Monster Jam Review

We were fortunate enough to be given 4 tickets (thank you Feld Entertainment!) to the Monster Jam show that recently came to Chase Field in Phoenix.  Bo took the kids, and they had a blast! I asked them to make a video review, and they were only too happy to oblige.  Nate is 11, Colin 13, and Lydia is 6.   Nate and Lydia are the big car and truck lovers of my kids, but Colin still enjoyed himself.  He looks a bit reserved, but remember -- he's 13!

My husband said the place was packed, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.  Tickets were sold out for the Phoenix show, and Chase Field is pretty big!  As the kids noted in the review, it was VERY loud, but ear plugs helped dampen the noise. 

The show is still traveling the country, and based on the fun my kids had, I highly recommend going if you have the chance.  All the venues can be found at www.monsterjam.com.  

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, 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 Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*

Wordless Wednesday - Science Experiment

Review: Disney on Ice Rockin Ever After

We just got home from Disney On Ice Rockin' Ever After.  One of our young nephews was in town, so our oldest gave up his ticket so he could go.  He's 6, like Lydia, but had never been to a show like this before.

In the car on the way there, Lydia was explaining how there were men and women who did amazing skating and dressed up like characters from princess movies.  He replied, "That's really not my style."

Once the show started, however, he was dancing in his seat and having a great time!  He admitted that he thought the show was great!  He seemed most interested in the lighting arrangement, and declared his favorite part when the fireworks went off.

Yes!  Fireworks go off during various parts of this show, and there's even real fire torches during the Beauty and the Beast scenes. It was another extremely well-done, professional, entertaining show.  I love how they come up with a different spin on stories we know so well through the use of costumes and ice dancing.

This show focuses on Ariel, Rapunzel, Merida and Belle.  It's the first show with Merida performing and I loved the way they portrayed her little brothers!

As always, the show started right on time, and lasted for 2 hours with a short intermission half way through.  I really appreciate how the show is always on time.

The show is still in Phoenix through the weekend.  Check Ticketmaster for tickets.  The show received a big "thumbs up" from our family!

I have a few pictures I took -- which aren't the best -- but give you an idea of the show. You really have to see it in person to fully appreciate the level of artistry that goes into every aspect, from lighting to costumes to choreography.

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, 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 Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*

So Long, 2013 . . .

Last year found us rejoicing when Nate recovered from his weird illness (no relapses! no real answers either!), and watching my dear father slowly, then quickly deteriorate until he died in March.  There's a lot of numbness and grief and sadness that I'm still trying to cope with  - but I'm trying to meet it head on even though sometimes I'm completely overwhelmed.

2008 - I love how Lydia is looking over at my Dad!

August 2013 - our RV

I traveled a bunch for one client, and we traveled quite a bit as a family.  We bought an RV in early spring, which I think was one of the absolute best things we have ever purchased.  We have taken numerous camping trips since, exploring various places in Arizona and California, and look forward to many, many more trips.

So much more happened in 2013.  But to take a glance back to what stands out -- this about covers it.  Family, Death, Grief, and Travel.

Realizing how much I love my husband and depend on him. ( I have never doubted it, but this year situations arose that made it even clearer and dearer in my heart.)

Missing my dad desperately.  I thought I was somewhat prepared, but every day I wish I could talk to him again.

Enjoying the peace and laughter that camping brings the entire family.  Watching our kids explore the wilderness, and our 2 youngest tempt the eldest out of the RV to join them has provided hours of delight.

In 2014, I expect more travel. (Big trips on the horizon - including Europe with my mom & siblings!)

Most of all, I expect more love.  More gratitude.  More peace.

I recently came across this quote from Jim Henson and it seems fitting to kick off 2014. 

“Watch out for each other. Love everyone and forgive everyone, including yourself. Forgive your anger. Forgive your guilt. Your shame. Your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially your heart.”

~ Jim Henson 

Wordless Wednesday - Hanging with St. Francis

Monster Jam comes to Phoenix January 25, 2014!

Nate and Lydia can name the model of a car from a mile away.  Nate has always been interested in cars, and I think Lydia picked it up as a way to be more like her big brother.  They have no idea that in January Bo will be taking them to MONSTER JAM in Phoenix at the Chase Field!  I know that all 3 kids will be excited and have an awesome time!  We have never been to a MONSTER JAM show before, so I can't wait to hear all about it (and I'll be sure to share what I learn with you after the show.)  They can expect to see 16 massive trucks, crushing cars and making the dirt fly!

If you want to attend the fun, here are the details:

WHERE: Chase Field – 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2014
Party in the Pits from 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM*
Event begins at 7:00 PM
*Event ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Pass available to purchase for $10 each

TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $20, $25 and $30 (Gold Circle); Kids tickets (ages 2-12) are priced at only $10 each for select seating (not valid for Gold Circle level)**

Total Access Pass - Avoid the lines, skip the crowds and enjoy VIP access including private driver meet and greet with the Total Access Pass for $125 (limited quantities available).

Tickets are on sale now and available at the Chase Field box office, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

**Above ticket prices are advance purchase only; all ticket prices are $2 more when purchased the day of the event; tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.

