Summer Reading Program at Barnes and Noble

Have your child do the summer reading program at Barnes and Noble and they can earn a free book! Visit the website for more details, downloadable journal and activities.

Here's How It Works:

1. Kids read any eight (8) books of their own choosing.

2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs the journal when it's complete. You can also get a Spanish-language Reading Journal.

3. Children bring their completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 26th & September 7th, 2009.

4. We'll give them a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.*

* Eligible books will be listed on the coupon. Choices must be made from available stock. No special orders. Limit of one (1) form per school-age child (grades 1-6), please. Incomplete forms will be ineligible for free books.

Thanks, Making Life Sweet!

Part of KOLD13's Couponing Story

For those of you who may have missed the story, you can view part of it here. Click here to read the entire story!

Sneaky Veggie Enrichment

Girls don't forget Enrichment Night Tuesday28th 7pm at the church. Come learn about dishing up more veggies to your kids & taste test some sneaky veggies yourself.

5K Run or Walk

Motivated by SAR (Southern Arizona Roadrunners) Downtown Social Run-Walk on Monday Nights. Lets start our own Kid-Friendly Neighborhood 5K Run-Walk in Gladden Farms.

We'll meet at the corner of Lon Adams and Gladden Farms Drive on Monday Nights at 6:30 pm. We'll have a couple routes. Mile route for those who don't want to go so far, 5K route, and if your really ambitious go twice around for a 10K route.

Help us spread the word by telling your friends and neighbors. Come join us, and lets socialize. :) See you there!!

4/25 Free Movie In the Park

Town of Marana Parks & Recreation Department
Presents
Movie In The Park

Free Event
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Continental Reserve Park
8568 N. Continental Resrve Loop




The Princess Bride
Rated (PG)

Show Starts at 7:00 PM
**Bring Your Own Seating and Blankets**
Vendors Will Be Selling Food and Refreshments

For More Information, please call 382-1950

5/2 Burn Buster Blast

Join Northwest Fire/Rescue, KIIM 95.5 FM & BOB 97.5 FM at
Burn Buster Blast!

Saturday, May 2, 2009
10 am - 2 pm
Foothills Mall

FREE Events Include:
Fire Safety House
Jumping Castle
Face Painting
Chihuahua Races
Clowns
911 Simulator
Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat
Vintage Fire Trucks
Modern Emergency Vehicles

For more information, call Northwest Fire District at 887-1010

Watch a Fellow Marana Mom on some upcoming Newscasts

I thought some of you might be interested in watching me on some upcoming newscasts!

Visit Savvy Savings Tucson for more savings ideas!

Watch Me Talk Coupons on KOLD

Story will Air Monday, April 27 at 10 p.m.

For Tips On Getting the BEST Price

Story To Be Aired on Friday, May 8th at 10pm

Bed Rail

We are looking for a bed rail for a twin bed-so little toddlers don't fall out, if anyone has one to give or borrow. Thanks. Renee

Bountiful Baskets

Would you pay $15 for a large basket of fresh, locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables?

I would.

This is what I got.

I love this Fresh produce co-op, and they just started delivering to Tucson.

Here is how it works.

Every second Saturday they deliver the produce to Jacob's Park at Prince and Fairview. They divide up the orders and you have a pick up time. (I am assuming it will be normally in the AM as ours was 7am) They also have a few other options according to supply I assume. For example, this week I got an Italian basket -in addition to my coventional15$ basket- and it had a large bag of Basil, fresh oregano, Italian squash, 2 different kinds of mushrooms, and garlic. (for an extra $7.50) I also ordered their bread. It was Honey Whole wheat sandwhich bread -5loaves for $10. (I wanted to try it out-not bad for $2 a loaf!)

They mentioned that their drop off's are according to demand and zip code. So the more orders they have from our area will aid in us getting this benefit closer!

The Conventional $15 basket is a mixture of fresh produce that they are able to get. Which means... you don't exactly know what you will get. -but you know it will be good and definately worth the money!

If you are interested or have questions let me know. A few people have mentioned that it would be nice to get together and take turns picking up the produce. anyhow let me know!

Here is the website. http://02b8ce3.netsolstores.com/

If you are interested you must place your order the Wed. before the drop off. (so, not this wed. but next)

PS thanks Nikki for the picture I stole from you blog haha. I gave Graham the assignment to take pictures of mine for me and he did but the picture was terrible.

Estate Sale

My mother-in-law recently passed away and we are selling these items from her house. Everything is in good condition (and some things are only a couple of months old). If you have any questions about dimensions or age please contact me or leave a comment. Also, these are all suggested prices but we are willing to take best offer. We also have misc items like lamps, kitchen items, linens, decor items that we will be giving away. If you are in need of any of these things, please let me know.

