Getting Ready

I am scrambling to get everything ready for Christmas in the next three days.  I'm having foot surgery on Friday and want to have everything done before then.  I just don't want my husband to have to worry about any of it.  Presents are all purchased, just waiting for one package from Thinkgeek.com to get here.  I've gotten about half my presents wrapped, so I've got a good start!  I picked up the pictures for our Christmas cards today.  One of the pictures on it turned out really dark, but not enough to make me reprint it.  The rest of it looks good.  So three more days of craziness, then down for a bit with my foot.  Hopefully though within a couple weeks I'll be feeling much better! 

Things aren't always perfect, but they have been good.  We have been very blessed this year.  That doesn't mean that it is always easy, but it's those hard times that make us stronger.  At church yesterday we were talking about faith, about how we are continually tested.  It's like refining metal.  You have to take out the dross (the impurities) otherwise the metal won't be as strong.  During heating it rises to the top.  So when we go through something that is hard, we can either come out the other side stronger having taken the "impurities" out or we can come out weaker by letting it get us down.  I'm often asked how I can be so happy when I'm always in so much pain.  This is pretty much why, I refuse to let it beat me.  If I push through it, continue to live my life to the fullest that I can, and try to do so with a good attitude I will come out stronger in the end.

Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream in Review

We went to see Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream last night at the Pepsi Center.  We got there about 40 minutes early and were able to get a really great parking space.  Got our tickets, hit the bathroom, and headed to our seats.  We only had about a 10 minute wait by the time we got in.  So I was really happy with that timing as it was packed! 

The show started out with the story of Tiana and Prince Naveen from Princess and the Frog.  It was very cute.  We loved that the fireflies bottom lit up!  Obviously all the storylines were greatly abbreviated due to time, but the story was well done.  Even if you haven't seen the movie you still know exactly what is happening. 

Next came the story of Cinderella.  The wicked step-mother and the step-sisters were there, as were the mice, the Fairy Godmother, the Prince, and many other people from the palace.  The step-sisters cracked me up with the faces that they were making at the audience.  The mice made Cinderella's dress and the sister's pulled it all to pieces.  It was really fun to see that kept in the storyline.  After the ball when the prince was looking for the girl who the shoe fit, they again included a few girls on the front row in on the shoe trying on.  Archer was sure the shoe would be Goofy's, but no luck.  The glass slipper, of course, fit on Cinderella.

Lastly came the story of Rapunzel.  Much of it was different from the movie of Tangled, but a lot of it was the same also.  Princess kept waiting for the lanterns and was overjoyed when they arrived.  There was some really cool aerial work done by Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.  Maximus was great and you have to admire the two skaters who were able to operate that costume!  Archer was again disappointed when the crown belonged to Rapunzel and not Goofy.  Though I'm sure he would have looked fabulous in a glass slipper and crown.  The only thing that was odd was at the very end Rapunzel had her long blonde hair again, instead of her short brown hair.  I totally get why they did it as the long blonde hair is part of what makes her Rapunzel. 

Overall the whole family enjoyed the show.  Even Archer, who is almost 13, enjoyed the show.  At the end he commented on how much better the show was than he was expecting.  Of course you can't go wrong when Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald are running the show.  Angel loved the fact that all the princesses and their princes made an apperance at the end.  Picasso really enjoyed seeing Donald, as he is his favorite.  My husband said that the show was really great and sitting next to Princess and her excitement was an adventure!  I would happily see this performance again.  Everyone that I know who has seen it loved it. 

If you are still planning on buying tickets for one of the Denver shows, make sure you use the code 4MOM to save $4 per ticket!

Happy December!

Happy December!  So far no snow, which is a big bummer.  Still it is December and it should be a really good month. 

My bff of over 20 years is visiting this weekend.  He's actually here for a NFL game with his son, but they are staying at our place so it counts as a visit.  Funny enough he and my sweet husband have never met!  We've been married almost 14 years and he's never met one of my best friends ever.  They've met now and get along fine, so life is good.

I am having surgery on my left foot in a couple weeks.  Doesn't seem like a "really good month" thing, but I am hoping it is.  If all goes as expected the surgery will greatly reduce, if not elimate, the constant pain I am having in that foot.  So a good thing. 

