Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Go Marathoners Go!

Just wanted to say "Good Luck" to all those Marana Moms (and Dads) running in the St. George Marathon this weekend! Be Strong, Stay Tough, Take it One Mile at a Time! We're all cheering for you here at home!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Fun Fridays

We're a group of moms from the Continental Ranch area that have preschool-aged children.
We try to go out every Friday to do something fun, so I'll post the activities here
in case anyone is interested in coming:


You're invited to . . .


Splash Pad


a free water park for kids!

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
3482 East River Road

Friday, October 2nd, 10:00am

  • We've reserved Ramada D (right by the park ) so that we can have some shade.
  • Don't forget your suit, towel, and sunscreen.
  • It's a little far, but will be worth it.
  • Feel free to invite your friends/family/neighbors
  • Hope to see you there!
  • For more info contact Jeni at jenicone@yahoo.com

Friday, September 25, 2009

Park playgroups starting again

Now that the weather is cooling off we're going to start up the playgroups at the park again. This year there are two different locations/days to choose from!

Every Tuesday at 10am at Red Rock Park (starting Tues. October 6th)

and

Every Friday at 10am at Gladden Farms Park (starting Fri. Oct 2nd)


Hope to see you there!

9/26 FREE Admission for 2 to participating Museums

Smithsonian affiliated museums are offering a free admission this Saturday at over 1,000 museums around the country! You just need to register for your 2 free tickets!


Don't forget to get your two free admissions for Museum Day, Saturday, September 26th. Click here to register for your tickets.

Museums in Tucson available to choose from:

Arizona Historical Society Arizona History Museum


Arizona State Museum


International Wildlife Museum


Jewish History Museum


The Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Lowe's: Free Kids' Clinics


October is Safety Month, and Lowe's is hosting a Safety Saturday children's event this Saturday, September 26, 2009. Kids can build this wooden firetruck for free from 10-11 am. Go here to register.


Ball Toss

Can't make it this Saturday? Your child will love building this cool Ball Toss game for FREE! Bring them in Saturday, October 10th to the class from 10-11 a.m. Go here to register.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Halloween Costume Exchange

I was going through my Halloween costume bin and had an idea. Having to buy Halloween costumes every year can get super expensive and frustrating. We have built up a little collection since we have 6 kids and they never want to wear the same one again or wear the one their brother or sister wore the year before. I thought I would post some of the ones that any of you are welcome to borrow for your kids. If you have anything you too would like to share with others, you could post them here too. Wouldn't it be cool if we could all save a few dollars this year by recycling our old costumes? I know for us, buying costumes for a holiday that I don't even care for is NOT on my priority list!

So, here's what I have. Remember, these are USED and therefore are not in PERFECT condition. In fact, they probably all need to be washed and some ironed. If nobody is interested in any of these, I will not be offended:).

If you see something you would like to borrow, just leave a comment here so other people know what is taken, then send me an email to: egmatson@gmail.com.

Thanks!

1. Bumblebee costume (0-3 mon.). 2. Witch costume (6-8). 3. Pumpkin costume (18 mon.-2T).


4. Cinderella costume which is a little haggared, but still usuable (size 7-10). 5. Cat costume (8, but fits more like a 4-7 year-old). 6. Bee jacket. You'll need black pants to go with it (3-4).

7. Indiana Jones costume (4-6). 8. Dorothy (Large-about 8-10) shoes are size 1.5. 9. Raggety Anne (3-4).

Gluten-Free Cooking

Lately I have been getting lots of questions about Gluten-Free cooking.




I have a good friend, Susan Bell, whose whole family except for Dad has Celiacs. They have lived on a Gluten Free diet for years. She is an amazing cook and makes the best gluten free rice bread! She just recently released her cookbook, so I now have her amazing bread recipe! :-)

Sorry for the late notice , but Chef Wendy Gauthier is teaching a class tonight. She will demonstrate how to work with and prepare gluten-free products. One of the nice things about the cooking demos at Whole Foods is that there are . . . samples! Learn and eat. Eat and learn!