Rocking Chair $25

Vanity with vanity chair (forgot to take a picture of it)-$35

Green sofa-$150

7.2 Cu Feet chest freezer-$150 (this is brand new, she didn't even have a chance to fill it)

La-Z-Boy rocker/recliner chair-$100

Leather match sofa-$350

Marana Residents- Please Vote for Jon Post for Town Council

Marana is sending out their early ballots, and I urge you to cast your vote for Jon Post in the upcoming election. I've known the Post family for 3+ years. Jon truly loves Marana and is citizens. He is pro-family and pro-Marana. Today Mayor Ed Honea called me today and urged me to get the word out about Jon and the need for him to remain on the city council. Some exciting things are coming to Marana, and Jon has had a big hand in making things happen. They just received permission to start the interchange at Continental Ranch. Jon fought hard for that one. I'm relieved that I'll be able to just get off the freeway to go to Safeway verses drive around the mountain to get there! The mayor knows that Jon Post will do what is best for the town of Marana and so do I! The mayor is also supporting Carol McGorray for re-election as well. Jon Post

Post is owner of Post Farms. Post Farms is a company that employs 20, farms 4,000 acres and operates a retail outlet. He serves on the board of directors for Trico Electric Co-op, the Cortaro Water Users Association and Cortaro Marana Irrigation District. He also served as chairman of the Town’s Planning and Zoning Commission and was president of the Marana Junior Rodeo Association.

Jon Post Council Member

Help!!

How much do you pay a babysitter? I have been so lucky to have gone 3 1/2 years without having to pay a babysitter and I have no idea what an appropriate fee is.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day--Saturday, April 18, 2009

YMCA locations across the country are hosting free Healthy Kids Day events tomorrow (Saturday, April 18, 2009).

Details from their website:

"Put play in your day and enjoy some fun and relaxing active family time by visiting your local Y on April 18 for YMCA Healthy Kids® Day. The nation’s largest health day for children and families, YMCA Healthy Kids Day offers fun, engaging and creative activities for children and families and promotes year-long wellness and healthier living. YMCA Healthy Kids Day events are free and open to all.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated across the country at more than 1,750 YMCAs. [Click here to see if a YMCA in your area is hosting an event. Please be aware, not all YMCAs hold their events on April 18]. Last year, more than 700,000 people participated in YMCA Healthy Kids Day events nationwide, enjoying games, classes, demonstrations, arts and crafts, educational resources, healthy treats, giveaways and more. "

Thanks, Katie!

Call your local YMCA for more details and times!

Northwest YMCA Pima County Community Ctr

7770 N Shannon Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
Telephone: 520-229-9001

Lohse Family Branch YMCA

60 W Alameda St
Tucson, AZ 85701
Telephone: 520-623-5200

YMCA of Southern Arizona

60 W Alameda St
Tucson, AZ 85702
Telephone: 520-623-5511

Lighthouse/City Branch YMCA

2900 N Columbus Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85712
Telephone: 520-795-9725

Ott Branch YMCA

401 S Prudence Rd
Tucson, AZ 85710
Telephone: 520-885-2317

Walmart savings

I was at Walmart on Cortaro today and got some great deals on games. They have several aisles of clearance (they are remodeling and maybe that's why there is so much on sale). I was able to get Candyland Castle game for $7 (other stores it's $20) and Scene It-Seinfeld for $7 ($30 at other stores). They had others games and lots of toys on sale for $1, 3, 5, 7 and 10. It's definitely worth checking out if you're like me and stock pile cheap toys and games for holidays and special treats.

Freebies for Moms with young toddlers

I just posted the following deals on Savvy Savings Tucson. I thought that Marana Moms might be interested in these great deals as well.

As a mother of a 2 year old, I was excited about both of these deals shared by To save a penny!

Free Preschool Sampler Pack

Go here to get your free sample pack (of their monthly curriculum) from 1-2-3 Preschool Projects!

Free Pull-ups Potty Training DVD

Go here to get your free Pull-Ups Potty Training DVD.

Here's another Freebie that I found:

Free 2-year subscription to Parents magazine

Go here to sign up for a free 2-year subscription to Parents magazine.

Thanks, Little Miss Know It All!

The Knack Free Family Event at Michaels

Thanks, Karen for the following information!

