Monthly Archives: September 2013

Musings on Motherhood

The pictures (I couldn’t pick a favorite so I am posting both) in today’s affirmation represent what I envision motherhood to be: love and protection.

What is your overarching belief when you think about motherhood?  I know my biggest consideration is my children’s safety.  I try not to worry because I do not believe it is productive.  One of my wise friends once shared with me the idea that worrying is like wishing for your worst fears.

Instead of worrying, I think about protection.  Am I protecting my child from harm, all the while doing so from a place of love and concern and not fear?  In most cases, yes.  Yesterday we were in the kitchen and I embarrassed Puma by admonishing her and Night Owl (in front of our guests) to stop playing around the stove.  When we talked about it later, she said, “Stop worrying so much!”

I apologized for reacting instead of asking, and reminded her again why I feel so strongly that the kitchen is not a place for horseplay.  I have a friend with burn scars from a fire incident when he was a child, and I don’t ever want our children to go through that experience.  I know she does not “get it”, and all I wanted to say was, “Just wait until you have children!”

I did not, though.  Instead I told her how much I love her, I only want her to be safe, and to please not play in the kitchen.  I asked again for forgiveness because I know she is sensitive to what she perceives to be scolding, and told her I would try to remember to ask instead of tell next time, with the understanding that she will also try to remember not to mess around in the kitchen.

How do you explain safety to your children?  What word or words would you use to describe your beliefs about your role as a mother?

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UPCOMING EVENTS Sep 30 – Oct 1

We are enjoying the cooler weather by schooling outside.  Which events will you be checking out this week?  We are super excited for the return of the Chandler Farmer’s Market on Thursdays!!

Save the date for an awesome weekend at the Rio Salado Audubon Center in October.

Monday, September 30
Prenatal Yoga
The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 6:00 pm
220 E Lexington Ave
Phoenix AZ 85012
602-314-7755

Tuesday, October 1
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85286
480-782-2900

Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids
Kids of all ages are invited to come to the store for story time every Tuesday.  Members receive an official book club passport at their first story time, plus a special gift after attending five story times.  To locate a store near you, click HERE
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/customer-service/store-locator.html
Chandler Fashion Center @ 11:00 – 11:30 am
Nordstrom’s Wing
3111 West Chandler Blvd.
Chandler 85226
(480) 899-7155

Homebirth Circle 
Come join the beautiful space and share thoughts about life, babies and love.  The circle is open to any adult and lap babies only.  Feel free to bring a healthy snack to share. Freedom and The Seed Office @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
123 Baseline Rd, Suite 205
Tempe, AZ
480-528-1689

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 6:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

Wednesday, October 2
Breastfeeding Photo Shoot
Babymoon Inn will be hosting breastfeeding photo shoots with Photography by Jenn on October 2nd and October 5th.   Cost is $90 if we have 6 moms (we need at least 6) and $80 if we have 7 or more shoots. Shoots will be 30 minutes in length and start at 7 am, with the last shoot starting at 11:30 am.
If you want to take a peek at Jenn’s amazing work check out photography by jenn.  Jenn will do breastfeeding photos (which are GORGEOUS), photos of baby, or family photos.
The event is posted on the Babymoon Inn Facebook page. Time slots are listed in the event under the comments.
Wednesday (10/2)
Saturday (10/5)
To reserve a time slot please comment that you are taking that time slot. It will be first come, first serve on slots.  Once you have a time slot, you will need to make a deposit to finalize your session. Jenn accepts PayPal or credit card to hold your spot. Michelle at The Nest will be posting the link to make your deposit shortly.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michelle at michelle@babymooninn.com.
The Nest at Babymoon Inn
220 E Lexington Ave
Phoenix AZ 85012
602-314-7755

National Geographic Kids Club 
The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting.  Meet in the Gap wing near the Food Court now through mid-November!
This week’s theme: It’s fun to watch what animals do at the zoo. Some may roar, spit or burp and others may find some water to squirt.
Chandler Fashion Center @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
3111 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 812-8488

Music Time
Enjoy singing, simple instruments and movements with your child.  For children ages 5 and under and their caregiver.
Bookmans Mesa @ 10:00 – 10:30 am
1056 S. Country Club Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-835-0505

Inn Mommies: Explorers Playgroup 
Rhyme Time with the Explorers: This is a wonderful group where you can come and meet other new moms and their babies. Bring your lunch if you like, the Babymoon Inn coffee and tea bar will be open!
Join us as we sing a few songs and rhymes before we get out a variety of toys to play. Get ready to Twinkle Twinkle and Itsy Bitsy Spider.
This playgroup is for moms and babies of all ages that are exploring their world. Pregnant moms are also welcome. It is open to women that have given birth in all settings: home, at Babymoon Inn, or in a hospital. Siblings are welcome in the Explorers group.
We meet at The Nest at Babymoon Inn which is across the street from the birth center.
The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 10:00 am
220 E Lexington Ave
Phoenix AZ 85012
602-314-7755

Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group
With the exception of major holidays… For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm
Chandler Regional Medical Center @ 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
1955 W Frye Rd
Chandler, AZ 85224

Phoenix Art Museum
It’s never to early to start art appreciation with your Sweet Peas.  You can enjoy PhxArtKids, an interactive space for children, along with galleries of art showcasing American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design.  The Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission every Wednesday afternoon and on First Fridays.
Phoenix Art Museum @ 3:00 – 9:00 pm
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-256-7539

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, live plants and unique local arts and crafts, tasty hot foods, music, and more.
Open Air Market @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Thursday, October 3
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85286
480-782-2900
Tuesday/Thursday

Little Critters Story Time with Ranger Amy
Ranger Amy Ford reads a children’s book aloud Every Thursday, and a themed program centered around the story follows. Activities can include live animals, songs, crafts and puppet plays. The program is held in the air-conditioned Visitor Center.  Price: $6/vehicle
McDowell Mountain Regional Park @ 12:30 – 1:30 PM
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive
Scottsdale  85259
480-471-0173

Chandler Farmer’s Market
This Farmers Market hosts a variety of vendors including produce, baked goods, salsa, jams and honey, olive oil, seafood, granola, beauty products, and much more!  The Craft Market will be held once a month on the first Thursday of each month.  Come find hand made and hand crafted items from local artisans.
Dr. AJ Chandler Park @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
3 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ
480-855-3539

Friday, October 4
Mesa Community Farmers Market
May include depending on season: fresh produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, salsas, spices, natural pork, beef and fish, hand-made craft products, lotions and soaps. Free admission, free parking. Accepts AZ Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Located near downtown Mesa and cafes, coffee shops, museums, and antique stores.
Rendezvous Green @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm  June – Sept: 9am-Noon, Oct.-May: 9 AM – 1pm
263 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
602-290-5067

Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group
With the exception of major holidays… For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center @ 10:00 am to 11:30 am
3555 S Val Vista Dr.
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Storytime at Barnes & Noble
It’s Halloween fun with lift-the-flap surprises as we read ‘What Am I?’ Halloween by Anne Margaret Lewis.
Barnes & Noble @ 10:30 am
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