RSVP to sonja.brown@wholefoods.com

  • Where: Whole Foods Market, 3360 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson 85716 (520) 795-9844.
  • When: Wednesday, September 23, 2009. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
  • How much: FREE.
Thanks, Tucson on the Cheap, for this information!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

FREE GeoTrax DVD



Get a free GeoTrax DVD "Steamer & Samuel Save the Day" with 4 episodes from Mattel. This is absolutely free, there are no shipping or other charges. Thanks, Mattel!

TUCSON ATTRACTIONS

Does anyone have any fun suggestions on where I could take some out of town guests for fun? We've been to Old Tucson and The Desert Sonoran Museum, but are interested in some other family friendly attractions. Any suggestions?

Crib Mattress

Does anybody need a crib mattress? I have a crib mattress that is not being used and would like to just get rid of it. It is in excellent condition. If you want it, you can call me 682-3003 or just leave a comment on this post.

-Katie

Monday, September 21, 2009

9/24 Cold Stone Creamery Make-A-Wish Ice Cream Social




On Thursday, September 24th, 2009 5 - 8p.m., Cold Stone Creamery is giving a FREE 3 oz. Make-A-Wish® Creation™ with a Donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Donate and receive a 3 oz. sample of Jack’s Creation served out of a ready-to-love pan in a Like It™ Cup.

While supplies last. No substitutions. Limit one per customer.

Do your kids love the Magic School Bus?

Magic school bus

You can get this FREE book from the US EPA by calling 1-800-490-9198 and requesting item number EPA420-K-07-001. They will enter in your mailing address. The operator told me that we would receive the book in 7-10 days!

There is a limit of one per household.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Carnival to Benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Sept 19

I found out this morning that the Chili's on Cortaro (located in the Arizona Pavilions shopping center) will be holding a Children's Carnival to benefit St. Jude's Hospital this Saturday, September 19. There will be local bands, stage shows, games, snacks, and jumping castles. The events will take place from 10am-5pm, and all proceeds will go towards St. Jude's.

Apparently, Chili's will also be hosting Happy Hour all day, in honor of the event.

Parking Rule Update

I was talking to HOA this morning. I asked about the parking.

The Police are enforcing the Town of Marana Rules. Which means... you must park on the street, not on the sidewalk. Don't park in front of driveways, or mail boxes, or facing the wrong way. If you are parked wrong, it is a $85 ticket. They can enforce this at all hours. Make sure your car is completely on the road!!

The HOA is enforcing No Parking on the Street. Meaning you park in driveways. As a heads up, call and let them know if you are having people over, or going over to someones home. As far as dropping kids off or whatever, that should be obvious that it is temporary. But if your staying to visit, you're suppose to let them know so you don't get a letter and fine. They are enforcing this during Business Hours. They are monitoring a different neighborhood each day, so it will take a week to make it through each one.

Apparently they are getting lots of complaints about people parking in the street, so now they are having to be very forceful in enforcing the rules. Can't say that I like this, but, I guess I live with it. So, just in case anyone else wanted to know what I learned. ~Tracy

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Upcoming Events for Kids!

Are you needing something to do? -Better yet, do your kids need something to do? Here are some ideas for you. If you have done any of these previously and would like to share comments on likes, dislikes, or what to be prepared for... please share!

September

September 19-20 (Sat 9-6 and Sun 10-4) Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show & Sale at the Tucson Expo Center (3750 E Irvington). Cost $7/adults, $3/kids 6-12 and free under 6. tucsonreptileshow.com, 405-7020.

September 23-Oct 4 Ramona Quimby play put on by Pima Community College. Fri-Sat 7pm, Sat-Sun 2pm at Proscenium Theatre. Tickets $6. School matinees available 9/23-25, 30,10/1-2 at 10am for $5. Call 206-6986 for more info.

