I tend to use random metaphors to explain things to my son.

For instance, recently I related Monster Jam, which will be coming to the Rose Quarter next weekend, to bullying.

My son had an experience of some borderline bullying at school. He came home very upset so we sat down to talk about it.

It’s right about now that you are wondering what in the world this has to do with the Monster Jam coming to the Rose Quarter in Portland.

It was actually pretty simple. I told him that the best way to make sure he doesn’t get bullied is to SMASH it altogether! Just like GRAVE DIGGER® does to those cars out there in the middle of the Rose Garden, he can squash bullying by choosing not to do it himself and to stand up to those, in a non-violent way, who do it to others.

This example really hit home with him. I received an email last week from his teacher about a situation in which he told an older boy that he should try to say nice things instead of mean things to his friend. He then encouraged his friend to walk away with him and play somewhere else. Now, my son is only 6 years old. I couldn’t have been more proud of him.

So, thanks to the Rose Quarter and Feld Entertainment we will be heading to the Rose Quarter to see Monster Jam next weekend! He has definitely earned it and I can’t wait to see his face when GRAVE DIGGER® comes out and smashes some cars.

How would you like to join us?!?

Once again, Feld Entertainment and the Rose Quarter have provided me with Four family 4 packs of tickets to the 7:30pm show on Saturday, February 11th to giveaway!

Not familiar with the show? Well, at Monster Jam you’ll be able to watch 8 massive trucks that will be creating some dirt-flying, car-crushin’ fun. There will also be two trucks that are making their first appearance here in Portland, Tasmanian Devil and King Krunch. Of course GRAVE DIGGER® will also be a part of the festivities, celebrating its 30th Anniversary of car crushing. Finishing up the line-up are Captain USA, El Matador, Obsession, Obsessed and Titan!

By the way did you know that these monster trucks are 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide?!? Shnikes!

Don’t forget these packs of tickets are for the 7:30pm show on Saturday the 11th of February! If you are unable to make it at that time but would still like to go to the show tickets can be purchased through the Rose Quarter ticket office or from their site.

GIVEAWAY ENDS 9:01PM PST ON FEBRUARY 7TH

I feel very privileged to be part of an easy and quick giveaway that’s only purpose is to introduce you to some great blogs to read and follow.

All you have to do is check out the Rafflecopter entry form below and enter by following as many or as few blogs or people on twitter as you like.

One winner will be drawn and they will win $150 through paypal! Giveaway ends on February 6th 11:59PM CST

That’s it!

Oh, I should note that you can tweet about this giveaway each day for an entry so be sure so come back every day to get that extra entry.

Thanks and good luck!

Never entered a giveaway using Rafflecopter before? Check out this quick video that shows you how it works.

So, there I was.

All ready to start my week of projects in order to beat my rising anxiety level and wouldn’t you know that I end up frustrated!

My first project of the week involved this product from IKEA.

I was being lazy and didn’t want to drive the 50 miles to IKEA, so I was trying to find something similar locally. Sadly, that didn’t happen so I went online to the IKEA website and checked to see if these where in stock at the store closest to me.

Guess what?

They aren’t. Or at least that’s what the website says.

I even checked every other store across the U.S. and it says they aren’t in stock anywhere.

What is a wanna be DIY’er to do???

Well, I’m headed up to IKEA tomorrow anyway. I’m hoping that they really do have them in stock and perhaps their website just doesn’t reflect it. I plan on buying 8 of these bad boys so I REALLY need them to be there, or at least something equivalent.

So, keep your fingers crossed ladies and gents. I have my paint and brushes ready for these things!!

What’s a girl to do when she is riddled with anxiety?

There was a time when my anxiety would encompass me to the point that medication would be required. Once I realized that I didn’t like who I was on my meds I quickly tried to find something else to help with my anxiety.

So, what better to do than to channel all that anxious energy into projects!

I have a full week ahead of me that is pretty empty right now. Instead of doing nothing I’m going to be trying to fill each day with a project of some type. Now, don’t get confused, I’m not going to be doing a different project each day but instead of chosen 3 projects to complete this week. All of them involve my kids’ rooms which are in dire need of some organization.

