Upcoming Meetings about the proposed 20 extra school days

Below you will find Dr. Wilson’s scheduled attendance at upcoming PTO meetings to discuss the proposed extra 20 days to be added to the school year.  Please feel free to contact either the superintendent's office or the particular school to confirm Dr. Wilson’s attendance, correct time, etc.

Date	Time	School
2/1/11	1:00 PM	Marana Middle School
2/1/11	6:00 PM	Desert Winds Elementary/Picture Rocks  Intermediate @ Picture Rocks
2/2/11	6:00 PM	Estes Elementary School
2/8/11	7:00 PM	Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School
2/9/11	6:00 PM	Thornydale Elementary School
2/15/11	6:00 PM	DeGrazia Elementary School
3/2/11	6:30 PM	Twin Peaks Elementary School
3/3/11	11:30 AM	Marana High School

Here is a review written by Jenny Cawley:

"I have been asked to compile this note in reference to MUSD's proposal to extend their school calendar to 200 days.  I intend to share my experience from the Coyote Trail PTO meeting I attended on Wednesday, January 12th. I am encouraging every parent to attend your school's PTO meeting.  Dr. Doug Wilson, MUSD's superintendent, is making the rounds to each district schools January or February PTO meeting.   They are coming up quickly.  I decided to attend CT's meeting despite not being a CT parent because I had received some e-mail communication in regards to the proposal.  I spoke to one of my childrens' teachers at school about the proposal and was concerned about some of the things she said about it. I wanted to get information firsthand as quickly as I could so I could be informed and prepared. I am planning on attending the meetings at each of three MUSD schools my children attend, if possible, to become more educated. The following is what I learned from Dr. Wilson and from observation of other parents and staff that were in attendance.

1. MUSD is starting a dialogue in regards to extending their calendar to 200 days.  There will be no added vacation or holidays. There will no additional staff inservice days.  They will keep 1/2 day Fridays because of teacher contracts. The current MUSD calendar is at 180 days. This will add 20 school days. Vail School District has been used as a comparison but they do not have a 200 day calendar.  They have a year round 180 day calendar. See it here http://www.vail.k12.az.us/our-schools/student-calendar/2009-2010. Dr. Wilson used Vail as an example but it was misleading since the number of calendar days are NOT the same.  Dr. Wilson also passed out a sample calendar.  He did say that he created it and it did not come from the committee that is suggesting this proposal.  This 2012-2013 calendar showed the last day of school as May 31st and the first day on July 16th.

2. Dr. Wilson stated that there is an Arizona state law that has been on record for 8 or nine years.  This law gives an additional 5% funding increase to districts that have a 200 day calendar.  There is only one school district in Arizona that has taken advantage of the statute.  It is the Balsz School District in Phoenix.  It is in a low income area near Thomas Road and the Red Mountain Freeway. I googled it and did some reading.  I asked Dr. Wilson why more districts were not taking advantage of this statute.  He replied that it was because people don't like change and eventually all schools will go to a 200 day calendar. This is his opinion.  He said there are approximately 5 schools west of the Mississippi that have a 200 day schedule. Most are 180-185 days. There are no current statistics or studies that say a 200 day calendar shows any increase in academic performance.

3.  I asked Dr. Wilson about the fact that MUSD is currently using a 180 day curriculum and would they being getting any new curriculum or extensions to the current one.  The answer was no.  Teachers are going to be able to enrich the curriculum they currently are using.  There were several teachers in attendance.  Mrs. McGarity from Rattlesnake Ridge was there.  She said that she is on the fence.  She does not feel that her middle schooler and high schooler would benefit from more school days but she sees how other students could.  I thought she was very fair.  Two other teachers spoke for the proposal.  I don't remember specifically what they said.

4.  Dr. Wilson stated that the 5% increase would allow for teacher pay raises in 2012-2013.  I intend to ask at another meeting if this will be a one time increase or if it will be annual.  This was not clear.

5.  The AZ legislature passed three new education laws in the last session.  The first is Move On When Reading which mandates that all 3rd graders must be reading at a 3rd grade reading level to be promoted to 4th grade.  If they don't they will be retained.  The 2nd is Move On When Ready. You can read about it here http://www.expectmorearizona.org/blog/2010/02/15/move-on-house-bill-provides-motivated-high-school-students-with-way-to-advance-when-ready/.  Move On When Ready is optional.
The third is a teacher tenure bill that makes teachers more accountable for their students standardized test scores.
Dr. Wilson stated that all of these new directives are a cause for expanding the calendar.

6. Dr.Wilson stated that currently an extended day calendar is not tied to the expiring budget override election in November.  That 10% override will continue some basic services like activity buses.  I am not sure what else is tied into it.  I expect we will hear more on those provisions soon.  However, the intent may be to attach it to the override if or when the School Board approves it.