Daily Through Sept 30, DIG: Prehistoric Gardens at Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 N Alvernon Way), from 8:30am-4:30pm. Cost $7/adult, $3/children. Explore geology, paleontology and botany to learn about our historic past.

Every Thurs through October, La Placita Outdoor Cinema, free admission ($3/person admission suggested), at 7:30pm. Located at 110 S. Church Avenue, on the southwest corner of Broadway and Church in downtown Tucson. Ample parking is available in the La Placita parking garage, located at Stone just south of Broadway. Most films are old classics and are NR (not rated) starring old film actors. Free all-you-can-eat popcorn. See cinemalaplacita.com for details and current schedule.

October

October 30-Nov 1 Cinderella play presented by CYT (Christian Youth Theater) at Crowder Hall, U of A campus. Dec 11-13 will be A Christmas Carol at the same location. Call 751-7510 or cyttucson.org for tickets. Matinee shows also available (we went to 2 of these plays this past year) on Weds at 9:30am or 12 noon for $5/seat. Reservations required.

October 10, Musical Magic for Kids presented by So. Az. Arts Council Assoc. (formerly GOVAC). Nearly every month through April (see Ongoing section), free, 10:30am at Music and Dance Academy (SE corner of Oracle and Magee next to Trader Joe’s). See their website for a list of events http://www.saaca.org/events-magicforkids.html.

October 15-18, Disney on Ice at Tucson Arena. Tickets go on sale 9/13. Tickets range from $15-45 and be purchased online at disneyonice.com.

October 23-25, Howl-O-Ween at Reid Park Zoo. Fri-sat 6-8pm and Sun 5-7pm. Cost $5/person or $4/member.

Ongoing
Kids Night at Chick-fil-A. Two area locations at 4585 N Oracle Rd and 3605 E Broadway Blvd. on Tuesdays 5-8pm. They offer free crafts and activities and a visit from the cow mascot. Also offer FREE 4-piece chicken nugget Kids Meal with purchase of adult meal or entrée salad.

Storytimes:
Bookmans on Ina and Thornydale Rd, 10-11am every Friday. Stories and craft.

Barnes & Noble at the Foothills Mall, 10am Wednesdays and 11 am Saturdays storytime and craft

Local libraries (see library.pima.gov), family, toddler and preschool storytimes.

Tohono Chul Park ‘Stories in the Garden for Children’ every Tuesday, 10-11am. Visit the amazing grounds and museum afterward. Admission is: $7 for adults (13+), $3 for students with valid ID and
$2 for children (5-12), children under 5 are free.
Reading with a Storybook Character First Saturday each month, 10:30 a.m., free. An hour of storytelling and activities with a storybook character is featured on the first Saturday of each month. UA BookStore at Student Union Memorial Center, 1209 E. University Blvd, Tucson, 621-2426

Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s Toys (4811 E Grant Rd, Ste 151, 326-0188) storytime every Tues 11am and Thur 1pm.

Zoowinkles at Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s Toys 4811 E Grant Rd, Ste 151, 326-0188. Presented one Saturday a month at 2 pm, free (see calendar on website http://www.tiggytoysonline.com/calendar). “Live animals from Reid Park Zoo will be there along with their knowledgeable keepers. Fun activities in an imaginative toy store setting.” They offer KidzArt summer camps, $95/week.

Musical Magic for Kids presented by So. Az. Arts Council Assoc. (formerly GOVAC). Free performances at 10:30am at Music and Dance Academy (SE corner of Oracle and Magee next to Trader Joe’s). Dates: 10/10, 11/21, 1/9, 2/13, 4/3. See their website for a list of events http://www.saaca.org/events-magicforkids.html.


YMCA family swim, M-Th 6-8pm, $1/family. NW YMCA on Shannon and Magee.

Flandrau Science Center Mineral Museum open Fri and Sat 9-5 for $4 admission ages 5 and up. Also, the free Observatory is still open every Wed-Sat, 7-10pm.

Kitt Peak National Observatory has daily hour-long tours at 10am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Cost is $4/adult, $2.50/kids ages 6-12. Located 56 miles SW of Tucson on Route 86- makes a great day trip. Call 318-8732 or www.noao.edu for more info.

