was a costume party since they don't get Halloween parties at that age. Ellie was Mary Poppins. We have been thrifting items for almost a year now. She had the daisy hat, a black blazer, a long black skirt, a white collared shirt, and the purse. She looked great and she won for one of the 3 best costumes! She won a 3 foot long tube of bubble gum. Nick and I had a date while she had rec night. We went to Panera to eat. I thought they would have their fireplace on but they didn't, we still sat next to it. We went to Mariano's and did some grocery shopping and got gelato for dessert. I had a great time with him.
Saturday morning I ran to Salvation and re-picked my items. I picked up the kids and we ran to a rummage sale in Evanston. Not too much there. We stopped by Mom's house for a few minutes on our way home. We went to Trunk or Treat at St. Paul's. The kids were amazed that one lady was giving out Nerd Ropes, apparently a favorite of theirs. We went to the Downtown Skokie Halloween event. A bit tricky since most of the sidewalks are torn up and are actively being worked on. It was nice that the sun was shining and didn't make the day so bad. The kids racked up candy and then got to decorate a pumpkin at the end.
We came home and Ellie got ready for Catherine's murder mystery birthday party. She was Amile, the maid. She was to come dressed up "formal." She wore one of the dresses we had from her fashion party. She accessorized with some costume jewelry of Aunt Linda's and Grandma Chocolate's fur shrug. She looked dynamite. Nick and Rob were going to have a date night and Jo and I were going out again. Jo picked me up and we went to El Jardin for dinner and then went and did some thrifting. I was able to pick up a couple things to flip. I came home to the news that Ellie's character was the murderer.
This morning we began the day at church. We were able to take home some pumpkins they had leftover from the harvest festival. We stopped at an estate sale on the way home. Ellie and I ran in and I was able to get a very cheap puzzle for the school party this week. Found a couple other things too. We came home and the boys went out to rake leaves and Ellie helps me clean the first floor. I feel accomplished. We went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. Mom made chili, noodles, asparagus, broccoli, and pumpkin bread. I brought a pineapple and apple pie and Jo made mummy dogs. It was a fun time and it is good to see Tony and Matteo feeling better.
Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

It is Already Wednesday?

A friend posted this link today and I found it so funny that I had to share... 19 signs you are addicted to thrift shopping... http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/19-signs-youre-addicted-to-thrift-shopping
I can see myself in quite a few of these and I also could probably double the list with my own.
I have been listing like crazy this week and stepping outside my comfort zone. I picked up some Royal Dalton chine today and listed it and some HP printer ink. I joined this group that is all thrifters and people are always posting BOLOs (be on the look out) and printer ink, even expired, gets nice return on investment.
I volunteered at school yesterday. It was fun getting to know the kids a bit more. I was helping them write their Halloween stories. I did make sure to use the hand sanitizer on my way out of the classroom.
I made some yummy squash and apple side last night to heat up the house. I baked a bunch of potatoes and sweet potatoes for the week. I did a great 10 minute clean on the kitchen and got most of the counter tops cleaned off.
I had some thrift remorse and took a drive out to Northbrook to pick up an outfit I saw on Sunday. I had a very similar outfit that I hadn't listed yet and didn't know how it was going to sell. I listed it Tuesday afternoon and it sold overnight. I killed a couple birds with one stone...I stopped in Deerfield for my vision test at the DMV. It would have been great of them to tell me that I would be getting a new license too because I might have put some make up on and brushed my hair. I was able to pickup the outfit and a couple more things at Goodwill. I then checked out a new thrift store. I found their clothing prices too pricey for my taste but I did get the china, printer ink, and a couple toys.
I did a market research study with a healthy care company looking to develop some software/app for patients and survivors. Mom came over for dinner. I heated up the potatoes and squash and added some chick'n tenders and broccoli and cauliflower. Ellie helped me and we made 2 apple pies. Mom brought corn pudding and chocolate covered strawberries. We watched the Middle and got the kids to bed.
I got Nick's report back from the speech pathologist at school and had the biggest laugh because she was describing the test and the results and it was such a vivid description that I could totally see/hear Nick doing that exact thing.
Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Happy Sweetest Day

Not too much new and different to share. I have been having a good ebay run. I have 3 items I bought at full price at Salvation sell within hours of listing. Not too shabby...$6.99 investment to $40.00-$45.00 sale price.
I got to see Lee a couple more time before she left this weekend. It was just like old times and I was spoiled by all the time we got to spend together this past week.
Rob went to his 25th high school reunion this weekend. I took him to the airport Friday morning and he got back this evening.
I did my thrift store run on Saturday and was able to grab and run. We went to the rummage sale at St. Francis. Not as good as years past but we still left with 2 bags of clothes. I was able to get most of the clothes washed and even a bunch of it listed.
Mom and Dad took the kids last night and Jo and I went out for Sweetest Day. We did some more thrift shopping and then got dinner. We tried Roccanto's in Rosemont. It was pretty good and nicely priced.
We had lunch with Lauren, Dean, Abby & Jordy today. We met them out in Wheeling. It was nice to visit and see them, it has been too long.
We had dinner at Mom and Dad's tonight. It was make your own taco night. Corn pudding and homemade apple sauce completed the meal. We missed Jo and the boys...T has walking pneumonia and Teo has an ear infection.
Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Just Like the Old Days