7.  6-7 parents raised concerns about the extended calendar infringing on the time they spend with their children.They are in essence adding a month of school with weekend homework and projects. Dr. Wilson said that "culture" will have to change. One parent brought up the issue of student athletes that are in club sports.  These athletes participate in tournaments that extend through July or August.  Dr. Wilson said the people will have to make hard choices.  He cited Vail again but the parent rebutted saying that she knows for a fact the Vail students miss school to attend their tournaments. Parents also asked why the district wasn't considering an extended school day, or extended fall and spring breaks.  The answer was they will not get the additional funding.  It has to be 200 days.

This is most of what I took notes on and remember. I'm sure I missed things as well.  That is why I am encouraging everyone to attend any meeting you can."

Marana Elected Governing School Board Members

Mr.John Lewandowski J.W.Lewandowski@maranausd.org

Mr.Tom Carlson T.A.Carlson@maranausd.org

Ms.Suzanne Hopkins S.V.Hopkins@maranausd.org

Ms.Manibel Lopez M.Z.Lopez@maranausd.org

Mr. Dan Post D.K.Post@maranausd.org

Superintendent

Dr. Doug Wilson MUSD6@maranausd.org

Assistant Superintendent,
Carolyn Dumler C.M.Dumler@maranausd.org

Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Jan Truitt J.L.Truitt@maranausd.org

Director of Operations
Dan Contorno D.J.Contorno@maranausd.org

Marana Unified School District
Suite 106
11279 W. Grier Rd.
Marana, AZ  85653


Phone: (520) 682-4774
FAX: (520) 682-2421


Hours of Operation
7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Hurry: $10 for $20 Gift Card to Amazon.com

presented by Living Social

$10 for $20 Gift Card to Amazon.com


This will go quickly!!!  Listed under Phoenix, Tucson, or Washington D.C..  I <3 Living Social today!

FREE Couponing Class TONIGHT

Many women locally have been begging me to teach a couponing class.  Tonight (TUESDAY 01/18) I am teaching a FREE class for a women's group at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building that is located at:

13450 North Lon Adams Road, Marana, AZ

They said that anyone from the community is welcome to attend.  The class will be held in the gym at 6:30 p.m..  You are welcome to bring a friend. 

For those of you who live far away,  here is the information on how I organize my coupons.

Pinching Your Pennies is a free website that lists weekly deals with coupons. Click on the current list. I love that they give the deals STAR ratings. You know that 4 or 5 stars is a great deal.

If you live outside Arizona, click here to see the deals listed by other States!

Click here for information on organizing and couponing in Arizona.

Want to Increase Your Couponing Savings even more?

If you are wanting to seriously coupon, there are websites that charge to see a more intense list of coupons matched with what is on sale. Couponsense is the most used here in Arizona. They have a more comprehensive list for the serious couponer. They teach you how to combine online loadable coupons with manufacturer coupons to get even better deals. Right now they have a promotion for those who want to try it. $4 for the first month and $15 each month after. You can cancel at any time.  

I think I save at least $15 extra each week using Couponsense than I did using Pinching Your Pennies.

I also saved so much time using Couponsense.  Before I was copying and pasting each individual deal I wanted to use from Pinching Your Pennies to make my list.  Then, I'd go by each deal and cut out the individual coupons.  Couponsense cut at least 2-3 hours off my couponing last week.  You click on the deals you want to use, it generates you a shopping list per store and a coupon cutting list that tells you that from this specific Sunday insert, you need these coupons for your deals.  I'm LOVING this.

If you choose to try Couponsense, use the promo code:  enjoy the savings

Select Referred by friend and enter Stephanie Ashcraft.  It should show Andrea VanHorn as your instructor.  She lives here in Arizona and is one of the top 10 couponers in their company.

Newspaper Subscriptions

AZ Daily Star- $4.30 per month for Sunday paper. www.azstarnet.com

AZ Republic- Multiple Sunday Papers available. More expensive. More coupons. https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/pinchingyourpennies.php

AZ Republic- $1 per week for 1 Sunday paper https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/2010_deal_blogger.php

Printable Coupon Sources

There are so many ways to get coupons. 

Lately I realized that I am using more printable coupons than coupons from the Sunday paper. You can get printable coupons from so many sources for pretty much everything you need for your family. FYI-Most of these websites reset their coupons and add coupons at the beginning of each month. Some even reset coupons on the 15th so you can print them again.

• Arm & Hammer
• Betty Crocker
• Blue Bunny
• Box Tops For Education
• Cool Savings
• Coupon Bug
• Coupon Loop
• Coupon Surfer
• Coupons.com
• CVS Savings Central
• Eat Better America
• Home Made Simple
• Libby's
• Nestle
• Pillsbury
• Proctor & Gamble eSaver
• Red Plum
• SmartSource
• Target Coupon here and here

family/adult doctor

Ok sorry, another request for a doctor..a family or adult doctor for my husband. Does anyone know of a good one? Or has any one been to the new one by doctor Bean's office of Ina..right as you pull into his complex? Thanks!

podiatrist

Any body know of a good podiatrist around this area?

