Great place to get fabric!

If you are looking for a great place to get fabric, Above All Fabric has some awesome designer fabric. The owner's name is Melanie, and she is local (Oro Valley). You can go pick up your order and save on shipping! Her blog is great too.

http://aboveallfabric.com/shop/

My new sweet baby - Skyler!

What do you think about my little new baby Skyler?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

Photographer and Dentist

I am looking for a good photographer-I love targets pics, but I am looking for someone to come to my house or a different location. Also looking for a good family dentist. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Fireproof

I haven't seen it, but I have heard so many things about it I really want to go see it. I never usually suggest a movie without previewing it, but the preview I saw online told me I REALLY want to see it.

FIREPROOF is out right now and I looked on their website and it named the Foothills as one of the places playing it. It is about marriage and it I think it would be inspiring to everyone to work harder on their marriage, even if it is going great. :)

If anyone has seen it, please comment on what you thought, and if you go see it, please tell us what you think! I will comment when I see it too!!

Everyone needs a date night out, maybe we can swap kiddos??? I am all about it!
(free babysitting and a date night! woohoo!)
TO see a preview go to www.fireproofthemovie.com

enjoy!

Halloween costume?

I thought it would be fun to dress Hailey up for Halloween. I was wondering if any of you have a baby sized Halloween costume you wouldn't mind her borrowing for the night. She usually goes to bed at 7 and she'll be staying at home that night...but I thought it would be cute to take pictures for her first Halloween.

Free Printable Sheet Music

My friend, Michelle W, sent me information on a website where you can access Free Sheet Music for Piano. The sheet music is divided between Levels 1 through 5. I hope this can help someone else!

http://www.makingmusicfun.net/htm/printit_piano_sheet_music_index.htm

Amazing Educational Websites For Kids!

My friend, Michelle W., shared the following websites with me this week. Then, I added our favorite to the bottom of the post!

kidsclick.org/

http://www.factmonster.com/

http://www.askkids.com/

http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/

http://www.wordcentral.com

http://www.multiplication.com/
http://www.dibdabdoo.com/

Free Multiplication Computer Game!

When I find a great thing, I feel compelled to share it! My son has been struggling to learn his multiplication facts. So, my husband and I got online looking for a fun way for him to master multiplication. We found an amazing educational computer program that you can download for free. Timez Attack is a fun game that teaches children to master their multiplication facts quickly. My son begs to play it.

Click here for more information!

In Search Of The Great Pumpkin

I need your help! Halloween is coming. I am in search of the cheapest pumpkin prices in Tucson, Marana, and other surrounding areas.


Please leave comments with the name of place, location, and price for all to see! Thanks for sharing!

Better Homes and Gardens has free 70+ printable stencils for you pumpkins! Click here and here! Thanks, Jenn Mouso, for the heads up!

10/9 Wheeler Taft Abbett Library Family Craft NIght

At the new library, Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr.- behind Walgreens off Cortaro and Coachline. A fun family night craft night. Upcoming Oct. 9th, 6-7 pm.- making a halloween windsock, bring a wire hanger. Also, they have listed to drop in for family festival of crafts every 2nd tuesday of the month. Get there early, instructions and materials are limited.

Thanks, Jenn Mouso, for the information!

Dan Post Running For Re-Election!

Dan Post is running for re-election this election. He is a man of integrity and has done a fabulous job leading and guiding our school district. Please support him this election. I'm enclosing his Election Statement.

