Doing our part to Stimulate the Economy

Michael and I are pretty frugal. We don't have caller i.d.(although it would be nice sometimes). We don't have cable (except in July for the Tour de France and any other reality show I can get my hands on). There was a point where we thought we'd just add the "stimulus package" from the government to our savings. Then I thought of something that I'd like and we got it in the name of "stimulating the economy."

A few years ago we got a "hand-me-down" bbq grill that replaced the one I found on the side of the road. We'd used it a few times, but it was beaten up and actually quite a hazard with bolts sticking out and pieces falling off.

I love bbq's and gatherings and charred meat. I've thought for a few years that I wanted to get a new grill, but thats all that came of if--a thought. So when I mentioned it to Michael a few weeks ago, he said, "just think about it, I'm sure the thought will pass." He knows I get whimsical spur of the moment ideas that really do just pass. But I said, "No, I've been thinking about it for a few years, but I just haven't VOICED it."

So I did some research online and we dragged the kids around to a few stores on Saturday and finally found one we liked and was in our fairly reasonable price range, and used a portion of our stimulus fund. Yipee...time for a BBQ!

My friend Emily M. gave me a great recipe for some unique hamburgers...having bacon bits inside and shredded cheese, and a few sauces. I made a new yummy potato salad with eggs and celery that I think will be a regular around here now...I was even requested to bring it to a later event(let me know if you want the recipe).

We had a Memorial Day gathering and Michael did a great job as the Master Griller. I think he'd enjoy it more if he didn't roast himself while standing there (hot outside + hot grill= a hot hubby). Our yard isn't huge, but how big does it need to be?

The kids area

Friends

View from the corner (kids table is just out of the image on the right)

Proof that I was there, too...with my friend Jessica's little Ezra.

Tyler was lovin' the soda selection. We don't have it much around here, so he drank 2. Later he had a tummy ache and we figured it was the over abundance.

So how did YOU stimulate the economy???? Anything fun?