If Love.

If love.

If love is the answer, you are the question

If love conquers all, then you are my queen

If love is blind, then I am sightless

If love  is without end, then you are infinite

If love is patient, then you are forever

If love finds us all, I am already found

If love saves us, I am reborn

If love.

*** I found this poem waiting for me on the computer the other day... I love my husband! ***

Happy Father's Day!

To the most wonderful Dad in the world...
we couldn't ask for more! 

We love you so much, thank you for being our Dad!

Mighty Mud Mania

This last Saturday we went to Scottsdale to participate in the 2011 Mighty Mud Mania! It's been going on since 1976 and was a promotional thing for "Shout" stain remover but later Johnson and Johnson had to drop out because they AZ mud was just too tough to get out for the pre-treater! Anyway Scottsdale liked it so much they just kept doing it and we have to say we enjoyed it too! They basically have a mud obstacle course, mud slides, mud pits and so forth. They had water slides too and a sand castle building area and the fire department was there to hose everyone off when they were done and it was all free. Rory was totally excited about the whole thing but Paige needed some extra encouragement but ended up liking it afterall. Caleb wasn't too interested so he was just along for the ride. We went with some new friends of our the Marbles and it was fun to have someone else along for the ride! So if you are up for some good "clean" fun, keep it in mind and maybe you can come along with us next year!

Mighty Mud Mania Pic's

AZ Summer Reading Programs

Here is a list of several of the summer reading programs available around the valley this year so sign up your kiddos and get reading!

	Barnes & Noble - Summer Reading Imagination's Destination 5/24/11-9/6/11 Grades 1-6 Read 8 Books, Get 1 FREE
	Borders - Double Dog Dare Challenge 6/1/11-9/5/11 Kids 12 and under Read 10 Books, Get 1 FREE
	Half Price Books - Feed Your Brain 6/1/11-7/31/11 Kids 14 and under Earn $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading reward
	Bookmans All Year Long For every 10 books you read, we'll give you one free + Sign up for Kids Club to get discounts and a $10 certificate on your birthday
	READ, PLAY, WIN! 2011 Summer Reading Program 5/31/11-7/30/11 Ages: Birth-18 Apache Junction Public Library, Chandler Public Library, Glendale Public Library, Peoria Public Library, Phoenix Public Library, Scottsdale Public Library, Tempe Public Library, Wickenburg Public Library
	Maricopa County Library District 5/26/11-7/30/11 Maricopa County Library District (Aguila, El Mirage, Fairway, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Hollyhock, Litchfield Park, North Valley Regional, Northwest Regional, Perry, Queen Creek, Ed Robson, Southeast Regional, Sun City, White Tank) Buckeye Public Library, Desert Foothills Library-Cave Creek, Mesa Public Libraries, Morristown Volunteer Library, Paradise Valley Community College, Tolleson Public Library, Wickenburg Public Library, Youngtown Public Library
	Pima County Public Library Summer Reading Program 5/26/11-7/23/11 "One World, Many Stories" Kids Program "You Are Here" Teen Program "One World, Many Stories" Adult Program
	Tempe Library Read & Renew 5/21/11-7/21/11 Adult Reading Program
	Scholastic Summer Challenge NOW - 8/31/11
	Pizza Hut Book It Summer Break Reading Challenge 6/15/11 - 8/15/11 *Also if homeschool, can sign up for 2011 program here, otherwise offered at your child's school. Check if your child's school is participating here

SUMMER OF SCIENCE

***So you know I teach preschool out of my home & with the school year wrapping up it's time to think about how you are going to fill those long summer days...well I'm here to help! Check out my summer day camps ***

Creative Kids "Summer of Science" Day Camp

Summer of Science Day Camp is for children ages 3-6 years old and has 7 one week themes. 

We will meet in the afternoons 3 days a week, Tue/Wed/Thurs, from 2:00-3:30 pm. 

Tuition will be $15 a week and can be collected on a week by week basis.  

The themes for summer day camps are:

At a Glance - (May 31st - June 2nd)  Seeing things grow larger or smaller by looking through a lens is an amazing thing to young children. In this unit, they will explore and compare how natural things change when seen through magnifying glasses, microscopes, mirrors, and binoculars.

I'm Sensing Something - (June 7-9th) Everything we know comes to us through our senses. This unit contains materials that allow the children to learn about taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell. They will also learn about differing abilities and how people overcome the loss of one of their senses.Not only will they experience new and exciting things they will learn how their different senses help them understand the world around them.

I'm Stuck on You - (June 14-16th) Magnets are magical to children. In this unit, they will explore magnetic forces by using a variety of magnets on metal and non-metal objects. They will learn how magnets work, what they work on, and some uses for magnets in the real world.

It's going to blow! - (June 21-23rd) You can't have a summer of science with building your very own volcano, In these experiments your children will observe the chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar in different situations and predict it's outcome.

What's the matter? - (June 28-30th) During this class children will discover the difference between a solid, liquid and gas as well as experiment with mixtures and compounds. Children will also investigate the properties of a mystery substance called Goo and will use their scientific process skills to investigate the substance and determine if it is solid, liquid, or gas.