Funtasticks, last Friday of each month is ‘Fellowship Night’. $10/person gets you in from 4pm-midnight to ride all rides and mini golf.

Providence Institute, ‘Yoga for Kids’ every Saturday, 2-3pm, $5/child, ages 4-10; parents welcome to stay too. 3400 E Speedway, Suite 114; 323-0203.

Tucson Children’s Museum- Let your child explore and learn about health, electricity, dinosaurs, under the sea, space, instruments, building and so much more! There are daily activities and various special events plus 1 free day per month. See website for details tucsonchildrensmuseum.org. Located at 200 S. 6th Ave. Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays except for “Monsoon Mondays” June-August; $1/person Monday nights, 5-8pm.

Pima Air and Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Rd, (520) 618-4800. Open daily 10am-5pm. Jun-Oct low season rates $11.50/adults, $8 ages 7-12.

Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way (at Grant), 326-9686. Open 8:30am-4:30pm daily; cost $7/adult, $3 ages 4-12, under 3 free. Costs vary by season so may have changed. See website for prices at www.tucsonbotanical.org.

Tohono Chul Park- The Park grounds are beautiful- voted top 10 Botanical Gardens in the world (Travel and Leisure magazine) and rated Best Park/Garden in Tucson for 2009. Open daily 8am-5pm. Admission $7/adults, $2 ages 5-12.
The grounds (only) will be open free of charge on New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The "Park After Dark" and "Night-blooming Cereus" evening events are also free to everyone. Reptile Ramble Fridays Apr-Oct at 10am, $5- hands-on reptile encounter. See website for more details http://www.tohonochulpark.org.

Pump It Up- Family Night, Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm, $8.95/child and $2.95/adult admission includes two slices of pizza and beverage each. Open mornings M,W,Th 9:30-11am, $6/child, $5 sibling, parents free; socks required to jump.
Starizona, 5757 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 103 • Tucson, Arizona 85704 • Call Us: (520) 292-5010. Free Viewing Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat nights (after dark)!
International Wildlife Museum, 1st Wednesday, 9:30-10am storytime and craft. $5 admission for child, parents free. Stay and tour museum, watch an animal movie in the theater or get some food at the snack bar. Various summer camps also available.
Tucson Mall, ‘Art with Nina’, every 2nd Saturday of each month, 11:30-1:30 next to Kid’s Play Area, free.
Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., near the Grant Rd. intersection. Phone 296-5442, www.traildusttown.com
Enjoy Dragoon Street Wild, Wild West Stunt Shows (free but tips to actors appreciated), Sun- Thur: 7:00 & 8:00 pm Fri & Sat: 7:00, 8:00 & 9:00pm . You’ll also find the vintage Allen Herschell Fiesta del Presidio Carousel—the oldest operational carousel in the city ($1/ride, open daily 5-8pm). You’ll be able to ride the Trail Dust Town Railroad, a replica of the 1863 C. P. Huntington narrow-gauge train ($1/ride, open daily 5-8pm), visit the Museum of the Horse Soldier, pan for gold at Gabby’s Gulch ($1/person), check out the Rifle Shooting Gallery and grab a cowboy dinner at the various restaurants.

Old Pueblo Trolley Call 792-1802 or visit www.oldpueblotrolley.org for a route map and schedule. Take a step back in time with a trolley ride between University Blvd.’s Main Gate Square and the eclectic shopping district along Fourth Avenue—for just $1 a ride Fri. and Sat. and 25 cents on Sun. This is very near UA campus so maybe combine it with a visit to the Flandrau Center on UA campus or while exploring 4th Avenue.

Michaels 3749 West Ina Road, “The Knack” kids craft time, $5/child (ages 5-12), supplies included. Every Saturday 10-12am. See website for events calendar: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/events?storeid=9530

Lowe’s ‘Build and Grow Clinics’ for Kids (recommended 1st-5th grades). Marana location (off Ina Rd), 572-7300, every 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10-11am. Make fun crafts and projects; free or small fee. Please register beforehand online at lowes.com, under Services go to Build and Grow Clinics or call to sign-up.

