saving money in 2010

So what are your plans for 2010?
For the Barnes home we plan to spend less and save more.

Last year we did the same- it's not really a resolution, just a good time to reevaluate. In '09 we-

• started to share a cell phone plan with John's parents
• share our garbage service and split the bill,
• we signed up for netflix to avoid all the Hollywood video late fees and unwatched movies.
• ate out about twice a month
• knock off the coffee shop stops
• cancelled magazine subs
• use no credit cards
• make birthday cakes- not buy

Now for 2010 we have in mind

• canceling netflix
• maybe sharing out garbage can with a third neighbor
• compost and grow more, longer
• cut out that 2x a month eating out {maybe 1x}
• drive less, carpool more = less gas
• maybe find a side job for me
• unplug and turn things off more
• drop our heat down by a degree or two, and hour earlier

So what are your ideas? What do you do that you would like to share? I'd love to know!

Shorecrest kicks Shorewood

Shorecrest posts video-104,938 views!
Shorewood copies- 5,530 views!
We kick butt! You tell me which school is better!
Check out Youtube- type in the schools name and watch the videos.
{And see if you can spot my daughter in it!}
How cool is this? Shorecrest is way more fun now then when John and I went there...
Go Shorecrest!

Lights, camera, happy holidays!

WARNING! YOU MIGHT NEED YOUR SHADES FOR THIS PICTURE!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BARNES CLAN!

I think we put the Griswolds to shame... :)
What do you think?

the big 30

so it's coming...
there isn't a darn thing i can do about it...
what did you do for your 30th birthday?

help me by telling me what made your day special!
maybe you will be the one to make me laugh about the whole 'getting older thing'!
comment away!!!!

Holy Cow! I've been a parent for a whole DECADE!

singing cards, gift cards to cold stone, and barnes & noble, new church pants and a sweater

transformers from dad

a visit from a best friend {bringing $20!}

kitchen seat at Buca

making his first goal ever!
what can i say- i cried

OPRAH AND PAYLESS UNITE!

• today thru october 30th close time at a payless near you, ALL of your purchase is HALF off!!!!
• that is all shoes, bags and accessories!! to print your coupon go to www.oprah.com/payless, print your coupon and SHOP!
• but remember only till close tomorrow! so what are you waiting for? go print yours and enjoy!

Homecoming 09

Freshman homecoming...she was so excited and actually nervous as all of us parents and the boys, were waiting for her in the living room.

Funny thing is, all of these boys asked her to the dance, she said no to all.

{she can't date till 16} but her girlfriends ditched out on her so we decide she could carpool with them, so none of them had to show up by themselves.

{Her daddy bought her the corsage} and she and I had a wonderful time finding the perfect dress, having Crystal do her hair and eye makeup, and driving Crystals sports car to the dance! She is so grown up and we are so proud of her!

She had a wonderful time dancing around with her friends and playing guitar hero!

{yes they have that at school dances now!}

Now she is looking forward to Winter Ball.. time to dress shop again!