Kids' Kitchen - (July 5-7th) During Kids’ Kitchen, children will learn about the food pyramid and how to make healthy food choices. They will sample different types of foods, as they prepare recipes for healthy snacks. 

Animal Antics - (July 12-14th)  Children will learn all about animals and their homes. Not only will they learn about animals in their own neighborhoods, but they will explore animals that live in areas faraway. Animal Antics gives children opportunities to explore the habitats of animals, what animals eat, what sounds they make and how they move. 

Class size is limited! 

Contact me today to reserve your child's spot!

Happy Birthday Paige!

On March 8th my little girl turned 4 years old, I can't believe how quickly time has gone by and how much she has grown. I certainly love my little Paige!

March... a quick review

In March we had some good times (Paige's birthday) and some not so good! The hardest thing was having Caleb in the hospital again! He was there for 3 days because of RSV and the Flu. My poor little guy is such a trooper though and thankfully we are all better now! Rory lost 4 teeth in a about a weeks time, Caleb also go his first hair cut! I was sad to see his little duck tail go but he looks so handsome with his new look too! He also feed himself spaghetti for the first time too, although since he got sick he has become a very picky eater!

Minute to Win It Date Night Edition

In February I was in charge of a Minute to Win It Date Night Edition for our RS Activity turned ward party. It was so much fun and the challenges were hilarious to watch here are a few pictures from it but if you really want to see the fun in action check out our ward blog for the video (Mike did the editing and is very proud of himself). If you are looking for a fun activity to do, this is a winner!

http://ellsworthfhephantom.blogspot.com/

  

 

Happy New Year ( 4 months late...)

Here are our new years ever pictures and some of Caleb just cause he's so cute!

Pretty Tee

I got addicted to all of these t-shirt refashioning posts a while ago and have them all saved on my computer and even taught my mom, sisters and my ward how to make them but have only actually gotten around to making a few, not that I don't have big plans for doing many more but I though I'd show you the ones I've finished so far. I think they turned out pretty cute in spite of my procrastination!  

 This one is stamped

The dark spots you can see are water I ironed flat after washing. But the "flowers" are layers of knit and tulle and the white is the back of one of Paige's shirts that I cut apart since the front was stained.

 This is ribbon folded and sewn down then beads hand sewn on around it.

 This one is has corsage look to it made up of a bunch of circles stacked and gathered together.

  

 This one I did for Mike and Caleb has one to match for Easter, I used the cricut to cut out the letters and the chicks I printed off the internet and traced onto freezer paper and ironed on as a stencil.

This one is Paige's and I did the same saying for Rory too again freezer paper made it happen. And my friend Sara for wanting to do it to so it got me a little more motivated to actually get it done!

Making up for lost time!

I know it has been forever since my last real post and I'm trying to catch up so here are a few pictures from Christmas ( I know... I said it's been forever!!) and yes we went swimming on Dec 28th thanks to a heated pool!

Shelf Reliance House Party!

Hey Guys - I'm hosting a Shelf Reliance House party and want to invite you! Come and enjoy a fun and tasty cooking demonstration using Shelf Reliance food storage products and see how delicious freeze dried food really is! Seriously my kids just eat it right out of the can! Plus if you bring a friend you will get a yummy treat homemade by yours truly! Whether you are just starting out, adding to or finishing off your year supply, you will learn tips and tricks on how to make it happen! It will be at my house on Thursday May 5th at 7:30pm. Let me know if you can come, I hope to see you all there!   

Creative Kids Preschool! Now Enrolling for Fall 2011!

It's only February 3rd, is it really time to be thinking about a fall preschool class...YES!

I have started pre-enrollment for my classes starting in the fall. 

Class size is limited so reserve your spot today!

Now offering 2 classes!!!  

  Classes are  2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each.

 3-4 year olds T/Th from 9-11:30 

4-5 year olds T/Th from 12-2:30

 Tuition will be $65 a month if paid by the 10th. There will be a $20 registration fee. There will be a discount for families enrolling multiple children. 

I am a certified elementary education teacher and taught for 3 years before starting a family and becoming a stay at home mom. During those 3 years I covered kindergarten, a 1st/2nd grade combo class and a 4th/5th grade combo class where we taught at around a second to third grade level, so basically I've covered a lot of ground in those few years. This is my second year teaching preschool in my home. I also participated in a co-op preschool with some friends  a couple of years ago with my oldest was preschool age. In addition to my professional teaching experience I have plenty of experience with young children as I am the mother of three children ranging in age from 16 months to 6 years.

I am very excited about this new adventure and hope you will join me! 

If you are interested please contact me at 480-250-0157 or rachelhanchett@gmail.com
http://creativekidspreschoolaz.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to tell your friends!

Report Card Rewards -- Companies That Give Your Child Free Stuff for Good Grades

I know report cards just came home in our house so I thought I'd pass this along to reward your kiddo's for all their hard work too!

