In January the family got to go see NUCLEAR COWBOYZ at the American Airlines Center. It was a fun show with pro-motocross athletes performing. The music was great although the dancers were kinda corny. But the tricks were pretty awesome. We’d watched motocross on TV, but seeing ATVs and motorcycles flip like that in real life was crazy!!! We had a really great time as a family.

January 25th was Livie’s 5th birthday. I still cannot believe my baby girl is 5. This was the 1st time she had a “real” birthday party with friends. She had a “princess party” planned last year, but that’s when Alec got sick, sick, sick with mono and strep.  So she’s been talking about her “big birthday party” literally for a year. So, she finally had her party. She invited 16 people and I think at least 12 were there.  She wanted a “Tangled” party based on Disney’s new Rapunzel movie.  I had Isabel, my sister, my mom and a friend’s exchange student “daughter” do hair and nails of the little princesses. They decorated crowns, played “Pin the Nose on Flynn Rider” and colored pics. It went amazingly well. I think everyone had a really fun time. It was fun decorating. We had a long “braid” of streamers coming up the stairs and I even had a long, golden braid hanging out the front window of the house so people would know they were at the right place. Livie loved it all and still tells me she “loved her party.” YAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIVIE!!!!

My parents gave me some money for Christmas. I decided to take my family to dinner at the Magic Time Machine. This is a fun restaurant where the waitstaff dresses up as different characters. We got “The Roman Orgy.” That’s kind of like a personal buffet for just our table of ribs, roast, veggies, fruit… SUPER YUM!! We got to sit in the Dunce Cap with Lilo from “Lilo and Stitch” as our waitress. It was a lot of fun.

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New Years Eve was fun! We played “Minute to Win It” and shot off paper poppers. My sister, and sis-in-law helped my little sister get ready for a New Years dance. My kiddos went as well, along with 2 friends who I call my “kiddos” too. I love these kids!!! Sei had to work, which sucked, but counting down to 2011 was great! I was ready to leave 2010 behind!!!

To be continued….

I’m always looking for ways to show my kids that you can be “cool” and still be a faithful Christian…

Christian extreme-athlete Ronnie Faisst, one of the world’s most accomplished freestyle motocross riders and one of the stars from the Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle ChaosSM tour, will visit MOR Youth, the Senior High Ministry at Gateway North Richland Hills, Texas, on Wednesday, January 19, 7:00PM.   The event will take place at the church’s North Richland Hills Campus at 7501 Davis Boulevard.

Faisst will encourage and energize teens to pursue the highest values of the human spirit through his testimonial followed by a question and answer session.  The evening also includes a meet-and-greet and autograph session with Faisst. For more information regarding the speaking engagement, please call 817/552-3719 or email youth@gatewaypeople.com.  The evening is free and open to the general public.

Faisst is a Two-Time X-Game Bronze Medalist and has competed in 12 X Games Events. Faisst recently placed third overall at the 2010 Dew Tour. He also won one silver medal and two additional bronze medals during his run in the Gravity Games. Faisst has competed in more than 60 FMX events worldwide throughout the 11 years he’s been competing.

Most importantly to Faisst is strongly being active in spreading the word on his faith and how it helps him in the freestyle motocross world.  He is a member of Revival Christian Fellowship and also supports the Extreme Church, which has an affinity toward those in Extreme-Action Sports including MX, BMX, FMX, skaters, winter sports and outdoors clubs including rock climbers, hikers, fishing, and hunting to name just a few.

In an industry that glorifies the rock star lifestyle, Faisst keeps his fame in check by remaining strong in his faith.  Faisst stands on what the word of God says and realizes God has given him a story that he can tell the world.  His faith keeps him strong in an often times dark and demeaning world.  Faisst seeks to live every aspect of his life to the fullest whether that’s his faith or on his motorcycle.

About Nuclear Cowboyz
This year marks the second year that Faisst has toured with Nuclear CowboyzSM.  The all-new Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle Chaos?, which plays at American Airlines Center on January 22 at 7:00PM, is the legend of two powerful freestyle motocross tribes, the Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha™, whose survival in their post-apocalyptic world is told through gravity defying and fearless freestyle motocross aerial feats. The Nuclear CowboyzSM mayhem and chaos is literally set in extreme non-stop motion when the tribes are challenged by a dark underworld that begins the ultimate battle for world supremacy. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800/745-3000.

In addition to Faisst, the 2011 Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle Chaos? tour has the greatest cast of freestyle motocross riders ever assembled, including Adam Jones, Mike Mason, Taka Higashino, Beau Bamburg, Derek Garland, Nixey Danielson, Jim McNeil, Brody Wilson, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Dustin Miller and Jeff Kargola. In addition to these world renowned freestyle motocross riders, trials riders Geoff Aaron and Keith Whineland, along with quad riders Derek Guetter and Colten Moore, take their apocalyptic power to the massive ramps, conveying the action-packed narrative through choreographed, synchronized awe-inspiring tricks and the Nuclear Cowgirlz? dancers. For more information, visit www.nuclearcowboyz.com.

