Typical Suburban Family

Last night we went to the circus and it was an absolute blast!  We received a great little packet of stuff when we checked in for our tickets.  The packet contained a program book which Owen studied prior to the show.

We then went in and participated in the All Access Power Up Pre-show – FREE to all ticket holders.  Owen was a little scared at first to go down to the floor, but once we were there he loved it.  We got pretty close to the elephants and watched Asia, the elephant, paint a picture.  Owen giggled the whole time saying “Elephants don’t paint!”

Both boys had a great time and enjoyed clowning around a bit.

It was a late school night for us, but well worth it. You don’t want to miss it! Fully Charged is the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children Of All Ages, and runs Feb. 15-20 at Philips Arena in Atlanta and Feb. 23-26 at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth.

For more information, visit www.ringling.com.

Sorry for the photos; they were taken with my phone because it was easier than maneuvering the camera amongst all the people on the circus floor.

And the winner is…..

Is this you?!

Were you the lucky winner of Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center giveaway?  The winner will receive these two amazing products!

Nectifirm Cream ($60):  The scientifically advanced technology in Nectifirm® provides three primary benefits:

• Significantly firms and tightens skin on neck
• Reduces the appearance of fatty tissue under chin and neck
• Dramatically lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

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Intellishade Moisturizing SPF 45 ($48):  The scientifically advanced technology in Intellishade® provides five primary benefits:

• Moisturizes and blends naturally with the color of your skin
• Original Radiant or Matte formulas give skin a touch of sheer, healthy color
• Provides maximum broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Matte formula contains pore-minimizing technology

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Don’t miss Fully Charged, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children Of All Ages, and runs Feb. 15-20 at Philips Arena in Atlanta and Feb. 23-26 at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth.

Fully Charged celebrates ‘performance power’ that boosts circus-goers’ excitement. The amazing acts, which can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth®, include Tabayara, a dynamic animal trainer whose rare ability to communicate with animals allows him to ride rearing stallions at a fully-charged gallop and orchestrate majestic four-ton Asian elephants in a symphony of dance. When he stands inside a cage, eye to eye with 12 ferocious tigers, Tabayara sees family where others see danger.

The fearless Fernandez Brothers dial up the thrills as they perform daring feats of athleticism on the Twin Turbines of Steel, including extreme jumps and twists inside the moving wheels! Audiences will crackle with excitement as they watch Guillermo perform a 360-degree, flying-forward somersault, three stories in the air, a feat so difficult it has only been attempted by one other person in the 141-year history of Ringling Bros. The Human Fuse, Brian Miser, sets the arena sky ablaze as he rockets through the air from his self-made human crossbow. Don’t blink as he flashes across the sky in less than a second, and travels 110 feet at 65 miles per hour.

Ever wonder how many clowns it takes to change a light bulb? The hilarious hoopla continues to flow as the clowns from the world-famous Ringling Bros.® Clown Alley, charge up the audiences’ funny bones with hysterical silly antics and clownish comedy.

The action at Fully Charged begins an hour before show time at the All Access Power Up Pre-show – FREE to all ticket holders. Get to know the world’s greatest performers, meet some our amazing animals in person, and work to become CircusFit all before the show starts! The All Access Power Up Pre-show is the only place where you can register for a chance to win a pachyderm painting created by one of Ringling Bros. artistic Asian elephants right before audiences’ eyes.

You can only experience this current of excitement at Ringling Bros. Fully Charged! Get your tickets for high-voltage fun today!

Tickets for Fully Charged go on sale December 3 and are available through www.ringling.com, Ticketmaster or the Philips Arena and Gwinnett Arena box offices.

For more information, visit www.ringling.com.

Now is YOUR chance to win four tickets that are good for the following performances:

• Wed. Feb. 15 at Philips Arena 7:30 show
• Thursday, Feb. 16 at Philips Arena 7:30 show
• Friday, Feb. 17 at Philips arena 10:30 show (there is no pre-show for this performance)
• Thurs. Feb. 23 at Gwinnett Arena 7:30 show
• Friday, Feb. 24 at Gwinnett Arena 10:30 show (there is no pre-show for this performance)

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Entering is easy and there are multiple chances to win.

• Follow Typical Suburban Family via email or RSS feed (both in right sidebar)
• Follow Typical Suburban Family on twitter (via My Hello Designs)
• Become a fan of Typical Suburban Family on facebook (via My Hello Designs)
• Leave a comment on facebook as to why you want to win the tickets
• Share this giveaway on your facebook wall daily
• Tweet this giveaway up to 4x per day! Suggested tweet: Win 4 tickets to the Barnum & Bailey Circus in ATL via @myhellodesigns http://tinyurl.com/7x7jk6p #giveaway
  

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Leave a comment for each of the above that you do. Remember that some of them can be done multiple times for additional ways to win!