MUSD wanting to add days to school calendar

Hi everyone. I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew that MUSD is contemplating adding 20 more days to the school calendar. Who wants this??? For me, this is not what I want as a mother. I want my children home with me. The school system has encroached on our time with our children cutting summer breaks from 3 months now to basically 2. I don't want to only have a month with them. I want to have time with my children to love them, teach them, instill within them the morals I believe to be important--those of honesty, integrity, wholesome entertainment with family, and the plain simple fact that the family is a very important unit. The school gets them 10 months out of the year. I want them the other 2!!!!

If this is passed, it will also be difficult for my teenagers --and yours too---to secure summer employment where they can learn valuable life lessons, but also importantly, to save for college and missions. I understand that this will come as part of the bond vote, but I am unsure as to when that is exactly. My friend on the PTO at Marana High School, Tina Laulusa, and I will choose to fight this and I will stand up for my time with my family. Please study this, be aware of this, and take action with this.

If you have any questions, please email me or Tina and we will try to help you find answers. Please attend the meetings that will be held at the local schools. Coyote Trail Elementary will be having a meeting on this Wednesday night at 6 pm.

Baby Changing Table for sale

White baby changing table with changing pad for only $20. Needs touched up with paint, but other than that it is in great condition.

Call Stephanie at 407-6364 if you are interested.

Location:  Gladden Farms/ Marana, AZ 

$30 for One Month of Unlimited Zumba Dance Fitness Classes at Pointe of Grace ($60 Value)

• 

Marana/Tucson Deal:

$30 for One Month of Unlimited Zumba Dance Fitness Classes at Pointe of Grace ($60 Value)

Deal ends in 2 days!  The studio is located off the Twin Peaks Exit on Silverbell.  For those of you who hear the moms and teachers at Estes talking about Zumba.  This is where everyone goes.

4 of the Zumba night classes are taught by Kim Aguirre, 3rd grade teacher, at Estes.  She's pretty amazing.  I bought the deal and hope to see some of you there!

Click to see the deal for your city!

T-ball and Baseball Registration!

If you are interested... Registration for Baseball is Saturday January 8th.  See the website for more details

http://www.maranalittleleague.org/

I must admit we are a soccer family, but I was not extremely impressed with our soccer experience. At least at our son's age (5yrs). 

I really recommend this little league. We had a great experience and my son LOVED it last year!!

Just Dance 2

We got this game for Christmas and played it once. Then we sold our Wii. You can buy it new on Amazon for $35. We are selling it for $30. If you are interested please email me at lmichels at gmail dot com.

Disney Lane!

Don't forget to take your kids through Disney Lane! It's a decorated neighborhood with themed houses. My kids LOVE it. It is on Old Father rd, in between Ina and Cortaro. It's a must! :)

Screaming Deal on Laminator

If you have been debating the purchase of a laminator, this deal is for you.  Right now you can purchase the Scotch Thermal Laminator 2 Roller System (TL901) for just just $16.99 and qualifies for free shipping. If you craft or have just been looking for a laminator, this one is normally $80.  You are saving 79% on this purchase.

The Scotch™ Thermal Laminator TL901 packs professional quality laminating performance into a package compact enough to use in your home, office, or in the classroom. Convenient and easy to use, this laminator allows you to protect frequently handled documents, preserve artwork, create teaching aids, and more--uses are limited only by your imagination!

Embroidery

Does anyone know of a good (and affordable) place to have a stocking embroidered?

$8 for a Tucson Attractions Passport from Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance ($16.25 value)

• 

$8 for a Tucson Attractions Passport from Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance ($16.25 value)

This Groupon deal runs through Thursday under Tucson. It gives you B1G1 Free admission into all of Tucson's biggest attractions.  You'll save $20 just by visiting Biosphere 2 once.

letters to Santa

Does anyone know of a good way to write the North Pole? 

The spirit of giving

I love this, and have been wanting to post this. I love that they take used toys! I know I have a few (well more than a few) that are in fantastic shape, and could donate.

Here's the info:

It's called Santa's Workshop which has been in existence for 24 years.  As we have done in the past, we're collecting new and USED toys and clothes as well as food, diapers, blankets, hygiene items and household items.  This year we have teamed up with Casa Maria, The Marana Food Bank and The Foothills Mall.  The Foothills Mall has been kind enough to donate an empty store during our collection period to use as a drop-off location and warehouse to clean, repair, and send-off the donations.  

Santa's Workshop opens November 26th (black friday) and will be open during mall business hours until Dec. 20th.  It is located at the Foothills Mall between thefood court and Barnes and Noble.

The needs this year are far greater than in past year's, so we are hoping the donations will be greater as well to meet those needs.  What is unique about Santa's Workshop is that we accept used toys and clothes-- everyone can give something they have grown out of, quit playing with, got tired of etc...  These toys and clothes are cleaned and repaired and given to organizations around town like Casa Maria, a Soup Kitchen in South Tucson, which feeds 600 individuals and 250 families everyday!  
Santa's Workshop at the Foothills Mall will also be holding activities and performances during the day and evenings for a minimal ticket price with all proceeds benefiting Santa's Workshop, Casa Maria Soup Kitchen and The Marana Food Bank.