Fun Friday
Children 1 to 4 and their caregivers can enjoy themed events, including hand motion songs, singalongs, dancing, stories and games. Activities are designed to enhance musical, social, physical and memory skills. Caregivers must remain in the store.
Microsoft Store @ 10:30 – 11:15 am
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1288
Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
480-308-0800

Food Truck Friday
Phoenix Public Market @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Enchanted Island Family Night
There’s never a charge to enter Enchanted Island. You simply pay for the rides you want to ride on, the games you want to play, and the food you want to eat.  Friday nights, enjoy special pricing for unlimited rides: $6.50 for Children or Adults Wristbands
Enchanted Island Amusement Park @ 5:00 – 9:30 pm
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-254-1200

Toy Car & Cruise
Race Hot Wheels on a 30-foot long track with an electronic start and a timer. Kids 12 and younger receive a free Hot Wheels car. A custom Hot Wheels show is included along with a car cruise featuring full-size automobiles.
Hobby Town @ 6-10p
1817 E. Baseline Road
Gilbert, AZ, 85233
480-621-7765

Phoenix Art Museum First Friday
It’s never to early to start art appreciation with your Sweet Peas.  You can enjoy PhxArtKids, an interactive space for children, along with galleries of art showcasing American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design.  The Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission every Wednesday afternoon (3-9p) and on First Fridays.
Phoenix Art Museum @ 6:00 – 10:00 pm
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-256-7539

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
http://tempemarketplace.com/events/live-music/
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE (http://www.shopdesertridge.com/events/full-calendar/)
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

Coming up this Saturday:
Star Wars Reads Day!
Join us for Star Wars Reads Day, a celebration of all things Star Wars. We’ll have activities for the whole family, from Storytimes and crafts to costume contests.
Chandler Fashion Mall @ 11:00 AM
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

LIBRARIES:
Chandler, AZ http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/
Glendale, AZ http://www.glendaleaz.com/Library/index.cfm
Mesa, AZ http://www.mesalibrary.org/
Payson, AZ http://www.paysonlibrary.com/
Phoenix, AZ http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/default.jsp
Peoria, AZ http://library.peoriaaz.gov/polaris/default.aspx
Scottsdale, AZ  http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Tempe, AZ  http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1588

Monterey, CA http://www.monterey.org/library/Home.aspx

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number
Send your event information to krystyna@sweetpeabirths.com

Disclaimer:
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Cassandra Okamoto, Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

UPCOMING EVENTS September 28-29, 2013

Do you have any special plans this weekend?  We are looking forward to celebrating some birthdays at our house, so you can count on seeing us at the grocery store!  Wishing you all a fun and memorable weekend with your Sweet Peas!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013
Museum Day Live!
Visit a museum for free Saturday, Sept. 28, during Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live! In Arizona, 30 museums and cultural institutions are participating. To get in free, you must present a ticket. Visit smithsonianmag.com/museumday to request the ticket, which will be e-mailed to you. Print it and take it to get free admission. One ticket per household, per email.

Apple Harvest Celebration
Celebrate the peak of the apple season with tree-ripened Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty apples. Experience the fun of picking your own apples, or select from already picked apples. Come early to enjoy the delicious “All You Can Eat” pancake breakfast served with hot apple topping or cider syrup, served each day from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Apple-smoked burger lunches will be served from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Free wagon rides will take you to the orchards for picking; Asian pears will also be available for picking. Homemade apple pies are baked fresh daily, and don’t miss the delicious “apple crumb pie ice cream”, made in an Amish ice cream freezer. Hot roasted sweet corn will be available at the farm location.  FREE admission
Apple Annie’s Orchard @ 7:30 am – 5:30 pm  http://www.appleannies.com/
2081 W Hardy Rd
Wilcox, AZ. 85643
520.384.2084

Gilbert Farmer’s Market
7:00 am – 11:00 am
222 N. Ash St
Gilbert 85234
480-583-0101

Roadrunner Farmer’s Market
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
3502 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix 85032
623-848-1234

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, Live plants and unique local arts and crafts, Tasty hot foods, music, and more”
Open Air Market @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Dragonfly & Butterfly Bash!
Dragonflies, damselflies and Monarch butterflies rule the wetland habitats at Veterans Oasis Park during the late summer. This special event celebrates these beautiful insects through guided nature walks, hands-on crafts and presentations! Walks are approximately 20 minutes in duration and the terrain is easy. Last walk will depart the EEC at 11 a.m., due to the late summer heat. Don’t miss this fun-filled, family-friendly special event! Pre-registration is not required; drop-in anytime!
Veterans Oasis Park @ 9 a.m.-noon
4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85249
480-782-2890

Our Avian Friends
This program introduces the hobby of bird watching. It details the needs of bird watchers, from equipment to how to become a good “birder”. Discussion of bird traits to look for as well as how to listen to bird sounds are included. Major bird orders and specifics to consider when engaging in identification are detailed. The program also has some short beginners quizzes to test the new “birder”s skill. Lots of pictures and ornithological information. Slide Show.***Special Guest Speaker, Joe Ford. Joe is a native of Missouri. He holds several degrees in education and a Masters Degree in Natural Science from the University of Oklahoma. He has been an educator on the junior high, high school and college levels. After 42 years in the teaching field he retired to Sun City, Arizona. He is a board member in the Sonoran Audubon Society and a member of the Sun City Rockhounds, among many of his other interests.  $6/vehicle
Cave Creek Regional Park @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
623-465-0431

Train and Carousel Rides
Come out for a day of old-fashioned fun at the railroad park.  Enjoy the shade provided by the park’s many large trees  Kids can play at various play area including a covered playground with water sprays.  Train and Carousel Rides $2.00/each; free for kids under 3 with paying adult.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park @ 10:00 am to 6:30
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale 85250
480-312-2312

Family Storytime – Tempe
Family Storytime complete with songs, movement activities and finger plays that encourage early learning. Program aimed for ages 0-3 but siblings are welcomed and encouraged to attend.  **Held the LAST Saturday of every month.**
Tempe Public Library – Storytime Room @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
3500 S. Rural Rd
Tempe, Arizona 85282

The Princess, the Unicorn & the Smelly Foot Troll – Puppet Show
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents a puppet show featuring rod marionettes. Enjoy an original story about a princess who decides not to invite the smelly foot troll to her birthday party.
Tempe Public Library – Meeting Room A @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
3500 S. Rural Rd
Tempe, Arizona 85282

Dad & Toddler Storytime
Dads can enjoy stories with their favorite toddler
Mustang Library @10:30 am – 11:00 am
10101 N. 90th St.
Scottsdale, 85258
480-321-7323

Family Storytime
Share books, stories, songs, rhymes, and music in a fun interactive program that builds early literacy skills. This program is designed for children birth to five years old accompanied by a favorite adult. What is your child learning? Children who love books and stories become more successful readers. Space is limited. Free tickets are available 30 minutes before the program begins.
Ironwood Branch Library @ 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
4333 E. Chandler Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ, 85048
PHONE: 602-262-4636