Rocks and Ropes, “Kids Climb” lets kids (under 12 only) climb without the adults getting in their way. Every Saturday from 9-11am. Cost is $12. Our staff will belay for the kids so all they have to do is have fun. Admission closes at 9:30am, program ends @ 11am. No drop-offs/no reservations or groups.

SASI (Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute)
4th Sat of each month (except Dec) is a FREE admission day open to the public from 9am-3pm. Gates Pass Rd, ¼ mi E of Kinney Rd (a few miles from the Desert Museum).
In the mornings they have a nature walk then lectures and classes. After lunch are kids activities- live creature encounter, craft, activities. They have a butterfly garden and live demos.
Children's Drumming Circle 17th Street Market 810 E. 17th St., Tucson, 624-8821 Ext. 145, Bonnie Brooks. Every Friday, 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Each session includes a brief lesson on the music and origins of drumming. Traditional African rhythms, improvisational drumming and simple hand techniques covered. Designed to encourage creativity and instill music appreciation. Use their drums or bring your own. Free. Age Restrictions 6-12 years old.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Cleaning

Perhaps I wasn't too clear on my post for help on finding a cleaning company. My Dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and my mom does not have the energy or time to take care of both. My sisters assigned me the task of asking around for a good company. So if anyone has any suggestions, thank you.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Backpack baby carrier

Does anyone have a Backpack Baby Carrier that I can borrow? Rylan & I want to go on some day trips and will have to take the baby along.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Parking FYI

Today when I was dropping the kids off at Joy School, there was a motorcycle cop circling around a van parked on the street. He was asking me about the van and how long it had been parked there or if it was parked there frequently. He told me that they have been getting a lot of parking complaints and he was out today going through the neighborhood giving parking tickets. He ended up giving the van a ticket. I saw him later giving another car a ticket. While I think the the "no parking on the street" rule here is pretty stupid, I'm going to be more careful now because I don't want to get a ticket. He was looking for signs that the car wasn't just there for a few minutes (like sun visors in the windshield). Just thought you all might want to know that they are taking this rule seriously and it could end up costing you or your friends more than a HOA fine.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

House Cleaning

Does anyone have a reference for a reputable house cleaning service? Renee
I also have an older double stroller if anyone is in need of one.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Kids art class this Friday



Just a reminder that this Friday at 10am we are having an art class at the Church for kids ages 3-5. Some teachers from KidzArt are coming out to teach the class and the cost is $6.50. If you didn't get a chance to sign up yet it's not too late--just let me (Tiffany) or Lynette know that you are planning on coming so we can let the teachers know how many kids to prepare for.

We'll have a room with toys for the younger siblings. It should be lots of fun!
For Labor Day we went up to the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, the one by Picacho Peak that we all pass on the way to Phoenix. I have lived here five years and never been there or looked twice as we pass. However, I came across their website last night and saw all the fun things to do there. So this morning for Labor Day we went up and had a blast. I highly recommend that you check out their website www.roostercogburn.com . It was a holiday today so we did get to do the monster truck tour. It costs a few bucks, but was so well worth it. I would recommend that you go at a time when you can do the monster truck tour.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Doctor

Does anyone know of a good family doctor / primary care physician?

EBATES Deal

http://www.benrapin.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ebates.gif



I love EBATES! Whenever I shop online, I can log onto ebates.com and go to any major retailers website and shop online as I normally would. You still get all the great deals the company offers. The bonus is that you get a rebate for your purchase!

Right now, you can get 5% back at JcPenneys. They are having a huge clearance sale/Labor Day Sale. You can get free shipping on any order over $49 using the code: WEWORK4U
Or you can use the code: SEPSURV9 for 15% off

It's free to sign up for ebates! Plus they give you a $5 signing bonus