Please come and support Santa's Workshop by:
--Donating: New or used toys or clothes; Blankets; Food; Diapers; Household items; Hygiene items
--Come and see a show or take part in a daily activity or art and crafts
--Please pass this information along to everyone you know
--Donations also accepted at all Tucson Pizza Hut and Macayo's Mexican Kitchen locations.

I attached the schedule of events and activities.  

Here are daily activities for children whcih run through Dec. 19th.
Each event costs $2 (parents are free) and lasts 30-45 minutes.
Mondays: Magic with Zippy the Elf  11:30
Wed:  Story Time with Mama Elf, and puppets  10:00
          Face Painting with Loly the Elf 5:30
Thur:Greetings & Games with Twinkles the Elf (Make a holiday card & play games)  11:00
Fri:  Sing alongs with Melody the Elf 2:00
Sat:  Arts and Craft projects in the workshop 12:00 - 2:00 and 4:00 - 6:00
Sun: Arts and Craft projects in the workshop 10:00 - 12:00 and 2:00 - 3:00

Additionally, there is a theatrical performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, A Very Elvis Christmas, Bob and Trish Jugglers, A film festival with local filmmakers, An illusionist perfomance, and more.  All proceeds go towards Santa's Workshop, Casa Maria and The Marana Food Bank.

Please check out our website for more information
www.santasworkshopsite.com
and 
www.arizonarose.cc
or on twitter
http://twitter.com/SantasWrkshop

Swimming offer

I got this in my inbox and thought I'd share. It's for DeMont Family Swim School off Ina and Shannon. Price is 65 dollars a month for once a week swimming lessons. With this deal you get 6 months for the price of 5. I've found there's usually 1 to 2 kids per class.

I know it's pricey for swimming lessons! But, at least for us, I feel that it has been worth it. These swim teachers are good! Our son started two months ago--afraid of putting his face in the water and having virtually no swimming skills and he can now glide completely underwater from his teacher to the side of the swimming pool (about 3 feet away) and do the back float almost by himself (still working on that one). I'm kind of in shock that he doesn't mind submerging himself in water all the way already! He used to be pretty nervous about even having his face in the water for a second!

If you're interested in these types of swimming lessons, I think this is a good a good deal.

Free Baby sling (must pay shipping)

 Go to www.sevenslings.com and put in the promo code "Thanksgiving" to get a sling for FREE. All you pay is $11.95 in shipping!

Fun holiday idea...What's something fun you have done?

The other day I took the two younger boys to Starbucks for hot chocolate. If you get the "kids hot chocolate" it's $1.00 or $1.25. They make it at "kid's temperature" and we usually have them add something fun, like pumpkin spice or caramel. After our hot chocolate's we headed home to bake some holiday cookies. Nothing amazing, but they felt special... and thought having their own hot chocolate was pretty fun.

What is something fun (simple or not) that you are doing to celebrate the holidays?

the new look...

I have been wanting to fresh'n up our look and I hope it looks ok. Check it out.

I will also be conducting polls on the sidebar... please vote!

PS any ideas would be much appreciated!!

Teaching our children about strangers

In response to Elizabeth's question I found this and  maybe if you have ideas you can share them here as well! (click on the link below for the whole family lesson)

http://preparednotscared.blogspot.com/2010/08/safety-preparedness-family-home-evening.html

Stranger Danger....ect

This is a random post...sorry! But I was wondering if anyone has good tips or sites to teach our little boys about Strangers and what's appropriate behavior and things like that. Thanks for your help.

2 free lego land tickets!

two legoland tickets available. must be used before the end of this year. comment if you want them.

Toy Story 3 blue ray/dvd combo pack deal!!

If you are buying Toy Story 3 (combo pack)and want to get an $8 off coupon... Here is the link. It must be used by tomorrow. 11/8/2010. I think I paid $16 after the coupon.

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/ts3lptw-coupon?cmp=dmov_dmr_emc_lptw_ts3lptw

Also, if you are interested you can use two additional coupons for mail in rebates totaling $10. I am terrible at mail-in's and I don't usually buy batteries and soup this way... but maybe you do and could benefit on more savings...

http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/2010/11/toy-story-3-dvd-rebates-5-rayovac-5-campbells-shoprite-deal.html

(these coupons can all be used together)

(thanks Shanna for the tip!!)

Free Dining Room Table

Pine table, seats six. Free for the taking.

Connie
390-9839

looking to buy baby swing and bouncer

Does anyone have a baby-swing and/or bouncer in good condition that they would like to sell? I hate to buy new ones since this is probably our last child. Have been looking at Craigs list but hesitate to buy baby stuff from people I dont know. You can email me at nicole@desertbrilliance.com . Thanks! Oh we are having a boy - so no girly stuff :)

Eversave: $20 for $50 Worth of Christmas or announcement photo cards

I just discovered yet another Deal site with deals for major cities across the country.  Wow!  It's almost overwhelming all the deals available.  Eversave has a great nationwide deal going Today, Friday, and Saturday.  The deal can be found under Phoenix or Houston.