My sister is coming to visit!  She is coming out for a few days after I have surgery to help out with the kids.  I am so excited!  I love her lots and miss her.  The kids are all really excited to see her also.  She won't be here long, but I'll take anything I can get. 
Disney on Ice is this week.  I can't wait to go and share in the magic of the show with my kids.  It will be a great night spent together as a family.

Christmas is coming!  We'll be getting our Christmas tree this weekend.  I love watching the kids all fan out to find the perfect tree.  The discussions about which one is best and why.  The smell of the pine and just the beauty it brings to my home.  It will be fabulous.

I will be wrapping presents soon.  I love wrapping up the presents to put under the tree.  The excitement that comes with the unwrapping.  The tape, the bows, the tags, the paper are all just so much fun.  Yes, I did just say that tape was fun!

Christmas Eve is always spent at my mom and step-dad's house with the family.  We eat yummy food, we put up the nativity while my step-dad reads from the scriptures, we sing Christmas carols until we can't sing anymore.  I love Christmas Eve at my parents!  Then we will head home where the Christmas jammies will be opened.

Christmas is Christmas.  It is wonderful and magical.  Full of love and wonder.  The Spirit that surrounds it is amazing.

Last, but not least by any means, is Archer's birthday.  That boy will be a teenager!

So HAPPY DECEMBER!  It is going to be a really great month!  I hope yours is too.

I Wish

In my Dare to Dream giveaway post I asked what everyone's wish was.  I thought it was only fair that I should share what my wish is.

For my children I wish for them to have a happy and healthy childhood.  I wish for them to grow into happy, productive adults.  Adults who find joy in doing what they love.  Who find that person with whom they want to spend the rest of their lives with and raise children with.

For our family I wish for us to be happy together.  To be able to continue to work through any silly little problems that come up.  For us to continue to laugh together and enjoy our time together.  For us to be able to have financial stability.  For us to be able to make it to Disneyland while the kids are still young.

For my husband and I, I wish for our love to continue to grow.  For him to continue to make me roll my eyes at the silly things he does.  For him to laugh at my sarcastic responses.  For us to grow old together.

I also wish that I will someday be able to visit Aberdeen, Scotland.  To be able to visit Forbes Castle and do some family history research.  I wish for my migraines to go away or at least become treatable.  I wish that my upcoming foot surgery will go well and help my issue, not make it worse.  I wish for more books to read.  For less stress and more smiles and laughter. 

And the Winner is........

Thank you to everyone for telling me your wishes!  I know you all just want to know who the winner is, so with no further blabbering by me.......

The winner of the family 4 pack of tickets to Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream on December 6, 2012 at 7 pm is....Nicole (nleone)!  Congratulations Nicole!  Please contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.
For those of you who did not win, you can still use the discount code 4MOM to save $4 off tickets (excludes VIP and Front Row) to ALL shows!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream Giveaway

The time is here!  Do you want to win tickets to see Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream?  If the answer is YES, then here is what you do:

To be entered into this contest you need to answer the following question as a comment to this post.

• If you cannot get it to post, please email me and I will post a comment for you. Email me your name and your answer. (mtgringo@gmail.com)

Question - In Disney’s Tangled, Rapunzel wants nothing more than to go see what the lights in the sky on her birthday are about. What is your biggest wish?
 

Contest Rules:

1. You must be 18 years or older to enter.
2. You must be a resident of the Denver Metro area or able to be in the Denver Metro area on the night of Thursday, December 6, 2012.
3. Contest will run from November 21 at1:40 pm - November 22 at 1:40 pm.
4. Contest winner will be chosen using Random.org based off of your comment number.
5. Winner will be announced on my blog November 22, 2012 after 2:00 pm.  This is Thanksgiving, so I hope you enjoy your time with your family while you wait for the news of the winner.
6. Winner must contact me within 48 hours or they will forfeit the prize.
7. Alternate winner will be selected through Random.org if the winner is unable to attend or fails to claim prize.
8. Prize tickets will be available for pick up at the Will Call window on the night of the show.

Prize Package Includes: Family Four Pack of Tickets to see Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream at the Pepsi Center on December 6, 2012 at 7pm.

Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion. Feld Entertainment will be providing the prize, however the contest is my own.

Good luck!