Free Crafts for Kids
Make-Your-Own Accordion Book
Kids put together this accordion-style book…then write and illustrate their very own tale!
Lakeshore Learning Store @ 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Find your local store HERE

Water Park Fun in Chandler
Enjoy the zero-depth pool area with interactive play area, water vortex, current river and two water slides.  Cost is $2.25 for adults and $1 for children ages 2-17
Hamilton Aquatic Center @ 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
3838 S Arizona Ave
Chandler 85248
480-782-2630

Meet The Teacher Event
Baby Basics 4 U will be hosting this event to introduce you to their line-up of class instructors. Check out the store’s amazing products, tour the parent education room, and meet all the great instructors!
There will be a FREE sign language story time, giveaways, as well as lots of great information & resources on everything baby!
Baby Town @ 2:00 – 4:00 pm
3787 South Gilbert Road
Gilbert, Arizona 85297

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 2:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

Autism Family Swim
Children with autism and their families are invited to swim at Hubbard Family Swim School’s Mesa Riverview location on the fourth Saturday of every month. All ages are welcome. There are two heated 90-degree indoor pools, each 4 feet deep with ledges and steps for exploration and fun. Showers and a changing area are available. Lifeguards will be present and all swimmers, regardless of aptitude, are encouraged to participate. Call or send an e-mail to info@hubbardswim.com for questions and to sign up in advance.  $5 per family
Hubbard Family Swim School @ 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Mesa Riverview
1061 N. Dobson Road, Suite 101
Mesa, AZ, 85201
602-971-4044

SMoCA
Bring the family and enjoy free admission to the art exhibits.  “SMoCA brings art, architecture and design to Arizona to challenge expectations. We are not a museum filled with random selections of art from the past; rather we engage the thoughts and concerns of the present. The ideas that interest, trouble and perplex you are the same that artists investigate in exhibitions at the museum.”  Tim Rodgers, Director, SMoCA
Every Thursday (12-9p), and on Friday and Saturday evenings (5-9p).
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art @ 5:00 – 9:00 pm
7374 E. Second Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-874-4666

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013
Apple Harvest Celebration
Celebrate the peak of the apple season with tree-ripened Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty apples. Experience the fun of picking your own apples, or select from already picked apples. Come early to enjoy the delicious “All You Can Eat” pancake breakfast served with hot apple topping or cider syrup, served each day from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Apple-smoked burger lunches will be served from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Free wagon rides will take you to the orchards for picking; Asian pears will also be available for picking. Homemade apple pies are baked fresh daily, and don’t miss the delicious “apple crumb pie ice cream”, made in an Amish ice cream freezer. Hot roasted sweet corn will be available at the farm location.  FREE admission
Apple Annie’s Orchard @ 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
2081 W Hardy Rd
Wilcox, AZ. 85643
520.384.2084

Ahwatukee Farmer’s Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
4700 E. Warner Road
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-919-0914

Train and Carousel Rides
Come out for a day of old-fashioned fun at the railroad park.  Enjoy the shade provided by the park’s many large trees  Kids can play at various play area including a covered playground with water sprays.  Train and Carousel Rides $2.00/each; free for kids under 3 with paying adult.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park @ 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale 85250
480-312-2312

Railroad Rides
Ride scale model trains through the Adobe Mountain recreation area.
Maricopa Live Steamers @ 12:00 – 5:00 pm
22822 N. 43rd Ave
Phoenix 85310
www.maricopalivesteamers.com

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 2:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

Baby Bear Goes to School Puppet Show
Enjoy a charming musical puppet show about a baby bear that is excited for his first day of school.  For children of preschool age through second grade.  $9/adults, $6/children, Under2/Free
\Great Arizona Puppet Theater
302 W. Latham Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-262-2050

LIBRARIES:
Chandler, AZ http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/
Glendale, AZ http://www.glendaleaz.com/Library/index.cfm
Mesa, AZ http://www.mesalibrary.org/
Payson, AZ http://www.paysonlibrary.com/
Phoenix, AZ http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/default.jsp
Peoria, AZ http://library.peoriaaz.gov/polaris/default.aspx
Scottsdale, AZ  http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Tempe, AZ  http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1588

Monterey, CA http://www.monterey.org/library/Home.aspx

WATER PLAY & SPLASH PADS
AHWATUKEE
Mountain Vista Park: spray pad, splash pad area open daily, approx. through October 1st from 5:30 am – 11:00 pm
13647 S. 50th Street (48th Street and Knox Road)
Phoenix, AZ  85044
(602) 262-6111 (South Division)

CHANDLER
Splash Pads Closed for the Season

GILBERT
Splash Pad at San Tan Village
The Splash Pad, located in the Children’s Play Area, is now open.
Through September 30 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
2218 E. Williams Field Rd.
Suite 235
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 282-9500

SCOTTSDALE
Chesnut Park is open year-round from 8:00am to 5:00pm.  Chesnut Park is a 5-acre park, which includes picnic areas and two ramadas. Additional amenities include two lighted tennis courts, playground, spray pad, large open grass areas, and restroom facilities.
4565 N. Granite Reef
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
General: (480) 312-2771

TEMPE
Spray pads are conveniently located in the following parks.  Hours: 9:00am-7:00pm (Daily, Monday-Sunday)
Jaycee Park (located near the Westside Community Center)
817 West 5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-5200

Esquer Park (just east of the Loop 101 and north of Apache Blvd.)
2407 E McArthur Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281

Hudson Park (south of Apache Blvd on Cedar Street between Rural & McClintock)
1430 S. Cedar St.
Tempe AZ

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be posted.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number
Send your event information to sweetpeafamilies@gmail.com

Disclaimer:
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Cassandra Okamoto, Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

Homeschooling: Toddlers

I had an interaction on Instagram that asked how we homeschool when the Sweet Peas are between 2 – 3 years of age.  My answer is simple: play with them!

Now that doesn’t mean that you can’t play with intention.  We have toys that involve sorting, stacking, and identifying.  We talk about shapes, names, and colors in English and in Spanish.  We also work in the ASL words, and now that Puma is exploring French, we add that name in as well when she is playing with us.

You know how toddlers repeat everything they hear?  We read books and books and more books – they are absorbing everything that they see and hear.  Is there any topic that they love?  Is there something in particular you want to explore with them.  The key here is access.  We ask Otter to bring us a book, and read whatever she chooses.  If she chooses a book that is a little older than her attention span, we look at the pictures and make up a brief story and pick out things from the illustrations to talk about.

Then there are times when kiddos want the same book read over…and over…and over.  Those days we choose different voices for different readings, or I ask her to tell me what happens next by the third and fourth reading.  If I can find it, I will link a great resource that talks about reading a book four times through as a general practice.  I printed out sheets for our playgroup and now I can’t find the source…grrr…

The last thing we do as we “homeschool” our toddler is a lot of art!  We have crayons, markers, scissors, glue, paint, colored pencils, stickers, yarn, beads, pasta…so many textures to explore and use to create.  There is no judgement, and usually no examples…I just lay out the materials and let the kiddos do what they are going to do.  They are so proud of their creations, and in the process they are learning gross and fine motor skills, getting used to holding a line maker and making lines in all directions, shapes and sizes.