This giveaway ends February 8, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Random.org will be used to determine a winner who will have 12 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. Open to Atlanta area residents only. Good luck!

Disclosure: Barnum & Bailey will provide the vouchers directly to the winners. I was given a four pack of tickets, but was not compensated for this post.

Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center is giving away a prize pack to one lucky reader valued at over $100!  How awesome is that?!

Advanced Aesthetics, PC is the premiere plastic surgery practice of Atlanta’s south side and they are giving one lucky Typical Suburban Family reader the following items:

Nectifirm Cream ($60):  The scientifically advanced technology in Nectifirm® provides three primary benefits:

• Significantly firms and tightens skin on neck
• Reduces the appearance of fatty tissue under chin and neck
• Dramatically lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

.
Intellishade Moisturizing SPF 45 ($48):  The scientifically advanced technology in Intellishade® provides five primary benefits:

• Moisturizes and blends naturally with the color of your skin
• Original Radiant or Matte formulas give skin a touch of sheer, healthy color
• Provides maximum broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Matte formula contains pore-minimizing technology

.

Entering is easy and there are multiple chances to win.

• Follow Typical Suburban Family via email or RSS feed (both in right sidebar)
• Become a fan of Advanced Aesthetics P.C. on facebook
• Follow Typical Suburban Family on twitter (via My Hello Designs)
• Become a fan of Typical Suburban Family on facebook (via My Hello Designs)
• Share this giveaway on your facebook wall daily
• Tweet this giveaway up to 4x per day! Suggested tweet: Win a prize pack from Advanced Aesthetics via @myhellodesigns http://tinyurl.com/7x7jk6p #giveaway
  

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Leave a comment for each of the above that you do. Remember that some of them can be done multiple times for additional ways to win!

This giveaway ends February 5, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Random.org will be used to determine a winner who will have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. Open to US residents only. Good luck!

Disclosure: Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center will provide the above prizes directly to the winners. I was not compensated for this post.

Red carpet event followed by live performance by Laughing Pizza to be held in the Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom

ATLANTA (January 18, 2012)— Georgia Aquarium and family-favorite musical group, Atlanta’s own Laughing Pizza, invite families to the grand Oceans Ballroom for a one-time, VIP family film premiere Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11:00 a.m. The award-winning band and world’s largest aquarium are teaming up for the world premiere of “Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie” as well as a live performance by Laughing Pizza after the screening.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., guests will get the “red carpet treatment” with photographs, a VIP screening of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie, spectacular views into the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager, as well as views into the charismatic beluga whale habitat from within the grand Oceans Ballroom. After the VIP screening, Laughing Pizza will perform a few of their hits and give guests the opportunity to meet Billy, Lisa and Emily, up close and in person!

Laughing Pizza is a real family band that writes and performs all original pop-music for families. Their music videos can be seen every day in more than 18 million homes on PBS stations and TV On-Demand channels around the country. This mom, dad and daughter trio travel across the nation performing at theatres, museums, music  festivals, nightclubs, schools, and other venues – including the White House (with Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers).

Lisa and Billy are both classically trained musicians and former music teachers with a history of success in the grown-up music business – including a #1 Billboard Dance Hit and a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell. Emily, their 15-year-old daughter, plays multiple instruments including flute, drums, guitar, piano, and bass – and co-writes all of the Laughing Pizza songs with her parents. Together they create fun, inspiring (and educational) music for the whole family! Their live performances are energetic, interactive, dance-filled shows that get kids and parents up and moving, and they have a loyal following all across the country.

There are two ticket options for families to purchase. VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets include admission to the film, live performance by Laughing Pizza, meet and greet with the band, and red carpet festivities. VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets are $15 (Children under 1 years old are free). For an even more spectacular experience, guests can upgrade their tickets to the VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus ticket, which includes admission to the premiere and its events, as well as admission to the Aquarium and the 3:30 p.m. showing of AT&T Dolphin Tales. VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus tickets are $34.95 for adults and $28.95 for children. Children under 3 years old only need a film pass, as they are admitted to the Aquarium for free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.laughingpizza.com. For more information on Georgia Aquarium’s conservation efforts, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org or call 404-581-4000.