Count Your Blessings

About this time last night, 1 am or thereabouts, I was cleaning the litter box.  Oh the joys!  I know it is not a normal time for these such things, but the litter box is in the laundry room, which is connected to our bedroom.  While I was leaving the laundry room I noticed a little bit of water on the ground around the water heater.  That did not look right at all, so I got my sweet husband to ask him if it should be that way.  Nope, it should not!  UGH!  My poor, sweet husband spent the next couple hours getting the water/gas lines shut off and draining all the water out of the heater.  Turns out the top of the water heater was corroded.  New water heater is in order.

Cue the next morning.  I spent a few hours on the internet and phone calling around to everywhere and anywhere trying to find the best price possible on a water heater.  Our budget for one is almost non-existent.  While I was frantically calling around a friend was also making a call.  Her parents flip houses and they have a water heater that they just replaced with a larger capacity one.  Nothing at all wrong with it, they just don't need it.  They are graciously donating the water heater to us!  Talk about a blessing!  It is a slightly smaller capacity one than our current heater, but that's okay it should still work.  We'll make it work for as long as necessary.  Not having to come up with extra money right before the holidays is huge.  So thank you SO much to our wonderful friend and her amazing parents.  You have no idea how much this means to us.

At those times of life where things aren't looking great, just hold on as you don't know what is just around the corner. 

Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream Contest

Just a heads up that I will be hosting a ticket giveaway on this coming Wednesday, November 21st!  Make sure to check back in.  This is going to be a great show and a wonderful way to spend an evening with your family. 

The tickets will be to the opening night show on December 6, 2012.  Make sure your calendar is open that night!  Entering will be easy and the winner will be announced on Thanksgiving day.

Until then here is a coloring page for your cute kiddos to do!  And don't forget about the discount code: 4MOM to save $4 on tickets to ALL shows (excludes VIP and Front Row).

Leonid Meteor Shower

Photograph by Tony Hallas, Science Faction/Corbis
www.nationalgeographic.com

I just have to say I really love how much my kids love astronomy.  Last night Archer set the alarm on his watch for 3am.  I honestly thought he would roll over and go back to sleep when his alarm went off, but he didn't.  He got up and got everything ready, his sleeping bag and sleeping pads.  Then Archer woke up his dad, as he wasn't allowed to hang out in the front yard in the middle of the night alone, and his little brother.  Picasso was so excited to be included!  They set the sleeping pads up on the front lawn, laid back and watched the meteor shower.  From what I hear it was pretty spectacular!  Next year I'll have to join them.  The girls want to join in next time too.  Star gazing with your kids?  Definitely a should do!

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream

It is coming back to Denver!  Happy, contented sigh.  For those of you who have read my blog before you know I LOVE Disney on Ice.  Figure skating + Disney.  Seriously what is not to love?  The show coming to Denver is Dare to Dream.  What makes it even better is that it is featuring Tangled!  I do think that Tangled is one of the best Disney shows made in recent years, so having it be featured in Disney on Ice is fantastic.  It will also include Princess Tiana (Princess and the Frog) and Cinderella. 

Get tangled up in Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream! Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!

Dare to Dream will be in Denver from December 6 - December 9 at the Pepsi Center.  Parking is not free at Pepsi Center (like it is at Denver Coliseum). Know that you will need to pay for your own parking if you attend the show.  It is normally around $10, I'll find out and post an exact price.  The Sunday, Dec. 9 show at 7 pm will be performed in Spanish. Opening night tickets for the Thurs., Dec. 6th, 7 pm show are just $15! ($15 for 200 and 300 level seats. $20 for 100 level seats. Front Row and VIP seats are full price. Additional fees apply)  Looking for a discount code?  I've got one!  $4 off all performances Click “Buy Tickets” on the performance of your choice. Enter the savings code 4MOM in the “Promotion Code” box. Choose the quantity of tickets in the bottom right hand corner and hit “Select Price Range” On the next page the “Price level” box shows $4 off each non-VIP price level – choose the price you prefer.   Discount does not apply to Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts.  You can purchase tickets HERE.

