Family Halloween and Fall events in Arizona

Get ready for some great fun in the Tempe area. Last year we had a blast with our two kiddos. There are vendors selling food and tickets for small games where Trick-or-Treaters can get candy, stickers, or other small items.  Some booths are free.  Free admission too!

Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale is having fun with a corn maze,pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and more. If you go to their site, you can print out this coupon there as well for $2.00 off admission. Admission is $9.00 for everyone over the age of 2.

MacDonald's Ranch in Scottsdale also has a pumpkin patch. You can bring a can of food to receive $1.00 off of the $10.00 entry fee.  The ranch has hay rides, a hay bale maze, train rides, panning for gold, and other western games.

I guess Desert Ridge Marketplace is trying to come up with a new word for a more 'mellow' Halloween? Anyway, this event is free and takes place on Saturday October 26th. from 3-6pm. Desert Ridge is at the loop 101 and Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix.

This looks like a lot of fun! Halloween Spooktacular will take place Friday October 25th from 5:30-8:30 in Chandler, Arizona at the Downtown Library and Plaza center. This event has free admission. There are an array of games, costume contest, and a haunted house.




There are plenty of other things to do in the valley. Hopefully, this lists gives you some great ideas. Have a fun and safe holiday.

T is for Tough - Quote of the Week #5

I need to get to know a lot more about Eleanor Roosevelt. From what I do know, The First Lady was a remarkable humanitarian who treated people equally.  She believed in speaking her mind and in kindness. That is the kind of attitude that I can get behind.

 

Lately, I have been struggling with feeling inferior. Normally, I can push beyond it and move on to brighter skies. Occasionally, the storm I'm under just sits over me and attempts to flood over and out. I thank my faith in God, my family, and good friends that I get through it.

'No one can make you feel inferior without your consent', including yourself. 

Much Love, ~ Susan

Car Seat Check & Free Ballpark Tickets!

If you live in the Phoenix area, you may consider making an appointment by calling the number at this ad.  This event is for August 31st, 2013 and the tickets are for that night at 5:10pm.  

These events are always nice  because of the freebies, but if you just want your car seats checked out go to www.seatcheck.org or this link at www.safekids.org.  Car seats can be difficult to install.  Protecting your child is always a smart move. Don't be embarrassed if you get there and they fix something that you didn't know needed fixing. These events are to keep our children safe. 

Quote of the Week

"A good marriage is each for each other and two against the world." - Robert Brault

Before my husband and I wed, we decided that we would also be on the same side; us against the world.  Regardless of frustrations, set-backs, opinions, we remember that we are in it together.

This has done us a world of good.  If you look out for the other person and they do the same for you, things work a whole lot better.

Arthur's Baby and my babies

Growing up, we read a lot of Arthur books.  In the 1990's, PBS started a show based on the books. My brothers and I delighted in watching Arthur quite often.  I admit, we watched it well into our teens.  It is a fun, sassy show that is suited for a younger audience without pandering to it.  The books are that way too.  Lots of clever quips from D.W. - Arthur's smarty pants sister, and plenty of sweet moments from the whole family.

Tonight the bedtime story our 3 year old selected was Arthur's Baby.  In the story, Arthur learns that his parents are expecting another little one.  While his sister is pleased, he is a bit apprehensive about the thought of a small person being added to his young life.  It is a wonderful book and as an adult, the drawings of the hospital led me to memories of my own experiences.

I don't remember much about when my brothers were born or what an enormous upheaval it was to the family schedule, but I do remember what it was like with my children.  Most of all, the book made me think about my experiences as the mother bringing a child into the world. I thought about all the work and care that was taken by the nurses and staff there to ensure that me, my baby, and my family were doing all right.

Labor is never easy, but I was blessed to be able to deliver my daughter and my son without any medical concerns for myself or for them.Some people might think that after you deliver the baby, you're done and ready to start caring for them right away.  Sorry, not true!  After comes the healing.  If you are fortunate like I was, you get caring individuals who tend for you. You get incredible, fantastic, sent-from-heaven people commonly referred to as nurses.

Now, I know that it is their job,  but most nurses treat it as more than that.  The nurses that I have helped me have been so sweet.  For a while, there was nothing I could do by myself.  Having been given an epidural, and stitches in a very sensitive area, I had to keep clean.  I could not get out of bed by myself. I had to try to sleep and watch my newborn baby.  I had to seriously think about the act of peeing in order to do it!  It was crazy and I was helpless.  The nurses that took care of me were sweet and kind. They let me keep my dignity, even through the stitches, the pain, the complete confusion and exhaustion.  I will always be so grateful for the work and the effort that they give.

Arthur's baby ended up being something for which he was truly grateful.  In the end of the story, he feels the connection that he has to his new sister and isn't worried about things to come.One little bedtime book can bring back quite a swirl of memories.  Tonight, I got to hold my son and feed him his bottle as my husband read the story of a baby's birth to my daughter. My kids continue to grow and we are all gaining a rhythm together.  While my body is pretty well healed up now, I will never forget the comforting skill of the nurses that watched over me in the hospital.  In a small way, they will always be part of our family too because of the help that they have given.


Check out Mark Brown Studios for more books

Arthur's Baby - Story online