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ABOUT GEORGIA AQUARIUM

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than 10 million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org

Shortly before Christmas, one of Jim’s co-workers received some devastating news about his 6 year old daughter, Beatrice.   She was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor known as “Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma”.  This news came as quite a shock, since Beatrice was an active and healthy 6-year old only days before the diagnosis.  Immediately following the diagnosis, she was hospitalized and began a series of rigorous treatments at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Scottish Rite.  After a difficult month of treatments and rehabilitation, Beatrice is finally back home with her family, but this strong little girl still has a long, tough battle ahead of her.

Taken directly from her blog…..

Beatrice was diagnosed with DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare, aggressive and almost always terminal form of brain cancer. The diagnosis was made on December 17, 2011. We took her to the local ER because we thought she was dehydrated with the flu. That’s how fast and sneaky the symptoms are. We had no idea she had a tumor. The situation was so bad that I was air lifted in a helicopter to a local children’s hospital within 90 minutes of our initial ER visit and she had to have an emergency tube put into her brain to prevent stroke. If I’d put her to bed instead of calling the doctor, like I seriously considered, I don’t know what would have happened that night.

Four weeks of hospital care and physical rehabilitation and she’s still not 100%. As of today Bea can walk but not run. She can’t walk up stairs by herself. Her balance is off. Her short term memory isn’t 100% either, which frustrates her because she’s very smart and usually loves to talk about her day. She can recall with prompting but without is difficult.

She is undergoing radiation and our hope is that all of these life skills will come back with healing and therapy.

However, this terrible disease that she has always comes back, sometimes very, very quickly. It could be weeks, months or a couple of years with just the radiation.

So, we’re looking into clinical trials and have found a few that are promising. The purpose of this blog is two-fold. One to tell her story from my point of view, the mom. Some stories are going to be full of heartache and aren’t going to be easy to read. Others will be uplifting. That’s the ups and downs of having a child with a terminal illness. I’m hoping, praying, thinking, whatever it takes… to erradicate this disease from her body. It may sound insane but I would love for someone to tell me that it’s chronic, not terminal. That would be music to my ears.

They currently have some fundraising efforts going on:

1. An Art Shop on Etsy: www.helenzigafineart.etsy.com – Buy original artworks by Beatrice and her mom. Bea is also selling custom drawings. Buy one of those and you can ask her to draw something for you!

2. Donations: www.sweetbeafund.blogspot.com – This is a new blog that they’ve started that is a fundraising site and a journal. The donations can be paid via Paypal. The account is a not-for-profit so the percentage taken from donations is very low.

3. Fundraisers: There are 2 fundraisers that are being worked on by friends of ours in Marietta. The dates and details are not yet available. One is a Zumbathon and the other will be a night of dining at Red Sky. There could be others and we will keep you posted on those as they come up.

If there are any other ways you can help this family, please consider doing so.  Does your business donate a percentage of proceeds to a non-profit?  Consider this one.

I don’t personally know this little girl, but Jim knows his father.  I can’t imagine what they are going through and how their lives have been turned upside down without warning.  Please head over to their blog and follow the updates on Sweet Bea and help spread the word about their fundraising efforts.

See some of the world’s most popular Monster Jam® Monster Trucks and meet their drivers for FREE all in preparation for the Jan. 14 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam show at the Georgia Dome

When &Where : 

See Monster Magic at Brandsmart:

Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 3-7PM
4000 Mt Zion Pkwy | Stockbridge, GA 30236
Brandsmart Phone: 770-389-6100

See Advance Auto Parts Grinder at Advance Auto Parts:

Friday, January 13, 2012 from 2-6 PM
1660 N Roberts Rd NW | Kennesaw, GA 30144
Advance Auto Parks Phone: 770-428-3414

See War Wizard at Advance Auto Parts:

Friday, January 13, 2012 from 2-6 PM
295 Glynn St | Fayetteville, GA 30214
Advance Auto Parks Phone: 770-461-0162

See Black Stallion at Advance Auto Parts:

Friday, January 13, 2012 from 2-6 PM
3426 Clairmont Rd NE | Atlanta, GA 30319
Advance Auto Parts Phone: 404-636-3304

See Gunslinger at Academy Sports & Outdoors:

Friday, January 13, 2012 from 4-7PM
1585 Scenic Hwy | Snellville, GA 30078
Academy Sports and Outdoor Phone: (770) 736-4009

See Grave Digger Legend at Little Ceaesars:

Friday, January 13, 2012 from 4-8PM
7951 Villa Rica Hwy, Ste #125 | Dallas, GA 30132
Little Caesars Phone: 770-456-0992

See Batman at Metro PCS:

Friday, January 13, 2012 from 11:30AM-3:30PM
2680 Cobb Parkway NW | Kennesaw, GA 30152
Metro PCS Phone: (770) 256-3533