I always get asked if it is worth taking kids to see the Disney on Ice shows.  I have to say wholeheartedly YES it is worth it.  The shows are always amazing, they are not overly long, the time flies by while you are there, even though they do skew more towards little girls and princesses boys will enjoy it too (mine do!).  This is a really fun family event and a great way to introduce kids to live performances. 

 

As always I am not being paid for my opinion.  Feld Entertainment is providing my family with tickets to Disney on Ice in exchange for my honest review.  Any opinions posted here will be my own.  And honestly, I do LOVE Disney on Ice. 

 

 



Bad Habits

Picasso has been showing some signs of Trichotillomania.  We first noticed him twisting and pulling at his hair a month or so ago.  We'd ask him to stop, but didn't think much of it.  Then I cut his hair.  He had a visible spot of thinning hair.  We were shocked, as was he.  Turned out he had been pulling his hair out.  He said his head was itching and so he would pull at it, which made it feel better, so he started pulling it out.  Finding out your child is pulling out his hair is a bit distressing!  It was late so we sent him to bed and I started researching hair pulling.  I was able to find some really good information on this website. 

I made sure to tell Picasso that there was nothing wrong with him, he just has a bad habit and everyone has bad habits.  My bad habit is chewing my fingernails.  I have a really hard time keeping my fingers out of my mouth!  Picasso and I decided that we were going to work on our bad habits together.  He would work on not pulling his hair and I would work on not chewing my nails.  For the first couple days Picasso was still rubbing at his head a lot.  We'd decided if it was itching badly that he could rub, but not pull.  Next step was getting some anti-itch shampoo.  We decided to start with Head and Shoulders (T-Gel is our backup should we need it).  So far the H&S shampoo is helping the itchiness a lot.  He says it still itches some, but near as much.  We'll continue using it and see how it goes.

We also got Picasso these pencil toppers.  The soft rubber of it is nice and stretchy.  Picasso has one of these that he can keep on his pencil or in his desk at school.  When the urge gets strong to pull at school he pulls on his topper instead and that has helped a lot.  For at home we got Picasso a Monstaz from Ty.  He LOVES his monster.  When he is home he keeps him with him and can play with it's hair instead of his own.  He's also taken to wearing hats more often and has asked that I keep his hair short.  

Picasso has had a couple moments of fingering his hair, but has not pulled it at all in a week!  SO PROUD OF HIM!!!! 

I on the other hand have not been doing so well.  :(  I've chewed on my nails twice in the same week.  I've been chewing my nails since I was a kid, so it is very ingrained.  I told Picasso today that he is my hero when it comes to breaking habits.  He is being so amazing with it.  He checks in with me every night to see how I am doing and to let me know how he did.  Today when I told him I had chewed my pinkie nail he just gave me a HUGE hug and told me that it was okay, everyone makes mistakes.  That's for sure!  He is a wise boy. 

For now we will continue to take it one day at a time.  We'll both keep working together to break our bad habits.  It really is easier doing it together. 

Getting Back to It

Wowzers!  It's been almost a month since I have posted anything.  :(  I ended up with a yucky virus on my computer and it put me out of commission for a bit.  Finally up and mostly running now, so time to get back to being better about rambling on her.  I do still need to reload most everything on my computer, so really not much of anything on here for now. 

Let's see though.....Happy (late) Halloween!  We had a lot of fun getting our nerd on for Halloween.  Archer was a Ring Wraith from Lord of the Rings, Angel was a Weeping Angel from Doctor Who, Picasso was Captain America, and Princess was the Hulk.  They all looked great and Angel even scared a few kids.  They made out like bandits in the candy department and had lots of fun trick or treating.  We always go to see the grandparents afterwards, which is always a treat.  So grateful we live close to them!

 



We also have been working on science fair projects.  Angel and Picasso already had their fair and did well.  Princess has to turn her board in on Friday, so we'll be doing her project tonight.  Picasso did "Why does Mentos make Soda explode?", while Angel did "Do white candles burn at a different rate than colored candles?".  Princess will be doing her project on "How does the heart pump blood to the body.  It is such a cool project!  We found the expirment for that one here.  If you have a child that is interested in how the heart works I highly recommend doing this. 