Before you know it, you are going to have a little person that knows their stuff and did it without tears.  It is so much fun…and as Otter is joining us in the school room every day, it is slowing us down.  However, it is making school more fun for everyone because if she is crafting, then everyone is crafting.  What a great way to start the day…music…art…and learning.

Thoughtful Thursday: Incorporating Humor

Laughter is the best medicine, as the saying goes.  I think it is so important to work that into our daily lives with our children.  We know that there are many benefits to laughter…one would think that it is a no-brainer to do it every day.

How can you work humor into your day?  With an infant, you can make silly noises, faces, movements – it’s fun to see what your child will find amusing.  As they age, a toddler can get in on the action and join in all the silliness.

Once your child starts reading, maybe consider getting some joke books, or read out loud to them in silly voices, or you can act out scenes that they would find humorous.

The hardest time for me to work in humor is when I feel my ire rising or I am already angry about something (kiddos aren’t listening, they keep being physical instead of being gentle).  It is so important to remember in these moments that our children are that – just children.

When I feel my anger rising (usually because I feel the pressure of time), and on the days when I am in a good space (more often than not – especially when I remember to start the day with good, deep focusing breaths) – it is really easy to work in humor.

Instead of yelling, I ask, “Who wants to see my crazy face?!”  The act of redirecting my emotion, making that crazy face, and hearing our children’s laughter, helps me to re-set my emotions.  Now I am in a good place to ask for what I want to happen, instead of barking out instructions like a drill sergeant.

I still want to try to be more mindful about laughing more as a family, especially after re-reading the benefits as I looked for a link to share with you.  I think we will start the day with a good “silly face”session before school.

How do you use humor in your home?  Do you have any tips or tricks to share about using humor to redirect behavior?

Why We Homeschool

One of our student’s sent me the following questions…I sent her the short answer, and thought that a longer answer would make for a great blog post.  (and it’s longer! broken up into sections so you can read it in pieces if you want) Thanks, N.M., for tickling my brain!

“Why do you homeschool? How do you feel your kids have benefitted? And how long do you plan to do it? I’m really considering it…but I’m gonna continue to read up on it. I just know when the time comes I will have to convince C.”

Why we homeschool
It started off with a simple desire: I wanted our children to be truly bi-lingual.  I wanted them to be able to speak, read and write Spanish.  It is my first language, although it is not the one I am the most confident in.  I wanted our children to have the advantage of having consistent and deliberate exposure to Spanish as they grew and throughout their school day.

As it turns out, Coach Bruss is of a Libertarian bent and I have evolved to be so, too.  We both feel that the public school system is too much about the collective versus individuality.  We believe in the sanctity of the individual, and we want our children to grow up being free thinkers and creators, in contrast to the culture of being good at taking tests and standing in lines.

Add in the component of food allergies, and the fact that not all of our children want to sit at a desk to learn, and we are beyond happy with our choice to homeschool.  While we have a set curriculum, we are organic in our approach.  I learned a long time ago that tears and resistance are a good sign that neither teacher or pupil is ready for the subject matter, and it is best to wait until both arrive at the same place at the same time in regards to reading, writing, and math.

How we feel our children have benefitted
There are so many ways – almost too many to count.  Here are some of them in a nutshell:

Puma is able to explore her avocations – she loves horses and dance.  We read books about horses, and periodically throughout the day, she gets to take dance breaks.  She also loves to draw – there is plenty of time for her to do that and she always has access to art supplies.

Night Owl is most definitely our non-traditional learner.  He absorbs everything…just not the way you or I might expect.  He likes his hands busy and his brain open.  He may look like he is playing, then all of a sudden you ask a question and he gives you an answer that includes today’s, yesterday’s and last month’s information synthesized together.  He wasn’t interested in reading or writing last year, however, he could build you a structure worthy of a thesis project.  This year, he is asking to learn to read.  And we are not sounding out words…he is looking at a word, working it out in his head, and he tells me the correct pronunciation.  I couldn’t be more proud or flabbergasted at the same time.

Charger is our writer.  He loves to put shapes on paper.  Recently, he is more into drawing.  He figured out how to make the first two letters of his name.  Not by repetition – I will write his name for him on top of every worksheet, and he just started copying.  One of his favorite phrases is, “I can do it!”  Meaning that he doesn’t want me to show him how to do something – he wants to work it out on his own.  He has been learning by immersion by sitting in with us for the last couple of years.  He knows his shapes, colors, most of his letters, and numbers through 10 without having to be intentionally taught – the information seeped in and now we get to do something with it.

Now it is Otter’s turn to learn by osmosis.  She wants to be right in the big fat middle of everything.  She wants to be in the schoolroom with us every moment.  She likes to use her clipboard and fill up a whole sheet with different strokes and colors.  It is a gift to watch her enjoy the time in the schoolroom although at this point she is more of a champion mess-maker than anything else.  Even that turns into a lesson as we sort and talk through our clean up.

I love laying out papers, colors, scissors and glue for them to create while I am reading out loud.  I like allowing them to bring in some building toys, or do puzzles while I read.  I like being able to go outside and do some water play in the middle of the day.  Or letting them go into the kitchen to get their own snack, or go to the bathroom when they need to…just allowing their basic needs to be met while we all go on this journey of discovery.

We also have the benefit of flexibility.  There are no sick days – if someone is under the weather, they don’t have work to make up – they just devote their energy to recovering and pick up where we left off when they are better.  We can take vacations during off-season, and go to the playground, museums, and the zoo with full access to all the fun stuff when most other kiddos are in school.  It is such a gift to go and just enjoy these without the weekend crowds!  We try to remember to point this out to the kiddos.  They sure can tell the difference, and prefer going on “field trips” in the middle of the week.

How long we plan to homeschool
When Coach Bruss and I first talked about homeschooling, we thought we would homeschool through second or third grade.  We both agreed that the early years are crucially important to our children’s long-term outcomes:

“The basic facts are compelling. The human brain grows most rapidly during the
prenatal period and the first few years of life, reaching 50 per cent mature weight by
six months and 90 percent by the age of eight. Children’s physical growth is also very
rapid during the early years, but physical maturation is a much more extended process
compared with the changes taking place within the nervous system (Rutter and Rutter,
1993). The earliest months of life are also the period of most rapid synapse formation
– constructing the dense networks of neural connectivity on which cortical activity
depends. Synaptic density increases most between birth and 1 to 2 years of age (when
it is 50% higher than for more mature adults). Densities decline gradually over the
period from 2 to 16 years of age.”
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001474/147499e.pdf

We knew we wanted to be their primary influence during their formative years when they would be learning their core values and the belief systems that they would have to evaluate as adults.  Why would we entrust these little treasures of ours to other people?  I really believe that we know our children best and we are best suited to be their teachers.

