FABULOUS finds!

***the store is called the Playroom Closet on 92nd and Greenfield : )

first of all, I found this stamp on Etsy (advertised on Ali Edwards' blog, and also on Liz Kartchner's some time ago--. I've been wanting an address stamp for a while; writing our long address is annoying : ) Problem is, I can't decide which one I want (they are the same price...) All her address stamps are so stinkin' cute, I better not look again at all of them, in case I throw a third one on the list of "I just can't decide..."

My fab finds at the resale shop included an American Girl doll outfit for $14.99 (retails at $30, plus the outfit I bought came with the snow boots which are part of a different set in the catalog)

Also bought this cute newborn sized sleeper for baby 4 for $2.99, tags still on.

And this cute dress for Maddie. After going through her closet this past weekend, she has oodles of summer dresses, but only a handful of fall/winter. I figured one more cute dress for $6.99 couldn't hurt. It'll be perfect for church and wherever else!!

Whoa!!

I went to this resale shop for the first time today, and HOLY COW! I have never been to such a great resale shop. I am all about resale, hand-me-downs, and rummages, etc. But this store was loaded--and everything was literally like new. American Girl dolls/clothes/furniture, name brand clothes & other clothes in MINT condition, shoes like new (even baseball and soccer shoes!), toys galore, books & movies up the wahzoo, strollers of every make and model, cribs, playpens, dressers, changing tables, playhouses, desks, play kitchens, the list could go on forever... I was debating over a playpen. Ours is ancient. I didn't buy it, yet...but I think I will go back and buy one of them. There were 3 of them out, between $45 & $55. They were all newer models (the ones that go for $100+ at Target) with the bassinet-like thing in it for a newborn to sleep in and the changing table/pad that comes off. They were all even neutral colors, and seriously, immaculately NEW. They looked unused. I almost bought a wooden high chair, too, for $28. Our high chair is missing...not sure where it is! Since Mike wants 8 more kids, we better stock up on the baby gear, right (lol!)? Oh, I am so excited for my finds, and plan on going to this store many times in the future!!! I'll post pics of my finds soon!

Got to get ready...I'm going out to dinner with a couple friends that I haven't seen since May!

He made it!

Okay, not that I didn't have confidence that my husband could run a marathon, but I was really nervous...he had never run a half marathon, and the most he ever trained for was 16 miles. he fully intended on doing the full training, but had major knee problems earlier Spring/Summer and actually had quit running for 2 months (by order of the Dr.) So he certainly didn't do the training he should have. But he had already signed up for the marathon and wanted to give it a shot. Here he is, just 100ft or so from the finish line.

He crossed the finish line still running! And I thought he looked great for just running 26 miles. Alot of people were looking like they were in pretty rough shape, be it medically or just because they were so emotional. I don't think I'll ever understand what exactly possesses one to run 26 miles for fun, but after seeing the people cheering, and all the runners crossing the finish line, I see the dedication and amazing mindset those people have (something I mustn't possess, I guess). So he got his "FINISHER, LAKEFRONT MARATHON 2009" medal. And while he doesn't think he'll do another one anytime soon (he's talking a couple years, maybe), he is now trying to convince me to start running and that I should do a 5K (3+miles or so). I'm not so sure this peep-loving, ho-ho eating, current junkfood-chocoholic can handle the thought of that.

on a roll

First of all, I've been caught up on laundry for a while. Or rather, staying caught up. That is so unlike me!!

Christmas shopping is in full swing...I usually don't shop till November, but figured I'd get started (and hopefully finished!) early. There really aren't a ton of people that we buy for--my parents, sister, grandparents, & our kids. Up until last year, we had the nieces & nephews on Mike's side exchange names. Mike's sister didn't want to do it anymore, which is fine...all the kids do get plenty of stuff already, and that'll be four less people to shop for (though shopping for kids is the most fun, of course!) I have to say I think I am pretty close to being done. Amazing! I do need to get a couple little things for the baby (not because I really want to, or that she needs anything, but the kids will wonder why the baby didn't get anything!). Think I'm done with Kaycey. She is the easiest kid on the planet to buy for. I'll probably put Mike in charge of something cool for Cal, though I got him a couple cool things already (an 8x10 framed picture off of ebay of Jeter & Ripken, for example). Maddie should be the easiest, but the only thing she says she loves and wants are more stuffed dogs. Like she doesn't have enough of those!!! Anyhow, so I have been very productive in the Christmas shopping. Even started the projects that will be gifts, too.

Looked at Christmas outfits, too, for the kids. Children's Place has the cutest outfits made to match each other. But I know they really don't need them. I know Kaycey will fit into her dress from last year (that she literally wore for 3 hours probably). Cal could use something. Maddie has plenty, too. But I couldn't resist this for the baby...most things I see that are newborn size look so big (I don't look at newborn size too often knowing they will wear the stuff for such a short time!!). Seeing that she will be just 6 weeks old, I'm thinking she'll be a little peanut yet. This outfit looked small enough that she won't be swimming in it for Christmas. I know she'll only wear it a couple times, anyhow. Good thing it was only $12 (from Toys R Us)!

26 7/32

That is the distance, in miles, of a marathon.

Good luck to Mike as he is running in his first marathon today! I plan on being at the finish line to give him a ride home.