 

Back To School

With back to school in full swing life has started to get crazy again.  The kids are all doing really well in school and the younger kids just love their teachers a lot.  Archer, being in middle school, does not love his teachers.  However he does enjoy his classes and gets along well with his teachers.  We are in the process of figuring out science fair projects, which is always fun.  My sweet husband does not find it so fun.  He tends to find it to be something of a hassle.  The kids on the other hand think it is a ton of fun!  We are already to fall break, which just seems crazy.  Picasso got in the car on Thursday with a resounding "Nnnnnoooooooooooo!", to which I replied "You okay?".  He was bummed that he could not go to school for a whole week and that he was going to miss his teacher.  It was great!  I am so grateful that my children are able to attend such a fantastic school and have such amazing teachers.  I am going to spend the next week enjoying my time with the crazy kids.  After that it is back to school and the volunteering madness will begin.  Love it!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Dragons in Review

We saw the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Dragons yesterday.  It was really very good!  There were a couple acts that were not as good as I had hoped, but overall the show was extremely well done.  We arrived a little early and went down on the arena floor.  We weren't there early enough to do much, but the kids got to dress up like clowns and meet some of the performers.  While waiting for the show to start the clowns were out to keep the audience entertained.  The show was all about dragons, courage, heart, wisdom, and strength.

The Riders of the Wind were my favorite part, but I really love horses.  A lot.  The riders were amazing and the horses so well trained.  During the show one of the horses pretended to be wild and untrainable.  It was so funny!

Next was a high-wire motorcycle act.  This is one that I wasn't enthralled with.  It was different and kind of cool, but went a little long for my taste.

After that was Alexander, the big cat trainer.  Picasso LOVES big cats so was bouncing up and down in his seat at this point.  There were both lions and tigers in this act.  The big male lion kept rubbing heads with all the girls, lion and tiger alike.  Whenever Alexander would pet the big cats it reminded me so much of our cat.  They would get the exact same looks on their faces as he does. 

There were some acrobats in balls.  It was fascinating as the balls opened at the bottom.  Princess would cover her eyes as she was worried about them falling out.  I told her they practice a LOT and know what they were doing.

Then there were the sisters that hang by their hair.  OUCH!  I have no clue how they do what they do.

Next up were the Shaolin Monks.  I was really looking forward to this part and felt a little let down.  Solely because I was expecting more of a display of their discipline of karate.  It was more of a display of strength then anything.  It was still really cool, just not what I expected.

The Russian Bar was very interesting.  I've seen it before on television, but never in person.  The fact that they get that much air and land so lightly is just crazy!

The trapeze troupe was very good.  I always enjoy watching a good trapeze troupe.  The amount of skill required is just insane.  It looks like so much fun, but I would never dare do it myself.  When I was younger I would have without a second thought, I'm getting old and more cautious.

There were some more animal acts that went on simultaneously, it was hard to decide what to watch!  There were some house cats in one ring, dogs in another, and in the third were horses, goats, and llamas (possibly alpacas).  They were all really good, but the dogs were my personal favorite.

The troupe that did the Russian Bar then did a springboard act.  They did things on that which as a child we thought about doing off a teeter totter.  Or maybe just what I thought of doing.

After that there were elephants.  Such big and majestic animals!

 
Then there was a motorcycle group that drove in a sphere.  How they get that many bikes going round in such a small space is crazy.

The amount of trust that the different troupes have with each other and that the animals have with their trainers is beyond insane.  If one person has an off day things would not turn out well.  They put so much time and effort into what they do. 

I can honestly recommend going to see the show.  Even the parts that were not my favorite, or what I expected it to be, were good.  They have a live band, which was super cool.  They were a bit loud, but not overwhelmingly so.  If you haven't gotten tickets yet I'd suggest doing so.  It is a great family activity. 

Tonight's Opening Night!

I woke up this morning to Picasso singing "da, da, da, da, da, circus" while jumping all over the place.  The kids are so excited to go see Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus tonight!  I will be posting my review of the circus and some pictures tomorrow.  Are you going to see the circus?  If you still need tickets, it is not too late to get them!  The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be in Denver from September 27 - October 7 at the Denver Coliseum. Tickets are $12 on opening night (excluding Circus Celebrity, Front row, or VIP seats.) Kids tickets are only $10 for the Sept 27 - October 4th performances (excludes all VIP seating, good for kids 2-12. Limit 4 kids' tickets per 1 adult ticket.) Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster. Don't forget to mention code: TFFA to save $4 per ticket! (Not valid on Oct 5 @ 7pm or any Oct. 6 or 7 performances, excludes all VIP seating.)