Now Puma is doing her third grade year.  At the end of last year, as I saw her enjoying her time with her friends from dance class, I felt a twinge of guilt – maybe I was keeping her from social experiences that she could benefit from.  I asked her if she wanted to try public school this year, and she was quick to say, “No!”  She likes being together as a family, she likes to be able to ride (horses) and dance and learn and play.

As we see more of what we consider indoctrination finding it’s way into the school system, we are more convinced than ever that we will be homeschooling at least through middle school.  We both agree that we do not want to have their first experience with peer pressure and decision making to be in college, so we are racking our brains and trying to figure out how/where/what will have to happen to get them into a high school that is based on the Objectivist philosophy while still honoring the sanctity of our Creator.

Convincing Your Partner in Parenting
Coach Bruss did not know what to think when I told him I wanted a natural birth…and yet we went to Bradley classes together and we learned a lot through that experience.  We went to a La Leche League meeting as Bradley students, expecting to see tree-hugging, au natural mamas and ran into a couple of people we knew, and who we would definitely call “normal” – that preconception was changed.  And then I bring up that I want to homeschool our daughter….Bruss was containing his eye roll, I know!!  However, having been pleasantly surprised with our other choices, he was open to exploring the idea.

So when Puma was about 18 months old, we went to our first homeschool convention.  It was an eye-opener for both of us.  I thought of homeschooling in the context that I saw my mom teaching my brothers in their bridge year between preschool and kindergarten.  I thought we would be doing worksheets and flash cards.  Bruss expected tree-hugging, macrame-making mamas with their earth children in tow.  What we found was that the homeschool scene of today is huge!  There are all kinds of families choosing to homeschool and it blew both of our preconceptions out of the water.

There are choices in curriculum that fit the secular to the spiritual choices.  There are options for science and math and creative writing, as well as art, physical education and language studies.  The sheer volume of resources that was on the floor at the Phoenix Convention Center pretty much cemented the decision to homeschool.  Both of us felt confident that the only thing our children would miss out on would be the negatives of public education.

There is the age-old question: what about socialization?  The idea that our children are not going to be able to navigate social situations has always intrigued me.  Our children are actually being exposed to a wide strata of instructors and age groups in the activities we do outside the home.  They are able to communicate with children their own age, and in addition, they can relate to people who are both older and younger than they are.

One of the benefits of homeschooling is having open lines of communication with your children.  You are their teacher, their parent, and their confidante when you intentionally nurture those relationships.  There is nothing Puma can’t tell me – she knows I am a safe space for sharing ideas and experiences.  There have been instances when the anecdotes she tells me from her dance school makes me raise my eyebrows (internally, of course), and we have the opportunity to talk through those situations and learn from them.

Can this work for our family?
I would encourage any family thinking about homeschooling to think about these questions:

  • What is our motivation?  What will keep us on this course once we accept the commitment to this path (for now/ for this year)?
  • Who will take on the responsibilities of teaching? What will they do to feed their soul so that they can be fully present for the children in a teaching capacity?
  • How can we organize our days to honor the commitment to school/unschool?
  • When we look down the line – 1 year, 3 years, 5 years down the line, how does this choice fit into the long-term goals we have for our family?

I will start a tab on the blog soon to list homeschooling resources.  I spend so much time at the convention looking through resources that I rarely feel the need to research online, however, I know that is not an option for everyone.  I know that there are some great pages out there that talk about the hows, whats and whys of this choice in great depth.  I will find them and get back to you on those.

Have you ever thought about homeschooling?  What crosses your mind when you evaluate that choice?  What kinds of resources are you looking for?

Parenting Affirmation

I really need this reminder this week as our schedule gets more added into as the weeks go by.  Our summer sojourn is over…now we are full speed ahead with a homeschooling schedule, field trips, meetings and events that promote The Bradley Method…and add in the preparation and support for the two classes of wonderful families we are honored to work with this Fall session…I will be soft and gentle.  I have to be in order to facilitate the trust and respect I want to have with my children.

UPCOMING EVENTS: September 23-27, 2011

It finally feels like fall in Phoenix…we will wait and see how long these cool breezes and refreshing rains cause.

Coming up this Saturday (9/28)…send your email to get your tickets today!!
Museum Day Live!
Visit a museum for free Saturday, Sept. 28, during Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live! In Arizona, 30 museums and cultural institutions are participating. To get in free, you must present a ticket. Visit smithsonianmag.com/museumday to request the ticket, which will be e-mailed to you. Print it and take it to get free admission. One ticket per household, per e-mail.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
Family Storytime
Share books, stories, songs, rhymes, and music in a fun interactive program that builds early literacy skills. This program is designed for children birth to five years old accompanied by a favorite adult. What is your child learning? Children who love books and stories become more successful readers. Space is limited. Free tickets are available 30 minutes before program begins.
Ironwood Branch Library @ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
4333 E. Chandler Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85048
PHONE: 602-262-4636

Free Baby Dance Class
This fun dance class is for babies walking through 2.5 years of age.  Free!
USA Youth Fitness Center @ 9:00 am
1530 S. Gilbert Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Dinner at Chili’s – St. Jude’s Fundraiser
Bring the family and 100% of all net proceeds will be donated to St. Judes cancer research and treatment organization.
Chili’s Gilbert @ 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
3917 S. Gilbert Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-812-4636

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes. $2/resident, $3/non-res
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85286
480-782-2900

Families That Read Succeed: Preschoolers (3-5 yr olds)
Class Time: 1 hr
Instructor: Brie Hall
Studies show children who are read to 15 minutes a day tend to be more successful in school, perhaps due to their appreciation for reading started at a young age! In this class we will discuss what book play looks like for your preschooler, how parents/caregivers need to structure their reading routines for their preschooler, and share age-appropriate tips for reading enjoyment as a family, as well as share our favorite books for your preschooler!  $10 per person or $12 per couple
Baby Town  @ 9:30am-10:30am
3787 S. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
480-299-1154

Toddler Discipline Solutions
Class Time: 1 hr
Instructor: Brie Hall
Participants will learn about various toddler discipline techniques, guidelines on when and how to use these techniques, as well as social-emotional milestones and how they affect your toddler’s behavior. Class includes take home materials.  $10 per person or $12 per couple
Baby Town @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
3787 S. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
480-299-1154

Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids
Kids of all ages are invited to come to the store for story time every Tuesday.  Members receive an official book club passport at their first story time, plus a special gift after attending five story times.  To locate a store near you, click HERE
Chandler Fashion Center @ 11:00 – 11:30 am
Nordstrom’s Wing
3111 West Chandler Blvd.
Chandler 85226
(480) 899-7155

Family Play Class
Attend a free preview of Gymboree’s School Skills Class that helps to build key social, emotional, and intellectual skills needed for school.  Classes are offered throughout the day.  Call to register for one.
Gymboree Play & Music – Scottsdale @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
7077 E. Bell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85013
480-656-0801