DISCOUNT: For my readers, use the discount code SMASH to receive $5 off the $20 and $25 tickets!

Watch for my screaming kids if you go!  I know they'll be yelling with excitement!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, 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 Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*

SuperCross Comes to Phoenix - January 11, 2014

Have you ever been to a Supercross race?   The Monster Energy Supercross FMI World Championships are making a stop in Phoenix on January 11, 2014.  Wouldn't that be a cool ticket to drop in a Christmas stocking this year?

Monster Energy Supercross is the world's premiere indoor supercross event!

When? January 11, 2014 at 7PM.  Pit Party starts at 12:30 PM with Pit Party tickets ($10)

Where? Chase Field

Tickets?  Lots to choose from:

$85 (VIP Club Front Row)
$67 (Club)
$42 (Gold)
$35 Adult/$10 Kids (Front Row B)
$30.00 Adults/$10 Kids (P5)
$22 Adult/$10 Kids (P6)
$15/$10 Kids (Tread-Head)

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, 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 Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*

Disney on Ice in Phoenix -- Rockin' Ever After!

Disney on Ice is back in Phoenix with another much-anticipated show!  From January 8 - 12, 2014, you can catch Rockin' Ever After at the USAirways Center in downtown Phoenix!  My family raves about these shows, and Lydia can't wait to see the debut of an ice-skating Merida from Brave perform (as well as a collection of other Disney princesses.)  These shows are truly some of the highlights of our family outings.

WHEN will the show be in Phoenix, AZ?
Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 PM
Friday, January 10 at 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 11 at 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 12 at 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

WHERE?
US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

TICKETS? 
Ticket price levels are $20, $25, $45 (VIP) and $75 (Front Row)

Weekday Kids tickets start at only $10 each for select seating (only valid for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday shows)

Special 50% Off discount tickets available for Opening Night performance (not valid on VIP/premium seating)

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the US Airways Box Office.

DISCOUNT CODE?
Yes!  I have a discount code to share with my readers!  The promo code MERIDA will save readers $4 off the $20 and $25 tickets.

Watch for our review after the show!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, 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 Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.*

I am Mom to a Teenager!

Tonight, I was texting my sister and talking about Colin's birthday and she said "Remember when he would make me draw toes on snowmen??  And now you have a teenager!"

She's right.  When he was very young, he absolutely loved snowmen, even though he didn't see snow until years later.

This morning, I wake up as a mom to a teenager.  This amazing young man who made me a mother turns 13 today.

He's passionate about the things he likes.  He's extremely smart, extremely kind, and extremely thoughtful. He is my most sentimental child, the one who loves tradition. He still loves to read, and still prefers fiction over non-fiction.  When forced to read non-fiction, he has discovered biographies of favorite authors (like Tolkien).  He is excelling in school, and while PE has been a least favorite class, he also discovered this year that he really enjoys playing tennis.

He and Nate are still the best of friends, and while they may not speak a private language anymore, they spend hours together talking, conspiring, and planning who knows what. He's a good big brother to Lydia, always making sure she is safe and taking time to talk with her friends and be a good sport when they coerce him into playing.

He's tall!!  I think he's taller than his aunt, and his feet are as big as mine. His voice is just starting to crack every once in a while, so I'm expecting more cracking as it deepens over this year. His legs are long, as is his hair.  Yes, he has a red mop on his head, but when he was little I always said there were more important things to take a stand on than hair. I'm trying to keep that in mind as I remember what an excellent young man he is, even if his hair is longer and messier than I'd like.

For his 13th birthday, he requested Pei Wei, so we're headed there tomorrow after he competes in a trial game for the National Academic League.  Saturday he begins private tennis lessons, which are one of his birthday presents.  He's also receiving books.  Many books!  As well as a Lord of the Rings Lego set and a few other things.

Today, we will celebrate Colin Jeremiah.  My eldest.  My first-born.  My son.

But, there are plenty of times when I still remember him just like this:

Minted Holiday Cards (Review)

Pretty much every year since we've been married, we have sent out photo holiday cards.  Especially since we now have 3 kids, and have family and friends all over the country, I like to send photo cards so everyone can see how the kids are growing.  I also love to receive photo cards!!

One site that has an amazing selection of photo cards is Minted.  A couple years ago, I ordered our cards from Minted and they were amazing!  I loved the heavy card stock they were printed on, and how our beach photo popped from the card.  Such a change from photo-paper thin cards we've sent in the past.  I also loved that they sent a proof of the card within 24 hours for my review.  This is our card from them in 2010:

I was recently looking at their new designs and was very impressed. One of the designs that I thought very clever was their minibook cards.  These cards are 5x7" and are made up of 7 pages that can be customized with both pictures and text.  One of the hardest things is choosing which pictures to include, and these minibooks would make that process so much easier.  They also don't cost any extra postage to send.  I also really like the ornament cards!

I haven't yet chosen a design or even a picture for our holiday cards this year.  I usually try to have it done by Thanksgiving, which is in just a few weeks.  I know that Minted is one of the places I'll visit to make that final decision about this year's card!

Do you send photo cards?  Have you taken your holiday photo yet? Let me know in the comments!

**Disclosure: I received credit at Minted.com in exchange for sharing information about their site with my readers.**