Today's Save: $20 for $50 worth of gorgeous photo cards for holidays, baby announcements, invitations, and more

Value: $50

Pay: $20

Save: 60%

You have until September 30, 2011 to use this voucher.

If you are new to Eversave, you get $5 off your first order which got me this deal for only $15.  I was looking for a deal for Christmas cards.  Maybe other Marana Moms are looking as well.

Park Playtime Date

Let's do a test run for a park playtime.... Friday at 9:30am at the Gladden Farms park. All who can make it are welcome!

Preorder Toy Story 3 for Only $15.99

I'm sure I'm not the only Mom in search of a deal for this movie.  This is the best deal that I've found.  You can pre-order Toy Story 3 on DVD for just $15.99. They ship on Nov. 2nd. What's great about pre-ordering from Amazon is their Pre-order price guarantee. Order now and if the Amazon.com price decreases between your order time and the end of the day of the release date, you'll receive the lowest price.  Add another item that costs over $9.01 and it will ship for FREE! 

I just ordered this one for my kids for Christmas.  One more thing checked of the list.  :-)

Park Playtime

Is anyone interested in starting a play group or meeting time at the Gladden Farms park once a week in the morning or late afternoon/early evening?

Photo Calendar

Visit VistaPrints to get a photo calendar for the cost of shipping.

8x10 Canvas Print

Canvas People is offering an Amazing deal. You can get a FREE canvas print. All you have to do is pay the shipping ($14.95). You get a $55.00 dollar credit to get an 8x10 canvas or to use towards a larger print. This is the perfect addition for your home or gift for anyone. Newborn photo, family photo, wedding picture, gift for grandparents and the list goes on and on!


Click HERE to go to Canvas People and get yours.

Boston's Half Off Coupon

Living Social has a great deal today:

A $30 gift certificate for only $15!

Click here to learn more/purchase:

https://livingsocial.com/deals/10729?ref=conf-jp&rpi=1697492

How to get your clothes to REALLY smell good.

Disclaimer: **so this is one of those take it or leave it posts. This may not be the accurate or appropriate way to do this... but give it a try for yourself. -NOT for WHITES!!

My mom taught me this and ever since, I get compliments on the smell of my clothes or kids clothes. Odd? -but there you have it.

This is the secret:

Wait till the final rinse cycle to add your fabric softner. My recommendation is Downey. As the wash is filling with water for the rinse cycle add it. The load will rinse and spin.

(normally my washer releases the fabric softner in the wash cycle and then drains it. Which wastes it.)

When I begin my load of wash I set a timer for 25min. (this is about when my rinse cycle starts)

Try it... It's wonderful for sheets!

1 Time out For Women ticket available!!!

(From: Jeri Larimore)

I have a ticket available for the Time Out for Women in Phoenix on October 15-16. I bought 4 tickets for myself and my daughters due to a scheduling conflict one of my girls cannot attend. Regularly the price is 65-68 dollars. I bought mine early for $47. It is a great opportunity to go and learn, listen to key speakers and music. This year Sheri Dew, Virginia Pearce and Brad Wilcox will be speaking!

***She will sell it for $40 if you reply here***

PS I (Cherise) am going with a group of girls... If you want to join in, and come with us you can!!

email me @: cherisegraham@gmail.com if interested -and I will work it out with Jeri.

In need of pan

I'm looking for a cake pan with the depth of 3" (one that I could bake the whole cake in). I'd prefer a circular one, but would be happy with a square one too. It's for a birthday cake that I'm making this week and I think it would be easier to decorate if the cake was one solid piece rather than 2 layers. If anyone has one that they could lend me, I'd greatly appreciate it!

$25 for Annual Family Membership to AZ-Sonora Desert Museum Deal

This Weekend's Tucson Groupon Deal: $25 Family Membership to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum ($50 Value)



Wahoo! For my family, it would cost $38.75 to go just once. You have until Sunday night to purchase this deal. You have until April 1st, 2011 to activate your 1 year membership which starts on the day activated. You get 2 adult membership passes and all children 17 and under in the family get in FREE!

Tucson Symphony Orchestra- Just for Kids

The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is sponsoring free Just For Kids programs to open up their new season starting this Saturday October 2nd.  There will be two performances of "Cinderella and Other Classic Fairy Tales" presented.  Showtimes are 10 and 11:15 am at the Tucson Symphony Center, 2175 N. 6th Avenue.  The Just for Kids series are informal, fun concerts lasting 45-30 minutes.  Admission is free with a suggested $2 per person donation
The programs are presented on the first Saturday morning of each month from October through April, except December.  Parking is free.

Free Handwriting & Scrapbook Fonts

Free Handwritting & Scrapbook Fonts
Here is a link to the Kevin and Amanda website. She has lots of cute ideas, recipes and other tid-bits. I am not super crafty, but I really like the free handwriting & scrapbook fonts that she has.

