Hey...whatcha doin'?

     "104 days of Summer vacation, then school comes along just to end it.." I have memorized the CD, I have watched the episodes, I have wiped tears from my kids faces when the watched Perry leave. How could I NOT take them to go see Phineas, Ferb and of course Perry LIVE!! This amazing show is coming to Independance, MO in February. I have been asked by Feld Entertainment to promote it, (but they really didn't have to..would have shared this regardless!). I have been given permission to post a special offer code below, and I know local peeps will take advantage of this.
I have been given permission to post a special offer code below, and I know local peeps will take advantage of this.
                                   Code: PHINEAS  $3 off each ticket

           My kids are so excited. Allan will be doing some Army training, so what a great distraction. If you have read the reviews on-line, people are going NUTS for the show. Even Cwynn, my three year old, is excited. We love being able to see new things, and spend time as a family. A big thing we decided to do this year was spend more time together, "doing things" not "buying things". This works perfectly with our plan. My kids aren't going to remember the toy the received years later...but I have a feeling they will remember the day we went to see "Phineas and Ferb: LIVE". Its all about the quality of time we spend with our kids, and not the quantity we feel we need to buy them. Allan and I have enjoyed "discovering" Kansas and the many things we have found. I have a feeling this will be on our Top 10!!!

Nuclear AMAZING

Last night, my family and I were able to experience "Nuclear Cowboyz" at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. I say "experience" because it was much more than just a "show". This was our first time visiting the Sprint Center venue, and it is awesome. We were treated to a VIP pre-show party that included a meet and greet with the riders from "Nuclear Cowboyz". An up-close hands-on opportunity with the bikes and costumes from the show, and a "kids area" that had activities for all ages from signing a Nuclear Cowboyz bike to making gloves like the riders wore in the show. Just that would have my kids talking non-stop for days, and we hadn't even entered the arena yet.

 

My first impression entering the Sprint Center was there really wasn't a "bad" seat. It seemed to give a great vantage point form all areas. Our seats were about 7 rows up, center stage to all the action. The show was lights, camera..and amazing action. My family was riveted to their seats. Non-stop excitement accompanied the amazing pyrotechnics and laser light show. I cannot say enough about the skill of the riders. The acrobatics, jumps, thrills and stunts had us all cheering. The storyline was entertaining, and my kids even chose their favorite "side" to root for. It was an aerial wonder that had us all glued to our seats. As we watched the battle unfold, and the fireworks and light show became more intense, I looked over to see my youngest, Cwynn, with a HUGE smile on his face. He had shielded his eyes from the flames errupting in front of us (yes, we were THAT close), but was motionless. He and Colby never moved a muscle, unless it was to tell me how awesome a particular trick was, or that their team was "winning". I am thrilled we were able to have a family night our kids were talking about from the moment we woke up this morning. If you get the chance to see "Nuclear Cowboyz" at a town near you...GO, absolutely worth it!!

New opportunities

I love being able to discover new things, especially when they are a "deal". lol. I coupon, I hit the "red tag aisles" first in Target, I research codes for discounts, I try to ensure that I am taking every opportunity to achieve the lowest price or greatest bargain. I try not to cut corners on things that are important to the well-being of my family. In other words: I.am.a.Mom
There are some pretty amazing examples all around me of people who create opportunities of greatness in their lives, and I am fascinated by them. I tend to gravitate in their direction, hoping the awesomeness will rub-off. They represent the great things that I want to have in my life, and in my family.
  So, here we are in 2013. I thought I knew my "goals" for this year. I've re-adjusted a couple, but decided the path I've chosen is really what I want to achieve. So..here I go, putting it in "bold type" for the world to see, and ultimately hold me accountable. lol.

                      Amy's New Year's Goals 2013

1. Financial Freedom (aka; The year of becoming debt-free): I had to make decisions. What is really important to me, and what can I live without. Things. Lots of THINGS. This year, month to month..paycheck to paycheck.. whatever gets me there, I am going to be shopping less, spending less, and getting this balloon of debt PAID OFF. If my numbers (and will-power) are good, and I stick to my budget. This time next year I will be enjoying the fruits of my labors. Will it be hard YEPPERS. I have found that every thing in life that is worth having, comes with a price. Good bye Starbucks, Eating out (over the allotted budgeted amount), and impulse buying because it was such a great deal. Allan always says, " Look how much money you saved". Teasing me about buying something because it wasn't necessarily on my radar to purchase, but on sale or clearance. I am sooo guilty of this and hope to really do better within the parameters of this goal!
2. Workin' it Out! (aka; getting back on the band-wagon): Needless to say, I was not exactly ummm..good about watching my good-vs-bad food intake the past few months, and I have slipped. Time to get back into the mind set and focus. I hate the word "diet". It does not put a positive thought in my head. So, I am not "dieting". What I am doing is going back to my old school, tried and true techniques that got me where I am (well, was). More protein, more fruits and veggies, increase in water drinking, good- bye carbs, soda, snack foods, and wasteful eating. Food will not be a focus. I am going to make friends with the good, and unfriend the bad. lol. I am also starting a Zumba class twice a week, starting the end of this month. My number goal: 40lbs. When I hit that, I will make another. For now, that's my focus, and within a realm of possible.
3. ME time! (aka; hello scrap booking..I have missed you): I had a beautiful wedding, I had four beautiful children. Unfortunately, my wedding album is unfinished, and Caitlyn is the only child in my scrapbooks. lol. I have a LONG period of time to "catch up". I am going to attempt to do simpler pages, and get them into my albums. I feel that if I do this, I can always add to them if I ever feel like it, but they will at least be done!! Plus, it is a stress outlet that will be mine!! I have an entire cabinet downstairs for goodness sakes...I need to utilize it or get it out of my house. The latter would be a complete waste of money..so let's not go there!