Gosh, it has been some time since I blogged back to back.
I neglected to remember that my girlfriend, Lee, is in town and I was able to see her a couple times last week.
I got my favorite email from ebay last night giving me free listings until the 26th, so I spent today getting my clothing in order and beginning to list. I went to volunteer in Nick's classroom. He did great while I was there and I was sitting close enough to hear him reading the 1st grade words. He got 120/200 correct and more than doubled his score from the last time he read them a few weeks ago.
It was Ellie's last volleyball game today. East Prairie won all their games...4/4! Ellie did some great serving and we were proud of her. Rob was able to come and watch the games and Mom and Dad came, too. We picked up dinner and ate here. We all watched Toy Story Halloween, pretty cute. I went grocery shopping with Lee after the kids went to sleep.
The positive thoughts are working, our friend, Rosie, got news today that she is officially in remission and with her bone marrow transplant she will be assured her leukemia will never return. Still could use some positive thoughts for some other family and friends. Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree
PS - Funniest ebay listing ever (and make sure you read the description) just proves one persons trash is another persons treasure... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Half-Chewed-Cole-Haan-Wingtip-by-Emerging-Canine-Artist-Left-Shoe-Size-11-5D-/290991841025?nma=true&si=p9drua25QKY6KMN%252B2NDQVg33s1A%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

The Real Fall Getaway

Thanks for your patience in getting this post ready...it is a pain to post via the ipad because my fingers end up cramping up.
Last Thursday I went with Mom and Dad up to Grandma Chocolate's house to get some boxes ready for donation and do a last look over to see if there was anything else we wanted. We came back here for lunch - reheats from Wednesday night. Ellie had a game on Thursday night. They won 3/4 games they played. Ellie had another string of repeat points. Rob took the kids to Dengeo's for dinner afterwards and I went to school for Nick's conference. I knew some interesting things before I got there...Nick came off the bus with the news that Mrs. Berkowitz would be returning something of his to me...his pocket knife. Yup, it magically slipped into his pocket and he took it to school, he also handed it over to the supervisor at lunch. His conference went well and the pocket knife was less of an issue than I thought.
Friday was a long day. It was homecoming at Niles North. After the kids got home from school we quickly got ready for the parade and game. The parade was cute but suprememly shortened route (around the school and onto the track). The game sort of stunk...we lost. There were fireworks after the game which sort of lessened the blow. Rob was part of the unveiling of the new spirit stick and pulled something in his leg...he can't walk real well.
Saturday morning we were up and out early. We drove to Dearborn, Michigan for a weekend getaway. We stopped for lunch in Kalamazoo and were able to get to the hotel and checked in by 4PM. We had evening plans at Greenfield Village. They had a special Halloween event. We all dressed up and trick or treated around the village. It was magical, there were over 1,000 pumpkins that made a path around the park. Nick had another tooth that was hanging by a string and actively gushing blood. He didn't want to eat anything and it was annoying him but he was nervous about the tooth fairy finding us in Michigan.
Sunday morning after breakfast Nick pulled his tooth out. Although it did bleed a bit, he was at least able to eat again. We did some thrifting on our way to the Village. Found a great thrift chain up there and some real good bargains. We got to the village a bit before lunchtime. We split up, boys and girls. Ellie and I went and walked around the park while Nick and Rob took the train around the village and stayed at the roundhouse. Ellie got to be the apprentice at the print shop again. We went to Mexicantown after we left. I had read there were some good restaurants there. We went to the Panederia for some sweets and then across the street for a late lunch. It was delicious food and they were decorated for Dia de los Muertos. Ellie and I walked around the area and went into a couple of the shops after. We went back to the hotel and went swimming for a bit. We got the kids to sleep early since we had a few late nights.
Monday we traveled from Detroit to the cottage. We stopped in East Lansing to treat ourselves to some ince cream from the MSU Dairy. It was delicious. They had the Big Ten flavors...Ohio Buckeye was a favorite of most. It was very tasty and I would highly recommend it if you are near there. We took the scenic back roads to the cottage...took us double the time but it was beautiful fall foliage. We stopped off at Crane's and picked apples. There trees were still loaded and the apples were so sweet. It was pretty cool, we were able to drive our car right to the row we wanted to pick from. We got to the cottage in the late afternoon. We got the heaters on and then went into town to do our final recycling haul. We got back just in time to see the last sunset of the season. I think there were only about 6 families in the whole park. I made a mistake of not saving my wine for right before bed and when I finally went upstairs it took about 3 hours to fall asleep.
We all slept in this morning. Ellie and I were making pancakes when I went to wash my hands and realized the water was not flowing. I guess when they say the water is turned off on the 15th, it means the first thing in the morning. Rob was able to get a couple pails of water from the pump out front to finish dishes and flush the toilets. We cleaned up and got the car packed and headed out. We stopped off for an ice cream treat but needed to got to Bubble's because Oink's was closed. We got home in time for me to pack up my ebay items that sold over the weekend and for Sandra to pick them up. We set up our indoor Halloween and I made tacos for dinner. We have all showered and are clean and warm.
I have a handful of friends and family that need some positive thoughts right now. Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Fall Getaway