Just thought I would share!

baby hiking carrier

Does anyone have a kids hiking carrier that they are no longer using that we can buy or have or do you know of a cheap place to get a good one? I'm wanting one for our 9 month old so we can go on little hikes. thanks

Old Ensigns/Friends

If anybody has any old Ensign or Friend magazines you don't need anymore I'll take them off your hands! I would like to go through and cut out/laminate/bind pictures that can be used for quiet books (thought it might be a fun Christmas idea for nieces and nephews) and possibly some little nursery picture books too. Thanks!

Great websites for kids!

Do your kids love to play on the computer? I have been on a search for educational and fun sites for my kids to play on. I found this site that has a whole compilation of them! Check out this button/link. (I added it to the sidebar if you want to refer back to it)

Hair Stylist

Can anyone recommend a good hairstylist?
Thanks!

Free Nursing Cover and Baby Sling

Hey Ladies:
I just got this promo today in my e-mail...Here it is:


Use promo code "cutekid" for 100% off a $32 nursing cover at www.uddercovers.com and immediately receive a promo code for 100% off a $39 pouch-style baby sling at www.sevenslings.com!

Go to uddercovers.com, click on "Shop Now" and select the nursing cover or gift set you would like. Type "cutekid" into the promo code box and it will bring your product total to $0 (gift sets $5) - just pay shipping and processing! Check out at uddercovers.com and your email address (used at uddercovers.com) will instantly be turned into a "one-time-use-only" promo code for 100% off any baby sling at sevenslings.com! These fitted slings are safe for infants to toddlers 35 lbs and under.

The SevenSlings.com promo code will allow you only one purchase so please take your time to get the right size and pattern for you! This promo code is also valid for $39 towards the purchase of any gift set at sevenslings.com ! Once you have used the promo code, it will delete from the SevenSlings promo code database. This offer will expire without notice so please hurry!

Sincerely,
Uddercovers.com

Free couch!

***Taken****

Linda Zupi has a couch and loveseat in very good condition, about 2 1/2 years old, covered in white canvas removable and washable covers. She is wanting to give them to anyone who could use them. They need to be picked up next Wednesday, Sept 15th. Her number is 520-360-4363.

Free Admission

Tomorrow (Sept 3), from 6-10 pm, admission is free to the Phoenix Children's Museum. Price is normally $9/person, so this is a great deal. If you can't make it tomorrow, look for it next month because they do the same thing the first Friday of every month.

Child Care

We have a Firefighter friend who is in need of child care for his daughter who is under 1 year. He is looking in the Red Rock/Gladden Farms area. Please contact me for more information if you are interested. Renee seadving@gmail.com

Peaches and Pears!

Just received a call from Heather Parris (she is in our neighboring ward at church). She is ordering peaches and pears again. Anyone is welcome to order!

(Utah)Peaches 35-38# = $30 per box

Pears 38# = $30 per box


You need to order and pay by September 6th. Contact Heather at 744-6573 or email her at hsparris@yahoo.com

$25 for $100 Worth of Photo Books at Picaboo (2nd Chance)

Just in case you missed this deal before, groupon is offering it again.

This Weekend's Boise Deal: $25 for $100 Worth of Photo Books at Picaboo

You can live anywhere in the nation to take advantage of this great deal.  Plus you have a year to make the books.  So excited about this deal. Select Boise as the city to get to this deal.

This deal ends Sunday!

A new moms club in our area

The MOMS Club of Marana/Tucson-NW Invites You to Our First Open House!   When: Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 10:00AM Where: Windmill Park - 9150 N. Coachline Blvd. (Behind Walgreens on Coachline and Twin Peaks) RSVP: MaranaMOMSClub@yahoo.com     Come meet other MOMS in your community, have a snack and learn more about MOMS Club!   The MOMS Club is an international nonprofit support group specifically for mothers who have chosen to stay home with their children full-time or part-time.  We have over 2,100 chapters in seven countries, and we are inviting you to visit our chapter here!   Local chapters plan monthly meetings with interesting speakers and discussions, park play days, special outings for mothers and their children, family holiday parties, and activity groups like playgroups, arts and crafts, monthly MOMS night out and more!   We meet during the day and children are welcome at all of our activities (with the exception of our monthly MOMS Night Out).   Please feel free to invite other moms in Marana!  If you have any questions or need directions to the park, please let me know!   Tiffany Creek, President MOMS Club of Marana/Tucson-NW Website: www.maranamomsclub.webs.com or www.momsclub.org Email: maranamomsclub@yahoo.com Cell: 602-741-9785

Chinese Crested Dog FREE to a good home

We have a Hairless Chinese Crested Dog who needs a new home!

He is 6 yrs old and we purchased him from a breeder, as a puppy. He is neutered. He is very good with children and other dogs. He loves blankets, loves to cuddle and wants a lot of love! We just don't have the love to give in this stage of our lives, so he must move on!

Contact Jennifer @ mrsjfbic@yahoo.com.

This Weekend's Salt Lake City Side Deal is a NATIONWIDE DEAL: $25 for $100 Worth of Photo Books at Picaboo

This Weekend's Salt Lake City Side Deal: $25 for $100 Worth of Photo Books at Picaboo

I am so excited about this side deal.  Anyone in the nation can get this deal because it's an online deal and they ship anywhere in the US.  The best part is that you have a whole year to design your books and use your credit.