I want you to totally enter my giveaway, but if you are wanting to purchase tickets, let me help you out with a discount code. SAVE 50% Nuclear Cowboyz tickets- a show like no other! Discount is good for Plaza Level and Terrace Level Seats while supplies last! Use code ZFMX in the “Advance or Promotional Ticket Selection” box. Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply. Not valid on Platinum Level or VIP Meet & Greet Seats. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 6 per purchase.

The winner is Quite Contrary!! Congrats!!! I will be emailing in you.

This is the post I wrote before about Nuclear Cowboyz, but I am lucky enough to be able to giveaway ANOTHER set of 4 tickets to the show!! PLEASE be sure that Jan. 22 works for you… And GOOD LUCK!!

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I am so, so stoked about this show and this giveaway!!! Nuclear Cowboyz are coming to Dallas!!! What is “Nuclear Cowboyz” you ask?? Nuclear Cowboyz is a cross between motocross and a rock concert. The show includes some of the world’s top motocross athletes. I don’t know about your family, but my family LOVES to watch motocross!! Nuclear Cowboyz is full of music, HUGE tricks, awesome ramps… I can’t wait!!!

Check out this teaser video:

I was so excited to learn that the show will be at American Airlines Center on January 22 for one performance only!!! And I am going to be there!! I would love for you to join me. I have 4 tickets for show on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 7:30pm that I get to GIVE AWAY TO ONE OF MY READERS.

I want you to totally enter my giveaway, but if you are wanting to purchase tickets, let me help you out with a discount code. SAVE 50% Nuclear Cowboyz tickets- a show like no other! Discount is good for Plaza Level and Terrace Level Seats while supplies last! Use code ZFMX in the “Advance or Promotional Ticket Selection” box. Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply. Not valid on Platinum Level or VIP Meet & Greet Seats. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 6 per purchase.

Where and When:

Saturday, January 22, 7:30PM (doors open at 6:30PM)

American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Avenue
Dallas, TX 75219

Ticket Info:
Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C00454CFE708AA7?brand=&tm_link=tm_sports_g7&hot_ticket_brand=sports) or by calling 800/745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased at Ticketmaster Retail Locations or by purchasing them at the arena’s box office. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $95 (VIP Experience), $65 (Club), $35 (Plaza/Terrace). For Group Sales, call 866/248-8740 ext. 103.

Now for the giveaway!!!!!

Again, it is for the Jan. 22 show at 7:30pm at the American Airlines Center. PLEASE make sure you can attend before entering. Tickets will be available for pick up at the Will Call window with a picture ID.

MAIN ENTRY: Who will you take with you to the show if you win?

BONUS ENTRIES:

I had to opportunity to attend Disney On Ice: Princess Wishes. Man, we’ve gone to Mickey’s Rockin’ Roadshow and Ringling Bros. Circus, but I have to admit I loved Disney on Ice the best!! We had AMAZING seats- 2nd row from the floor. And as a bonus, I got to sit by my friend, Brandy, over at Not So Average Mama. I knew she would be there, but it was fun to discover our seats were right next to each other! (Fun for me anyways… you’ll have to ask her what she thought about my singing the entire show…)  I grew up LOVING Disney. We used to listen to Disney music on vacation… on purpose. So, all the songs were familiar to me and the stories too! Here are few of the better pics I got. I am a lame photographer. Every time I snapped, they bowed, or turned or someone jumped in front of me…

I loved the show and so did Sei, Taj, Liv, Isabel, my sister Ali and Isabel’s friend, Emily. Taj was worried it would be all “girl princess stuff…” Not at all!! Aladdin was the 1st scene of the show and he was loving it. But when the dragon set the ice on fire– Taj was in awe!! Sei didn’t want to go either, but got wrangled in to it. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Thank you Disney on Ice and Feld Entertainment!!

I took the kids letterboxing. What’s letterboxing, you ask? It’s kind of like geocaching, except you don’t use a GPS. You follow clues and directions left by fellow letterboxers to find the hidden box. In the box is a stamp and a notepad. You also carry your own stamp and notepad. Once you find the box you stamp YOUR stamp in the notepad left in the box and stamp your pad with THEIR stamp. It’s kind of like collecting stamps on a passport combined with a scavenger hunt. The kids and I weren’t quite sure if it would be fun. Tristan, Alec and Isabel had been geocaching before so I was afraid it would pale in comparison. WRONG! They said letterboxing was more fun! We went several times over the Thanksgiving holiday.  We even hid a few of our own. If you go on Letterboxing.org we are “G-Force.” Our stamp is a snake with a G on it.