I want to invite you to come along!

I’ll be blogging each day about my projects. I might not get them all done before the week ends but I’m going to give it hell!

If you want to do some organizing in your kids’ rooms then maybe some of my projects will float your boat. If you are on Pinterest I’ve created my Kill the Anxiety Week Board. Check out the projects and join me in some paint filled fun.

I’m spending today making my shopping list and scouring CraigsList for an old dresser to use.. See you next week!!

Considering about 31% of the US population have some type of cancer, the chances of knowing someone afflicted by the disease is pretty high.

However, we never think it’s going to hit close to home until it actually does.

Last year my father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Even knowing the percentages, it left us shocked and scared.

He is a fighter though, and even with some set backs here and there, had been doing a great job of it.

This week our world has been turned upside down.

The cancer has spread to my father-in-law’s brain. He is experiencing great pain and has experienced loss of muscle control.

His team of doctors have a plan and are implementing it now. He has several days of radiation treatment ahead of him in which they are hoping to ease his pain and help with the swelling in his brain.

Three thousand miles away, we stand firm in our faith.

We pray each day that God eases his pain.
We pray each day for God to deliver him through this fire of his life.
We pray each day for a miracle.

Ultimately, we don’t know God’s plan, but we do know this:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Roman 8:28

We hold fast to this promise and know that whether God delivers my father-in-law through or into the fire, he will not be alone.

So, we remain strong. We remain vigilant. We remain optimistic.

We remain faithful.

Well, on January 20th anyway.

There is major excitement buzzing throughout my house this month.

So, in full disclosure, the excitement is completely all me because I haven’t told my kids what we are doing yet.

By far, our favorite show is Phineas & Ferb. I may even be known for sporting a Perry the Platypus t-shirt at least once a week from time to time. I just love that this show brings our family together, because it’s something we all enjoy. Someone is always spouting off a quote from the latest show or pretending to be Perry. (Yes, usually it’s me.)

So, when I found out that the Disney Live! show that was coming to Portland was Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! I knew there was no way we could miss it.

In their first tour, Phineas and Ferb hit the stage to make the last day of summer the best day ever by putting on a show! In the midst of their planning they realize they have too many ideas. In true Phineas and Ferb fashion, the boys build an idea mash-up machine to combine their favorite ideas into fun and exciting musical numbers.

But, hey, where’s Perry?

No show would be complete without seeing Agent P take down the evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz and his lastest evil plan. The live version will feature Perry like we’ve never seen him before! (I’m a bit of a Perry fan if that wasn’t evident by the t-shirt wearing.)

If you are a fan of the show also, (and if you aren’t then why aren’t you,) you will recognize some of the musical numbers being featured in the live show. Many of my favorite songs are highlighted including: “Squirrels in My Pants”, “Busted”, and my all time favorite “Gitchee Gitchee Goo” – Baby I love you.. There will also be an exclusive song called, “We’re Gonna Put on a Show,” which I can’t wait to hear.

By the way, if at any point during the show I hear, “Moooo, Cows get on the ship,” I will go absolutely crazy.

If you end up winning a pack of ticket and at any point during the show hear a crazy lady screaming from somewhere around you, it will probably be me.

Uh, wha?? Did I mention tickets??

You bet your Baljeet loving tuckus I did!

Thanks to Feld Entertainment and the Rose Quarter, I have (4) Family 4 packs of tickets for the 4PM showing of Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

Again, the show is January 20th at 4PM at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland. If, for whatever reason, you can’t make that show time, or want to make sure you get tickets, then consider purchasing tickets for the show now. The prices range from $20-$50, (there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. And a little inside info.. use promo code: PHINEAS and get $5 off the price level 3 and 4 tickets.) This is a one day event!

GIVEAWAY ENDS JANUARY 15TH AT 9PM PST

Also, be sure to ‘LIKE’ Mad Hatter Mom on Facebook! You’ll be the first to know about giveaways and promotions before they are listed in multiple sites! And feel free to share this giveaway with your friends. (Sharing does not increase your chances of winning.)

UPDATE: Comment moderation has been turned on for this post because really.. where is the fun in answering trivia when you can just look at the answer?