This deal ends Sunday.

Walmart: Dora's Birthday Celebration 8/14

Celebrate Dora's Birthday this Saturday at Walmart with FREE Cupcakes and get a FREE Dora Photo Card. Celebration is in the Toy Department from 11am-4pm.

Click here for more information.  The Cortaro store in Marana is participating!  The Foothills Mall Walmart is also participating.

Hey---I know this is a long shot, but does anyone have a breakers coupon they will not use? I want to take my kids today (it is the only day I can before school.....) but I'm looking for coupons for myself and one of my older boys......
Thanks!

Shutterfly: TODAY ONLY Save 67% on 8 x 8 photo book that you have until Feb to make

I know many of our Marana moms are into photography, so I had to share these great photo deals available on groupon.com today only!

Today's Indianapolis Deal: $10 for a 20-Page 8"x8" Hardcover Photo Book from Shutterfly

This is a nationwide online deal.  Go to the Indianapolis deal.  You save 67% and have until February 15, 2011 to order your book!

Today's Tucson Deal: $39 for a Four-Hour Digital Photography Workshop from Val Westover Photography ($250 Value)

Available Dates:

• Friday, September 17, 2010
• Friday, October 15, 2010
• Saturday, October 16, 2010
• Friday, November 5, 2010
• Friday, December 10, 2010
• Saturday, December 11, 2010
• Friday, January 14, 2011
• Friday, February 11, 2011
• Saturday, February 12, 2011

Class location:

Marriott Hotel
800 E 2nd St.
Tucson, Arizona 85719

Mickey Mouse Birthday -Free File Download

We did a Mickey Mouse Birthday for this little guy and I created these in illustrator and figured maybe someone else could benefit from my hardwork. I have included links to these files. The cupcake toppers I just hot-glued toothpicks to and stuck them into the cupcakes. The banner you can customize. I also used the 'waltograph' font for my banner.

Find the .pdf and .png files here:

http://www.4shared.com/photo/i2isRnqk/mickey_mouse_invite_blank.html
http://www.4shared.com/office/R2rRZJwS/mickey_mouse_invite_blank.html
http://www.4shared.com/photo/Pr42_yz_/mickey_cup_cake_yellow_red.html
http://www.4shared.com/office/H2Wyf7XG/mickey_cup_cake_yellow_red.html
http://www.4shared.com/photo/BYTttMqu/mickey_cup_cake_yellow_blue.html
http://www.4shared.com/office/kvYqz7_L/mickey_cup_cake_yellow_blue.html
http://www.4shared.com/photo/wtBFOHJj/mickey_cup_cake_look_whos_2.html
http://www.4shared.com/office/BhYwuBHK/mickey_cup_cake_look_whos_2.html
http://www.4shared.com/office/6UsUDt3M/mickey_cup_cake_black_red.html
http://www.4shared.com/office/MSoqCUVw/mickey_cup_cake_black_blue.html
http://www.4shared.com/photo/_BdTN_wP/Banner.html

Today's Tucson Deal: $40 for Eight Children's Group Swim Lessons at Swim Girl, Inc.

Today's Tucson Deal: $40 for Eight Children's Group Swim Lessons at Swim Girl, Inc.

Normally costs $85 for 8 classes.  You have 1 year to use it at one of 4 locations.

Basil

Basil at the store is SO expensive. I just stopped at the farmer's market (next to the papa murphey's trailer) and got a massive -and I mean massive heap of basil for $1.30.
They also have many other yummy veggies.
Check it out on Monday evenings at the
Gladden Farms Community Association Building 
off of Heritage Park Dr.

Cross streets are Heritage Park Dr and Tangarine.

It might be worth the trip!

Air Conditioner Repair

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a good home air conditioner repair service?

Papa Murphy's Pizza is back in Gladden Farms and Marana.

Papa Murphy's Pizza is back in Gladden Farms and Marana.

Trailer will be at the Gladden Farms Community Association Building off of Heritage Park Dr.

Cross streets are Heritage Park Dr and Tangarine.

New Format:

NO PRE-ORDER

The trailer has the full menu.

They will be preparing Take N' Bake Pizza from 3pm to 7pm every MONDAY.  You can also use the coupons that come in the mail!

They will accept all major CREDIT CARDS (Visa/MC/Discover/AmEx) and EBT on site.

 

I think I know what's for dinner tonight!

twin bed and desk

My niece is moving down here to go to grad school at the UofA in a few weeks.  She is looking for a twin bed, a dresser and a desk.  If anyone has any of these items for sale or are getting rid of them, please give me a call or send me an email.  It would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks,

Allison

572-3919

cougartrains8@comcast.net

Car Seat?