"Marana Unified School District is recognized as one of the best in the State. Families choose a home in Marana because they want to be in this school district. Businesses consider the reasonable primary and secondary school tax rate and the quality schools when deciding to come to Marana. This condition has not been achieved by accident, caring and competent teachers, hard working support staff and capable administrators working together with the support of my consistent leadership over the last 28 years has enabled MUSD to become an award winning school district. During my tenure we have built or remodeled all 17 schools, hired more than 95% of the nearly 2000 employees and grown from 2,000 students to 13,000. Even though we are a first class school district, we want to be World Class and we are not there yet. With the help of my leadership and the participation of over 4000 community and school inputs, we have developed a strategic plan and a road map to World Class status. Our goals and priorities are well defined and focus on providing an education that will allow each child to achieve their potential. These are difficult times for public education in Arizona. School funding by the State has been sharply reduced, construction of new facilities has all but been eliminated and unfunded mandates by the State Legislator are causing a heavy burden on local districts. The number of special needs students is at an all time high and requires our best efforts to provide teachers, aids, counselors and specialized transportation. Yet at the same time we must find a way to challenge students who have need for accelerated learning services. I believe that every child is unique, that every child is special and that every child can learn and we must strive to treat them accordingly, even as our student population continues to grow. I strongly believe that we must expand our vocational curriculum and develop more partnerships with businesses and institutions to place students in intern situations for hands on training. We must expand all day kindergarten and keep elementary class sizes as low as funding allows. If we did not live in a desirable climate and that most teachers choose the profession because of their desire to serve and a love for children, we would not be able to find enough competent teachers, because of the pay; this must be addressed by electing representatives who have education as a priority. We have a Superintendent that is new to our District and a governing board that has relatively little experience. I believe that my experience and leadership is needed now more than ever. If elected, I pledge to continue to work hard as leader to overcome our weaknesses and build on our strengths, that working together we will become a World Class school district."

Cheese!

I ordered a huge 40lb block of Mild Cheddar Cheese, if anyone is interested you can buy it by the pound from me for $2.25 a pound. I have some already shredded or you can have it in big blocks. It's wonderful 100% cheese & tastes amazing! (Next time peek at your cheese ingredients-like anti-caking agents & colorings! yuck!)
I separate mine into quart freezer bags and stick it in the freezer to use all year. Please let me know if you are interested so that you can get it fresh. 682-3994 or 260-9882 Thanks Renee!

Time Out For Women

(click on logo above for info)

I have never been to the Time Out for women in Phoenix, but I know some of you have. I know there are a few more days to pre-register and I thought it would be fun to get a group of us together to go to it. Is anybody interested? It wouldn't be very fun to go alone. If you are interested in going, email me (emmatson at msn dot com) ASAP.

General Conference Packets

I found this link for a General Conference Packet similar to the one we had this spring. In case anyone is interested. http://www.scribd.com/doc/6177170/October-Conference-Packet

I also found this one, but it is for April, I haven't found an update for the October Conference. http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1882&Itemid=405

Oops...

Ok ladies--I meant to put this post on my personal blog ( deleted it, but it may still show up on reader), but accidentally put it on here. Lucky for you:)

Oops.

Fun Upcoming Family Events

October
October 4th 10 AM / $2 suggested donation
Just for Kids - The Little Fiddle & Beethoven's Mouse @

Tucson Symphony Center
2175 N. Sixth Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85705
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October 11 3-4pm Bookman’s on Ina Rd
Patrick the Magician, Free
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October 15 7-9pm Bookman’s on Ina
Halloween Movie Night (Hocus Pocus and Nightmare before Christmas), Free
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October 18 3-4pm Bookman’s on Ina
Halloween Costume Parade, crafts and refreshments, Free
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Oct 22 3-4pm Bookman’s on Ina
Make your own canvas Halloween backpack, Free
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October 24 6pm-close
Tohono Chul Park ‘Park After Dark’
Next Free Admission Day
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Ongoing Activities

Every Saturday 9-11am
Rocks and Ropes
Kids Climb lets kids (under 12 only)climb without the adults getting in their way. Held 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.
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Every Saturday 10-12am
Michaels 3749 West Ina Road
“The Knack” kids craft time, $5/child (ages 5-12), supplies included
See website for events calendar: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/events?storeid=9530
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Reading with a Storybook Character
An hour of storytelling and activities with a storybook character is featured on the first Saturday of each month.
Location »
UA BookStore at Student Union Memorial Center
1209 E. University Blvd.
Tucson
Contact Info »
621-2426

Date and Time »
first Saturday each month
10:30 a.m.
Cost »
free
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Other storytimes:

11am Saturdays at Barnes & Noble, Foothills Mall

Local libraries (see library.pima.gov), family, toddler and preschool
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Flandrau Science Center And Planetarium
1601 E. University Blvd. Tucson, Arizona Phone: 621-7827.
Numerous exhibits, science demonstrations and a major national mineral display are some of the attractions at Flandrau. The free observatory offers a view of the heavens through a 16-inch Cassegrain telescope. Observatory hours are 7 to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Free. Science center and planetarium hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday; noon to 9 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. $5 general. Visit www.gotuasciencecenter.org for more information.
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MarsQuest Planetarium
This new planetarium show provides visitors a journey to Mars in hopes of unlocking the planet's most hidden secrets. Created by Loch Ness Productions in collaboration with the Space Science Institute of Boulder, Colo., with funding from the National Science Foundation. Actor Patrick Stewart, known for his role as captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek television series and movies, does the narration.
Location »
Flandrau: The UA Science Center
1601 E. University Blvd.
on the UA campus
621-7827
www.gotUAsciencecenter.org
Dates »
Evening shows at 6:30 Thursdays-Saturdays. Matinee shows at 2:30 Saturdays-Sundays. The program is approximately 50 minutes long.
Cost »
$5 adults, seniors/students and children 4 and over
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Just for Kids
Tucson Symphony Center
2175 North Sixth Avenue
Most 1st Saturdays, 10 and 11:15 am
Dates: Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6, Jan 3, Mar 7, Apr 4
Cost: Free, $2 per person suggested donation
Just for Kids is a series of informal, interactive chamber ensemble concerts using humor, story-telling, demonstrations, participation and discussion to introduce classical music and orchestral instruments to families including very young children.

Children's Drumming Circle
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.
Location »
17th Street Market
810 E. 17th St.
Tucson
Directions »
Contact Info »
624-8821 Ext. 145
Bonnie Brooks

Date and Time »
Friday August 29, 2008
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Other Dates »
Every Friday
Cost »
free
Age Restrictions »
6-12

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• Tohono Chul Park- Park After Dark - Held each fall, this FREE Family open house highlights the desert after dark with art exhibits, hands-on activites and musical or theatrical entertainments. The Park opens its doors for FREE after 6:00 pm on select dates (see website http://www.tohonochulpark.org).
The Park 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.

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Lowe’s ‘Build and Grow Clinics’ for Kids (recommended 1st-5th grades)
2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10-11am
Free or low cost, make fun crafts and projects
Marana location

Picky Palate

For those of you who haven't seen this site... it's awesome. Great ideas to spice things up a bit.
http://pickypalate.blogspot.com/

Money Saving Dinner Idea on KOLD13 tomorrow!

I'll be on KOLD's morning news Thursday, September 25th. I'll be showing how to make my sister-in-laws gnocchi potato dumplings. By using what's on sale at Basha's this week, you can make this main dish that makes 6-8 servings for under $5! It will be aired around 5:50 a.m. or around 6:20 a.m. depending on where they decide to place it in their broadcast. They will also have it online at www.KOLD.com! You can also find the grocery deals for the week and links for all the grocery ads at Savvy Savings Tucson!

10/3 Twin Peaks/Rattlesnake Ridge Family Carnival

A note from Robin Bringhurst:

The Twin Peaks/Rattlesnake Ridge Carnival will be on Friday, Oct. 3 from 5-9pm and will be held at Rattlesnake Ridge (down the road near the Quik Mart). This is a super fun family event! We went for the first time last year and were really impressed. Lots of inflatables and rides and fun booths. You can buy early at Twin Peaks and a wristband (for unlimited use of inflatables and the train) is $6 now or $8 if you buy the night of the carnival. There are also food/drink, booth/attraction tickets available for 50 cents each. You can pre-buy these tickets Sept. 30/Oct 1/Oct 2 before and after school at the school entrance (NOT through the office). If your kid can go on the inflatables by himself then child needs the wristband and not the adults, just FYI.

9/27 Borders Kids Party and Toys R Us Birthday Bash

Borders is a hosting a free Kid's Party for children 12 and under this Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 2-4 PM. This event will include story time, games, and a scavenger hunt. Plus, you can get a free cookie with any beverage purchase at the coffee shops inside Borders. More information is here.




Toys R Us is having a big birthday bash on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from noon until 3 PM. This event includes activities, crafts, and free gifts! More details here.

10/11 Toys "R" US Thomas & Friends Play Date

Bring your favorite fans of Thomas & Friends to Toys “R” Us on Saturday, October 11th between 11am and 1pm for a play date with stories, coloring, trading cards, and the ever-popular train table!

Click HERE for details.