Super Duper Black Friday

Black Friday, 2007

What kind of crazy loon sets their alarm for 4:30am and heads to the stores? I didn't think I was one of them until we realized what a super buy we could get on our new computer monitor at Best Buy. So... I set the alarm, made coffee in my to-go mug and hit the road. I could not believe the amount of headlights I saw on the roads- which was nothing compared to the line of at least a thousand people who were ahead of me at 5am.



I thought it would be a waste. There were too many people in front of me to guarantee that any monitors would be left. The gentleman in front of me wished me luck as we charged into the store and I darted off to the computer section.



In a half hour I was checked out and headed to my second of four stops of the morning. Kudos to Best Buy for efficient Black Friday coordination. (I couldn't say the same for Kohl's. Even though there seemed to be some good deals - the line wrapped around the store didn't move once when I was browsing.)



Target too, was very good. The parents pushing me and my cart in the toy aisle was not so much fun though.



So how much did the Schlesier's save on Black Friday? We estimate $12,000! When all my early morning shopping was done, I came home, walked the dog and waited for Nat and Kevin to get up. We had some breakfast, read the paper, and found an ad for Chrysler which promoted $10,000 off their 2007 models.



A few hours later, we were driving home in our new mini-van.

Don't think I can top this shopping next year.

Eye Candy

Welcome to the Schlesier Kitchen. Took me 10 tries, but I finally got photos up. We're not 100% organized, so excuse some of the clutter. - ENJOY!

argh...

I have uploaded tons of pictures to show you all and for some reason blogger site does not want to let me post!

So the update from here is that we've slowly been unpacking, organizing and getting used to the new kitchen. There are still a few outstanding issues, but our contractor was out this morning and he said it would all be finished before Thanksgiving (except the backsplash- which we're having redone after Turkey Day).

We've already used the double oven (LOVE IT!) and cracked open the ceremonial bottle of wine. Thanksgiving will be a true test of the full capabilities, but we're excited to break it in.

I will try again shortly to get some photos up. Bear in mind that it's messy!

Thank you fellow readers...

We wanted to send a short note to say that pictures are pending, but we are loving our new kitchen so far...

A few outstanding items for the contractor to finish before we pay the final bill - but for the most part, we are loving it!

This week, we will attempt to cook in our double oven. Woo-hoo!
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
The Schlesiers

Media Blackout

Sorry for the lack of posts, this phase has removed us from the house, and we didn't bring our laptop with us so we haven't been uploading photos from our camera.

Anyway, since Friday October 26th we have been living with Eileen's mom. This is bacuse the floors have been getting sanded and stained. In order to do this they had to move all of our furniture (family room and office) into the living room and dining room, which is exactly where we were eating, and well, living. So out we went. This means we were out of our house for both Halloween and the ladies birthdays, but it was necessary.

Over that weekend we met with the tile guy and our contractor to look at the tile design behind the range. Although we liked the design we realized that a third of it would be blocked by the range controls. We came up with a new design, and the tile man had to redo it.

On Monday the 29th Eileen went to the house to approve the stain colors and surprised me, and herself, by going quite a bit darker.

Eileen got to peak into the house a couple of evenings later (she couldn't go in as the floors were wet) and said she loved the color, so I couldn't wait to see it.

We all went in on Saturday and got to see our new floors, which are stunning, and our new light fixtures which look great. Also up is a new ceiling fan which has a light on it, so maybe now we can actually read in our family room. It was impressive to see all of our possessions crammed into our living room, I am just glad I am not the one who had to carry it all.

The only negative we saw was the new installation of the tile design behind the range. It looks like it was a bit rushed, with some unequal grout and the bottom out of square. The more we looked, the more it bothered us, so we planned on speaking with our contractor about it.

Monday Eileen left for Philly for a business trip, so I stayed behind at Moira's with Natalie. I spoke with the contractor and he said the paint was complete Monday and that all our furniture would be moved back Tuesday. He also said he would speak with the tile guy. We'll see how that goes.

So as of Tuesday night the project is done...at least they say its done. I'll head over tonight to see what minor details (like a sticking drawer that still needs attention) are left. Thursday Eileen comes back and we'll start moving back in.

Natalie has been a trouper throughout, and has slept through the night at Moira's the whole time (except a nagging cough which keeps waking her, and me, and Molly up).

Pics as soon as we can get them!

K

water works

Well, although our faucet was hooked up today in our kitchen, the real water works to highlight today is in regards to potty training.

Kev worked late tonight and as Nat and I were eating dinner she proclaimed, "Poopee mommy!", Up we run to the potty. Too late...already in the diaper. But, we go through the motions- wipe, flush, put on some big-girl pants. To celebrate that she was all clean, out comes the jello- our new favorite dessert.

When all calmed down from the Jello celebration, I tried to impress upon Nat that she needs to tell me when she needs to go potty. We were wearing our Dora underpants and I knew I only had a few critical seconds to get her on the potty if she was ready.

Let's just say that the Elmo chair Nat got for Xmas last year had a good run. It is now sitting in my bath tub trying to air out. If you appreciate the humor in the happy "accident", you'll appreciate that it was the first of two pee messes that mommy was cleaning up tonight. I can only imagine that soon the dog is going to be peeing all over my house to try to mask the urine that Nat is leaving everywhere.

I should be excited about the faucet, but honestly I'm daydreaming about the Sahara right now.

head 'um up, move 'em out

Preparing to move to Casa-Nana's next week so that the floors can be refinished, and cannot even think of where to begin with packing. I guess the first step will be locating our luggage. Hmm... I think its in the blue bedroom which means we have barrakaded ourselves out of that room with all the kitchen stuff that now exists on the floor of that room. Might have to do some careful tip toe navigation to get to the closet- which is where I think the luggage is.

We are not sure when furniture can be moved back on to the floors after its done (4+ day process), so Kevin might just stay with Nana another week since I'm in Philly week of Nov 5th for business. I'm certain that Molly and Natalie will love this little adventure. Let's just hope we are all able to sleep in our new accomodations. (PS- I'll be staying at the 4 Seasons on my business trip and am sure that I will enjoy those accomodations.)