Media Mommy–I am a plugged in Mom. I love my kids, social media–and a good deal!

My husband and I just celebrated 9 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe, time has gone by so fast. We had a chance to go to the gym together today. I haven’t been in several months. To my horror, I’ve gained 5 pounds. While I walked the treadmill he challenged me. 100 days of fitness. And we have to blog about it.

I haven’t decided if I’ll actually do it. I want to. I truly want to. As a working mom, I spend most of my time giving to others. I also spend a lot of time feeling guilty about being away from my kids. I don’t get much time for myself.

I often feel like the person I was before getting married is gone.

I have no real hobbies–unless you count trying to save money and pinch pennies. So the idea of taking at least an hour and a  half to go to the gym everyday makes me feel guilty. At the same time, I know getting into shape means I’ll be a better mom for my children and I’ll (hopefully) live longer.

So what do you think–should I take the challenge?

On a side note–this would be a fun way to get some exercise in at work, right?

Yes, dear friends, I paid for a movie. For my entire family. And it was worth every penny.

Of course we’d seen the first two and loved them both. So my expectations were high and I just didn’t think we could wait for the DVD. So last Sunday all five of us went to the evening show. I believe the tickets were $33.50 (we saw 2D not 3D) and the popcorn and drink set us back another $10.50. Ouch. But so worth it.

The movie starts off with scenes of Andy playing with his Buzz and Woody dolls in old home movies, then cuts to Andy as a teenager. He’s heading to college and hasn’t played with his toys in years. What’s left of the old gang are in his toy box in his room. With Andy leaving his Mom has an ultimatum–attic, trash or donate.  Andy chooses to put most of his toys in the attic, and surprisingly he planned to take Woody with him.

Here’s where the plot twist comes in. As usual, I don’t want to give anything away–you’ve just got to see it. In the end, grown-up’s and older kids will cry, but the young ones will love it. The next day my son told me he had rearranged all his stuffed animals on his bed to show them he loves them. How cute is that?

Toy Story 3–A+++

Friday is another free day for Coloradans at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.

The Gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but no visitors are admitted after 4:30.

Click here for more information and directions.

Have you been to the gardens? It looks like my kids would have fun there. I’ll have to wait for another free day before I can take them!

If you have a Thrifty Thursday tip to share please email me at sboe@NewsFirst5.com

If you’re like me, you’ve wanted to take the kids to Santa’s Workshop on Pikes Peak–but sticker shock has stopped you. $17.95 PER PERSON 2 and up. For small families–that’s doable. Larger families like mine–ouch.

Luckily, they’re offering $5 off regular admission until June 13. That’s still quite a bit of money, but I well deserved treat for my kids.

Click here for the coupon. Thanks Carrie for finding this deal!

I told you last week that Sonic is doing a Buy One Get One Free promotion on their new shakes. They’re yummy–my family went yesterday.

However, I thought I would caution you these shakes are HUGE. We each got our own, but we could have split two shakes!

I have a nearly full small, a half empty small, and a half empty large in my freezer now. Although I am guessing these will be gone before I get home tonight with Daddy and the kids home.

This is clearly an effort to get you to come in and sign up, but if you’re testing out gyms right now it’s a good deal. 24 Hour Fitness (as seen on The Biggest Loser) is offering free days both Saturday and Sunday for Moms!

Even better: parents will receive Kids’ Club babysitting free! And—The Biggest Loser Boot Camp class is still available.  Click here for more info on that.  www.24hourfitness.com.

There are some fun things to do for Mom this weekend that are free. You’ll still have to pay to get in–but Mom is free.

Mother’s Day Skate
1-4 p.m.
Pueblo Ice Arena
Mom’s skate for free. For more information click here.

Mini Golf for Moms
Friday 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday Noon-8 p.m.
Academy Mini Golf
Colorado Springs
Free for Mom.
For more information about Academy Mini Golf click here.

Mother’s Day at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Canon City
Moms get in free! General admission tickets are $24.Click here for more information.

The Royal Gorge is celebrating Military Appreciation in May. All active duty and retired military personnel and families can get in for 50% off. Make sure you have your ID!

Click here for more information. I’ve only seen the bridge from afar due to the fact that I am too cheap to pay to go on it.. and that my husband is afraid of bridges! I hope to do this one if someone from out of town comes to visit!

If you’ve been waiting to stock up on summer clothes, this weekend may be the time to buy. Old Navy is offering 30% off of everything in the store this Friday through Sunday. Click here for more information from the Old Navy Facebook page.

If you already have your summer items covered, you could combine this with clearance savings on winter and spring clothes. Comment to let me know if you’re planning on checking out this sale!

If you have a Thrifty Thursday tip to share email me at sboe@NewsFirst5.com

I’ve never been a big flower person. I do not encourage my husband or kids to buy me flowers on the made up holidays because I think it’s a waste of money. They’ll be dead in a few days right?

Well last weekend it was so pretty outside–I wanted to go out in the yard and do something. My husband was working, so I didn’t feel brave enough to hit a hiking trail with all three kids.

So here’s what we did.

I probably could have just bought some pre-planted containers and spent the same amount. But, I wanted to dig and get my hands dirty. I am notorious for my black thumb. I have in fact not had a plant since my son was born–7 years ago. I’m just too cheap to spend the money on things I might kill.

I’ll let you know how it goes. We had fun doing it. And for me, that makes up for the expense. We could have gone to the movies and spent $50–but this was so much more enjoyable to do together.

Do you have any gardening tips for me? Especially with this Pueblo weather!