"Michaels is having another free family ”The Knack” event from 10 am-1pm this Saturday, April 18. Kids will create their own bunny or spring chick for some sunny spring fun. One page I read said that this was for all ages and another said that it was for ages 5-12. Honestly, this looks like a very easy craft, so it may be for the younger ones too.

You can stop by The Knack website for free printables. There are over 200 to choose from. There are also loads of project ideas. Click on the spring project idea list and you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep your kids entertained and crafty. This might come in handy during the Easter breaks from school. The projects ideas helpfully tell the age range, messy level, and craft time.

Have fun!

image from michaels"

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Today I met with the Police Chief and the Marana Police Citizens Advisory Commission with hopes that I could get onto the commission as an alternate. I gave them my top 10 list. I was nervous to see the other 2 applicants, but neither of them showed up for the meeting.

I opted to sit in as they discussed me. Every member of the commission was in favor of adding me to their team! Yeah! The head of the commission commented how they had been able to already see me in action for good with the unattended child in vehicle ordinance. Councilman Clanagan was there as well and basically endorsed me as someone who would bring the perspective of a generation that is hard to reach.

So, what happens next? Next month, the town council will have the opportunity to vote on my appointment as an alternate to the commission. I'll keep you all posted!

Let me know if you have any concerns about our community that you would like to see addressed by the police citizens advisory commission. They just announced another alternate position is available with the resignation of one commission member. You can apply on the Marana town website if you are interested.

free nursing cover (+ $7.95 shipping)

Udder Covers has a great deal where you can get one of their nursing covers for FREE by using the code "onefree"--just pay $7.95 for shipping. These retail for $32! Hurry, because they're running out!

Thanks Lizzy's Language!

Tiny Bling

My sister is selling these little bracelets. $8 each. Sizes range from 6-24 months. She can do other custom colors and sizes. If anyone is interested let me know. Renee

Apple Cake

Raytheon sends out a health newsletter to all the employees every once in a while. They published this recipe and I tried it out today. It is good enough that I thought I'd share. It makes it nice that it is relatively healthy and a sweet treat--my two most favorite qualities in food!

"Fresh apple cake"

Dry ingredients:
1 cup white flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice

Wet ingredients:
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Last but not least:
5 cups apples (half tart and half sweet) peeled and diced
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan. Mix dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and blend. Add apples and nuts. Pour into pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before removing from pan. If desired, drizzle a powdered sugar and milk mixture over the cake once it's cooled.

Easter Treats

So how seriously cute is this? -and how easy too... the instructions are below.
I found this here

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can frosting (16 oz.)
Wax paper
Yellow candy melts (1 lb. pkg.) or white and color yellow
Lollipop sticks



After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting. (I use the back of a large spoon, but it may be easier to use fingers to mix together. But, be warned, it will get messy. Also, you may not need the entire can of frosting, so start out by using almost the entire can and add more if you need to.)
Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)
Melt chocolate in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)
Dip the tip of your lollipop stick in a little of the melted candy coating and insert into the cake balls. (Insert a little less than halfway.)
Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up.
Once firm, carefully insert the cake ball into the candy coating by holding the lollipop stick and rotating until covered. Once covered remove and softly tap and rotate until the excess chocolate falls off. Don't tap too hard or the cake ball will fall off, too.
Place in a styrofoam block to dry.
add face with frosting or with edible ink pen

Mommy Mixer

Some volunteers are trying to start a monthly mom group/playgroup in Gladden Farms. The next meeting will be this Wednesday, April 8, at 10 AM. We are planning on meeting at the picnic tables in front of the HOA office. Come even if you don't live in Gladden Farms, we'd love to have you! Hope to see you there!

Monkey Business

Here is an email I received from a friend about a new place that opened close to us! Maybe we should get a group together and try it out with the kiddos? Are you interested???

Cherise, didn't know if you knew this place finally opened, it is near the intersection of Silverbell and Coachline, so super close to us. This is what I just sent out to some people I know here, didn't know if you want to mention it on your blog.

We went to Monkey Business today and it was fun! I wouldn't have known except my mom gave me an article that was in the paper but they actually have a real cook there. And they are specializing more in the food, which is the opposite of Peter Piper or Chuck E Cheese. The menu had a lot of choices and they are adding more soon. We had chicken Parmesan and it was not bad. The pizza and burgers looked really good so we will try that another time. I just feel like spreading the word because after reading that article they owners went through SO much to get that place open. So check it out!

Robin

General Conference Packet

I love these General Conference Packets! Kayden loves them and loves to listen to conference as a result! There are a couple different conference activities/ideas on http://www.sugardoodle.net/

Here is a link to the packet I like.

http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4295&Itemid=484