Let the fun begin! 

And since this has been stuck in my head all morning, I thought I'd share and let it be stuck in your heads also.  Enjoy!

Anticipation Builds

The count down is on with the kids for next Thursday and opening night of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Dragons show!  They are so excited to go and that excitement is definitely contagious.  I love going anyhow, but when the kids get so excited it adds to it for me.  If you have not gotten tickets for your family and you want to go there is still time!  The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be in Denver from September 27 - October 7 at the Denver Coliseum. Tickets are $12 on opening night (excluding Circus Celebrity, Front row, or VIP seats.) Kids tickets are only $10 for the Sept 27 - October 4th performances (excludes all VIP seating, good for kids 2-12. Limit 4 kids' tickets per 1 adult ticket.) Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster. Don't forget to mention code: TFFA to save $4 per ticket! (Not valid on Oct 5 @ 7pm or any Oct. 6 or 7 performances, excludes all VIP seating.)

Did you know if you show up 90 minutes before the show that you can attend the Animal Open House?  It is your chance to see the animals before the show up close.  See how they live on the road and how they are cared for.  60 minutes before the show starts there is an All Access Pre-Show where you can be on the floor with many of the performers.  My kids LOVE this!

We are ready for the intrigue, fun, and joy of the circus are you?  In the meantime here is a coloring page for your kids!

 

Growing Up Too Fast

www.superherouniverse.com

Today was Super Hero Day at school.  My kids spent the morning deciding what they were going to dress up as.  Angel decided to be Hawkgirl, Picasso decided to be Batman, and Princess decided to be Supergirl.  Costumes were put together and wings were made before they went to school.  Archer did not dress up as his school was not participating in this spirit week.  Turns out really nobody knew about Super Hero Day as my kids were some of the only people who dressed up.  They did not care, they had a great time!

Angel came home and I asked her if anyone knew who she was dressed up as.  She said one boy did, but that was it.  That is about what we expected as Hawkgirl is not a really well known character.  In a very exasperated tone she told me that all the boys were calling her "Hot Girl" all day instead of Hawkgirl.  She is a very pretty girl, but really Hot Girl???  When did 4th and 5th grade boys start calling girls "Hot"?  Kids are growing up much to fast.  When I was in 4th and 5th grade the boys and girls worried more about whose team you were going to be on for kickball, not who was hot.  All I can say is we are in for a lot of fun as the girls get older.  Yikes!

Circus Protesters

We are really excited to go see Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Dragons in a couple weeks!  The one part of going to the circus that I do not enjoy is the protesters.  I know they are within their rights to picket outside the venue.  However I do not like that they try and push their propaganda on children in the form of coloring books.  I do get that animal cruelty is a big deal and I know that there are circuses and zoos throughout the world that treat their animals horribly.  The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, CO has rescued many of these animals throughout the years.  They are an amazing organization.  If you do not know about them I suggest you check out their website.  I think it is important to be informed about these things and to realize the reality of it.

I personally do not believe that Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey mistreat their animals.  Last year I paid close attention to how the whips and hooks were being used.  Never did the whips touch the animals.  The hooks used with the elephants never grabbed the animals, they would touch their legs every now and then with the side of the hook, but that was it.  These animals are their livelihood, they would not be smart to mistreat them.  If you attend one of the performance times you can arrive early and tour the animal enclosure.  You can see for yourself what their living conditions are like on the road.  Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey have large conservation centers for elephants and big cats.  They are doing some great work at these centers.

http://www.elephantcenter.com/

At the end of the day there is nothing to be done about the protesters.  We will be talking to our kids about the fact that they will be there.  About the fact that they should not ever take things from people they do not know without their parents permission.  We will also be talking about why the protesters are there, about the fact that there are places that mistreat their animals.  We will tell our kids to watch how the animals here are treated so they can decide for themselves what they think.  The protesters become a learning experience at the end of the day.  So I suppose I should not dislike them as they are giving me a reason to talk to my children about this important subject.  If you plan on taking your child(ren) to see the Dragons show, make sure to talk to them about this subject before you go. 