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 6:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
National Geographic Kids Club 
The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting.  Meet in the Gap wing near the Food Court now through mid-November!
This week’s theme: Persephone will take you on an imaginary voyage under the sea.
Chandler Fashion Center @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
3111 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 812-8488

Music Time
Enjoy singing, simple instruments and movements with your child.  For children ages 5 and under and their caregiver.
Bookmans Mesa @ 10:00 – 10:30 am
1056 S. Country Club Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-835-0505

Family Yoga
When your children see them selves, what do they see? Wednesday at 10am at Midwives Rising Join Lil Yogis at Play For positive yoga for the younger child! Positive messages create strong, confident people ready to change the world! I think it’s fair to say we remember kind words from our parents and teachers as a child. Empower your child to be who they want to be! Come see us Wednesdays at 10am for positive yoga for the young child! All ages, by Donation.
Adult Yoga for all Levels & Ages
Taking time for you! With your lil yogi in the next room enjoy yourself and take care of your body, mind and spirit with some yoga! Located in the next room to your child!
Healthy habits start here♥ www.yogiatplay.com
Midwives Rising! @ 10:00 am
531 E. Lynwood St (7 St & McDowell)
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

Preschool Hike
Preschoolers will enjoy a 1-mile hike designed just for them.  Be sure kiddos are wearing shoes good for hiking.  Bring your water and your sunscreen.  For ages 3 – 6.  Cost is $6/vehicle.
Usery Mountain Regional Park @ 10:30 – 11:30 am
3939 N. Usery Pass
Mesa, AZ 85207
480-984-0032

Inn Mommies Explorers
Rhyme Time with the Explorers: This is a wonderful group where you can come and meet other new moms and their babies. Bring your lunch if you like, the Babymoon Inn coffee and tea bar will be open!   Join us as we sing a few songs and rhymes before we get out a variety of toys to play. Get ready to Twinkle Twinkle and Itsy Bitsy Spider. 
This playgroup is for moms and babies of all ages that are exploring their world. Pregnant moms are also welcome. It is open to women that have given birth in all settings: home, at Babymoon Inn, or in a hospital. Siblings are welcome in the Explorers group.
We meet at The Nest at Babymoon Inn which is located across the street from the Birth Center.
The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 10:00 am
220 E Lexington Ave
Phoenix AZ 85012
602-314-7755

Blossoming Moms Breastfeeding and Postpartum Support
Pregnant moms are welcome too!
Facilitator: Michelle Hottya 818-606-5687
Blossom Birth and Wellness Center @ 11:00 am
2928 N 16th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group
With the exception of major holidays… For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm
Chandler Regional Medical Center’s @ 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
1955 W Frye Rd
Chandler, AZ 85224

Phoenix Art Museum
It’s never to early to start art appreciation with your Sweet Peas.  You can enjoy PhxArtKids, an interactive space for children, along with galleries of art showcasing American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design.  The Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission every Wednesday afternoon and on First Fridays (6-10p).
Phoenix Art Museum @ 3:00 – 9:00 pm
1625 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-256-7539

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, live plants and unique local arts and crafts, tasty hot foods, music, and more.

Open Air Market @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Know Your Food Labels Class
Are you confused by ingredients? Which ones are healthy? Which ones cause cancer? Is any food safe anymore?
Join Blue Russ and health educator Amanda Schneider to get your quesitons answered. (We’ll have fun along the way!) You will walk away from this class with the information and tools you need feel confident in the food shopping decisions you make for your family. Amanda will also give a brief presentation at the end about an amazing whole food supplement called Juice Plus. My kids use it!  Cost $10  Email info@blueruss.com with questions or click HERE
How to Sign up: Space is limited! Click on “Get Tickets” to make your payment, which reserves you spot (note that the email associated with your payment will be used to send you a confirmation and reminder)
Moxie Midwifery @ 7:00 – 8:30 pm
5505 W. Chandler Blvd. Ste. 5
Chandler, Arizona 85226
info@blueruss.com

ICAN of Phoenix
This monthly meeting is open to everyone. This months meeting will be jam packed with facts so be ready to be informed! We will cover the different types of scars, double and single layer sutures, and the risks of uterine rupture. We will also go over how some forms of induction may change those risks. I hope you can join us for this popular topic.
Dr. Ross’s Office @ 7:00 PM
2405 E. Southern #3
Tempe, Arizona 85282
http://icanofphoenix.weebly.com/

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85286
480-782-2900

SMoCA
Bring the family and enjoy free admission to the art exhibits.  “SMoCA brings art, architecture and design to Arizona to challenge expectations. We are not a museum filled with random selections of art from the past; rather we engage the thoughts and concerns of the present. The ideas that interest, trouble and perplex you are the same that artists investigate in exhibitions at the museum.”  Tim Rodgers, Director, SMoCA
Every Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday evenings (5-9p).
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art @ 12:00 – 9:00 pm
7374 E. Second Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-874-4666

Little Critters Story Time with Ranger Amy
Ranger Amy Ford reads a children’s book aloud Every Thursday, and a themed program centered around the story follows. Activities can include live animals, songs, crafts and puppet plays. The program is held in the air-conditioned Visitor Center.  Price: $6/vehicle
McDowell Mountain Regional Park @ 12:30 – 1:30 PM
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive
Scottsdale  85259
480-471-0173

Superstition Farm Farmer’s Market
Dinner, shopping and fun at a working farm: shop for organic and local foods.  The grill will be open for dinner, along with FREE admission to the petting zoo.  $1/hay rides, $3/horse rides.
Superstition Farm @ 4:30 – 7:30 pm
3440 S. Hawes Rd
Mesa, AZ 85212
602-432-6865

Ballet Under the Stars
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and watch a performance by Ballet Arizona in a unique outdoor setting.  Classical and contemporary ballet danced under the night sky.
Fountain Park @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
623-570-9526

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2013
Mesa Community Farmers Market
May include depending on season: fresh produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, salsas, spices, natural pork, beef and fish, hand-made craft products, lotions and soaps. Free admission, free parking. Accepts AZ Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Located near downtown Mesa and cafes, coffee shops, museums, and antique stores.
Rendezvous Green @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
263 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
602-290-5067

Dignity Healthcare Breastfeeding Support Group
With the exception of major holidays… For more information, please call the ResourceLink toll-free 1 (877) 728-5414, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:30 pm
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center @ 10:00 am to 11:30 am
3555 S Val Vista Dr.
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Groovy Kids Music
Groovy Kids Music is for babies and kids of all ages. Class participants can expect music and movement, singing, rhythm, instruments, and fun!! This class is for children of all ages. The cost is $10 for one child, and $5 for each sibling. RSVP if possible, but drop-ins are welcome!  As always, the Babymoon Inn snack and drink bar will be open. We hope to see you there!
The Nest at Babymoon Inn @ 10:00 am and 11:00 am
220 E Lexington Ave
Phoenix AZ 85012
602-314-7755