Report Card Rewards -- Companies That Give Your Child Free Stuff for Good Grades

Report card rewards are frequently given out by schools or by parents, but did you know that there aremajor companies that give rewards for good grades? These are usually free items, and can be claimed by your child showing the manager or an employee his/her report card with A’s or B’s.

Below is a list of national and well-known companies that give report card rewards: 

1. Krispy Kreme Donuts. In most areas, Krispy Kreme (the retail donut stores only) will give your child a free donut for an “A”. 

2. Limited Too. On their website, Limited Too (a clothing store for “tween” girls) states that they want to “congratulate girls on receiving outstanding grades.” Report cards with passing grades must be brought to a girl’s local Limited Too store within 30 days of when she receives it. The girl will receive $5.00 off her purchase that day.

3. Blockbuster Blockbuster will give one free movie rental for A’s. The movie must be from the “kids” or “families” category. 

4. Chuck E. Cheese Chuck E. Cheese locations give away free tokens for good grades. They accept all types of grading systems, and will give away a maximum of 15 tokens. Currently, an “A” or equivalent is worth 3 tokens, a “B” is worth 2 tokens, and a “C” is worth 1 token. Note: You must make a food purchase for this offer.

5. Family Video They give out a free rental in the summer for A’s on a report card. The child must bring their final report into his/her local Family Video store. 

Remember, that the above list is subject to change at any time, and may vary depending upon where you live. There may be local businesses in your area that reward good grades. Check with your child’s teacher, school, or PTA. Some schools give out rewards at report card time such as free meals to local restaurants.

Report card rewards are a great free way to motivate your child to get good grades, or improve his or her school performance. 

Visiting Santa...Not so Merry

Tonight we went to Bass Pro Shop to let the kids see Santa. We went with all of my family and in so doing we got there later then planned so there was a line but the guys took the kids around to look at everything while the girls stood in line. It went by pretty quickly and right as it was our turn to talk to the man himself Caleb decided to throw up all over the place! It got all over me, Mike, Caleb and splattered in Paige's hair and on Rory's shirt as well as on the floor obviously. Well I immediately took him into the bathroom where I tried to clean him off but Rory, Paige and my mom followed me so I sent my mom back with the girls because we didn't wait in line all this time not to get a picture! I stripped Caleb down and wiped myself off the best I could and went back out to meet the rest of our group. Needless to say we decided to forgo the temple lights and straight went home after that. My poor little guy, I was really hoping to get a picture of him with Santa this year, well maybe next year!

Christmas Card

I got Photoshop for Christmas a couple years ago and have been trying to learn how to use it since but I am happy to say that this is a custom Christmas card, thank you very much! The pictures are courtesy of Liz Farnsworth of Red Bucket Photography, she is amazing! Thank you again and again Liz! We may have to road trip it to TX for next years photo shoot! On here is may be hard to see but the arrows nest to Santa's list say naughty and nice, Mike's only request was to put something funny like that he has been naughty since 1978, he did make the naughty list but just with out the year, love you babe!

Preparing for CHRISTmas

With the holiday season upon us I am reminded of how easy it is to get caught up in it all and forget the true meaning of Christmas, CHRIST! In effort to keep my focus on my Savior I've been searching for different ideas we could do as a family. On another blog I follow she is doing a week long series on this very thing and is calling it The Seven Days of CHRISTmas. You should totally check it out, she has so many wonderful ideas! This video was also posted by a guest blogger and I got all choked up watching it, so I wanted to share that with you too. So if you have any great ideas on how to keep CHRIST in Christmas please pass them along. I hope it helps all of us remember the real reason for the season!!

What Shall We Give?

Mostly Treats!

I hope you all had a fabulous time trick or treating! We did out annual pumpkin carving with my Heaton cousins and they had some games as well for the kids to do.

These are pictures of Rory and Paige trying to eat a doughnut off a string. Paige was so cute because she was being super patient (which is rare for her) with her hands behind her back and just kept on trying and trying! We finally just held the string so she could eat it, it was priceless to watch!

Then Saturday we had our ward Halloween party and they did a chili cook-off for dinner then had all the classrooms decorated and had the kids go around trick or treating to the rooms. We were asked to decorate one too and didn't have much in the way of decorations so we just hung up some black plastic garbage bags and made a "maze". Apparently out last minute idea was a hit people seemed to think the maze was really cool! Then of course our costumes.

This summer I ordered them online because everything was on clearance and we got buy one get one free so we decided to be race car drivers and even had a little jumpsuit for Caleb to wear that Mike's mom made for his older brother when he was a baby. My mom and dad helped make the race car to go on the stroller so he was all decked out!

We actually got the angel costume for Paige but she wanted to be a pirate again so Rory got to be the angel, which worked out be cause that seems more fitting for their personalities anyway.

I got lots of surprised looks at the party when I walked in, I guess people weren't expecting it. I also had a few people ask if I had gone on a crash diet or something and I told them no just invested in some spanks! It was fun to wear even if some might have thought it was a little racy (no pun intended) I liked feeling like I looked good, so next year go for the Hot Mama look to you won't be disappointed! Happy Halloween!