Time for a Change

I have had migraines since I was about 10 years old.  For as long as I can remember I have had a constant headache in addition to my migraines.  I'm sure there was a time where I didn't have a 24/7 headache, but I do not remember it.  I am up to about 20 days of migraines every month and it is getting really old.  I am search of a new neurologist, one who specializes in headaches/migraines.  There has got to be something out there that will help!  I have to keep hope that there is something out there.  So fingers crossed that I can find a new doc who has some new ideas!

Joys of Fall

Fall is definitely on its way!  The nights are colder, mornings are cooler, leaves are starting to change on the trees.  I really, really do love fall!  Another thing that my family loves about fall?  That would be the fact that the circus comes to town!  Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be in Denver at the end of the month.  This year their show is based on the Year of the Dragon.  Which is doubly cool as I was born in the year of the dragon!  Plus, dragons are just cool.  :)

The newest Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey show is looking to be really good and I am very excited to go see it with my family.  One of the parts I am most excited to see is the "Riders of the Wind".  They are a Cossack group of acrobatic equestrians.  Horses are at the top of my favorite things that I love.  I love everything about them, so watching a group of skilled equestrians and their mounts is a sight to behold!

This year's show also includes Shaolin monks (seriously cool!), a Russian bar act, motorcycle daredevils, trapeze artists, animals, and clowns.  I would bet that their will also be dragons at some point, though I'll have to wait and see on that point!

The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be in Denver from September 27 - October 7 at the Denver Coliseum.  Tickets are $12 on opening night (excluding Circus Celebrity, Front row, or VIP seats.)  Kids tickets are only $10 for the Sept 27 - October 4th performances (excludes all VIP seating, good for kids 2-12.  Limit 4 kids' tickets per 1 adult ticket.)  Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster.  Don't forget to mention code: TFFA to save $4 per ticket!  (Not valid on Oct 5 @ 7pm or any Oct. 6 or 7 performances, excludes all VIP seating.)

I am a Feld Family Activator, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to this event.  All opinions posted here are my own. 

R.I.P Neil Armstrong

Today the world lost an inspirational man.  He may not have inspired all, but he inspired many.  Among those that he has inspired are my children, especially my boys.  They have learned a lot from Neil Armstrong.

They learned that being a Boy Scout, and an Eagle Scout, is something that is important.  It is something that they can attain, just like their father did.

They learned that if you really want to do something you have to work hard and study hard to get it.  Nothing comes easy in life.  Neil Armstrong studied hard and became a pilot at the age of 16.

They learned that dreams can come true.  Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot upon the moon, something that up until then was thought to be unthinkable.  That "one small step" matters a lot.

They learned the importance of modesty in your accomplishments.  Even though Neil Armstrong is a name that is known across the world, he was not a man who sought attention.  In fact he actively stayed out of the lime light.  His focus was on his family, his friends, and his work.  He could have let his achievement go to his head, but he chose to continue living as he had.

They learned the importance of standing up for the things they believe in.  Even though Neil Armstrong shied from publicity he made a rare public appearance when NASA's Constellation program was cancelled. 

My boys have learned many things from Mr. Armstrong, but foremost they have learned to reach for the stars.  To push themselves to fulfill their full potential.

That it is not to say that these lessons have not been learned elsewhere along the way, as they have.  They have been learned repeatedly and through different sources.  Neil Armstrong was just one of my children's teachers.  He was a teacher of many things to them, even though he did not know them.  I am grateful to this man, this legend, for the example he has been to my children.  I am grateful for his contributions to the space program.  I am grateful to his family for sharing him with the world. 

The Eagle has landed, rest in peace Neil Armstrong, rest in peace.

Loss and Grieving

My brother-in-law and his wife just lost a baby to miscarriage recently.  My heart goes out to them and breaks for them.  It has brought back so many emotions for me this past week.  All the talk of miscarriage has brought to the forefront the memories of my losses.  The memories are still all too fresh and clear to me even though it has been a couple years since my last.  My brother-in-law and his wife decided to bury the fetus yesterday.  My sweet husband took the morning off and went to the burial so I could stay home.  I know I should have gone to be a support, but emotionally I know I could not have handled it.  I've been depressed and crying so much this past week as it is.  Part of that is for their loss and part for mine.  Miscarriage just sucks.  No matter how you look at it or how far along you were it is never fun.  It is  always heart wrenching.  I am sure I will always mourn those babies that did not make it.  However I will forever be grateful for the ones who did make it.