I'm looking for a car seat for a 2.5 year old. I'm a nanny for a couple 2 year olds & there seems to be a lot of car seat shuffling going on lately... I don't want to go out and buy a new one - I was hoping someone might be done with one and willing to sell it for cheap ;-) 

Thanks,
Erika


(comment here and I will get in touch with you via Cherise)

Gladden Farms 10K / Half Marathon

The 2nd Annual Gladden Farms 10K / Half Marathon
Saturday November 27, 2010
Start Time: 8:00am
Check-In begins at 7:00 am

Start and Finish: Gladden Farms Park - Corner of Tangerine Farms Rd and Lon Addams Drive Marana, AZ

Brief Description: Join us for a day of fun, family fitness. The 2nd Annual Gladden Farms 10K / Half Marathon will be run on the bike paths, sidewalks and roads throughout Gladden Farms Community.The 10K will consist of 1 loop of the course. The half Marathon will be 2 loops. We are using the same course as last years' run.

There will be a map of the run course at registration. This is a VERY flat course.
There will be 2 aid stations on course serving HEED by Hammer Nutrition and water. The aid stations are located at mile markers 1.2, 3.2, and 5.5 on the 10K loop. Aid stations will remain in place for the Half Marathoners to go though for a second loop.

Bring the whole family!

There is a GREAT park with play structures at the start / finish for the kids and lots of good finish line food. Stick around after the race for a FABULOUS raffle!

Cost: $5 until November 1st. $10 November 2nd thru Race Day.

This event is capped at 200 runners / walkers.

The course is stroller friendly, although we ask athletes with strollers to start in the back. No bikes allowed on the course.

FAQ's

Sounds GREAT! How do I sign up?

Click HERE. Print it out and mail it in with your registration fee. The address is on the registration form.

Can I register online?

No.

Do you accept checks, credit cards, IOU's, coupons, money orders, or food stamps?

Sorry. Cash only.

What do I get when - I mean if - I win?

You get the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a job well done. This event has NO OFFICIAL TIMING. I have no idea what the course record is and there are NO PRIZES for winning your age group. If you want to know your time, wear a watch.

E-mail jenandkiley@hotmail.com with any other questions.

Happy training!

pudding popsicles

We made this with the kids yesterday and it was fun! Both kids enjoyed scooping the pudding mix and the strawberry mix into the trays. It was one of those perfect recipes for young kids to help out with.

Also, I like that these popsicles have calcium and real fruit in them!

Strawberry and cream pudding pops

12 medium strawberries (almost 2 cups) washed, stemmed, and quartered
2 T. sugar to taste
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
6 oz. vanilla yogurt
1 C. milk

In a food processor or blender, combine the strawberries with 2 T. of sugar. Process until smooth. Set puree aside.

In a blender, combine pudding, yogurt and milk, and blend until combined. Layer the pudding mixture with the strawberry mixture in small paper cups or popsicle molds. Insert a wooden popsicle stick in the center of each cup and freeze until solid. Remove from cups and serve. Makes 10-20 pops, depending on cup size.

We used ice cube trays for super tiny pops, which worked out great with my 2-year-old who usually has 2/3 of her popcicle melt all over her arms and face while trying to eat one :). She could get through an entire one of these with minimal meltage mess :).

Got Weeds? I found you a great deal!

I spoke to out friend John Officer and he is spraying the Gladden Farms/Cont'l Ranch Marana area this next couple weeks before monsoons hit.

The benefit of this is his pre-emergant (sp?) soaks in with the rain and kills the seeds that will be sprouting up after the rain.

Good news? 
I talked him into giving you all a $10 discount if you mention this blog.
(He's already REALLY reasonable -so this was too good of a deal to not pass along!!)


Just a side note: We have had him doing this for awhile, and moved. Our house after we moved hasn't had weeds in an entire year. The pre-emergent is guaranteed for at least 6 months. It's awesome!

Call him for more info:  (and don't forget to mention this blog for the discount)
John Officer
419-3201

camping

We want to attempt camping this summer with our boys(5,3 and 6mths) so I was wondering what your favorite spots are here in Arizona that are fun for the kids. And any tips you have for camping with an infant would love it. Thanks

Rosette Tutorial

I love tutorials. -and I love cute accesories. So I did some research and this is what I came up with.

I purchased the smallest amount of fabric at the frabic store (4inches).

Rip the fabric in 1 inch strips. (the other side of this was cut, so run you fingers up and down it to fray it up)

Fold it in half and knot it.

While twisting the two ends, use a glue gun to glue it in place. (try to glue towards the bottom/back of rossette, so your glue wont show)

keep twisting and glueing until you have your desired shape.

you can glue felt to the back and place a pin for a shirt or jacket, or you can glue it to a head band.

(I have also seen them on necklaces too)

Enjoy!

Preslee Sullenger

Please keep this family in your prayers. Click here to hear her story. Preslee Sullenger

Allergy doctor

Does anyone know a good allergy doctor?

Starting Kindergarten

Hi everyone! I'm new to the blog and looking for some information/input. Our oldest daughter will be starting kindergarten this year at Estes Elementary. Her teacher will be Mrs. Kuch. All of my friends children are either younger or much older, so we don't have a lot of knowledge about the school or teachers. If anyone could give us some advice or information about the kindergarten program/teachers in particular, we'd really appreciate it!