      That is it. I could add more, I could do more. But I don't want to stretch my self thin. I want to achieve things, feel good about what I've done. So, they are in bold type. Feel free to give me a nudge if you see me slacking...I will probably need it =)

Jesus wants me for a SUNBEAM!

Today was a day of firsts, and lasts. Cwynn started his first day in church as a Sunbeam. They leave nursery behind, and have an actual class to go to where they learn simple lessons on gospel principles. The primary president called and asked that they bring their favorite stuffed animal. For Cwynn, that is "Ray", his stingray we got at the Natural History Museum in DC when we lived in Virginia. It is his best friend and go-to guy when he needs quiet, cuddle time. They were taught about "Sharing", and allowed their friends to be held by other kids in class. They said Cwynn did great, and was very excited to show "Ray" to everyone else.
While I am excited that he is taking this step, I am a bit sad. He is my baby, and when he does something for the first time, it is bittersweet, knowing it is the last child I will experience it with. I know it sounds silly, but it is a stage in my life that I am adjusting to. This year, 2013, will be a series of new events..and I am going to have to face them all..eventualy. Maybe I will borrow "Ray" for some support.

Once upon a time, two people fell in love,married, and prepared to live happily ever after. Fast forward 17 years later, and their world has taken more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Our story is filled with love and loss, faith and family. Each year adds new pages and exciting adventures awaiting around every corner. "We may not have it all together, but TOGETHER, we have it all!"

Nuclear Cowboyz!!!

Okay, since my last posts have disappeared, here is another chance to check out the awesomeness that is "Nuclear Cowboyz". They are coming :
January 12-13, 2013

Venue: Sprint Center

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yts3BWMbME

I have an amazing opportunity to pass along the following offer:

The exclusive FFA discount code: $5 off Non-VIP or Gold Circle only 

Promo Code: BLOG

 

My family is EXTREMELY excited to check out the spectacular aerobatics and amazing tricks that these guys have in store for this show! Check out the youtube video above. I couldn't believe the amazing tricks and stunts that they do. Colby is so excited. He has been wanting to attend a motorsports race, after seeing the video of these guys...he is non-stop excited! We love being able to experience things together as a family, and this was one of those events we just couldn't pass up.

New Year, New Blog!

I could say, "The hamster ate my blog", but who is going to believe that, besides, those that know bacon, our teddy bear hamster know he is our dream pet. LoL. Truly, my blog has wandered off to cyberspace, and gone to live in blogger heaven. For some reason it cannot be accessed, and does not want to revive. Hmm..maybe it is an omen. Or, maybe it is user error. (no..not ME!). Whatever the reason, I am reaching out on a new forum, and hoping my fearless followers will have me back!

 To update our life in a few quick sentences..here we go:

                          ~Allan is STILL in the ARMY (and is preparing for the Captain's boards taking place this year)
                          ~Amy is STILL the FRG leader (and preparing to tackle fun times in choppy waters ahead. LoL)
                          ~Caitlyn (15) is in her final semester of sophomore year at Chapman High School. She loves it, and we love the 4.2 GPA she keeps achieving! She is planning to play softball for the lady Irish this spring!
                         ~ Colby (8) is our 3rd grader. He loves beyblades, nerf guns, Nascar, and playing wii (he got a Nascar wii game for Christmas..he is in HEAVEN). He just earned his bobcat in cub scouts, so proud of my guy!
                          ~Calleya (6) is in 1st grade this year. She loves princesses, horses, and animals of all kinds. She is also our mother hen and is the first on the scene if anyone is hurt..ready with a band aid and consoling pat on the back!!
                           ~Cwynn (3) my ball of energy. He is my sweetheart, cuddle bug who is very much a Mommy's boy. He idolizes his older siblings and is always excited to see them after school. He got his first bike for Christmas, and we can't wait until the snow melts to try it out!!

                 In a nutshell, that is our family. Alive and well living in Kansas. We are looking forward to seeing where 2013 will take us, and the adventures we are able to share with all of our family and friends along the way!