Babywearing International Meeting
Back for another month at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This time it will be in an empty restaurant space that was formerly Marcella’s at the East end of the mall, near Barney’s. There is a double door facing Camelback Road (facing south) on the outside of the building. You will need to enter through those. 🙂
Stop by and check out our carrier library, bring a friend and learn how to use one you already have, or just come out to play and chat.
As always, it is free to attend and all are welcome. You can join BWIP at any meeting for only $30/year and enjoy great benefits such as being able to borrow a carrier from our library for up to a month at a time.
Scottsdale Fashion Square @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
7014 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, Arizona

Loving Touch® Parent Infant Massage
Class time: 1.5 hrs
Instructor: Brie Hall, C.I.M.I.
Loving Touch® massage classes teach caregivers how to massage their infants (suggested for 6 month and younger).  Caregivers will experience how massage provides a positive way for parents to interact with their child, promotes bonding and attachment, helps parents understand their child’s unique rhythms, and enhances their feelings of confidence and competence in caring for their child.  Classes are taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and include a free bottle of massage oil and Loving Touch Infant Massage instruction booklet.  Prenatal participants are also welcome!  $22 per person, group classes
Baby Basics Scottsdale @ 10am-11:30am
5425 E. Bell Rd Suite 142
Scottsdale, AZ
480-299-1154

Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble @ 10:30 am
Chandler Fashion Center
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

Food Truck Friday
Phoenix Public Market @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Enchanted Island Family Night
There’s never a charge to enter Enchanted Island. You simply pay for the rides you want to ride on, the games you want to play, and the food you want to eat.  Friday nights, enjoy special pricing for unlimited rides: $6.50 for Children or Adults Wristbands
Enchanted Island Amusement Park @ 5:00 – 9:30 pm
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-254-1200

Ballet Under the Stars
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and watch a performance by Ballet Arizona in a unique outdoor setting.  Classical and contemporary ballet danced under the night sky.
Fountain Park @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-350-2822

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale 
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

Full Moon Hike
Families can enjoy a 1.3 mile hike along the Goldmine and Littleleaf Trails under the night sky.  Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.  Cost is $6.00/vehicle.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park @ 7:30 – 9:30 pm
6533 W. Phillips Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
480-655-5554

DON’T MISS these FUN EVENTS this weekend!!
Dragonfly & Butterfly Bash!
Dragonflies, damselflies and Monarch butterflies rule the wetland habitats at Veterans Oasis Park during the late summer. This special event celebrates these beautiful insects through guided nature walks, hands-on crafts and presentations! Walks are approximately 20 minutes in duration and the terrain is easy. Last walk will depart the EEC at 11 a.m., due to the late summer heat. Don’t miss this fun-filled, family-friendly special event! Pre-registration is not required; drop-in anytime!
Veterans Oasis Park @ 9 a.m.-noon
4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85249
480-782-2890

Dragonfly & Butterfly Walk 
For all ages, bring binoculars, hat, water. It’s flier season, and a great time to learn some basic identification and appreciation of these beautiful creatures. $5 donation   Meet at the Dragonfly Ramada
Riparian Institute @ 7:00 AM
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
2757 E. Guadalupe Road
Gilbert, Arizona
(480) 503-6234

STORYTIMES
Libraries:
Chandler, AZ http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/
Glendale, AZ http://www.glendaleaz.com/Library/index.cfm
Mesa, AZ http://www.mesalibrary.org/
Payson, AZ http://www.paysonlibrary.com/
Phoenix, AZ http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/default.jsp
Peoria, AZ http://library.peoriaaz.gov/polaris/default.aspx
Scottsdale, AZ  http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Tempe, AZ  http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1588

Monterey, CA http://www.monterey.org/library/Home.aspx

WATER PLAY & SPLASH PADS
AHWATUKEE
Mountain Vista Park: spray pad, splash pad area open daily, approx. through October 1 from 5:30 am – 11:00 pm
13647 S. 50th Street (48th Street and Knox Road)
Phoenix, AZ  85044
(602) 262-6111 (South Division)

CHANDLER
Splash Pads Closed for the Season

GILBERT
Splash Pad at San Tan Village
The Splash Pad, located in the Children’s Play Area, is now open.
Through September 30 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
2218 E. Williams Field Rd.
Suite 235
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 282-9500

SCOTTSDALE
Chesnut Park is open year-round from 8:00am to 5:00pm.  Chesnut Park is a 5-acre park, which includes picnic areas and two ramadas. Additional amenities include two lighted tennis courts, playground, spray pad, large open grass areas, and restroom facilities.
4565 N. Granite Reef
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
General: (480) 312-2771

TEMPE
Spray pads are conveniently located in the following parks.  Hours: 9:00am-7:00pm (Daily, Monday-Sunday)
Jaycee Park (located near the Westside Community Center)
817 West 5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-5200

Esquer Park (just east of the Loop 101 and north of Apache Blvd.)
2407 E McArthur Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281

Hudson Park (south of Apache Blvd on Cedar Street between Rural & McClintock)
1430 S. Cedar St.
Tempe AZ

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be posted.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number
Send your event information to sweetpeafamilies@gmail.com

Disclaimer:  
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Cassandra Okamoto, Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS: September 21-22, 2013

THIS SATURDAY
Healthy Happy Baby Expo
Free Massages from Elements
Free Classes from Music Together
Family Photo Booth
20+ Free Seminars from World-Class Presenters
40+ Information Tables to get answers to all your questions
Don’t Miss It!!!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013
Bye Bye Buzzards Celebration
Come celebrate the arboretum’s migratory flock of Turkey Vultures before they depart on their fall migration.  Make sure to arrive at 7:00 am for a chance to see the vultures perched on the magma cliffs in the center of the Arboretum for the first hour or so after sunrise.  Cost: $9/adult, $4.50/children 5-12, Free/children under 5
Boyce Thompson Arboretum @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
37615 W. Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273
520-689-2811

Buddy Walk
Families can start the morning off with a continental breakfast, followed by a post walk, and then spend time together with fun games, bouncers, rock climbing walls, carnival games and exhibitors supporting Down Syndrome.
Tempe Diablo Stadium @ 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
2200 W. Alameda Dr
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-926-6500

Apple Harvest Celebration
Celebrate the peak of the apple season with tree-ripened Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty apples. Experience the fun of picking your own apples, or select from already picked apples. Come early to enjoy the delicious “All You Can Eat” pancake breakfast served with hot apple topping or cider syrup, served each day from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Apple-smoked burger lunches will be served from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Free wagon rides will take you to the orchards for picking; Asian pears will also be available for picking. Homemade apple pies are baked fresh daily, and don’t miss the delicious “apple crumb pie ice cream”, made in an Amish ice cream freezer. Hot roasted sweet corn will be available at the farm location.  FREE admission
Apple Annie’s Orchard @ 7:30 am – 5:30 pm  http://www.appleannies.com/
2081 W Hardy Rd
Wilcox, AZ. 85643
520.384.2084