Stay tuned for more November updates…. I didn’t really do any Black Friday shopping, but will share a couple of Christmas purchases with you in my next post. I did attempt to go to Toys R Us, but the line TO GET IN THE STORE was 1/2 a mile long. So, I stuck with online shopping.

Princess Wishes!!

• If you are in the DFW area Belle, Ariel and all their Princess friends will be visiting the Allen Event Center in Allen, Texas during the Thanksgiving holidays!! Disney on Ice will only be here Nov. 24-28.
• I will be hosting a giveaway via Facebook soon!!
• Great news…there is a family discount that you can use and pass along: MOM
• When using the promo code MOM, the discount is $4 off Level 3 tickets … any performance.
• Here is the link to purchase tickets: http://www.gettix.net/concert/?event_id=3287

Here is a fun sneak peak:

Princess Wishes!!

• If you are in the DFW area Belle, Ariel and all their Princess friends will be visiting the Allen Event Center in Allen, Texas during the Thanksgiving holidays!! Disney on Ice will only be here Nov. 24-28.
• I will be hosting a giveaway via Facebook soon!!
• Great news…there is a family discount that you can use and pass along: MOM
• When using the promo code MOM, the discount is $4 off Level 3 tickets … any performance.
• Here is the link to purchase tickets: http://www.gettix.net/concert/?event_id=3287

Here is a fun sneak peak:

I had the opportunity to take Taj, Liv and my little sister, Ali, to Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Roadshow. Wow! What a great show! It had the kids dancing, jumping, singing and so excited!!! The storyline- Mickey and his friends in search of participants for their talent show- was so cute. Livie loved any part with Cinderella. Taj loved Buzz Lightyear. I, personally, like the evil step-sisters, Drizella and Anastasia. They are always entertaining… in a sad sort of way. haha

I also loved that the show wasn’t too long. Children love Mickey, but their attention span is only so long. This show was 75 minutes long. With a 4 year old that is PERFECTION!! I also thought the Allen Event Center was a great place- perfect size and set up with easy parking. We loved the show all around!

My family was provided with free tickets to Disney Live! by Feld Entertainment to make this review possible. All opinions are my own… and Taj and Liv’s.

WHAT: Believing is just the beginning in Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes!  Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine and Mulan all make their wishes come true in this collection of celebrated tales wonderfully told through artistic skating and acrobatics.

Audiences will be transported to a world where dreams really can come true.  With the help of the magical pixie Tinker Bell, the Disney Princesses embark on an adventure to find their heart’s fondest wish. Ariel dreams of a life above the sea, Mulan finds her inner strength, Jasmine discovers a whole new world and Snow White finds her true love.  Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty also find happiness in this beautifully imagined ice show.

Starting one hour before each performance, families will be treated to the Disney Princess Pre-Show, an exclusive fairy tale collection of gowns and treasures from the Disney Princess stories. This bonus experience is free with ticket purchase and includes a special appearance by a live Disney Princess.

To learn more about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com, or visit them on Facebook and YouTube.

WHERE: Allen Event Center

200 East Stacy Road, Ste. 1350

Allen, TX 75002

WHEN: Wednesday, November 24 at 7:30 pm

Friday, November 26 at 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm

Saturday, November 27 at 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 28 at 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm

TICKETS: Beginning Saturday, September 18, tickets are available at www.alleneventcenter.com, the Allen Event Center box office or charge by phone at 1-866-443-8849.  Ticket prices are $75 (Rinkside), $45 (VIP) and $30.

Taj, Sei, Livie and I were able to go to the circus this past month. The older kids weren’t home so Sei invited a co-worker and his family to use their tickets. It was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Zing Zang Zoom. And let me be clear- if you’re going to the circus ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE!!  Ringling Bros. is the best. The show was so great!! I, personally, loved the elephants. I’m amazed that those huge animals can do so many things!! And the puppies were super cute too- Livie loved them.  She’s still talking about the puppy riding the scooter! Taj loved the tigers and getting to meet the performers before the show. That was pretty awesome. I loved how I was constantly entertained- as were my kids and husband. There was even one part that was performed completely upside down. I had never seen anything like it!! I did miss the motorcycles in the huge, round cage. That was my favorite act from last year, but the new Ring Master, Alex Ramon,  did a great job and the new acts were great! Check out Ringling.com to see when the circus is coming near you. I know the circus will be in Ft. Worth, Texas Aug 11 to 15, 2010.

If you’d like to see more pics please visit my Swampbrat- Facebook wall.

My family was provided with free tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus by Feld Entertainment.