I'm going to give it a try

First let me say that I just LOVE Google Reader! Thank you Carrie for introducing it to me and also for this blog telling us how to set it up. Since I set it up I've added several websites that explain how to save you money and have now become very motivated to try the "Grocery Game". I plan on starting out small as to not get overwhelmed but hope to be able to start saving our family lots of money.

It's not that I haven't tried to save money in the past, I do use coupons and look for sale items, but I just can't get over the deals that are out there. The straw that broke the camel's back is when Ashley recently shared this post laying out her methods of couponing and the website she uses. These have now also been added to the reader and I'm pumped about trying this new "game" (calling it a game makes it sound more fun, right?).

So to those of you already playing...what are your secrets? are certain days better to shop than others? certain locations better than others?

Summer Family Fun

I hope this isn't too late to let everyone know about a great affordable place for summer fun. Since we used to live in White House, Jeremy and I always anticipated the opening of the Franklin Drive-In theater and although we now live in H'ville we are still excited about it. I just checked and this weekend proves to be a great showing...Indiana Jones for the 1st feature and Iron Man for the 2nd. For those who have never been, the theater is located just over the state line, shows double features, and charges per carload at the low low price of $9 ($12 for Dreamworks/Paramount...I'll explain more on this in a moment). So yes if you can pack 20 people in your vehicle it is still only $9. With the price of gas and food going up this is a great place to hang out with the family and/or friends and see the latest films without having to take out a small loan. The other great things about it are the concession stand (which is very affordable), a grass area for the kids to play before the movie begins, you don't have to "sneak" in snacks and drinks, and the fact that it is always clean. So if you have not already made plans for this weekend I highly recommend you check out the drive-in.

Now about the $12 charge: apparently Dreamworks/Paramount said that they have to charge an adult and child price for their movies. In order to comply with this the drive-in decided then to charge $12 a carload but to then give a voucher for a free medium popcorn per vehicle to compensate the difference. You can read more about it on their website.

Laugh for the day

Unfortunately I don't have a picture but imagine with me. I was on my way to White House today and got behind a minivan whose license plate read

IGAVEIN

I couldn't help but laugh...welcome to the world of minvan mom!!

Harrison Dean

Yes I went yesterday to have pictures taken but let me explain. I think that the price they charge you in the hospital for pictures is outrageous and I refuse to pay it. So just as we did with Carleigh, once we get home I make an appointment at Portrait Innovations who are very reasonable, I can get all the kids pictures taken at once, and I get them back in about 20 minutes....and did I mention they just opened a location in Hendersonville? Anyway here are just a few of the shots of our newest addition~


And his big sisters who are IN LOVE with him!

He's here!!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that our little Harrison Dean was born Wednesday morning at 11:08...yes about 2 weeks early. He weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces and is 20.5 inches long and everyone says he looks like Jeremy. His sisters are CRAZY about him, maybe a little too much, and so far things have been going well. We came home yesterday and are going today to get pictures done so hopefully I'll get those posted in the next couple of days.

More random thoughts

Why did people in the Old Testament live hundreds of years but we don't anymore?

Why aren't ALL markers washable?

Why is it that when you have 2 kids and are pregnant again people look at you like you have 6 heads?

Are boys really that much more different than girls?