I know it is blog post night but I don't have the energy needed to post using the ipad. I will post on Tuesday.
Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Wacky Wednesday

Not truly wacky but I couldn't think of another title.
Monday morning I did my run to Unique. I found a basket full of clothes. I came home and got laundry going and did a bit of listing in the afternoon.
Tuesday morning I went to school to volunteer. It is fun getting to know the kids. I ran to Costco afterwards. I was able to score some clearance priced food and found they now carry Gardein veggie burgers. The weather has been awesome and the kids have been able to play outside after homework each day.
Today I was out and about trying to replenish inventory. I found Rob a baseball mitt at a garage sale. I went to scout out Salvation Army, found a couple good things. I decorated our front door to look like a friendly monster today...it's cute. Mom and Dad came over for dinner. It was truly a fridge clean out meal...veggie burgers, broccoli, asparagus, cranberry sauce, kale salad and Mom brought applesauce and cabbage. We watched our Wednesday night TV and had a great time. I got an email from Ellie's math teacher, she had given a pop quiz in class and she was impressed with Ellie's achievements.
Busy rest of the week. Ellie has a game tomorrow, I have a conference for Nick, parade and homecoming on Friday. Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Finally Feels Like Fall

I love that the cold front has come through...I have cute fall clothes I have been waiting to wear. Plus...this having to shave my legs to wear shorts in October thing - stinks!
It has been a busy couple days. Thursday morning I ran to Unique and found a couple things that were excellent. A North Face jacket that will be my winter coat if it doesn't sell. I couple great shirts that I have already listed and they have bids.
Friday afternoon Ellie had a volleyball tournament. The team has vastly improved over the past weeks. They won 4/6 games that they played. Ellie had a 5 point serving roll. They only let you score 5 points before you need to rotate positions. Rob took a half day and was in Michigan by early afternoon. After the game we had dinner at Red Robin and then took advantage of the bank coupons and had ice cream.
Saturday morning Ellie watched Nick so I could do a quick grab at Salvation Army. We headed up to Gurnee for our thrifting adventure. Founds some good things. Found a new thrift store to hit on the way home. We tried our luck at a store I saw on TV called Bargain in a Box. It had started lightly drizzling when we went in but once inside it began pouring. The store is pretty cool, looks like they buy damaged packages and closeouts from Costco and CVS and other stores. We waited and waited for the rain to slow down to run to the car. I realized we were parked in a low section of the lot and the water was almost up to the door. Roads were flooded over...I was glad to come home and find we just had a tiny bit of water by the drain.
Today we had a laid back day. Ellie helped me organize my bins and alphabetize my inventory. I think this will be an easier way of trying to find which bin and item is in. We ran to the Mexican bakery and market to pick up some treats for Ellie to bring to school. The kids played outside for a bit this afternoon. We did our first sweep of tree branches in the yard...I don't think I will miss that tree when it is gone. Rob got back this afternoon, he had a very productive weekend. We went to Mom and Dad's for family Sunday. Jo, Ole and the boys didn't join us because they are sick. We celebrated our German heritage with Oktoberfest. Spaetzle, cabbage, sauerkraut, applesauce, potato pancakes, Pork, Faux Turkey. Apple strudel and cookies for dessert.
Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree

Slowing Down A Bit

I have slowed down a bit this week. I did my Unique run on Monday morning and ended up with a couple bags of shirts. I stopped by Mom and Dad's to see if Mom wanted to shop my treasures before I listed them...she took me up on one. I was able to come home and wash my shirts and get them listed by the afternoon. Already had a few sell.
Tuesday morning I awoke to Nick by my bed with his tooth in his had. Nick finally lost his first tooth. He was so pleased. I went and did some grocery shopping at Aldi. I was able to get in and out in under 20 minutes. I started volunteering in Nick's classroom. I got to work with a few students, nice group of students. I was busy in the afternoon shipping clothes out. I have had 2 bins a day for Sandra to take. After we picked Ellie up from volley ball, we went to Whole Foods to pick up the things I couldn't find at Aldi. We picked out things for dinner. I cooked while the kids played outside for a bit.
I did my run to my newest thrift store this morning and was able to leave with an arm load of clothes for $12.00. I went to Allstate Arena to purchase our tickets for the circus. We are going opening night ... not main floor seats but 3rd row balcony. I continued my thrift roll and found a few things at Goodwill. I did some listing and mailing this afternoon. Mom and Dad came over for dinner. We had yummy pasta with chic'n strips, broccoli and cauliflower, fruit, and salad. Cookies for dessert. We watched the Middle together before they went home.
I think as the weeks go on I will find the right swing. This week I have taken at least an hour a day to get out of the house. Our friend, Rosie, needs some positive thoughts and energy this week. She will be headed to the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee soon for her transplant. Visualizing my healthy and continually healing body and the new normal, Tree