Gilbert Farmer’s Market
7:00 am – 11:00 am
222 N. Ash St
Gilbert 85234
480-583-0101

Roadrunner Farmer’s Market
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
3502 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix 85032
623-848-1234

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, Live plants and unique local arts and crafts, Tasty hot foods, music, and more”
Open Air Market @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Healthy Happy Baby Expo
It’s all in your hands – great local resources – it’s a one-stop solution for your questions about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting!  There will be more than 40 exhibitors and 20 educational sessions.  Goodie bags for the first 500 families.  Nursing Lounge sponsored by Sweet Pea Births!!  Visit www.healthyhappybabyexpo.com for all the details and to register for your sessions.
We hope to see you there – please let us know if we should look for you.
Solana Ballroom @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa
9495 W. Coyotes Boulevard
Glendale, Arizona 85305
(623) 937-3700

As You Wish Anniversary Celebration
As You Wish is celebrating it’s 18th Anniversary this Saturday.  Come in to enjoy $1.80 studio fees.  Drawings for family fun passes, free classes, and As You Wish gift cards.  Reservations recommended.
Your local store @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Click HERE for your nearest location

Animal Feeding
Come out to the Visitor’s Center at McDowell Mountain Park and watch the exhibit animals.  New this month: meet the baby tortoises!  $6/vehicle
McDowell Mountain Regional Park @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-471-0173

Train and Carousel Rides
Come out for a day of old-fashioned fun at the railroad park.  Enjoy the shade provided by the park’s many large trees  Kids can play at various play area including a covered playground with water sprays.  Train and Carousel Rides $2.00/each; free for kids under 3 with paying adult.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park @ 10:00 am to 6:30
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale 85250
480-312-2312

Family Storytime
Share books, stories, songs, rhymes, and music in a fun interactive program that builds early literacy skills. This program is designed for children birth to five years old accompanied by a favorite adult. What is your child learning? Children who love books and stories become more successful readers. Space is limited. Free tickets are available 30 minutes before the program begins.
Ironwood Branch Library @ 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
4333 E. Chandler Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ, 85048
PHONE: 602-262-4636

Curiosity Day With Curious George
Special Event, Storytime, Children’s Event
Curiosity Day with Curious George! We’re celebrating a love of reading with everyone’s favorite monkey, Curious George. Join us for a reading of the classic Curious George book, fun activities, monkey mask-making, treats and more!
Barnes & Noble @ 11:00 AM
Chandler Fashion Mall
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

Free Crafts for Kids
Fall Window Decoration:  Welcome the fall season…with a stained “glass” leaf that will brighten any window!
Lakeshore Learning Store @ 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Find your local store HERE

Water Park Fun in Chandler
Enjoy the zero-depth pool area with interactive play area, water vortex, current river and two water slides.  Cost is $2.25 for adults and $1 for children ages 2-17
Hamilton Aquatic Center @ 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
3838 S Arizona Ave
Chandler 85248
480-782-2630

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 2:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

Nocturnal Nature Hike
Find out what comes out at night in the desert once the sun sets.  Bring water, a flashlight, a blacklight, a camera and sturdy shoes.  $6/vehicle
Cave Creek Regional Park @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
623-465-0431

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013
Apple Harvest Celebration
Celebrate the peak of the apple season with tree-ripened Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty apples. Experience the fun of picking your own apples, or select from already picked apples. Come early to enjoy the delicious “All You Can Eat” pancake breakfast served with hot apple topping or cider syrup, served each day from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Apple-smoked burger lunches will be served from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Free wagon rides will take you to the orchards for picking; Asian pears will also be available for picking. Homemade apple pies are baked fresh daily, and don’t miss the delicious “apple crumb pie ice cream”, made in an Amish ice cream freezer. Hot roasted sweet corn will be available at the farm location.  FREE admission
Apple Annie’s Orchard @ 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
2081 W Hardy Rd
Wilcox, AZ. 85643
520.384.2084

Wild AZ
A wildlife expert teaches participants about Arizona’s amazing animals and some of the wilder parts of our state. Hands-on activities and interactive presentations are included. Wild AZ events are featured the fourth Sunday of every month.
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center @ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3131 S. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ  85040
602-468-6470, ext. 125

Train and Carousel Rides
Come out for a day of old-fashioned fun at the railroad park.  Enjoy the shade provided by the park’s many large trees  Kids can play at various play area including a covered playground with water sprays.  Train and Carousel Rides $2.00/each; free for kids under 3 with paying adult.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park @ 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale 85250
480-312-2312

As You Wish Anniversary Celebration
As You Wish is celebrating it’s 18th Anniversary this Saturday.  Come in to enjoy $1.80 studio fees.  Drawings for family fun passes, free classes, and As You Wish gift cards.  Reservations recommended.
Your local store @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Click HERE for your nearest location

Railroad Rides
Ride scale model trains through the Adobe Mountain recreation area.
Maricopa Live Steamers @ 12:00 – 5:00 pm
22822 N. 43rd Ave
Phoenix 85310
www.maricopalivesteamers.com

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 2:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

LIBRARIES:
Chandler, AZ http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/
Glendale, AZ http://www.glendaleaz.com/Library/index.cfm
Mesa, AZ http://www.mesalibrary.org/
Payson, AZ http://www.paysonlibrary.com/
Phoenix, AZ http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/default.jsp
Peoria, AZ http://library.peoriaaz.gov/polaris/default.aspx
Scottsdale, AZ  http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Tempe, AZ  http://www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1588

Monterey, CA http://www.monterey.org/library/Home.aspx

WATER PLAY & SPLASH PADS
AHWATUKEE
Mountain Vista Park: spray pad, splash pad area open daily, approx. through October 1st from 5:30 am – 11:00 pm
13647 S. 50th Street (48th Street and Knox Road)
Phoenix, AZ  85044
(602) 262-6111 (South Division)

CHANDLER
Splash Pads Closed for the Season

GILBERT
Splash Pad at San Tan Village
The Splash Pad, located in the Children’s Play Area, is now open.
Through September 30 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
2218 E. Williams Field Rd.
Suite 235
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 282-9500

SCOTTSDALE
Chesnut Park is open year-round from 8:00am to 5:00pm.  Chesnut Park is a 5-acre park, which includes picnic areas and two ramadas. Additional amenities include two lighted tennis courts, playground, spray pad, large open grass areas, and restroom facilities.
4565 N. Granite Reef
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
General: (480) 312-2771

TEMPE
Spray pads are conveniently located in the following parks.  Hours: 9:00am-7:00pm (Daily, Monday-Sunday)
Jaycee Park (located near the Westside Community Center)
817 West 5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-5200

Esquer Park (just east of the Loop 101 and north of Apache Blvd.)
2407 E McArthur Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281

Hudson Park (south of Apache Blvd on Cedar Street between Rural & McClintock)
1430 S. Cedar St.
Tempe AZ

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be posted.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number
Send your event information to krystyna@sweetpeabirths.com

Disclaimer:
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Cassandra Okamoto, Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.