Fan Girl Geek Out

I have to let my inner geek out again...to be honest it is never really hidden.  I am SO very excited that Christopher Eccleston is going to be in Thor: The Dark World!!!  Phew, did not know if I could hold that in any longer.  To be honest, again, I have not really been holding it in.  I have been telling everyone!  I get a lot of, who?  Who is Christopher Eccleston?  Poor, poor people who do not know who this amazing actor is!  I was first introduced to him as the Ninth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who.  I will not lapse into a commentary of Doctor Who at this point of time.  Nor will I tell you why I believe the Ninth incarnation was the best of the current three.  That may come at a later date.  I have since enjoyed more of his work outside of Doctor Who.  He really brings a depth to a character and I cannot wait to see him play Malekith.  I was looking forward to the next movie in this Marvel franchise anyways, but the inclusion of Mr Eccleston brings that excitement to another level. For those who do not know Malekith is the ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, one of the nine worlds of Asgard.  

So there you have it, my geek out moment of the day. It is early though so I may have more, but you will not be exposed to those.  :)


Seriously though.....is he not perfect to play the part?  The looks alone!  Next November will be here before you know it!

Saying Goodbye

Last Friday I attended a funeral for a beautiful woman, Rebecca Wingo.  She was one of those people who was beautiful not just on the outside, but on the inside.  Her smile would light up a room and she was a self-proclaimed hugger. 

I left early for the funeral so that I could pick up a couple hams that had been donated by the Honey Baked Ham Company.  I found where we were to set up food and met one of the other ladies bringing food coming in.  We got a ham ready to be served and went out to wait for the others bringing food.  While we were waiting I was asked if I would let people know they could have a t-shirt.  Rebecca's favorite color was purple and there were purple t-shirts with a beautiful RW logo and her picture on the back.  So I spent the next hour and a half greeting mourners, handing out t-shirts and memorial cards, and letting them know where to find the food.  I did not know many of those who I greeted, but we all knew Rebecca.  I received many hugs.  I shared tears and smiles.  I was thankful to be able to help out in that small way. 

Once the funeral was ready to begin I slipped inside the doors.  It as standing room only and so I waited in the foyer.  When a member of the Air Force honor guard played taps as others from the honor guard handed folded flags to Rebecca's daughters and her mother it really hit home.  I was going to sit on a sofa in the foyer, but another friend found me and took me back to the room where my MLM friends were.  For those who do not know, MLM was a mom's website which was shut down last year.  While it was up I met many amazing women who I call friends, those friends included Rebecca. We had the funeral piped into the room we were in, but mainly spent our time remembering Rebecca in our own way.  We shared memories of her, we smiled and we laughed.  We felt that was how she would have wanted to remember her.  At the end of the funeral purple and silver balloons were released and swirled off into the distance.  We fed many more people, received many more hugs, we said good-bye one last time to Rebecca.  At the end of the night we packed up all the leftover food which had been donated and it was taken to feed Rebecca's family for the next few nights. 

At the end of the night I was one of the last few people to leave the funeral home.  I was exhausted, both physically and mentally.  However, I was also comforted and uplifted.  I am glad that I went to pay my last respects to Rebecca.  I am glad that I was able to help in my small way.  I am glad that I was able to know Rebecca.

Her Smile
Though her smile is gone forever,

And her hand I cannot touch,

I still have so many memories,

Of the one I loved so much.
Her memory is my keepsake,

with which I'll never part.

God has her in his keeping,

I have her in my heart.
Sadly missed,

but never forgotten.

For those who may want to help out Rebecca's daughters, their father has asked for all donations to go to the girls 529 fund that he and Rebecca set up before her death. 

‎529 Fund for the Wingo Girls - checks must be made payable to Nebraska Educational Savings Trust. In the memo line, include the account number

Nebraska Educational Savings Trust
NEST Advisor College Savings Plan

P.O. Box 30277
Omaha, NE 68103-1377

Account Number: 748788940-01 only checks please or Paypal acct 529 for Wingo Girls.