Be a summer bookworm!!!

Library Reading Program Allows Kids to DREAM BIG and Earn Circus Tickets!

As a parent, over the summer I try to keep my kids entertained and keep their brains from turning into summer mush. I think this program can help!! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and area libraries will be hosting some serious fun with Reading with Ringling Bros.! All branches of the Dallas Public Library System will be participating, along with many of the outlying suburban cities.

The reading program is easy and fun for kids to participate. The best part is that kids can earn a  Ringling Bros. circus ticket by simply doing their library reading!  Children from ages 2-12 simply need to enroll with the librarian, who will give kids everything to start their library reading.

For more, visit www.ReadingwithRingling.com.

Want to learn what it takes to soar on the flying trapeze or just what goes into those cream pies that the clowns throw?  Or maybe learn some fun facts about one of the more than 100 cities the mile-long circus train visits or how to teach your old dog a new trick?  It’s easy!  Just visit your local library and enjoy the magic of reading.

As a child I am sure all of us at one point or another thought about joining the circus. Now as a mom I feel like I live with the circus on a daily basis!!  Well now your kiddos can have a chance to “run away to the circus” for a week to LONE STAR CIRCUS SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP!!  LONE STAR CIRCUS SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP is a day-camp experience designed to introduce children at any level of physical development and skill the excitement of circus arts including aerial silks, aerial ring, trapeze, juggling, contortion, rolla bolla, trampoline, clowning and balancing.

For more information or reservations, please call 214/206-1449 or visit www.lonestarcircus.org.

For more information or reservations, please call 214/206-1449 or visit www.lonestarcircus.org.

WHERE: The Palaestra
4335 N. Beltwood Pkwy
Farmers Branch, TX 75244

WHEN: June 11-15, 2012
9:00 AM – Noon

COST: $45 per day or $205 per child for the entire week

MORE ABOUT LONE STAR CIRCUS:

Lone Star Circus is the performing arm of Lone Star Circus Arts Center, a Dallas-based non-profit organization, whose purpose is to promote circus arts through training, performance and community outreach.  Its Founder is Fanny Kerwich, an 8th generation circus artist of French descent, who started teaching circus arts several years ago at Dallas International School, and in her own studio, The Expressionists. Lone Star Circus Arts Center was incorporated in 2006. Its circus school, Lone Star Circus School, organizes recreational and professional training in circus arts for children and adults.  They also provide circus-themed entertainment for fundraisers and corporate and civic events.

It’s MONSTER TRUCK TIME!!!

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam (monster truck competition) will be at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday, February 25, 7PM.
Featuring: USHRA Monster Trucks including Grave Digger® driven by Dennis Anderson, Maximum Destruction® driven by Tom Meents, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian driven by Candice Jolly, El Toro Loco® driven by Marc McDonald, Mohawk Warrior driven by George Balhan, Advance Auto Parts Grinder driven by Frank Krmel, Superman driven by Sean Duhon, Iron Man driven by Lee O’Donnell, Son-uva Digger driven by Ryan Anderson, Avenger driven by Jim Koehler, Wrecking Crew driven by Steve Koehler, Bounty Hunter driven by Daron Migues, Iron Outlaw driven by Ben Winslow, King Krunch driven by David Smith, El Matador driven by Daron Basl, Black Stallion driven by Mike Vaters, Iron Warrior driven by Trey Meyers, and Monster Energy driven by Damon Bradshaw!  (Subject to change without notice.)

• Ticket prices are $45, $40, $35, $30 with a limited number of Total Access Passes available for $140.
• All kids’ seats are half price.
• Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800/745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased at Ticketmaster Retail Locations or by purchasing them at the stadium’s box office.
• All seats are reserved.
• Visit www.monsterjam.com/Events/2012/02/25/Arlington,_TX/ for coupon, locations, and Pit Party pass info.

The MetroPCS Party in the Pits is on Saturday, February 25 from 2:30PM to 5:30PM. The pit party gives all fans a chance to meet the stars of Monster Jam up-close while taking pictures and getting autographs. Pit Passes available at participating MetroPCS locations from 2/3/12 through 2/24/12 while supplies last.

Now the giveaway!!!!

I have the opportunity to host a giveaway!!! One Swampbrat reader will win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam at Cowboys Stadium!! This is for Saturday, February 25, 7PM. Winner will need to pick up tickets at Will Call with a valid photo id.  Please only enter if you can attend. I will email the winner and I need to hear back from you within 24 hours. If not, I will need to pick a new winner. Sorry!!

Ok, now that we have all that out of the way… Here’s how you enter:

Main Entry:

• Leave me a comment telling me who you would take to see this awesome event!!!

Extra entries are as follows- post a comment for each one you complete:

This giveaway ends at 11:59 pm CST on February 19. That’s coming up really quick!! And again- PLEASE make sure you can attend the Sat., Feb. 25.  show BEFORE entering. Thanks and GOOD LUCK!!!!

Today’s post is about where I live. I live in Texas in a town about 30 miles north of Dallas. It’s not a very exciting town by any means, but it is in Texas which makes it about 200x cooler than anywhere else.

There’s 2 universities in my town and a community college as well. There’s 3 high schools, 4 middle schools and a ton of elementary schools. And kindergarten is FULL DAY here. (woot woot!)  Our high school has placed 2nd in state football 2 years in a row. And in Texas, Football=Life. Yeah, I don’t get it either… There’s not a ton to do here. There’s a mall and some movie theaters… Man, this sounds so lame. But again- I live in Texas, therefore it is cool. It’s not a small town or anything, but not a big city like Dallas. I love that. There’s not a ton of crime either.

Best thing I’ve heard someone say that totally reminded me “Yep- I’m in Texas…” was overheard at the gun range:

“I’ve taken my CHL class (concealed handgun license), but I’m not payin’ the state to carry a gun! That’s like payin’ to go to church.”

I LOVE it. (And yes, I carry a gun.)

I love that winter only lasts a couple of months. I love the heat. My husband and I (and the kids) lived in Utah for 7 years and I did not love the 6-8 month freakin’ long winters. But it is also hot as hell here… and I don’t mind it at all.

Worst thing about Texas: My ex lives here too.

As much as I love Texas, I’d rather live near a beach. But my parents and most of my siblings are here, so… :-/

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:

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.