Photo Opportunities:          World famous Monster Trucks, Drivers and Fans

Media Contact:        To schedule an interview with a driver or team member contact: Sue Rodman, mPRessionsPR, sue@mpressionspr.com, 404-784-5650

About Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®: Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® is the world’s premier monster truck series that performs to over 4 million fans annually at the world’s most prominent arenas and stadiums.  Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® shows consist of three main elements – the all-access pre-show Party in the Pits, and the main event which consists of Racing and the fan-favorite Freestyle competition. Feld Motor Sports, promoter and producer of the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® Tour, owns and distributes more than 10,000 truckloads of dirt around the world.  For more info., go to www.monsterjam.com

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not the most patient person.  In addition, I am a planner.  Put these two characteristics together with a pregnancy and you can only imagine how difficult it is for me to wait the normal 18-20 weeks for gender determination.

Add Christmas on top of that with my 18 week ultrasound being scheduled for December 27th.  To me that was unacceptable.  I didn’t want to find out 2 days after Christmas what we were having.  I wanted to be able to share the news on and before Christmas with our loved ones.

I started my research on 2D and 3D ultrasound locations in the Atlanta area and decided to schedule with Stork Vision, Atlanta.  I contacted them to schedule an appointment and the staff was very friendly and quick to respond.  Their location was very convenient in the heart of Buckhead Atlanta (numerous locations across the US).

We decided to bring the boys with us to the ultrasound since they’ve been so excited about the baby.  Ryan asks me daily if the baby is wiggling and moving.  They both hug and kiss the baby all the time.  If they come up and hug me and I say “Thanks buddy.  That was so sweet.” I receive a response such as “Momma.  That hug wasn’t for you.  It’s for our baby.”  Oh, geez.  Sorry boys!

The appointment was scheduled and now we just had to wait impatiently patiently for the day to arrive.

The best part was that we kept the secret from most people that we were finding out early what we were having.  We wanted to make it a surprise for Christmas for the grandparents!  So mum was the word for now.

We arrived the day of the ultrasound with two very excited little boys and a nervous mommy and daddy.  We didn’t care either way what we were having, but it’s always such big news you can’t help but be a little nervous to hear what they say!

The facility was very nice; quiet and comfortable.  The ultrasound room was perfect for the boys with two large couches and a large TV for them to be able to see the baby.  The tech was amazing and super friendly and energetic!  She kept the boys engaged the entire time.

We got a lot of great photos of our new little one.

We listened to the baby’s heartbeat which was strong around 150.  This was Ryan’s favorite part and asked several times to listen to it again (which the tech was kind enough to do for him).

And then came the part we had been waiting for……

To purchase a custom announcement, card or invitation, please visit my Etsy store.

Again, we would have been happy with either a boy or a girl, but how fun to be having a little girl since we already have two boys! Ryan was just as thrilled and said “See I told you it was a sister.” to which Owen responds “No it’s still a brother.”

Owen’s already coming around to the idea of a baby sister though and loves to find things that are pink and girly and will tell me “Here. This is for baby sister.”

We couldn’t wait to share our news, but we had to keep it semi-secret for a bit longer.  I made cute little cards (similar to the one above) and shipped them off to the grandparents.  Most of them also received some pink and/or purple yarn to crochet/knit little blankets and hats and headbands for us.  My mom and Jim’s grandmother always make us the greatest baby blankets which both Ryan and Owen still use. We also gave some yarn and a crocheting needle to Jim’s dad and told him he better learn in the next 5 months!  Of course, we were kidding, but he seemed to get a kick out of the request.

That was our fun way of telling them the news for Christmas.  Of course, my mom called approximately 3 minutes after receiving her package and the news.  She was beyond excited and almost in tears.  She was so surprised to hear since we had told her we wouldn’t know for another few weeks.  The excitement in her voice was worth the wait and the keeping of the secret for as long as we had to.

We’ve already received several little pink outfits and toys from friends and Jim’s co-workers.  It’s been so fun to see pink around the house!  Next up…. the baby room and more clothes shopping!  I can’t wait!

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary 2D ultrasound in exchange for writing about my experience.  All opinions are my own and I would definitely use them again!

Were you the winner of the Disney’s Phineas & Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever Giveaway!?

If not, you can still purchase tickets!

Performance Dates are December 17^th, 4PM & 7PM and December 18^th, 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:30PM.  The added shows are on the 17th which is a Saturday evening.  I can’t think of a better date night out with the kiddos.  It’s something they’ll remember for years to come!

Purchase your tickets now!